Vehicle recall 79V034000 · January 24, 1979
JC Penney Free Spirit II, Sears Free Spirit II and 2 more models
Under certain circumstances, the front wheel may grab when the front service brake is actuated.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Under certain circumstances, the front wheel may grab when the front service brake is actuated. This could result in a wedge type action of one shoe between the brake drum and the twist key, which in turn could produce an irreversible braking effect.
- Remedy
- Dealer will install a modified front brake assembly without charge to owner.
- Notes
- Vehicle description: mopeds equipped with front "mag" wheels.system: service brakes; front brake shoe.consequences of defect: sudden grabbing when the front brake is engaged couldcause loss of vehicle control and an accident.note: the owner is advised to check the front wheel bearing for excessive play.operator should use the rear brake exclusively, prior to vehicle repair. Aslight dragging action or an abrupt response when applying the front brake mayindicate the condition is present.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 79V034000
- Reported to NHTSA
- January 24, 1979
- Filed by
- KROMAG, A.G. OF AUSTRIA
- Owner notification
- February 23, 1979
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 15,998
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- JC Penney Free Spirit II (1978): 1978
- JC Penney Pinto II (1978): 1978
- Sears Free Spirit II (1978): 1978
- Sears Pinto II (1978): 1978
Has your JC Penney been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A JC Penney dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.