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NHTSA Publishes List of July 2003 Recalls


American Government

NHTSA Publishes List of July 2003 Recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
August 29, 2003

NHTSA 40-03
Friday, August 29, 2003
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (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 July 2003 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

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
July 2003


VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES


American Honda Motor Company
Models:    Acura 3.5RL                   Year:     2000
Number Potentially Involved:  814
Dates of Manufacture:   August - September 1999
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, some of the brake master cylinders may have internal corrosion, resulting in reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances. The corrosion could eventually cause a complete brake system failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the master cylinder assembly, reservoir, and brake fluid.The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 25, 2003. Owners may contact Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V239]

American Honda Motor Company
Models:    Honda CR-V                   Years:    2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  247,019
Dates of Manufacture:    May 2001 - July 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, excessive corrosion of the shift cable linkage could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into Park. If the vehicle operator fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur. Dealers will inspect the shift cable linkage for corrosion. If corrosion causes binding, they will replace the shift cable.
Remedy:  Dealers will also install a new corrosion-resistant control pin. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V274/Honda Recall No. P04]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models: BMW 745i Years:     2002-2003
  BMW 745Li Years:     2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  5,470
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 - April 2003 
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, due to a software error, a desynchronization of the valvetronic motors for engine banks I and II may occur. If this occurs, the engine could stall. In those cases, the driver may not be able to restart the engine. Depending on the level of engine roughness, or stalling, as well as traffic conditions and the driver's reactions, this could lead to a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 8, 2003. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V240]

General Motors Corporation

Models: Cadillac Deville Years:     2002-2003
  Cadillac Seville Years:     2002-2003
  Oldsmobile Aurora Years:     2002-2003
  Pontiac Bonneville Years:     2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  102,212
Dates of Manufacture:  February - December 2002 
Defect:  On certain Cadillac passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a V8 (4.6L) engine, Oldsmobile Aurora vehicles equipped with a V8 (4.0L ) engine, and Pontiac Bonneville SSEi vehicles equipped with a supercharged V6 (3.8L) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are unusually susceptible to malfunctions. If the sensor malfunctions, excessive vacuum can be applied during self-diagnostic testing. Fuel system components can be damaged, and fuel can leak from the vehicle when it is refueled. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2003. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V238/GM Recall No. 03038]

General Motors Corporation

Models: Oldsmobile Alero Year:     2001
  Pontiac Grand Am Year:     2001
  Buick Rendezvous Year:     2003
  Cadillac CTS Year:     2003
  Chevrolet Express Year:     2003
  Chevrolet Monte Carlo Year:     2003
  GMC Savana Year:     2003
  Chevrolet TrailBlazer Years:     2002-2003
  GMC Envoy Years:     2002-2003
  Oldsmobile Bravada Years:     2002-2003
  Pontiac Aztek Years:     2001-2003
  Chevrolet Venture Years:     2001 and 2003
  Pontiac Montana Years:     2001 and 2003
Number Potentially Involved:  1,707,825
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2000 - June 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain minivans, passenger cars, and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System."  The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the lower universal anchorage system.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. It describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-800-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V250/GM Recall No. 03039]

Hyundai America Technical Center

Models: Hyundai Elantra Years:     2001-2003
  Hyundai Tiburon Years:     2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  312,292
Dates of Manufacture:  June 2000 - February 2003 
Defect:  On certain passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the rear brake tubes pass behind the front suspension crossmember. Two steering gearbox mounting brackets are welded to the crossmember. On vehicles equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS), the rear brake tubes could contact both steering gearbox mounting brackets. On vehicles that are not equipped with ABS, the rear brake tubes may contact only the left mounting bracket. Contact between the rear brake tubes and the steering brackets could cause wear and corrosion that could result in brake fluid leakage. Fluid leakage could result in reduced braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reposition the rear brake tubes so they do not contact the mounting brackets, install brake tube clips to control the location of the rear brake tubes, and apply anti-corrosion material to the tubes in the areas where contact with the mounting brackets may have occurred. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2003. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V257/Hyundai Recall No. 061]

Indian Motorcycle Company

Models: Indian Scout Years:     2001-2003
  Indian Spirit Years:     2002-2003
  Indian Chief Vintage Year:     2003
Number Potentially Involved:  6,173
Dates of Manufacture:  February 2000 - July 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the bracket used to support the teardrop headlight can crack, causing the bracket to break and the light to slip out of position or fall off. This could cause a loss of visibility to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new bracket. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Indian at 1-888-899-2997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V257]

Isuzu Motors America, Inc.
Models:    Isuzu Ascender                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:  3,290
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2002 - May 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage System." The Owner's Manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the Lower Universal Anchorage System.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a supplement for their Owner's Manual. It describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V269]

Nissan Motor Corporation
Models:    Nissan Altima                   Years:      2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  377,000
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 - May 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles sold or registered in the States of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, at extremely cold temperatures, moisture in the fuel tank could freeze and form ice crystals. These ice crystals may obstruct the suction opening of the fuel pump. This can prevent the supply of fuel to the engine and cause the engine to stop, which could result in a crash without warning. Nissan will also notify owners of affected vehicles that are not located in these states and advise them that if those vehicles are to be driven in one of these states or in other cold areas in the winter, Nissan will perform the remedy without charge upon request.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a screen at the suction opening of the fuel pump to prevent ice crystals from blocking the opening. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-333-0829.

