Gm/lower control arm ball nut/washer
Defect Summary
On certain passenger vehicles involved in this campaign, the lower control arm ball stud nut/washer assemblies with washers were made of the wrong material. the washers may fracture and become loose or fall away from the vehicle, reducing clamp load. separation of the control arm ball stud and steering knuckle, due to disengagement of the tapered attachment and retaining nut, is possible.
Safety Consequence
If the control arm separates from the knuckle, the affected corner of the vehicle will drop and the control arm would be forced downward, contacting the wheel. the affected wheel could tilt outward and create a dragging action that would tend to slow the vehicle and create a tendency for the vehicle to turn in the direction of the affected wheel. in extreme situations, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle. separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel;s hydraulic brake hose and result in diminished braking performance of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will inspect the ball stud joints and measure the torque of the nut for all front lower control arms in all models affected as well as the rear lower control arms on the xlr and corvette. if the torque is not at specification, the dealers will replace the ball stud, the knuckle, and the nut. if the torque is at specification, the dealers will replace the nut/washer assembly only. the recall will begin on august 25, 2004. owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from General Motors, Llc or involving Steering.
FAQ: Recall 04V273000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 04V273000?
NHTSA recall 04V273000 was issued by General Motors, Llc on June 9, 2004. It addresses: Gm/lower control arm ball nut/washer. The recall affects approximately 41,928 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized General Motors, Llc dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 04V273000 or the manufacturer campaign number 04043. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.