NHTSA Publishes List of November Recalls |
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
January 23, 2003
NHTSA 2-03
Wednesday, January 23, 2003
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (202) 366-9550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in November 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-DASH-2-DOT (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.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Years: 1996-1998
Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager Years: 1996-1998
Chrysler Town and Country Years: 1996-1998
Number Potentially Involved: 1,500,521
Dates of Manufacture: January 1995 - February 1998
Defect: On certain minivans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process. This condition will cause illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually cause the driver's air bag to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be given for this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. DaimlerChrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 18, 2002. Owners should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V293/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B24]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Focus Years: 2000-2001
Number Potentially Involved: 219,854
Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 - May 2001
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with Zetec engines, loose or broken attachments and misrouted battery cables could lead to cable insulation damage. This, in turn, could cause the battery cables to short, resulting in heat damage to the cables. Besides heat damage, the "check engine" light may illuminate, the vehicle may fail to start, and smoke, melting, or fire could also occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cables for the condition of the cable insulation and proper tightening of the terminal ends. As necessary, cables will be rerouted, retaining clips installed, and damaged battery cables replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin Jan. 20, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V288/Ford Recall No. 02S41]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Focus Years: 2000-2001
Number Potentially Involved: 446,569
Dates of Manufacture: March 1999 - May 2001
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, loose pinch bolts that secure the lower control arm to the steering knuckle have been reported. Loose pinch bolts could exhibit noise, vibration and, if left uncorrected, separation of the joint or fracture of the ball joint stud, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle pinch bolt for tightness and correct as necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin Jan. 20, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V289/Ford Recall No. 02S42]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1996-1998
Chevrolet Venture Years: 1997-1998
Chevrolet Lumina Year: 1996
Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1996-1998
Pontiac Transport Years: 1996-1998
Pontiac Grand Prix Years: 1997-1998
Oldsmobile Silhouette Years: 1996-1998
Number Potentially Involved: 1,159,156
Dates of Manufacture: January 1996 - October 1997
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles and minivans have lower pinion bearings in the power steering rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 17, 2003. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-8000-762-2737, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V286/GM Recall No. 02049]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Express Year: 2003
GMC Savana Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 18,409
Dates of Manufacture: April - October 2002
Defect: Some of these vans were built without a wheel bearing assembly retaining nut, which could lead to a possible bearing separation. If this were to occur, the ABS system would be disabled. The driver would also notice a grinding noise, a decrease in the vehicle speed, and the steering will pull in the direction of the affected brake assembly. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wheel bearing assembly. If the inspection reveals a missing retaining nut, the wheel bearing assembly will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 13, 2002. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V305/GM Recall No. 02053]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn L Series Years: 1994-1995
Number Potentially Involved: 72,135
Dates of Manufacture: July 1993 - March 1995
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, some front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, which could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the vehicle's front seat recliner mechanisms. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during January 2003. Owners should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, Prompt #6.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V307/GM Recall No. 02060/Saturn Recall No. 03-C-04
Hyundai Motor America
Models: Hyundai Tiburon Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 7,382
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001 - March 2002
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the driver seat belt buckle wiring could be damaged by interference with the driver seat cushion height adjuster mechanism. Damaged wiring could cause the seat belt warning lamp or the air bag wiring lamp to illuminate. It could also cause the air bag to open, preventing air bag deployment. Nondeployment of an air bag could increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new driver seat belt buckle, if necessary, and will place a protective cover over the driver seat belt buckle wiring to prevent damage from occurring. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during January 2003. Owners should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V290/Hyundai Recall No. 056]
Indian Motorcycle Company
Models: Indian Spirit Years: 2001-2003
Indian Scout Years: 2001-2003
Indian Scout Centennial Years: 2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 5,464
Dates of Manufacture: June 2001 - November 2002
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the fasteners that bolt the windshield to the mounting clamps can break, causing the windshield to come partially or completely off the motorcycle. If this happens while the motorcycle is in use, the rider could be injured by the windshield.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshields. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 25, 2002. Owners should contact Indian at 1-408-846-7228.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V311]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Xterra Year: 2002
Nissan Frontier Year: 2002
Number Potentially Involved: 5,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 2001 - January 2002
Defect: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a supercharger, under certain conditions, such as full throttle in low gear when the engine is not fully warmed up and at cold ambient temperature, the amount of intake airflow through the air flow meter may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value. This will cause the engine control system to go into the failsafe mode. Under this condition, the malfunction indicator lamp will illuminate and engine speed will not exceed 2400 rpm regardless of the throttle position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the electronic control module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 13, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V298/Nissan Recall No. R2013]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Xterra Years: 2001-2003
Nissan Frontier Years: 2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 143,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 2000 - September 2002
Defect: On certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, water may enter the rear axle housing due to inadequate sealing of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor. This can result in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion, and all affected components will be replaced. The ABS sensor will be resealed to prevent water intrusion. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 13, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V299/Nissan Recall No. R2019]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Xterra Year: 2001
Nissan Frontier Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 44,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 2000 - January 2001
