May 9, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23E038000
Ball Joint Separation May Cause Crash
Ball joint separation may cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E038
Manufacturer Advance Stores Company, Incorporated
Components SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected 1,546
Summary
Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (Advance) is recalling certain Carquest Left and Right Lower Ball Joints, with part numbers 410-234673 and 410-234674. The ball joint may separate from the steering knuckle.
Remedy
Advance will notify owners to have the ball joints replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Advance customer service at 1-540-561-3509.
Notes
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.nhtsa.gov.
Chronology :
March 22, 2023: A repair claim was received involving separation of a CARQUEST front passenger side ball joint (Part No. 410-234674) on a Volkswagen
Jetta. There were no accidents or injuries; the failure caused damage to the vehicle.
March 22 – April 25, 2023: Investigation revealed that the ball joint stem had pulled out of the aluminum knuckle, likely when the weight of the vehicle unloaded from the right side during a right-hand turn. Photos of the subject part were received and examined, and the vehicle history was reviewed. A design review revealed that the diameter of the ball stud nut flange was smaller than the diameter of the ball stud nut flange for the corresponding OE part. Advance contacted the repair shop to obtain additional information on the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the failure, as well to retrieve the parts for inspection. Parts were inspected and Advance confirmed incorrectly sized ball joint stud nut.
April 10, 2023: Advance initiated a “Stop Sale” at store level and quarantined parts at distribution centers pending product quality review. Advance also removed parts from catalog on this date.
May 2, 2023: Advance received a second repair claim for a ball joint separation. There were no accidents or injuries, only damage to the vehicle. Parts have not yet been received, but the failure appears to be consistent with March 22 claim.
May 2, 2023: Based upon the foregoing investigation, Advance decided to conduct a safety recall of the subject ball joints.
To date, Advance is aware of two damage claims (referenced above) and no accidents or injuries related to this issue.
2 Affected Products
Equipments
| BRAND | PART NO. | PRODUCTION DATES |
| CARQUEST | LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT | |
| CARQUEST | RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT | |
3 Associated Documents
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-23E038-6858.pdf 701.284KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-23E038-9795.PDF 215.624KB
Miscellaneous Document – Advance Auto – Recall No 23E038 – Vehicle Application List
RMISC-23E038-8916.pdf 79.531KB
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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-038 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Manufacturer Name : Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Submission Date : MAY 09, 2023 NHTSA Recall No. : 23E-038 Manufacturer Recall No. : NR Manufacturer Information : Manufacturer Name : Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Address : 5008 Airport Rd Roanoke VA 24012 Company phone : 540-561-3509 Population : Number of potentially involved : 1,546 Estimated percentage with defect : 100 % Equipment Information : Brand / Trade 1 : CARQUEST Model : Left Ball Joint Part No. : 410-234673 Size : NR Function : Left Ball Joint Descriptive Information : CARQUEST ball joint imported by Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (“Advance”) and sold through Advance’s Advance Auto Parts and Carquest-branded stores, as well as independent resellers for aftermarket installation on select MY 2006-2020 Volkswagen/Audi vehicles (see attachment for application details) with aluminum steering knuckles only. This recall covers all parts from start of production (735 parts for P/N 410-234673). Production Dates : NOV 01, 2018 – APR 10, 2023 Brand / Trade 2 : CARQUEST Model : Right Ball Joint Part No. : 410-234674 Size : NR Function : Rt. Ball Joint Descriptive Information : CARQUEST ball joint imported by Advance Stores Company, Incorporated (“Advance”) and sold through Advance’s Advance Auto Parts and Carquest-branded stores, as well as independent resellers for aftermarket installation on select MY 2006-2020 Volkswagen/Audi vehicles (see attachment for application details) with aluminum steering knuckles only. This recall covers all parts from start of production (811 parts for P/N 410-234674). Production Dates : NOV 01, 2018 – APR 10, 2023 Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-038 Page 2 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Description of Defect : Description of the Defect : Under certain high-load conditions, there is a potential that the ball joint stud may pull out of the aluminum steering knuckle. FMVSS 1 : NR FMVSS 2 : NR Description of the Safety Risk : If the ball joint separates from the knuckle, then the front wheel control may be compromised, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Description of the Cause : The ball joint was designed with an incorrectly sized flange of the ball stud nut. Identification of Any Warning that can Occur : Loose “play” may be detected in the steering as this condition progresses. Involved Components : Component Name : NR Component Description : NR Component Part Number : NR Supplier Identification : Component Manufacturer Name : Zhejiang Lizhong Chassis Parts Co., LTD Address : No. 1 Shanhe Road Yuhuan Economic Development Zone Yuhuan, Zhejiang Foreign States 317602 Country : China Chronology : March 22, 2023: A repair claim was received involving separation of a CARQUEST front passenger side ball joint (Part No. 410-234674) on a Volkswagen Jetta. There were no accidents or injuries; the failure caused damage to the vehicle. March 22 – April 25, 2023: Investigation revealed that the ball joint stem had pulled out of the aluminum knuckle, likely when the weight of the vehicle unloaded from the right side during a right-hand turn. Photos of the subject part were received and examined, and the vehicle history was reviewed. A design review revealed that the diameter of the ball stud nut flange was smaller than the diameter of the ball stud nut flange for the corresponding OE part. Advance contacted the repair shop to obtain additional information on the vehicle and Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-038 Page 3 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 the circumstances surrounding the failure, as well to retrieve the parts for inspection. Parts were inspected and Advance confirmed incorrectly sized ball joint stud nut. April 10, 2023: Advance initiated a “Stop Sale” at store level and quarantined parts at distribution centers pending product quality review. Advance also removed parts from catalog on this date. May 2, 2023: Advance received a second