53 of the
361 complaints filed about the Grand Design Momentum
are about the suspension —
15% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
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.
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.
In early November 2025, while towing our 2024 Grand Design Momentum 344M M-Class fifth wheel toy hauler to a family Thanksgiving gathering, the rearmost driver-side leaf spring fractured and failed during travel. The trailer was towed by a 2024 Ram 3500 dually, properly rated for this unit, operated within all load ratings, and driven at normal cautious speeds at the time of failure. The failure rendered the trailer immobile and unsafe to move. It has remained in storage since the incident because the damaged suspension cannot support safe relocation. A leaf spring is a primary suspension component that is not customer-serviceable and not owner-maintained. The remaining leaf springs on the unit were inspected and are in good condition, indicating the failure was isolated to the defective spring rather than a result of abnormal use, overloading, or environmental exposure affecting the suspension system as a whole. This points to a manufacturing defect in the failed component. The trailer was purchased new from an authorized dealer (Blue Compass RV) in October 2024. The spring failed only weeks after the one-year factory warranty expired, at an extremely low service age for a primary structural suspension component. Safety concern: This failure happened at low speed, allowing a controlled stop without incident. Had it occurred at highway speed, likely consequences include sudden loss of trailer stability, axle and tire damage from the collapsed corner, trailer sway or jackknife, tire blowout, and potential loss of control of the tow vehicle. A loaded fifth wheel toy hauler of this size presents a severe hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists if suspension fails at speed. I am filing this report so NHTSA can track potential defect trends on Grand Design Momentum fifth wheels. Other owners of this model and model year may be at similar risk. Photographs, VIN, purchase documentation, and manufacturer correspondence available on request.
NHTSA complaint #11731685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER/BRACKET
In early November 2025, while towing our 2024 Grand Design Momentum 344M M-Class fifth wheel toy hauler to a family Thanksgiving gathering, the rearmost driver-side leaf spring fractured and failed during travel. The trailer was towed by a 2024 Ram 3500 dually, properly rated for this unit, operated within all load ratings, and driven at normal cautious speeds at the time of failure. The failure rendered the trailer immobile and unsafe to move. It has remained in storage since the incident because the damaged suspension cannot support safe relocation. A leaf spring is a primary suspension component that is not customer-serviceable and not owner-maintained. The remaining leaf springs on the unit were inspected and are in good condition, indicating the failure was isolated to the defective spring rather than a result of abnormal use, overloading, or environmental exposure affecting the suspension system as a whole. This points to a manufacturing defect in the failed component. The trailer was purchased new from an authorized dealer (Blue Compass RV) in October 2024. The spring failed only weeks after the one-year factory warranty expired, at an extremely low service age for a primary structural suspension component. Safety concern: This failure happened at low speed, allowing a controlled stop without incident. Had it occurred at highway speed, likely consequences include sudden loss of trailer stability, axle and tire damage from the collapsed corner, trailer sway or jackknife, tire blowout, and potential loss of control of the tow vehicle. A loaded fifth wheel toy hauler of this size presents a severe hazard to occupants and surrounding motorists if suspension fails at speed. I am filing this report so NHTSA can track potential defect trends on Grand Design Momentum fifth wheels. Other owners of this model and model year may be at similar risk. Photographs, VIN, purchase documentation, and manufacturer correspondence available on request.
