Recall - Rear Suspension Ball Joint Separation (Canada): Overview
Subject: Product Safety - Rear Suspension Ball Joint Separation# 06089 - (09/28/2006)
Models:
2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous (FWD & AWD)
2005-2006 Buick Terraza (FWD & AWD)
2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander (AWD)
2002-2004 Chevrolet Venture (AWD)
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette (AWD)
2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek (AWD)
2002-2004 Pontiac Montana (AWD)
2005-2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 (AWD)
2005-2006 Saturn Relay (AWD)
Registered in Canada
Due to part availability this recall is being administered in phases. This phase consists of 2001 and 2002 model year vehicles. You will he notified as additional phases are released.
Condition
General Motors has decided that in Canada a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous (FWD & AWD), 2005-2006 Buick Terraza (FWD & AWD), 2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander (AWD), 2002-2004 Chevrolet Venture (AWD), 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette (AWD), 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek (AWD), 2002-2004 Pontiac Montana (AWD), 2005-2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 (AWD), and 2005-2006 Saturn Relay (AWD) vehicles. If vehicles with an independent rear suspension are operated at extreme cold temperatures and on rough roads, with increased suspension travel, they may experience water and salt getting past the ball joint seal. The combination of these conditions may then lead to corrosion and premature ball joint wear. If the ball joint wear progresses to the point of separation from the lower control arm, a loss of vehicle control may occur.
Correction
Dealers/retailers are to replace both rear ball joints.
Vehicles Involved
Involved are certain 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous (FWD & AWD), 2005-2006 Buick Terraza (FWD & AWD), 2005-2006 Chevrolet Uplander (AWD), 2002-2004 Chevrolet Venture (AWD), 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette (AWD), 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek (AWD), 2002-2004 Pontiac Montana (AWD), 2005-2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 (AWD), and 2005-2006 Saturn Relay (AWD) vehicles built within the VIN breakpoints shown.
Parts Information
Service Procedure
1. Remove the lower ball joint assembly from the lower control arm. Refer to the Lower Ball Joint Replacement procedure in SI.
2. Install the lower ball joint assembly into the lower control arm. Refer to the Lower Ball Joint Replacement procedure in SI.
Customer Reimbursement
Customer requests for reimbursement of previously paid repairs for the recall condition are to be submitted to the dealer/retailer by October 31, 2007.
All reasonable customer paid receipts should be considered for reimbursement. The amount to be reimbursed will be limited to the amount the repair would have cost if completed by an authorized General Motors dealer/retailer.
When a customer requests reimbursement, they must provide the following:
^ Proof of ownership at time of repair.
^ Original paid receipt confirming the amount of repair expense(s) that were not reimbursed, a description of the repair, and the person or entity performing the repair.
Claims for customer reimbursement on previously paid repairs are to be submitted as required by WINS.
Important:
Refer to the GM Service Policies and Procedures Manual, section 1.6.2, for specific procedures regarding customer reimbursement verification.
Courtesy Transportation
The General Motors Courtesy Transportation Program is intended to minimize customer inconvenience when a vehicle requires a repair that is covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The availability of courtesy transportation to customers whose vehicles are within the warranty coverage period and involved in a product recall is very important in maintaining customer satisfaction. Dealers/retailers are to ensure that these customers understand that shuttle service or some other form of courtesy transportation is available and will be provided at no charge. Dealers/retailers should refer to the General Motors Service Policies and Procedures Manual for courtesy transportation guidelines.
Claim Information
Submit a Product Recall claim with the information shown.
Customer Notification
General Motors will notify customers of this recall on their vehicle (see copy of customer letter shown in this bulletin).
Dealer/Retailer Responsibility
All unsold new vehicles in dealer/retailer's possession and subject to this recall must be held and inspected/repaired per the service procedure of this recall bulletin before customers take possession of these vehicles.
Dealers/retailers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no charge to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle, or ownership, from this time forward.
Customers who have recently purchased vehicles sold from your vehicle inventory, and for which there is no customer information indicated on the dealer/retailer listing, are to be contacted by the dealer/retailer. Arrangements are to be made to make the required correction according to the instructions contained in this bulletin. A copy of the customer letter is shown in this bulletin for your use in contacting customers. Recall follow-up cards should not be used for this purpose, since the customer may not as yet have received the notification letter.
In summary, whenever a vehicle subject to this recall enters your vehicle inventory, or is in your dealership/facility for service in the future, you must take the steps necessary to be sure the recall correction has been made before selling or releasing the vehicle.
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