2022 Grand Design Solitude Problems

Documented Symptoms consistent with the conditions described in Grand Design TSB 24-001 1. Dynamic Sidewall Separation – Driver and Passenger Sides The upper-deck sidewall area displays visible movement under load. When the trailer is connected to the truck via the pin box, the exterior trim and sidewall gap noticeably widens. When the trailer is leveled on its landing gear, the separation compresses and partially closes. Additional observations include: •Separation of exterior trim components •Cracked and widening caulk joints •Visible movement beneath both upper-deck slide-out openings These conditions were first observed following an approximately 300-mile round trip completed on August 6, 2026. 2. Front Driver-Side Slide-Out Binding and Incomplete Operation The front living room slide-out now binds within the opening and appears affected by structural distortion. Timeline: •July 24, 2026: Upon arrival at an RV resort, the slide-out stopped approximately halfway during deployment. Retracting and redeploying the room allowed it to complete its cycle. •August 6, 2026: After returning home, unhitching, and leveling the coach, the slide-out again became firmly wedged during extension. It required assistance to retract and return to the closed position. Because of the excessive binding force encountered, I have not attempted to operate the slide again. 3. Front Passenger-Side Flooring Distortion The vinyl flooring adjacent to the upper-deck slide-out area is lifting, rippling, and bubbling. This condition appears indicative of structural movement and subfloor shifting rather than a cosmetic flooring issue. 4. Sawdust Present in Cabinets The unit is available for inspection, appointment scheduled for 8/19/26. No one has inspected this unit at this time, no warning lights or other symptoms prior. The first discovery of failure was on 7/24/26. Due to the symptoms and consistent with the TSB, this unit poses a safety risk to myself, family and other motorists.

I own a 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS fifth wheel trailer. The trailer has been at the dealership for over nine months after structural frame cracks and weld separations were discovered during inspection. The cracks appear in structural frame components and welded areas supporting the chassis. This raises concerns about the integrity of the trailer frame during towing and braking. In addition to the frame defects, all four leaf springs in the suspension system have failed or lost structural integrity. This suspension failure presents a safety risk because it affects axle alignment, load support, and trailer stability while towing. The trailer manufacturer (Grand Design) and dealer have been notified, but the unit has remained out of service for an extended period while the manufacturer decides how to address the problem. Structural frame cracking combined with suspension failure represents a serious safety concern for a towable RV traveling at highway speeds. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated for potential defects affecting other trailers of this model or similar models.

I own a 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS fifth wheel trailer. The trailer has been at the dealership for over nine months after structural frame cracks and weld separations were discovered during inspection. The cracks appear in structural frame components and welded areas supporting the chassis. This raises concerns about the integrity of the trailer frame during towing and braking. In addition to the frame defects, all four leaf springs in the suspension system have failed or lost structural integrity. This suspension failure presents a safety risk because it affects axle alignment, load support, and trailer stability while towing. The trailer manufacturer (Grand Design) and dealer have been notified, but the unit has remained out of service for an extended period while the manufacturer decides how to address the problem. Structural frame cracking combined with suspension failure represents a serious safety concern for a towable RV traveling at highway speeds. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated for potential defects affecting other trailers of this model or similar models.

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and hauling the RV, the rear passenger's side tire of the RV experienced a blowout. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact replaced the tire with a regular-size spare tire; however, the rear passenger's side tire experienced a second blowout while driving on the same day. The contact stated that the tire failures caused damage to the RV. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with frame flex, frame steel fracture, and missing screws around the hitch, and unparalleled axles. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Grand Design technician confirmed that the RV was experiencing excessive frame flex, which the contact related to the tire failure. The manufacturer recommended towing the RV to one of their locations for frame repairs, but the contact was advised that the repair of the axle damage caused by the tire failures, prior to towing the vehicle, would be paid for out-of-pocket. The RV was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

• Cracks in the Pin Box: A reputable RV dealer/shop has identified significant cracks in the pin box, indicating a serious structural compromise. • Slide-out failures: The GIBs on the slide-outs have broken, causing them to extend while the RV is in transport on highways. • Cargo door malfunctions: Cargo doors are repeatedly popping open during highway travel. • Main entry door instability: The front door and screen are not operating correctly, preventing proper closure and causing the door to open unexpectedly during transport. • Structural fastener failure: Screws and bolts are detaching from the unit during transport. • Front cap detachment: The front cap is popping open at the fifth-wheel hitch area and exhibiting significant sway during transport. These issues collectively indicate a severe underlying problem with the structural integrity and frame of the 2022 Grand Design Solitude, creating hazardous conditions for both the occupants and other road users. I urge NHTSA to investigate these defects thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and ensure consumer safety.

