1 April about 1530 we had an electrically generated "thermal event" in the generator compartment of the RV. We were not traveling, the RV was set up in the dedicated site on our property and had not been moved in 3+ months. The fire could not have been caused by any "outside influence" as no one had been in that compartment for 3+ months and there is no generator in that compartment. We use it for storage when we travel. The greatest safety concern is any fire can consume an RV in just minutes and this compartment is directly beneath our bed and immediately adjacent to a 40# propane tank connected by rubber hosing to the regulator. Had we been in the trailer asleep we might very well have been overcome by the dense smoke before we could get out. The only thing that kept the trailer from burning to the ground was the simple fact that the ventilation holes cut into the floor of this compartment to provide combustion air to a generator were covered because we didn't want our stuff bouncing around on a metal floor in transit. Simply put, the fire just rain out of oxygen. Grand Design has not been particularly responsive to the event, so we do not know yet what the eventual resolution will be, but it's clear than any repairs will require a massive structural exploration to reveal any hidden damages or possibly determine a cause. Are there any similar thermal events reported to you, particularly with this manufacturer?

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11584971 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11574061 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

We bought our 2022 Grand Design Solitude 346FLS-R in March 2023. We have had numerous safety issues and concerns, and currently don’t feel safe towing it. 1. External locked compartments and entry door open while traveling. Risks: distraction, collision (passing vehicle or objects), quick maneuvering (to side of road), contents ejected onto road/vehicles. Resolution: Shops have tried to fix, but problem continued. I placed some screws to extend the latch plates. Concerned this is a “frame flex” issue, along with our floor separation, sheared screws, saw dust, etc. 2. Three axle/suspension failures. In 3/2024 and 12/2024, sudden/extreme tire wear was noted due to failed suspension (broken leaf springs, cracked equalizers). In 8/2025, while driving on [XXX], an entire wheel disappeared. We called the MI highway department afterwards and they had no reports of accidents or debris due to the wheel. Roadside assistance got us to a local repair shop that found the 3 other tires were badly worn/damaged, rear passenger side leaf spring cracked (3rd time), and remaining brakes "fell apart in chunks". The technician diagnosed a bad spindle. As the work was completed, the shop owner stated "I don't think your suspension is fit for this rig. It already appears max'd out." Risks: The entire wheel flying off on the highway could have easily killed someone. Suspension failure while rolling could lead to tire blowouts/catastrophic damages/major accident. Resolution: Suspension repairs made/tires replaced. Recently stopped in at Grand Design in Elkhart, IN to speak with the Customer Service Director about these safety issues. The GD shop is booked until December, but a frame and suspension inspection at a GD dealer was authorized. CW Direct in Elkhart completed the inspection, found a frame crack and assessed the 7K suspension as insufficient. Still no resolution and we now have not been able to live in our home for over two weeks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11693163 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11762244 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov