Safety Recall NHTSA · 81E005000 Reported May 27, 1981

Suspension:independent front control arm upper:bal

Dana Corporation · Suspension · 3,825 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
81E005000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Component
Suspension
Vehicles Affected
3,825
Recall Type
Equipment
Report Received
May 27, 1981

Defect Summary

The upper housing of the ball joints is oversized and therefore interferes with adjacent surfaces of the upper control arm and does not permit a flush fitting of the upper housing of the ball joint to the upper control arm. Use of these ball joints can result in failure of the attaching bolts.

Corrective Action

Defective ball joints contained in inventories should be returned for replacement free of charge. Vehicles containing defective ball joint assemblies should be taken to the place of original installation for replacement at no charge to owner.

What you should do

  1. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm this recall applies to your vehicle.
  2. Contact an authorized Dana Corporation dealer and reference recall ID 81E005000 or campaign NR (Not Reported).
  3. Schedule the free repair. By federal law, the manufacturer must remedy the defect at no cost.
View Official NHTSA Notice →
Related

Similar Recalls

Other recalls from Dana Corporation or involving Suspension.

FAQ: Recall 81E005000

Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.

What is recall 81E005000?

NHTSA recall 81E005000 was issued by Dana Corporation on May 27, 1981. It addresses: Suspension:independent front control arm upper:bal. The recall affects approximately 3,825 vehicles, with the defect involving the Suspension component.

How do I get this recall repaired?

Contact any authorized Dana Corporation dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 81E005000 or the manufacturer campaign number NR (Not Reported). 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.