Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM | ||||||||||||||||
| 95V175000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 08/01/1995 to 08/01/1995 | V (Vehicle) | 69 | 09/13/1995 | MFR | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 09/13/1995 | 09/14/1995 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | These vehicles were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm-to-frame rear nut not tightened to the specified torque. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Low torque can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequently fatigue and break. this can result in separation of the left-hand control arm from the frame increasing the potential for a vehicle accident. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm-to- frame rear nut to the proper torque specification. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | System: suspension; independent front control arm; lower.vehicle description: passenger vans.note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 02115 | 01/01/2004 | 10007457 | Part number 15042486 leaf spring damper mentioned in technical service bulletin (tsb) 00-03-09-001a is not available. *mj | 06/23/2004 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 02097 | 01/01/2004 | 10007458 | Part number 15042486 per bulletin 00-03-09-001a for the rear spring damper kit is currently not available. *mj | 06/23/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 01/01/2006 | 135000 | 1 | 01/01/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1995 chevrolet astro. the contact stated that the torsion bar failed, which increased the risk of a crash. the driver side torsion bar was replaced previously and now the passenger side has failed. the vehicle is unable to be driven. the wheel scrapes against the fender when attempting to make a turn. the dealer stated that they upgraded the part because the bar was too long. the torsion bar for his vehicle has a new size, therefore, the contact would need to replace both sides. he is not willing to pay for the replacement. the current mileage is 175,000 and failure mileage was 135,000. | |||
| Consumer has had multiple problems with vehicle. brakes have been replaced 4 times & the dealer couldn't remedy the situation or give an explanation as to why. also, windshield wipers didn't work when it was raining, and vehicle would shake at 50mph. *ak | |||
| 10/15/1999 | |||
| Vehicle shimmies/vibrates whenever coming to a stop. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1995 | ||
| Rear end went out , replaced wand went out again. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 11/24/2002 | 1 | 05/01/2099 | |
| Why hasn't this component been recalled when we have heard that many have broke and when replacing you have to replace both sides because there is a new design. dt | |||
| 04/17/2002 | 07/01/2001 | ||
| This part was had a design change by the company of chevrolet, although they failed to post this anywhere. i have talked to the company and written them a letter and they are not concerned. the front of my car fell down in a parking lot thankfully and not on the highway. i can supply you with a copy of the letter if you wish. we checked around and found no warning of failure of this part. there is a problem, my husband called two local chev garages and they said they thought there should be something done and there is a problem here. the original part is narrow at one point, which is where it broke and the new part is wide all the way across. they know , of course that this original part is inadequate, or they would not have had a design change. my husband is a mechanic on semi trucks and he feels that this orginal part was not adequate. people should be made aware of this problem. i am pretty sure the company is not interested in making this happen. when the front of your car falls down going down the highway i am afraid that some people would not be as lucky as me.*ak | |||
| 08/11/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 11/01/1999 | 11 | ||
| Vehicle pulled to left at all times when applying brakes. vehicle has been taken to dealership 11 times. dealer replaced front shocks/ idler arm/ resurfaced rotors/did wheel alignments, and replaced tires. currently, dealer said remedy would be a complete brake job. none of the mentioned repairs remedied problem. *ak | |||
| 08/16/2001 | 1 | 10/01/1995 | |
| I kept the van under control but it could have been a real safety problem. *ak | |||
| 01/13/2000 | 2 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Tried to order a new replacement part, gmc only offers a new redesigned set, must purchase a part, plus the new style hangers. for $460.00. gm wouldn't re-design a complete new style torsion bar with out many prior problems!*ak | |||
| 07/14/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1994 | |
