26 of the
244 complaints filed about the Grand Design Solitude
are about the braking system —
11% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2023.
The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and depressing the brake pedal to stop, the RV pushed up against the rear of the pickup truck. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who discovered that the RV brake shoes had crumbled and failed. The contact was advised that the brake shoes and braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local engineering firm and the braking system was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 9,300.
NHTSA complaint #11700263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and depressing the brake pedal to stop, the RV pushed up against the rear of the pickup truck. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who discovered that the RV brake shoes had crumbled and failed. The contact was advised that the brake shoes and braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local engineering firm and the braking system was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 9,300.
NHTSA complaint #11700263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Grand Design Solitude. The contact stated that while pulling into a campground she was informed to check the tires. The RV was taken to a tire center where it was discovered that the brakes had crumbled and there was a spring inside. Additionally, the equalizer was cracked. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH on the highway, a wheel on the RV detached. The RV was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the axle was cracked. The local dealer was contacted several times. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 10,080.
NHTSA complaint #11682444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Complaint Against Grand Design RV – Urgent Safety Concerns In our 2024 Grand Design Solitude 380FL, we have experienced two fires, a brake explosion, severe flooding, and multiple structural failures. These critical safety defects put us and others at serious risk. The attached document details: •Brake explosion and fire on a California highway (August 2024) – A mechanic confirmed we were seconds from losing wheels and the axle. •Refrigerator fire (January 2025) – Melted components and destroyed food. •Flooding from failed slide seal – Caused structural damage. •Entry door failure – Preventing safe exit. Multiple dealers and independent mechanics confirmed these defects, yet Grand Design refused repairs. We have filed complaints with the BBB, Missouri Attorney General, and FTC. Cases are open. Please review the attached document for full details. We urge an NHTSA investigation before more owners are put at risk.
NHTSA complaint #11648214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trailer is not manufactured in compliance of FCR Title 49 393.70 a,b,(ii), California Code of Regulations Title 13 and Cal.Vehicle Code. Coupling devices and towing methods, as it is a known fact that 5th wheel hitches are breaking frames. Hitch will flex vertically 1 to 3 inches when towing. If towing truck has USDOT and/or California BIT numbers on side of truck the trailer is bound to Federal and State Motor Carrier Laws as trailer is part of combination. Hitch weight is overweight by 106 lbs empty, see attached weight sheets and product sheet. Grand Design main sales phone number confirmed Max Hitch Weight is correct on sales brochure. We cannot legally install generator or washer dryer in front compartments as trailer will be at least 500lbs overweight on hitch. During trips, front cargo door and rear cargo doors have come unlatched. When trailer was purchased, brakes were not operating properly, called dealer, the brakes are self adjusting and will get better. I knew better and fixed myself, Dexter reimbursed me for parts. Trailer will go to Grand Design Dealer for repairs to hitch and upper deck failure in February 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11634014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our brakes have not worked right since purchasing this unit in June 23, when we took our Solitude for inspection in March 24 the brakes need replaced, they were so bad with less than 3000 miles(1000 from transport, 2000 from us) on it, we did not take this in earlier due to our dealership closing so we were unable to get warranty work done on it. My husband has changed the control number to 5, 6,7,8,9,10 and the trailer never stops moving we did this test 7/19/24 before taking out to grand design. we asked if they could replace the brakes to 8k, was told no. I just found out this issue is a concern and to report it.
NHTSA complaint #11607262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. **Immediate Call to Halt ABS Brake System Use:** - My recent experience on an 8-mile grade, where the newly installed ABS module and two new axles and brakes failed catastrophically, has left me with no choice but to demand an immediate cessation of the use of these ABS brake systems in your RVs. Despite being in low gear, my truck's brakes overheated to the point of failure, rendering them unable to slow the RV. This terrifying event could have ended in tragedy were it not for the runaway truck lane. After over a decade 1. **Background of the Issue:** - **Severe Brake Failure:** After only 1,900 miles of usage, then again 100 miles into total replacement and again after 700 miles after the next total replacement of axles, brakes, and ABS unit. I faced a critical safety issue several times as have many other Grand Design ABS brake newer model owners - the complete disintegration of all four brakes. The danger was alarmingly signaled by O2 alarms during stops on the first time of the several catastrophic failures, revealing a life-threatening flaw that placed my entire family in peril. 2. **Systemic Failures and Inadequate Response:** - **Widespread Safety Concerns:** This issue is not unique to my vehicle. Numerous owners of the 2021-2022 and 2023 models have experienced similar catastrophic brake failures, signaling a systemic flaw in Grand Design's production. Grand Design allegedly denies that any other owners have had an issue. Hundreds have posted their own similar brake failures with the several RV brands carrying the ABS module, and dozens of Grand Design owners have now done the same. There is lives at risk daily as the weather warms up and families in NEW RV's travel.
