138 of the
361 complaints filed about the Grand Design Momentum
are about the body and structure —
38% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
On a recent camping trip across the country, about half way we noticed that the door was not latching correctly, then we noticed fine powdery sawdust and bigger chunks of saw dust. We started to notice squeaking in [XXX] When we got to [XXX], a loud crunching noise was developing, starting out, stopping and turning. in [XXX] we noticed a lag bolt backed out of the frame and pushed trim off the wall. as we drove back home the crunching sound, squeaking got louder, and the camper started chucking. when we pulled into the campground in [XXX], and stopped the camper moved and crunched. we then drove 565 miles to home. trim had fallen off the walls, the cabinets would not open and the pin box was not sitting on the entire fifth wheel hitch. I followed Grand Designs technical service bulletin to check frame flex. I found two cracked welds on frame gussets. i took measurements at all the points listed and they were all out of spec. the worst is the pin box movement. it went up 2" before the camper moved. in the video, you can see it moving independently from the nose of the camper. the distance from the pin box to nose decreased by 1 1/8" the frame is flexing and raising up into the camper. this explains why I was having difficulties getting the hitch to release, the king pin was binding in the jaws of the hitch because of the excessive pitch of the pin box. when jacking up the camper and raising it 1/2" off the floor on the passenger side, the landing gear on the driver side was still touching the floor. the camper crunched, popped and cracked as I was raising it, as I lowered it the noises were louder and lasted after the weight was off of the pin box. inside the camper the noise was louder than outside, the floors crack and pop when walked on in the bedroom and bathroom, and the cabinets rubbed the walls 3/4" the frame in the basement has visible signs of metal sliding as much as 1/2". the vehicle is not safe to tow. I cannot find anyone willing to look at it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11757558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On a recent camping trip across the country, about half way we noticed that the door was not latching correctly, then we noticed fine powdery sawdust and bigger chunks of saw dust. We started to notice squeaking in [XXX] When we got to [XXX], a loud crunching noise was developing, starting out, stopping and turning. in [XXX] we noticed a lag bolt backed out of the frame and pushed trim off the wall. as we drove back home the crunching sound, squeaking got louder, and the camper started chucking. when we pulled into the campground in [XXX], and stopped the camper moved and crunched. we then drove 565 miles to home. trim had fallen off the walls, the cabinets would not open and the pin box was not sitting on the entire fifth wheel hitch. I followed Grand Designs technical service bulletin to check frame flex. I found two cracked welds on frame gussets. i took measurements at all the points listed and they were all out of spec. the worst is the pin box movement. it went up 2" before the camper moved. in the video, you can see it moving independently from the nose of the camper. the distance from the pin box to nose decreased by 1 1/8" the frame is flexing and raising up into the camper. this explains why I was having difficulties getting the hitch to release, the king pin was binding in the jaws of the hitch because of the excessive pitch of the pin box. when jacking up the camper and raising it 1/2" off the floor on the passenger side, the landing gear on the driver side was still touching the floor. the camper crunched, popped and cracked as I was raising it, as I lowered it the noises were louder and lasted after the weight was off of the pin box. inside the camper the noise was louder than outside, the floors crack and pop when walked on in the bedroom and bathroom, and the cabinets rubbed the walls 3/4" the frame in the basement has visible signs of metal sliding as much as 1/2". the vehicle is not safe to tow. I cannot find anyone willing to look at it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11757558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023. We also have had the rig in for repairs for broken leaf spring supports and now they’ve done some welding on our frame because of frame flex issues.
NHTSA complaint #11756477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that there was an excessive frame flex in the body of the RV. The contact stated that the walls were separating, and the doors were opening unintendedly while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the lag bolts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11752065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
I'm submitting this report on our RV because we are discovering we very likely have an issue with the frame which is causing over flexing when it is being towed. This has caused damage inside the RV where the trim and cabinetry are damaging the walls due to more movement than should be occurring. We have notified the manufacturer, Grand Design, for guidance as we've read this could be caused by broken welds in the frame. They requested we send them photos which we have but are still waiting for information back from them. At this point we are concerned that the RV may not be safe to use until we can discuss in more detail the issues we are having and how they can't be fixed if possible. We are aware this is a known issue with this particular model RV. We were told about a TSB that suggested we check to see if the bolts were loose in the front of the unit where the wall and frame meet. We did this and they were loose so we had them replaced with the suggested larger size bolts listed in the TSB. After this was done we monitored the walls to see if we were still getting movement on the walls based on marks we made after the bolt were replaced and unfortunately we still did. Our understanding is the whole front panel of the RV has to be removed so the welds can be inspected and determined if any are broken or compromised and then determine if they can be repaired. Before doing this we want Grand Design to send us information on what to look for. Unfortunately our RV is over the 5 year extended frame warranty they provided so we don't think they will cover the costs although I think there should be compensation if it is determined the frame they used in manufacturing this RV was not strong enough to handle the weight.