| The failed front suspension component was a torsion bar. this failure could easily cause the vehicle operator to loose control of the vehicle if the failure occured during vehicle operation. this failure has been recognized by the auto manufacturer as a design defect because the torsion bar design has been changed requiring replacement of both front torsion bars (left and right) and bar adjusters. the manufacturers design change has been identified to all product dealers on a product newsletter called partec news letter-p/n #99102. | |||
| 03/29/1996 | 9 | ||
| Vehicle pulls strongly to right whenever brakes are applied. (second vehicle on 506192) *dh | |||
| 02/03/1995 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle misaligned/wanders to the right. *skd | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 07/29/2002 | |||
| While driving torsion bar broke, and both front control arms broke, resulting in front end falling down. contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 11/07/2006 | 97000 | 1 | 04/09/1996 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph on normal road conditions an unsuccessful attempt was made to make a right turn. there were no warning lights illuminated prior the incident. the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealership which was not a general motors dealership. they determined the lower arm was disengaged from the frame due to material fatigue. the manufacturer was contacted who indicated the vehicle must be taken to any general motors dealership to produce a diagnosis. the vehicle has not been taken to the gm dealership yet. the contact expressed concern because there was a recall # 95v175000 and a recall letter never received. the vehicle was not drivable. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 06/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Shock failed. *tt | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - TORSION BAR | |||
| 09/22/2005 | 99132 | 1 | 03/01/1996 |
| I had just parked my chevrolet astro awd in the garage and after a few minutes the drivers side torsion bar snapped. the front end was sitting on the suspension stops. i am lucky this didn't happen 10 minutes earlier while i was driving. it could have caused an accident or injuries. the vehicle is currently sitting in the garage awaiting repair. the updated parts are going to run me $600 plus installation. i currently have the broken torsion bar. i vehicle resided in utah and did not see wisconsin salt until couple years ago. the bar appears to be severely corroded/pitted at the break. *nm | |||
| 06/15/2002 | 100000 | 1 | |
| Dt: the torsion bars are breaking and it drops the suspension. do not have any steering. consumer's wife was coming out of the driveway and the torsion bar. the consumer contacted gm, they said there was not enough cause. consumer believed that the salt on roadway caused them to rust. this happened on june 15, 2002. did have both bars repaired and sold the vehicle.*ak *jb | |||
| 06/08/2005 | 66000 | 1 | 05/23/1998 |
| Dt: without warning the torsion bar broke and drove itself into the axle shaft which also had to replaced.. the dealer fixed the part, and said it was fortunate that no one was driving when it happened. the manufacturer has not been contacted yet. the repair included all four of the torsion bars and the brackets they fit into. *ak the front left side axle shaft was replaced. (the front left of the van dropped to the ground) *sc | |||
| 10/01/2004 | 110000 | 1 | 11/22/1994 |
| While driving 30 mph torsion bar broke. vehicle was driven home. dealer was contacted. *ak | |||
| 09/06/2003 | 87126 | 1 | 11/14/1994 |
| The torsion bar snapped allowing the vehicle to drop on one corner, making it undriveable. the vehicle was parked when the bar snapped. the vehicle has never been taken off-road or otherwise abused. had the bar failed while the vehicle was in motion, it could have caused accident or injury. *jb | |||
| 08/17/2003 | 95000 | 2 | 05/22/2002 |
| Both torsion bars of my van failed within 2 hours of each other. the vehicle was parked on the street beside the curb. a loud pop was heard before the vehicle dropped on the front tires. the vehicle was subsequently towed to a shop where it was determined both torsion bars had failed. repairs are estimated to be $700.00 including parts ($520.00) purchased at the chevrolet dealer. why is there not a recall on this item? | |||
| 06/14/2003 | 98399 | 03/01/1996 | |
| Was backing out of garage when i heard a loud snapping noise and the driver side of van went down like a tire had blown. got out and discovered that tires were ok, but front end was sagging down with hardly any room in wheel wells for tires to turn. called tow truck and had them tow to dealership for investigation of problem. they told me that both torsion bars had broken and that they would need to be replaced at a cost of ~$700. i consider myself real lucky because i had just returned from a trip of over 900 miles, pulling a boat. if the bars would have broken while traveling on interstate at 65 - 70 mph there is no telling what would have happened as far as a accident is concerned. i believe that this should be considered a safety hazard and the cost should be paid by the manufacture. thanks. *nlm | |||
| 120000 | 1 | ||
