84 of the
254 complaints filed about the Grand Design Solitude
are about the body and structure —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
The contact owns a 2016 Grand Design Recreational Solitude RV. The contact stated that while the RV was parked, the side skirts separated from the wall. The contact also stated that the wall separated from the camper and that the rear of the RV moved from side to side independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with excessive frame flex, with the body moving approximately 3/8 inch from side to side. The contact was also informed that the RV frame was severely cracked and that the weld points were damaged. The contact was informed that the RV frame needed to be replaced and that reinforced welding was needed. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via email and telephone.
NHTSA complaint #11762855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On January 18, 2026, while towing my 2022 Grand Design Solitude 310GK near Bouse, Arizona, I discovered a serious problem and pulled off the road. The rear axle had become detached/displaced. At the time, I did not know exactly what had occurred or what caused the axle event. The RV was subsequently delivered to a repair facility on March 27, 2026. During the repair process, significant structural/frame damage was progressively discovered, including cracking in the spring-hanger/frame area. The repair facility documented that the damage was more extensive than initially believed and performed structural repairs that included additional steel and plating. My insurance company approved $23,615.83 in total repair costs, with a net repair cost of $23,365.83 after the $250 deductible; not all of that amount was frame-related. During this process, Grand Design referred me to Lippert regarding frame repair information. I subsequently received a Lippert frame repair procedure addressing inspection and repair of frame cracking. Grand Design has advised that my RV is not within the date range of the related program. I have asked Grand Design and Lippert to review the documented structural repairs and determine whether they are consistent with Lippert's frame repair procedure and whether the RV is structurally safe for highway use. I have specifically stated that I am not asking them to determine the cause of the January incident or certify the repair facility's workmanship. I am seeking a competent engineering determination concerning the structural/frame condition and repairs. I am reporting this to NHTSA because failure or cracking of the frame/suspension attachment structure on a large towable RV could create a serious highway safety risk. The cause of the January axle event and when the frame cracking developed are UNKNOWN. The cracking was discovered progressively during subsequent repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11762244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame and structural integrity/towable RV. 7/15/2024 — First Warranty Repair (Frame): Blue Compass found broken seal-plate welds on the frame; welds repaired, bolts replaced. 30 ft of roof membrane, which had pulled loose and "ballooned" in transit, was fully replaced. 6/2026 — Recurrence: Roof membrane pulled loose again during travel. Mobile tech (Mike's RV Repair, GA) performed a temporary repair ($668.60, GD-reimbursed), initially noting "frame flex" based on owner's account of 2024 history, later revised to "possible frame flex" absent independent diagnosis. 6/19–21/2026 — Follow-up Repair: GD/dealer deemed mobile-tech photos insufficient. Blue Compass Charleston reopened the repair, found membrane improperly tucked under the front cap, corrected and resealed it. Cost: $1,375.08. 7/23–8/8/2026 — Inspection, No Cause Found: Blue Compass Prescott Valley performed a free inspection; air test found no leak source. At pickup, service writer and tech visually compared the unit to a new one on the lot and confirmed filon flex/loose pin-box fit, expressing concern, but had no authority to independently request Grand Design SRT involvement. 8/10/2026–Present: Owner escalated to Grand Design; new case #01085558 opened for frame flex. GD committed to 24–48-hr follow-up; deadline passed with no contact. Additional structural symptoms since observed: lag bolts replaced in 2024 frame repair are missing, backed out or loose, detached service bay shell, separated closet panel with exposed insulation, misaligned closet doors/wall gaps, screws backing out throughout the basement — suggesting a broader chassis/structural issue beyond the roof. Documentation available: repair invoices, photos/video, mobile tech invoice, receipts, full GD case history. Have an appointment on 9/4/26 for dealer to do a frame inspection that Grand Design and Lippert are requiring to be done before considering any support with repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11761463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
