NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF SEPTEMBER RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
November 4, 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 58-97
Tuesday, November 4, 1997
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in September and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly. The 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, 70 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 (800) 424-9393, or (202) 366- 0123 in the Washington, D.C. area. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
SEPTEMBER 1997
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
| M2 Cyclone | Years: 1997-1998 |
| S1 Lightning | Years: 1997-1998 |
| S3 Thunderbolt | Years: 1997-1998 |
| S3T Thunderbolt | Years: 1997-1998 |
| S1W White Lightning | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 2,820
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V153
Buell Campaign No.: 0807
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: The E-clip which retains the drive pin on the front brake rotor and carrier can separate from the drive pin, allowing the pin to move out of position and come in contact with the front brake caliper.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can prevent the front wheel from rotating, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair these motorcycles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during September 1997.
Note: Owners who take their motorcycles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-935-8400.
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
| Dodge Caravan | Years: 1991-1993 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | Years: 1991-1993 |
| Plymouth Voyager | Years: 1991-1993 |
| Plymouth Grand Voyager | Years: 1991-1993 |
| Chrysler Town and Country | Years: 1991-1993 |
Number Involved: 1,100,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1990 - March 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V148/97V149
Chrysler Campaign No.: 742
Vehicle Description: Passenger minivans.
Description of Defect: Covers on the solid stalk mounted seat belt buckles can dislodge causing the release button to stick inside the cover. The buckle would then be only partially latched. Also, the center rear seat, right outboard side safety belt anchor retaining clip can disconnect from the vehicle body anchorage position.
Consequence of Defect: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a cover retaining clip to the stalk mounted buckle cover to prevent dislocation of the cover and also replace the anchor retaining clip with a revised clip.
Owner Notification: Not yet available.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Ferrari North America
Models:
| Ferrari F355 | Year: 1995 |
Number Involved: 269
Dates of Manufacture: July 1994 - May 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V163
Ferrari Campaign No.: 157
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with dual fuel pumps.
Description of Defect: The fuel supply line fitting can fracture if the aluminum nut attaching the line is tightened excessively. Hairline cracks on the fuel injector rail also exist.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in leakage of fuel from the fractured fitting or fuel rail. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will remove the fuel injection lines and two rails that use aluminum nuts and replace the lines and rails with steel nuts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during September 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford Escort | Year: 1995 |
| Mercury Tracer | Year: 1995 |
Number Involved: 64,000
Dates of Manufacture: April - October 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V144
Ford Campaign No.: 97S79
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles built at the Hermosillo or Wayne Assembly Plants and originally sold or currently registered in Nevada, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, California, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Alabama and Arkansas.
Description of Defect: Cracks can develop in the plastic fuel tank near the heat shield attachment, resulting in fuel leakage if the cracks go through the fuel tank wall.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will remove the heat shield spacer block. This will not affect the heat shield location or function, as the blocks are intended to keep the shield in place until the fuel tank is installed in the vehicle. After installation, the fuel tank straps retain the heat shield.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 30, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford Escort | Year: 1995 |
| Mercury Tracer | Year: 1995 |
Number Involved: 600
Dates of Manufacture: April - October 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V145
Ford Campaign No.: 97S80
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles built at the Hermosillo Assembly Plant and originally sold or currently registered in Arizona.
Description of Defect: The plastic fuel tank can exhibit substantial cracking near the heat shield attachment, which can result in fuel leakage.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the fuel tank.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 30, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford F150 Truck | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 15,500
Dates of Manufacture: February - March 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V147
Ford Campaign No.: 97S81
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks.
Description of Defect: The transmission bracket end fitting can separate from the shift cable assembly, resulting in inability of the operator to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in unintended vehicle movement if the parking brake is not set.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a new transmission shift control cable.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 6, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford Thunderbird | Years: 1992-1993 |
| Mercury Cougar | Years: 1992-1993 |
Number Involved: 125,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1991 - September 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V159
Ford Campaign No.: 97S84
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Description of Defect: Movement of the fuel lines causes the nylon fuel line jumper to chafe against the floor pan. This wear can cause a pin hole in one of the fuel lines, resulting in fuel leakage.
Consequence of Defect: This fuel leakage results in dampness and fuel odor, and if an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a plastic shield around the fuel lines. If the lines show a leak, the lines will be replaced first.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Oct. 27, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford Windstar Minivan | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 300
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V165
Ford Campaign No.: 97S85
Vehicle Description: Passenger minivans.
Description of Defect: The rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearings.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can increase steering efforts, affecting steering control.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the date code on the rack and pinion steering gear and, if necessary, replace those rack and pinion assemblies that fall within the suspect date code range.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 23, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Chevrolet S10 Truck | Years: 1996-1997 |
| GMC Sonoma | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 146,851
Dates of Manufacture: March 1995 - August 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V146
GM Campaign No.: 97049
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4.3-liter engines.
Description of Defect: The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan, causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Consequence of Defect: Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6 mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip, and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Saturn SC1 | Year: 1997 |
| Saturn SC2 | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 26,135
Dates of Manufacture: May - November 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V161
GM Campaign No.: 97-C-03/97042
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: If the driver or front passenger safety belt is pulled out much faster than normal a number of times, the lock-up feature of the retractor will not work properly.
Consequence of Defect: In a rapid deceleration or vehicle crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger safety belts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during September 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000 (prompt 3).
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Saturn SC1 | Year: 1997 |
| Saturn SC2 | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 37,970
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - February 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V162
GM Campaign No.: 97-C-04/97043
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: The section of the Owner's Handbook titled "Horizontal Aim" does not specifically instruct an owner how to adjust the headlamp horizontal aim. This does not comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: A vehicle's headlamp would not be properly adjusted, causing visibility problems to oncoming traffic.
Corrective Action: Owners are being provided with a label with the correct information on headlamp horizontal aim to be placed over the existing text in the owner's handbook. If an owner desires, the dealer can place the label in the handbook.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during September 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free correction label with within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000 (prompt 3).
Isuzu Motor, Limited
Models:
| Isuzu Hombre Truck | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 684
Dates of Manufacture: September 1996 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V146002
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4.3-liter engines.
Description of Defect: The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan, causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Consequence of Defect: Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances, resulting in a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip, and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Triumph Motorcycles
Models:
| Triumph T595 Daytona | Year: 1997 |
| Triumph T509 Speed Triple | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 297
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V164
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: Following a crash impact, weld fractures can occur on the main frame in the head stock area.
Consequence of Defect: This main frame should not fracture but bend after an impact.
Corrective Action: Dealers will reframe these motorcycles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Triumph at 1-770-631-9500.
Toyota Motor Company, Limited
Models:
| Lexus ES300 | Year: 1997 |
| Toyota Avalon | Year: 1997 |
| Toyota Camry | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 18,746
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - February 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V156
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles originally sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Description of Defect: A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates.
Consequence of Defect: This can result in the loss of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose. Owners not registered in one of these states who believe their vehicle was operated under these conditions, can contact their Toyota dealer to have the new designed brake vacuum hose installed.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 1, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Volvo of America Corporation
Models:
| Volvo 944 | Year: 1991 |
| Volvo 945 | Year: 1991 |
| Volvo 782 | Years: 1987-1991 |
Number Involved: 9,684
Dates of Manufacture: February 1990 - June 1991
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V166
Volvo Campaign No.: 82
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Chafing of the insulation of the cables feeding the seat heater, power seat motors, and seat belt warning indicator situated under the front seat can occur due to limited space and variations in the assembly of the cables.
Consequence of Defect: This chafing can lead to a low ohm short circuit, possibly causing a passenger compartment fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the cable harnesses and, if necessary, correct or replace these cables.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 23, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford L Series Truck Year: 1994
Number Involved: 575
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V150
Ford Campaign No.: 97S82
Vehicle Description: Heavy duty trucks.
Description of Defect: The air brake reservoir assemblies have poor weld fusion at the welded seams in the reservoirs. This could result in rupture of the seam and subsequent release of the compressed air.
Consequence of Defect: Rapid release of the compressed air can cause damage to the cab floor or surrounding components and could result in personal injury. Loss of pressure from the primary reservoir would also result in loss of air supply to the front brakes, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the primary and secondary air brake reservoirs.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Oct. 13, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Freightliner Corporation
Models:
| Freightliner MB-60 | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Freightliner MB-70 | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Freightliner MB-80 | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Freightliner MT | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Freightliner XT | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Freightliner VB | Years: 1992-1995 |
| Freightliner XB | Years: 1992-1995 |
| Freightliner MT | Years: 1992-1995 |
Number Involved: 1,993
Dates of Manufacture: August 1995 - December 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V090002
Freightliner Campaign No.: FL-215A
Vehicle Description: Medium and heavy duty truck chassis equipped with Allison 500 Series transmission and a Bendix 9x3 power apply park brake system.
Description of Defect: The cam lever of the powered apply brake can move forward because a hole in the transmission mounting boss was drilled too deep.
Consequence of Defect: This can allow the cam lever to become disengaged from the parking brake shoes. The operator would have no warning that the parking brake was not applied, allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install shims in the drilled area of the automatic transmission park brake pivot pin hole.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 29, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Pacific time.
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models:
| Navistar 2000 | Years: 1991-1994 |
| Navistar 4000 | Years: 1991-1994 |
| Navistar 8000 | Years: 1991-1994 |
Number Involved: 25,849
Dates of Manufacture: February 1991 - May 1994
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V114002
Navistar Campaign No.: 97506
Vehicle Description: Heavy duty trucks.
Description of Defect: The shoulder bolt which holds the Grote turn signal switch case and components together can loosen, resulting in the turn signal malfunctioning.
