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NHTSA Publishes List of September 2002 Recalls


American Government

NHTSA Publishes List of September 2002 Recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
October 28, 2002


NHTSA 66-02
Monday, October 28, 2002
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: 202-366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in September 2002 and urged consumers to have the problems promptly fixed.

This list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action.  Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers.  Currently, 72 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed.

NHTSA said manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found.  The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work.  Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.

Consumers can get up-to-the-minute information on safety recall campaigns, or information on the recall history of a particular make and model of car, truck, motorcycle, or child safety seat, by calling the agency's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.  The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS

September 2002

 

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

 

American Honda Motor Company
Models:          Honda Silver Wing                                           Year:    2002
                        Honda FSC600                                               Year:    2002
Number Potentially Involved:  2,454
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 - July 2002
Defect:   On certain motorcycles, under certain riding conditions, such as continuously bumpy roads, the rear wheel could develop stress cracks where the wheel spokes attach to the hub.  The spokes will eventually fail, causing the wheel to collapse without warning.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the rear wheel, including a new tire.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.   Owners should contact Honda Motorcycle at 1-800-289-8226.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V250]

 

Daewoo Motor Company, Ltd.
Models:          Daewoo Nubira                                                Years:  2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  38,181
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106, "Brake Hoses."  A crack can develop in the outer rubber layer of the front brake hoses resulting in brake hose rupture, brake fluid leakage, and loss of vehicle braking.
Remedy:  Dealers will install new redesigned front brake hoses.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Daewoo at 1-877-362-1234, Selection 1.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V257]

Ford Motor Company
Models:          Ford Expedition                                               Year:    2002
                        Lincoln Navigator                                             Year:    2002

Number Potentially Involved:  80,254
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1999 - August 2000
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."  The rear tire pressure is incorrectly listed on the certification label for 4x2 vehicles.  Customers may inflate their rear tires based on the incorrect tire pressure information on the certification label.
Remedy:  A supplementary label will be sent to customers to place near the certification label to identify the appropriate rear tire pressure.  Customers may also have the dealer install the label on the vehicle, if they so desire.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V239/Ford Recall No. 02L10]


 

Ford Motor Company
Models:          Ford Crown Victoria                                        Year:    2002
Number Potentially Involved:  574
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2001 - March 2002
Defect:  On certain natural gas passenger vehicles, a T-fitting that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the ON position or during refueling.  A gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create a combustible mixture in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a redesigned "T" fitting on #4 fuel tank and tested for leakage. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V249/Ford Recall No. 02S39]

General Motors Corporation
Models:          Cadillac Escalade                                             Years:  2000-2002
                        Chevrolet Tahoe                                               Years:  2000-2002
                        GMC Yukon                                                    Years:  2000-2002
                        GMC Denali                                                     Years:  2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  558,904
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - February 2002
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.  If a person were to insert his or her finger into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger, causing injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during November 2002.  Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V253/GM Recall No. 02039]

Indian Motorcycle Company
Models:          Indian Chief                                                      Year:    2002
Number Potentially Involved:  948
Dates of Manufacture:  April - August 2002
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the rear brake caliper could contact the rotor as a result of a misalignment of the caliper carrier.  The rear brake can overheat and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the motorcycle to ensure that the rear brake caliper and rotor are correctly positioned.  If they are not, the dealer will replace the swing arm and rear brake assembly.    The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Aug. 28, 2002.  Owners should contact Indian at 1-408-846-7228.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V246]


 

Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models:          Kawasaki VN1500-N3                                   Year:    2002
                        Kawasaki VN1500-E5                                    Year:    2002
                        Kawasaki VN1500-P1                                    Year:    2002
Number Potentially Involved:  698
Dates of Manufacture:  December 2001
Defect:  On certain "Mean Streak," "1500 Classic," and "1500 Classic Fi" motorcycles, a flange on the transmission output shaft can fracture, resulting in engine damage with possible engine lock-up.  Flange failure could cause the outer gear on the shaft to contact the transmission housing, pieces of the flange could interfere with transmission operation, or operation in first gear could allow two sets of transmission gears to mesh simultaneously.  These failures could cause sudden transmission lock-up, which would cause both the engine and rear wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will disassemble the engine and replace the transmission output shaft.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V261]

 

Moto Guzzi North America
Models:          Moto Guzzi California                                       Years:  1998-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  2,284
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1997 - February 2001
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the throttle linkage can fail to return to a completely closed position.  Should this failure occur, the motorcycle could fail to decelerate when the rider wants it to, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the throttle return cable.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Moto Guzzi at 1-678-238-0902.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V262]

 

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:          Infiniti G35                                                       Year:    2003
Number Potentially Involved:  18,300
Dates of Manufacture:  January - July 2002
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel hose connection for the outlet of the fuel pump, which is located at the top of the fuel tank, may not have been properly attached when the vehicle was assembled and could come loose while driving or when starting the engine.  If the connection comes loose while driving, the engine will stop running due to lack of fuel, increasing the risk of a crash.  Also, if the connection comes loose while driving or attempting to start or restart the engine, some fuel will discharge from the fuel pump.  If this should occur in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, properly attach the fuel hose to the fuel pump.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 7, 2002.  Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-662-6200.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V245]


