Owners have filed 103 complaints
about the 2021 Grand Design Momentum with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Grand Design Momentum. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 5
1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
86% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Grand Design Momentum
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2460.0%
Latch
922.5%
Frame AND Members
410.0%
Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
37.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
457.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
228.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
114.3%
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 2022peak 11Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Grand Design Momentum
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
PE24029Opened 9 Oct 2024Still openSTRUCTURE
Frame Flex on Grand Design Fifth Wheel Recreational Trailers
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 verti...
Recalls on the 2021 Grand Design Momentum
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.
United States — NHTSA
26V044000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and 2022-2024 Solitude Fifth Wheel trailers. The U-bolt may become loose due to inadequate preload and preload losses, causing the axle to move out of position.
Risk: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
23V490000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
Grand Design RV, LLC. (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Momentum and Solitude fifth wheels, equipped with certain CURT 7000 and 8000 lb axles. The U-bolts may have been improperly tightened, which can cause the axle to move out of position.
Risk: An axle that moves out of position can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
22V038000
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Momentum, Solitude, and Reflection recreational vehicles. A 110-volt wire in the refrigerator cabinet may be improperly secured, which could result in the wire contacting the refrigerator cooling unit, causing an electrical arc.
Risk: An electrical arc increases the risk of a fire.
21V393000
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Imagine, Transcend, and Momentum travel trailers. The LP regulator that controls the LP gas pressure may fail, allowing excessive gas pressure that causes the appliance flame to increase.
Risk: Excessive gas pressure and a larger than intended appliance flame can increase the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Mulberry, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We had a towing incident chain's came detached from camper one side was only tack welded when contacted grand design got no where with them
NHTSA complaint #11471009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Springtown, TX
STRUCTURE
We own a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 393g toy hauler that has severe frame flex and bolts in slide have started backing out. We noticed this when driving and the extreme pushing/chucking when accelerating or braking and also the visible failure on the unit. We have contacted Gran Design, the manufacturer, for warranty repair and was able to go see the unit when they torn down to look at frame. The side walls were both broken and wall frame fell out when opened up. The unit is now at the manufacturer in Indiana for repair, my husband did not feel it was safe to tow so we requested manufacturer transport the unit. We were told by a Lippert Frame Tech the unit is not safe to use.
NHTSA complaint #11750219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cripple Creek, CO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
I am reporting a serious, progressive structural defect involving excessive frame flex and structural failure on a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395MS fifth-wheel RV. This complaint directly aligns with the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE24-0209. The unit exhibits clear and worsening structural integrity failure, including: Slideouts and doors open during transport. Upper deck walls moving under load Lag bolts missing or backing out and pushing through flooring At least one critical structural bolt missing from factory installation Floor deformation and slope changes in the upper deck Slide-out malfunction due to frame distortion Loud popping and snapping noises while towing consistent with frame flex or structural separation These conditions reflect loss of structural integrity under normal use and represent a serious safety hazard, including risk of catastrophic failure while towing. On June 24, 2026, Lippert (frame/component supplier) assigned Case #6876203 and scheduled a mobile service inspection. This Grand Design Momentum 395ms is not safe to tow. It is a danger on the roads and they need to be recalled at the least for inspections of the frame for damage.
NHTSA complaint #11749089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cripple Creek, CO
STRUCTURE
I am reporting a serious, progressive structural defect involving excessive frame flex and structural failure on a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395MS fifth-wheel RV. This complaint directly aligns with the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE24-0209. The unit exhibits clear and worsening structural integrity failure, including: Slideouts and doors open during transport. Upper deck walls moving under load Lag bolts missing or backing out and pushing through flooring At least one critical structural bolt missing from factory installation Floor deformation and slope changes in the upper deck Slide-out malfunction due to frame distortion Loud popping and snapping noises while towing consistent with frame flex or structural separation These conditions reflect loss of structural integrity under normal use and represent a serious safety hazard, including risk of catastrophic failure while towing. On June 24, 2026, Lippert (frame/component supplier) assigned Case #6876203 and scheduled a mobile service inspection. This Grand Design Momentum 395ms is not safe to tow. It is a danger on the roads and they need to be recalled at the least for inspections of the frame for damage.
