Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder (Federal Mogul)
Vehicle equipment recall 02E-012. NHTSA received FEDERAL MOGUL CORPORATION’s report on Mar 12, 2002.
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The short answer
NHTSA received FEDERAL MOGUL CORPORATION’s report on Mar 12, 2002. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THE FRONT BRAKES MAY BECOME INEFFECTIVE HENCE SIGNIFICANT RELIANCE ON THE REAR BRAKES FOR STOPPAGE MAY BE NECESSARY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH THE QUICK TAKE-UP VALVE DESIGN MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 2, 1998, THROUGH MARCH 12, 2002, SOLD FOR USE ON LIGHT TRUCKS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES.
THESE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY NOT HAVE THE SNAP RING PROPERLY INSTALLED IN THE ASSEMBLY.
IN SUCH CASES, AS PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE QUICK TAKE-UP VALVE VIA APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES, THE VALVE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER CAST HOUSING.
WHEN DISENGAGED, THE VALVE CAN APPLY PRESSURE TO THE MASTER CYLINDER’S PLASTIC BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR, WHICH IS NESTED IN A METAL CAST HOUSING.
IF THE RESERVOIR BECOMES PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM THE CAST HOUSING, A RAPID LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID OCCURS WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder.
What should you do?
FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 1-877-489-6659.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 71,490 items potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- Federal Mogul Brake Master CylinderBuilt from Jan 2, 1998 to Mar 12, 2002
Who is recalling it?
- Made by FEDERAL MOGUL CORPORATION.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Which ones, by part or lot: the recall’s report on NHTSA’s site gives them where the maker did; this file gives part numbers only where its maker listed them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 20, 2026 and checked Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 20, 2026.