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NHTSA Publishes List of February 2004 Recalls


American Government

NHTSA Publishes List of February 2004 Recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
April 20, 2004


NHTSA 16-04
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in February 2004 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, 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

February 2004


VEHICLES:  

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

 

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

Models:   Honda Civic Years:     2001-2002
  Honda Insight Years:     2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  440,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 - December 2001
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could cause the low beams to fail without warning. An unexpected loss of low beams could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the head light switch and coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the switch and coupler. If no heat damage is present, the dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on April 5, 2004 . Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V086]

 

 

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:   Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Years:    2005
  Chrysler Town & Country Years:    2005
Number Potentially Involved:  3,200
Dates of Manufacture: October 2003 - January 2004
Defect:  On certain minivans equipped without the available " Stow `n Go" seating option, the right front seat belt retractor assembly may have been improperly assembled. As a result, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:  Dealers willinspectthe retractor assemblies and any seat belt assembly that does not have the stake will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 23, 2004 . Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V047/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D04]

 

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Cadillac Escalade/ESV/EXT Years:    2003-2004
  Chevrolet Avalanche Years:    2003-2004
  Chevrolet Express Years:    2003-2004
  Chevrolet Silverado Years:    2003-2004
  Chevrolet Suburban Years:    2003-2004
  Chevrolet Tahoe Years:    2003-2004
  GMC Savana Years:    2003-2004
  GMC Sierra Years:    2003-2004
  GMC Yukon/Yukon XL Years:    2003-2004
  Hummer H2 Years:    2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 68,875
Dates of Manufacture:  May - June 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Brake Systems." Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore. Consequently, the valve O-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may also require an increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration.
Remedy: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V045/GM Recall No. 04004]

 

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Chevrolet TrailBlazer/TrailBlazer EXT Years:    2002-2003
  GMC Envoy/ Envoy XL Years:    2002-2003
  Oldsmobile Bravada Years:    2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 581,394
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2000 - November 2002
Defect:  The windshield wipers on these sport utility vehicles may fail to turn on, unexpectedly stop working, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or the washer pump may operate continuously because water can enter the wiper module and either cause a short circuit or corrosion of components within the module. Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected for signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. 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; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V046/GM Recall No. 04005]

 

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Chevrolet Corvette Years:    1997-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 126,624
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1996 - January 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with electronic column lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned to "lock," the ECL prevents turning of the steering wheel. When the vehicle is started, the ECL unlocks the steering column. The vehicle is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started and the customer tries to drive away, the fuel supply will be shut off stopping the engine. This prevents the vehicle from being driven when it cannot be steered. However, if voltage at the Powertrain Control Module is low or interrupted, the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be driven while the steering column is locked. If this occurs, a crash could occur.
Remedy: On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock, but the steering column will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer will reprogram the powertrain control module. The steering column on these vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V060/GM Recall No. 04006]

 

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Buick LeSabre Years:    1998-1999
  Oldsmobile 88 Years:    1998-1999
  Pontiac Bonneville Years:    1998-1999
Number Potentially Involved: 433,632
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1997 - June 1999
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (l36) engines and certain Delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V090/GM Recall No. 03054B]

 

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Chevrolet Malibu Years:     2004
Number Potentially Involved: 51,715
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2003 - January 2004
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Some of these vehicles that were not equipped with an Advanced Occupant Restraint System (AORS) have driver and passenger side sun visors with AORS labels. The AORS labels do not include statements and the illustration required by FMVSS No. 208 for vehicles without AORS.
Remedy: Owners will be sent replacement labels with instructions on how to install them. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V094/GM Recall No. 04011]

 

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Models:   Harley Davidson Dyna Glide Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved: 4,593
Dates of Manufacture: September - November 2003
Defect:  On certain fuel-injected motorcycles, the inner line of the fuel hose could separate, causing a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 12, 2004 . Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V052/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0112]

 

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.

Models:   Kawasaki VN1600-A1/A1L Years:    2003
  Kawasaki VN1600-A2/A2L Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  5,850
Dates of Manufacture: October 2002 - November 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the muffler brackets could crack, allowing the muffler to become loose and potentially separate from the main exhaust pipes, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reinforce the muffler brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 17, 2004 . Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V063]

 

Mazda ( North America), Inc.

Models:   Mazda MPV Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  15,800
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2003 - February 2004
Noncompliance:  Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The front passenger air bag was not correctly wired and could fail to operate properly. In the event of a crash, the air bag will not provide adequate protection.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new wiring harness in the front passenger air bag system. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V073/Mazda Recall No. 1604B-a]

 

Mazda ( North America), Inc.

Models:   Mazda RX8 Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  29,300
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2003 - January 2004
Defect:  During an New Car Assessment Program testing, it was found that some passenger vehicles have front passenger air bags that were improperly wired and could fail to operate properly. The air bag will not provide adequate protection if the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new wiring harness in the front passenger air bag system. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V074/Mazda Recall No. 1604B-b]

 

Mazda ( North America), Inc.

