June 24, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V473000
Rear Suspension Toe Link May Loosen and Separate
A loose toe link can separate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V473
Manufacturer General Motors, LLC
Components SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected 380,498
Summary
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX and 2011-2012 Saab 9-4X vehicles. The rear suspension toe link adjuster may not have been tightened properly, which could result in a loose toe link.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a non-adjustable one, free of charge. Owners are advised to not drive their vehicle if they experience certain Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) warnings or other issues, such as unusual steering behavior, while driving. Please see the Part 573 report for the full list of warnings. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 9, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and Saab customer service at 1-800-955-9007. GM’s number for this recall is N212340980.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Check if your Vehicle has a Recall
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Safety Recall N212340980
Rear Toe Link Separation
These questions and answers are being provided to help GM dealers respond to inquiries from involved vehicle owners about the Safety recall identified above.
| Q1) | Which vehicles are involved? |
| A1) | Certain 2010 to 2016 model year Cadillac SRX and 2011 to 2012 Saab 9-4x vehicles.
|
| Q2) | What is the issue or condition? |
| A2) | These vehicles may have received improper service requiring adjustment of a rear suspension toe link. In rare cases, dealers or independent repair shops may not have followed GM’s published procedures for torquing the jam nut in the toe link adjusters to the proper specification. A loose toe link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds or allow water or other corrosive elements to enter the threads within the adjuster.
|
| Q3) | What symptoms may be experienced? What warning signs may be associated with the issue or condition described? |
| A3) | Warnings may include:
|
| A customer who experiences these warnings should have the vehicle flat towed to a GM dealership and should not drive the vehicle until it is inspected by a GM dealer. | |
| Q4) | What is the remedy/repair? |
| A4) | Dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a design that prevents adjustment.
|
| Q5) | What is the safety risk? Is the vehicle safe to drive? |
| A5) | If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
|
| Q6) | Does the customer have to pay for this remedy/repair? |
| A6) | No, this repair will be done at no cost to the customer.
|
| Q7) | Is the remedy/repair available now? |
| A7) | No, when a remedy is available and/or sufficient quantity of parts are available, the recall bulletin will be released, and dealers can begin repairing vehicles.
|
| Q8) | What should customers do until recall repairs can be completed? Are there any special instructions? |
| A8) | If special instructions are provided, they will be included in the notification letters to customers. A customer who experiences warning signs listed in A3 should have the vehicle flat towed to a GM dealership and should not drive the vehicle until it is inspected by a GM dealer.
|
| Q9) | How can customers check to see if their vehicle is involved in this field action? |
| A9) | Customers who own a vehicle involved in the field action will be notified by mail by General Motors, but they may also check their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for field actions in GM Owner Center at https://my.gm.com/recalls or via NHTSA’s website at https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.
|
| Q10) | If customers are concerned, can they get a rental car or courtesy transportation? |
| A10) | Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with this recall. Please refer to Warranty Administration Bulletin #17-NA-073: Field Action Courtesy Transportation Policy for further information.
|
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness
June 24, 2021
Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination
573.6 (c) (6) (7)
Describe the chronology of events leading up to the defect decision or test data for the noncompliance decision:
On September 10, 2014, GM recalled certain 2010-15 Cadillac SRX and 2011-12 Saab 9-4x vehicles after determining that, on some of those vehicles, the jam nuts in the rear toe-link adjusters may not have been torqued to the proper specification during GM’s assembly process. Ref. NHTSA Recall No. 14V571. Without proper torque there was a potential for the toe link to loosen. As part of the recall remedy, GM dealers were instructed to inspect the toe links and increase the torque if necessary, or to replace the toe links if they were loose or damaged. The design was proven effective when correctly installed and torqued in accordance with GM’s published service procedures.
After the 2014 recall was launched GM received isolated reports of loose toe links in vehicles that had been repaired under Recall 14V571. GM undertook an analysis of dealer repairs and determined that some dealers had failed to follow GM’s service procedures. On March 30, 2015, GM revised the service procedures to help prevent further dealer errors in making the repair. These procedures were also publicly available to independent repair shops.
GM continued to monitor field performance and evaluate whether the improved service procedure effectively reduced errors in servicing. The overall rate of field reports remained low, and an improper repair was very unlikely if performed after the revised service procedures were published. Together, this data indicated that the original repair was successful in most cases, and the revised service procedure was being followed and was effective. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, GM further updated the service information in October 2020 to instruct technicians to always replace the toe links rather than adjusting them after an alignment or other applicable service.