NHTSA complaint #11745588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
On the driver side of the 2018 Momentum Toy Hauler cracked in two locations above the center leaf spring holder. This issue occurred on May 1, 2025. While pulling out of a shop after having the leaf spring holders replaced the axle traveled through a small depression on the ground causing the frame to flex and make a loud enough sound to be heard in the truck pulling the camper. While investigating the situation it was discovered that the frame cracked at the weld points of the gusset bracket that was attached to the frame. The owner of Hawkeye Diesel Repair and two mechanics were on-site during the issue. [XXX] , the mechanics, and the owner of the RV inspected the frame as soon as the sound happened. It was discovered that the new leaf spring holders were firmly connected to the frame but the frame had cracked. The RV has been parked at in their parking lot since. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Recreational Trailer. The contact stated that while the trailer was parked, an inspection of the trailer revealed that the front passenger-side door was inoperable and failed to properly open and close. The contact also noticed sawdust present in the bedroom area of the trailer. Additionally, the generator compartment was inoperable and failed to lock properly. The contact received a recall notification from the manufacturer related to the trailer. The trailer was taken to the dealer; however, the trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the trailer needed to be inspected, and photographs of the failure were sent to a specialist for further evaluation. The contact later stated that the dealer advised that the inspection had been canceled after the photographs were submitted. The trailer was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
NHTSA complaint #11737122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Momentum 5th wheel is experiencing frame flex and wall separation . This condition is causing damage to the interior side wall adjacent to cabinets in the bedroom wall. Frame and or wall assembly is excessively moving in transport and during hooking and unhooking from the unit. Unit will be inspected in the near future by a Grand Design authorized service agents. The condition is further degrading the safety of the unit with each use in transit.
NHTSA complaint #11731307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Momentum. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entry side doors unexpectedly opened. Additionally, the slides of the trailer occasionally unexpectedly extend without operator input. The contact stated that the front frame of the RV was cracked. The RV was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with structural failure of the front frame. The contact was not informed whether the frame could be repaired or needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Component Failures: Frame outriggers failed twice with broken welds and severe bending. Front bedroom emergency exit window detached during highway travel 1/20/26, struck RV and adjacent vehicle before shattering. Main entry door repeatedly opens during travel since 7/25, worsening. Floor sagging in multiple locations. All available for inspection except missing window. Safety Risks: Window detachment created highway projectile, potential damaged third-party vehicle. Door opening risks items ejection. Frame failures risk collapse, rollover, or trailer separation. Floor deflection indicates compromised integrity. Continuous sawdust shows ongoing deterioration. Professional Confirmation: Yes. Lippert (authorized facility) repaired frame 11/25/25 (Work Order WO-00230680, Case 6354938): re-welded outriggers, I-beam heat treatment, cross member re-welding, jack reinforcement. Same components failed after only 3,400 miles with worse damage, proving systemic defect. Manufacturer Inspection: Lippert inspected/documented failures per WO-00230680. Owner expressed concerns about re-welding compromised components; technician assured repairs would hold. Assurances proved false. Grand Design notified concurrent with this complaint. Warning Symptoms: No electronic warnings. Physical symptoms from purchase (8/24): continuous sawdust at floor/wall junctions, slide trim detachment with violent popping (mid-25), door opening (7/25), roof seal separation (9/25), outrigger failures (11/25, 1/26), window detachment (1/20/26). Progressive deterioration indicates fundamental frame design/manufacturing defect. Conclusion: Recurring catastrophic failures, failed repairs, and window detachment demonstrate systemic defects posing immediate danger. Vehicle unsafe. Request investigation into manufacturing defects affecting this model.
NHTSA complaint #11712571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that upon purchasing the RV brand new, the dealer hitched the RV to the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD. The trailer brakes warning lights illuminated; however, the dealer advised the contact that the RV could be driven off the lot. The contact stated while pulling the RV in the mountains at 50 MPH, the trailer brakes became inoperable. The contact was able to slow down the RV by depressing the brake pedal of the truck as needed. Additionally, the contact had hired a third party inspector, who had inspected the RV before it was driven off the dealer's lot. The inspector had informed the contact that the RV was missing safety pins and locking mechanisms, and that the roof was damaged; however, the dealer advised the contact that the RV was safe to drive without the parts and the parts would be provided later. The contact stated that all the beds of the RV had detached, and the beds frames were flapping against the walls while in transit, causing damage to the beds frame and to the walls. The contact stated that the failure had caused the whole RV to shudder while driving 40-50 MPH, which required the contact to exit the highway a. The RV was taken to the nearby RV dealer. The dealer detached the beds and laid them flat on the floor. The RV was later taken to General RV Center(14000 Automall Dr, Huntley, IL 60142), where the roof was rebuilt; however, the contact requested a trade-in due to safety concerns. The dealer depreciated the RV and rolled the depreciation into the payment of the new RV that the contact had purchased. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the manufacturer put the blame onto the dealer and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 0.
NHTSA complaint #11707476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lag bolts that connect the frame to the wall are coming out/ or were never put in place. Wall is separating from the frame and can see to the outside from the inside. If we had not seen this these bolts could have come all the way out causing the wall the separate while driving. Unknown at this time if there is any frame damage. Grand Design 2022 Momentum 381m
NHTSA complaint #11705270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 3500 used to haul a 2022 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the interior bedroom cabinets shifted and were rubbing against the wall. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact pulled over and noticed that the 8-inch gap between the RV and the bed of the vehicle was no longer there and the RV was sitting on the bed of the vehicle. The contact stated that on another occasion, while parked, the contact became aware that the running lights were inoperable. The contact stated that on another occasion he observed that the bedroom baseboards were separating from the wall and there was a crack running along the side of the wall. The contact inspected the outside of the RV and noticed that the driver’s side wall was bulging and had a diagonal crack. The RV was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was frame damage due to poor design. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11704492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.