2022 Grand Design Imagine problems

STRUCTURE

Timeline of Structural Failures June 11, 2026 — During tire replacement (approx. 6,000 towing miles), a crack at the driver‑side front spring hanger was discovered and photographed. June 15, 2026 — A bent A‑frame brace behind the battery tray was observed during travel, indicating front‑frame deformation. July 2, 2026 — Coroplast underbelly separation occurred; many fasteners were loose or missing. Temporary duct‑tape repairs were made while traveling. July 4, 2026 — Two of four battery‑tray welds failed. Battery assembly was held only by one weld, the propane line, and anti‑theft straps. Two batteries remained mounted. Photos documented the failure. Structural Issues Identified Cracked frame at spring hanger Bent A‑frame brace Missing underbelly fasteners Coroplast separation Failed battery‑tray welds Evidence of frame movement affecting suspension and front‑frame components Safety Concerns Battery Retention Risk Possible battery detachment at highway speeds Hazard to following vehicles and roadway safety Propane System Risk Battery tray partially supported by propane line Potential for leaks, fire, or explosion Overall Structural Integrity Rapid progression of failures suggests a systemic structural issue, not isolated defects Summary Trailer has ~6,000 towing miles. Multiple failures occurred between June 11 and July 4, 2026. Issues were found during routine inspections and travel, not caused by collision or misuse. Conditions warrant a comprehensive engineering review of the frame and related structural components.

NHTSA complaint #11749359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Cracks in I-beams Cargo doors opening during transport Roof membrane structural issues Unit Information Date of Manufacture: 3/30/2022 Retail Sold Date: 7/11/2022

NHTSA complaint #11673176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Cracks in I-beams Cargo doors opening during transport Roof membrane structural issues Unit Information Date of Manufacture: 3/30/2022 Retail Sold Date: 7/11/2022

NHTSA complaint #11673176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving i had the frame ibeam break above rear passenger side shackle that holds the leaf spring and axel to frame. This was the actual ibeam/frame itself that broke about 2 inches above shackle weld. After further inspection we found an additional crack that started in the frame above the driver side rear shackle as well. If it broke it would have meant complete loss of axel. Luckily the leaf spring on passenger side with shackle and frame pined against bottom of frame.

NHTSA complaint #11670745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

While driving i had the frame ibeam break above rear passenger side shackle that holds the leaf spring and axel to frame. This was the actual ibeam/frame itself that broke about 2 inches above shackle weld. After further inspection we found an additional crack that started in the frame above the driver side rear shackle as well. If it broke it would have meant complete loss of axel. Luckily the leaf spring on passenger side with shackle and frame pined against bottom of frame.

NHTSA complaint #11670745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

While driving i had the frame ibeam break above rear passenger side shackle that holds the leaf spring and axel to frame. This was the actual ibeam/frame itself that broke about 2 inches above shackle weld. After further inspection we found an additional crack that started in the frame above the driver side rear shackle as well. If it broke it would have meant complete loss of axel. Luckily the leaf spring on passenger side with shackle and frame pined against bottom of frame.

NHTSA complaint #11670745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We have been having problems with our slide out for 2 years. The slide mechanism kept getting damaged/"chewed up" and kept needing to be replaced. We could not get the slide to go in or out on its own several times over the 2-year period. After 2 years of taking it for repeated repairs, a Lippert tech came to the shop to inspect it. Per Lippert, the manufacturer of the chassis, "Inspection of chassis found cracks in mains at crossmember near center hanger. Hangers start to roll in one direction. Front header bent." We were told verbally by Lippert that there are, "Cracks in iBeams and unit is deflecting - rear of unit sagging - causing issues with slide." We now also have water damage in the opposing slide at the rear of the unit as well as mold, something we only recently discovered as we do not access that area often.