On November 6, 2020, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation (PE20-019) into the condition and, on December 31, 2020, issued an information request to GM. GM responded to the information request on February 18, 2021. GM concluded, consistent with its prior experience, that the condition is the result of a rare occurrence of service operator error during a rear toe alignment or other service requiring adjustment of the rear toe links. The rate of potentially related field incidents remained low, and the issue is detectable, including by traction control and Stabilitrak messages or malfunction indicator lamps, sway or wander at highway speeds or a loud clanking or chucking noises when traveling over bumps. Complete separation of the link was very rare as drivers brought the vehicle in for repair before corrosion and continued vehicle use could result in separation of the toe link.
On June 7, 2021, NHTSA informed GM that it had received additional field reports potentially relating to the condition. In a subsequent meeting, NHTSA expressed its view that the risk of improper service following the initial safety recall warranted a follow-up recall. After discussions with NHTSA, GM decided on June 17, 2021 to conduct this safety recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 14V571 are included in this decision. Any vehicles remaining open under 14V571 will be closed.
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
DCS5838
URGENT – DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY
Date: June 24, 2021
Subject: Upcoming Safety Recall N212340980
Rear Toe Link Separation
Models: 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX
2011-2012 Saab 9-4x
To: All General Motors Dealers
General Motors has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about an upcoming safety recall that involves 2010 to 2016 model year Cadillac SRX and 2011 to 2012 Saab 9-4x vehicles. The GM recall number is N212340980.
Some vehicles involved in this recall were originally part of bulletin 14457. This bulletin will be closed, and the affected vehicles will now show under this upcoming safety recall.
The repair of SAAB vehicles regarding this safety recall will not be serviced at official SAAB Service Centers but can be repaired at your local Cadillac or any General Motors dealership.
It is a violation of federal law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by this notification until the defect is remedied.
These vehicles may have received improper service requiring adjustment of a rear suspension toe link. In rare cases, dealers or independent repair shops may not have followed GM’s published procedures for torquing the jam nut in the toe link adjusters to the proper specification. A loose toe link can cause the vehicle to sway or wander at highway speeds or allow water or other corrosive elements to enter the threads within the adjuster. If a toe link is improperly adjusted, corrosion combined with vehicle motion may eventually cause the threads within the link to wear and loosen. In very rare cases with continued use, the link could separate. Separation while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Parts are not currently available, but when parts are available, dealers will replace the adjustable toe link with a design that prevents adjustment.
Until further instructions are received, involved vehicles that are in dealers’ possession (new or used vehicle inventory, GM Certified Used, courtesy transportation vehicles, dealer shuttle vehicles, etc.) must be held and not delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration purposes or any other dealer use. All GM Certified Used vehicles currently in the dealers’ inventory within the Certified Pre-Owned Inventory System (CPOIS) will be de-certified.
The Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the Global Warranty Management (GWM) system will be updated for this upcoming recall on June 24, 2021. This action has been taken to assist dealers with determining which vehicles are involved so they can properly respond to customer inquiries.
Question and Answer Document (Q&A)
Attached to this message you will find a document that addresses the ten most likely questions customers may have regarding this Safety Recall. Please use this information as an aid to confidently answer customer concerns.
Dealers will be advised when the recall bulletin is released. Until the recall bulletin is released, the IVH screen in GWM will display “N/A” under Release Date and “Incomplete – Remedy not yet available” under Status. This means the required repair is not yet available and dealers should not attempt to perform any repairs.
END OF MESSAGE
GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS
9 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| CADILLAC | SRX | 2010-2016 |
| SAAB | 9-4X | 2011-2012 |
5 Associated Documents
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-21V473-8845.PDF 214.21KB
Loading...
Reload document
Open in new tab Miscellaneous Document – Chronology of Defect / Noncompliance Determination 573.6 (c) (6) (7)
RMISC-21V473-7183.pdf 153.994KB
Loading...Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-21V473-4757.pdf 693.304KB
Loading...Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Dealer Message re Upcoming Safety Recall N212340980 Rear Toe Link Separation
Loading...Miscellaneous Document – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Safety Recall N212340980 Rear Toe Link Separation
RMISC-21V473-7662.pdf 105.544KB
Loading...Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V473&docType=RCL
For the most up to date documents from NHTSA for this Recall, click the lick above
1 Associated Investigation
Rear Toe Adjuster Link Separation
NHTSA ID: PE20019
Dated opened: November 6, 2020
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received nine complaints alleging rear toe link adjuster separation on model year (MY) 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX vehicles. The complaints report uncontrolled swaying while driving with two incidents leading to a crash.
