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 - UPPER BALL JOINT | ||||||||||||||||
| 01V200000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | from 11/01/1995 to 06/30/1996 | V (Vehicle) | 48600 | 09/04/2001 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 06/28/2001 | 07/02/2001 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. owner notification began september 4, 2001. 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, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
| 01I018000 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | I | 12/04/2001 | ODI | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 12/04/2001 | 01/07/2002 | |||||||||
| Defect Summary | This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive chevrolet blazer, gmc jimmy, and oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. gm is providing a special policy to these owners to cover upper ball joint replacement if the customer followed the recommended maintenance schedule for the chassis lubrication and the vehicle still required the replacement of the upper ball joints due to separation. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. this special policy is for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. the upper ball joint replacement, due to separation, will be made at no charge to the customer during this period. owners can contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-862-4389, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, concerning this program. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | ||||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||||
| 02015 | 01/01/2004 | 10006961 | Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking. *mr | 05/20/2004 | |
| 01049 | 12/05/2001 | 628527 | Special policy adjustment for four-wheel and all-wheel utility vehicles that may have front suspension upper ball joints that separate at a lower mileage than expected by customers. *tt | 03/13/2002 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||||
| 01049 | 11/01/2001 | 628913 | Special policy adjustment 01049 for upper ball joint replacement. *tt | 03/22/2002 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| EA99022 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 07/30/1999 | 08/28/2001 | UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT | 01V200000 | |
| There is no summary currently available | ||||||
| EA99022 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 07/30/1999 | 08/28/2001 | UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT | 01I018000 | |
| There is no summary currently available | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 04/06/2002 | 1 | 08/01/2001 | |
| Consumer states that while driving the front wheel bearing broke, causing damages to the tire and rim. *jb the bearings for both sides require fixing. the upper and lower ball joints broke while the consumer was traveling and cut the rim ruining the front left tire. the dealer replaced the ball joints, the wheel and the tire. *yh | |||
| 1 | 01/09/1999 | ||
| Consumer states the the vehcle pulls to the right when braking, also the wheel bearings were replaced. *tt | |||
| 07/25/2001 | 4 | 08/20/1998 | |
| Steering loose & very noisey when turning or going over bumps, front suspension was very noisey. both upper & lower ball joints very loose, replaced immediately or i could potentionally loose a wheel while driving. had all four ball joints replaced along with loose idler arm. | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 0 | ||
| Suspension it hard/ rough,and it shakes. dealership is aware of problem. *ak | |||
| 01/20/2000 | 11 | ||
| The vehicle wanders while driving, the dealer has replaced ball joints, tie rods, steering box, tires and shocks but the problems still exist, dealer has also performed 6 alignments. nlm | |||
| 03/15/2001 | |||
| Noise was being emitted by suspension system. noise appeared as a metal to metal sound that consumer felt was very unsafe, it felt like suspension was about ready to fall off. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak | |||
| 1 | 11/30/1995 | ||
| Suspension stability problems caused vehicle collision during sudden stopping. | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| Right front wheel separated from vehicle. dealer has repaired the vehicle.*ak | |||
| 01/01/1996 | 1 | 01/19/1996 | |
| Vehicle wnaders off road/steering feels spongy/sluggish and stuck engine valve, causing engine to clatter. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 05/20/2003 | 80000 | 10/06/1996 | |
| My 1996 gmc jimmy has had ball joint problems (upper and lower replaced at 40k, 79k), abs problems (recalled to change s/w, failed at 80k) and windshield wiper problems (intermittent failures at 80k). all of these problems have had recalls, but when i contact gmc they tell me my vehicle is not included (vin 1gkdt13w5t2577070). what i don't understand is if my car is failing with the exact problems mentioned in the recall notice, then the problems seem to be more widespread then gm is willing to admit. *nlm | |||
| 08/01/2001 | 1 | 09/01/2096 | |
