2011-2012 Saab 9-4X Recall: Loose suspension nuts

[SaabWorld]

Press release from GM:

General Motors today announced two recalls covering 379,401 cars and trucks in the United States. The total number of vehicles recalled in North America -- U.S., Canada, Mexico and exports -- is 524,384.

290,107 model year 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X SUVs for torque inspection of rear toe link adjuster lock nuts. Improper torqueing could possibly result in a loose joint and worn threads that could cause the toe adjuster link to separate. Dealers will inspect for the condition and, if necessary, will remove them and install a new link assembly. Unsold vehicles are being checked for proper torqueing before being sold.

A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speed, activate the vehicle's electronic stability control system, and cause excessive wear to the threads in the link. Additionally, the rear suspension may make loud metallic noises, particularly when the vehicle is travelling over bumps or potholes. If separation occurs while the vehicle is being driven, it would create sudden vehicle instability, increasing the risk of a crash. GM is aware of three crashes and two injuries as a result of this condition. GM reported this recall to the NHTSA on September 17.

GM Recall #: N140457

NHTSA Recall #: 14V571

Date Issued: Sep 12, 2014


Recall Title:
REAR TOE LINK ADJUSTER LOCK NUT TORQUE

Recall Description:
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2010-2015 model year Cadillac SRX vehicles and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. On some of these vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speed, activate the vehicles electronic stability control system, and cause excessive wear to the threads in the link. Additionally, the rear suspension may make loud metallic noises, particularly when the vehicle is travelling over bumps or potholes. If the threads in the link become worn, the link may separate.

Safety Risk Description:
If separation of the toe adjuster link occurs while the vehicle is being driven, it would create sudden vehicle instability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Repair Description:
On vehicles in dealer inventory, dealers must inspect the left and right rear toe link adjuster lock nuts for proper torque and tighten the nuts if necessary. On customer vehicles, dealers must inspect the left and right rear toe link and replace the parts if there is evidence of damage or a loose link. If the rear toe links pass the inspection, then the dealer should torque the adjuster jam nuts to specification. This will be provided free of charge.

Owners should contact a Saab Service Center for repairs.
http://www.saabparts.com/en-us/usa/t...rvice-centers/

[Joel H]

I hardly believe that General Motors is taking any responsibility for a SAAB 9-4x vehicle -- this must be a first. When it's everything from a map up-date to a warranty issue they have walked away from the car as if they had nothing to do with it. I guess they can afford tightening a bolt.

Can anyone remember absolutely anything that GM has done in the past that recognizes that they built the 9-4x?

[Mark_Venture]

I hardly believe that General Motors is taking any responsibility for a SAAB 9-4x vehicle -- this must be a first. When it's everything from a map up-date to a warranty issue they have walked away from the car as if they had nothing to do with it. I guess they can afford tightening a bolt.

Can anyone remember absolutely anything that GM has done in the past that recognizes that they built the 9-4x?

They didn't include the 9-4x in the Seat Height Adjuster bolt recall.. (first item listed at -> GM Announces Six Recalls for Varying Safety Issues ).

I wonder if they will only list the 9-4x if the issue causes fatalities?