NHTSA Publishes List of March 2002 Recalls |
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
May 30, 2002
NHTSA 43-02
Thursday, May 30, 2002
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in March 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, 1-888-327-4236, or on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
| American Honda Motor Company |
| Models: Honda Accord Year: 2000 |
| Acura TL Year: 2000 |
| Number Involved: 2,900 |
| Dates of Manufacture: September 1999 - May 2000 |
| Defect: On these passenger vehicles, a component in the inflator of the passenger air bag modules was not welded properly. As a result, the affected air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 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. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V080] |
| BMW |
| Models: BMW 325xi Year: 2002 |
| Number Involved: 799 |
| Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2002 |
| Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the manufacturing process of the rear brake rotors may have resulted in a crack where the brake disc and the parking brake drum meet. Further cracking of the rotor could occur due to braking torque when the vehicle is driven and the brakes are applied. The brake drum, connected to the wheel hub, would completely separate from the disc. If this happened, the wheel would continue to turn, but the disc would stop, eliminating the braking capability at that wheel and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear brake rotors. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 15, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-331-1117. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V057] |
| DaimlerChrysler Corporation |
| Models: Jeep Wrangler Years: 2001-2002 |
| Number Involved: 95,000 |
| Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 - December 2001 |
| Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch causing a short circuit that can result in a vehicle fire. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a redesigned switch. Owner notification began April 8, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V075/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B07] |
| DaimlerChrysler Corporation |
| Models: Dodge Caravan Years: 1997-1999 |
| Plymouth Voyager Years: 1997-1999 |
| Chrysler Town and Country Years: 1997-1999 |
| Number Involved: 545,311 |
| Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - October 1998 |
| Defect: On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during June 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V076/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B09] |
| Ford Motor Company |
| Models: Ford F250 Truck Year: 1999 |
| Ford F350 Truck Year: 1999 |
| Ford F450 Truck Year: 1999 |
| Ford F550 Truck Year: 1999 |
| Number Involved: 51,846 |
| Dates of Manufacture: January - September 1998 |
| Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, failure of the front parking brake cable input button could result in failure of the parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary. This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the front parking brake cable and the controller and verify the performance of the parking brake system. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V068/Ford Recall No. 02S34] |
| Ford Motor Company |
| Models: Ford Windstar Years: 2000-2001 |
| Number Involved: 417,037 |
| Defect: On certain minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer. This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness. A short circuit can lead to malfunction of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system. A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire. |
| Remedy: Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion. If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V072/Ford Recall No. 02S33] |
| General Motors Corporation |
| Models: Pontiac Grand Am Years: 1996-1997 |
| Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1995-1997 |
| Oldsmobile Achieva Years: 1996-1997 |
| Buick Skylark Years: 1996-1997 |
| Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1995-1997 |
| Number Involved: 1,589,948 |
| Dates of Manufacture: May 1994 - July 1997 |
| Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. |
| Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent current from flowing through the ignition switch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 27, 2002. 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, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V070/GM Recall No. 02008] |
| General Motors Corporation |
| Models: Pontiac Vibe Year: 2003 |
| Number Involved: 2,701 |
| Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2002 |
| Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier to be loose due to insufficient tightening during the assembly process. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, one or more of the four bolts could come loose, causing an abnormal noise from the rear axle area. In the event that all four bolts loosen completely, separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier could occur, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. |
