2021 Grand Design Solitude

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.

Beginning in 2024 our RV exhibited consistent structural movement & frame flex including: upper deck flex, front cap cracking, cracked moldings, sidewall movement, filon transition movement, screws pushing upward into floors, slides coming out during travel. Rv has unsuccessfully been repaired twice by Grand Design SRT & three times at Grand Design Factory. Independent RV service repair shop identified further damage caused by Grand Designs failed attempts at repair.

NHTSA ID

11755032

Incident

Mar 10, 2024

Frame weld cracks. Wall support framing cracks. Damaged cargo doors from flexing frame. Slideout damage from frame support break which may or may not keep it locked in placed during travel. Has been returned to manufacturer twice. 2024, 2025. Same issues again in 2026.

NHTSA ID

11737872

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

Frame flex from broken welds on the pin box to the frame. It’s a very wide know thing across many GD models that used this same frame / pin box. I have pictures showing the angle of the pin box once weights applied, it’s a safety issue and there’s tons of people online having the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11735384

Incident

May 1, 2026

I am submitting a new safety complaint regarding my 2021 Grand Design Solitude 380FL, VIN [XXX] . On my first trip out this year (4/29/2026), while towing approximately 20 miles to a nearby campsite, the off-door-side cargo compartment door again opened during transit. As a direct result, a bucket containing my water hose, regulator, 90 degree fitting, etc were ejected from the compartment and onto the roadway at highway speed. This is a significant escalation of the safety issue previously reported. This is no longer limited to a door opening condition—this event resulted in unsecured cargo being discharged into a public roadway, creating a hazard to other motorists. This failure occurred despite extensive prior repair efforts, including: Four separate Service Response Team (SRT) visits Approximately 10 weeks at the Grand Design factory for structural and frame-related repairs Multiple inspections and repair attempts involving both Grand Design RV and Lippert Components The cargo door opening condition has persisted throughout this entire repair history and has not been resolved. This repeated failure following extensive repair attempts demonstrates that the manufacturer’s inspection and repair procedures have not corrected the defect. The condition remains present and continues to pose a clear safety risk to other motorists on public roadways. This event further supports that: The defect is ongoing and unresolved Prior repairs were ineffective The condition presents a real hazard to public roadways I respectfully request that this incident be included in the investigation record and considered as evidence of an unresolved safety defect with the potential to cause roadway incidents or crashes. I am available to provide photographs, video, or additional documentation related to this event. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11734913

Incident

Apr 29, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding the frame manufactured by Lippert Components on my 2021 Grand Design Solitude 380FL (VIN [XXX] ). Lippert is the OEM supplier of the frame and has been directly involved in inspection and repair of ongoing structural failures. The unit has experienced repeated structural failures, including frame flex, broken welds, cracking of the main I-beam rails above both axles, torn steel upper sill plates and suspension failures. These issues began within the manufacturer’s warranty period and required extensive factory repairs from December 2024 to February 2025, including reinforcement of the upper deck, weld repairs, sill plate replacement, and added gussets. Despite these repairs, new failures developed shortly after. In September 2025, a Lippert technician (dispatched at Grand Design’s request) identified new frame cracks above both axles, a bent outrigger support, and repeated suspension failure. These were not pre-existing conditions but occurred after factory structural repairs. In December 2025, Lippert performed additional field repairs, including welding the cracked frame, adding fishplates, reinforcing outriggers, and installing cross-members. These repairs were performed under engineering direction, and Lippert confirmed no standard TSB applied to this condition. Despite multiple repair attempts, the unit continues to exhibit structural-related issues, including cargo doors opening during transit and recurring suspension failures. These conditions indicate ongoing and unsafe frame deflection and instability. Grand Design has now stated their repairs are done per a customer satisfaction campaign, and attributed responsibility for any ongoing frame issues to Lippert, and has abandoned any further assistance with cargo doors opening during transit. This represents a systemic structural defect affecting safety, including risk of debris or components entering roadways and loss of structural integrity during travel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11726338

Incident

Aug 23, 2024

I was informed to reference this code PE24029. 2021 5th Wheel - Grand Design Solitude 310GK. Frame cracks and separation. June 2025, contact made with Grand Design and they approved for us to obtain a welder. We did. It did not correct the issue and we contacted Grand Design again. Our Unit has been in the repair shop since December10, 2025. Back and forth emails with Grand Design. Sides need to be taken off to get to frame issues and make a repair. Would love for representative from NHTSA to come and look at our unit. The lower portion has been dropped, and you will be able to view. It's currently, in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

NHTSA ID

11716054

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Solitude Trailer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the cargo doors opened independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the built-in tables were detaching from the wall, and the wall panels were separating in the bunk room. The contact also noticed that the walls were separating from the floor. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11681363

Incident

Nov 18, 2024

Current Symptoms (post-repair): Excessive Frame Flex: - Pin Box Flex, including cracking sounds - Bulge in bottom corner of front driver side slide - Decal ripples - Screws snapping - Door alignment issues - Sawdust on interior furniture after moving - Pinch molding issues - Screws backing out Repairs were made on the unit in Feb 2025, however the above symptoms are still present (or have worsened) since the repair was completed.

NHTSA ID

11679272

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Broken Interior Step treads. Steps may break at the riser due to the amount of overhang.