American Honda Recalls Certain Honda and Acura Models
13 May 1999
American Honda Recalls Certain Honda and Acura ModelsTORRANCE, Calif., May 12 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced it will conduct a voluntary recall on some 1996 through 1998 Honda and Acura model vehicles to replace the lower front ball joints. The campaign will affect approximately 125,000 vehicles, including certain Acura RL, TL and CL models, as well as certain Honda Accord, Prelude and Odyssey models. The ball joint assembly, which attaches the lower control arm of the front suspension to the hub/spindle assembly, may wear more quickly than normal on a small number of the affected vehicles. If the plastic seat of the ball joint wears excessively it could cause the ball joint assembly to separate, causing the front suspension to collapse. This condition is most likely to occur during a low-speed maneuver with the steering wheel turned as far as it will go in either direction. One failure has been reported to American Honda and there have been no accidents or injuries reported. "Though the condition affects only a small percentage of the recalled vehicles, the components will be replaced in all of the potentially affected vehicles to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers," said Jim Roach, vice president of service at American Honda. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and asked to take their vehicles to their Honda or Acura dealer to replace the ball joints free of charge.