NHTSA opens probe into 2017–2023 Grand Design Momentum and Solitude: Frame Flex on Grand Design Fifth Wheel Recreational Trailers
On October 9, 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24029) into 2017–2023 Grand Design Momentum and Solitude, concerning the structure. A Preliminary Evaluation is the first formal stage of an NHTSA defect investigation: ODI gathers information from the manufacturer and from owner reports to decide whether to close the case or take it further. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- PE24029 (Preliminary Evaluation)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Structure
- Listed
- 14 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Grand Design |
|---|---|
| Models | Momentum, Solitude |
| Model years | 2017–2023 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received twenty-three complaints alleging excessive frame flex on model year 2017-2023 Grand Design fifth wheel recreational trailers, models Momentum and Solitude. Twenty-two of the complaints allege that excessive frame flex resulted in a cargo or entry door opening while in transit, some with objects lost on roadways, while six complaints also state that slideouts extended out partially. ODI has been in contact with both Grand Design and Lippert, the frame manufacturer. Grand Design believes that some frame flex, generally considered to be vertical movement in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel, is normal. However, Grand Design has developed a technical service bulletin (TSB), to evaluate concerns of excessive frame flex, defined as vertical movement greater than 3/8 inch. Per Grand Design, the frame flex is only occurring in the upper deck area of the fifth wheel and is resulting in cosmetic defects such as moving sidewalls, damage to cabinets, binding doors, etc. However, Lippert believes that the effects of frame flex may also extend back to the front axle of the trailer. While Lippert provides frames for multiple trailer manufacturers, the majority of complaints are for these Grand Design products. Cargo and entry doors that open and slideouts that extend while in transit increase the risk of injury or a crash. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to determine whether an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety exists. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for PE24029, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 299 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 1 crashes, 6 fires. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Momentum | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Momentum | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Momentum | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Momentum | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 Momentum | 58 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Momentum | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Momentum | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Solitude | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Solitude | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Solitude | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Solitude | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 Solitude | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Solitude | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 Solitude | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Timeline
- ODI opens preliminary evaluation PE24029
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search PE24029 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.