NHTSA complaint #11731685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while in the process of lubricating the wet bolts of the RV, the contact noticed that the rear-most bolts were missing, and the springs were rubbing against the frame. The mobile technician performed a temporary repair at the residence. The RV was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the spring brackets needed to be straightened and reinforced and needed to be welded inside the brackets. The wet bolts and axle U-bolts and attachments needed to be replaced, the passenger's side and driver's side rear-most tires needed to be replaced. The dealer filed a warranty claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied because the suspension was not covered under the frame warranty coverage. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:HANGER,BRACKET
The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that while in the process of lubricating the wet bolts of the RV, the contact noticed that the rear-most bolts were missing, and the springs were rubbing against the frame. The mobile technician performed a temporary repair at the residence. The RV was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed. The dealer determined that the spring brackets needed to be straightened and reinforced and needed to be welded inside the brackets. The wet bolts and axle U-bolts and attachments needed to be replaced, the passenger's side and driver's side rear-most tires needed to be replaced. The dealer filed a warranty claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was denied because the suspension was not covered under the frame warranty coverage. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11696640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
The front left slide stopped working 3 weeks ago. Something appeared to be wrong with the wall but I was not sure. Yesterday I noticed the front left portion of the frame was flexing a significant amount. I started inspecting the frame and I am seeing broken welds
NHTSA complaint #11679251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA – Complaint filed 7/24/25 ODI #11675985 1.Pin box movement within the upper deck, sagging geometry. 2.Entry door opens during travel despite safety bar being engaged. 3.Entry door is difficult to close and does not stay secured even when locked while stationary. 4.Passenger-side main slide partially opens during travel. 5.Passenger-side main slide is separating from the camper; frame is damaged, floor plywood is exposed and deteriorating. 6.Suspension wet bolts cracked on all six tires due to excessive wear from frame flex; all replaced. 7.Exterior garage door (near front cap) bows outward, opens during travel, and is difficult to secure even after Grand Design’s previous replacement. 8.Master bedroom dresser is detaching from the wall; sides are collapsing. 9.Washer/dryer doors no longer align; they remain open during travel due to changed dimensions. 10.Multiple interior wall cracks. 11.Master bedroom floor is sagging and produces loud noises underfoot. 12.Nails protruding through walls throughout the camper. 13.Ceiling and wall trim detaching throughout the unit. 14.Loft near the main slide is separating from the wall.
NHTSA complaint #11676479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The issue with the frame having issues causing a safety concern and interior damages. When the frame over flexes it will stress other components, walls, trim, and cabinets.
NHTSA complaint #11667274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issues with: - original drum breaks failed due to incorrect wiring, requiring 100% assembly replacement. - front wall separation - trim and cabinets moving and separating from walls - missing and broken lag bolts - front weather stripping separated from front cap - excessive sawdust under cabinets after any travel - wallpaper wear showing excessive movement of front bed overhead cabinets during travel - floor joists separating from upper floor - slides opening during travel - leaf spring hangers bending and twisting, and breaking off - spare tire mount failed during highway travel, and spare tire fell off on highway - contacted manufacturer to report in 2024 and they indicated we should self-replace the missing and damaged lag bolts with larger 1/2 inch ones. This was done, and they continue to back out on every trip whether 5 miles or 500 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11665612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We purchased our 2021 Grand Design 395M Momentum new in early 2021. Over the past year we noticed cabinets on the passenger side bedroom separating from there wood frames. We initially repaired the cabinets ourselves thinking it was just poor workmanship. This last trip from Houston to Myrtle Beach the cabinets again separated. Someone in the campground at Myrtle Beach informed us about the issue with Grand Design's frames. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the bottom of the cap had separated approximately 1" and when you lower the unit onto the 5th wheel hitch the pin box sinks an additional 1.5". It appeared sever enough that we were uncomfortable towing the unit back to Houston. We secured an enclosed trailer (at our expense) for our items and left the unit in storage (at our expense) until we could contact Grand Design. We contacted Grand Design and are scheduling our unit to be towed to a local Myrtle Beach dealer for repair. In my opinion if we would have attempted to tow the trailer it could have broken loose and collapsed on to our truck or broke free entirely. At a minimum I do believe a letter notifying owners of the issues is warranted and what repairs/changes are being made. It is only a matter of time before there is a catastrophic event with sever injury or death.
NHTSA complaint #11664720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am experiencing upper deck frame flex which our manufacturer has unsuccessfully attempted to repair twice (Nov 2021 and Oct 2024). The manufacturer refuses to accept responsibility for our safety concerns and has ceased all remaining repair attempts which was communicated to us through emails. This excessive flex causes my cargo doors to open while traveling, damage to the supporting frame structures (frame cracks throughout), and the attaching king pin that no longer supports the weight of our RV as evidenced by the 1 inch drop when hooking our RV up to the tow vehicle. Multiple repair attempts have been made by the manufacture at the manufacturer's facilities however, each attempt has failed and is simply weakening the already weakened frame. The manufacturer has extended the warranty to its consumer base however, my contention is this is merely "optics" given their refusal to apply a "permanent" fix to our RV that IS currently under their extended warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11641945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After a trip we noticed that when we had the rv connected to the truck, the front closet would not close. There was also cracking on the nose cover of the rv. We (my wife and I) had a problem with the cargo doors and entry doors coming open on other trips and lost stuff on the highway so we talked to the rv dealer to get a frame inspection. what was found was that the frame was broke in a few places and the door side wall of the camper was not attached. We have also had the rear spring hanger break the year before while driving almost pulling me out of the lane I was traveling in. The camper is sitting at the dealers now because it cannot be towed, and the dealer will not weld the frame due to liability. missing and broken bolts in the frame and body were also discovered.