| Remedy: Dealers will properly tighten the bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 12, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V074002/GM Recall No. 02010] |
| Mazda North America, Inc. |
| Models: Mazda MPV Year: 2002 |
| Number Involved: 14,000 |
| Dates of Manufacture: November 2001 - February 2002 |
| Noncompliance: Certain minivans 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." An incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) was indicated on the certification label. |
| Remedy: Dealers will install certification labels and inserts in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002. Owners who do not receive the free label and inserts within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V078/Mazda Recall No. 0602D] |
| Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Models: Subaru Legacy Year: 2002 |
| Subaru Outback Year: 2002 |
| Number Involved: 1,252 |
| Dates of Manufacture: February - March 2002 |
| Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit and lower). At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V079/Subaru Recall No. WWH-91] |
| Toyota Motor Company, Ltd. |
| Models: Toyota Corolla Year: 2003 |
| Number Involved: 8,483 |
| Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2002 |
| Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier to be loose due to insufficient tightening during the assembly process. If the vehicle is operated in this condition, one or more of the four bolts could come loose, causing an abnormal noise from the rear axle area. In the event that all four bolts loosen completely, separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier could occur, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. |
| Remedy: Dealers will properly tighten the bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V074001] |
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
| Freightliner Corporation/Thomas Built Buses, Inc. |
| Models: Thomas MVP ER Years: 1995-2001 |
| Number Involved: 4,800 |
| Dates of Manufacture: May 1995 - March 2001 |
| Defect: On certain school buses, misalignment of the fan drive system components can cause premature belt and pulley bearing wear. If the school bus is disabled by a cooling system failure and is stalled on the side of the road, an increased risk of a crash resulting in injury to a school bus occupant could occur. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan belt, idler pulley, and belt tensioner. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-841-5924. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V085/Thomas Built Recall No. VON 49] |
| Freightliner Corporation |
| Models: Freightliner FLD Year: 2001 |
| Freightliner Century Year: 2001 |
| Sterling Acterra Year: 2001 |
| Western Star 4900 Year: 2001 |
| Western Star 5900 Year: 2001 |
| Western Star 6900 Year: 2001 |
| Number Involved: 30,000 |
| Dates of Manufacture: February - November 2001 |
| Defect: On certain trucks, a capacitor in the power line carrier (PLC) filter could overheat and/or ignite when subjected to reverse polarity electrical spikes. |
| Remedy: Dealers will disconnect and secure the PLC filter ground wire. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V087/Freightliner Recall No. FL-393] |
| Utilimaster Corporation |
| Models: Utilimaster Aeromaster Years: 1996-2000 |
| Number Involved: 11,418 |
| Dates of Manufacture: May 1996 - January 2000 |
| Defect: On certain walk-in vans equipped with seat belt buckles manufactured by Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc., after repeated flexing, the cable can fatigue and fray at the point where it is crimped to the buckle. The buckle could eventually detach from the cable, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant in a crash. |
| Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 8, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Utilimaster at 1-800-582-3454. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02V064] |
EQUIPMENT
| Bleacher Comfort |
| Models: NXT Beanie |
| NEXL MB021 |
| NEXL MB031 |
| NEXL MB041 |
| Number Involved: 18,164 |
| Noncompliance: These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets." In the event of a crash, serious head injury or death could occur. |
| Remedy: Nexl will rework the helmet by removing the liner and adding a Kevlar weave laminate within the outer shell to prevent possible penetration in a crash. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or go to its web site at http://www.nhtsa.gov/exit.cfm?Link=http://www.nexlsports.com/. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E008] |
| Bleacher Comfort |
| Models: NXT Beanie |
| NEXL MB021 |
| NEXL MB031 |
| NEXL MB041 |
| Number Involved: 18,164 |
| Noncompliance: These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the retention requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets." In the event of a crash, the plastic loop could break, leaving the wearer unprotected, possibly resulting in serious head injury or death. |
| Remedy: Nexl will remove the plastic loop and wrap the chinstrap around the ear strap, securing the strap with reinforced stitching. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or visit their website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/exit.cfm?Link=http://www.nexlsports.com/. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E009] |