| The vehicle was leaning to one side due to the torsion bar snapping. *ak the problem started with a vibration in the steering wheel and was intermittent. the dealer didn't find a problem. *scc *jb *jb | |||
| 06/16/2003 | 146000 | 1 | 12/07/1998 |
| Right torsion bar failed. had to replace both bars since gm redesigned them. cost $725. power steering seems to be affected, but mechanic could not pin point problem. *nlm | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 1 | ||
| Front left side torsion bar broke while sitting in the garage. drove the vehicle the day before. wife got into vehicle on 6-2-03 and front end had sagged on the left side. vehicle taken to repair facility and reported that torsion bar had broken. when a gm dealer was contacted for parts, it was stressed that both sides be repaired due to history of this issue. *nlm | |||
| 05/26/2003 | 1 | ||
| My family and i had just driven about 50 miles and were going to eat dinner, while turning right off a street we heard a loud pop and the left front corner of the van fell. i assumed we had blown a tire, but when i got out to look, the tire was still up. after jacking up the van and looking at the ball joints, tie rods, etc., i realized that torsion bar had snapped. fortunately this occurred at a low speed and did not cause me to lose control of the van - 2 minutes earlier and it would probably be a different story. the first dealer i contacted told me the part was discontinued and i should try a junkyard to get the part i needed. the second dealer i contacted told me there was a conversion kit i could buy, but i had to convert both sides, and the cost was at least $500. if i had known i needed another $500 and was risking the safety of my family, i would not have purchased this vehicle. how about some help gm?*ak | |||
| 04/16/2003 | 120000 | 1 | 05/10/2002 |
| I have a 1995 chevrolet astro van. on the way home, i heard a loud bang, like a tire had blown. when i parked the car at home, i noticed the front driver's side was visibly sagging. i took it to my mechanic and he said the torsion bar had broke. he also said this was a common problem in this year of vehicle. i called general motors to see if there was a recall campaign and there is not. i have to buy two new torsion bars because there is an update to the version. the repairs are $700.00. *nlm | |||
| 08/22/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states that the front torsion bar broke on the left front side and fell on the tire. vehicle taken to a repairs shop. dealer notified. feel free to provide any further information.*jb | |||
| 07/21/2002 | 1 | 03/01/2096 | |
| Van was sitting on driveway we heard a pop and front driver's side dropped onto the tire. had it towed to dealer, driver said this was the 2nd one that week. dealer said it was the torsion bar and they needed to change both. adapters were on 1 week back order. was told that the design had changed. talked to several other astro owners - this seems to be a common problem.*ak | |||
| 07/29/2002 | |||
| While driving torsion bar broke, and both front control arms broke, resulting in front end falling down. contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| 07/03/2001 | 1 | 04/08/2001 | |
| Vehicle was parked while pursuing to drive vehicle and front tires started to rub against front frame. dealer was notified, mechanic stated torsion bar was corroded. *tt | |||
| Vehicle was parked .consumer realized vehicle was dropping. had vehicle towed to dealer, and mechanic stated torson bar was corroded, resulting in vehicle dropping. *ak | |||
| 06/23/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2000 | |
| The front left torsion bar broke after we came home. a couple of hours later the right front torsion bar broke so that we couldn't turn the steering wheel without the body of the van hitting the tires. we feel extremely lucky that this did not happen while driving, as it would more than likely have blown the front tires and we could have had a major accident. after having our van hauled on a flatbed wrecker we were advised that these vans have a history with the torsion bars breaking. both the auto repair place and the wrecker service said they were really surprised that there wasn't a recall as this is a safety hazard. we want to make sure you are aware of this problem as other people, like ourselves, have no idea that the whole front of these vans can just drop down on the tires while driving when these torsion bars break. again we feel very fortunate that ours broke after we returned home from church sunday and not while driving 70 mph on the highway!*ak | |||
| 06/02/2002 | 1 | 11/02/1995 | |
| While driving, torsion bars broke, causing vehicle to pull, making it hard to steer vehicle.*ak consumer would like for chevrolet to make payment for the failure that occured with the vehicle. *jg | |||
| 06/06/2002 | |||
| While making a left turn at 5 mph driver's side front of vehicle dropped. vehicle was towed to a repair shop, torsion bar snapped and needed to be replaced.*ak | |||
| 05/28/2002 | |||
