VEHICLE RECALL NOTICE - based on VIN #

August 2004
Dear General Motors Customer:

General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2004 model year Cadillac CTS, SRX, XLR, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.

Washers that are used along with nuts to attach the lower control arms were made of the wrong steel material.

These washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, making it possible for the control arm to separate. If this were to occur on the front of the vehicle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the affected wheel could tilt outward, creating a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and turn it in the direction of the affected corner.

The driver could maintain some steering control with the unaffected wheel, but vehicle control would be diminished. If the separation occurs at the rear of the vehicle (XLR and Corvette only), it could cause unexpected right or left lateral forces at the rear of the vehicle. Although steering of the front wheels would be unaffected, control of vehicle direction would be impaired.

Front or rear control arm separation may also reduce brake system performance and increase stopping distance.
If these events occur and the driver is unable to react in time, a crash could occur.

Your dealer will install a new nut and washer on the lower control arms, and if required, replace the ball stud and/or steering knuckle(s). This service will be performed for you at no charge.

You may be contacted by a dealer other than the dealer who sold or is currently servicing your vehicle. Please be advised that you may take your vehicle to the General Motors dealership of your choice to have the recall service work completed. Please contact your dealer as soon as possible to arrange a service date.

If parts are required, ask your dealer for details regarding their availability. If parts are not in stock, they can be ordered before scheduling your service date.

This letter identifies your vehicle. Presentation of this letter to your dealer will assist their Service personnel in completing the necessary correction to your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

We are sorry to cause you this inconvenience; however, we have taken this action in the interest of your safety and continued satisfaction with our products.

Customer Support Department.

-Bill

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be calling my dealer tomorrow to arrange for a fix appointment.

 

Do we know what VINs are affected? What built dates??

 

 

 

Recall Notice On 2004 Corvettes
GM is recalling approximately 41,928 2004 Corvettes due to a problem with the lower ball joints. On certain vehicles the lower control arm ball stud/washer assemblies were made of the wrong materials. This may cause the washers to fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, thereby reducing the clamp load of the ball joint’s nut. This in turn can potentially result in separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, which would lead to diminished steering control and reduced braking performance. GM has not yet provided a remedy or owner notification schedule for this recall, but current owners of affected cars can expect to hear from the company shortly. In the alternative, owners may call Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438. CM

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2004...callnotice.asp

 

Wow, approximately 41,928 2004 Corvettes and not approximately 41,927. They must be including the scale model die cast with that many

There has been a few threds on this topic over the past few weeks.

 

I guess I'll be calling tomorrow

Thanks

 

i have a feeling that the 04 Vette will not be the only one to be recalled as stated in the notice the Cadillac CTS, SRX, XLR, and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles are included

 

I believe in Ken's newsletter a time frame was given (production time frame).

I have not recieved a recal letter yet though.

 

Why another recall all of a sudden? I would like to know more information!

 

I want to see vin #'s and build dates for this recall.Save the Wave.>George

 

 

Called it in on my '04 and dealership said build dates beyond Aug 17th 2003 are in the recall. I lucked out since mine was June 26th.

 

As I remember the production dates were from late Jan04 to early Mar04. I had my dealer check his GM Vihicle Inquiry System for my VIN# 14885. No recall for that VIN, so it was probably built before the recall date. Somewhat higher VINs are likely candidates.

 

I think it extended to April, but I'm not 100%. I know I got Sponge to check my born-on date and it was in the time range.

I haven't checked with my dealer yet, but as far as I know chevy has not officially issue the recall. The information above is from the NHTSA.

I think chevy has warned the dealers in a letter that a recall may come (since the NHTSA sorta spilled the beans) but I don't think it is official (customer notification).

 

The recall number for this one is 04043, according the the NHSTA website.

 

I heard that this was coming. On www.mygmlink.com it shows my '04 as having a recall, number 04043, but the letter attached to it at the moment says

"Dear Valued GM Customer; We re sorry, the details concerning the recall on your vehicle are currently not available within the Owner Center at My GMLink system. Please contact your preferred GM Dealer for more information and to discuss your options for addressing this recall. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. Thank you, The My GMLink Team"

I guess we'll get the official letter soon enough.

I think that my '04s build date was either the first or second day when they got the questionable washers.

 

its an 18 page printout too. the estimation is less than 1% will actually need the control arms with the other 99% getting the nuts with attached washers.

front is simple fix but rears are a bit of work with axles being removed, etc.
i don't have the vins breakpoint in front of me ( i made printout and have it on my desk) as i am home but my car falls under it and i am having it done monday if the lousy weather up here is dry...

 

HOW CAN THEY(GM) BE RECALLING 41,928 2004 CORVETTES WHEN ONLY UNDER 35K WERE PRODUCED???
Zeeman