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NHTSA Publishes List of July 2002 Recalls

NHTSA Publishes List of July 2002 Recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
August 22, 2002

NHTSA 56-02
Thursday, August 22, 2002
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in July 2002 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, 888-327-4236, or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at   The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
July 2002

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Models:	Honda Insight	Year:     2001
	Acura Integra	Year:     2001

Number Involved:  375
Dates of Manufacture:  June - July 2001 (Honda) and January 2001 (Acura)
Defect:   Some of the passenger air bag modules in these vehicles were not properly welded and may not deploy in a collision.  The seat occupant would not be properly protected in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of personal injury. 
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began August 7, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW)
Models:    BMW F650CS Motorcycle            Year:     2003
Number Involved:  265
Dates of Manufacture:  January - May 2002 
Defect:  On these motorcycles, it is possible that the wheel could develop a crack. Over time, the crack could worsen to the point that the wheel could fail and the drive belt derail. This would result in a loss of drive capability at the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. 
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the rear drive belt wheel. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #4.

BMW
Models:     BMW F650CS Motorcycle            Year:     2003
Number Involved:  577
Dates of Manufacture:  January - May 2002  
Defect:   On these motorcycles, it is possible that the hex nut that secures the wheel to the gearbox output shaft was tightened incorrectly during the vehicle assembly.  As a result, the nut could loosen during vehicle operation.  If this happens, the belt wheel would itself loosen on the output shaft, resulting in damage to the internal splines of the wheel and to the external splines of the output shaft as the vehicle is operated.  Over time, the splines could be damaged to the extent that the output shaft would not longer operate the drive belt, resulting in a loss of drive capability at the rear wheel. 
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the hex nut torque and adjust the tightness if necessary, and secure the nut with LocTite. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #4.    

BMW
Models:     BMW X5            Year:     2000-2001
Number Involved:  34,860
Dates of Manufacture:  August 1999 - February 2001   
Defect:   On these passenger vehicles, due to a manufacturing problem, the brake pedal arm pivot shaft could loosen from its support bracket. Eventually, the brake pedal arm could detach from the bracket, rendering the service braking system ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will check the brake pedal arm pivot shaft for proper seating in its support bracket. In addition, a pin will be installed to secure the shaft to the bracket. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.

BMW
Models:     Mini Cooper            Year:     2002
Number Involved:  3,531
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2001 - May 2002
Defect:   On these passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the transmission shift cable connects the gearshift lever in the vehicle interior to the shift linkage on the transmission. It is possible for the shift cable to detach from the transmission shift linkage while the driver is attempting to change gears. If the cable detaches from the shift linkage, gear changes will no longer be possible, and the transmission will remain in the last gear selected. If shift cable detachment occurs and the transmission remains in any forward gear, the vehicle can still be driven, but in that gear only. However, if the transmission moves into neutral and remains there, the ability to accelerate or maintain speed will be lost.  Both circumstances can increase the risk of a crash. 
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the shift cable and, if necessary, install a retaining clip over the end of the shift cable to prevent it from detaching from the transmission. In addition, a pin will be installed to secure the shaft to the bracket.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-332-4269.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Chrysler Sebring            Year:     1996-1997
Number Involved:  88,000
Dates of Manufacture:  January 1995 - July 1997  
Defect:   On certain convertible model vehicles equipped with 2.5L V6 engines, the throttle control cable can fray causing the throttle to bind or stick. This can result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash. 
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the throttle cable assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Aug. 5, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

General Motors Corporation

Models:	Chevrolet Suburban	Year:     2000
	Chevrolet Tahoe	Year:     2000
	Chevrolet Silverado	Year:     2000
	GMC Yukon/Yukon XL	Year:     2000
	GMC Sierra	Year:     2000

Number Involved:  525,254
Dates of Manufacture:  February 1999 - February 2000
Defect:   Some pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles have an air bag sensing diagnostic module (SDM) that contains an anomaly that could result in the driver and passenger's air bag failing to deploy during certain frontal crashes. In a vehicle crash, front seat occupants may receive more severe injuries. 
Remedy:  Dealers will recalibrate the SDM in the affected vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during late August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

Indian Motorcycle Company

Models:	Indian Scout	Year:     2001
	Indian Spirit	Year:     2001
	Indian Scout Centennial	Year:     2001

Number Involved:  1,189
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2000 - July 2001
Defect:   The pinch bolts that clamp the front forks to the axle on certain motorcycles may be ¼-inch bolts or 5/16-inch bolts made of stainless steel. In both cases, these bolts may not be of sufficient strength to clamp the front fork to the axle tightly enough to prevent axle rotation. If the axle is allowed to rotate, the axle could come out of the right front fork, collapsing the front end.  
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the front forks to determine whether the pinch bolts are ¼-inch or 5/16-inch bolts made of stainless steel. If the forks are clamped with ¼-inch bolts, the dealer will replace the forks with forks designed for use with 5/16-inch bolts.  If the forks are clamped with 5/16-inch stainless steel pinch bolts, the dealer will replace the bolts with 5/16-inch bolts made of zinc plated steel. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Indian at 1-408-846-7228.            

