Safety Recall NHTSA · 97V142000 Reported August 29, 1997

Gm/steering

General Motors, Llc · Steering · 3,957 vehicles potentially affected

NHTSA ID
97V142000
Manufacturer Campaign
NR (Not Reported)
Manufacturer
Component
Steering
Vehicles Affected
3,957
Recall Type
Vehicle
Report Received
August 29, 1997

Defect Summary

Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. the lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. the steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.

Safety Consequence

Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. this condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action

Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.

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 General Motors, Llc dealer and reference recall ID 97V142000 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 General Motors, Llc or involving Steering.

FAQ: Recall 97V142000

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

What is recall 97V142000?

NHTSA recall 97V142000 was issued by General Motors, Llc on August 29, 1997. It addresses: Gm/steering. The recall affects approximately 3,957 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 97V142000 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.