Most of the complaint vehicles were remedied previously under Recall 14V-571, which required inspection and re-torque or replacement of the rear toe links in the subject vehicles.
ODI has examined toe links from several of the complaint vehicles that exhibited corrosion and thread wear on the adjustable portion of the link. The root cause of this corrosion and wear is unknown but has been attributed to in-service adjustment of the toe link, typically during four wheel alignments, as evidenced by review of complaint vehicle service histories. In all cases, this service was conducted after the safety recall remedy was performed.
ODI has opened a Preliminary Evaluation to characterize the percentage of the subject vehicle population exhibiting minimal toe link integrity in the field and to identify factors that contribute to this situation.
The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers:
11153296, 11209435, 11210601, 11268463, 11278653, 11342134, 11342542, 11353745, 11363094.
- ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR BALL JOINT SERVICE - Use the ORION MOTOR TECH Ball Joint Press Set Ball Joint Tool / Bushing Removal Tool with 4WD Adapter to effortlessly remove press fit parts including ball joints, U-joints, brake anchor pins, and more on most 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles without removing the control arm from the vehicle.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE QUALITY AND DURABILITY - Off road weekend warriors, novices, and professional mechanics trust the ORION kit because ORION MOTOR TECH sources the highest quality components from around the world. Constructed from heavy-duty forged steel with black-oxide finish on adapters for maximum strength and longevity that resists rust and corrosion.
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES - Fit most American domestic and imported 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) cars and light pickup trucks that have press-fit type ball joints, include 4-wheel drive (4WD) adapter that allows service for 1967 thru current 1/2 and 3/4 ton 4WD vehicles having the Dana 30 or 44 front axle (found on Ford, GM, Dodge, IHC and Jeep vehicles).
- CONVENIENTLY ORGANIZED IN CUSTOM MOLDED CASE - Ball joint press / bushing/ removal tool kit is enclosed inside a heavy-duty 11” x 3” x 15” inch (27.9cm x 7.6cm x 38.1cm) plastic blow-molded carrying case with handle for easy storage, safe storage, and quick organization. Package include: 3x Receiving Tube, 1x Removal Adapter, 1x Installation Adapter, 1x Screw, 1x Install Cup Adapter, 1x Forcing-screw Press, 1x Receiving Cup, 1x Installing Cup.
- ORION MOTOR TECH - We pursue outstanding quality and professional technical support. If you are not satisfied with this product or if you have any question, please feel free to let us know.
- Harm Bal/ crank PULLEY P
- Tool solutions for most all situations
- Built to exceed tool standards
- Designed to help you remove and install press-fit type ball joints without taking the control arm off the vehicle
- Kit services: most Domestic and import rear wheel drive vehicles
- SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE: Keep your suspension system running smoothly by replacing worn ball joints with the ABN Ball Joint Removal Tool and Bushing Press Kit; 10 piece ball joint tool kit includes receiver tubes and adapters to work on most press-fit upper and lower ball joints
- REMOVE PARTS EASILY: Remove worn, rusted, and corroded parts with this ball joint remover kit; Works as a ball joint separator tool, u joint press, tie rod end remover tool, and suspension bushing removal tool
- PACKAGE CONTENTS: Ball joint removal kit includes (1) C-frame ball joints press and forcing screw, (3) installation adapters with cups, (3) removal adapters with cups, (3) receiver tubes (2.75 x 3 inch, 2.25 x 2.5 inch, and 1.75 x 2 inch)
- BUILT TO LAST: Heavy-duty forged steel provides maximum strength and durability, while the black-oxide finish helps to resist rust and corrosion; Designed to fit most domestic and imported 2 wheel drive (2WD) and 4 wheel drive (4WD) cars and light trucks with press-fit type ball joints
- CONVENIENT STORAGE: 11 x 3 x 15 inch (27.9 x 7.6 x 38.1cm) plastic blow-molded carrying case with handle provides safe storage, quick organization, and easy transportation
- EASY OPERATION: Use the ORION MOTOR TECH Ball Joint Press Tool Set with 4WD Adapter to effortlessly remove press-fit parts including ball joints, U-joints, brake anchor pins, and more on most 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles without removing the control arm.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Fits most American domestic and imported cars and light pickup trucks with press-fit type ball joints. Includes a 4WD adapter for service on 1967 - current 1/2 and 3/4 ton 4WD vehicles with the Dana 30 or 44 front axle (found on Ford, GM, Dodge, IHC, and Jeep vehicles).
