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NHTSA Publishes List of August 2001 Recalls


American Government Topics:  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA Publishes List of August 2001 Recalls

NHTSA
October 30, 2001

NHTSA 57-01
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in August 2001 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

The 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, 1-800-424-9393, 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
August 2001


 

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company
Models:   Acura 3.2TL          Years:   2000-2002
Number Involved:  8,168
Noncompliance:   The following vehicles were repaired with incorrect parts: model year (MY) 2002 Acura 3.2TL sedans with replacement buckles installed per recall 01V-166001; certain MY 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and certain MY 2000-2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or collision repairs. Repairs were made from March 9 through July 27, 2001. Some of the noncompliant buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to Acura dealers to be used as recall repair parts. Honda also determined that incorrect front seat belt buckle replacement parts were used for some product update repairs of 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles, and warranty or collision repairs of 2000-2002 3.2TL vehicles. These seat belt buckles might not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may experience some difficulty in unfastening the belt after the crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Aug. 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V166002]

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:   BMW R1100 S          Year:   1999
Number Involved:   1,090
Dates of Manufacture:   April 1998 - April 1999
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the flexible fuel hose leading from the fuel distributor can chafe against the rigid lines of the fuel feed and the return lines. Continued chafing of the hose can lead to fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the right side flexible hose with a hose that has a braided cover to prevent chafing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.
[NHTSA Recall No.01V272]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:   Dodge Ram Van          Years:   2000-2001
Number Involved:  98,000
Dates of Manufacture:  August 1999 - March 2001
Defect:  On certain vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats, in the presence of road salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy:  Owners are to receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel. If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V253/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 990]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models: Dodge Intrepid Years:   2000-2001
  Chrysler Concorde Years:  2000-2001
  Chrysler 300M Years:  2000-2001
  Chrysler LHS Years:  2000-2001
Number Involved:  98,000
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - June 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles (non-sunroof only) fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact." In the event of a crash, there is a potential for injury if the occupant's head were to contact the B-pillar.
Remedy:  Owners will be sent a storage bin accessory unit that can be attached to the B-pillar along with installation instructions. However, owners also can have a dealer perform the installation. DaimlerChrysler has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V273/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 991]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Contour Year:   1998
  Mercury Mystique Year:   1998
Number Involved:  108,000
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1996 - April 1998
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant and currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and including the District of Columbia, the front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring, increasing the likelihood of a loss of control and a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will install spring catcher brackets. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V255/Ford Recall No. 01S23]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Focus Years:   2000-2001
  Ford Taurus Years:   2000-2001
  Ford Expedition Years:   2000-2001
  Ford Excursion Years:   2000-2001
  Ford F150/F250/F350/F450/F550/F650 Years:   2000-2001
  Lincoln Continental Years:   2000-2001
  Lincoln Town Car Years:   2000-2001
  Lincoln Navigator Years:   2000-2001
  Mercury Sable Years:   2000-2001
Number Involved:  1,083,000
Dates of Manufacture:  February - September 2000
Defect:   On certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: Atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; Chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; Kansas City plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; Kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; Michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; Norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; Wayne Stamping and Assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and Wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built within the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V258/Ford Recall No. 01S24]

Ford Motor Company
Models:   Ford Windstar         Years:   1999-2001
Number Involved:  598,256
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1998 - June 2001
Defect:   On certain minivans, contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of these vehicles built between February and August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper motor operation. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing and water resistance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V261/Ford Recall No. 01S25]

Ford Motor Company
Models:   Ford Windstar         Years:   1999-2001
Number Involved:  413,245
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1998 - June 2001
Defect:   On certain minivans, if the auxiliary air conditioning blower motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the resistor may become hot and smoke. The motor could potentially catch on fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V261/Ford Recall No. 01S26]

General Motors Corporation

Models: Chevrolet Venture Years:   1998-2001
  Pontiac Transport Year:   1997
  Pontiac Montana Years:   1998-2001
  Oldsmobile Silhouette Years:   1997-2001
Number Involved:  248,737
Defect:  Certain MY 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/Transport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in NHTSA Recall 01V-067 (GM Campaign 01013) from April to August 2001, and also 2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors assembled in January through April 2001, have inadequate front welds. If a front weld fails, the actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched. If this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the actuators for certain date codes and, if necessary, replace the actuators. GM has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V264/GM Recall No. 01059]