| This is listed specifically on nhtsa as a safety recall for my vehicle (4wd 1996 gmc jimmy). i was told on a recent safety inspection that these ball joints have failed and that a crash can result. however, the dealer says it is not applicable to my vehicle and that gmc will not pay for it. the nhtsa notice makes no mention of manufacturer's dates or particular vins, so it seems odd that there is a known problem with this class of vehicle and yet somehow it is not applicable to mine.*ak | |||
| 07/25/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states after finding out that he could not get his truck aligned, he took it to the mechanic and found out that his lower ball joints are moving approx 1-1 1/2 in. consumer also says that when he shifts his truck from drive to reverse he hears a knock which also indicates this ball joint problem.*jb | |||
| Lower ball joints haved corrored. a recall has been issued on upper ball joints. manufacturer has been notified. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 10/10/2001 | 1 | 07/01/1996 | |
| Had to replace all 4 ball joints nd according to shop that fixed it this is a common problem with jimmys like mine. dealer said there were no recalls on mine but i checked on line myself and other 1996 jimmys had been recalled but they didn't include my vin #. when trying to get information from gmc as to why they said it could be due to where the vehicle was made or that the ball joints used could be from a different manufacture. they refused to give out that info. saying it was confidential. i tried going throught the bbb and when gmc got the complaint a lady called and said bbb would not help me and that there isn't a court in the country that could get the info. on where vehicle was produced or what ball joints were used on mine. since mine is driven by my wife, has never been off road or abused, that the ball joints wore out before the tires, and that gmc has recalled similar vehicles leads me to believe mine were defective also! i have all the correspondance via email with gmc if you would like a copy. thanks and please advise how to proceed. ben shown feelling helpless against gmc. *ak | |||
| While making a turn at 15 mph ball joint broke, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 11/01/2001 | |||
| Vehicle was experiencing exact problem as stated in recall# 98v150000 for the ball joints, dealer was contacted, and informed consumer that this vehicle was not included due to vin. please provide further details.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | |||
| During normal operation of vehicle at any speed it is difficult to maintain control of vehicle because of a floating sensation. dealership has examined vehicle numerous times, and replaced various components, including steering box/ ball joints/ idler arm, and tires. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak | |||
| 03/30/2000 | 2 | 03/01/2000 | |
| This is the third set of balljoints i will be putting in. its crazy !*ak | |||
| While driving left ball joint broke, cause unknown. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| 08/02/2001 | 4 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Upper and lower ball joints very noisy and clunking. dealer reported very loose and dangerous. replaced immediately. *ak | |||
| 11/24/2000 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| The ball joint broke on the front left side. nlm | |||
| 10/05/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| I was on the highway going at the speed of 45mph when the ball joint on the front passanger tire broke, causing me to go through 3 lanes without warning and almost flipping my car over. this is not the first time where i have almost lost my life due to manufacturer defects. last year while driving on the highway, the wipers went out on me in the middle of a thunderstorm. the wipers died out on me a total of 6 times in the last 2 years with over 10 visits to dealers for repairs. the ball joint cracking caused the cv boot to be damaged, the stabilizer lines were damaged, the line cover was damaged, and the dealer found that all 4 ball joints were severly bad - not because fo driving but manufacturer defect. the car is only four years old how could so many things be bad on a car that isn't even 4 years old. the warrantly co. and manufacturer refuse to be responsible for damage caused to other components because of the broken ball joint. the engine cooler line is also bad, including the clamp which has been replaced already by outside source. the wipers have shut down more than once and it took over 10 visits to get them fixed - including paying out of pocket expense of $433.00. the car has almost cost me my life more than 6 times on the highway at high speeds. sorry to say - this car has been nothing but a death trap from day one. *ak | |||
| 05/20/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving the left upper ball joint broke and pulled from the socket, all ball joints required replacement, all showing excessive wear. *mjs | |||
| 02/15/2000 | 12 | 03/01/1999 | |