| Vehicle was parked when without prior notice passenger's side front of vehicle dropped. vehicle was towed to dealer one day later, by that time driver's side of vehicle had dropped, as well. dealer determined that torsion bar had broken on both sides, it was rusted through. a newly designed torsion bar was installed.*ak | |||
| 04/19/2002 | 1 | 11/01/2000 | |
| While driving at approx 10mph in mall parking lot heard a ping and left front of vechicle droped to were the tire hit the wheel well causing loss of steering, if had happened on hi-way at hi-way speeds could have resulted in severe accid or death. dealer said was a design flaw that gm knows about and redesigned. had to replace both torsion bars and buy an adapter kit with towing and repairs cost was $910.00 of which i had to pay. beleave that since gm had to redesign the bar it shows a flaw does exist, and that gm should at least pay part of the repairs. but have heard nothing from them concerning that. what will it take, a wrongful death lawsuit to get gm to acknowledge this? or purhaps a consumer class action suit.*ak | |||
| 10/19/2001 | 1 | 04/01/1995 | |
| While at rest front torsion bar broke, causing front of vehicle to drop. non dealer service station inspected vehicle. *ak *yh | |||
| 08/23/2001 | 1 | 03/01/1998 | |
| This vehicle uses torsion bars instead of springs on front suspension. left torsion bar snapped while vehicle parked - drops body onto frame, approx 8-10 inches. if this happened at speed, would almost certainly lose control. dealer service mgr says they see lot of these failures. called gm - would not admit that safety problem exists. service mgr insisted that both l and r be repaired, because the other side will probably collapse any day. vehicle had to be towed to dealer. total repair and towing $707.94.*ak | |||
| 1 | 06/01/1995 | ||
| Left front torsion bar failed. crack started at a rust spot on bar. classic 'beach marks' indicate failure was propigating from the rust point. asked manufacturer for coverage under warranty, but was turned down. was told by dealer that a new style torsion bar was all that was available and that both bars had to be replaced along with the supports that connect the torsion bars to the cross member. i complained that if only one failed, i should only need to replace one. i compaired it to a v-8 head gasket failure, only one is repalced unles there is a reason to replace both. i believe that the requirement to replace both bars is an indication by chevrolet that the design is faulty (this is backed up by the replacement being a new design). the new design does not allow for debris to gather around the rear portion of the torsion bar as the original design did.*ak | |||
| 07/09/2001 | |||
| While traveling 50-60 mph, driver felt a bounce in right front wheel. dealer informed consumer that vehicle had a broken torsion bar. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 08/04/2001 | 10/01/1997 | ||
| I see the same three problems reported on the astro...windshield wipers not working, torsion bar breaking, and air conditioning not working. when is chevrolet going to address these problems? | |||
| 07/30/2001 | 1 | ||
| While backing out heard a rubbing noise, then, left front of vehicle dropped. dealer said left front torsion bar had broken, and needed to replaced. chevrolet changed the design, and both needed to be replaced.*ak dealer stated there had been a bulletin regarding lower a frame bolts incorrectly torqued, dealer replaced both torsion bars and adjusted cams. *slc | |||
| 08/04/2001 | 10/01/1997 | ||
| I see the same three problems reported on the astro...windshield wipers not working, torsion bar breaking, and air conditioning not working. when is chevrolet going to address these problems? | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| Left front torsion bar snapped while parked. dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle. *ak consumer states the suspension just dropped after the torsion bar snapped. *slc | |||
| 07/02/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| Torsion bar failed, causing front suspension to collapse. this is a serious failure which can result in loss of steering control. it is obvious that this is a design defect, confirmed by the redesign of the torsion bar assembly. chevrolet refuses to acknowledge that this is a design defect and has any safety implications (re: chevrolet customer assistance center 800-222-1020, file # c 04856310). looking through the nhtsa compliants data base, numerous other torsion bar failures can be found and it is apparent that gm was aware of this problem for at least 2 years - however there has been no tsi or safety warning issued. how many injuries and deaths have to be attributed to torsion bar failure before gm issues a safety bulletin and admits a design defect that threatens the public safety ???????????????? i guess after gm takes your money they don't want anything to do with you until you're ready to buy another of their over-priced, poorly designed pieces of junk.*ak | |||
| 07/09/2001 | 1 | 05/01/1996 | |
