2023 Grand Design Momentum

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received twenty-three complaints alleging excessive frame flex on model year 2017-2023 Grand Design fifth wheel recreational trailers, models Momentum and Solitude. Twenty-two of the complaints allege that excessive frame flex resulted in a cargo or entry door opening while in transit, some with objects lost on roadways, while six complaints also state that slideouts extended out partially. ODI has been in contact with both Grand Design and Lippert, the frame manufacturer. Grand Design believes that some frame flex, generally considered to be vertical movement in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel, is normal. However, Grand Design has developed a technical service bulletin (TSB), to evaluate concerns of excessive frame flex, defined as vertical movement greater than 3/8 inch. Per Grand Design, the frame flex is only occurring in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel and is resulting in cosmetic defects such as moving sidewalls, damage to cabinets, binding doors, etc. However, Lippert believes that the effects of frame flex may also extend back to the front axle of the trailer.While Lippert provides frames for multiple trailer manufacturers, the majority of complaints are for these Grand Design products. Cargo and entry doors that open and slideouts that extend while in transit increase the risk of injury or a crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to determine whether an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety exists. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023. We also have had the rig in for repairs for broken leaf spring supports and now they’ve done some welding on our frame because of frame flex issues.

NHTSA ID

11756477

Incident

May 29, 2026

Front of 5th wheel movement caused by excessive frame failure, inspection shows 1/2" out of compliance. Lag screws around interior upper deck backed out and have to be tightened regularly, soft spot in floor between bathroom and upper deck bedroom. Additional body screws needed in garage area to hold skin in place. Front jacks angled.

NHTSA ID

11748535

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entry side doors unexpectedly opened. Additionally, the slides of the trailer occasionally unexpectedly extend without operator input. The contact stated that the front frame of the RV was cracked. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with structural failure of the front frame. The contact was not informed whether the frame could be repaired or needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.

NHTSA ID

11719478

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

Mileage

5,000 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that the trailer was shifting on the frame. The contact stated that the welds, bolts, and frame were fractured, and while driving, the frame flexed unexpectedly. The trailer was taken to the local dealer, but the diagnosis was not provided. The trailer was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11698582

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

The front of our grand design momentum fifth wheel camper has sustained some structural failure. Our bedroom slide will no longer stay closed when driving down the road. Our storage doors will also open every now and then when we encounter rough bumps or rough roads. We began to notice some small damage inside the front bedroom of the unit as well. The camper has been untowable for nearly 6 months, with no help from the manufacturer. Even though the have issued an extended warranty for like issues.

NHTSA ID

11695737

Incident

May 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the RV had experienced structural failures with the upper deck bedroom and upper deck bathroom. The contact stated that the RV failure was caused by the frame flex, which caused the floors in the bedroom and upper bathroom to squeak and sag while walking on the floor. The contact also stated that the failure had caused the seal around the bedroom window to become defective. The RV was taken to an RV dealer for repair. The contact sent several letters to the manufacturer about the failure. The contact received a response from the manufacturer that a response from the dealer was needed to proceed with any repair of the vehicle. The contact discovered Technical Service Bulletin: 24-001, which the contact linked to the failure. The RV was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11684468

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the RV had experienced structural failures in the upper deck bedroom. The contact stated that the RV failure was caused by lag bolts that had backed out and become unsecured. The contact stated that the bedroom nightstand moved and pulled away from the bedroom wall due to the structural failure. The manufacturer and dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The RV was not yet repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 24-001; which addressed the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11683223

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

Overview: This complaint is being submitted in response to alarming and persistent structural failures experienced in our 2023 Grand Design Momentum fifth wheel RV, purchased new in January 2023 from Lazydays RV in Tampa, FL. Despite receiving a factory service bulletin (TSB) and subsequent repairs under warranty, our unit has continued to exhibit excessive frame flex, wall and floor deformation, compromised slide operations, and related structural issues. The failures not only impact the unit’s functionality and safety but raise concerns about a broader systemic issue with the frame design and manufacturing integrity of Grand Design RVs. Our documented repair history and recurring defects suggest these problems stem from substandard frame construction and flex-related design flaws, rather than isolated workmanship errors. Final Remarks: We are not the only owners reporting these failures. Online forums and recent class action filings against Grand Design point to a concerning trend of recurring frame failures that the company appears unwilling or unable to resolve comprehensively. As consumers, we have exhausted all reasonable efforts to seek a resolution through the manufacturer and authorized third-party repair channels. It is our belief that these ongoing frame flex problems represent a safety hazard and require urgent federal oversight and regulatory action to ensure no further units are sold with such defects. We welcome a physical inspection of our unit by NHTSA representatives in the Richmond, Virginia area at your earliest convenience

NHTSA ID

11676619

Incident

Jan 30, 2023

Grand Design is addressing concerns of excessive frame flex or wall securement in the front upper deck area of a limited number of fifth-wheel units. This condition could potentially occur over time due to a combination of manufacturing variations, an overload condition, or hitch modifications. Wall securement or excessive frame flex does not compromise vehicle safety or structural integrity of the coach as verified by third-party experts. This service campaign covers 2020-2023 Grand Design Solitude and Momentum fifth wheel products that are 18,000lbs GVWR and over.

TSB 24-001 Issued in March on March 7th. Concern: Complaint of upper deck flex which results in cosmetic damages to the interior and excessive flex at the pin box. Remedy : The procedure outlined in attached summary to assess damages if any and direct customers to the next steps.

WFCO 2000w Inverters Hot/Neutral Reversed Wiring : Grand Design Momentum units outfitted with solar panels and produced from June 6, 2022 to August 5th, 2022 may be equipped with a WFCO 2000w Inverter wired incorrectly with the hot/neutral reversed. The refrigerator will not power on. REMEDY: Verify wiring is correctly on the WFCO 2000w inverter. Instructions included.