Kia Motors America, Inc.
Models:     Kia Sephia            Year:     1998
Number Involved:  25,000
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1997 - April 1998  
Defect:   On certain passenger vehicles with 36,000 miles or less as of July 15, 2002, an electrical contact problem can develop during the first few years of operation that can result in inoperative hazard lights and/or inoperative turn signals. The loss of turn signals or rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is turning and/or is stopped and could result in a crash. 
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the hazard switch. Because of the nature of the failure mode, only vehicles with fewer than 36,000 miles as of July 15, 2002, will have the hazard switch replaced under this campaign. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

Lotus Cars of America, Inc.
Models:     Lotus Elan            Year:     1991-1992
Number Involved:  546
Dates of Manufacture:  October 1990 - August 1991
Defect:   On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tanks can leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. 
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Aug. 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6687.

Rolls-Royce Motors, Inc.

Models:	Rolls Royce Park Ward	Year:     1999-2002
	Rolls Royce Silver Seraph	Year:     1999-2002
	Rolls Royce Siler Seraph LOL	Year:     1999-2002
	Bentley Arnage	Year:     1999-2002
	Bentley Arnage LWB	Year:     1999-2002
	Bentley Arnage Le Mans	Year:     1999-2002
	Bentley Arnage Limousine	Year:     1999-2002
	Bentley Limousine	Year:     1999-2002

Number Involved:  2,085
Dates of Manufacture:  January 1998 - May 2002 
Defect:   On certain passenger vehicles and limousines, the low pressure brake fluid feed pipe between the master cylinder and remote reservoir has the potential to trap or retain air. This air could enter the master cylinder and cause excessive pedal travel and partial failure of the primary circuit, increasing the risk of a crash. 
Remedy:  Dealers will replace both the feed pipe and the brake fluid reservoir. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Rolls-Royce at 1-800-777-6923.

Toyota Motor Company, LTD. 
Models:     Toyota Highlander            Year:     2001-2002
Number Involved:  154,593
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2000 - May 2002 
Defect:   On certain sport utility vehicles, there is a breather hose that attaches to the nozzle of the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) valve, which is located on the topside of the fuel tank. The breather hose is attached with a clamp, whose "tabs" face in the upward direction. When the vehicle was crashed under the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) (i.e., a 35 mph frontal barrier crash), the clamp "tabs" contacted the underside of the body due to movement of the fuel tank, causing the nozzle to break. Nozzle breakage could result in fuel leakage if the vehicle rolls over after a high speed frontal crash.  
Remedy:  Dealers will rotate the specified clamp. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.     

 

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Models:	Yamaha Road Star Warrior	Year:     2002
	Yamaha XV1700PC	Year:     2002
	Yamaha XV1700P	Year:     2002

Number Involved:  5,541
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2001 - April 2002 
Defect:   On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank bracket washer and damper do not adequately protect the tank from engine vibration. Over a period of time, vibration might damage the tank, which could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of fire.  
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket washer and damper with ones of a new type. 
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-88-YAMAHA (1-800-889-2624).

 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

 

American Transportation Corporation
Models:     AmTran IC            Year:     2002
Number Involved:  123
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 - May 2002
Noncompliance:   Certain school buses equipped with an optional between-the-frame mounted fuel tank fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." These buses were built with the wrong crossmember. The crossmember installed was not of the same strength as originally intended. Failure of the crossmember during a crash could reduce the integrity of the fuel system, allowing fuel leakage that could result in a fire.    
Remedy:   Dealers will install a new crossmember. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 29, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-843-5615.

