NHTSA Publishes List of March 2004 Recalls

VEHICLES:  

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

Bentley Motors Ltd.

Models:	Bentley Arnage R	Years:     2002-2004
	Bentley Arnage RL	Years:     2002-2004
	Bentley Arnage T	Years:     2002-2004
	Bentley Arnage Limousine	Years:     2002-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  529
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2001 - February 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel feed line quick connector may disengage, allowing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will remove the quick release collar, ensure that the quick connector is fully engaged, and install a safety clip. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 22, 2004. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-800-777-6923.

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC

Models:	Big Dog Boxer	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Bulldog	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Chopper	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Daytec Chopper	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Mastiff	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Pitbull	Year:     2004
	Big Dog Ridgeback	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  1,906
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2003 - March 2004
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lock up. This could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 30, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Jeep Liberty                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  2,875
Dates of Manufacture:  January 2004
Defect:  On some sport utility vehicles, certain remote keyless entry (RKE) input may cause the body control module (BCM) software to actuate the door lock motors continuously. This can cause the lock motor bearings to overheat and seize. If this occurs, the door lock system will become inoperative.
Remedy::Dealers will inspect and replace, as necessary, the door latch assemblies, and the BCM software will be updated. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.   Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Jeep Grand Cherokee                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  14,621
Dates of Manufacture:  December 2003 - February 2004
Defect:  On some sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0-liter engine, the crankshaft position sensor wiring insulation may crack and expose the wire. In the presence of moisture, this could result in sensor malfunction, which could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 29, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Chrysler Pacifica                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  34,561
Dates of Manufacture:  January - July 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a NGC-1 powertrain control module, the software protocol used to test the vehicle exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system may lead to engine stalling under certain circumstances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install revised engine controller software, which will eliminate the potential for the stalling condition. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 15, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.  

Ford Motor Company

Models:	Ford Taurus	Year:      2003
	Mercury Sable	Year:      2003

Number Potentially Involved:  399,926
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2002 - September 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the air filter paper can smolder or burn. This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the air filter element. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 10, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Ford Motor Company

Models:	Ford Taurus	Years:      2000-2003
	Mercury Sable	Years:      2000-2003

Number Potentially Involved:  938,789
Dates of Manufacture:  May 1999 - March 2003
Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash. In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "Park."  If they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
Remedy:  Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 5, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Oldsmobile Aurora                   Years:      1995-1997
Number Potentially Involved:  93,572
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1993 - June 1997
Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction may degrade and crack. Additionally, the MY 1995 Aurora uses a unique underhood fuel return line that may crack. Cracking of the fuel rail or return line tubing can result in a fuel leak into the engine compartment. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new fuel rail assembly constructed out of stainless steel. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

General Motors Corporation

Models:	Chevrolet Silverado	Years:     2000-2004
	GMC Sierra	Years:     2000-2004
	Chevrolet Avalanche	Years:     2002-2004
	Cadillac Escalade EXT	Years:     2002-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  3,662,211
Dates of Manufacture:  October 1999 - November 2003
Defect:  On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the cables. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

General Motors Corporation

Models:	Chevrolet Blazer	Years:     2003-2004
	Chevrolet S-10	Years:     2003-2004
	GMC Jimmy	Years:     2003-2004
	GMC Sonoma	Years:     2003-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  183,922
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - April 2004 
Noncompliance:  Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Buick Rendezvous                   Years:      2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  103,956
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - March 2004 
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, a structural support at the latch attachment in the rear liftgate may be inadequate to retain the latch to the liftgate in certain severe vehicle crash events. If the liftgate were to open in a vehicle crash, an occupant could be ejected from the vehicle resulting in increased risk of personal injury.   
Remedy:  Dealers will add structural reinforcements to the liftgate in the area adjoining the latch assembly. Note:  This is an expansion of a previous recall (03V-211). The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080.

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Cadillac SRX                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  11,375
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2003 - January 2004 
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all wheel drive, the antilock brake system (ABS) may improperly temporarily isolate the driver from the foundation brake system for a maximum of 1.25 seconds. This can cause an increase in braking distance, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Models:	Harley Davidson FLHPEI	Years:     2001-2003
	Harley Davidson FLHPI	Years:     2001-2003
	Harley Davidson FLHTCI	Years:     2001-2003
	Harley Davidson FLHTCUI	Years:     2001-2003
	Harley Davidson FLHTPI	Years:     2001-2003
	Harley Davidson FLTRSEI-2	Year:       2001

Number Potentially Involved:  73,678
Defect:  On certain FL touring and police motorcycles, the 40-amp main circuit breaker can "open" for reasons other than which it was designed, causing an unexpected interruption of all electrical power to the motorcycle. This condition could cause the motorcycle to stall, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the circuit breaker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

Hyundai Motor Company
Models:     Hyundai Santa Fe                   Years:      2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  17,401
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - February 2004
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter V-6 engines, 4-wheel drive and antilock braking systems (ABS), if the brake pedal is depressed at speeds between 3 and 12 mph when the brake pad friction surfaces are wet, a vibration may occur between the brake discs and pads causing ABS sensor electronic signal noise to develop. At speeds below 5 mph, the ABS sensor signal noise may cause the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) to activate the ABS, extending the stopping distance. If an extended stopping distance occurs, it could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the ABS ECU. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Jaguar Cars Ltd
Models:     Jaguar XJ                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  1,142
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2003 - January 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger air bag trim may have sharp edges. Should the air bag deploy, it could be cut, causing it to not inflate properly, which increases the risk of injury to the occupant in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag aperture and, where necessary, remove any sharp, serrated edges. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

Maserati North America, Inc.

