The Crittenden Automotive Library

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

Accubuilt Inc.
Models:     Accubuilt Van                   Years:      2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved:   32
Noncompliance:   Certain multi-passenger, handicap-accessible vans built on Ford E250 and E350 chassis fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." These vehicles lack the appropriate number of child restraint anchorages. Applicable child seats would not be able to utilize these supplemental anchorages and, in the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:   Accubuilt will modify or replace one or more of the seats to include the appropriate number of seating positions with child restraint anchorage systems. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Accubuilt at 1-888-242-4782.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V530]

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Models:     Honda FSC600 (Silver Wing)                   Years:      2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:   4,997
Dates of Manufacture:   November 2001 - February 2003
Defect:   On certain motorcycles, excessive clearance between the lower handlebar clamp and handlebar holder creates stress that can eventually cause the handlebar to loosen or detach, resulting in a loss of steering control, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will install two lower handlebar clamps, add washers between the lower clamps and handlebar holder, and install new locknuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 26, 2004. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V513]

American IronHorse Inc.

Models:	American IronHorse Classic	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Legend	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Outlaw	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Ranger	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Slammer	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Stalker	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Tejas	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Texas Chopper	Years: 2002-2004
	American IronHorse Thunder	Years: 2002-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  2,395
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 - November 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles equipped with optional brake rotor-carriers, the rotor-carriers can crack while in service and possibly break, causing partial loss of the brake system or the potential for rotor-carrier detachment, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the rotor-carrier assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact American IronHorse at 1-817-665-2045.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V521]

American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models:     Suzuki XL-7                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:   20,580
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - May 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the ignition system wiring harness is routed under the intake manifold. The harness can rub against the manifold during vehicle operation and abrasion damage to the harness can occur. Damage to the wiring harness can cause a short in the ignition circuit, which can cause the ignition fuse to blow and the engine to stall. This can result in a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will repair any wiring harness damage and will add additional insulation and a protector plate to prevent the wiring harness from becoming damaged. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 16, 2003. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V495/Suzuki Recall No. EN]

American Suzuki Motor Corporation

Models:	Suzuki Grand Vitara	Years: 1999-2004
	Suzuki XL-7	Years: 2001-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  196,876
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1998 - June 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed. If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 5, 2004. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V512/Suzuki Recall No. EM]

Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
Models:     Big Dog Chopper                   Years:      2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  1,446
Defect:  On certain motorcycles assembled with an early version Rolling Thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame, which could cause a loss of control.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the frame. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V535]

Buell Motorcycle Company

Models:	Buell XCB12S	Year: 2004
	Buell XB9S	Year: 2004
	Buell XB9SL	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved:  581
Dates of Manufacture:  June - August 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow. If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 23, 2003. Owners may contact Buell at 1-414-342-4680.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V494]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:	Dodge Ram 1500	Year: 2004
	Dodge Ram 2500	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved:  514
Dates of Manufacture:   November 2003
Defect:  On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V503/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C39]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:	Dodge Caravan	Year: 2000
	Dodge Grand Caravan	Year: 2000
	Dodge Dakota	Years: 2001-2002

Number Potentially Involved:  35,692
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - July 2002
Noncompliance:  On certain minivans and 4x2 pickup trucks, the vehicle certification label may have gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) that exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle GAWR and tire size. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin on March 1, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V505/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C41]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Dodge Durango                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  27,586
Dates of Manufacture:  April - December 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat, potentially resulting in an instrument panel fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit board. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 17, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V528/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C43]

Ford Motor Company
Models:     Ford Escape                   Year:      2001
Number Potentially Involved:  132,243
Dates of Manufacture:   October 1999 - May 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function, resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on February 2, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V507/Ford Recall No. 03S10]

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Saturn Vue                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  6,134
Dates of Manufacture:  June - October 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L V6 (L66) engines fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Vehicles other than Passenger Cars." The front and rear wheel rim size specifications on the tire/certification label are not correct. The printed wheel rim designation specified a 16-inch wheel when a 17-inch wheel designation was required. If the wheel rim size is incorrectly printed on a tire/certification label, a service technician who solely uses the tire/certification label for service information may attempt to replace a damaged wheel with an incorrect wheel.
Remedy:   Owners will be provided with a corrected label and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 15, 2003. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V519/GM Recall No. 03059]

Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:     Harley Davidson Dyna Wide-Glide                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  23
Defect:  Certain motorcycles with carbureted engines have an angled fuel fitting on the gas tank. These motorcycles do not meet Harley-Davidson impact test standards and present a risk of fuel leakage and fire in the event of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the fuel tank with the proper tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during December 2003. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V510]

