The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·11E034000·Announced 2011-08-31

AM General Recalls Replacement Frames for USPS Long Life Vehicles

AM General is recalling replacement frames for 1987-1994 USPS Long Life Vehicles due to potential weld cracks that could reduce steering response and lead to loss of vehicle control.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (frame weld cracks) that could lead to loss of vehicle control and a motor vehicle crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

AM General is recalling certain replacement frames manufactured between February 18, 2010, and January 31, 2011. These frames were sold for use on Model Year 1987-1994 United States Postal Service Long Life Vehicles.

The recall is issued because cracks may develop in the welds that attach the steering gear bracket to the frame. If this occurs, the steering gear bracket may separate from the frame, although it may remain attached to the vehicle via the stabilizer bar bracket. This condition could reduce the vehicle's steering response, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and a motor vehicle crash.

Owners should contact AM General to have reinforcement brackets installed on the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on October 3, 2011. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov for additional information.

The recalled product

Product
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS recall
Manufacturer
AM GENERAL LLC
Category
Vehicle — Frame and Members
Hazard
Affected units
1,513

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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