IllustrationUNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEED STARTED INTERMITTENT NOW CONSISTENT IN UNWANTED ACTIVATION RESULTING IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. THERE IS A CURRENT CAMPAIGN FOR 1999-2002 THAT SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE 1996 VEHICLES. CAMPAIGN NO. 05V379000. *TR
1996 Chevrolet Tahoe
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tahoe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 41 of 283 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
27 crash reports5 fire reports18 injury reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
73 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS RESIDENCE AND THE CONTACT COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS RESIDENCE AND THE CONTACT COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE BRAKE LINES. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 53,000.
MY '96 CHEVROLET TAHOE 2-DOOR SUFFERED COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS WHEN A BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE IN-SERVICE. THE TAHOE, USED PRIMARILY IN ILLINOIS IN THE WINTER, SUFFERED THE FAILURE IN MAY OF 2008 WITH ABOUT 102,000 MILES ACCUMULATED AND WITH NO WITH NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE. THE BRAKE …
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MY '96 CHEVROLET TAHOE 2-DOOR SUFFERED COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS WHEN A BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE IN-SERVICE. THE TAHOE, USED PRIMARILY IN ILLINOIS IN THE WINTER, SUFFERED THE FAILURE IN MAY OF 2008 WITH ABOUT 102,000 MILES ACCUMULATED AND WITH NO WITH NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE. THE BRAKE LINE SIMPLYBURST/ FAILED COMPLETELY WHEN THE LINE (MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL BELOW THE RADIATOR) COMPLETELY FAILED, LEAVING BLOWN OUT GAP ABOUT AN INCHLONG IN THE LINE. THE TRUCK WAS SLOWING TO A STOP SIGN WHEN THEN LINE FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR, SO THERE WAS NO COLLATERAL DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED IMMEDIATELY TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR ESTIMATION AND REPAIRS (NOT A CHEVY GARAGE). THESE REPAIRS REQUIRED COMPLETE VEHICLE BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT (EXCEPT TO THE FRONT ANT-LOCK UNIT) AND COMPLETE SYSTEM COMPONENT REPLACEMENT (EXCEPT FOR THE MASTER CYLINDER). I THOUGHT THE FAILURE WAS RANDOM UNTIL I RECENTLY SAW AN ARTICLE ON THE TOPIC IN PRINT BY JERRY HIRSCH, STAFF WRITERFOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, BUSINESS SECTION WHERE OTHER SIMILAR FAILURES ON SIMILAR MODELS WERE NOTED. THE REPAIRS COST CLOSE TO $2,000 AND, IF THERE ARE OTHER CAMPAIGNS ON THIS MODEL, I WOULD LIKE TO RESEARCH THEM TO DETERMINE IF POOR DESIGN BY GENERAL MOTORS/CHEVROLET DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE REPAIRS AND HOW TO GO ABOUT ADDING MY VEHICLE TO THAT CAMPAIGN. I HAVE KEPT THE VEHICLE REGISTERED IN MY NAME AND CURRENTLY OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET, SO MY CONTACT INFORMATION WOULD HAVE BEEN ON-FILE WITH GM SUCH THAT PROPER NOTIFICATIONS COULD HAVE BEEN MADE. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS TYPE OF FAILURE WAS PART OF GMS FAULTY DESIGN HISTORY OR THAT ANY CAMPAIGN WAS UNDERWAY PERTAINING TO BRAKE LINE FAILURES UNTIL I SAW THE ARTICLE PRINTED BY MRJERRY HIRSCH AS NOTE D ABOVE. *TR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE COMING ON FREQUENTLY. *JB
WHILE DRIVING. THE BRAKES FAILED, AND A COLLISION OCCURRED. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. . UPON HITTING THE BRAKES THEY PULSATED. *AK
CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CH…
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CONSUMER WAS HAVING TROUBLE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY FAIL AND CEASE WORKING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER IS STILL EXPERIENCING UNEXPECTED FAILURE WITH THE LIGHTING SYSTEM. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON. FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE PAST YEAR.*AK THE BLINKER AND TURN SIGNALS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FREQUENTLY. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. STARTER WAS REPLACED. THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IDLER ARM AND DRAG LINK. WATER PUMP LEAKED. POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKED. BRAKE CABLE BROKE. PINION SEAL LEAKED. MASTER CYLINDER LEAKED. *NM
THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS SEPARATED FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET, AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THE PAD WAS DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK (THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR) *SC
AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH I APPLIED BRAKES ON THE APPROACH OF A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN ABOUT TWO INCHES AND THEN CATAPULTED UP VARY QUICKLY. AT THIS POINT THE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD. WHICH IF THE VACUUM BOOSTER FAILED IT SHOULD HAVE LEFT ME WITH HYDRAULIC MANUAL BRAKES, AND IT DID NOT. I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH THE EME…
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AT A SPEED OF 50 MPH I APPLIED BRAKES ON THE APPROACH OF A STOP LIGHT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN ABOUT TWO INCHES AND THEN CATAPULTED UP VARY QUICKLY. AT THIS POINT THE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD. WHICH IF THE VACUUM BOOSTER FAILED IT SHOULD HAVE LEFT ME WITH HYDRAULIC MANUAL BRAKES, AND IT DID NOT. I HAD TO STOP THE TRUCK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AFTER ROLLING THROUGH A RED LIGHT AT ABOUT 30 TO 40 MPH. I REPLACED THE VACUUM BOOSTER AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT. WAS CALLED AND A CASE WAS OPENED #C06749958. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE LIKE IT FAILED, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS OF LIFE ISSUE. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND AT THIS POINT NOTHING BEING DONE ABOUT IT. *TS ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12-12-02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS***761073