Mitsubishi America
Models:   Mitsubishi Montero         Years:   2001-2002
Number Involved:  39,020
Dates of Manufacture:  December 1999 - June 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the accumulator that is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been improperly manufactured. Over a period of time, this could result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator. The loss of this gas pressure could result in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first time brake boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time.
Remedy:  Dealers will install an improved accumulator. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V254]

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:   Nissan Sentra         Years:   2000-2001
Number Involved:  115,000
Dates of Manufacture:  February 2000 - June 2001
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the cooling holes in the steel wheel may have burrs on their edges as a result of improper manufacturing. These burrs can cause cracks as the vehicle is being driven. Cracks can propagate between adjacent cooling holes. If enough cracks develop between the cooling holes, the wheel could fail and separate from the mounting hub without prior warning. Separation of the wheel from the vehicle while being operated could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect for cracks and replace the wheel if cracks are discovered. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first mailing is expected to begin during October 2001, asking owners to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection of the wheels. Any wheels with cracks will be replaced. A second owner notification will begin in early December, at which time Nissan will have an adequate number of replacement wheels, requesting owners who only had the wheels inspected but not replaced, to return to the dealers for a wheel replacement. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V277]

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:   Nissan Pathfinder         Year:   2001
Number Involved:  31,000
Dates of Manufacture:  December 2000 - June 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, some of the brackets used to attach the two gas struts to the rear door (hatch) may have been improperly made. At high ambient temperatures, the increase in gas pressure in the struts could cause one or both brackets to bend, resulting in the struts detaching from the brackets when opening or closing the rear door. If both struts detach from the brackets, the door will rapidly fall down, possibly striking someone and causing serious injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the strut brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V282]

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models: Toyota Tundra Years:   1999-2000
  Toyota Tacoma Years:   1999-2000
Number Involved:  70,717
Dates of Manufacture: May 1999 - August 2000
Defect:  This recall is for trailer towing wire harness converters installed by dealers or for installation on 1999-2000 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma vehicles. The connectors integrate the vehicle's taillights, brake lights, and turn signal lights with those equipped on the trailer, are defective. Affected part numbers are: PT207-34000, PT207-34002, PT207-04981, and PT214-04985. In the Tundra vehicles, the circuitry utilized in the converter was inadequate to properly manage vehicle and trailer-side voltage spikes. If the converter is exposed to a voltage spike, it may cause an electrical short or open circuit within the converter. In the Tacoma vehicles, due to deficient waterproofing and improper installation location of the converter, which is mounted in the lower portion of the tailgate cavity of the vehicle, an electrical short circuit will occur if water enters the converter housing. An electrical short or open circuit can cause a fault in the converter and a non-operational condition of the trailer lights. A vehicle crash can occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death, if the vehicle is driven without operational trailer lights.
Remedy:  Dealers will notify the customers and install a redesigned trailer towing wire harness converter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01E041]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:   Audi A8         Years:   2000-2001
Number Involved:  600
Dates of Manufacture:  February 2000 - July 2000
Defect:   On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a fuel and vapor leak detection system, a "blind cover" at the filler neck of the fuel tank may not seal properly, allowing fuel vapor to escape. Should this happen, the fuel tank pressure will be reduced, which will activate the leak detection system and alert the driver of a system's fault indicated by an instrument panel light. Fuel vapor leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the fuel filler neck/expansion tank assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-866-892-2834.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V259/Audi Recall No. LD]


 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

American Transportation Corporation

Models: AmTran FE Year:   2000-2002
  AmTran RE Year:   2000-2002
  AmTran CS Year:   2000-2002
  AmTran/International FE Year:   2001-2002
  AmTran/International RE Year:   2001-2002
  AmTran/International CS Year:   2001-2002
  International IC Year:   2001-2002
Number Involved:  3,694
Dates of Manufacture:  August 1999 - August 2001
Defect:   On certain school and transit buses equipped with 39-inch flip seats, the seats could bind in the occupied position and not return to the stored position when not occupied. The cushion frame support bar slides off the seat support pad, which could retain the seat in the occupied position. In the event of an emergency, the seat could block the aisle, which could result in injury or death.
Remedy:   Owners will be provided with instructions and parts to repair the seats. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-505-2190.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V269/AmTran Recall No. 01303]

American Transportation Corporation
Models:   AmTran CS         Year:   1997-2001
Number Involved:  1,432
Dates of Manufacture:  November 1996 - May 2000
Defect:   On certain school buses equipped with I-6 engines, plywood floors, and a driver insulation package, the accelerator pedal can stick in either a partial or full throttle position. A vehicle crash can occur if the throttle sticks and does not return as expected to the idle position.
Remedy:   Owners will be provided with instructions and parts to repair the buses. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-505-2190.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V270/AmTran Recall No. 01304]