NHTSA complaint #11666191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

We have been having problems with our slide out for 2 years. The slide mechanism kept getting damaged/"chewed up" and kept needing to be replaced. We could not get the slide to go in or out on its own several times over the 2-year period. After 2 years of taking it for repeated repairs, a Lippert tech came to the shop to inspect it. Per Lippert, the manufacturer of the chassis, "Inspection of chassis found cracks in mains at crossmember near center hanger. Hangers start to roll in one direction. Front header bent." We were told verbally by Lippert that there are, "Cracks in iBeams and unit is deflecting - rear of unit sagging - causing issues with slide." We now also have water damage in the opposing slide at the rear of the unit as well as mold, something we only recently discovered as we do not access that area often.

NHTSA complaint #11666191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE

We have been having problems with our slide out for 2 years. The slide mechanism kept getting damaged/"chewed up" and kept needing to be replaced. We could not get the slide to go in or out on its own several times over the 2-year period. After 2 years of taking it for repeated repairs, a Lippert tech came to the shop to inspect it. Per Lippert, the manufacturer of the chassis, "Inspection of chassis found cracks in mains at crossmember near center hanger. Hangers start to roll in one direction. Front header bent." We were told verbally by Lippert that there are, "Cracks in iBeams and unit is deflecting - rear of unit sagging - causing issues with slide." We now also have water damage in the opposing slide at the rear of the unit as well as mold, something we only recently discovered as we do not access that area often.

NHTSA complaint #11666191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Imagine. The contact stated that while having the RV serviced, the contact was informed that the wires to the front axle brake on the trailer was never connected. No warning light was illuminated. The RV had been diagnosed. The RV was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11551998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Imagine. The contact stated that while having the RV serviced, the contact was informed that the wires to the front axle brake on the trailer was never connected. No warning light was illuminated. The RV had been diagnosed. The RV was repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11551998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Trailer came from manufacturer with under rated axles which caused the axles to bend and wear the tires down to steel belts. This trailer weighs 6395 lbs. with only (2) 3000 lb. axles under it. Grand Design won't warranty anything and the axle manufacturer, Lipper Components, won't warranty anything either.

NHTSA complaint #11542081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The safety chains are welded to the trailer frame in a place that causes the chains to become bound and are eating each other apart after only about 1000 miles on the road. Grand Design refuses to acknowledge their design flaw. I have to spend money to make this safe.

NHTSA complaint #11538613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

TRAILER HITCHES

The safety chains are welded to the trailer frame in a place that causes the chains to become bound and are eating each other apart after only about 1000 miles on the road. Grand Design refuses to acknowledge their design flaw. I have to spend money to make this safe.

NHTSA complaint #11538613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

The safety chains are welded to the trailer frame in a place that causes the chains to become bound and are eating each other apart after only about 1000 miles on the road. Grand Design refuses to acknowledge their design flaw. I have to spend money to make this safe.

NHTSA complaint #11538613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle has a recall, NHTSA 22V-308, and the manufacturer and their nearest dealer refuse to repair my issue or pay to have a third party repair it. It is a safety recall and they are not resolving this.

NHTSA complaint #11528038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

The spring hanger are bent as is the frame of our Grand Design Imagine 2022 travel trailer. Axles could have fallen off at speeds of 70 mph on I 95 in Sould Carolina. Our lives were in danger. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. Components would not pass NYS Indpection by insurance and Wilkins RV Victor NY. First appeared after driving home from Florida 1250 miles. Many lawsuits about this problem and cracks and tears in frames.

NHTSA complaint #11522942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received a recall notice for this RV last year. I have since contacted Grand Design and they said I need to go to my dealer to have the awning recall addressed. The dealer is unwilling to perform the recall as they are too busy selling brand new RVs. I contacted Grand Design again and told them that since the dealer is unwilling to help, I want to replace the awning myself to ensure the safety of my family while camping. Grand Design stated that this is not allowed since this is a nhtsa recall. Repairs need to be done at a dealership. I stated that the dealership is unable and unwilling to provide repairs. Grand Design has since ignored my request for assistance. This is unacceptable, Grand Design is preventing me from having a safety defect resolved.

