Recall 24V971 covers 243 2024-2025 Gem E2, E4, E6, and Elxd vehicles for improperly tightened ball-joint screws. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.
Gem is recalling 243 2024-2025 E2, E4, E6, and Elxd vehicles because improperly tightened mounting screws between the ball joint and hub strut can let the ball joint separate from the wheel. That separation can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; Gem dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ball joint fasteners on the 2024-2025 Gem E4, E2, E6, and Elxd hold the ball joint to the hub strut. The ball joint is the pivot point that lets the wheel move with the suspension while still staying connected to the steering and wheel hub. Those bolts need a set torque, which means a measured tightness, so the joint stays clamped under road vibration and steering load.
On affected vehicles, the bolts were hand-tightened with a manual Allen key instead of a torque tool. That left the bolted joint without the specified clamping force. If the bolts loosen, the ball joint can separate from the wheel area, leaving the suspension and hub strut connection unsupported.
The warning sign for this recall is wheel misalignment. If the vehicle pulls, the wheel angle looks wrong, or the front end feels out of line, treat that as a warning sign and contact a Gem dealer.
Who's affected?
Spans E2, E4, E6, and Elxd models across 2024-2025, with the same ball joint fastener tied to the wheel fastener and front control-arm items.
| 2024 Gem E4 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
|---|---|
| 2024 Gem E4 | lower control arm |
| 2024 Gem E4 | upper control arm |
| 2025 Gem E2 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2025 Gem E2 | lower control arm |
| 2025 Gem E2 | upper control arm |
| 2024 Gem E2 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2024 Gem E2 | lower control arm |
| 2024 Gem E2 | upper control arm |
| 2025 Gem E4 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2025 Gem E4 | lower control arm |
| 2025 Gem E4 | upper control arm |
| 2025 Gem E6 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2025 Gem E6 | lower control arm |
| 2025 Gem E6 | upper control arm |
| 2024 Gem E6 | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2024 Gem E6 | lower control arm |
| 2024 Gem E6 | upper control arm |
| 2025 Gem Elxd | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2025 Gem Elxd | lower control arm |
| 2025 Gem Elxd | upper control arm |
| 2024 Gem Elxd | wheel fastener (lug, nut, bolt, or stud) |
| 2024 Gem Elxd | lower control arm |
| 2024 Gem Elxd | upper control arm |
| Units affected | 243 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Ball joint separation can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Wheel misalignment is the warning sign to take seriously. If a wheel appears misaligned, park the vehicle and call the dealer before making another trip. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2025 Gem E4, E2, E6, or Elxd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule the free mounting-screw tightening that secures the ball joint to the hub strut.
- Bring the recall notice if Gem mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V971 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the superseding recall 25V-380 changes your appointment or repair instructions.
- Call Gem customer service at 1-800-688-8680 with questions before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gem technician tightens the mounting screws between the ball joint and the hub strut so the ball joint stays secured to the wheel assembly. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. This campaign has been superseded by NHTSA recall 25V-380, so ask the dealer to confirm the current repair campaign for your VIN before the appointment. Gem has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall notice. Keep prior repair paperwork and ask Gem customer service how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 26, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| January 15, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 31, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V971?
Recall 24V971 covers 243 2024-2025 Gem E4, E2, E6, and Elxd vehicles with ball joint mounting screws that were improperly tightened. The ball joint can separate from the wheel and cause loss of steering control. Gem dealers will tighten the mounting screws for free.
What should I do if my 2024-2025 Gem E4, E2, E6, or Elxd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V971. If it is, contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule the mounting screw repair. Reference recall 24V971 when you call, and ask whether superseding recall 25V-380 applies to your VIN.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Gem dealers will tighten the affected ball joint mounting screws free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of steering control. If the ball joint separates from the wheel, the driver can lose steering control and crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your Gem vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about this recall?
Gem mailed owner notification letters on January 31, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether recall 24V971 applies. Check your VIN and give the campaign number to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V971000 |
|---|---|
| Gem customer service | 1-800-688-8680 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V971 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V971000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →