The problem
Defective lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts were not properly torqued and can loosen.
The risk
The lower control arm ball joint can loosen, fatigue, and separate from the front suspension knuckle resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arm ball joint attachment nuts for proper torque. If the ball joint has loosened, both the ball joint and the knuckle will be replaced.
Contacts
System: suspension; independent front control arm; lower; ball joint. Vehicle description: police vehicles, taxi cabs, hearse and limousine. Note: 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; buick at 1-800-521-7300; or cadillac at 1-800-458-8006. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Cadillac, Chevrolet dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 96V018000.
- 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.