Truck Recalls
You may hear various terms when you read about auto safety issues:A recall takes place when a manufacturer notifies all owners of a specific vehicle of a condition or defect that could affect safe operation of the vehicle. Work dictated by a recall is completed at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Manufacturers issue recalls, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets safety standards and can open a safety defect investigation (investigations are often the result of consumer complaints). More than half of recalled vehicles were initially the subjects of NHTSA investigations.
One current investigation revolves around brake line corrosion in GM trucks.
A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is a notice that's sent to auto dealers by the manufacturer, detailing a fix for a known concern. The bulletin is for informational purposes and is not a recall. The dealer is under no obligation to make the repair or notify customers of the problem. TSB's are intended to assist dealers in ongoing repairs.
Ford Cruise Control Recall
Ford's cruise control recall isn't new, but it gets the top slot because the NHTSA estimates that several million car and truck owners have not responded to Ford's notices to bring vehicles in for repair. The recall covers a faulty cruise control switch, which can overheat and start a fire, even after the truck's engine is turned off. If you're looking at a used Ford truck, check its cruise switch repair status.
Ford Body Control Module Recall
Ford is recalling 2011 F-Series trucks to check and replace a body control module at risk of short circuiting and causing a fire.
2010 - 2011 Ram Trucks Recall
December, 2010 | About 76,000 Ram trucks, all diesels built between 3/09 and 10/10, are being recalled for potential issues with brake pedal return.
Colorado & Canyon Trucks Child Restraint Recall
November, 2010 | General Motors is recalling 192,676 of its light duty pickup trucks to install a missing top tether anchor that's required to secure car seats.
Chrysler Steering Hose Recall
October, 2010 | Chrysler is inspecting cars and trucks, looking for a faulty power steering hose that has the potential to separate at its crimped end and drip fluid onto hot engine components.
Ram Door Jamb Label Recall
October, 2010 | This recall involves just 840 Ram trucks with an improperly printed door jamb label.
Nissan Truck & SUV Fastener Recall
April, 2010 | Nissan is looking at Frontier trucks and some of its SUVs to determine if they're equipped with faulty fasteners that could cause the steering column to come loose or affect airbag deployment in a crash.
Nissan Recall to Inspect Brake Pedal Pins and Fuel Gauges
March, 2010 | Nissan pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans are being inspected for faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauges.
Toyota Tacoma Drive Shaft Recall
February, 2010 | This Toyota recall involves Tacoma front drive shafts that might have developed cracks during production.
Toyota Accelerator Recall
January, 2010 | Toyota's accelerator recall includes 2007-2010 Tundra pickup trucks. When worn, the accelerator can potentially become stuck in a depressed position or return to idle too slowly.
In August, 2010, the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration released a statement saying that driver error was the primary cause of the acceleration issues.
Toyota Tundra Frame Corrosion Recall
November, 2009 | Toyota recalled about 110K Tundra pickup trucks from 2000-2003 model years to inspect frames for excessive rust. This recall affects only trucks operating in cold weather states.
GM Heated Washer Fluid Systems Recall
August, 2008 | This recall involves a short on the circuit board that controls the heater -- it can overheat the circuit ground wire and cause electrical components to malfunction. The results: an odor, smoke or a possible fire.
Ford & Lincoln Brake Hose Recall
May, 2008 | Ford recalled more than 650,000 F-150 and Mark LT trucks to repair a faulty intake manifold brake hose.
Toyota Tundra Driveshaft Recall
December, 2007 | Toyota recalled 2007 4x4 Tundra trucks to check a joint in the rear driveshaft. There's a possibility that parts weren't heat-treated properly in order to create the strength needed to handle the Tundra's power.
GM Tailgate Support Cable Recall
March, 2004 | General Motors recalled about 4 million 2000-2004 full-size pickup trucks (worldwide) to replace tailgate support cables that may corrode and fracture.
GM Windshield Wiper Circuit Board Recall
May, 2003 | General Motors recalled about 1.77 million pickups, SUVs and vans to replace front windshield wiper circuit boards and motor covers.
GM Air Bag Recall
August, 2002 | General Motors recalled approximately 570,000 model year 2000 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The air bag sensing and diagnostic modules installed in the trucks could interfere with the timing and sequence of air bag deployment signals, which could result in the non-deployment of driver and passenger side air bags during some frontal collisions.
This list doesn't cover all truck recalls -- I miss some of them. Send me an email if you're aware of a recall that should be included.