*I believe the frame to my Grand Design RV is broken/failing again and is available for inspection. *If the frame fails and breaks it will come detached from the tow vehicle possibly injuring or worse killing people. *The problem is visible to see as there is at least one broken weld and lag bolts/screws backing out that no longer hold the frame to the wall structure. *The vehicle was previously inspected by an insurance agent, dealership, and multiple Grand Design SRTs-mobile technicians when it failed before previous repairs. *There was sealant that was failing again so when I started to remove it to replaced, it I noticed some broken screw heads so I dug farther into it and found the broken weld and lag bolts loose/stripped. This was noticed during a routine sealant inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11760636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Documented Symptoms consistent with the conditions described in Grand Design TSB 24-001 1. Dynamic Sidewall Separation – Driver and Passenger Sides The upper-deck sidewall area displays visible movement under load. When the trailer is connected to the truck via the pin box, the exterior trim and sidewall gap noticeably widens. When the trailer is leveled on its landing gear, the separation compresses and partially closes. Additional observations include: •Separation of exterior trim components •Cracked and widening caulk joints •Visible movement beneath both upper-deck slide-out openings These conditions were first observed following an approximately 300-mile round trip completed on August 6, 2026. 2. Front Driver-Side Slide-Out Binding and Incomplete Operation The front living room slide-out now binds within the opening and appears affected by structural distortion. Timeline: •July 24, 2026: Upon arrival at an RV resort, the slide-out stopped approximately halfway during deployment. Retracting and redeploying the room allowed it to complete its cycle. •August 6, 2026: After returning home, unhitching, and leveling the coach, the slide-out again became firmly wedged during extension. It required assistance to retract and return to the closed position. Because of the excessive binding force encountered, I have not attempted to operate the slide again. 3. Front Passenger-Side Flooring Distortion The vinyl flooring adjacent to the upper-deck slide-out area is lifting, rippling, and bubbling. This condition appears indicative of structural movement and subfloor shifting rather than a cosmetic flooring issue. 4. Sawdust Present in Cabinets The unit is available for inspection, appointment scheduled for 8/19/26. No one has inspected this unit at this time, no warning lights or other symptoms prior. The first discovery of failure was on 7/24/26. Due to the symptoms and consistent with the TSB, this unit poses a safety risk to myself, family and other motorists.
NHTSA complaint #11755264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beginning in 2024 our RV exhibited consistent structural movement & frame flex including: upper deck flex, front cap cracking, cracked moldings, sidewall movement, filon transition movement, screws pushing upward into floors, slides coming out during travel. Rv has unsuccessfully been repaired twice by Grand Design SRT & three times at Grand Design Factory. Independent RV service repair shop identified further damage caused by Grand Designs failed attempts at repair.
NHTSA complaint #11755032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Grand Design Recreational Solitude RV. The contact stated that there was extensive frame flex in the RV. The contact stated that the slide-outs rolled out while turning. The contact stated that there was an issue with the kingpin that related to the flex frame. The doors were out of alignment and there were screws popping up out of the floor. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The RV was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with cracks in the frame. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the RV was inspected, and no cracks were found. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11753457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A crack was found in the frame above the left rear suspension spring hanger for the rear (2nd) axle on my 2024 Grand Design Influence 3803GK 5th wheel RV. This is an ongoing issue with Grand Design and other towable RV Manufacturers, investigation number PE24029. The crack was found and inspected at a manufacturers rally by Service Representatives from Grand Design and Lippert in March of 2026. Lippert sent a mobile technician to our home to perform repairs on 5/26/26. The repair was to grind out the crack and weld, then weld a piece of 1" x 2" steel tubing over the crack vertically between the top and bottom webs. They also welded 1" x 2" tubing for cross braces between the spring hangers (side-to-side) at all three spring hanger locations.
NHTSA complaint #11750759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Grand Design Solitude Camper. The contact stated while while the camper was traveling, the side door independently unlatched and opened. In addition the contact stated while the camper was parked , the contact noticed that the midddle slider was detached about 10 inches. The camper was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated in the past the camper was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the slider needed to be reset. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11742119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame weld cracks. Wall support framing cracks. Damaged cargo doors from flexing frame. Slideout damage from frame support break which may or may not keep it locked in placed during travel. Has been returned to manufacturer twice. 2024, 2025. Same issues again in 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11737872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting a new safety complaint regarding my 2021 Grand Design Solitude 380FL, VIN [XXX] . On my first trip out this year (4/29/2026), while towing approximately 20 miles to a nearby campsite, the off-door-side cargo compartment door again opened during transit. As a direct result, a bucket containing my water hose, regulator, 90 degree fitting, etc were ejected from the compartment and onto the roadway at highway speed. This is a significant escalation of the safety issue previously reported. This is no longer limited to a door opening condition—this event resulted in unsecured cargo being discharged into a public roadway, creating a hazard to other motorists. This failure occurred despite extensive prior repair efforts, including: Four separate Service Response Team (SRT) visits Approximately 10 weeks at the Grand Design factory for structural and frame-related repairs Multiple inspections and repair attempts involving both Grand Design RV and Lippert Components The cargo door opening condition has persisted throughout this entire repair history and has not been resolved. This repeated failure following extensive repair attempts demonstrates that the manufacturer’s inspection and repair procedures have not corrected the defect. The condition remains present and continues to pose a clear safety risk to other motorists on public roadways. This event further supports that: The defect is ongoing and unresolved Prior repairs were ineffective The condition presents a real hazard to public roadways I respectfully request that this incident be included in the investigation record and considered as evidence of an unresolved safety defect with the potential to cause roadway incidents or crashes. I am available to provide photographs, video, or additional documentation related to this event. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11734913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a complaint regarding the frame manufactured by Lippert Components on my 2021 Grand Design Solitude 380FL (VIN [XXX] ). Lippert is the OEM supplier of the frame and has been directly involved in inspection and repair of ongoing structural failures. The unit has experienced repeated structural failures, including frame flex, broken welds, cracking of the main I-beam rails above both axles, torn steel upper sill plates and suspension failures. These issues began within the manufacturer’s warranty period and required extensive factory repairs from December 2024 to February 2025, including reinforcement of the upper deck, weld repairs, sill plate replacement, and added gussets. Despite these repairs, new failures developed shortly after. In September 2025, a Lippert technician (dispatched at Grand Design’s request) identified new frame cracks above both axles, a bent outrigger support, and repeated suspension failure. These were not pre-existing conditions but occurred after factory structural repairs. In December 2025, Lippert performed additional field repairs, including welding the cracked frame, adding fishplates, reinforcing outriggers, and installing cross-members. These repairs were performed under engineering direction, and Lippert confirmed no standard TSB applied to this condition. Despite multiple repair attempts, the unit continues to exhibit structural-related issues, including cargo doors opening during transit and recurring suspension failures. These conditions indicate ongoing and unsafe frame deflection and instability. Grand Design has now stated their repairs are done per a customer satisfaction campaign, and attributed responsibility for any ongoing frame issues to Lippert, and has abandoned any further assistance with cargo doors opening during transit. This represents a systemic structural defect affecting safety, including risk of debris or components entering roadways and loss of structural integrity during travel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
NHTSA complaint #11726338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS fifth wheel trailer. The trailer has been at the dealership for over nine months after structural frame cracks and weld separations were discovered during inspection. The cracks appear in structural frame components and welded areas supporting the chassis. This raises concerns about the integrity of the trailer frame during towing and braking. In addition to the frame defects, all four leaf springs in the suspension system have failed or lost structural integrity. This suspension failure presents a safety risk because it affects axle alignment, load support, and trailer stability while towing. The trailer manufacturer (Grand Design) and dealer have been notified, but the unit has remained out of service for an extended period while the manufacturer decides how to address the problem. Structural frame cracking combined with suspension failure represents a serious safety concern for a towable RV traveling at highway speeds. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated for potential defects affecting other trailers of this model or similar models.
NHTSA complaint #11723587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weak bedroom floor. Screws backing out of bedroom floor and poking through flooring. Front nose cap separating from body. Broken screws on front nose cap. Pin box flex. Buckled wall in bunk slide out room. Main living space floor is bowing down where it meets the walls causing main door mis-alignment and the stairs to cause marks on the flooring etc.