We bought our 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS-R in March 2023. We have had numerous safety issues and concerns, and currently don’t feel safe towing it. 1. External locked compartments and entry door open while traveling. Risks: distraction, collision (passing vehicle or objects), quick maneuvering (to side of road), contents ejected onto road/vehicles. Resolution: Shops have tried to fix, but problem continued. I placed some screws to extend the latch plates. Concerned this is a “frame flex” issue, along with our floor separation, sheared screws, saw dust, etc. 2. Three axle/suspension failures. In 3/2024 and 12/2024, sudden/extreme tire wear was noted due to failed suspension (broken leaf springs, cracked equalizers). In 8/2025, while driving on [XXX], an entire wheel disappeared. We called the MI highway department afterwards and they had no reports of accidents or debris due to the wheel. Roadside assistance got us to a local repair shop that found the 3 other tires were badly worn/damaged, rear passenger side leaf spring cracked (3rd time), and remaining brakes "fell apart in chunks". The technician diagnosed a bad spindle. As the work was completed, the shop owner stated "I don't think your suspension is fit for this rig. It already appears max'd out." Risks: The entire wheel flying off on the highway could have easily killed someone. Suspension failure while rolling could lead to tire blowouts/catastrophic damages/major accident. Resolution: Suspension repairs made/tires replaced. Recently stopped in at Grand Design in Elkhart, IN to speak with the Customer Service Director about these safety issues. The GD shop is booked until December, but a frame and suspension inspection at a GD dealer was authorized. CW Direct in Elkhart completed the inspection, found a frame crack and assessed the 7K suspension as insufficient. Still no resolution and we now have not been able to live in our home for over two weeks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Cracks in the Pin Box: A reputable RV dealer/shop has identified significant cracks in the pin box, indicating a serious structural compromise. • Slide-out failures: The GIBs on the slide-outs have broken, causing them to extend while the RV is in transport on highways. • Cargo door malfunctions: Cargo doors are repeatedly popping open during highway travel. • Main entry door instability: The front door and screen are not operating correctly, preventing proper closure and causing the door to open unexpectedly during transport. • Structural fastener failure: Screws and bolts are detaching from the unit during transport. • Front cap detachment: The front cap is popping open at the fifth-wheel hitch area and exhibiting significant sway during transport. These issues collectively indicate a severe underlying problem with the structural integrity and frame of the 2022 Grand Design Solitude, creating hazardous conditions for both the occupants and other road users. I urge NHTSA to investigate these defects thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and ensure consumer safety.

We bought our 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS-R in March 2023. We have had numerous safety issues and concerns, and currently don’t feel safe towing it. 1. External locked compartments and entry door open while traveling. Risks: distraction, collision (passing vehicle or objects), quick maneuvering (to side of road), contents ejected onto road/vehicles. Resolution: Shops have tried to fix, but problem continued. I placed some screws to extend the latch plates. Concerned this is a “frame flex” issue, along with our floor separation, sheared screws, saw dust, etc. 2. Three axle/suspension failures. In 3/2024 and 12/2024, sudden/extreme tire wear was noted due to failed suspension (broken leaf springs, cracked equalizers). In 8/2025, while driving on [XXX], an entire wheel disappeared. We called the MI highway department afterwards and they had no reports of accidents or debris due to the wheel. Roadside assistance got us to a local repair shop that found the 3 other tires were badly worn/damaged, rear passenger side leaf spring cracked (3rd time), and remaining brakes "fell apart in chunks". The technician diagnosed a bad spindle. As the work was completed, the shop owner stated "I don't think your suspension is fit for this rig. It already appears max'd out." Risks: The entire wheel flying off on the highway could have easily killed someone. Suspension failure while rolling could lead to tire blowouts/catastrophic damages/major accident. Resolution: Suspension repairs made/tires replaced. Recently stopped in at Grand Design in Elkhart, IN to speak with the Customer Service Director about these safety issues. The GD shop is booked until December, but a frame and suspension inspection at a GD dealer was authorized. CW Direct in Elkhart completed the inspection, found a frame crack and assessed the 7K suspension as insufficient. Still no resolution and we now have not been able to live in our home for over two weeks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while pulling into a campground she was informed to check the tires. The RV was taken to a tire center where it was discovered that the brakes had crumbled and there was a spring inside. Additionally, the equalizer was cracked. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the highway, a wheel on the RV detached. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the axle was cracked. The local dealer was contacted several times. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,080.

