RoadVitals

2017 Grand Design Reflection

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
25
Latest Aug 9, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Jan 28, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Grand Design Reflection, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and other / unspecified categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 5 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes1862.1%
  • Suspension517.2%
  • Other / unspecified310.3%
  • Body & structure13.4%
  • Fuel system13.4%
  • Tires & wheels13.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
22V038000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR

Jan 28, 2022
43,421 units potentially affected
The defect: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Momentum, Solitude, and Reflection recreational vehicles. A 110-volt wire in the refrigerator cabinet may be improperly secured, which could result in the wire contacting the refrigerator cooling unit, causing an electrical arc.
The risk: An electrical arc increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace any damaged wiring, and properly secure the wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 21, 2022. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910026.
Grand Design RV, LLCManufacturer number 910026View on NHTSA.gov
20V362000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 19, 2020
22,797 units potentially affected
The defect: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Reflection trailers. A wiring connector in the vehicle underbody may not be properly secured, allowing water intrusion into the wiring connector, possibly resulting in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: If water enters the wiring connector, it can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring connectors up to prevent water intrusion, free of charge. This recall began June 29, 2020. Owners may contact Grand Design's customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910020.
Grand Design RV, LLCManufacturer number 910020View on NHTSA.gov
17V789000

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZER

Dec 8, 2017
3,969 units potentially affected
The defect: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Reflection and Imagine travel trailers equipped with a Smart-Jack model power tongue jack. The laminated plastic touch pad on the jack may crack or separate allowing water to enter, potentially causing the jack to operate unintentionally.
The risk: If the tongue jack retracts or extends unexpectedly, there could be an increased risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power tongue jack, free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2017. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 900012.
Grand Design RV, LLCManufacturer number 900012View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 25
Suspension
Filed Aug 9, 2021

Noticed the left side of the 5th wheel seemed lower, the smell of burning rubber was highly present. Upon further investigation noticed the front axle leaf spring had broken. Noticed the new tire was hot and rubbed up on and caused damage to the metal of the chassis and ruined the new tire.

NHTSA ID
11428412
Incident
Aug 9, 2021
Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2021

INTERMITTENT BRAKES (LOST BRAKES) ON FIFTH WHEEL DUE TO THE USE OF UNDERSIZE WIRE AND OVERUSE OF SCOTCHLOK GUILLOTINE CONNECTORS. EACH BRAKE HAS A MAXIMUM CURRENT DRAW OF 4AMPS. 4X4 = 16 AMP POSSIBLE DRAW ON 14 AWG WIRE AT APPROXIMATELY 60+ FOOT LOOP ROUND TRIP FROM PIN BOX TO BRAKES BACK TO PIN BOX. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE BRAKE WIRING IS SUBSTANDARD IN EVERY CONCEIVABLE WAY. SHOULD BE AT LEAST CONNECTED 10AWG USING CRIMPED BUTT SPLICES AND CIRCLE CONNECTORS. IT WOULD ALSO HELP TO HAVE A GROUND BOND AT THE AXLE TO REDUCE THE LOOP BY 50%. SOMEDAY SOMEONE WILL DIE (PROBABLY HAVE ALREADY) BECAUSE OF CHEAP UNDERSIZED WIRE WITH CHEAP GUILLOTINE CONNECTORS EVERYWHERE. FOR LIGHTS OK FOR BRAKES? NEVER!*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11396988
Incident
Feb 7, 2021
Mileage
25,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Oct 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER EQUIPPED WITH WESTLAKE SUPER ST TIRES, SIZE: ST225/75/R15, DOT NUMBER: JULT1CM4016. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BULGE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE UPON INSPECTION AT A REST STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE WHEEL WITH THE SPARE TIRE ON THE TRAILER AND DROVE TO A TIRE SHOP. HE WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE BLOWOUT WAS CAUSED BY INTERNAL TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE CONTACT PLACED THE SPARE TIRE ON THE TRAILER AND PURCHASED NEW SET OF TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11365917
Incident
Sep 30, 2020
Mileage
5,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 1, 2020