[NHTSA Campaign No. 03V251]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:    Volkswagen New Beetle                   Years:      1998-2001
Number Potentially Involved:  269,151
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1998 - June 2001
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative, or the lamps could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lamp switches. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2003. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-893-5298.

[NHTSA Recall Nos. 03V265/VW Recall No. WT]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:    Volkswagen Touareg                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  623
Dates of Manufacture:  April - July 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) wiring harness may have been improperly routed during assembly.  An improperly routed TPMS wiring harness may contact the parking brake cable. If this happens, the TPMS wiring circuit could be interrupted, resulting in an inoperative TPMS and causing a short-to-ground condition that could potentially result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the TPMS wiring harness routing and, if necessary, correct the wiring harness routing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-893-5298.

[NHTSA Recall Nos. 03V266/VW Recall No. WS]


MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES


International Truck and Engine Company

Models:  International 3000 Years:      1993-2003
  International FE Years:      1993-2003
  International RE Years:      1993-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  24,134
Dates of Manufacture:  October 1993 - May 2003
Defect:  On certain school, transit, and commercial buses equipped with adjustable steering columns, the steering shaft pinch bolt interferes with the rubber boot that protects it. Over time, a hole may wear into the boot and catch the bolt. If the bolt catches on the hole, the boot may restrict the movement of the steering wheel, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy:  International has not yet provided a remedy for this campaign. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during early October 2003. Owners may contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V264/International Recall No. 03513]

Mid Bus
Models:     Mid Bus Guide            Years:      2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  2,750
Dates of Manufacture:  February 2001 - May 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain school buses fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217 "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release."  The rear door latch has insufficient lubrication, requiring more force to open the door than allowed by the standard. The increased opening load on the latch might present a problem in the event of an emergency.
Remedy:  Owners are being advised how to lubricate the emergency door latch or, if they prefer, a dealer can perform the remedy for them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Mid Bus at 1-877-358-6055.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V242]

Utilimaster
Models:     Utilimaster Walk-In Van            Years:      1996-2001
Number Potentially Involved:  5,426
Defect:  On certain walk-in vans, wiring installed by Utilimaster is not of sufficient gauge for the protection provided by the circuit's fuse. Should a failure occur in a vehicle component such as a fan, heated mirror and/or other ignition-hot option, the insulation around the wiring to the fan could melt, possibly rendering the defroster inoperative.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a replacement fuse. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Utilimaster at 1-800-582-3454.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V275]

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Models:  Winnebago Sightseer Years:      2002-2004
  Itasca Sunova Years:      2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  2,684
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2001 - May 2003
Defect:  On certain motor homes when the cooking range and furnace are operating at the same time, the flame on the cooking range could be forced downward over the burner or flame outage could occur. This condition is due to the location of the furnace and cooking range whereby the furnace may draw air in from above the range burners and cause a downdraft. Should this occur, the flame may go out and the liquid propane (LP) gas will continue to flow. This is a hazardous situation that could result in an explosion or fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install an air restrictor panel under the range. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 03V243/Winnebago Recall No. 89]


EQUIPMENT:


Detroit Diesel Corporation
Models:     Detroit Diesel Series 60 Engines
Number Potentially Involved:  52,830
Defect:  On certain Freightliner FLD, Century, Columbia, and Argosy trucks, a pressurized fuel line on the left rear side of the engine can rub against the cylinder block, potentially resulting in a diesel fuel leak. A fuel leak in the engine compartment can result in fuel spilled onto the ground, leaving a slippery road surface that increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Detroit Diesel will replace the fuel lines, and re-route them away from the cylinder block or other potential rub points. The manufactured has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2003. Owners should contact Detroit Diesel at 1-313-592-3708.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03E040/Detroit Diesel Recall No. 03C-2]

Pioneer Entertainment, Inc.
Models:     Pioneer Car Amplifier
Number Potentially Involved:  35,869
Defect:  If installation of certain aftermarket car amplifiers, Model Nos. GM-X372, GM-X374, GM-X572, GM-X574, GM-X972, and GM-D500M, is in a manner other than as recommended by Pioneer, it could result in the amplifier overheating while in use. Overheating of this equipment could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Pioneer will provide a refund to the owners of these amplifiers. The manufactured has reported that owner notification began on July 9, 2003. Owners should contact Pioneer at 1-800-421-1636.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03E035]

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