1. **Immediate Call to Halt ABS Brake System Use:** - My recent experience on an 8-mile grade, where the newly installed ABS module and two new axles and brakes failed catastrophically, has left me with no choice but to demand an immediate cessation of the use of these ABS brake systems in your RVs. Despite being in low gear, my truck's brakes overheated to the point of failure, rendering them unable to slow the RV. This terrifying event could have ended in tragedy were it not for the runaway truck lane. After over a decade 1. **Background of the Issue:** - **Severe Brake Failure:** After only 1,900 miles of usage, then again 100 miles into total replacement and again after 700 miles after the next total replacement of axles, brakes, and ABS unit. I faced a critical safety issue several times as have many other Grand Design ABS brake newer model owners - the complete disintegration of all four brakes. The danger was alarmingly signaled by O2 alarms during stops on the first time of the several catastrophic failures, revealing a life-threatening flaw that placed my entire family in peril. 2. **Systemic Failures and Inadequate Response:** - **Widespread Safety Concerns:** This issue is not unique to my vehicle. Numerous owners of the 2021-2022 and 2023 models have experienced similar catastrophic brake failures, signaling a systemic flaw in Grand Design's production. Grand Design allegedly denies that any other owners have had an issue. Hundreds have posted their own similar brake failures with the several RV brands carrying the ABS module, and dozens of Grand Design owners have now done the same. There is lives at risk daily as the weather warms up and families in NEW RV's travel.

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and hauling the RV, the rear passenger's side tire of the RV experienced a blowout. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact replaced the tire with a regular-size spare tire; however, the rear passenger's side tire experienced a second blowout while driving on the same day. The contact stated that the tire failures caused damage to the RV. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with frame flex, frame steel fracture, and missing screws around the hitch, and unparalleled axles. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a Grand Design technician confirmed that the RV was experiencing excessive frame flex, which the contact related to the tire failure. The manufacturer recommended towing the RV to one of their locations for frame repairs, but the contact was advised that the repair of the axle damage caused by the tire failures, prior to towing the vehicle, would be paid for out-of-pocket. The RV was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that the front passenger's side tire had lost air pressure due to a crack on the tire sidewall on three separate occasions. The contact stated that the TPMS had confirmed the lost of air pressure on the front passenger's side tire. Additionally, The contact stated that he had discovered the same crack on all three front passenger's side tires that were replaced. The contact stated the crack in all three tires appeared to have formed within an inch of the wheel valve stem. The contact stated that the tires were replaced; however, the failure persisted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a warranty claim was filed on after each failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

1 April about 1530 we had an electrically generated "thermal event" in the generator compartment of the RV. We were not traveling, the RV was set up in the dedicated site on our property and had not been moved in 3+ months. The fire could not have been caused by any "outside influence" as no one had been in that compartment for 3+ months and there is no generator in that compartment. We use it for storage when we travel. The greatest safety concern is any fire can consume an RV in just minutes and this compartment is directly beneath our bed and immediately adjacent to a 40# propane tank connected by rubber hosing to the regulator. Had we been in the trailer asleep we might very well have been overcome by the dense smoke before we could get out. The only thing that kept the trailer from burning to the ground was the simple fact that the ventilation holes cut into the floor of this compartment to provide combustion air to a generator were covered because we didn't want our stuff bouncing around on a metal floor in transit. Simply put, the fire just rain out of oxygen. Grand Design has not been particularly responsive to the event, so we do not know yet what the eventual resolution will be, but it's clear than any repairs will require a massive structural exploration to reveal any hidden damages or possibly determine a cause. Are there any similar thermal events reported to you, particularly with this manufacturer?