Owners have filed 11 complaints
about the 2018 Grand Design Imagine with NHTSA between 2018 and 2025.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 34
Against the median year of the Grand Design Imagine. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2018 compares with every other Grand Design Imagine
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Grand Design Imagine
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Suspension
436.4%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
218.2%
Other & Unspecified
19.1%
Wheels
19.1%
Tires
19.1%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Body & Structure
19.1%
Brakes
19.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2018peak 2Jul 2025
Recalls on the 2018 Grand Design Imagine
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20213286,666 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain travel trailers, the propane (LP) regulator could fail. If this happens, high-pressure propane could reach the appliances. Note: This recall only affects trailers equipped with a Winntec propane regulator. Safety Risk: Unregulated propane pressure can create the risk of an appliance fire. Corrective Action: Grand Design RV will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your travel trailer to a dealer, to replace the propane (LP) regulator.
Recall 2017625465 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain travel trailers, the laminated plastic touch pad on the top of the power tongue jack may crack and/or separate. This could result in water entering the internal circuitry of the touch pad, potentially causing unintended extension or retraction of the power tongue jack. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, it could result in loss of control and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the "Smart Jack" power tongue jack assembly with an updated version with improved water protection.
Recall 2017479514 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain travel trailers, the bell cap wire connectors at the air conditioning unit may have been installed improperly. As a result, the wires may become detached from the connector, and could create a potential for a direct short in the electrical system, which could increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will remove all three bell cap wire connectors at the air conditioning unit and reattach the wires using a new style connector.
Recall 2017225165 units in Canada
Structure
On certain travel trailers, the screws that attach and secure the slide room mechanism columns to the sidewall may have been improperly installed. As a result the screw heads could shear off or pull out of the sidewall causing the column to pull away from the sidewall. If this occurs while the vehicle is in transit, the slide room could pull out, increasing the risk of crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction : Dealers will replace the slide mechanism column screws with larger ones. Interior retention clips will also be installed on each column to provide additional support.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Grant, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have stress/ flex cracks on both passenger and drivers side I beams near the suspension parts.07/2024. This is the first report, I have not contacted the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11675820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grant, FL
STRUCTURE
I have stress/ flex cracks on both passenger and drivers side I beams near the suspension parts.07/2024. This is the first report, I have not contacted the manufacturer.
NHTSA complaint #11675820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2018 Grand design Imagine. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V393000 (Equipment) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11428806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upland, CA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE LEAF SPRING FLATTENING OUT, THE TIRES WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE TRAILER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE SHOULD NOT OCCUR BECAUSE THE TRAILER WAS NOT OVERLOADED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILURE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11271443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesLoveland, CO
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE 2600 RV. AFTER TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 5,000 MILES, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT BOTH OF THE VEHICLE'S AXLES HAD LOST THEIR CAMBERS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS FOR THE AXLE MALFUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND AGREED TO COVER THE COST TO REPLACE BOTH THE AXLE AND SPRING SETS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE COST WAS COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT TRAVELED ANOTHER 6,000 MILES AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BEGAN TO WEAR SIGNIFICANTLY AND THERE WAS ADVANCED TIRE WEAR ON THE OTHER THREE TIRES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TRAILER TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT BOTH AXLES WERE BENT AND HAD FAILED AGAIN. ALSO, ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT HAD THE WHEELS ALIGNED AND ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE COST AND DISCOVERED THAT GRAND DESIGN MANUFACTURED VEHICLES WITH WHAT HE BELIEVED WERE LOW COST, POORLY DESIGNED SPRINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AGAIN AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11257381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesBOX Elder, SD