| Right front torsion bar cracked , causing front end to collapse. a private mechanic has examined vehicle , and determined that both front torsion bars needed to be replaced. also, torsion bar i has been reduced from 41 to 34. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak invoice stated torsion bar broke due to metal fatigue and that the new torsion bars should be stronger because of length of new bars and where adjustment is made and adapters dropped from system. *slc | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1998 | |
| Front left torsion bar breaks due to rust developing in transmissioin mount end, poor design permits water, salt accumulation at torsion bar end. pitting permit fractures to develope. vehcile will suddenly sag permitting only shock and rubber snubber to act as absorber of road impacts. could be dangerous at wrong speed. | |||
| When driving at 20 mph consumer noticed a problem with front end of vehicle. consumer pulled vehicle into a parking lot when front left hand side of the vehicle dropped completely down on tire, causing loss of steering control. consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who determined that it was due to torsion bar which broke. also, manufacturer has changed design of the torsion bar which required consumer to replace both right and left hand sides. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| 11/28/2000 | |||
| When this bar breaks it does cause the vehicle to drop on the frame. it shocks the driver and becomes momentarily difficult to steer. if this would have happened at high speeds or in slippery conditions it would have been a real problem. i contacted another dealer in this area to price the parts he commented you mean the torsion bars that always break . with that comment just from one dealer i would definetly say gm has a major problem with this part on this vehicle. *ak | |||
| 08/18/2000 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle had been parked. noticed front end was slumped over. left side was on the wheelwell. took vehicle to automobile repair shop & had it placed on the rack. informed by mechanic that front suspension torsion bar was cracked. took vehicle to dealer for repairs.*ak | |||
| 09/09/2000 | 1 | 06/19/1995 | |
| While driving at approximately 40 mph torsion bar broke, causing driver's side front end to drop on top of tire, consumer was unable to turn steering wheel. dealer claimed it was normal for torsion bar to break. *ak driver had two previous failure of idler arms. also had wheel rotor failure. *yh | |||
| 07/25/2000 | 1 | 07/22/1995 | |
| Was driving home & heard a loud bang. steering wheel tilted to left. did not have a lot of control of vehicle. vehicle taken to service station where mechanic indicated that tie rod end had snapped. manufacturer had redesigned tie rod end and replaced it. *ak the problem continued and both left and right torsion bars were found to be the cause. *yh | |||
| 07/10/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1995 | |
| Torsion bar broke causing $1,100.00 repair bill and inability to steer properly. mechanic stated it is a known problem with 95 astro and showed part and why it has been a problem in northern climates. had identical vehicle in for same repair with similar mileage. claims chevy knows and change subsequent design for later vehicles. chevy was not responsive and referred me to nhtsa. any information would be appreciated. if it is a problem in the snow belt states, shouldn't there be a recall? thanks! *ak | |||
| 06/21/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| I don't feel a torsion bar should fail sitting in my garage, the wrecker driver said it was the third one he had hauled in the last two weeks i am glad no one was driving it when it broke the mechanic said ther would be no way to steer it when it was broke. *ak | |||
| 06/15/2000 | 2 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Both torsion bars snapped while van was parked causing front end to drop. this could have caused a serious accident if the vehicle was moving. *ak | |||
| 06/06/2000 | |||
| Front torsion bar snapped, causing front of the vehicle to collapse. dealer has repaired vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/13/2000 | |||
| Consumer stepped on on the running board and torsion bar popped. vehicle was towed to private repair shop. manufacturer was contacted & told conusmer that the problem was common & they were changing the design. *ak | |||
| Front torsion bar broke on one side, causing a loss of suspension on front driver's side. *ak | |||
| 12/04/1999 | 2 | 07/01/1998 | |
| While truck was parked both front torsion bar snapped. these parts were inspected by chevrolet and said found nothing wrong.had this happened while i was driving there could have been a major accident with possible fatalities. this is not a normal condition for a 1 thick piece of steel to just snap. these must have been either rusted away or a design problem. *ak | |||
| 04/09/1999 | 1 | 10/17/1994 | |
| Vehicle torsion bar broke due to corrosion, causing vehicle to lean to the left front side on the driver side. *yc | |||
| 07/15/1999 | 1 | ||
| Torsion bar broke causing vehicle to collapse and damage other components. mjs | |||
| 7 | |||
