2016 Grand Design Momentum problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 4 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Grand Design Momentum. Here is what they are, what a technician checks for each kind of fault, and how to look one over before you buy it.
Other: 2 recalls, 4 complaints
Recall 16V841000 (21/11/2016): EQUIPMENT
Grand Design RV (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Momentum toy haulers and Solitude recreational trailers manufactured July 8, 2014, to August 31, 2015, equipped with certain aluminum black ladders manufactured by Christianson Industries. These ladders have retractable hinges, each with a welded 'top hat' that can separate from the hinge.
Fix: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket over the back of existing hinges, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910008.
Recall 15V822000 (08/12/2015): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain model year 2016 Momentum trailers, models 397th, 398M, and 388M, manufactured September 2, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected trailers may be equipped with a Federal Certification Label that lists an incorrect unloaded vehicle weight (UVW), causing the cargo carrying capacity (CCC) to be overstated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
Fix: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began on January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910005.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 6 complaints
What a tech checks: Bearings, brake magnets, worn shackle bolts and bent axles. A trailer that wears tires on the inside edge or pulls to one side usually has an axle or suspension problem. Before you buy: Bolts tight, springs not flat, brakes apply with the breakaway pin pulled.
Chassis and towing lessons · Trailer guide
Refrigerators: 1 recall
Recall 22V038000 (28/01/2022): EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:REFRIGERATOR
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2013-2021 Momentum, Solitude, and Reflection recreational vehicles. A 110-volt wire in the refrigerator cabinet may be improperly secured, which could result in the wire contacting the refrigerator cooling unit, causing an electrical arc.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace any damaged wiring, and properly secure the wires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 21, 2022. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910026.
What a tech checks: On absorption fridges the big failure is the cooling unit leaking ammonia (yellow residue, a sharp smell) and boards or igniters on the gas side. Compressor fridges fail on the 12 V supply more than the compressor. Before you buy: Look at the back through the outside vent for yellow powder; run it on both power sources.
Refrigerator lessons · Refrigerator 3D lab
LP gas and gas appliances: 1 recall
Recall 21V393000 (26/05/2021): EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2016-2021 Imagine, Transcend, and Momentum travel trailers. The LP regulator that controls the LP gas pressure may fail, allowing excessive gas pressure that causes the appliance flame to increase.
Fix: Dealers will replace the LP regulator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2021. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910023.
What a tech checks: Regulator, lines and fittings, then the appliances: furnace, water heater, range. A proper pressure-drop leak test is the first thing a tech does on an LP complaint. Before you buy: Smell for gas with the tank open; have a shop do the leak test.
LP and furnace lessons · Furnace guide · Furnace 3D lab · Water heater 3D lab
Structure, roof and leaks: 5 complaints
What a tech checks: Roof sealant, seams, window and slide seals, and the frame. Water intrusion shows up as delamination, soft floors and stained ceilings months after the leak started. Before you buy: Press the sidewalls and walk the floor; look at every seam and seal.
Roof, leaks and body lessons · Seals and leaks guide
What owners reported to NHTSA
10/09/2018, WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES: MY 2016 GRAND DESIGN MOMENTUM 327M USES LIPPERT AXLES. THREE OF THE FOUR GREASE SEALS LEAKED AND WERE FOUND DURING A STATE INSPECTION. THE GREASE CONTAMINATED THE BRAKES. A 2018 STATE INSPECTION AGAIN SHOWED FAILED GREASE SEALS AND CONTAMINATED BRAKES. THE WARRANTY COVERED THE COST ON THE 2016 INSPECTION, BUT NOT THE 2018 INSPECTION. I CONTACTED GRAND DESIGN REGARDING THE ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THAT NEW MODELS WERE
09/30/2024, STRUCTURE: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The frame is failing. It is available to be inspected but must be inspected on site. The camper is no longer safe to drive. After we heard a loud pop when attaching to the truck and seeing the pinbox move into the nose of the camper, we don't feel comfortable moving it. How was your safety or the safety of others put
08/22/2024, STRUCTURE: after pulling the camper home from a trip, we noticed that the molding was separating from the frame, after further inspection, we found that a weld was broken up on the frame that you can view from the front propane storage compartment. We contacted Grand Design and Lippert, we were told from Lippert to contact GD, we did that and GD has scheduled an SRT team to inspect our unit at the end of September. IN the meant
08/21/2016, SERVICE BRAKES: AFTER READING ON THE GRAND DESIGN OWNERS FORUM ABOUT LEAKING GREASE SEALS ON THE WHEELS, I DECIDED TO DO AN INSPECTION OF MY BRAKES. I HAVE PUT ONLY 500 MILES ON MY TRAILER SINCE TAKING DELIVERY ON JUNE 8, 2016. I ASSUME THAT THE TRAILER WAS DELIVERED TO OREGON BY TOWING IT FROM THE FACTORY. I REMOVED THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE DRUM AND SURE ENOUGH FOUND A FAILED GREASE SEAL AND GLOBS OF WHEEL BEARING GREASE ON THE DRUM,
08/08/2025, SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER: The front left slide stopped working 3 weeks ago. Something appeared to be wrong with the wall but I was not sure. Yesterday I noticed the front left portion of the frame was flexing a significant amount. I started inspecting the frame and I am seeing broken welds
05/20/2024, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Our trailer is experiencing frame flex/and or frame failure. The front of the trailer is separating and also is affecting the bedroom sidewall. Also, the shackle broke and an equalizer broke. These are all know issues with Grand Design Momentums.
Looking at a 2016 Grand Design Momentum?
The Buyer's Check walks you through it on your phone: what to ask, the outside walk-around, water damage, every system on every power source, with the recalls above built in. You get a report that says what's a walk-away and what to negotiate on.
Checked against NHTSA 2026-10-23. Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer. Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA and are not verified.