Hyundai Motor Company
Models:     Hyundai Santa Fe                   Years:      2001-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  249,309
Dates of Manufacture:   March 2000 - September 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain 4-door sport utility vehicles 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." The tire pressure labels do not contain the information required by the standard.
Remedy:   Owners will be provided with a correct label and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V520/Hyundai Recall No. 064]

Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Models:     Jaguar XK                   Years:      1997-2003
Number Potentially Involved:   39,448
Dates of Manufacture:   February 1996 - May 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The headlamp adjustment mechanism may be operated without suitable instruction on either the mechanism or in the Owner's Manual. This does not meet the requirements of the standard. An improperly aimed headlamp could provide less effective roadway illumination or could cause increased glare to oncoming vehicles.
Remedy:   Owners will be provided with an Owner's Manual addendum containing the necessary headlamp aiming instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V509/Jaguar Recall No. R842]

Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models:     Mazda Tribute                   Year:      2001
Number Potentially Involved:  49,000
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2000 - May 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function, resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant moves slightly in the seat. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V515/Mazda Recall No. 1503L]

Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models:    Mazda Mazda6                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:  56,700
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2002 - August 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel sender unit (FSU) may have been improperly installed in the fuel tank, producing an inadequate seal, and fuel may leak. A fire could occur in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the top of the fuel tank, and if necessary, repair or replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V531/Mazda Recall No. 1403L]

Mercedes-Benz USA, L.L.C.

Models:	Mercedes Benz C Class	Year: 2004
	Mercedes Benz CLK Class	Year: 2004
	Mercedes Benz E Class	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved:  4,348
Dates of Manufacture:  August - October 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V534]

Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models:     Saab 9-3                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  1,658
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2002 - November 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain convertible passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems." The backrest locking mechanism on some front seats may have been installed incorrectly. This could cause the seat back to fold forward in a frontal crash, resulting in injury to the driver and/or front seat passenger.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the vehicle's front seats to determine if they are equipped with the improperly installed component. If either or both of the seats have this component, they will be replaced. The dealer may need to order a complete new seat or seats (including matching upholstery) and the parts may take up to two to four weeks to arrive. Saab will provide a rental car for the owner until the new seat(s) is (are) available and installed by the dealer. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V514/Saab Recall No. 15014]

Triumph Motorcycles (America)

Models:	Triumph America	Years: 2002-2004
	Triumph Speedmaster	Years: 2002-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  5,148
Dates of Manufacture:  June 2001 - December 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, if the motorcycle is dropped onto the left side, air may enter the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. If left unattended, the rear brake may not operate, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will reposition the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 31, 2003. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V525]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Blue Bird Body Company
Models:     Blue Bird Vision                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  417
Dates of Manufacture:  July - November 2003
Defect:  On certain conventional style school buses equipped with air brakes, the under hood firewall location of the air brake manifold may permit rain to enter into the parking brake exhaust port fitting. In freezing weather, this water could form ice that could then block the exhaust port. When this occurs, the parking brake does not operate as designed. In the event that this condition occurs and the parking brake failed to apply, the bus could roll away, resulting in property damage or personal injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will modify these vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V498/Blue Bird Recall No. R03HL]

Mack Trucks, Inc.

Models:	Mack CH	Year: 2003
	Mack CX	Year: 2003

Number Potentially Involved:  1,478
Dates of Manufacture:  August - September 2003
Defect:  On certain chassis equipped with Dana steering axle assemblies, the steering arm could crack. The ball stud could become loose, causing loss of steering control that could result in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the integral knuckle and steering arm and replace, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 16, 2004. Owners may contact Mack at 1-610-709-3337.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V522]

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Models:     Volvo VNL                   Years:      2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  6,939
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2002 - November 2003
Defect:  In certain heavy duty trucks, when the bunk is raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently turn on a bunk lamp, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off switch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 24, 2003. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V516/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVXX0308]

EQUIPMENT:

Globetech Manufacturing
Models:     Globetech GT-8500 Warning Triangle
Number Potentially Involved:  11,232
Dates of Manufacture:  March - July 2003
Noncompliance:  These triangles do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125, "Warning Devices." The triangle may slide out of position, decreasing visibility by approaching traffic.
Remedy:  Globetech will replace the triangle kits. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 15, 2003. Owners should contact Globetech at 1-937-278-0883.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03E063]

NHTSA Publishes List of December 2003 Recalls