2023 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.

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design 5th Wheel. The contact stated that the propane gas pigtail was on the floor and created an electrical spark and popping noise that traveled up to other cords. The contact stated that the pigtail cord was improperly fitted and should not have been on the floor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11735488

Incident

May 3, 2026

This report details a suspected major structural frame failure on my 2023 Grand Design Solitude 391DL. The issues, which are progressive and worsening, indicate a severe loss of structural integrity in the front gooseneck and upper deck area of the fifth wheel. Key observations and symptoms include: Interior Wall Deformation: Interior wall panels in the front bedroom are visibly buckling and warping under stress. Separation of Wall Panels: The rear wall panel inside the main bedroom closet has developed a significant gap and is separating, believed to be a direct result of excessive frame flex. Misalignment of Door Frames: The door frame for the front closet housing the washer and dryer has spread apart to the point where the door can no longer latch or close properly. This demonstrates a clear deformation of the coach's superstructure. Audible Structural Noise: The floor in the front bedroom section produces constant, loud creaking and groaning sounds when walking on it, consistent with a compromised frame and subfloor structure. Safety Concerns: The progressive nature of these failures raises significant safety concerns regarding the vehicle's roadworthiness. The loss of structural integrity in the gooseneck area could lead to a catastrophic failure while the vehicle is in motion, posing a severe risk of detachment, loss of control for the tow vehicle, and danger to other motorists. The integrity of critical components like the roof, slide-outs, and heavy appliances is also compromised. This issue appears to be consistent with a pattern of similar frame-related failures reported by other Grand Design owners, which are the subject of an ongoing class-action lawsuit. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this critical safety defect before it results in a major highway incident.

NHTSA ID

11715259

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and depressing the brake pedal to stop, the RV pushed up against the rear of the pickup truck. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who discovered that the RV brake shoes had crumbled and failed. The contact was advised that the brake shoes and braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local engineering firm and the braking system was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 9,300.

NHTSA ID

11700263

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

Mileage

9,300 mi

Frame Flex & Water Intrusion - We first noticed movement back in August 2024. It seemed like the tongue was going to come through our back truck window where I sit to work with our 3 cats. The inside of the Solitude is a mess too with lights coming down from ceiling, doors are all scratch from rubbing while be transported, trim coming off, wall paper being torn apart, had lag bolts coming up through the floor, leakage in master bedroom, floor warping and more. We took it in to have it fixed in November 2024 to only get her back in late march of 2025. They had to weld and reinforce frame but would not admit to frame flex or provide me with an updated weight placard so it's like they don't want evidence on it. They had to replace the whole floor which meant they had to take off slides to get everything out and now she is back up there with severe water intrusions from slides and other things again. Moisture reader is reading in places between 30 to 48% but Grand Design is denying any water intrusion even thought they took slides out. They only respond after an email is sent. This is unacceptable and hope that one day we can get these RV manufacturers to follow same rules as a vehicle. Why are they all in IN - they have the most laxed laws governing recreational vehicles. Our lives are in danger while driving these RV's on US highways which means we are putting others in danger too. Why aren't they held to a higher standard...where is the safety in all of this. I have pictures all everything if needed for documentation. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11674963

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The frame has possibly broken in the hitch area. This is a large 5th wheel trailer.

NHTSA ID

11666622

Incident

May 1, 2025

All brakes were replaced after the first failure. Pulled 3445 miles. RR brake fell apart. Causing loss of braking from that wheel.

NHTSA ID

11666372

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

RF brake assembly fell apart. Causing loss of braking on that wheel.

NHTSA ID

11666365

Incident

May 1, 2023

After my refrigerator stopped working, I pulled the refrigerator out to investigate and check fuses (a common issue) I observed the wiring connected very poorly, and was melted together. additionally, there was a burn mark 2 inches or more in diameter on the wall where these wires were touching. so there was a fire due to this wiring

NHTSA ID

11651589

Incident

Mar 29, 2025

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.

We have found that when a customer reclines the customer’s recliner may tip forward unexpectedly, this can result in the customer potentially falling out of the recliner. The fix for this is to ensure the recliners are secured at both the front and rear prior to July 2025 the recliners were only secured at the front.

7-Way Strain Relief Relocation. Current strain relief needs relocated to provide additional securement to the 7-way cord.

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.

Wiring to the remote start/stop switch of the generator at the GenSet panel is wired incorrectly. During use, the generator must be unplugged to shut down. This is ONLY on Solitude units with factory installed generator package. Gen prep not affected.