The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·16E040000·Announced 2016-05-13

ZF Front Axle Recall for Steering Connection Wear Risk

ZF North America is recalling certain RL 77 and RL 80 EM axle assemblies due to incorrect internal spacers that can cause premature wear in the steering connection.

NHTSA safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle

NHTSA advises owners to stop driving this vehicle until the recall repair has been completed.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

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 where the steering connection could fail, resulting in a sudden loss of steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Plain-English summary

ZF North America, Inc. is recalling certain RL 77 and RL 80 EM axle assemblies manufactured between May 1, 2014, and May 29, 2015. The affected parts include specific part numbers such as 4474077034, 4474077019, and 447407718. These axles are equipped with Bosch 8018 steering boxes that were manufactured using incorrect internal spacers.

The defect can cause premature wear in the connection between the steering wheel and the front axle. This wear could result in the steering wheel's connection to the front axle failing, leading to a sudden loss of steering ability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. ZF has notified its vehicle manufacturing purchasers and will work with them to execute free recall remedies for all affected vehicles. The recall began on May 19, 2016. Owners may contact ZF customer service at 1-734-416-6200 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SUSPENSION:FRONT recall
Manufacturer
ZF North America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Axle Assembly
Hazard
Affected units
1,951

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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