NHTSA recall 97V-218 (97V218000)

What is being recalled

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Why it is dangerous

PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 97V-218 when calling a dealer.

Affected 5 models

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.