NHTSA complaint #11574061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
All four brakes burned up and failed. The landing gear fell out of the assemblies. The brakes were metal on metal and heated up so much the turned the drums red. This fifth wheel is only 6 months old and has had numerous problems not limited to the brakes and landing gear.
NHTSA complaint #11533436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BOUGHT NEW, AFTER 6 MONTHS OF USE THE BRAKES FAILED. THE LIPPERT AXLES ON THE COACH HAD FAILURE ON THE SEALS AND COATED THE BRAKES WITH GREASE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ON A 16,000 TRAILER WITH NO BRAKES. LIPPERT KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON ALL OF THE TRAILERS WITH THEIR AXLES. MOST OF THE GRAND DESIGN COACHES ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11071988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MINE IS A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER. IT HAD 7K LB LIPPERT AXLES FROM THE FACTORY. ALL FOUR INSIDE SEALS LEAKED AND GOT GREASE ON THE BRAKE DRUMS AND SHOES. THE TRAILER BRAKES DIDN'T WORK FROM THE FIRST DAY I GOT THE TRAILER. I ENDED UP CHANGING OUT THE AXLES WITH DEXTER 8K LB AXLES WITH NEVER LUBE BEARINGS SO I WOULD NEVER HAVE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN. I FOUND OUT LIPPERT WAS REIMBURSING FOR THIS REPAIR. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO QUALIFY?
NHTSA complaint #11067135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OVER SERVICED WHEEL BEARING HUBS AT FACTORY BY LCI CAUSED FAILURE OF REAR BEARING GREASE SEALS ON ALL 4 WHEELS CONTAMINATING BRAKE PADS RENDERING BRAKING INEFFECTIVE WHEN IN MOTION MAKING IT UNABLE TO STOP QUICKLY IN AN EMERGENCY.
NHTSA complaint #11011343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
JUST PICKED UP A BRAND NEW 2018 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE 310GK 5TH WHEEL TRAILER AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK VERY WELL. TOWED THE UNIT HOME 400 MILES AND DECIDED TO CONTACT LIPPERT, THE MANUFACTURER OF THE AXLES AND BRAKES. I WAS GIVEN A CLAIM NUMBER TO INSPECT THE BRAKES. DUE TO OWNING A TIRE REPAIR SHOP, I WAS ALLOWED TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION MYSELF. WHAT I FOUND WAS NO ISSUE ON THE TWO HUBS AND BRAKES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE UNIT, BRAKES CONTAMINATED WITH GREASE ON THE TWO RIGHT HAND HUBS. GREASE WAS ON THE MAGNETS, INSIDE OF THE DRUM BRAKING SURFACES AND MAGNET SURFACE. LIPPERT AGREED TO SEND ME 2 NEW BACKING PLATES WITH BRAKES, AND TWO NEW GREASE SEALS, PLUS PAY TWO HOURS OF LABOR. ALL OF THIS IS GREAT, BUT IF I HAD BEEN IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11001834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2017 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE 310GK. UPON REVIEWING THE GRAND DESIGN OWNER'S FORUM, NUMEROUS PEOPLE REPORTED THEIR BRAKES BEING COVERED IN GREASE FROM THE LEAKING SEALS. 75% OF OWNERS POLLED IN THE FORUM REPORTED THEIR BRAKES ARE FAULTY. WE HAD OUR RV DEALER PULL THE DRUMS AND THEY REPORTED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKES ARE FAULTY AND COVERED IN GREASE. WE'RE NOW WAITING FOR THE REPAIR PARTS TO ARRIVE FROM GRAND DESIGN AND LIPPERT MFG. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO LEAVE ON A CANADIAN ROCKIES TRIP LAST WEEK. IT'S A GOOD THING WE HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM RESULTING IN INJURY OR EVEN A FATALITY SHOULD THE BRAKES FAIL. THIS IS A 12,000 LB. 5TH WHEEL. IT'S EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING THE GD AND LIPPERT KNOW THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM IN THE LAST 3 OR MORE YEARS. I AM ONE DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER!