| Two 1995 astro minivans owned by the fire dept. have had (7) failures of the torsion bar components between the (2) vehicles, when failure occurs vehicle drops down onto front wheel. mjs | |||
| 07/03/1999 | |||
| Torsion bar had snapped without warning on the front suspension, it broke off. had vehicle towed to dealer. informed parts hard to come by due to high demand of torsion bar. will order & notified owner when torsion bars will be available. owner not satisfied. *ak | |||
| Left front torsion bar broken without warning, which could have caused loss of vehicle control. *ak | |||
| 07/11/1999 | 2 | ||
| Possible design flaw of the front torsion bar, resulted in breakage on the passenger and driver's side causing vehicle front axle to collapse. *yc | |||
| 08/06/1999 | |||
| Front torsion bar snapped, causing the front driver side to fall which could have caused a crash. the torsion bar had hairline cracks. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 07/14/1999 | |||
| The torsion bars fail and the van body drops on to the front wheel of the effected side. | |||
| 06/22/1999 | |||
| Front torsion bar broke, causing front end to fall down. this could have caused loss of vehicle control and crash. dealer has a newly designed torsion bar and a installation pack. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 06/22/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Torsion bar broke when traveling at 20 mph with one person (driver) in vehicle. parts will take 2 days because dealer has seen many torsion bar failures this week. another 1995 astro had this same problem at my place of employment just 2 hours after me. *ak | |||
| Both of the front torsion bars broke while driving at 45 mph down hill. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 05/15/1999 | 1 | 08/01/1995 | |
| Torsion bar snapped on straight stretch of highway while traveling at 45 mph with 1 adult driver and 3 adult passengers on board. at the time of failure, a sound like a tire blowing and an immediate sag on the driver's front side occurred. the vehicle could not be turned due to the tire contacting the wheel well. if this had occurred at 65 mph and on a curve, disastrous results would most likely have happened. no previous damage to the torsion bar could be detected by the repair facility. the repairs made required replacement of both torsion bars because the original equipment part is no longer distributed for use. an improved version is now used, which requires the additional cost and installation of a conversion mount and the replacement of both torsion bars. the required repairs cost approximately $700.00. since the oem parts are no longer available, it leads one to believe that there have been numerous failures of the torsion bars for this type vehicle and the manufacturer is aware of the problem. *ak | |||
| 07/30/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1995 | |
| Consumer was pulling out of driveway, when noticed a dragging sound underneath vehicle, learned later it was the front torsion bar that was broken, repairman informed consumer that the bar was defective because of the way it was broken. dealer/manufacturer notified. also parts are available for inspection if needed. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 08/23/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1996 | |
| Consumer has experienced several problems with vehicle, right rear blinker and parking brake bulb failed. back hatch would not open, door was locked and would not open, dealer found latch rod retainers worn out. alternator failed. serpentine belt failed. air conditioner quit blowing. rear end was roaring, dealer replaced rear differential. oil pressure would go to zero, dealer replaced indicator. vehicle experienced missing, dealer replaced spark plub and distributor cap, when the engine cover was removed, dealer found the plug wires shorting to the cylinder head, dealer replaced all plug wires. vehicle would turn, but would not start, dealer found fuel pump shorted out, dealer replaced fuel pump system. oil leaking at pinion area, dealer replaced front differential and pinion seal. rear axle was replaced due to rear axle seal leaking. while driving, lights on dash started blinking, all indicator needles and gauges were jumping back and forth, smoke came out of the vents, consumer tried to stop vehicle, but brakes and steering failed, vehicle finally rolled to a stop, sliding door would not open, finally driver and daughter got out through front doors, fire and smoke came from under the hood, consumer's daughter has experienced chest pains due to this, consumer has to pay for the rest of the loan even though vehicle was a total loss. consumer feels this fire occurred due to the many electrical problems the vehicle experienced, she is requesting reimbursement, dealer would not help her. | |||
| The rear end the axle is making noise . tt | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - COIL SPRINGS | |||
| 7 | |||
| Two 1995 astro minivans owned by the fire dept. have had (7) failures of the torsion bar components between the (2) vehicles, when failure occurs vehicle drops down onto front wheel. mjs | |||