A recent recall has affected Grand Design Solitude recreational trailers from model years 2017-2020 due to a serious safety issue. The liquid propane (LP) supply line in these trailers may come into contact with the refrigerator burner tube, increasing the risk of an LP gas leak and potential fire hazard. The recall, initiated by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), began on September 17, 2020, and requires free inspections and repairs.
This issue is just one of several involving Grand Design RVs, with a class action lawsuit alleging that the company uses inadequate fixes for known defects, leaving owners at risk. Read on to learn more about the recall, the ongoing legal actions, and how you can protect your rights.
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What’s the Problem?
Winnebago’s Grand Design RVs make up roughly 35% of the company’s total revenue. These failures, reported across thousands of units sold, have caused significant safety hazards and rendered some RVs unroadworthy. An independent repair shop claims that 70% of the Grand Design RVs it inspects have frame issues, while a certified welder reported that all 10 Grand Design RVs he inspected had broken frames.
This recall affects Grand Design Solitude recreational trailers from model years 2017-2020, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The liquid propane (LP) supply line that runs through the exterior lower refrigerator compartment may contact the burner tube of the refrigerator, possibly damaging the line and causing an LP gas leak,” NHTSA said. “An LP gas leak increases the risk of a fire.
According to Consumer Affairs, Grand Design is notifying owners and dealers will inspect the LP supply line for damage, replacing it as necessary, free of charge [1].
This recall began on September 17, 2020.
Related Article: Gulf Stream Travel Trailer Recall Lawsuit
Class Action Alleges Grand Design Manufactures Leaky RVs, Provides Bogus Fixes
A class action lawsuit filed in April 2021 in a Florida federal court alleges that Grand Design RV dodges liability on a known defect by providing “band-aid” fixes that don’t work to burn out its customers’ warranty periods.
Plaintiff Gregory Gorecki alleges Grand Design violated multiple federal warranty laws and Florida consumer law in the sale and service of its Imagine Series RV. Specifically, Gorecki claims that Imagine Series RVs were manufactured with a defect in an exterior seal which causes water to enter the vehicle, causing damage and mold.
While Grand Design was aware of the flaw after many customer complaints and warranty repairs, the company continued to make the RVs in the same manner and began providing superficial fixes in order to waste customers’ warranty periods, according to the lawsuit.
Rather than honor its warranty and replace the defective components of the RV with non-defective parts or an RV of similar value, Grand Design pretends that certain ‘fixes’ will cure the water intrusion problem caused by the Defect, the complaint states.
The lawsuit is Gregory Gorecki et al., v. Grand Design RV, LLC, Case No. 8:21-cv-01023-MSS-JSS, in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division.
FAQs
What evidence is needed to support a Solitude trailer lawsuit?
Evidence can include purchase and maintenance records, photographs or videos of the defects, accident or damage reports, expert testimony, and any communication with the manufacturer or dealer regarding the issues.
Can I join a class action lawsuit if I have been harmed by a Solitude trailer?
Yes, if a class action lawsuit is underway, you may be eligible to join it if your circumstances are similar to those of other plaintiffs. Consult with an attorney for details.
What steps should I take if I’ve been harmed by a defective Solitude trailer?
Seek medical attention if you are injured, document the defects and any related incidents with photographs or videos, keep all records of purchase and repairs, and consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.
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See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have a Solitude Trailer Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Solitude Trailer Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled RV, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/grand-design-recalls-momentum-solitude-imagine-reflection-and-transcend-travel-trailers-081722.html