The defect
VEHICLES MAY BE SUSCEPTABLE TO HEAVY RUSTING IN STRUCTURALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE. THIS CONDITION MAY IMPAIR THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BODY OF: 1) THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS, 2) THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER TO WHICH THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE ATTACHED, 3) THE STEERING BOX AND IDLER ARM MOUNTING AND 4) THE REAR TRAILING ARM WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE INTERNAL CROSS MEMBER BELOW THE REAR SEAT AND TO THE REAR AXLE. UNDERCARRIAGE CORROSION IS ACCELERATED BY EXPOSURE TO DE-ICING SALTS.
The remedy
ALL OWNERS OF 1970-71 VEHICLES WILL BE SENT LETTERS ADVISING THEM OF THE PROBLEM. DUE TO THE AGE OF THESE VEHICLES OWNERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO FREE INSPECTION OR REMEDY. 1972-74 VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED WITHIN 120 DAYS OF OWNER NOTIFICATION. IF DAMAGE FROM RUSTING IS DETERMINED TO IMPAIR ATTACHMENTS IN ANY OF THE FOUR CRITICAL UNDERBODY LOCATIONS, DEALER WILL OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by ODI
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|
Components: STRUCTURE
Other structure recalls in 1981
12 of the 157 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 1981 concerned the structure; FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC. filed 32 campaigns in all.
| 81V123000 14 Oct 1981 | AM GENERAL CORPORATION |
| 81V113000 24 Sept 1981 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC |
| 81V083000 7 Jul 1981 | MACK TRUCKS, INCORPORATED |
| 81V062000 22 May 1981 | SHASTA INDUSTRIES |
| 81V061000 21 May 1981 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
| 81V052000 17 Apr 1981 | NATIONAL CUSTOM VAN CORP. |
| 81V039000 24 Mar 1981 | VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC |
| 81V018000 5 Feb 1981 | GILLIG CORPORATION |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 1981