2021 Grand Design Imagine

Routine

Owners filed 18 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body4
000
Tires3
000
Suspension3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Wheels1
000
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000
Structure1
000
Power Train1
010
Fuel/Propulsion System1
000
Equipment1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Interior Panels › Door22V039000
Filed Jan 28, 202220,144 vehiclesGrand Design Rv, Llc

Defect. Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Imagine travel trailers. The cast aluminum pull handles on the cabinet doors and drawers may have sharp edges.

Risk. Sharp handles could scrape or cut an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the handles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910027.

Power Train › Axle Hubs21V636000
Filed Aug 13, 202154 vehiclesGrand Design Rv, Llc

Defect. Grand Design RV, LLC (Grand Design) is recalling certain 2021 Imagine recreational trailers equipped with Dexter D30 axles. The axles may have been assembled with incorrect inner bearings.

Risk. Incorrect inner bearings can cause the wheels to lock up or reduce stopping ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the axles for incorrect bearings and replace the bearings as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Grand Design customer service at 1-574-825-9679. Grand Design's number for this recall is 910024.

Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer › Lpg Systems21V393000
Filed May 26, 202155,508 vehiclesGrand Design Rv, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Sep 9, 2026WA

Component failure : Left rear tire showed signs of wear. Replaced the tire and upon reinstalling checked the hubs and brakes. All good. Noticed a little deflection in the front of the left rear shackle. It was obscured by foam and underbelly material. Upon peeling it back, it was noticed that the shackle had torn completely away from the frame beam. RISK : This trailer had it been pulled down the highway another 10 miles would have experienced a catastrophic failure. This trailer at minimum would have lost the axle and torn apart the trailer. Worse it could have flipped the trailer or tow vehicle Reported Problem : Grand Design, the manufacturer, and Lippert the frame manufacturer have been notified. They sent me a "Customer Satisfaction Program" that identifies this issue. This is NOT Satisfactory. This is should be a total recall effort and they should be required to send out notices certified mail. Current : Working with the manufacturers to see if they will have the trailer towed to the nearest service center and if they will repair it.

Suspension
Filed Aug 13, 2025WV

The right side leaf spring hanger broke from the frame while traveling causing the trailer to lean heavily and pull to the right side nearly hitting an 18 wheeler that I was passing. I received a customer satisfaction campaign letter from Grand Design 3 days later in regard to cracks in the I beam frame above the spring hangers for all Imagine 2910BH models produced between 6/24/2020 and 6/14/2023. Grand Design said that they have concluded that condition does not present a safety hazard. Having a suspension component fail on a trailer is a safety hazard.

Suspension
Filed Jan 1, 2025NY

After reading of other owners of similar and identical models like mine having frame cracks, I made a point to inspect my trailer’s I beam chassis and I discovered horizontal cracks within the I beam, one on each side, over the suspension area. Every picture I have seen looks just like mine, a rusty L shaped crack adjacent to a crossmember welded on the backside of this area. You can see the shape of this crossmember through the surface of the I beam, indicating the metal is quite thin. It took me only a couple minutes to find, as I knew exactly where to look, based on the numerous stories I’ve read about. Upon further inspection, I also found suspect welds that look burned through the frame, leaving a hole behind. This makes me question the quality of the rest of the trailer’s frame. There is also a crossmember at the front of the trailer with a distinct bend in it at the bottom, where the top remains fairly straight. This, to me, is another indication that the frame is flexing and causing this member to fold as a result. After discovering this, I later learned many other owners have the same issue, and one had a complete A frame failure in that area. Also, I have discovered that all four of my trailer’s leaf springs are flattening out, and they remain this way with all personal items removed from the unit. As it sits now, it is within a handful of pounds of the original purchase weight, and the leafs have not sprung back. We have an appointment scheduled directly with the m

Wheels
Filed Nov 25, 2024AZ

Cross member of frame bending, allowing A frame that its connected at to also bend.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 17, 2024SC

On [XXX] we were driving with our travel trailer from South Carolina to Michigan on interstate highways. When we made what was to be a quick late afternoon stop in Detroit, we discovered that the A-Frame on the trailer was severely bent and about to break. We spent the next day trying to get help with repairing it by calling the manufacturer, Grand Design; the local Grand Design dealer; and a couple of welders. None were able to assist us, so we had the trailer hauled back to a welder closer to our home. We were thankful the A-Frame did not completely break on the highway which could have caused a wreck or a major safety hazard. The welder that replaced the metal was surprised the A-Frame metal was so very thin, commenting they had never seen anything so thin on a travel trailer. It was replaced with ¼” metal. The propane system integrity is in question since it was pushed against the front wall of the trailer. The travel trailer is currently at a Grand Design dealer to determine if it or other structural damage was incurred due to the bent A-Frame. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Tires
Filed Aug 17, 2024CA

While towing our travel trailer we experienced a tire blowout on the left side rear. The blow out tore up the black water valve and sewage cap dumping sewage on the side of the highway. The lack of protection to the valve is not present and the valve is directly behind the tire. With trailer tire blowouts prevalent this is bound to happen again.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 15, 2024WA

Suspension hangers cracked the frame and a section of the frame broke allowing the hanger to flip over and suspension to fail. This occurred while backing the trailer up. If it occurred while driving it could have caused the trailer to tip over.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2024TX

As we were driving down the road, the frame had a catastrophic frame failure where the frame was split in half ,and almost departed from the entire towing portion of the trailer. The trailer is not in our possession any longer because the insurance company deemed it totaled . Thankfully, we were not driving fast and we were able to pull over safely dragging the entire RV along the highway. The Rv was inspected by the insurance company . There was no warning prior to the incident, however it has come to light that this is happening amongst many RV trailers and 5th wheels.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 20, 2023CA

Noticed the frame on our trailer is starting to bulge. We are part of a Facebook group for our specific trailer and apparently this is a common problem/ occurrence. We contacted both Grand Design and Lippert for assistance with fixing the issue which they have done for many but since we are second owners they are refusing to help. This is a major safety issue and of left unfixed could potentially cause a bad accident/ incident. Since this is a common problem in these trailers I feel both Grand Design and Lippert should be held accountable and be required to correct the issue for the safety of their owners and others on the road should the frame snap completely while towing.

