While driving a brand new 2008 GMC Sierra, 4 door, 4 wheel drive with only 872 miles on the odometer, going approximately 30 to 40 mph, the steering knuckle holding the tie rod broke on drivers front side. The driver impacted a pull camper trailer exploding the tire upon impact with the camper. The wheel rim was turned side ways as it impacted the tires of the camper flattening 2 tires curling the camper wheel rims and causing damage along the side of the camper. Then impacted a Ford car down the drivers side that was following the camper. The impact caused the airbag to deploy in the truck. The tire on the truck was found over 200 feet from the impact. The markings on the tire were consistent with the steering knuckle breakage. Inspection by both the tow truck owner and the collision repair shop noticed that the part looked defective and pointed it out to the owner of the truck. The tow truck operator owns an identical truck and was very concerned about the safety of his own vehicle. This vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection. If failure would have occurred a few hours later on interstate 95 at 70 mph (a planned trip) the outcome could have been much different.

- Claxton, GA, USA