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:	Blue Bird Commercial Series	Year:     2002
	Blue Bird TC2000	Year:     2002
	Blue Bird All American	Year:     2002

Number Involved:  3,439
Dates of Manufacture:  January - June 2002
Defect:   On certain school buses and transit buses equipped with Allison 2000 series transmissions, the "Range Inhibited" indicator light on the dash was improperly installed and does not function. This will not allow the operator to change gears in the transmission. 
Remedy:  Distributors and owners will be instructed to remove the dash and activate the "Range Inhibited" indicator light according to instructions provided. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

General Motors Corporation

Models:	Chevrolet C4500	Year:     2003
	GMC C4500	Year:     2003

Number Involved:  952
Defect:   Certain medium duty trucks equipped with an 11,000-pound rear axle have a condition where the rear axle anchor plate may fracture. Under certain rebound, braking or cornering maneuvers, the rear axle would be free to move fore and aft and provide unexpected steering inputs to the vehicle. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could result. 
Remedy:   Dealers will install a new rear axle anchor plate and spacer. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

International Truck and Engine Corporation

Models:	International 4300	Year:     2000-2002
	International 4400	Year:     2000-2002

Number Involved:  13,052
Dates of Manufacture:   October 2000 - May 2002
Defect:  On certain heavy-duty trucks equipped with manual transmissions, lower clutch rods with turnbuckles are failing from fatigue near the turnbuckle due to bending forces experienced during each clutch pedal cycle. The clutch rod can break without warning and make it difficult to shift. If the clutch rod breaks while the vehicle is stopped or decelerating, the vehicle could lunge unexpectedly in the direction of the selected gear, increasing the risk of a crash. 
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the clutch rod assembly with a solid rod design that does not have a turnbuckle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 19, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.

Mastercraft Boat Company

Models:	Mastercraft A1	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft A9	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft B2	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft B3	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft B5	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft B8	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft C3	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft C6	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft C7	Year:     1999-2000
	Mastercraft C8	Year:     1999-2000

Number Involved:  3,656
Defect:  On certain boat trailers equipped with NHK Intex Corporation monoleaf boat trailer springs, while the motorist is pulling the boat trailer, the monoleaf spring on the trailer could break. This could cause the driver to lose control of the trailer and vehicle. 
Remedy:   Dealers will replace all affected monoleaf springs. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mastercraft at 1-800-443-8774. 

 

EQUIPMENT:

 

AmSafe Commercial Product
Models:     AmSafe Seat Belt
Number Involved:  51,137
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - February 2001
Defect:  On certain CP Traveling Retractor Lap (type 1) seat belts, the plastic cover housing the reserve end of the seat belt web can break. If the two halves of the cover completely separate, the connector portion of the belt will detach from the cover. Once detached, the connector rivet can separate from the connector frame causing the frame to become unusable. This condition cannot occur during use; however, the belt will be unusable and may result in an occupant seating position without a seat belt. In the event of a vehicle crash, an unbelted individual could be seriously injured or killed.
Remedy:   AmSafe will notify its customers and provide a plastic outer cover that snaps over the existing cover on units in the field and will replace broken seat belts free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmSafe at 574-266-8330.

CRC Industries, Inc.
Models:      Auto Pride Brake Parts Cleaner
Number Involved:  14,988
Defect:   Certain Auto Pride products were mislabeled in the production process.  The cans are labeled as 05088AP Brake Parts Cleaner Non-Chlorinated formula, but the cans actually contain 05089AP Brake Parts Cleaner, a chlorinated forumla. Thus, as labeled, the cans do not appropriately warn the user of the chlorinated content of the product.
Remedy:   CRC is notifying its distributors and customers to return the product for a free replacement. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 11, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact CRC at 1-215-674-4300.

Norcold Inc. 
Models:      Norcold Refrigerator
Number Involved:  180,455
Dates of Manufacture:   January 1987 - May 1995
Defect:   Certain refrigerator cooling units, Model Numbers 442, 443, 452, EV452, 453, 462, EV462, 463, EV463, 482, EV482, 483, EV483, 874, and 875, can experience a breakdown in a rubber seal within the gas valve. As the rubber seal ages, a leak may occur, allowing propane gas to accumulate in the burner area.  Gas leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire or explosion.
Remedy:   Norcold will notify its customers and provide a replacement gas valve free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Norcold at 1-937-497-3080.                                         

Norcold Inc. 
Models:     Norcold Refrigerator
Number Involved:  8,419
Dates of Manufacture:   December 1996 - February 1999
Defect:   Certain refrigerator cooling units, Model Numbers 1200LR and 1200RIM with serial numbers between 700000 and 1008700, can experience low cycle fatigue failure which can lead to the liquid solution slowly leaking from the sealed, pressurized cooling unit through a small crack. If a leak occurs, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited, resulting in a fire. 
Remedy:   Norcold will notify its customers and provide a replacement cooling unit free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Norcold at 1-937-497-3080.                                      

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