 

Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models:          Victory V92C                                                  Years:  1999-2001
                        Victory V92SC Sportcruiser                            Years:  1999-2001
                        Victory V92C Special Edition                           Year:    2000
                        Victory V92DC Deluxe Cruiser                        Year:    2001
Number Potentially Involved:  9,120
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1998 - July 2001
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the fuel pump can fail, causing poor engine performance and possible engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pumps.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during November 2002.  Owners should contact Victory at 1-715-294-5331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V263/Victory Recall No. V02-05]

 

Subaru of America, Inc.
Models: 
         Subaru Legacy                                                 Year:     2003
                        Subaru Outback                                               Year:    2003
                        Subaru Baja                                                     Year:    2003
Number Potentially Involved:  555
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2002
Defect:  On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.  In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification.  This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the water pump.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 12, 2002.  Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.  

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V240]

 

Triumph Motorcycles
Models:          Triumph Speed Triple                                       Years:  2001-2002
                        Triumph Sprint ST                                            Years:  2001-2002
                        Triumph Daytona                                              Years:  2001-2002
                        Triumph Centennial                                           Years:  2001-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  1,557
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2001 - March 2002
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel needle roller bearings can deteriorate and seize, causing the rear wheel to lockup.  This can cause a loss of control of the motorcycle.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace all rear wheel bearings.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 19, 2002.  Owners should contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V242/Triumph Recall No. 313]


 

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
          Volkswagen Golf                                             Years:  2000-2001
                        Volkswagen Jetta                                             Years:  2000-2001
                        Volkswagen Cabrio                                          Years:  2000-2001
                        Volkswagen New Beetle                                  Years:  2000-2001
Number Potentially Involved:  332,950
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - January 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."  Child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle's rear seats must be identified by markings, and their location and use described in the owner's manual.  The anchorages in these vehicles were not marked or described as required by the standard.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a supplement for the Owner's Manual and also a set of four guidance fixtures intended for use in conjunction with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.  Also enclosed will be four decals, together with installation instructions and a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 15, 2002.  Owners should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V244/VWoA Recall No. UW]

 

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:  
        Volkswagen Passat                                           Year:    1996
Number Potentially Involved:  10,450
Dates of Manufacture:  August 1995 - December 1995
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail, causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.   If such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V256/VWoA Recall No. WQ]


 

 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

 

Blue Bird Body Company
Models:          Blue Bird All American                                     Years:  2000-2002
                        Blue Bird TC2000                                            Years:  2000-2002
                        Blue Bird Conventional                                     Years:  2000-2002
                        Blue Bird Micro Bird                                        Years:  2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  605
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2000 - June 2002
Defect:  On certain school buses and transit buses equipped with passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector.  If this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from the connector and render the seat belt unusable.  In the event of a crash, the seat occupant would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of an injury.  The seat belt supplier, Am-Safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover" to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover" to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 27, 2002. Owners should contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.            

                     [NHTSA Recall No. 02V160002/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GG]

 

Blue Bird Body Company
Models:          Blue Bird TC2000                                            Year:    1998
                        Blue BirdCommercial Series                             Year:    1998
Number Potentially Involved:  318
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1998 - February 1999
Defect:  On certain front engine school and transit buses equipped with Blue Bird Option 40177 Cummins ISB engines, the alternator power cables may not be routed properly from the alternator output to the starter motor.  If the cables are not routed properly, the cable insulation could be abraded by contact with other chassis components, resulting in a short to ground, which could lead to a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will add a loom and reroute the electrical power cable from the alternator output to the starting motor.  The alternator power cable will be replaced if abrasions are found.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 30, 2002.  Owners should contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242. 

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V233/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GK]

 

Freightliner Corporation

Models:          Freightliner FS-65                                            Years:  1996-1998
Number Potentially Involved:  725
Dates of Manufacture:  Prior to January 1998
Defect:  On certain school bus chassis equipped with Cummins ISB engines with a mechanical throttle, the throttle cable can vibrate excessively and break near the end fitting that attaches to the engine linkage.  This can result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will properly install a new throttle cable design.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during November 2002.  Owners should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.     

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V248/Freightliner Recall No. FL-398]

 

International Truck and Engine Corporation

Models:          International 3200                                             Years:  2002-2003
                        International 4200                                             Years:  2002-2003
                        International 4300                                             Years:  2002-2003
                        International 4400                                             Years:  2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  11,204
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2000 - April 2002
Defect:  On certain medium and heavy duty trucks built with driveline parking brake codes 04GAR, the parking brake assembly may not hold the vehicle in position when set.  Factors contributing to this possibility are as follows:  (1) cracked or broken cams; (2) loose or broken anchor bolts; (3) initial shoe diameter not set properly during assembly, which can lead to progressive component damage; (4) bent adjuster levers that cannot function; or (5) automatic adjuster cables that are disconnected.  If the parking brake does not function properly, the vehicle could roll, without warning, after the parking brake lever has been set, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the cam, lever, and bolt.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during December 2002.  Owners should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V260/International Recall No. 02513]

 

International Truck and Engine Corporation
Models:          International 9200                                             Years:  2002-2003
                        International 9400                                             Years:  2002-2003
                        International 9900                                             Years:  2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  2,129
Dates of Manufacture:  June  - September 2002
Defect:  On certain heavy duty trucks, the joint between the lower portion of the steering column and the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft may have a missing or loose pinch bolt.  This condition could also occur at the lower end of the intermediate steering shaft at the steering gear connection.  If a pinch bolt is missing or vibrates loose, the shaft could separate from the steering column or steering gear, and allow slippage between the joined shafts, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect both ends of the shaft to ensure the pinch bolt is installed and/or properly torqued.  If the bolt and nut are missing, a new bolt, nut, and washer will be installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.        