I WAS DRIVING IN ARKANSAS IN OCTOBER 11TH 2019 WHEN I NOTICED THE RV DID NOT APPEAR TO BE TRACKING STRAIGHT BEHIND THE TRUCK. I PACKED UP AND LEFT THE CAMPGROUND ABOUT 2 HOURS EARLIER. THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH THE AXLES AT THAT TIME. THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL ROAD HAZARDS OR SHOCKS TO THE FRAME DURING THAT PERIOD PRIOR TO WHEN I NOTICED THE ISSUE. I STOPPED AT A REST AREA IN HELENA ARKANSAS AND FOUND THE RIGHT REAR AXLE SPRING HANGER HAD BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. THE SPRING AND REAR AXLE WAS SHIFTED TO THE LEFT AND LODGED PRECARIOUSLY UP INSIDE THE FRAME. IT WAS LATE ON A FRIDAY EVENING. I WAS ABLE TO FIND A TRUCK/TRAILER SHOP OPEN IN BATESVILLE, MISSISSIPPI. I DROVE THERE FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS. THEY JUDGED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO POOR WELDS. I'VE DONE SOME WELDING AND IT WAS EASY TO RECOGNIZE POOR PENETRATION. THE TRUCK SHOP WELDED THE HANGERS AND PULLED THE REAR AXLE AS CLOSE TO PROPER ALIGNMENT AS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER THE AXLE HAD SHIFTED SLIGHTLY IN THE U-BOLTS. THE U-BOLTS NEEDED TO BE CUT OFF, THE AXLE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND NEW U-BOLTS INSTALLED. THEY DID NOT STOCK THE BOLTS BUT THE TRAILER WAS SAFE TO TOW HOME. UPON RETURNING FROM THAT TRIP, I PUT THE TRAILER IN MY WAREHOUSE AND INSPECTED THE FRAME AND AXLES. I NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THE FRAME AT THE RIGHT REAR CORNER DIRECTLY BEHIND THE FAILED REAR AXLE SPRING HANGER HAD SEPARATED. THE EXTERIOR SHEET METAL IS WARPED AND THERE IS A VISIBLE GAP. THE FACTORY HAS REFUSED TO COVER THE AXLE REALIGNMENT OR RIGHT REAR FRAME SEPARATION UNDER THEIR 3-YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY. MY RV HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER JUNE 5, 2020 UNTIL TODAY OCT 1 REGARDING THESE ISSUES AND AN UPPER DECK FRAME ISSUE THAT THEY FAILED TO REPAIR CORRECTLY 2 YEARS AGO.

NHTSA ID
11362230
Incident
Oct 11, 2019
Mileage
21,300 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 21, 2020

THE RIGHT REAR LEAF SPRING HANGER FOR THE REAR AXLE BROKE OFF FROM THE TRAILER FRAME, THIS HAPPENED WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. NOTICED REAR AXLE OUT OF PLACE WHEN WE WERE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THAT IS WHEN WE NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR HANGER BROKEN COMPLETELY OUT OF FRAME AND THE LEFT REAR HANGER CRACKED.

NHTSA ID
11360350
Incident
Sep 13, 2020
Mileage
15,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 29, 2019

TWO SEPARATE ISSUES: 1. LIPPERT WHEEL BEARINGS LEAKED GREASE ALL OVER THE DRUM BRAKES WITH LESS THAN 4000 MILES. LIPPERT REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN ONE YEAR. 2. WITH BRAND NEW BRAKES PROPERLY ADJUSTED, BRAKES ARE STILL VERY WEAK. APPLYING 12 VOLTS FROM BRAKE CONTROLLER RESULTS IN MINIMAL BRAKING. SUSPECT UNDERSIZED FINAL WIRING TO BRAKES (20 GAUGE). BRAKES HAVE BEEN UNDERPERFORMING SINCE DAY 1. *DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID
11228422
Incident
Jun 4, 2019
Mileage
4,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 9, 2018

DURING MOSTLY HIGHWAY TRAVEL WITH OUR CAMPER THE AXLE GREASE SEALS FAILED WHICH ALLOWED GREASE TO CONTAMINATE THE BRAKE SHOES AND BRAKE DRUMS AFFECTING BRAKING PERFORMANCE. REVIEWING OTHER POSTS ON-LINE A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS OF THESE CAMPERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM, WHICH IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11118831
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Filed Aug 4, 2018

MY COMPLAINT IS FOR WHEEL BEARINGS. I'VE CONTACTED BOTH SELLER BYOUNG RV IN PORTLAND OREGON (XXXX) AND MANUFACTURE GRAND DESIGN RV (XXXX). MY TRAILER HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH EXCESSIVE RESIDUE BUILD UP ON WHEELS. ANOTHER REFLECTION OWNER TOLD ME HIS TRAILER WAS DOING SAME THING. THE DEALER WHERE HE PURCHASED TRAILER (BLUE DOG RV IN REDMOND OREGON) TOLD HIM REFLECTIONS WITH THIS PROBLEM IS BECAUSE THE WRONG SIZE BEARINGS WERE USED. MY TRAILER NOW HAS 5800 MILES. I'VE SENT ON PICTURES TO BOTH DEALER AND MANUFACTURE. MARK ARPIN TOLD ME NO ISSUES OF IMPROPER BEARING EXISTS. IF SO WHY WOULD BLUE DOG SAY DIFFERENT? COULD THIS TURN INTO A HAZARD OR SAFETY CONCERN? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. (XXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11115720
Incident
Jul 24, 2018
Mileage
5,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

920015

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

920015

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

920015

Lippert Components and Grand Design RV are launching a Customer Satisfaction Campaign to address frame web cracks appearing above the spring hangers on some Solitude 310GK & Reflection 303RLS models. The units affected were produced between June 2013 and May 2021.

CSP 910019

EQUIPMENT

Customer Satisfaction Program released to have a protective heat shield installed behind convection microwave on units identified below to address concerns with excessive heat buildup.

TSB 17-001

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE:BODY

The #10 screws used to fasten the vertical column of the Schwintek In Wall system to the may have been over torqued, causing a loss of hold, resulting in loose and/or broken screwheads. As a result, columns may pull away from the sidewall.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Grand Design Reflection by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2025010—
2024720—
2023420—
20222640—
20212110—
2020510—
2019950—
20181150—
2017Viewing2550—
20161960—
20151640—
2014120—
2013010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.