| While taking a turn the left front balljoint snapped off. making control of the vehicle impossible. left tire collasped and the vehicle was unmovable. had to flatbed the vehicle to a garage. 2nd problem-the transmission feels as it is shifting into reverse approximately every 4th time the vehicle is started. *ak | |||
| 12/21/1999 | 2 | 08/01/1999 | |
| On 12-21-99 as i was driving on the southern tier expressway in western ny, the right upper ball joint broke, causing me to lose control of my 1996 gmc jimmy. thankfully i was slowing down to prepare to exit from the 65 mph speed limit at this time. at the time of the malfunction, i estimated my speed to be 45 mph. i had my vehicle towed to the closest repair garage and on 12-22-99 the head mechanic told me that all of the ball joints (upper and lower) would need to be replaced on my vehicle. the cost of these repairs were $499.60. my vehicle is only 3+ years old with only 38,985 miles on the odometer. i also noticed that there were two other defect investigations on gmc ball joints on the 96 gmc jimmy. i filed this report because i could have been severely injured or killed as a result of these defects in the ball joints. *ak | |||
| 04/13/1999 | 1 | 11/01/1995 | |
| The front driver-side wheel assembly, as vehicle was moving, eventually sheared off . the ball joint broke away from the wheel. the vehicle has been regularly serviced, oil change/lube etc. all receipts retained. probably would've been a very serious accident if i was on the highway. i feel this is a major defect in the vehicle, and people should be notified. the vehicle has never been off road and there are no hard miles on it. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 07/28/2004 | 104100 | 1 | 06/15/2001 |
| Right lower ball joint appears to be shattered. maintenance was above level required by book and seems to be a casting defect. *ak | |||
| 08/25/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving a clicking noise could be heard, and vehicle would shake. vehicle was taken to an independent auto repair shop, where mechanic determined the front upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 07/16/2003 | 3 | 09/30/2002 | |
| The consumers vehicle experienced the same problems as stated in recalls 01i018000 lower ball joint; recall 03v159000 windshield wiper motor, and transmission. recall number unknown. dealer will not repair because vin was not included. *ak the dealer replaced the left lower ball joint due to a cracking noise. while driving through the snow, the consumer wasn't able to use the 4wd because the transfer case needed to be replaced. the windshield wipers were intermittent, a loud cracking noise had come from the right side of the vehicle when turning the steering wheel. the service dealer stated that the only problem was the transmission which had a leak and the ignition switch. *scc *jb | |||
| 11/04/2002 | |||
| Consumer state that the vehicle would vibrate and make some noise, causing by the lower ball joint. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts | |||
| While having vehicle serviced technician noticed that tires were wearing out due to lower ball joints needed to be replaced. dealer was contacted, but couldn't find cause. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 07/25/2002 | 2 | 10/01/2099 | |
| The lower ball joints move excessively (approx 1-1.5 inches) and are within 1 month of breaking and causing a major accident risking my life.*jb | |||
| 07/03/2002 | |||
| Vehicle failed inspection due to a defect in idler arm / lower ball joints. contacted dealer.*ak | |||
| 11/06/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer is not satisified with reimbursement received for work done on vehicle prior to safety recall g01048s to replace front suspension upper ball joints, dealer stated that lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well but was not under recall, consumer requesting full reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. *tt | |||
| 08/08/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Consumer stated that there is a recall (01v2) on the lower ball joints and he paid to have them replaced, however consumer was informed that the recall only applied to certain states in which his was not included.*jb | |||
| 11/06/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer is not satisified with reimbursement received for work done on vehicle prior to safety recall g01048s to replace front suspension upper ball joints, dealer stated that lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well but was not under recall, consumer requesting full reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. *tt | |||
| 08/08/2001 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| Consumer stated that there is a recall (01v2) on the lower ball joints and he paid to have them replaced, however consumer was informed that the recall only applied to certain states in which his was not included.*jb | |||
| 09/29/1999 | 2 | 04/01/1996 | |
| Original lower ball joints needed to be replaced at 41 months, 20,696 mileage by gmc dealer with gmc parts. the replacement ball joints again had to be replaced after 2 years, at 35,710 miles. the vehicle is not driven off road and serviced regularly. there seems to be a problem with the gm ball joints.*ak | |||