NHTSA complaint #11722877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that the rear wall between the rear bedroom and bathroom had excessive frame flex after the RV was moved. The RV was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear door was off track and needed to be adjusted, resulting in the wall bowing out. The RV was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11720944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While performing a factory recall on the RV, the mobile RV tech discovered underlying issues. He suggested that we get an in-depth evaluation. I contacted and dropped the RV at the shop for diagnosis. The shop discovered extensive frame damage (weld break) at the main beam connecting the pin box and also total frame break and separation on the upper deck floor support. There is substantial floor sagging above the outriggers extending from the living area through the back of the RV. The whole rear of the RV is sagging, causing wall cracking and slideout damage. The shop also measured a considerable deflection (pin box to front bottom frame) while performing the manufacturer's instructions for the measurements. The manufacturer has denied our claim and we are tasked with getting home to permanently park the RV. The manufacturer communicated with the shop regarding their finds and the denial, but has not contacted me in any way. All recalls/TSBs have been performed. The rear TSB has not fixed the rear frame sagging and the front TSB was not 100% completed by a dealer, in that several lag bolts were not replaced and none of them had adhesive applied. We have been fortunate that we have had no doors open while traveling. I composed a list of the items we found and submitted it with photos to the manufacturer. They said that the RV qualified for the "Customer Satisfaction Campaign" and that it should take ~1hr for a visual inspection. They only paid 0.10 hrs.
NHTSA complaint #11716264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was informed to reference this code PE24029. 2021 5th Wheel - Grand Design Solitude 310GK. Frame cracks and separation. June 2025, contact made with Grand Design and they approved for us to obtain a welder. We did. It did not correct the issue and we contacted Grand Design again. Our Unit has been in the repair shop since December10, 2025. Back and forth emails with Grand Design. Sides need to be taken off to get to frame issues and make a repair. Would love for representative from NHTSA to come and look at our unit. The lower portion has been dropped, and you will be able to view. It's currently, in Santa Fe Springs, CA.
NHTSA complaint #11716054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This report details a suspected major structural frame failure on my 2023 Grand Design Solitude 391DL. The issues, which are progressive and worsening, indicate a severe loss of structural integrity in the front gooseneck and upper deck area of the fifth wheel. Key observations and symptoms include: Interior Wall Deformation: Interior wall panels in the front bedroom are visibly buckling and warping under stress. Separation of Wall Panels: The rear wall panel inside the main bedroom closet has developed a significant gap and is separating, believed to be a direct result of excessive frame flex. Misalignment of Door Frames: The door frame for the front closet housing the washer and dryer has spread apart to the point where the door can no longer latch or close properly. This demonstrates a clear deformation of the coach's superstructure. Audible Structural Noise: The floor in the front bedroom section produces constant, loud creaking and groaning sounds when walking on it, consistent with a compromised frame and subfloor structure. Safety Concerns: The progressive nature of these failures raises significant safety concerns regarding the vehicle's roadworthiness. The loss of structural integrity in the gooseneck area could lead to a catastrophic failure while the vehicle is in motion, posing a severe risk of detachment, loss of control for the tow vehicle, and danger to other motorists. The integrity of critical components like the roof, slide-outs, and heavy appliances is also compromised. This issue appears to be consistent with a pattern of similar frame-related failures reported by other Grand Design owners, which are the subject of an ongoing class-action lawsuit. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this critical safety defect before it results in a major highway incident.
NHTSA complaint #11715259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of a gap in the corner of the RV overhang, in the transition to the vehicle upper deck down to the lower deck. The contact became aware of movement underneath the fiberglass. Additionally, the contact stated that the bedroom doors were stuck, but upon setting the RV down on the jack stands, the doors became functional. There were several cracks in the aluminum frame and in the welds. The contact had contacted a welder, who performed welding on the defective areas. The RV was taken to the dealer, who sent more pictures of the failure to the manufacturer. The dealer replaced the front aluminum frame and the pilon underneath the fiber glass; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact noticed that the bedroom flooring had become raised. The RV was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were more fractures in the beams underneath the bedroom, and that the fractures were extensive. The dealer forwarded a claim to the manufacturer with pictures of the failure; however, the claim was denied. The RV was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE24029 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side wall frame was flexing and cracking. In addition, the cargo doors independently unlatched due to the failure. The RV was taken to an independent shop, where it was diagnosed with fractured side walls. In addition, the contact was informed that the side walls had detached from the frame of the RV. The contact was informed that to repair the failure, metal tubing would be installed into the frame to strengthen the frame and secure the sidewall to the frame. The RV was not repaired because the manufacturer declined to cover the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to take the RV to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint #11705868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.