repair claim for a ball joint separation. There were no accidents or injuries, only damage to the vehicle. Parts have not yet been received, but the failure appears to be consistent with March 22 claim. May 2, 2023: Based upon the foregoing investigation, Advance decided to conduct a safety recall of the subject ball joints. To date, Advance is aware of two damage claims (referenced above) and no accidents or injuries related to this issue. Description of Remedy : Description of Remedy Program : Advance will request the return of any remaining inventory of these parts from independent dealers and resellers for credit. Advance will review company records to identify individual and professional purchasers from company-owned stores, and will work with its reseller customers and independent dealers in an effort to identify and notify owners who purchased the recalled parts. Point-of-sale bulletins will be placed in a conspicuous location in Advance Auto Parts and Carquest stores. Affected owners will be advised to return their vehicle to their service location to have the part replaced with a remedy part free of charge for parts and labor. Pursuant to 49 CFR 577.11(e), Advance requests that it be exempt from providing notification of a reimbursement plan. Any pre-notification product failure would have been replaced under the manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty. Accordingly, no person would be eligible for reimbursement pursuant to 573.13. How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Recalled ball joints will be replaced with a redesigned CARQUEST ball joint, which will have a new part number (to be determined). Until the redesigned part is available, Advance will offer to have the ball joint replaced with parts from an alternative vendor. Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : The company has discontinued sale of the subject parts as they undergo a redesign. Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23E-038 Page 4 The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573 Recall Schedule : Description of Recall Schedule : Notifications to dealers, resellers, and owners as described above will be conducted in accordance with the stated schedule. Planned Dealer Notification Date : JUN 16, 2023 – JUN 16, 2023 Planned Owner Notification Date : JUN 30, 2023 – JUN 30, 2023 Purchaser Information : The following manufacturers purchased this defective/noncompliant equipment for possible use or installation in new motor vehicles or new items of motor vehicle equipment: Name : NR Address : NR NR Country : NR Company Phone : NR * NR – Not Reported
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Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Recall No. 23E038 Part No. 410-234673 and 410-234674 Vehicle Application List 1 Vehicle Restrictions Fitment Note 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2008 Volkswagen Passat 2009 Volkswagen Passat 2009 Volkswagen CC 2010 Volkswagen CC 2010 Volkswagen Passat 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC 2011 Volkswagen CC 2012 Volkswagen CC 2013 Volkswagen CC 2009 Audi A3 Quattro From 5/25/09, PR Code 1ZK Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2010 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZK Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2011 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZK Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2012 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZK Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2013 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZK Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2014 Volkswagen CC 2015 Audi A3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2015 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2015 Volkswagen GTI 2015 Volkswagen Golf 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf 2015 Audi S3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2015 Volkswagen CC 2016 Audi A3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2016 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2015 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2016 Volkswagen GTI 2016 Audi S3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2016 Volkswagen Golf 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf 2016 Volkswagen CC 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2015 Volkswagen Golf R Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Recall No. 23E038 Part No. 410-234673 and 410-234674 Vehicle Application List 2 2016 Volkswagen Golf R 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2017 Volkswagen Golf 2017 Volkswagen CC 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2017 Volkswagen e-Golf 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2017 Volkswagen Golf R 2017 Volkswagen GTI 2017 Audi A3 Quattro PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2017 Audi S3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2017 Audi A3 PR Code 1ZA, IZD, 1LC OR 1LJ Located on the Vehicle Build Sticker 2018 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2018 Audi RS3 2018 Audi A3 with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2018 Audi S3 2017 Audi RS3 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 Audi A3 Quattro with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2018 Volkswagen Golf 2018 Volkswagen GTI 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack Thru 10/28/18, without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen Jetta 2019 Volkswagen Arteon 2019 Audi A3 with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2019 Audi A3 Quattro with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2019 Volkswagen Golf Thru 10/28/18 2019 Volkswagen Golf R without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S Engine: 1.4 L4 Thru 10/28/18 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen SE Thru 10/28/18 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Highline Engine: 1.4 L4 Thru 10/28/18 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Comfortline Engine: 1.4 L4 Thru 10/28/18 Advance Stores Company, Incorporated Recall No. 23E038 Part No. 410-234673 and 410-234674 Vehicle Application List 3 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen S Engine: 1.8 L4 Thru 10/28/18, without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Highline Engine: 1.8 L4 Thru 10/28/18, without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Comfortline Engine: 1.8 L4 Thru 10/28/18, without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Execline Thru 10/28/18, without 15 [in] Wheels 2019 Volkswagen GTI 2019 Audi S3 2019 Audi RS3 2019 Audi Q3 2019 Volkswagen e-Golf 2020 Volkswagen Arteon 2020 Volkswagen GTI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI S 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSi 2020 Audi RS3 2020 Audi S3 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2020 Audi Q3 2020 Audi A3 with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor 2020 Audi A3 Quattro with 288 [mm] or 312 [mm] Diameter Brake Rotor
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