Tires
Filed Apr 18, 20237,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Imagine RV equipped with Westlake Tires, Tire Line: Super ST, Tire Size: 225/75/R15, DOT Number: JULT1CT3920. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact felt a thump from the rear end of the trailer. The contact had not noticed a warning light being illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that the tread on the front passenger’s side tires had completely separated, causing damages underneath the trailer. There were no warning lights illuminated. The tire was changed by a towing service. The trailer was driven home, and the dealer was contacted. The contact had not yet received a call back from the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Mar 22, 20239,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Recreational Travel Trailer equipped with Westlake Tires, Tire Line: Super, Tire Size: 225/75/R15, DOT Number: 3320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 72 MPH, he experienced a failure with the passenger’s side rear tire. The contact noticed that the tire was delaminated, and the tread had separated from the casing. The travel trailer was damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tire; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who informed him that the other three tires had small bubbles and had started to delaminate. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The tire failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

Power TrainFire
Filed Jan 30, 2023VA

The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Travel Trailer. The contact stated that he was driving at an undisclosed speed when another vehicle alerted the contact that a fire was coming from the front driver’s side wheel. The contact then stated that he was able to navigate the trailer off the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that smoke was coming from the front driver’s side wheel and that wheel had collapsed from the wheel hub. The vehicle was towed to a service station where it was left overnight however, the next day, the contact had a technician come out to the vehicle where a temporary repair was performed. The contact then stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake lube in the housing had caught fire and burned the brake unit and that the driver’s and passenger side axle one and axle two failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V636000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was unavailable. The contact stated that after leaving a negative review about the manufacturer, a PR representative reached out to them and Dexter Axle. The repairs have been completed at no charge to the contact.

Structure
Filed Oct 3, 202250,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado used for hauling a 2021 Grand Design Imagine travel trailer. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he noticed that the front of the travel trailer had collapsed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the travel trailer tongue was bent downward. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they were unable to perform the repair. An independent mechanic performed the repair on-site by replacing the tongue and welding it to the travel trailer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Tires
Filed Aug 1, 2022FL

On 6/17/2022 the cold pressures were set correctly for the 2021 Grand Design 2800BH travel trailer as they had been for a dozen or more prior trips. A TPMS was being used during travel to monitor pressures and temperatures. All 4 of the Westlake brand ST 225 / 75 R 15 tires with manufacturing date "3320" were inspected for bubbles, cuts, punctures, etc... prior to departure and no anomalies were observed. With absolutely NO WARNING the right rear wheel experienced a complete tread separation. The tire's entire tread was thrown from the tire in one piece, after making contact with the vehicle, while traveling at 68mph on the FL turnpike southbound. The remainder of the tire remained inflated however the steel belt was now in contact with the highway. The debris caused a multicar accident and delays on the highway according to the Road Ranger who assisted with installation of the spare. The camper itself has consequential damage in excess of $6000 that neither the tire warranty nor travel trailer warranty will cover for this manufacturing defect. The safety of myself, my family riding along, and those around me while traveling on the highway was put in severe risk of injury or death. The defective tire that was removed from the wheel has been retained.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 8, 2022NY

There has been a safety recall concerning the Winn-Tec regulator for the propane tank outstanding since last summer. I have been attempting to get this matter resolved with Grand Design since the recall came out. Grand Design has still failed to address this issue. The emails have tagged the recall as RE: M3418134- 114652- 910023 recall.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 26, 2021SC

Crossmember connecting the rear of the Hitch A-frame is starting to buckle inward. From the research done, this is the first step in the complete failure of the A-frame. We just recently purchased the 2021 RV from a private seller and noticed the slight bend in crossmember but didnt think anything of it. After a 1500 mile trip the bend is much more pronounced. This is when I started to research to see if this was more prevalent in this model, which seems to be the case. Contacted frame builder (Lippert) and started the claim process with them and Grand Design as well.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 18, 2021IL

We were driving and went through a dip in the road and the whole front end of the A- Frame bent/buckled. We have not had any problems with this in the past, but it is a brand new trailer and we are learning it has happened to a few others all Grand Design XLS series. We wonder if the steel used is not of top quality and is too thin.

Equipment
Filed Jul 13, 2021FL

The contact owns a 2021 Grand Design Imagine. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V393000 (Equipment). The contact reached out to the local dealer and was informed that the earliest available appointment to service the recall would not be until October. The contact also attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

18 of 18 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2021
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20260100Routine
20245010Routine
20234200Routine
202212300Routine
2021 — this page18310Routine
202012200Routine
20196300Routine
20188400Routine
20171500Routine
20161200Routine

Compare every Imagine year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 28, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.