Recall 08V616000: Steering Knuckle Replacement

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Saturn/VUE 2009

MANUFACTURER: General Motors Corp.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: November 24, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V616000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Steering: Linkages: Knuckle: Spindle: Arm

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 2149

SUMMARY:
GM is recalling 2,149 M/Y 2009 Saturn VUE vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with an incorrect right and/or left front steering knuckle. As a result of the incorrect knuckle and resulting inadequate clearance, the tie rod ball stud could pull out of, or fracture, the tie rod housing. This could cause the tie rod to separate from the knuckle.

CONSEQUENCE:
Although steering control of the vehicle could be maintained after a tie rod separation by the unaffected wheel on smooth roads or during light braking, with more significant suspension or braking inputs, the affected wheel could turn out and skid. If a vehicle built with two incorrect steering knuckles had both tie rods separate at the same time, steering control of the vehicle would be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect the steering knuckles and, if necessary, replace the steering knuckle(s) and tie rod(s). The recall began on December 8, 2008. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com.

NOTES:
Gm recall No. 08389. Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.