Suspension: front (ZF Group)
Vehicle equipment recall 16E-040. NHTSA received ZF North America, Inc.’s report on May 13, 2016.
- NHTSA: do not drive
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. NHTSA’s own record is on nhtsa.gov.
The short answer
NHTSA received ZF North America, Inc.’s report on May 13, 2016. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 20, 2026.
- Do not drive NHTSA’s advice to owners (needs attention)
- 1,951 items potentially involved, by NHTSA’s count
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The steering wheel’s connection to the front axle could fail resulting in a sudden loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
ZF North America, Inc.
(ZF) is recalling certain RL 77, and RL 80 EM axle assemblies, part numbers 4474077034, 4474077019, 447407718, 4474077021, 4474077020, 4474077036, 4474077026, and 44740770 manufactured May 1, 2014, to May 29, 2015.
Certain ZF RL77 / 80EM independent front steering axles equipped with Bosch 8018 steering boxes.
The boxes were manufactured using incorrect internal spacers that can cause premature wear in the connection between the steering wheel and the front axle.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Suspension: front.
What should you do?
ZF has notified its vehicle manufacturing purchasers and will work with them on executing free recall remedies for all affected vehicles. The recall began on May 19, 2016. Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. Owners may contact ZF customer service at 1-734-416-6200.
NHTSA’s advice: Do not drive
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 1,951 items potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. Released Oct 20, 2026. Updated daily.
- ZF Group RL 80EM Axle SystemBuilt from May 1, 2014 to May 29, 2015
- ZF Group RL 77 Axle SystemBuilt from May 1, 2014 to May 29, 2015
Who is recalling it?
- Made by ZF North America, Inc..
NHTSA, Recalls flat file. 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 (FLAT_RCL_POST_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.