NHTSA complaint #11749089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cripple Creek, CO
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
I am reporting a serious, progressive structural defect involving excessive frame flex and structural failure on a 2021 Grand Design Momentum 395MS fifth-wheel RV. This complaint directly aligns with the ongoing NHTSA investigation PE24-0209. The unit exhibits clear and worsening structural integrity failure, including: Slideouts and doors open during transport. Upper deck walls moving under load Lag bolts missing or backing out and pushing through flooring At least one critical structural bolt missing from factory installation Floor deformation and slope changes in the upper deck Slide-out malfunction due to frame distortion Loud popping and snapping noises while towing consistent with frame flex or structural separation These conditions reflect loss of structural integrity under normal use and represent a serious safety hazard, including risk of catastrophic failure while towing. On June 24, 2026, Lippert (frame/component supplier) assigned Case #6876203 and scheduled a mobile service inspection. This Grand Design Momentum 395ms is not safe to tow. It is a danger on the roads and they need to be recalled at the least for inspections of the frame for damage.
NHTSA complaint #11749089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame cracked and suspension issues.
NHTSA complaint #11740465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
SUSPENSION
Frame cracked and suspension issues.
NHTSA complaint #11740465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
STRUCTURE
Frame cracked and suspension issues.
NHTSA complaint #11740465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Helena, MT
STRUCTURE:BODY
Regarding 2021 Grand Design Momentum 376THS: Compartment doors popping open during transport; Grand Design Customer Satisfaction Campaign TSB-24-001 dated 11/1/2025 regarding frame flex and wall securement. Returned to dealer on 12/1/2025 for inspection. Dealer found the following: All doors except p/s compartment door warped or bowed; P/S cracking in sidewall paneling on slides Front cap mollding broken screws Deformation or cracks at expansion joint located under upper deck slide out Gapping between exterior wall and floor Screw cover separation around front bulkhead Loose or shifted wall panel trim; trim pulled away from floor Crinkling wallpaper and cabinet paneling loos in upper cabinets
NHTSA complaint #11739799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Scheduled appointment with dealer for the Grand Design Frame Flex recall today, 22 May 2026. Approximately 4 hours after dropping the trailer off the dealer called and said that the technician found significant frame flex and that the unit was unsafe to be towed. No other information was provided. I did ask for the measurements that the TSB 24-001 requires to be filled out ans submitted to Grand Design. The lady that called was completely unaware of what I was asking for.
NHTSA complaint #11739591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, FL
STRUCTURE
Scheduled appointment with dealer for the Grand Design Frame Flex recall today, 22 May 2026. Approximately 4 hours after dropping the trailer off the dealer called and said that the technician found significant frame flex and that the unit was unsafe to be towed. No other information was provided. I did ask for the measurements that the TSB 24-001 requires to be filled out ans submitted to Grand Design. The lady that called was completely unaware of what I was asking for.
NHTSA complaint #11739591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Momentum. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear side door unexpectedly opened and the slide-out extended outward. No warning light was illuminated. The trailer was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional inspections. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11727885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weston, WI
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Momentum. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear side door unexpectedly opened and the slide-out extended outward. No warning light was illuminated. The trailer was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional inspections. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11727885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Camas, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
My Grand Design Momentum fifth wheel trailer is experiencing frame flex and structural integrity failure. The unit has developed spider cracking in the exterior fiberglass, interior wall separation, and plumbing issues believed to be caused by frame flex. The dealership has acknowledged structural concerns and installed lag bolts, but the underlying structural defect remains. Grand Design has denied that the frame flex caused the structural damage. This creates a serious safety risk while towing, including potential structural failure. I believe this is a manufacturing defect affecting the structural frame integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11720529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while inspecting the RV, the contact became aware that the outrigger brackets were bent and fractured. The contact stated that the failure was visible over the axles. In addition, the welding on the cross-member beams was fractured, causing the floor to crack, and the exterior fiberglass was cracked by the bedroom slide-out. Additionally, there was a four-inch-long crack on the frame of the upper deck. Most recently, the contact found movement of the cabinets in the upper deck, and a portion of the fiberglass on the front cap had separated from the roof. The RV was taken to a welding shop to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the metal used to support the walls in the unit was not strong enough. The contact was informed that the weight on top caused it to bend and crack. The outrigger brackets were replaced, the cross members were replaced, and the other cracks were repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the warranty claim. However, the manufacturer failed to acknowledge the failure and advised the contact to call the insurance company since the manufacturer believed that the RV had been involved in an accident. The contact denied that the RV had been in an accident. The contact noticed the issues since the RV was purchased. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11699857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesElgin, OK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the RV frame flexed. The contact stated that when the RV was loaded, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the screws to the bedroom slide out were detaching. Neither an RV dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to bring the RV to a technician to be inspected. The failure mileage was 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesElgin, OK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the RV frame flexed. The contact stated that when the RV was loaded, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the screws to the bedroom slide out were detaching. Neither an RV dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to bring the RV to a technician to be inspected. The failure mileage was 15,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
excessive frame flex/failure, Interior cabinetry coming cracked and apart. Floor separating from side walls. Main door coming open during transit.