                          [NHTSA Recall No. 02V265/International Recall No. 02514]


 

Monaco Coach Corporation
Models:          Monaco LaPalma                                             Years:  1999-2003
                        Monaco Monarch                                             Years:  2000-2002
                        Monaco Monarch SE                                       Years:  2002-2003
                        Holiday Rambler Admiral                                  Years:  1999-2002
                        Holiday Rambler Admiral SE                            Years:  2002-2003
                        Holiday Rambler Vacationeer                           Years:  2000-2003
                        Holiday Rambler Endeavor                               Years:  1999-2001
Number Potentially Involved:  6,376
Defect:  On certain Class A motor homes manufactured on F53 20,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) Ford chassis, and on 2000-2003 Class A motor homes manufactured on W-22 22,000-pound GVWR Workhorse chassis, the floor truss network support system has a potential to weaken, causing internal and external features to become misaligned.  This can result in bottoming out the suspension and amplification of the stress placed on the floor truss network.  The additional stress can result in the fracture of welds securing the floor truss network system to the chassis frame rail and fracture of the floor truss network support system.  The possibility exists that there could be damage to electrical wiring and/or fuel lines which could potentially lead to a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the floor truss network support system, reinforce the existing structure, and repair, as needed, the floor truss network support.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October or November 2002.  Owners should contact Monaco at 1-800-685-6545.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V237]

 

Volvo Trucks North America, Incorporated
Models:          Volvo WIA                                                      Years:  1990-2002
                        Volvo WG                                                       Years:  1990-2002
                        Volvo WCA                                                     Years:  1990-2002
                        Volvo VNM                                                     Years:  1990-2002
                        Volvo VNL                                                      Years:  1990-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  5,532
Dates of Manufacture:  November 1990 - July 2002
Noncompliance:  Certain Class 8 heavy duty trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."  The two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and license tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts.  This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy:  Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and the license tag lamp on stiffer brackets.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.  Owners should contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V238/Volvo Recall No. RVXX0298]


 

 

Equipment:

 

Northpole USA
Models:          Northpole Cargo Carrier
Number Potentially Involved:  4,000
Defect:  On certain Panorama Cargo Carriers that are attached to the top of a vehicle, the straps can rip and the carrier can fly off the vehicle.  If the carrier flies off the vehicle while it is in motion, it could strike a pedestrian or another vehicle, possibly resulting in personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Remedy:  Ames Department Stores are the exclusive dealers for these carriers.  Northpole is notifying the stores and will repurchase these carriers.  Notification to Ames began Sept. 9, 2002.  Owners should contact Northpole USA at 1-800-613-1225.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02E051]

 

Wells Manufacturing Company
Models:          Wells Stoplight Switch
Number Potentially Involved:  19,400
Defect:  On certain aftermarket stoplight switches, Well's catalog Part Nos. DR452, DR427,  and DR431, the switch can remain in the "stoplight off" position when the brake pedal is pressed.  The brake lights would not illuminate and the anti-lock brake system would not be available.  If the anti-lock braking system is disabled, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:  Wells Manufacturing will notify its customers and replace the switch free of charge.  Owner notification began Aug. 20, 2002.  Owners should contact Wells Manufacturing at 1-800-558-9770.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02E049]

 

 

TIRES:

 

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Models:          Firestone 30x9.50R15 LT
Number Potentially Involved:  754
Dates of Manufacture:  September - October 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain Widetrack Baja A/T tires, size 30x9.50R15 LT, fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 119, "New Pneumatic Tires."  The maximum load and inflation are incorrectly stated on the tires.  These tires can be over-inflated and possibly contribute to a vehicle crash.
Remedy:  Bridgestone/Firestone dealers will replace these tires.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 10, 2002.  Owners should contact BFS at 1-800-367-3872.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02T014]


 

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Models:          Firestone P19565R15
Number Potentially Involved:  23,400
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2002
Defect:  Certain P195/65R15 tires produced for use on certain 2003 model year Toyota Corolla S and LE vehicles may develop a "raised tread block" and cause a "helicopter type" noise.  Continued use of a tire with this condition may lead to a localized "chunk out" of tread material, and possibly result in a vehicle crash.  The DOT tire identification numbers for the recalled tires are W2C6T001402 and W2C6T001502.
Remedy:  Bridgestone/Firestone dealers will replace these tires.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 10, 2002.  Owners should contact BFS at 1-800-367-3872.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02T015]

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