Defect: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the fuel tank inlet shutter valve does not meet the sealing performance specification. Under certain conditions, such as high ambient temperature and when winter grade gasoline is being sold, fuel could spill from the filler inlet as the tank is being filled. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 13, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V300/Nissan Recall No. R2020]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Frontier XE Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 6,500
Dates of Manufacture: July - November 2002
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a V6 engine, an incorrect size wheel rim for the spare tire was provided. The wheel rim does not fit properly as a replacement for a front wheel. When installed on the front of the vehicle, the wheel rim will contact the brake caliper, causing a loud rubbing noise. This could result in wear on the caliper and/or wheel rim if driving continues. Continued usage of the spare tire wheel at the front location can also result in loosening of the lug nuts and deterioration in braking performance. This could eventually cause the wheel assembly to separate form the vehicle and result in loss of control and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the spare tire wheel rim with a new one, and remount the spare tire on it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 13, 2003. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V316/Nissan Recall No. R2021]
Saab Cars USA, Incorporated
Models: Saab 900 Year: 1995
Number Potentially Involved: 20,476
Dates of Manufacture: January 1994 - April 1995
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) is designed to sense and discriminate frontal impact events, command air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner deployments in a timely manner, and perform continuous diagnostics of the air bag system in the vehicle. Due to the possible insufficient sealing of the bottom of an electrolyte capacitor, it is possible for it to leak electrolyte within the air bag ECU. Also, in high humidity environments, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner can cause rapid cooling of the ECU, which in turn may cause the formation of condensation with the unit. If this moisture comes into contact with the electrolyte from the capacitor, it forms a highly conductive material that could create an electrical short circuit. This electrical short could trigger the air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new air bag ECU. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during March 2003. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V308/Saab Recall No. 15012]
Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Models: Volvo 854 Years: 1996-1997
Volvo 855 Years: 1996-1997
Number Potentially Involved: 65,000
Dates of Manufacture: June 1995 - December 1996
Defect: On certain sedans and station wagons equipped with seat heaters, it is possible that excessive compression of the seat cushion could cause damage to the electrical wiring of the seat heater. This could result in a short circuit that could cause a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will disconnect the existing wires and install a new electronic thermostat and cable harness. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2003. Owners should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V314/Volvo Recall No. 112]
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird TC2000 Years: 2003-2004
Blue Bird All American Years: 2003-2004
Blue Bird Commercial Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 485
Dates of Manufacture: December 2001 - October 2002
Defect: On certain front engine school and transit buses equipped with hydraulic brakes, the rear hydraulic brake hose could contact the frame rail and abrade, allowing brake fluid leakage. If this occurs, vehicle braking could be affected.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose to frame rail clearance and reposition the brake hose clamps at the axle to ensure adequate clearance. Any chafed brake hoses will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 12, 2002. Owners should contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V302/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GR]
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird All American Year: 2000
Number Potentially Involved: 157
Dates of Manufacture: June - October 2002
Defect: On certain school and transit buses equipped with Caterpillar 3126E engines and Felsted electronic pedal assemblies, an internal return spring on the throttle position sensor was incorrectly manufactured. The spring, which is too long, cuts a trace into the printed circuit board causing the sensor to fail. This will cause the engine to return to idle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle position sensors. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 12, 2002. Owners should contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V303/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GP]
Diamond Coach Corporation
Models: Diamond Coach MB 200 Years: 1993-2002
Diamond Coach VIP/PT Years: 1993-2002
Diamond Coach TC18FD Years: 1993-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 3,146
Dates of Manufacture: January 1993 - October 2001
Noncompliance: Certain buses fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release." Due to certain seating arrangements, the emergency exit labels on the emergency exit windows were in an improper location.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with labels and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during November 2002. Owners should contact Diamond Coach at 1-800-241-8678, extension 13.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V291]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Truck C6 Years: 1999-2000
Chevrolet Truck C7 Years: 1999-2000
GMC C6 Years: 1999-2000
GMC C7 Years: 1999-2000
GMC B7 Year: 2000
Number Potentially Involved: 2,011
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 - August 2000
Defect: Certain medium duty and school bus chassis equipped with a 7.4-liter gas engine and an IMPCO LPG conversion kit may have engine backfires with sufficient force to damage the engine air intake system and the air cleaner filter element. If the damaged air cleaner parts are dislodged from their normal position, these parts could come in contact with the hot exhaust manifold and/or hot exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) valve tube, resulting in a possible engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned mixer bonnet and air cleaner housing cover, selective upgrades in various connections related to the air induction system, and if needed, a new air cleaner filter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 18, 2002. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V287/GM Recall No. 02044]
Hyundai Truck America
Models: Hyundai Truck LD15 Bering Year: 2000
Number Potentially Involved: 1,401
Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 - January 2000
Defect: On certain 4x2 cab-over Class 4 trucks, the snap-in tire valve stems in the wheels can leak air. This can cause a loss of tire air pressure, lead to a rupture of the tire, and cause a loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install new tire valve stems. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during January 2003. Owners should contact Hyundai Truck at 1-609-395-2300.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V315/Hyundai Truck Recall No. T001]
EQUIPMENT:
Hayes Lemmerz
Brands: Hayes Lemmerz Trailer Wheel
Number Potentially Involved: 40,000
Dates of Manufacture: September 2001 - February 2002
Defect: An incorrect label was placed on certain eight-spoke trailer wheels. The incorrect label advises users to torque cone nuts to 175-225 lb-ft and flange nuts to 275-325 lb-ft. The correct label advises the users to torque wheel nuts to 90-120 lb-ft. If the user torques the nuts in accordance with the incorrect label, the nuts could deform the mounting area of the trailer wheel and allow the trailer wheel to loosen. The trailer wheel could come off, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these trailer wheels. If the nuts on the trailer wheels are correctly tightened, correct labels will be permanently affixed over the incorrect label. If the wheels are incorrectly tightened, new parts will be installed free of charge. Owner notification began Jan. 15, 2003. Owners should contact Hayes Lemmerz at 800-236-2804.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02E060]
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