2017 Grand Design Momentum problems: recalls, complaints and what to check
NHTSA has 2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on file for the 2017 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.
Axles, brakes, suspension and hitch: 8 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: 3 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
Other: 3 complaints
Tires: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Age, load range and pressure. RV tires age out before they wear out, and an underrated tire on a heavy trailer is a blowout waiting to happen. Before you buy: Read the DOT date and the load range on the sidewall.
Chassis, towing and tires lessons · Trailer guide
12 volt and 120 volt electrical: 1 complaint
What a tech checks: Voltage drop, grounds, the converter and the transfer switch. Melted shore-cord plugs and bad grounds cause most of the electrical complaints techs actually see. Before you buy: Battery at rest, converter output on shore power, GFCI test, every outlet.
12 V electrical lessons · 120 V and generator lessons · Wiring diagrams
What owners reported to NHTSA
12/15/2024, UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Based on internet craze of and symptoms of Frame Flex | Frame Failure on Grand Design Momentum 5th wheels I had my unit measured for Fram Flex by Grand Design at the GD East Coast Rally. According to their measurements at that time I was 1/16 inch away from needing to be concerned regarding frame flex. After the fact in reading Lippert Components Incorporated (LCI) measuring instructions Grand Design did NOT measure
10/05/2016, SERVICE BRAKES: A KNOWN PROBLEM ON MANY GRAND DESIGN UNITS, TOLD BY BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER THAT PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED, AND THAT UPON DELIVERY, THE BRAKES ON MY NEW UNIT, DELIVERED ON 09/23/16, WERE CHECKED OUT, AND GREASE FREE. UPON ARRIVING AT MY HOME, ONE WEEK LATER, BRAKES ARE COVERED WITH GREASE AND MY RV SERVICE REPAIR CENTER SAID THE UNIT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVEN AS IT IS UNSAFE. I AWAIT GRAND DESIGN'S
09/15/2020, TIRES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GRAND DESIGN MOMENTUM RV EQUIPPED WITH FTS TIRES, TIRE LINE: WESTLAKE, TIRE SIZE: ST235/80/R16 N/A, DOT NUMBER: JUMR2CT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. AFTER EACH FAILURE, THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER
09/01/2026, STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER: In early 2024 we noticed a binding on the bedroom slide, we took it in for service at Happy Daze in Ripon and the repair shop fixed the slide issue. After our next camping trip a month or so after the repair, we noticed a crack on the outside driver side of the front of the trailer above and below the bedroom slide. We had noticed a gap in the front bedroom cabinets in which we had attributed to normal wear and tear
08/12/2024, STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2017 Grand Design Momentum RV. The contact stated that the exterior storage doors failed to close properly. The contact stated that the generator doors almost detached, and the front rubber trim hold was detaching. The RV was towed to the dealer, where several repairs were performed; however, the frame continued to fracture. The dealer advised the contact to park the RV. The RV was not repaired. Th
08/03/2018, SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES: LEAF SPRINGS BROKEN, CUTTING WIRE TO ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKES. TWO LEAF SPRING FAILURES, ONE AT 11 MONTHS SINCE PURCHASE, SECOND FAILURE AT 13 MONTHS. BOTH FAILURES WHILE MOVING.
Looking at a 2017 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.