Collins Bus Corporation
Models:   Collins Grand Bantam         Year:   2001
Number Involved:  107
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2000 - August 2001
Defect:   On certain school buses equipped with a floor-mounted track used to accommodate and secure wheelchairs, the bolts used to secure this track to the floor are too long and protrude through the wheel well. It is possible that the protruding bolts will puncture the rear tires if the tires should be pushed up into their full jounce position, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control and a vehicle crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the long bolts with shorter bolts that will sit flush with the retaining nuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V267]

International Truck and Engine

Models: International 5000i Years:   1998-2001
  International 9000i Years: 1998-2001
Number Involved:  40,559
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1998 - May 2001
Defect:   In below freezing operating conditions, the air-pressure actuated brake light switch that is mounted outside the cab on the front cowl on certain heavy duty trucks, may not activate during light to normal braking. If the brake lights fail to come on, there will be no lights to indicate to following vehicles that the affected vehicle is decelerating, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace all air brake stop light switches. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V250/International Recall No. 01511]

Jayco, Inc.
Models:   Jayco Designer         Years:   1996-2000
Number Involved:  12,281
Dates of Manufacture:  June 1995 - June 2000
Defect:  On certain fifth wheel and travel trailers, the fasteners used on the underfloor can either come loose or pull through the underfloor, causing portions or all of a section of the underfloor to detach from the vehicle. If this occurred, the section could fall to the pavement, potentially causing a crash for following vehicles.
Remedy:  Dealers will add or replace fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-219-825-5861.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V251]

Monaco Coach Corporation

Models: Monaco Monarch Years:   2000-2002
  Monaco LaPalma Years:   2000-2002
  Holiday Rambler Admiral Years:   2000-2002
Number Involved:  251
Dates of Manufacture:  June 1999 - July 2001
Defect:   On certain motor homes built on the Workhorse chassis, the supply and return line carrying gasoline to and from the engine may have been improperly routed and/or secured. As a result, the fuel line could become damaged and leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Specific floor plans at issue are 30D, 30PBD, 32PBD, 36DPD, 36PBD, 36WDD, and 37WDD.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the fuel line routing, install additional means of securing the fuel line, if required, and/or replace the line if damage has occurred. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V257/Monaco Recall No. R01059]

PACCAR, Incorporated
Models: Kenworth T300 Years: 1996-2001
Number Involved:  3,000
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1996 - August 2001
Defect:   On certain trucks equipped with 10,000- or 12,000-pound Dana front axles, acondition alled brake "sprag," which is characterized by a noise at the end of an applied stop, can develop in the brake system. This noise is the result of a pulsation of the brake lining with the brake drum during brake application. These noise vibrations occur at the resonant frequency of the front axle cross-tube assembly and cause unusually high strain forces in the threaded portion of the tie rod ends that are connected to the cross-tube. Failure of the tie rod end can cause loss of steering control and possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the brake lining on the front axle of each vehicle with a lining made of a different composition. In addition, the tie rod ends will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-7356.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V268/Kenworth Recall No. 01KW7]

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Models: Winnebago/Itasca Adventurer Year:   2001
  Winnebago/Itasca Sun Cruiser Year:   2001
Number Involved:  154
Dates of Manufacture:  January - May 2001
Defect:  On certain motor homes built on a Workhorse chassis, Models WPG35U, WPG37G, IPG35U, and IPG37G, the black pipe supplying liquid propane (LP) gas to the furnace was not long enough, which could cause the copper line that is connected to this pipe to come in contact with the end of the leaf spring of the suspension. If this happens, the copper line may get damaged and, over time, a leak could develop, increasing the possibility of fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the black pipe and replace the LP line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V252/Winnebago Recall No. 82]

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Models: Winnebago Journey Years:   2000-2002
  Winnebago Journey DL Years:   2000-2002
  Itasca Horizon Years:   2000-2002
Number Involved:  1,292
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1999 - May 2001
Defect:   On certain motor homes (Models WKP36L, WKP36LD, and IKP36LD), the nuts may have loosened from the bolts that connect the liquid propane (LP) tank to the motor home. If the attachment hardware is loosened, the road vibration could produce undue stress on the weld joints of the brackets and they could break. If this happens, the tank could fall off, resulting in a road hazard or a fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the LP tank attachment and re-tightened the fasteners in addition to adding lock nuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V260/Winnebago Recall No. 83]


 

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