Recall 22V551 affects 14 2021-2022 Eldorado Axess vehicles for steering gears that can fracture. Repair is free at any franchised Eldorado dealer.
Eldorado is recalling 14 2021-2022 Axess vehicles because incorrectly assembled steering gears can fracture. A fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control and raise the risk of a crash, and Eldorado dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The Sheppard steering gear on 2021-2022 Eldorado Axess buses is the gearbox that turns steering-wheel input into movement at the front wheels. Inside the gear, recirculating balls carry load between the worm shaft and the gear mechanism, so steering effort stays controlled as the driver turns or backs up.
Some steering gears were assembled without the required number of recirculating balls. That missing hardware leaves the worm shaft carrying loads it was not built to handle. Over use, the worm shaft can fracture inside the steering gear, and the replacement gear is one verified after added assembly controls were put in place.
The driver can feel the steering become strained before the internal fracture. There is no audible or visual warning sign before failure, so a bus that feels harder than normal to steer needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Both model years list the steering system, with Sheppard steering gear identified as the recalled part.
| 2022 Eldorado Axess | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Eldorado Axess | steering system |
| Units affected | 14 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. If steering feels strained, slow down, stop in a safe place, and contact the dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Eldorado dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Eldorado Axess is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Eldorado dealer to schedule the free steering-gear inspection and replacement that fixes incorrectly assembled gears that can fracture.
- Bring the recall notice if Eldorado mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V551 when you call.
- Call Eldorado customer service at 1-951-684-6868 with questions about the repair.
- Limit driving until an Eldorado dealer confirms the steering gear is repaired; a fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Eldorado technician inspects the steering gears and replaces any steering gear covered by the recall that needs replacement. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. The record says all vehicles were remedied by December 2022. Eldorado has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid out of pocket for a steering gear repair tied to this recall, contact Eldorado customer service with your repair documentation and ask how the reimbursement plan applies.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 28, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| July 28, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 1, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 1, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 21, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V551?
Recall 22V551 covers 14 2021-2022 Eldorado Axess vehicles with steering gears that were assembled incorrectly, which can fracture and cause loss of steering control. Eldorado dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Eldorado Axess is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V551. If it is, contact a franchised Eldorado dealer to confirm whether the steering gear inspection and replacement was completed. Reference recall number 22V551 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Eldorado dealers inspect and replace the steering gear for free under this recall. The filing says all vehicles were remedied by December 2022.
What is the safety risk?
A fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included and the repair status is unclear, contact a franchised Eldorado dealer before returning the vehicle to service.
What if I bought this Eldorado Axess used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Axess is included in recall 22V551, then ask a franchised Eldorado dealer to verify that the steering gear remedy was completed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V551000 |
|---|---|
| Eldorado customer service | 1-951-684-6868 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V551 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V551000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →