2012 Ural Sidecars Recalled for Breaking Rims

Ural is recalling several 2012 sidecar models because of a risk of their rims breaking or fracturing. The recall affects all Ural sidecars manufactured between June 2, 2012 and Oct. 25, 2012, affecting the Ural Gear-Up, Patrol, Patrol T, Tourist and Tourist T.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the aluminum rims of certain 2012 Ural models may not have received the proper heat treatment by the part supplier. The rims could thus be more susceptible to cracking, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Ural importer Irbit Motorworks first became aware of the problem on Aug. 8, after receiving a warranty claim for a cracked rim. While Irbit examined the faulty rim, a dealer reported another case of a cracked rim. on Sept. 13. This second report involved a rim manufactured in April 2012. On Sept. 19, the supplier informed Irbit of defects in its heat treatment process  affecting rims produced in April 2012.

Dealers will inspect recalled units and replace any rims produced in April 2012. The recall campaign affects 273 vehicles.

[Source: NHTSA]

By Dennis Chung