NHTSA complaint #11641264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were driving through a mountain range and the trailer brakes went out on Trailer. Had to us exhaust brake to slow trailer down and stop. We could have crashed putting my family of 4 at high risk as well as others on the road. This was an extremely scary trip with no trailer braking. Our inverter and battery switch caught fire during a camping trip 8/12/24. My family was put in harm's way with the possibility of the trailer going up in flames! Called Grand Design. They immediately made a ticket for a technician to come replace inverter and other wiring. Grand Design told us we were NOT to use our trailer until all fixed. Grand Design flew a technician out 8/20/24 to replace inverter. Technician held up the inverter to us, it was melted. He said this was completely Grand Design's fault. Also was told by technician to take trailer in for frame flex issues as well from recall by Grand Design. The frame flex was real. We had issues with our slides as well as the body looking crooked on the frame. The RV service center Grand Design sent us to found that there were ZERO lag bolts installed holding the body on the frame. The front corner of trailer was leaking due to the roof failing. Grand Design called for replacement of all cabinetry in front area as well as replace entire roof. This frame flex could have had detrimental outcomes due to the frame not being bolted down. All components that failed have been fixed by a certified rv service center. We have not used the trailer as we picked it up one week ago. We are nervous to use the trailer with all the issues we had. There was no warning to any of these failures.
NHTSA complaint #11639169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roof Membrane separating from nose cap, nose cap separating from roof membrane. 5th wheel pin box sinking up into rv upper deck when lowering onto the truck. Cargo and main doors open during transport. Sawdust on dresser in nose of the RV. Lag Screws unscrewing and/or loose in the upper deck. Stress fractures in fiberglass on the cap of RV. Pinch molding coming loose from underside of 5th Wheel skin. Screws backing out and/or breaking underneath the upper deck nose cap. Insulation underneath the front of the RV is falling off. Back Patio bubbling. Rear axle leaf springs bolt and bushings coming out during transport. Screws on top of the upper deck by rain gutters keep coming loose.
NHTSA complaint #11634643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There are several things starting off with frame flexing issue causing numerous of parts to fail and move out of place. The manufacturer did a repair of this and my confidence in it being repaired correctly is very low. I do not feel safe towing this RV anywhere. Second, the broken leaf spring on the front axle. This could have caused the vehicle to lose control and cause a serious accident. It has been repaired. We have had the entry doors come open on us during towing. Nothing was lost from this. Lastly, the master bedroom slide has come out about 3 inches during travel. They repaired the inside bottom brace at the service center.
NHTSA complaint #11634579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Multiple systems failed on this unit. Trailer Brake failure—The rear trailer brake wires were discovered to be severed inside the wheel drum from the factory. For the first year of use they were inoperable. This was suspected and confirmed with a thermal camera. The tow vehicle also alarmed “Check trailer brakes” while driving. A dealer inspected them and found the wires severed. This was repaired. Suspension failure—the rear driver side leaf spring broke on a paved highway 9 months after purchase. Pulled over immediately to inspect the issue and repair it. On 2 other separate occasions, we found broken wet bolts (after the unit was sitting in one place, unmoved for weeks). Also a cracked equalizer was replaced under warranty within the first year. The front passenger side leafspring also broke on an empty unit. Frame Failure & opening baggage compartment doors, slide out backing out in transit—symptoms of excessive upperdeck flex and frame failure began immediately upon purchase. Baggage compartment doors frequently open in transit. This has been a significant safety risk to the operator as well as other drivers. On more than one occasion the doors open in dense traffic in the middle of a city with nowhere to safely pull over. None of the contents of the compartment has fallen out to our knowledge, but could very easily fall out since none of the doors can be adequately secured. One door was replaced, but the issue not resolved. Upon further inspection, there were severely broken welds in the frame of the unit. The unit has sustained over 22 hours of welding on it to repair and reinforce the damaged frame. However, this has been repaired a total of 3 separate times. There is no guarantee that the repairs will hold moving forward. Also a result of the broken frame, the slide out began backing out in transport. Before leaving, the slide out was fully retracted and measured. Upon arrival the slide would be backed out 0.5-1” from the pre-departure measuremen
NHTSA complaint #11631546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.