Models:	Maserati Coupe	Years:     2002-2004
	Maserati Spyder	Years:     2002-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  2,024
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, two of the four securing bolts in the steering assembly may not have had a locking compound applied to the threads prior to installation. As a result, the bolts may become loose, which could lead to a reduction in vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the two affected bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2651.

Mitsubishi Motors North America
Models:     Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:  7,278
Noncompliance:  On certain passenger vehicles sold in the United States and Puerto Rico, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as stated on the certification label are in error.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the label. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:     Nissan Quest                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  13,757
Dates of Manufacture:  March - September 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain minivans fail to comply with the advanced air bag requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." For the front passenger seating position, the automatic suppression feature option was chosen. The front passenger seat is equipped with a seat cushion bladder and sensors that are used for occupant detection under the standard. When a six-year-old child dummy was placed in the required positions, the air bag was not suppressed.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat cushion/sensor assembly. If the seat cushion/sensor is found to be operating improperly,c the seat will be removed and recalibrated. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Subaru of America, Inc.

Models:	Subaru Impreza	Years:     2002-2004
	Subaru Legacy	Years:     2001-2004
	Subaru Outback	Years:     2001-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  127,580
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2000 - February 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position. If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Models:	Audi A6	Years:     1998-2004
	Audi S6	Years:     1998-2004
	Audi Allroad Quattro	Years:     1998-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  172,866
Dates of Manufacture:  August 1997 - February 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver's knees push against the knee bolster located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness and an electrical short could occur. This could result in a fire originating in the left dashboard area.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during July 2004. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:	Blue Bird Wanderlodge	Years:     2003-2004
	Blue Bird Express 3500	Years:     2003-2004
	Blue Bird Express 4000	Years:     2003-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  98
Defect:   On certain motor homes and transit buses, the clamp bolts and drag link were incorrectly tightened. The clamps could loosen, causing misalignment of the steering axles, which could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the clamp bolts and tighten to the required torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 7, 2004. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

Coachmen RV Company, LLC
Models:     Coachmen Freelander                   Years:      2004-2005
Number Potentially Involved:  122
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2003 - February 2004
Defect:   On certain Class C mini-motor homes, the wiring harness routed between the back of the refrigerator and the refrigerator cabinet could come in direct contact with the refrigerator burner tube and cooling unit. If contact occurs, the wire insulation material may melt, which could lead to a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will relocate the wiring harness. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Coachmen at 1-800-453-6064.

General Motors Corporation

Models:	Chevrolet Kodiak	Year:     2004
	GMC Topkick	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  2,037
Dates of Manufacture:  January - February 2004
Defect:   On certain medium-duty trucks, the switch retainer holding the brake booster push rod and the brake pedal together could be missing. This could cause the push rod and pedal to separate, resulting in a loss of brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and install a new retainer if missing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2004. Owners may contact GMICT (General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC) at 1-800-862-4389.

International Truck & Engine Corporation

Models:	International 7300	Years:     2001-2004
	International 7400	Years:     2001-2004
	International 7500	Years:     2001-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  2,021
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2001 - March 2004
Defect:   On certain trucks equipped with DT466 or DT530 1308 style engines and either 4x4 or 6x6 capability, the universal joint between the front drive shaft and drive axle could come in contact with the engine oil filter. This could cause complete engine oil loss that could result in the engine shutting down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a shorter oil filter and adapter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin on April 29, 2004. Owners may contact International at 1-800-448-7825.

Winnebago Industries, Inc./Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:     Winnebago Rialta                   Years:      1998-2000
Number Potentially Involved:  2,563
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1998 - June 2001
Defect:   On certain motor homes built on a Volkswagen Eurovan chassis, the engine cooling fans could fracture and break apart. If the fan fractures or breaks, this could increase the risk of personal injury or damage to the vehicle.
Remedy:  Volkswagen dealers will replace the engine cooling fans. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Models:	Winnebago Journey	Years:     2000-2004
	Itasca Horizon	Years:     2000-2004
	Itasca Meridian	Years:     2000-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  5,143
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1999 - September 2003
Defect:   On certain motor homes, the liquid propane (LP) tank can crack where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank. This could lead to an LP leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will re-install a cradle-style carrier and, if necessary, replace the LP tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.