NHTSA Complaint #11644504 — 2023 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE
STRUCTURE:BODY issue reported to NHTSA
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11644504 |
| Vehicle | 2023 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE |
| Component | STRUCTURE:BODY |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | AK |
Consumer Description
This is a 5th wheel trailer by Grand Design ("GD"). We had significant frame movement due to improper construction and broken welds, resulting in: 1) Screws shearing off at the top of the nose cap, causing the roof to bubble and tear during transit. Roof and screws were replaced under warranty. 2) Entry door was misaligned and required adjustment to close properly (likely due to shifting of frame/body). Strike plate and lock adjusted. 3) Side door to propane tank compartment popped open during transit on the interstate. 4) Rubber strip covering siding/body screws under nose cap flew off during transit on the interstate. Rubber strip replaced. 5) Screws shearing off near hitch, causing siding under nose cap to sag. We were unable to reattach it ourselves with screws as recommended by GD because the frame no longer aligned properly. Front end taken apart and rebuilt, additional metal added by GD under warranty (refused to provide written details or to update weight). 6) Broken weld under front closets in front of nose cap (front bedroom model). GD initially denied welds were broken. Front end taken apart and rebuilt, additional metal added (refused to provide written details or to update weight) by GD under warranty. 7) Frame movement caused rear frame wall to detach and screws to pop out in interior (causing recliners to detach and move during transit). "Dimples" appeared on exterior lower siding ~4" up from rear on both sides. Unclear on specific damage, because GD will not fully explain in writing. GD added one ~4" piece of metal between the siding and rear wall framing on each side (picture attached) and replaced screws, under warranty. 8) Extreme wear on leaf springs, axels, and tires, caused by excessive movement due to broken/poorly engineered frame, requiring replacement. GD replaced parts, partially under warranty. GD stated the unit was not road worthy, but told us to haul it to them. They refused to send pictures of damage or repair other than the one.
Related Complaints for the 2023 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE
Other STRUCTURE:BODY Complaints
#11715259
This report details a suspected major structural frame failure on my 2023 Grand Design Solitude 391DL. The issues, wh...
#11674963
Frame Flex & Water Intrusion - We first noticed movement back in August 2024. It seemed like the tongue was going to...
#11645098
My fifthwheel was installed with improper lag bolts, causing frame flex issues. I lost my roof going down the highway...
#11640969
Frame Failure. 1/24 purchased new, on first trip(~1200mi) door side front cap vertical 1/2” gap between exterior wall...
#11633411
We have excessive Frame Flex. Cargo doors and entry doors open on the road spilling storage contents on road. Axle ...
Recent Complaints for the 2023 GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE
#11700263
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and depressing the bra...
#11700263
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
The contact owns a 2023 Grand Design Solitude RV. The contact stated that while hauling the RV and depressing the bra...
#11674963
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Frame Flex & Water Intrusion - We first noticed movement back in August 2024. It seemed like the tongue was going to...
#11674963
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame Flex & Water Intrusion - We first noticed movement back in August 2024. It seemed like the tongue was going to...
#11666622
STRUCTURE
The frame has possibly broken in the hitch area. This is a large 5th wheel trailer.