Front suspension cross-member of my 2000 Chevrolet Tracker has corroded through the heavy gauge metal adjacent to a support bolt and risks affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle. This is a heavy gauge structural member that should not have rusted through. Severe rust-through is the result of improper metal surface treatment by the manufacturer and needs to be recalled. Please force the manufacturer to address this safety-of-life issue on these vehicles as a catastrophic collapse of this component, if it occurs during driving, results in wheel collapse because this member supports the wheels A-frame. I estimate this rusting has been ongoing since 2009 even though I just saw it in 2012. I base this on the fact that in 2012 there was a hole rusted through the cross member that I could fit my thumb through however, holes of this size usually take a few years to develop and I never noticed it previously. This means that sub-surface rusting was occurring for a few years with surface rust obscuring this, which explains why the hole was not visible until just recently (when the surface rust collapsed, it exposed the hole beneath it).

- Centerville, OH, USA

Took 2000 Chevy Tracker to my regular mechanic to check for rust/corrosion and possible crossmember rusting. He found more than that, not only the crossmember but just about the entire underframe of the automobile. GM dealer will honor recall from GM however they tell me I need to spend about an extra 1500 for them to repair the crossmember extensive corrosion. And there is more rusting of this automobile. Even if I spent 2-3K on repairs of rust, the rest of the frame is rusting. And I still owe on this car. I do not feel safe in this auto, afraid the frames will break when traveling over frost heaves or any highway. GM needs to take responsibility for this inferior auto.

- Cornish, NH, USA

I own a 2000 Chevy Tracker and the crossmember rusted out. I took it in and had it fixed, spending $900. I was told it was not supposed to happen like that. I took it in because there was a terrible jerking everytime the breaks were applied. The front of the car would pull hard to one side. It was really scary when it happened on the freeway going 65 mph. I almost lost control of my car. I took it in and they said it was unsafe to drive and they were surprised it didn't snap earlier because it looked so bad!

- San Jose, CA, USA

2000 Chevrolet Tracker 4 door SUV. Pass side front cross member rotted out and front control arm dislocated, car would not steer, front wheel on pass. Side turned in while left wheel stayed straight. I strongly disagree with Chevrolet's findings that it will not lose control, I was fortunately only going 25 mph when it happened. This truck is only 7 years old and only has 72,000 miles on it. The rest of the SUV is in mint conditon. This should not have happened. The Chevy dealer was unable to help me, as was GM because there is no recall.

- Washington, NJ, USA

The problem "rusted subframe member causing total separation of the control arm bracket from the subframe" the information posted below actually comes from the NHTSA's defect investigation section, and appears to still be under investigation by NHTSA.. after reading the information below..and experiencing the loss of control while trying to stop when the bracket broke loose..I have two comments..1. does someone have to die before this issue is taken seriously" and 2. if I'm not mistaken..it appears GM has already admitted to the "defect" and Suzuki, the manufacturer of the "defective" part has already made "design changes" is this not enough of an admission of the problem to force a recall???" NHTSA action number: PE06021 summary: On September 15th, 2006 General Motors (GM) submitted information regarding approximately 128,000 model year (my) 1999 -2001 Chevrolet Tracker vehicles. According to GM, these vehicles were manufactured with front crossmembers designed and made by Suzuki that can rust from the inside out because of insufficient corrosion protection. The design of the crossmember limited the coverage of paint on the interior surfaces during the painting process. In March 2006 Suzuki made design changes to the crossmember to enhance the coverage of paint to the inside of the part. GM indicated that when operated in areas of the country that use road salt for de-icing, over time water and salt/mud can accumulate inside the crossmember and cause crevice corrosion that can lead to perforation. These perforations at the front control arm brackets can cause the front suspension to become partially detached from the vehicle.

- Franklinton, NC, USA

Front suspension cross member rusted through on my 2000 Chevrolet Tracker 4X4. Causing me to swerve out of my lane when braking at a stop light. Right front A-arm attachment point completely detached from cross member.

- Gallipolis, OH, USA

2000 Chevy Tracker front crossmember catastrophic failure due to premature corrosion. Vehicle shook violently due to front control arm mounting bracket separating from front crossmember. Had just exited a 55 mph highway onto a 30 mph side road and I was able to stop the vehicle without any further damage. I have since found another 2000 Chevy Tracker with exactly the same issue.

- Bedford, IN, USA

The contact stated when lifting the vehicle to perform brake repairs the front suspension frame support that holds on the a arm rusted. He could not drive the vehicle. There have been no repairs made to the vehicle. The consumer has since paid for the repairs. Updated 01/11/06.

- Eerie, MI, USA

The front cross member control arm mount rusted, and it broke loose while the consumer was driving. It did not cause an accident. There had been front end noises, and the consumer took vehicle to the dealer. They replaced the left front stabilizer link. The part that broke loose was on the right side. The vehicle was currently at the dealership being repaired. Updated12/27/05.

- Walker , MI, USA