Known Recalls

Recall campaign · NHTSA 81V091000

Structure

FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC. filed this campaign with NHTSA on 1981-07-20.

Recall campaignNHTSA 81V091000

Structure

Component
Structure
Manufacturer
FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC.
Vehicles affected
140,000
Reported to NHTSA
1981-07-20
Owners notified
1981-12-19

Defect description

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; FRAME CORROSION.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THE CORROSION WEAKENS THE METAL AND MAY RESULT INSEPARATION OF CRITICAL STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, POSSIBLY CAUSINGLOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: IMPENDING SEPARATION OF THESE COMPONENTS COULD BE INDICATED BY UNUSUALNOISE, TIRE WEAR, VIBRATION, OR STEERING WHEEL PLAY.

Scope of coverage

5 model years across 1 models.

ModelYears on record
Fiat 1241974 1973 1972 1971 1970

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.