- #26 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [thewolfe]
by guitjoe
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Jan 10, 2007 (4:50 pm)
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Replying to: thewolfe (Jan 10, 2007 11:17 am)
I believe the cross-members that they had were probably by a specific vendor manufactured and stocked a while back. By the time it came to their attention, (which appears to be just recently)there were several in the loop and they have yet to purge the defective ones. I have called the Customer Service Rep and they refused to replace the part. The reason they gave me was the lack of vehicle history. I also contacted the previous owners who live locally and they said that they never had any major repair issues with the Tracker only routine maintenance. Would that account for the lack of vehicle history? I think as of now they (GM) have been in a state of denial. But hopefully that will change.
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- #27 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [guitjoe]
by arkainzeye
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Jan 10, 2007 (5:15 pm)
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Replying to: guitjoe (Jan 10, 2007 4:50 pm)
i was just wondering something. does the age of the trackers with this problem cause chevy to not have to replace the parts? is there a legal limit in time that chevy doesnt have to replace these parts if they are past a certain age? is there a limit on recalls? i mean if a car from the 90's was found to have a bad part would they recall it 16-17 years later? or would they just think there wasnt enough out there anymore? the problem was with 99 thur 01 models right?
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- #28 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [arkainzeye]
by guitjoe
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Jan 10, 2007 (7:38 pm)
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Replying to: arkainzeye (Jan 10, 2007 5:15 pm)
It is my understanding that 1999 - 2001 is the affected models. I have a couple of friends who have the older Geo Tracker and their under-frame is in good shape. I am sure if the car had over 100,000 miles or was 10 years old that might be an issue. I gave Customer Service all the details on my Tracker e.g. 78,000 miles, I am sure if that gave them an out they would have stated so. If the sheet metal was rusting and the bushings were worn that would be another thing. But my Tracker is in otherwise very good condition. You would never guess that the frame was in that bad a shape.
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- #29 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [arkainzeye]
by steve_ HOST
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Jan 10, 2007 (9:28 pm)
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Replying to: arkainzeye (Jan 10, 2007 5:15 pm)
I found this at the NHTSA:
"Are There Any Limitations on My Right to Have My Vehicle Remedied at No Charge?
Yes. There is a limitation based on the age of the vehicle. In order to be eligible for free remedy, the vehicle cannot be more than 10 years old on the date the defect or non-compliance is determined. Under the law, the age of the vehicle is calculated from the date of sale to the first purchaser."
Full text can be found at the Motor Vehicle Defects and Recall Campaigns page.
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- #30 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [steve_]
by guitjoe
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Jan 11, 2007 (2:01 pm)
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Replying to: steve_ (Jan 10, 2007 9:28 pm)
Excellent piece of research! I was contacted by the GM Customer Service Rep today. She just wanted to acknowledge that she had received my e-mail. I gave her some of the info that we had gathered and informed her of the complaints that have been filed. My part (cross-member) finally arrived today. The mechanic that found the part for me said that the local dealership told him they still could not get the part. The new part has drain holes to relieve any moisture that may settle in the recesses. I am going to keep a very close eye on it to be sure.
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- #31 of 72
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Tracker Defect Summary
by guitjoe
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Jan 11, 2007 (5:11 pm)
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I found this very interesting. For those who have not seen the official defect summary per GM submission to NHTSA
I take issue with the statement, "GM provided vehicle test data showing that crossmembers that fail in this manner do not cause a loss of vehicle control and, therefore do not represent an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety".
To NHTSA's credit they have upgraded the investigation to an engineering analysis. Just moments before my control arm separated I was on a very crooked highway (Indiana 446) at 55 mph. I am convinced.
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- #32 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [guitjoe]
by thewolfe
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Apr 09, 2007 (11:00 am)
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Replying to: guitjoe (Jan 11, 2007 2:01 pm)
Well, I just had my crossmember replaced last week by my personal mechanic instead of a local dealership and at least saved some money. I actually drove it the couple of miles to my mechanics (with my boyfriend following) and if I got over 35 mph the car shook violently (I can only imagine what it would have been like if I had been going 65 mph when it went)! I kept my receipts for the part, installation and alignment and kept the part for proof if a recall is ever issued. My mechanic was just utterly amazed at the rust and what other parts could be affected along with the crossmember and cannot believe this could not be a driving hazard. I just hope that no lives are harmed due to this defect before GM decides to do something about the problem!
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- #33 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [thewolfe]
by jredder
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Apr 09, 2007 (3:16 pm)
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Replying to: thewolfe (Apr 09, 2007 11:00 am)
after getting your post i submitted a follow up complaint to nhtsa. has anyone heard of any updates?
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- #34 of 72
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Very Interesting
by adicle
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Apr 13, 2007 (3:47 pm)
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After reading these posts, I went under my 2000 Tracker to check out the crossmember. Expecting the worst, I was surprised that the crossmember was fine. After a closer look, I noticed that there were 4 drill holes in the member that allowed the moisture to escape. The rusted pictures posted on previous messages do not have the same drill holes as mine did. Looks like someone on the assembly line walked away for a smoke break and neglected to drill in the proper holes. Why else would Trackers from the same year have different crossmembers?
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- #35 of 72
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Re: rusted crossmember/sub frame [jredder]
by michiganguy421
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Jun 04, 2007 (2:52 pm)
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Replying to: jredder (Dec 16, 2006 4:35 pm)
06/04/2007 Just dropped my 99 tracker off at the frame shop to be fixed, Guy says he will call in the am with price. Will let you guys know what problems I run into. We can all also go to ripoffreport.com to voice your complaints
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