| Bleacher Comfort |
| Models: NXT Beanie |
| NEXL MB021 |
| NEXL MB031 |
| NEXL MB041 |
| Number Involved: 18,164 |
| Noncompliance: These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets." These helmets are missing the "Make No Modifications" label. This label is necessary to warn the owner to make no modifications to the helmet so as to maintain the helmet's integrity in the event of a crash. |
| Remedy: Owners will be provided with a label and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or visit their website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/exit.cfm?Link=http://www.nexlsports.com/. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E011] |
| Evenflo Company, Inc. |
| Models: Evenflo Triumph |
| Number Involved: 28,312 |
| Dates of Manufacture: October 2001 - January 2002 |
| Defect: This recall involves certain convertible child restraints with the model number beginning with 264. The slide loop connectors (which act as a link in the internal harness system) may not be strong enough to fully secure the seat occupant. In the event of a crash, the child may not be properly restrained, resulting in serious injury. |
| Remedy: Evenflo will provide owners with a repair kit and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 22, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free kit and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Evenflo at 1-800-425-1967 or visit their website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/exit.cfm?Link=http://www.triumphcarseat.com/. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E004] |
| Graco Children's Products |
| Models: Graco SnugRide |
| Number Involved: 918,930 |
| Dates of Manufacture: August 1999 - February 2002 |
| Noncompliance: This recall involves infant car seats, Model Numbers 7493G9, 7493RS, 7497HL, 7497SY, 7499LK, 7499N2, 841101, 841102, 841103, 841203, 8412T02, 8457D5, 8457DVB, 8457F3, 8457GP, 8457IND, 8457MA, 8457MV, 8457RG, 8457TMJ, 8457TMP, 8457YL, 8458A5, 8458AE, 8458B7, 8458D8, 8458FKB, 8458HE, 8458HH, 8458KY, 8458N5, 8459VL, 8460LV, 8462HAV, 8462JAM, 8471UVB, 8472BLW, 8472BRN, 8472CYP, 8472GMP, 8472MAD, 8472YL, 8474HAB, 8474MEL, 8476VIN, 8477HAV, 8477JAM, 8477NGS, 8478SAR. Affected model numbers may also begin with the letter "A." These seats may be missing components on the base or the carrier shell. The components are 1 or 2 metal hooks and their retainer pins on the base, or the mating "U" shaped bars on the carrier shell that are used to attach the carrier to the base. If the hooks, pins, or "U" bars are missing, the carrier may not be securely attached to the base. In the event of a sudden stop or crash, the carrier could detach from the base, possibly resulting in serious injury or death to the seat occupant. |
| Remedy: Graco will provide a replacement seat or base free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 19, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free replacement seat or base within a reasonable time should contact Graco Century at 1-800-345-4109. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E014] |
| Peg Perego USA, Inc. |
| Models: Peg Perego Atlantico System |
| Peg Perego Atlantico Trek System |
| Peg Perego Viaggo System |
| Peg Perego Travel System |
| Peg Perego Inflant Car Seat |
| Peg Perego Pliko Travel System |
| Martinelli Primo Viaggio |
| Number Involved: 55,162 |
| Dates of Manufacture: May 2001 - February 2002 |
| Noncompliance: Certain of these infant car seats fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." The seats have a snap in the upholstery directly over the locking belt adjustment mechanism (A-Loc Adjuster). When the upholstery is attached by the snap to the cover of the A-Loc Adjuster, it may cause tension in the upholstery due to the weight of the child, which could prevent the complete engagement of the A-Loc Adjuster, and allow slippage in the harness restraints. In the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be properly restrained. |
| Remedy: Peg Perego will send repair instructions to its customers. Within 4-6 weeks, owners will receive a new plastic cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 25, 2002. Owners who do not receive repair instructions or replacement cover within a reasonable time should contact Peg Perego at 1-877-737-3468. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02E006] |
| Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company |
| Models: Kelly Springfield 28575R245 |
| Kelly Springfield 29575R225 |
| Number Involved: 10,345 |
| Dates of Manufacture: February - May 2001 |
| Defect: Some Armorsteel KLHS Load Range G tires, size 285/75R24.5 and 295/75R22.5, have exhibited evidence of premature tread separation. If the tread were to separate from the carcass of the tire while the vehicle is in motion, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash. |
| Remedy: Goodyear will replace the tires. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 3, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free replacement tires within a reasonable time should contact Goodyear at 1-800-321-2136. |
| [NHTSA Recall No. 02T004] |
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