Tenneco Automotive recall 21E097

Affected vehicles (2)

Component / system

Defect

Tenneco Automotive (DBA as DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG tie rods, with part numbers EV801120 and EV800964, and NAPA NCP tie rods, with part number 2693957. The tie rods may not have been heat-treated properly, which can cause them to fail.

Risk / consequence

Tie rod failure can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

DRiV will work with will work with its distributor/retailer customers to replace the tie rods, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco customer service at 1-877-489-6659 or RECALL.SUPPORT@DRIV.COM.

Chronology of events

1. Oct 13, 2021

   October 13, 2021: DRiV received a report that shortly after a subject tie rod was installed on a customer’s vehicle, the inner tie rod end stud fractured as the vehicle was coming to a stop, resulting in a partial loss of steering control. No accident, injury, or property was reported. October 13 – November 19, 2021: DRiV undertook an investigation to determine the root cause of the reported failure. An analysis of returned parts and parts from inventory affected part(s) found that incorrect heat treatment was applied to the stud, resulting in excessive hardness. This condition, in turn, rendered the stud susceptible to cracking and a potential failure. DRiV reviewed production data, material information, and heat treatment processes to determine whether and the extent to which this condition may affect other parts. DRiV also evaluated the potential consequences of a failure.

2. Nov 23, 2021

   November 23, 2021: DRiV’s Global Warranty Committee reviewed the results of the investigation and decided to initiate this safety recall. To date, DRiV is aware of two warranty claims and no accidents, injuries, or property damage related to this condition.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

DEC 06, 2021 - DEC 10, 2021

Owner notification

DEC 13, 2021 - DEC 17, 2021