FIAT 124 1972: STRUCTURE

NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 81V091000

Manufacturers Involved: FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC.

Component: STRUCTURE

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 140000

Report Initiator: ODI ODI Report

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.

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.

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.