51 of the
244 complaints filed about the Grand Design Solitude
are about the other systems —
21% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
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.
Frame flex from broken welds on the pin box to the frame. It’s a very wide know thing across many GD models that used this same frame / pin box. I have pictures showing the angle of the pin box once weights applied, it’s a safety issue and there’s tons of people online having the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11735384 — 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.
• Cracks in the Pin Box: A reputable RV dealer/shop has identified significant cracks in the pin box, indicating a serious structural compromise. • Slide-out failures: The GIBs on the slide-outs have broken, causing them to extend while the RV is in transport on highways. • Cargo door malfunctions: Cargo doors are repeatedly popping open during highway travel. • Main entry door instability: The front door and screen are not operating correctly, preventing proper closure and causing the door to open unexpectedly during transport. • Structural fastener failure: Screws and bolts are detaching from the unit during transport. • Front cap detachment: The front cap is popping open at the fifth-wheel hitch area and exhibiting significant sway during transport. These issues collectively indicate a severe underlying problem with the structural integrity and frame of the 2022 Grand Design Solitude, creating hazardous conditions for both the occupants and other road users. I urge NHTSA to investigate these defects thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and ensure consumer safety.
NHTSA complaint #11720189 — 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.
Current Symptoms (post-repair): Excessive Frame Flex: - Pin Box Flex, including cracking sounds - Bulge in bottom corner of front driver side slide - Decal ripples - Screws snapping - Door alignment issues - Sawdust on interior furniture after moving - Pinch molding issues - Screws backing out Repairs were made on the unit in Feb 2025, however the above symptoms are still present (or have worsened) since the repair was completed.
NHTSA complaint #11679272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame Flex & Water Intrusion - We first noticed movement back in August 2024. It seemed like the tongue was going to come through our back truck window where I sit to work with our 3 cats. The inside of the Solitude is a mess too with lights coming down from ceiling, doors are all scratch from rubbing while be transported, trim coming off, wall paper being torn apart, had lag bolts coming up through the floor, leakage in master bedroom, floor warping and more. We took it in to have it fixed in November 2024 to only get her back in late march of 2025. They had to weld and reinforce frame but would not admit to frame flex or provide me with an updated weight placard so it's like they don't want evidence on it. They had to replace the whole floor which meant they had to take off slides to get everything out and now she is back up there with severe water intrusions from slides and other things again. Moisture reader is reading in places between 30 to 48% but Grand Design is denying any water intrusion even thought they took slides out. They only respond after an email is sent. This is unacceptable and hope that one day we can get these RV manufacturers to follow same rules as a vehicle. Why are they all in IN - they have the most laxed laws governing recreational vehicles. Our lives are in danger while driving these RV's on US highways which means we are putting others in danger too. Why aren't they held to a higher standard...where is the safety in all of this. I have pictures all everything if needed for documentation. Thank you for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11674963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exsessive frame flex/failure, Structural and Mechanical Issues · Cracked and separating frame. · King pin alignment is visibly off when hitched, greatly reducing maneuverability. We can no longer safely jackknife the trailer. · Front cap is separating and leaking, allowing water intrusion into the RV – a serious concern for mold growth. · Closet wall separation. · Basement doors pulling away and separating. · Sagging kitchen floor causing a slide to become non-operational (required emergency assistance from a mobile RV technician). · Missing rollers under the kitchen slide. · Screws consistently fall out throughout both front and rear basement compartments. Main doors and cargo doors opening during travel
NHTSA complaint #11674127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The entry door came open while driving down the road. Both the standard lock and the dead bolt were locked. We had to stop at least 5 times during the travel day to close the door. After each stop we double checked the door to make sure that it was locked.
NHTSA complaint #11673208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My fifth wheel has extreme frame flex which caused compartment doors to come open while traveling sometimes allowing things to fall out while traveling. Having a screw driver falling out and hitting another car was a major concern. Grand Design has the camper to address the frame flex. I believe the frame flex was the cause as sometimes the latches wouldn't engage.