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE DURABILITY: Constructed from heavy-duty forged steel with black-oxide finished adapters for maximum strength and longevity that resists rust and corrosion to endure years of heavy use.
- ALL-IN-ONE TOOL KIT: 3x Receiving Tubes, 1x Removal Adapter, 1x Installation Adapter, 1x Screw, 1x Install Cup Adapter, 1x Forcing-screw Press, 1x Receiving Cup, 1x Installing Cup.
- PROTECTIVE CARRYING CASE: Each component is contained in a heavy-duty plastic carrying case with a handle for safe storage and quick organization. If you are not satisfied with this product or if you have any questions, please feel free to let us know.
- 4-IN-1, 4 wheel drive ball joint remover/installer kit.
- Perfect for 4WD ball joint service/repair. 1 "C" frame press 1 "C" frame screw
- Excellent for removal and installation of press-fit parts such as ball joints. Universal joints and truck brake anchor pins.
- It will also remove rusted and corroded parts. High impact blow molded storage case included.
- Set contains C-frame press, 3 receiver tubes sizes: 2-3/4”x3"", 2-1/4”x 2-1/2” & 1-3/4”x2”, installation and removing adapters.
- Kit is designed to cover the vehicles that require ball joint replacement
- Everything required is laid out in this complete 50 piece set
- Comprehensive manual includes diagrams with instructions
- 70 percent of the OEMs have cars with press in ball joints
- Molded storage cases to keep tools organized and easily accessible.
- ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR BALL JOINT SERVICE - Use the ORION MOTOR TECH 22PCS Ball Joint Press Set Ball Joint Tool / Bushing Removal Tool with multi-size adapter to effortlessly remove press fit parts including ball joints, U-joints, brake anchor pins, and more on most 2-wheel drive (2WD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles without removing the control arm from the vehicle.
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH A WIDE RANGE OF VEHICLES - Use the ORION MOTOR TECH Ball Joint Press Set Ball Joint Tool / Bushing Removal Tool with all the receiver tubes and removing/installing adapters needed to effortlessly remove press fit parts including ball joints, U-joints, brake anchor pins, and more on most GM, Chevy, Ford, and Dodge 2 and 4 wheel drive pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles, will service perfect for vehicles having the Dana 28, 30, 35, 44, 60 axle
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE QUALITY AND DURABILITY - Off road weekend warriors, novices, and professional mechanics trust the ORION kit because ORION MOTOR TECH sources the highest quality components from around the world. Constructed from heavy-duty forged solid carbon steel with anti-rust black-oxide finish on adapters for maximum strength and longevity that resists rust and corrosion.
- CONVENIENTLY ORGANIZED IN CUSTOM MOLDED CASE - Ball joint press / bushing/ removal tool kit is enclosed inside a heavy-duty ABS plastic blow-molded carrying case with handle for easy storage, safe storage, and quick organization. Package include: 9x Adapters, 1x Center Rod, 1x C-Frame, 1x Install Adapter, 1x Install Cup, 1x Install Cup Adapter, 1x Receiving Cup, 3x Receiving Tube, 1x Removal Adapter, 1x Screw, 1x Sleeve.
- ORION MOTOR TECH - We pursue outstanding quality and professional technical support. If you are not satisfied with this product or if you have any question, please feel free to let us know.
- OTC's Ball Joint, U-Joint, and Brake Anchor Pin Service Kit removes and installs press-fit parts such as ball joints, universal joints, and truck brake anchor pins
- Clamp frame features heavy duty materials and construction to prevent distortion in severe use cases
- Contains 3 receiver tubes - 2-3/4 inch ID x 3 inch OD, 2-1/4 inch ID x 2-1/2 inch OD, and 1-3/4 inch ID x 2 inch OD
- Includes 1 each; installing cup, receiving cup, and installing adapter
- Sturdy blow molded hard case keeps contents protected and secure when not in use
- This 20+ adapter kit covers many Truck/Van/SUV applications and some car applications.
- With the majority of Cars and Truck/Van/SUV applications having press-in ball joints and universal joints, this kit is designed to service many of those applications.
- This kit is a combination of 7249, 7918, and 7996 kits, and includes 20+ adapters, C-Frame, Ball Joint Application Guide, and carrying case.
Last update on 2021-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2021-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
