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American Honda Recalls Certain Honda and Acura Models

13 May 1999

American Honda Recalls Certain Honda and Acura Models
    TORRANCE, Calif., May 12 -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
today announced it will conduct a voluntary recall on some 1996 through
1998 Honda and Acura model vehicles to replace the lower front ball joints.
The campaign will affect approximately 125,000 vehicles, including certain
Acura RL, TL and CL models, as well as certain Honda Accord, Prelude and
Odyssey models.
    The ball joint assembly, which attaches the lower control arm of the front
suspension to the hub/spindle assembly, may wear more quickly than normal on a
small number of the affected vehicles.  If the plastic seat of the ball joint
wears excessively it could cause the ball joint assembly to separate, causing
the front suspension to collapse.  This condition is most likely to occur
during a low-speed maneuver with the steering wheel turned as far as it will
go in either direction.
    One failure has been reported to American Honda and there have been no
accidents or injuries reported.  "Though the condition affects only a small
percentage of the recalled vehicles, the components will be replaced in all of
the potentially affected vehicles to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our
customers," said Jim Roach, vice president of service at American Honda.
    Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and asked to take
their vehicles to their Honda or Acura dealer to replace the ball joints free
of charge.