I SENT THE FOLLWING TO GM>>>I OWN A 96' CHEVROLET TAHOE. I LOVE MY TRUCK BUT I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN. MY BRAKES ARE HORRIBLE, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE PADS, SO I HAD THEM REPLACED, THEN MY ROTORS WARPED... SO I HAD THEM REPLACED ALSO, MY BRAKES STILL FELT SOFT SO I KEPT DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR ABOUT 5000 MILES, NEXT I'M DRIVING ON A…
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I SENT THE FOLLWING TO GM>>>I OWN A 96' CHEVROLET TAHOE. I LOVE MY TRUCK BUT I HAVE A MAJOR CONCERN. MY BRAKES ARE HORRIBLE, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE PADS, SO I HAD THEM REPLACED, THEN MY ROTORS WARPED... SO I HAD THEM REPLACED ALSO, MY BRAKES STILL FELT SOFT SO I KEPT DRIVING IT LIKE THAT FOR ABOUT 5000 MILES, NEXT I'M DRIVING ON A FLAT ROAD AND COME TO A STOP. I TAKE OFF FROM THIS COUNTRY ROAD AND SEE A DEER, I HIT MY BRAKES AND NOTHING!!!! THE BRAKE FADE IS SO BAD THAT I GO BACK TO THE DEALER AGAIN. HE SUGGESTS A MASTER CYLINDER (OUCH) SO I FOOLISHLY GIVE HIM MY MONEY. NEXT DAY I'M GOING DOWN A SLIGHT HILL AND AGAIN MAJOR BRAKE FADE. I AM REALLY UPSET AND HONESTLY FRIGHTENED OF YOUR VEHICLE. IN READING SOME OF THE NEWS GROUPS ON THE INTERNET, I FIND THAT MANY FOLKS HAVE CONTACTED GM AND ALERTED YOU TO THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE FIX OUR BRAKES BEFORE ONE OF US AND/OR AN INNOCENT BYSTANDER GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. PLEASE HELP SAVE LIVES, DON'T BE LIKE FORD AND DENY AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH YOUR 92-99 TAHOE, SUBURBAN, AND PICKUPS.*AK
ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CAUSING EXTENDED BRAKING DISTANCE. NO INDIACTIONS OF EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS IE. ABS DASH LIGHT, BRAKES IN GOOD CONDITION, VEHICLE JUST NYS SAFETY INSPECTED.*AK
Official recalls
303V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Apr 28, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Jul 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
96V057000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Apr 4, 1996
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
PE01023 · Seat Belt Anchorage Separation
Opened Jul 17, 2001 · Closed Dec 20, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HAS DETERMINED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.
EA00024 · Headlight
Opened Sep 26, 2000 · Closed Dec 21, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
No summary supplied.
EA00013 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened May 2, 2000 · Closed Jun 28, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00017 · Headlight
Opened Apr 11, 2000 · Closed Sep 26, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
BASED ON THE REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI FROM CONSUMERS, FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT FROM REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OFTHE TILT STEERING WHEEL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY STRAIN THE WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT TO THE POINT OF FAILURE WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RESULTING IN THE UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI HAS CONCERNS REGARDING THE HIGH RATE OF WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR PROBLEMS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, WITH THE RECOGNITION THE EACH INCIDENT OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE REPRESENTS A CONDITION OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT.IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER'S EVALUATION OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED, AND THIS OFFICE HAS INTEREST IN THE DETAILS OF THE METHODOLOGIES AND RESULTS OF THAT ASSESSMENT.
PE99073 · Battery Leaks Acid
Opened Dec 3, 1999 · Closed May 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID.OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONTBRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION.THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY TO SULFURIC ACID LEAKAGE FROM THE BATTERY CASE.AT LEAST ONE COMPLAINANT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY ALSO FAILED.SEVERAL OF THE COMPLAINANTS NOTE THAT THE LEAKING ACID HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A WIRE HARNESS AT THE FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINE.A FIELD INSPECTION BY ODI INDICATES THAT THE DESCRIBED HARNESS IS THE ABS CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR.PRIOR TO THE BATTERY CASE FAILURE, THERE IS USUALLY NO WARNING (SHORT OF AN UNDERHOOD INSPECTION), AND THE ENSURING DAMAGE (SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION) IS PROGRESSIVE.OF THE KNOWN BATTERY FAILURES, THERE MAY BE A TEMPERATURE CORRELATION, AS 60% OF THE OWNER COMPLAINTS CAME FROM FOUR STATES; CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA AND TEXAS.THERE IS ALSO A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND ENGINEERING CHANGE NOTICE TO ADD 1% SILVER TO THE BATTERY'S POSITIVE SIDE TERMINALL, WITH THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THIS BEING FEB 2, 1998.THE EFFECT OF THIS DESIGN CHANGE IS AS YET UNKNOWN; FURTHER REVIEW IS WARRANTED.AN EA IS BEING OPENED TO GATHER FURTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION, CLARIFY ANY DEFECT TRENDS, AND TO ASSESS THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS CONCERNING THESE FAILURES.
RQ99015 · Front Seat Recliner Bolt Failure
Opened Jul 14, 1999 · Closed Dec 28, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
No summary supplied.