The problem
On certain trucks equipped with accuride 22.5 X 9.00 - Hub pilot h.D. Steel wheel rims, the rear axle wheel studs are too short. These studs may not be able to retain the wheel nut torque and could loosen allowing the loss of a wheel.
The risk
If a vehicle loses a wheel while traveling down a roadway, a crash could occur, property damage to following vehicles or personal injury to persons outside the vehicle.
The fix
Dealers will replace the rear axle wheel studs. The recall began on september 3, 2004. Owners should contact autocar at 1-877-973-3486.
Contacts
Autocar recall no. A-0401. 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 Autocar dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 04V390000.
- 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.