2018 Grand Design REFLECTION: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
5,850 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2018 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Suspension is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 11 complaints (45.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 27.3% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Suspension | 5 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Equipment | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Power Train:Axle Hubs | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
Suspension: 5; Service Brakes: 3; Equipment: 1; Power Train: 1; Power Train:Axle Hubs: 1; Structure: 1; Structure:Body: 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 | 6 |
| 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: 6; 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 (6). 5 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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2017: 2; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2021: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 3; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Suspension leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 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 10994259 · 2017-06-10 (June 10, 2017)
GREASE LEAKING FROM AXLE SEAL ONTO BRAKE DRUMS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS CAUSING INEFFECTIVE BRAKES. LIPPERT AXLES
Owner-reported narrative. 60 miles reported. Look up ODI 10994259 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11005866 · 2017-07-17 (July 17, 2017)
FOUND SEVERAL PROBLEMS ONLINE INDICATING THAT GREASE LEAKS PAST THE AXLE SEALS AND CONTAMINATES THE BRAKES. MY WHEELS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF GREASE AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE BRAKES LOSE EFFECTIVENESS. PROBLEM IS THAT THE CONDITION WILL GET PROGRESSIVELY WORST AND THE USER MAY NOT NOTICE THE LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11005866 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11121239 · 2018-08-21 (August 21, 2018)
GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION OPTIONS ASSEMBLED AT MANUFACTURER OR DEALER ARE NOT INCLUDED ARE NOT INCLUDED IN 9556# UVW OR SUBTRACTED FROM CCC LABEL OF 1379# AS REQUIRED BY AMENDED FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) NOS. 110 AND 120 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF MOTOR HOME AND RECREATION VEHICLE TRAILER OVERLOADING. THE FINAL RULE TOOK EFFECT ON JUNE 2, 2008. IF OPTIONS INSTALLED BY MANUFACTURER OR DEALER AT TIME OF SALE WHEN OPTIONS EXCEED 165# WHICH IS 1.5% OF 10,995 LBS GVWR THE CCC TAG NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED OR REPLACED. MANUFACTURER SH…
Owner-reported narrative. 11,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11121239 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11209790 · 2019-05-24 (May 24, 2019)
THE SUSPENSION HANGER, THE PIECE THAT HOLDS LEAF SPRING AND IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE TRAILER, BROKE CLEAN THROUGH ON INBOARD REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SUSPENSION FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED WHILE PARKED AND DURING ROUTINE LUBRICATION OF THE SUSPENSION WET BOLTS. THE COMPONENT IS AN INVERTED U BRACKET, THE TOP OF WHICH ATTACHES TO THE TRAILER FRAME, THE ARMS OF WHICH, IN CONJUNCTION WITH A WET BOLT PROVIDE THE MOUNTING LOCATION FOR THE REAR EYE OF THE LEAF SPRING. ONE LEG OF THIS U BRACKET, AND CONSEQUENTLY ONE END OF THE BOLT…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11209790 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11422612 · 2021-06-28 (June 28, 2021)
While towing my rv, the weld that secures the rear axle springs broke. This weld was located on the right rear side of the frame and it snapped completely off the Lippert frame. It allowed the rear axle to move forward and the two tires on the right side contacted each other and the tires started to disintegrate. A tire on the left side was forced out of alignment and the tire shaved rubber until the steel belts were visible. These tires were high grade tires with less than 5000 miles on them. I stopped for fuel and noticed the damage. If I ha…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11422612 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11439033 · 2021-11-02 (November 2, 2021)
The contact owns a 2018 Grand Design Reflection. The contact stated that during maintenance of the vehicle, he noticed that the driver’s side rear upper shackle pin on the Dexter trailer axle was not drilled to allow lubricant grease to enter, causing the pin and spring to dry out. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000. Consumer contacted the RV manufacturer, Grand Design, who suggested he follow up with axle manufacturer, Dext…
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11439033 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11522266 · 2023-05-16 (May 16, 2023)
The contact owns a 2018 Grand Design Reflection. The contact stated that as he retracted the RV's main slide out, the actuator used to retract the slide out snapped. Due to the failure, the slide out remained loose and was no longer secured to the RV. A technician was called to inspect the RV but informed the contact that there was too much damage and that extensive repairs would be needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the RV was no longer under warranty. The RV was not repaired. The failure mileage…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11522266 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11587832 · 2024-05-09 (May 9, 2024)
Own 2018 Grand Design (GD) RV with a broken Lippert (LCI) spring hanger that holds the axle in place, not discovered until maintenance. Photos available. Research reveals longevity, LCI knowledge, fix, number of & lack of notification. Contacted dealer, GD & LCI about safety defect told “Out Of warranty.” Not warranty, safety. The GD RV requirement or LCI frame equipment component issue is the spring/axle hanger. Other RV manufactures utilize Lippert frames with the same component/condition. LCI RV frames experience a higher rate of spring/axl…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11587832 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V743000 · Equipment:Recreational Vehicle/Trailer
Reported: 2017-11-21 (November 21, 2017)
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2018 Reflection travel trailers, model 297RSTS. These vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the tire and the ram that moves the slide out room. The tire can contact the ram for the slide out room while the trailer is being towed, causing tire damage or a possible tire blowout.
Consequence: Tire failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit at each of the axle hangers, giving two additional inches of clearance. Tires that show evidence of damage will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2017. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910011.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V789000 · Equipment:Mechanical:Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer
Reported: 2017-12-08 (December 8, 2017)
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Reflection and Imagine travel trailers equipped with a Smart-Jack model power tongue jack. The laminated plastic touch pad on the jack may crack or separate allowing water to enter, potentially causing the jack to operate unintentionally.
Consequence: If the tongue jack retracts or extends unexpectedly, there could be an increased risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power tongue jack, free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2017. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 900012.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V764000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2018-10-30 (October 30, 2018)
Grand Design RV, LLC is recalling certain 2018-2019 Reflection fifth wheel trailers, models 28BH and 29RS. The circuit for the power converter does not have over-current protection.
Consequence: An electrical short circuit in the unprotected circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Grand Design RV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the trailers to determine if the 50-amp mini breaker at the bus bar is installed correctly and that the circuit is wired correctly, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2018. Owners may contact Grand Design RV customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design RV's number for this recall is 910017.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V362000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2020-06-19 (June 19, 2020)
Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Reflection trailers. A wiring connector in the vehicle underbody may not be properly secured, allowing water intrusion into the wiring connector, possibly resulting in an electrical short circuit.
Consequence: If water enters the wiring connector, it can cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Grand Design will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring connectors up to prevent water intrusion, free of charge. This recall began June 29, 2020. Owners may contact Grand Design's customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910020.
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 ↗