NHTSA complaint #11664760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our frame on our 2022 Grand Design Solitude S Class 3740BH has failed. While towing this RV 5th wheel trailer, we have observed signs of frame flex/failure and now it has been verified by RV tech Justin Douglas of TBD RV Repair out of Denver, IA 319-883-6030. Items to note: Our hitch inbox appears to rise and fall several inches during transport. The front cargo doors and side entrance door have opened during transport after being secured. Several pieces of moulding have “pulled” out from shifting along the front trim of the trailer. The afore mentioned left and right sidewalls appear to shift during transport resulting in pulled screws that support the bedroom floor connected to the sidewall. The roof membrane has separated at the front cap from shifting back and forth. We believe they’re maybe be structural damage to the roof and front chin cone as well under the membrane but we have yet to open the roof to protect the rest of the trailer from rain. Cabinetry in the front bedroom has shifted causing separation of the shelves. The thin staples keeping the particle board have fallen back into the front cone. We re-secured them so we could use the closet without items falling into unaccessible parts of the structure. The bedroom and master bath floor squeak and rise and fall (move) when walking on them The bedroom door has also gotten stuck closed after transport due to shifting. The right side leaf spring compensator (CRE device) was cracked from what was believed to be from lateral shifting and was replaced. No lamps or warning messages were applicable for this problem. The police have not been involved at this time nor any insurance as of yet. We feel that if these items are not immediately corrected by Grand Design, this may result in a safety risk on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11664587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issue Description: On multiple occasions during travel, cargo doors and the main entry door have opened while the vehicle is in motion. We have been fortunate to notice the doors flying open, allowing us to quickly stop before losing any cargo. Cargo Risk: These compartments carry cargo. When the door flies open, there is a significant risk of cargo flying out of the vehicle. This creates a hazard for oncoming motorists, either through airborne cargo or cargo on the roadway. Evidence of Problems: Missing sidewall screws in front storage. Loose sidewall screws. Bulging on the frame on both edges adjacent to the pin box. Poor alignment of cargo door and entry door. Kitchen slide is binding, preventing proper opening and closing Symptoms / concerns of excessive frame flex
NHTSA complaint #11658590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is an ongoing problem. I have had multiple frame related issues with this 5th wheel RV. The bedroom closet wall separated causing items to fall into the opening, A crack developed that eventually reached 9 " in length in the sidewall by the bedroom slide. Most of the frame gussets supporting the rear and sides of the RV BENT and or the welds cracked. The floor sloped down at the edges due to improper support, Multiple times the propane doors opened while towing, Screws keep unscrewing from around the front of the RV. small cracks in the frame. The main bracket that holds the slide wall to the RV cracked and needed emergency welding while on the road, if it broke completely off the slide would come out while towing! After numerous attempts at getting Grand Design to fix this unit, I had to spend thousands of dollars to prove it was road worthy to tow it from Arizona to Indiana to their service center. They finally agreed to repair it. After 3 weeks we got it back with everything fixed or so we thought, less then 500 miles later the crack in the sidewall came back. After reaching out to Grand Design again they agreed to repair it again, 3 weeks later it was repair. Now the Wall the they repaired is moving, obviously something broke again. From the looks of it they didn't fix the problem just covered it up. The supports under the floor are bent and I had to put a 2x4 to support the floor, never fixed. We are full time in this RV and it gets towed all over the country. I have tried to reach out to Grand Design again for repairs but have been rebuffed in my attempt. This RV has been nothing but a disaster, having replaced a bent axle, numerous leaf springs and brakes. This RV was sold stating it was for Full Time living, we will attest that is not the case as they are not built well enough to sustain towing on the roadways of the U.S.A and Canada.
NHTSA complaint #11653640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame failure. We had a fixed window fall off. Grand Design sent me a replacement window but I had to pay to have it installed. Then I had a trim piece fall off of the front-side and the identical piece on the opposite side was starting to come off. We also had sawdust appearing upfront when we would arrive to our destination and the front floor was starting to make noise when we walked. I also noticed the under-covering around the rv hitch going up into the rv when I hooked it up to my truck. Several screws have sheared in the compartment door frames. GD had the dealership take measurements/do test to confirm frame issues. GD sent a tech to Great American Rv, dealership in Hammond, Louisiana, to repair my camper along with several others. Supposedly the frame has been repaired, but the GD tech noted extra damages on the off door side of the RV. They said the relief cut on that side is still flexing and that there is a broke weld in the wall. GD stated that the broke weld falls outside of the structural warranty, but will only pay 1/2 of labor. Great American RV said there is another rv currently there with the same issue. It was dropped off at the dealership 12/19/2024 and is still being repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11647009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My unit has had multiple frame failures. this is where the frame is literally breaking due to being under engineered by the manufacturer. There are many things that happen due to this. walls don't line up floors squeak, doors wont close. But the worst problem of all is the danger of towing. With a broken frame many things can happen including loss of life. This is what I fear the most. I have had this repaired once already by the factory and it is doing the same things again. I feel unsafe in and towing my unit.
NHTSA complaint #11645561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In 2024 Grand Design repaired cracked welds and separated wall structures related to frame flex. One year later, the unit is back in the shop at Grand Design for the same symptoms, they updated there is a crack near pinbox and separation at bulkheads.
NHTSA complaint #11645415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My fifthwheel was installed with improper lag bolts, causing frame flex issues. I lost my roof going down the highway last year, pass-through storage compartment doors coming open during transit. Along with that, interior damage became apparent early on after the purchase of the RV, indicating a much greater problem than anticipated. Grand Design sent out an SRT to repair my unit; however, they failed to pull the pylon down off the front of the unit to inspect the frame welds. I may have an impending disaster going down the roadway in the future. All but one lag bolt was being held in under tension. The unit could have become detached from the tow vehicle, and the safety braking mechanism likely wouldn't have engaged. If my roof came completely off, or items would have fallen out of the pass-through compartments, this could have easily caused a major accident leading to fatalities on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11645098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.