RoadVitals

2018 Grand Design Solitude

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.
4
Latest Apr 28, 2022
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.
3
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.
1
1 currently open
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Grand Design Solitude, most frequently naming the brakes, suspension and other / unspecified categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; 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

  • Brakes240.0%
  • Suspension240.0%
  • Other / unspecified120.0%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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
20V523000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR

Aug 28, 2020
8,161 units potentially affected
The defect: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Solitude recreational trailers. The liquid propane (LP) supply line that runs through the exterior lower refrigerator compartment may contact the burner tube of the refrigerator, possibly damaging the line and causing an LP gas leak.
The risk: An LP gas leak increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the LP supply line for damage, replacing it as necessary. All lines in the vicinity of the burner tube will be wrapped in a thermal foil heat barrier material, then secured away from the burner tube of the refrigerator with additional P-clamps, free of charge. The recall began September 17, 2020. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910021.
Grand Design RV, LLCManufacturer number 910021View on NHTSA.gov
18V399000

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:LINES AND FITTINGS

Jun 14, 2018
200 units potentially affected
The defect: Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Grand Design Solitude fifth-wheel trailers. The liquid propane (LP) gas line on the optional pull-out outside kitchen may contact the underside of the hot grill.
The risk: Contact with the hot grill may result in a propane leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will re-route the LP gas line to prevent it from contacting the bottom of the grill, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2018. Owners may contact Grand Design RV customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 900013.
Grand Design RV, LLCManufacturer number 900013View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE24029OpenPreliminary Evaluation

Frame Flex on Grand Design Fifth Wheel Recreational Trailers

Opened Oct 9, 2024

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.

STRUCTURE

Recent owner complaints

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

Suspension
Filed Apr 28, 2022

One of the passenger side leaf springs on our Dexter axle snapped near the shackle point. Since we have read that this is a common issue, we are reporting as this could have potentially resulted in a serious safety issue. When our leaf spring snapped, it severed the propane line that runs underneath our 5th wheel in two places. It also caused the two tires to rub together. Fortunately, for us, this must have happened within a short distance from the RV park we were staying at for the evening because we only lost about 1/3 tank of propane and the tires do not appear to have sustained significant damage. We were able to disconnect and drive to a nearby trailer supply store and get a new leaf spring. We also removed and took the damaged propane supply line to a nearby propane provider/retail store and have it repaired. My husband replaced the leaf spring and reinstalled the propane line making sure to test for leaks. We did not keep the broken leaf spring as it didn't even occur to us to keep it for inspection but we are able to show where it snapped, if needed. It almost appeared to be rusted from the inside. Since we don't live/store our RV in humidity prone areas, this seemed unusual. This incident occurred while we were on a trip to visit family in Florida. We do not/nor have not lived in our RV full-time. Our use is infrequent. There was no indication that there was any issue while we were driving. It was only when we exited our truck that we smelled a very strong propane smell that my husband investigated the source and discovered the damage. We had been traveling on I-20 near W. Monroe, LA when we discovered the issue. It is frightening to think about what could have happened had we had a blowout from the tires rubbing together, along with the propane leak while driving down the interstate at 65mph. Please note: we are extremely trailer weight conscience and are very careful to not overload.

NHTSA ID
11462558
Incident
Apr 20, 2022
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jul 27, 2021

From factory, vehicle standard build weight of this trailer (nothing loaded) is; 14,200 lbs. Trailer is a two axle design, with each axle rated at 7,000 lbs. Total load allowed by their specifications is 14,000 lbs. Before I add any items normally carried in a travel trailer (food, clothing, etc.) I am already over the axle rating. On a trip with with normally carried items and approximately 20 gallons of water in a fresh water tank (capacity is 54 gallons) I had two tires blow out on two separate roads. (one tire each side about 25 miles apart) Factory now offers upgraded axles of 8,000 lbs. each, bringing axle load capacity to 16,000 lbs. I was unable to determine why the tires failed as they shredded beyond any recovery of the tire structure. Tires were 235/85 R 16 in size, load range 'G' and trailer rated. They were inflated to 110 lbs. as directed by the sidewall. My concern is with the possible defective design of the axles, which may have contributed to the tire failure. Overheated bearings, poor load distribution, unknown at this time.

NHTSA ID
11426722
Incident
May 31, 2021
Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2018

MINE IS A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER. IT HAD 7K LB LIPPERT AXLES FROM THE FACTORY. ALL FOUR INSIDE SEALS LEAKED AND GOT GREASE ON THE BRAKE DRUMS AND SHOES. THE TRAILER BRAKES DIDN'T WORK FROM THE FIRST DAY I GOT THE TRAILER. I ENDED UP CHANGING OUT THE AXLES WITH DEXTER 8K LB AXLES WITH NEVER LUBE BEARINGS SO I WOULD NEVER HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. I FOUND OUT LIPPERT WAS REIMBURSING FOR THIS REPAIR. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO QUALIFY?

NHTSA ID
11067135
Incident
Jan 9, 2018
Mileage
6,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2017

JUST PICKED UP A BRAND NEW 2018 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE 310GK 5TH WHEEL TRAILER AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK VERY WELL. TOWED THE UNIT HOME 400 MILES AND DECIDED TO CONTACT LIPPERT, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE AXLES AND BRAKES. I WAS GIVEN A CLAIM NUMBER TO INSPECT THE BRAKES. DUE TO OWNING A TIRE REPAIR SHOP, I WAS ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION MYSELF. WHAT I FOUND WAS NO ISSUE ON THE TWO HUBS AND BRAKES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE UNIT, BRAKES CONTAMINATED WITH GREASE ON THE TWO RIGHT HAND HUBS. GREASE WAS ON THE MAGNETS, INSIDE OF THE DRUM BRAKING SURFACES AND MAGNET SURFACE. LIPPERT AGREED TO SEND ME 2 NEW BACKING PLATES WITH BRAKES, AND TWO NEW GREASE SEALS, PLUS PAY TWO HOURS OF LABOR. ALL OF THIS IS GREAT, BUT IF I HAD BEEN IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11001834
Incident
Jun 26, 2017
Mileage
400 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.

TSB 22-003

STRUCTURE

The rear upper deck on Solitude ST390RK models produced prior to June 6, 2022 may not be properly supported. As a result, the rear upper deck floor may sag slightly at the sidewalls. Remedy: The remedy includes the use of additional fasteners (961113 - Screw 14x1 Hex Waster Type a Zinc, 960736- #625 Tri-fold LG FLG Alum .39-.354 Grip Rivet) and support bracing. (512064 - 1x2 Stuffed AL Tube, 512065 - 2x3 Stuffed AL Tube)

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.

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 Solitude by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025100—
2024740—
20231861—
20223471—
20213041—
20201431—
2019541—
2018Viewing431—
20171021—
2016430—
2015520—
2014620—
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.