Honda, Isuzu Recall SUVs for Suspension Problems

Honda Motor (HMC) and Isuzu Motors are recalling several small sports-utility vehicles from the 1998 to 2002 model years to fix suspension problems caused by road deicing products. Models involved include 1998 through 2002 Honda Passports, 1998 through 2002 Isuzu Rodeos and 2002 Isuzu Axioms, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Vehicles that have been exposed to the highly corrosive road materials may experience excessive corrosion on the lower link of the left or right rear suspension, NHTSA said. Excessive corrosion may cause the lower link bracket to become detached from the vehicle's frame, affecting handling and possibly resulting in a crash.

The recall applies only to vehicles sold or registered in 21 northern states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

As part of the recall, dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. Vehicles with little or no corrosion will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound on the affected parts. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed, NHTSA said.

If the damage is severe, Isuzu and Honda will develop a remedy, NHTSA said, noting that the fix will be free for vehicles 10 years of age and less. For those models more than 10 years old, however, owners have 12 months after notification to bring the vehicle to a dealer for repair.

The manufacturers haven't yet set a date specifying when owners will be notified about bringing their cars in for repair, NHTSA said. Drivers looking for additional information should call Honda at 800-999-1009 or Isuzu at 800-225-6767.