Models:   Mazda RX8 Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  12,000
Dates of Manufacture:  April - August 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles with manual transmissions, the heat insulator may be cracked. Continued operation of the vehicle could cause the insulator to separate from the vehicle, posing a hazard to following vehicles.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the heat insulator. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V075/Mazda Recall No. 1704B]

 

Mitsubishi Motors North America

Models:   Mitsubishi Diamante Years:    2000-2003
  Mitsubishi Montero Years:    2001
  Mitsubishi Outlander Years:    2003
Number Potentially Involved:  134,000
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The owner's manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment when installing a child restraint system (CRS) tether strap. If the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficiently restrained. In the event of a crash, the child could be injured.
Remedy:  A letter describing the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-8888-648-7820.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V067/Mitsubishi Recall No. SR-04-002]

 

 

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Models:   Porsche Cayenne S Years:    2003-2004
  Porsche Cayenne Turbo Years:    2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  10,637
Dates of Manufacture:  January 2002 - July 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the main wiring harness was incorrectly routed and could be damaged. Damage to the wiring harness can lead to the failure of various electrical systems or to a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the wiring harness, as necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V069]

 

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Models:   Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera 4S Years:    2003
  Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet/4 Cabriolet Years:    2003
  Porsche 911 GT2 Years:    2003
  Porsche 911 Targa Years:    2003
  Porsche 911 Turbo Years:    2003
Number Potentially Involved:  1,805
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - March 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat backs do not meet Porsche's strength standards. In the event of a rear-end crash, the occupied seat back could tilt on one side to the rear, increasing the risk of severe injury to the occupants.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the front seats. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V070]

 

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Models:   Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne S Years:    2004
  Porsche Cayenne Turbo Years:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  4,100
Dates of Manufacture:  August-November 2003
Defect:  In certain sport utility vehicles, the he transfer case housing could fracture. Should the transfer case fail, incorrect torque would be applied to the driven wheels or oil may leak and contact the tires, which could lead to loss of control and a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the transfer case housing and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V071]

 

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Models:   Porsche Cayenne S Years:    2003-2004
  Porsche Cayenne Turbo Years:    2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  4,144
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the driver's side seat frames were improperly welded. In the event of a crash, the seat frame could break, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the driver's side seat frame. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V072]

 

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Models:   Volkswagen Jetta Years:    1999-2002
Number Potentially Involved:  377,130
Dates of Manufacture:  May 1998 - November 2001
Defect:  The brake light switch on these vehicles may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lights could become inoperative, or come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these switches. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V096]

 

Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.

Models:   Volvo V70/V70XC Years:    2002
Number Potentially Involved:  3,242
Dates of Manufacture:  May - June 2002
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the rear left and right brake light relays may not function when the brake pedal is depressed or may stay on continuously. If the brake lights fail to come on, there will be no lower brake lights to indicate to following vehicles that the vehicle is decelerating, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light relay with two relays of a modified design. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 23, 2004 . Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V051/Volvo Recall No. R131]

 

 

 


 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

IC Corporation

Models:   IC/Amtran CE Years:    2003-2004
  IC/Amtran FE Years:    2003-2004
  IC/Amtran RE Years:    2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  1,589
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2002 - February 2003
Defect:   On certain "Special Needs" school buses equipped with Sur-Loc "L" wheelchair tracks, the wheelchair lift mounting bolts could corrode if moisture is present in the treated plywood floor. This could reduce the function of the track or the strength of the lift mounting bolts, resulting in personal injury to the wheelchair occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the Sur-Loc "L" tracks with protected tracks and mounting hardware. Also, lift-floor mounting bolts will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 23, 2004 . Owners may contact IC at 1-800-843-5715.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V097/IC Recall No. 04301]

 

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Models:   Volvo VN Years:    2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  2,112
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2002 - October 2003
Defect:   On certain Class 8 trucks, the engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness was incorrectly assembled. The engine pre-heater could overheat, resulting in damage to it and to other heat- sensitive engine components located near the pre-heater. This could compromise the ability to re-start the engine, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 8, 2004 . Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V077/Volvo Recall No. RVXX0402]

 

 


 

TIRES:

 

Bridgestone/Firestone North America
Brands: Steeltex A/T LT265/75R16
Number Potentially Involved:  487,000
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1999 - December 2002
Defect:  These tires were installed as original equipment on approximately 80,000 MY 2000-2003 Ford Excursion sport utility vehicles. If the tires are operated at below recommended inflation pressures or above recommended loads or at excessive speeds, they could experience rapid air loss, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: The manufacturer, in conjunction with Ford Motor Company, will notify its customers and replace the tires free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2004 . Owners may contact Bridgestone/Firestone at 800-465-1904.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04T003]

 

 

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