NHTSA complaint #10991920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OUR GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE 310GK WAS MANUFACTURED IN SEP 2016. THE LCI/LIPPERT AXLES LEAKED GREASE OUT THE BACKSIDE PAST THE LIP SEAL AND GOT ALL OVER THE BRAKES AND MAGNET. NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LIP SEAL. SUSPECTED CAUSE IS OVERFILLING WITH GREASE DURING MANUFACTURING. IF YOU HAVE A GRAND DESIGN ANY MODEL MADE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS YOU BETTER PULL YOUR BRAKE DRUMS AND INSPECT. HAVE LOTS OF SHOP TOWELS...IT MAY BE A MESS. LUCKILY I WASN'T COMING DOWN SOME MOUNTAIN WITH GREASE ALL OVER MY BRAKES, SOMEBODY MAY HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10990759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PURCHASED NEW IN 2015. FOLLOWING 4000 TO 5000 MILES OF TRAVEL, I EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE ON TWO OF THE FOUR WHEELS ON THIS FIFTHWHEEL RV TRAILER. WENT TO MECHANIC AND REVEALED ALL FOUR SETS OF BRAKES SATURATED WITH GREASE FROM FAILED WHEEL BEARING GREASE SEALS. TWO OF THE BRAKE MAGNETS WOULD NOT FUNCTION DUE TO A HEAVY LAYER OF GREASE. THIS IS ALL FACTORY INSTALLED PARTS THAT WERE NOT DUE FOR SERVICE FOR ANOTHER 6000+ MILES. THIS TRAILER WEIGHS 15000 POUNDS. I WAS FORTUNATE TO CATCH THE PROBLEM BEFORE DESCENDING A STEEP GRADE WHERE DISASTER WAS SURELY WAITING.
NHTSA complaint #10955441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THIS 5TH WHEEL RV NEW IN APRIL OF 2016. I HAVE TOWED IT APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES. I FIGURE THAT BETWEEN DELIVERY FROM THE FACTORY TO THE DEALER IN RAYNHAM, MA AND MY PERSONAL USE THAT THERE IS ABOUT 1700 TOTAL MILES ON THIS RV. I HAVE BEEN MONITORING THE GRAND DESIGN OWNERS FORUM AND FREQUENTLY AN ISSUE WAS DISCUSSED ABOUT GREASE APPEARING ON THE BRAKE SHOES. BEING I OWN ONE, I DECIDED TO INSPECT THIS AREA TO SEE IF GREASE WAS GETTING ON MY BRAKES. I FOUND THAT THE GREASE FROM THE WHEEL BEARINGS WAS GETTING THROUGH THE REAR SEAL AND HAD STARTED SPREADING THROUGHOUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM. GREASE ON THE BRAKES OF A 15,000 LB TOWED VEHICLE WILL HINDER THE ABILITY STOPPING, PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN OR EMERGENCY CONDITION. THE COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURES THE AXEL AND ASSEMBLES THE COMPONENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GREASE AND BRAKES ARE LIPPERT. WHEN I CONTACTED THE DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE RV FROM THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THAT GRAND DESIGN, RV MANUFACTURER ALONG WITH LIPPERT WERE VERY WILLING TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THE REAL ISSUE I FEEL IS THAT IF THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM, AND THE COMPANY IS WILLING TO FIX IT, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THAT OWNERS RV'S WITH THE LIPPERT AXEL SYSTEM MAY NOT KNOW THERE IS A PENDING PROBLEM IF THEY DON'T HAVE FORUM ACCESS OR HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED BY THE RV MANUFACTURER OF THIS PROBLEM. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO "ENCOURAGE" THE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE A SINCERE RECALL NOTIFICATION SO THERE DOES NOT HAVE TO HAVE A DEATH OR LAWSUIT INVOLVED. I WAS NOT OTHERWISE INJURED BY THIS CONDITION, JUST INCONVENIENCED.
NHTSA complaint #10949530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.