NHTSA complaint #11519569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER

I have received mail from the manufacturer, Grand Design, stating my RV is subject to NHTSA Recall No. 22V-308. They provided details to indicate my RV may have a cracked fitting in it's propane gas distribution system. A physical inspection must be performed, and the fitting must be replaced if it has a crack. Obviously, this is troubling because it represents a danger of fire, explosion, or both, in other words life threatening. I have moved 1,200 miles from where I lived when I purchased this RV, so returning to the franchised dealer who sold me the RV isn't an option. I have contacted Grand Design for assistance. They state they cannot help me. Their franchised dealers here in Colorado, where I live now, only accept warranty or recall service requests from people who purchased their RV at the dealership. After calling their dealers here, I informed Grand Design of that, and they said they cannot help by compelling their dealers to do the recall inspection and/or repair. Grand Design does have a mobile service repair team, but they refused to schedule me via that service. They told me on the phone that it is up to me to find somebody who is willing to do the inspection, is qualified to do it, and that I must pay for if I want this safety recall inspection and/or repair to be performed. This doesn't seem right. Can a manufacturer legally put me in this position? If not, what can I do to compel them to correct my vehicle? Can I compel them to buy it back from me f they can't/won't fix it? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11501124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS

I have received mail from the manufacturer, Grand Design, stating my RV is subject to NHTSA Recall No. 22V-308. They provided details to indicate my RV may have a cracked fitting in it's propane gas distribution system. A physical inspection must be performed, and the fitting must be replaced if it has a crack. Obviously, this is troubling because it represents a danger of fire, explosion, or both, in other words life threatening. I have moved 1,200 miles from where I lived when I purchased this RV, so returning to the franchised dealer who sold me the RV isn't an option. I have contacted Grand Design for assistance. They state they cannot help me. Their franchised dealers here in Colorado, where I live now, only accept warranty or recall service requests from people who purchased their RV at the dealership. After calling their dealers here, I informed Grand Design of that, and they said they cannot help by compelling their dealers to do the recall inspection and/or repair. Grand Design does have a mobile service repair team, but they refused to schedule me via that service. They told me on the phone that it is up to me to find somebody who is willing to do the inspection, is qualified to do it, and that I must pay for if I want this safety recall inspection and/or repair to be performed. This doesn't seem right. Can a manufacturer legally put me in this position? If not, what can I do to compel them to correct my vehicle? Can I compel them to buy it back from me f they can't/won't fix it? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11501124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:TANK VALVE/GAUGE

I have received mail from the manufacturer, Grand Design, stating my RV is subject to NHTSA Recall No. 22V-308. They provided details to indicate my RV may have a cracked fitting in it's propane gas distribution system. A physical inspection must be performed, and the fitting must be replaced if it has a crack. Obviously, this is troubling because it represents a danger of fire, explosion, or both, in other words life threatening. I have moved 1,200 miles from where I lived when I purchased this RV, so returning to the franchised dealer who sold me the RV isn't an option. I have contacted Grand Design for assistance. They state they cannot help me. Their franchised dealers here in Colorado, where I live now, only accept warranty or recall service requests from people who purchased their RV at the dealership. After calling their dealers here, I informed Grand Design of that, and they said they cannot help by compelling their dealers to do the recall inspection and/or repair. Grand Design does have a mobile service repair team, but they refused to schedule me via that service. They told me on the phone that it is up to me to find somebody who is willing to do the inspection, is qualified to do it, and that I must pay for if I want this safety recall inspection and/or repair to be performed. This doesn't seem right. Can a manufacturer legally put me in this position? If not, what can I do to compel them to correct my vehicle? Can I compel them to buy it back from me f they can't/won't fix it? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11501124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Both trailer hitch safety chains have been severed/cut where they attach to the trailer's safety chain mounting loop. This is due to contact with the tow vehicle's ball/hitch on tight turns. At the trailer dealer's advice, I contacted Grand Design's customer service to obtain a case# (181049) and guidance for a warranty repair. Instead, they claim I was sold the wrong trailer hitch and that they are not responsible. After researching online trailer owner groups, I have found many instances of this same problem occurring. It's obviously a safety problem and since the hitch in question is a very popular brand, I feel that there needs to be safety recall to avoid potential accidents.

NHTSA complaint #11492112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.