| 11/27/1997 | 01/01/1997 | ||
| While pulling out from a parking lot, driving about 10 mph, front driver's side lower ball joint popped out. truck was towed to the dealership where repairs were made at consumer's expense. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 80000 | 1 | ||
| The front end of the vehicle vibrated while driving. the dealer determined that the front balls joints were worn out and had to be replaced. *ak the dealer informed the consumer there was recall on the ball joints, however the consumer's vehicle identification number wa not included. *jb *nm | |||
| 08/25/2003 | 1 | ||
| While driving a clicking noise could be heard, and vehicle would shake. vehicle was taken to an independent auto repair shop, where mechanic determined the front upper and lower ball joints had to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 01/08/2002 | 53918 | 1 | 03/01/1998 |
| There was a recall of 96 gmc jimmy's for independent front control arm upper: ball joints. we were advised that ours was not included in the recall. we experienced this problem at 53918 miles on jan. 8 2002. the lower ball joints were replaced along with 2 front tires that were worn and very dangerous because of the ball joint problem. also replaced were: the belt tensioner, oil cooler lines, water and belt - at 54,000 miles. we received a 168.98 reimbursement from pontiac gmc as a goodwill adjustment(half of the ball joint replacement charge). they never acknowledge that this vehicle should have been included in the recall. please include this complaint on this vehicle for problems which should have been included in a recall. documentation of repairs available if needed. thank you. *ts *nlm *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut-over to artemis**761991 | |||
| 03/05/2003 | 24149 | 1 | |
| The front upper ball joint was damaged, which caused the wheel to lean inward. *jb | |||
| 06/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| The consumer was requesting reimbursement from the manufacturer for upper ball joints that were replaced prior to recall (01v-200). *yh when the consumer had the upper ball joints replace, they were not replaced with gm parts. updated *jb | |||
| 11/06/2000 | 1 | ||
| Consumer is not satisified with reimbursement received for work done on vehicle prior to safety recall g01048s to replace front suspension upper ball joints, dealer stated that lower ball joints needed to be replaced as well but was not under recall, consumer requesting full reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. *tt | |||
| 02/15/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer was traveling 10 mph on a side street, front passenger's tire belt broke, and tire turned inward and wouldn't move. dealership was aware of problem. *ak consumer was traveling 10 mph when the front right upper ball joint broke, the tire pitched into the vehicle leaving the vehicle inoperable, the other 3 ball joints were also replaced due to significant wear. *tt | |||
| 03/29/2001 | 1 | 01/01/2000 | |
| Consumer stopped at a red a light, pulled up and heard a bang. consumer thought tire blewout. pulled into a driveway, at that point vehicle wouldn't steer. it was towed to a garage. upper left ball joint was broken. consumer to have all the ball joints replaced to prevent it from happening on the other side.*ak *slc | |||
| 11/17/2000 | 1 | 08/13/1996 | |
| Control arm upper ball joint broke while driving at highway speeds, causing tire to blowout, and wheel to break in half, resulting in vehicle losing control. vehicle is at dealership for repairs. *ak *slc | |||
| 08/20/2000 | 1 | ||
| Ea 99 022/upper and lower control arm ball joint: front left wheel collapsed while traveling at 10 mph. towed vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer that upper ball joint broke off the socket. this vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's recall due to vin. *ak | |||
| 08/14/2000 | 1 | 03/01/1999 | |
| As i made a left hand turn there was a clunk and the truck veered to the right. i slowed and regained control and pulled on to the shoulder of the road just missing the gaurd rails. the passenger side tire was collapsed. the dealer confirmed the upper ball joint had snapped. replaced both upper ball joints as the technician reported the driver side one was worn.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - WHEEL BEARING | |||
| 02/15/1998 | 3 | 01/09/1999 | |
| Consumer states that wheel squeaks, dealer repacked the wheel bearings and lubed the wheel stops. *tt | |||
| SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE | |||
| The rear bushings and the screws have rusted out. the dealer will replace the brake pads and the bushings. the manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| Rear left side much lower than the rear right side, resulting in swerving to the right. | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 05/30/1996 | 0 | ||
| Rear end misaligned. *sd | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY | |||
| Truck slumps over to left side in rear at one time, leaning 11/2. rear leaf spring replaced but started to exhibit same failure. gmc says this is acceptable.*ak | |||