The problem
Certain medium duty trucks equipped with 11,000 lb. Rear axle have a condition where the rear axle anchor plate may fracture. As the anchor plate fractures, there is an audible "bang." If this indication of a condition requiring the driver's attention went unnoticed or was ignored, and under certain rebound, braking, or cornering maneuvers, the rear axle would be free to move fore and aft and provide unexpected steering inputs to the vehicle.
The risk
If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result.
The fix
Dealers will install a new rear axle anchor plate and spacer. Owner notification began august 16, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.
Contacts
Also, customers can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Chevrolet, GMC dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 02V202000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.