NHTSA Recall 81V091000: Structure
FIAT MOTORS OF N.A., INC. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 140,000 vehicles. It affects 1970–1974 Fiat 124.
| NHTSA campaign | 81V091000 |
|---|---|
| Component | STRUCTURE |
| Report received | July 20, 1981 |
| Owner notification | December 19, 1981 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Vehicles may be susceptable to heavy rusting in structurally significant areas of the undercarriage. This condition may impair the attachment to the body of: 1) the front upper control arms, 2) the front cross member to which the front lower control arms are attached, 3) the steering box and idler arm mounting and 4) the rear trailing arm which is attached to the internal cross member below the rear seat and to the rear axle. Undercarriage corrosion is accelerated by exposure to de-icing salts.
Safety risk
Not provided.
Remedy
All owners of 1970-71 vehicles will be sent letters advising them of the problem. Due to the age of these vehicles owners are not entitled to free inspection or remedy. 1972-74 vehicles will be inspected within 120 days of owner notification. If damage from rusting is determined to impair attachments in any of the four critical underbody locations, dealer will offer to repurchase the vehicle.
Notes
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles.system: structure; frame corrosion.consequences of defect: the corrosion weakens the metal and may result inseparation of critical steering and suspension components, possibly causingloss of vehicle control and an accident.note: impending separation of these components could be indicated by unusualnoise, tire wear, vibration, or steering wheel play.
Vehicles covered by recall 81V091000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.