2016 Grand Design MOMENTUM: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
10 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
2,200 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2016 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 10 complaints (40.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 40.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 4 |
| Structure:Body | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
| Wheels | 1 |
Service Brakes: 4; Structure:Body: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Structure: 1; Suspension: 1; Wheels: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2024: 4; 2025: 2
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10897440 · 2016-08-21 (August 21, 2016)
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, BRAKE SHOES AND MAGNET.
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10897440 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10969958 · 2017-04-02 (April 2, 2017)
THE GREASE SEALS ON THE DRUMS LEAKED FROM THE FACTORY AND ALLOWED THE BRAKES TO BE CONTAMINATED. MORE DETAILS ARE AT HTTP://WWW.GRANDDESIGNOWNERS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/8531-POLL-HOW-MANY-OF-YOU-HAVE-HAD-YOUR-GREASE-SEALS-FAIL?P=104942&VIEWFULL=1#POST104942
Owner-reported narrative. 86 miles reported. Look up ODI 10969958 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10984275 · 2017-05-08 (May 8, 2017)
AXLE SEALS LEAKED ALLOWING GREASE TO ENTER BRAKE DRUMS AND COAT SHOES, MAGNET AND DRUM. CONFIRMED BY LIPPERT COMPONENTS WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT GRAND DESIGN SERVICE SHOP.
Owner-reported narrative. 1,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10984275 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11139349 · 2018-10-09 (October 9, 2018)
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 BUILT USING DEXTER AXLES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. AS A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER, I AM CONCERNED THAT I HAVE A CA…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11139349 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11570836 · 2024-02-08 (February 8, 2024)
The frame has failed on our rv it is flexing when being pulled and we are afraid it may fail completely and break free from the pull vehicle. They are calling this frame flex and seems to be common please don't wait until a complete failure happens and people get hurt to address this issue.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11570836 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11589808 · 2024-05-20 (May 20, 2024)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11589808 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11610298 · 2024-08-22 (August 22, 2024)
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 meantime, we had a certified welder come and look at it and he told us it is a structural issue and he said not to pull the camper anyw…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11610298 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11617234 · 2024-09-30 (September 30, 2024)
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 at risk? After speaking to others who have this same problem, there's the possibilities ranging from exterior doors flying open d…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11617234 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
15V822000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2015-12-08 (December 8, 2015)
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."
Consequence: If the operator loads vehicle per the information on the label, the vehicle may exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V841000 · Equipment
Reported: 2016-11-21 (November 21, 2016)
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.
Consequence: If the hinges separate from the ladder while in use, the ladder may fall from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V393000 · Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer:Lpg Systems
Reported: 2021-05-26 (May 26, 2021)
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.
Consequence: Excessive gas pressure and a larger than intended appliance flame can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V038000 · Equipment:Appliance:Refrigerator
Reported: 2022-01-28 (January 28, 2022)
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.
Consequence: An electrical arc increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