Consequence of Defect: If the turn signal function is lost, following motorists would not be aware of the turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and tighten any loose bolts in the turn signal switch within two years from the date of the recall notification letter. The shoulder bolt will be removed, cleaned, and reinstalled with Loctite. Owners can also request Loctite and repair instructions so they can fix the vehicles themselves.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 26, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models:
| Navistar 3800 | Year: 1997 |
| Navistar 4700 | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 2,235
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V143
Navistar Campaign No.: 97505
Vehicle Description: Buses and heavy truck chassis equipped with T444E engines.
Description of Defect: The accelerator pedal rod material is excessively brittle and can break during a full throttle application.
Consequence of Defect: The unexpected breakage can result in the inability to accelerate the vehicle properly, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the electronic accelerator pedal rods with new rods.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Oct. 9, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models:
| Thomas ER | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 200
Dates of Manufacture: April - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V154
Vehicle Description: Transit buses.
Description of Defect: A burr on the spool bore of the steering gear pump can result in the loss of oil flow.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause a loss of power steering or overheating the engine.
Corrective Action: Thomas Built is requesting owners to inspect the date code on the steering gear pump. If the pump is stamped with a date code prior to 6/1/97 and does not have an "L" or an "RL" stamped on the identification tag, the owner will be instructed to replace the pump. A replacement pump and detailed repair instructions will be shipped to owners. If the owner desires, Thomas Built will inspect and repair these buses.
Owner Notification: Not yet available.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free replacement pump and detailed repair instructions within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-800-889-4871.
Tiffin Motor Homes, Inc.
Models:
| Allegro Motor Home | Year: 1996 |
Number Involved: 175
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V167001
Vehicle Description: Class A motor homes equipped with lap and shoulder seat belts manufactured by Am-Safe.
Description of Defect: The front seat belt retractor located next to the driver and passenger seats will not allow the belt to be extended so that it can be used.
Consequence of Defect: In the event of a crash, the driver or occupant would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install new seat belt assemblies in these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Aug. 25, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Tiffin/Allegro at 1-205-356-8661.
Warrick Industries, Inc.
Models:
| McCoy Miller Ambulance | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 241
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V157
Vehicle Description: Ambulances equipped with technician's seats in the patient compartment mounted on wooden bases.
Description of Noncompliance: The wooden seat bases and the associated seat belts are not properly anchored to meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 207, "Seating Systems," and No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will restructure the attachment of the seat base to the floor and to the front bulkhead.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact McCoy Miller at 1-219-264-7511.
Volvo Trucks North America
Models:
| Volvo FE Truck | Years: 1990-1993 |
| Volvo FE6 Truck | Years: 1985-1990 |
| Volvo FE7 Truck | Years: 1985-1990 |
Number Involved: 9,555
Dates of Manufacture: March 1985 - February 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V158
Volvo Truck Campaign No.: RVXX9705
Vehicle Description: Heavy duty trucks.
Description of Defect: The steel braided tether of the safety belt buckle is deformed and can possibly be cracked. As the seats are moved on the sliding rail, they often get caught and pinched under the seat frames.
Consequence of Defect: In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect and replace seat belt buckles with the cable tether.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Nov. 1, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo Truck at 1-800-528-6586.
Western Star Trucks, Inc.
Models:
| Western Constellation | Year: 1997 |
| Western Heritage | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 40
Dates of Manufacture: February - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V151
Western Star Campaign No.: W-9702
Vehicle Description: Heavy duty 6x4 trucks equipped with either Hendrickson RT/RS Series suspensions or Chalmers 800 Series suspensions, with a wheel base greater than 250 inches, and Western Star's "Air 96" air brake system without anti-lock brakes.
Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles do not meet the air brake release time required by FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Consequence of Noncompliance: Air brake release time may be longer than anticipated by the operator, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install an in-line quick release valve in each of the drop lines to the rear-most brake chambers.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Oct. 10, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Western Star at 1-250-860-3319.
Western Star Trucks, Inc.
Models:
| Western Heritage | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 14
Dates of Manufacture: January - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V152
Western Star Campaign No.: W-9703
Vehicle Description: Heavy duty 6x4 trucks equipped with Fontaine SF6FM229-8375 fixed fifth wheels.
Description of Defect: The fifth wheel mounting plate flanges in the front and rear can interfere with the normal articulation of the fifth wheel. This interference can lead to damage of the fifth wheel lock handle and/or the top plate.
Consequence of Defect: Damage of these components can lead to failure of the connection between the tractor and the semi-trailer allowing the semi-trailer to separate from the tractor, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the fifth wheel mounting plates and repair any damaged fifth wheel components.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 19, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Western Star at 1-250-860-3319.
EQUIPMENT
Cosco, Inc.
Brands:
| Cosco Touriva |
Number Involved: 7,863
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E030
Equipment Description: Child restraint system.
Description of Noncompliance: When these seats were tested dynamically per the requirements of FMVSS No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems," structural failure occurred in the seat belt path area of the shell in the forward facing reclined position.
Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupant.
Corrective Action: Cosco has not yet submitted a corrective action for this campaign.
Owner Notification: Not yet available.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free repair within a reasonable time should contact Cosco at 1-800-221-6736.