A vehicle front end assembly includes an engine cradle, a transverse link and a fastener. The engine cradle has an upper attachment portion and a lower attachment portion, both being rigidly attached to the engine cradle. The upper attachment portion has a recessed area that includes a first opening extending through the recessed area. The upper attachment portion has a first overall thickness with a portion of the recessed area surrounding the first opening having a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. The lower attachment portion has a second opening below the first opening. The transverse link has an inboard portion with a third opening that extends through the inboard portion. The fastener passes through the first opening, the third opening and the second opening such that the fastener retains the transverse link to the upper attachment portion and the lower attachment portion of the engine cradle.