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAVEL TRAILER EQUIPPED WITH LIONSHEAD WESTLAKE TIRES, SIZE: SP225/75/R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 64 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE DAMAGED THE MARKER LIGHTS ON THE SIDE OF THE TRAILER AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. ALSO, THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE ELECTRIC SLIDE WAS RIPPED APART DUE TO THE SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE TRAILER TO A PARKING LOT AND CALLED A ROADSIDE TIRE SERVICE TO HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED. THE CONTACT FILED COMPLAINTS WITH VARIOUS AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE. SHORTLY AFTER THE INITIAL BLOW OUT, THE TIRE BLEW OUT AGAIN ON THE SAME SIDE. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA complaint #11257504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boiling Springs, PA
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAILER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING A SAFETY INSPECTION OF THE TRAILER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE BALD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO D AND G CUSTOM CONVERSIONS, INC. (383 BURGNERS ROAD, CARLISLE, PA 17015, 717-249-8875) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLES WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE TRAILER REPAIR CENTER WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH THE REQUIRED APPROVAL FOR REPAIRS. WHEN THE REPAIR CENTER CALLED FOR APPROVAL, NO REMEDY WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11251828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boiling Springs, PA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAILER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PERFORMING A SAFETY INSPECTION OF THE TRAILER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE BALD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO D AND G CUSTOM CONVERSIONS, INC. (383 BURGNERS ROAD, CARLISLE, PA 17015, 717-249-8875) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLES WERE FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE TRAILER REPAIR CENTER WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH THE REQUIRED APPROVAL FOR REPAIRS. WHEN THE REPAIR CENTER CALLED FOR APPROVAL, NO REMEDY WAS PROVIDED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11251828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesCedar Springs, MI
SUSPENSION
SPRINGS GOING FLAT OR FAILING. SEVERAL REPORTS ON GD FACEBOOK PAGE. I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. CALLED GD FOR HELP BUT NO RESULTS. THEY CLAIM THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH DEXTER AXLES BUT NOT LIPPERT AXLES. I CALLED LIPPERT AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THERE HAS BEEN ISSUES BUT THEY SEND GD WHAT THEY ASK FOR. *DT CONSUMER STATED FLAT SPRINGS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11194273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
IN DECEMBER 2017, I PURCHASED A GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAVEL TRAILER, MODEL 2500RL. WHEN I TOWED THE TRAILER, I NOTICED THE TRAILERS BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE TRAILER EVEN WHEN I ADJUSTED THE BRAKE CONTROLLER GAIN TO MAXIMUM. THINKING THE TRAILER BRAKES JUST NEEDED ADJUSTMENT, ON MAY 21, 2018, I TOOK THE TRAILER TO THE SELLING DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT NEED ADJUSTMENT. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE BRAKES ON THE FRONT AXLE OF THE DOUBLE AXLE TRAILER WERE NOT CONNECTED TO THE POWER SOURCE THAT OPERATES THE BRAKES. IN OTHER WORDS, THE BRAKES WERE ONLY 50% CONNECTED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WIRED CORRECTLY. I WAS TOWING A 7500 POUND TRAILER WITH IMPROPERLY CONNECTED BRAKES. THIS TRAILER SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT THE FACTORY WITH INOPERATIVE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE EITHER NEVER CONNECTED OR THE CONNECTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. IN MY VIEW THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HOW MANY OTHER TRAVEL TRAILERS FROM GRAND DESIGN HAVE BEEN PLACED IN SERVICE WITH IMPROPERLY CONNECTED BRAKES. THE BRAKES ON MY TRAVEL TRAILER HAVE BEEN FIXED, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I NOTICED THE POOR BRAKING AND TOOK THE TRAILER TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. GRAND DESIGN SHOULD BE CALLED TO TASK ON THIS PROBLEM. THEY ARE EITHER NEGLIGENT IN THEIR POST PRODUCTION INSPECTIONS OR THE PARTS USED TO CONNECT THE BRAKE WIRING IS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11102916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
IN DECEMBER 2017, I PURCHASED A GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE TRAVEL TRAILER, MODEL 2500RL. WHEN I TOWED THE TRAILER, I NOTICED THE TRAILERS BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE TRAILER EVEN WHEN I ADJUSTED THE BRAKE CONTROLLER GAIN TO MAXIMUM. THINKING THE TRAILER BRAKES JUST NEEDED ADJUSTMENT, ON MAY 21, 2018, I TOOK THE TRAILER TO THE SELLING DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT NEED ADJUSTMENT. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE BRAKES ON THE FRONT AXLE OF THE DOUBLE AXLE TRAILER WERE NOT CONNECTED TO THE POWER SOURCE THAT OPERATES THE BRAKES. IN OTHER WORDS, THE BRAKES WERE ONLY 50% CONNECTED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WIRED CORRECTLY. I WAS TOWING A 7500 POUND TRAILER WITH IMPROPERLY CONNECTED BRAKES. THIS TRAILER SHOULD HAVE NEVER LEFT THE FACTORY WITH INOPERATIVE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE EITHER NEVER CONNECTED OR THE CONNECTORS ARE DEFECTIVE. IN MY VIEW THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. HOW MANY OTHER TRAVEL TRAILERS FROM GRAND DESIGN HAVE BEEN PLACED IN SERVICE WITH IMPROPERLY CONNECTED BRAKES. THE BRAKES ON MY TRAVEL TRAILER HAVE BEEN FIXED, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I NOTICED THE POOR BRAKING AND TOOK THE TRAILER TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. GRAND DESIGN SHOULD BE CALLED TO TASK ON THIS PROBLEM. THEY ARE EITHER NEGLIGENT IN THEIR POST PRODUCTION INSPECTIONS OR THE PARTS USED TO CONNECT THE BRAKE WIRING IS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11102916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.