The problem
Navistar is recalling certain model year 2012 international terrastar trucks, manufactured from august 23, 2011, through november 16, 2011 and equipped with a sheppard m83 steering gear (feature code 05psn). The fastener attaching the pitman arm to the steering gear shift may have been over tightened. As a result, the securing bolt may fail and the pitman arm may separate from the steering gear.
The risk
If this occurs, a loss of steering control could result, increasing the risk of crash resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death.
The fix
Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pitman arm fasteners. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on about june 12, 2012. Owners may contact navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
Contacts
Navistar's campaign number is 12514. Customers may 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.
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 International dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 12V170000.
- 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.