NHTSA complaint #11695772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crestview, FL
STRUCTURE
excessive frame flex/failure, Interior cabinetry coming cracked and apart. Floor separating from side walls. Main door coming open during transit.
NHTSA complaint #11695772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesOregon City, OR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while the RV was parked and occupied, or while driving the RV, there was an abnormal popping and creaking sound coming from the frame of the RV while depressing accelerator pedal or depressing the brake pedal. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that while driving the RV at an undisclosed speed, the doors opened independently. Additionally, while walking inside the RV, there was an abnormal sound coming from the floorboards. The contact also stated that the frame of the RV was full of rust. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesOregon City, OR
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while the RV was parked and occupied, or while driving the RV, there was an abnormal popping and creaking sound coming from the frame of the RV while depressing accelerator pedal or depressing the brake pedal. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that while driving the RV at an undisclosed speed, the doors opened independently. Additionally, while walking inside the RV, there was an abnormal sound coming from the floorboards. The contact also stated that the frame of the RV was full of rust. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, OH
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the RV had experienced a failure with the frame, causing the RV to become unstable while being hauled. Additionally, the frame was positioned on the pin box inside the unit, and the lag bolts and screws loosened, causing damage to the interior cabinets and trim. The RV was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the bolts and screws, but later, while using the RV, the failures reoccurred. The RV was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11681767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLongview, WA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked, the contact became aware that the axle on the trailer had become inoperable. The contact stated that the axle springs had detached, and the I-beam frame of the trailer was bent. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the axle springs and the frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The trailer was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesLongview, WA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked, the contact became aware that the axle on the trailer had become inoperable. The contact stated that the axle springs had detached, and the I-beam frame of the trailer was bent. The trailer was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the axle springs and the frame had failed and needed to be replaced. The trailer was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am experiencing symptoms, consistent with excessive frame movement and structural failure in my 42 foot fifth wheel toy hauler RV. We have been monitoring this for the time we have owned it just over six weeks and have noticed an increase and symptoms that research shows indicate there is a problem.. we are seeking professional inspection and guidance to establish the scope of it and hopefully catching it at the earlier side in order to hopefully deal with the issue easier than after a total failure. The symptoms include 1- the interior upper section horizontal lag bolts that hold the camper walls to the frame all had come loose completely. There were four on one side and five on the other. 2- the underside curved fillon panel by the pin box is ripple and curved, and shows movement 3- the left and right sides of the camper towards the front are becoming out of square with the rest of the camper and the seals around the doors are showing larger gaps and looking more out of square 4- interior doors and exterior doors of the camper are all experiencing difficulty latching and are becoming out of square to the original structure 5- there is a changing of the distance, measurements both in height, and in relation to the lower frame members from the pin box where the camper tows from. And what appears to be some twisting out of square. 6- front panel door is buckling in the center and will no longer close geometry of the opening has been compromised It is clear that we are experiencing frame structural failure between the area where the camper toast from in relation to the main frame of the camper
NHTSA complaint #11680513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Livingston, TX
SUSPENSION
I am experiencing symptoms, consistent with excessive frame movement and structural failure in my 42 foot fifth wheel toy hauler RV. We have been monitoring this for the time we have owned it just over six weeks and have noticed an increase and symptoms that research shows indicate there is a problem.. we are seeking professional inspection and guidance to establish the scope of it and hopefully catching it at the earlier side in order to hopefully deal with the issue easier than after a total failure. The symptoms include 1- the interior upper section horizontal lag bolts that hold the camper walls to the frame all had come loose completely. There were four on one side and five on the other. 2- the underside curved fillon panel by the pin box is ripple and curved, and shows movement 3- the left and right sides of the camper towards the front are becoming out of square with the rest of the camper and the seals around the doors are showing larger gaps and looking more out of square 4- interior doors and exterior doors of the camper are all experiencing difficulty latching and are becoming out of square to the original structure 5- there is a changing of the distance, measurements both in height, and in relation to the lower frame members from the pin box where the camper tows from. And what appears to be some twisting out of square. 6- front panel door is buckling in the center and will no longer close geometry of the opening has been compromised It is clear that we are experiencing frame structural failure between the area where the camper toast from in relation to the main frame of the camper
NHTSA complaint #11680513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.