NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF OCTOBER RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
December 2, 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 61-97
Tuesday, December 2, 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 October 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
OCTOBER 1997
VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:
| BMW R1100RSL | Years: 1994-1996 |
Number Involved: 1,275
Dates of Manufacture: June 1993 - May 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V173
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: When the motorcycle is stationary, the engine should not be left running unnecessarily. If the engine is left running at an increased speed above idle while the motorcycle is at a standstill, the exhaust system temperature will rise considerably.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action: Owners will be sent a warning label for their motorcycle and an owner's manual insert.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 30, 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 BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
| Dodge Neon | Year: 1995 |
| Plymouth Neon | Year: 1995 |
Number Involved: 375,000
Dates of Manufacture: January 1994 - August 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V169 Chrysler Campaign No. 741
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The steering column coupler can become disconnected when the vehicle sustains an underbody impact.
Consequence of Defect: Loss of steering control can occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the steering column coupler with a coupler design that collapses on impact.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during November 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 Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
| Dodge Dakota Truck | Year: 1998 |
Number Involved: 7,500
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V170 Chrysler Campaign No. 746
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks (2-wheel drive only).
Description of Defect: The front brake hoses or anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor wire may be abraded at the front wheels by contact with a front wheel-house splash shield.
Consequence of Defect: Prolonged brake hose contact can cause a partial loss of the braking system. Prolonged ABS sensor wire contact can cause a loss of ABS function.
Corrective Action: Dealers will trim the front wheel-house splash shields and the brake hoses, and ABS sensor wires will be inspected. If evidence of abrasion is found, they will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during November 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 Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford F150 | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Ford F250 | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Ford Expedition | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Ford Navigator | Year: 1998 |
Number Involved: 866,000
Dates of Manufacture:Manufacture: June 1995 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V182
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The main battery cable can contact a body panel located in the trunk, resulting in damage to the cable insulation.
Consequence of Defect: If the body panel comes in contact with the cable wire, a short circuit, loss of electrical supply, or fire could occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will reposition the cable and replace any damaged cables.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Rolls-Royce at 1-201-967-9100.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Lincoln Continental | Years: 1989-1990 |
Number Involved: 63,400
Dates of Manufacture: March 1989 - March 1990
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V174 Ford Campaign No. 97S87
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The front outboard seating position seat belt buckles can fail to latch or unlatch.
Consequence of Defect: These conditions could reduce seat belt usage, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the front outboard seat belt buckle assembly.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during November 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: 1995-1996 |
| Ford Mustang | Years: 1994-1996 |
Number Involved: 76,900
Dates of Manufacture: January 1994 - December 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V180 Ford Campaign No. 97S88
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles and minivans.
Description of Defect: Tearing of the bond between the inner and outer hood panels during minor front end collisions can result in a gap at the leading edge of the hood. Air forced between the inner and outer panels can produce enough pressure to force the outer panel upward.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in total separation of the outer hood panel.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the hood area for any damage along the leading edge of the hood. If there is any evidence of bond separation, the hood will be replaced. If there is no evidence of bond separation, additional adhesive will be applied between the inner and outer hood panels.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Nov. 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 Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Mercury Villager | Years: 1997-1998 |
Number Involved: 6,000
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V184001 Ford Campaign No. 97S91
Vehicle Description: Passenger minivans equipped with automotive batteries supplied by GNB Technologies.
Description of Defect: The batteries have a defective negative post that can cause acid leakage and related corrosion damage.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause a catastrophic failure of the battery which could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these batteries. Until a new battery is obtained, owners should not attempt to "jump start" these batteries.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin Dec. 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 Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford Ranger | Year: 1998 |
Number Involved: 2,000
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V186 Ford Campaign No. 97S89
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4.0-liter engines.
Description of Defect: The flexible section of the chassis mounted fuel line connecting the engine was routed too close to the exhaust manifold and the line could contact the manifold.
Consequence of Defect: This could potentially result in damage to the fuel line, or in some cases, cause a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install an additional clip to hold the fuel line in the intended design position.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin Dec. 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 Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
Models:
| Ford F250 | Year: 1997 |
| Ford F350 | Year: 1997 |
| Ford F Super Duty Chassis | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 31,600
Dates of Manufacture: September 1996 - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V187 Ford Campaign No. 97S90
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks and chassis.
Description of Defect: The tires on these vehicles were damaged during mounting onto the wheels.
Consequence of Defect: The bead area of the tire was cut, which can result in air loss. Sudden air loss could occur, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Ford has made arrangements with Firestone Tire for the installation of new tires on these vehicles. Owners will be requested to contact a local Firestone dealer to arrange for the installation of new tires at no cost to the owner.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin Dec. 1, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to a Firestone dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Firestone at 1-800-457-6281.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Chevrolet C10 | Year: 1997 |
| Chevrolet C20 | Year: 1997 |
| GMC C15 | Year: 1997 |
| GMC C25 | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 6,418
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V176 GM Campaign No. 97052
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks.
Description of Noncompliance: One or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.
Corrective Action: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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:
| Cadillac DeVille | Year: 1998 |
| Cadillac Eldorado | Year: 1998 |
Number Involved: 8,611
Dates of Manufacture: March - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V183 GM Campaign No. 97056
Vehicle Description: Passenger, hearse, and limousine model vehicles.
Description of Defect: The canister purge evaporative emissions harness was misrouted.
Consequence of Defect: The harness could interfere with the cruise control and throttle linkage, preventing return to a closed throttle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the vehicle for proper routing of the harness, and install a plastic tie strap to the harness. Damaged harnesses will be replaced as necessary.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began in early November 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 Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales, Incorporated
Models:
| Mitsubishi Mirage | Year: 1998/ |
Number Involved: 31
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V179
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: These vehicles may have a poorly manufactured vacuum check valve in the vacuum hose between the intake manifold and the brake vacuum booster. When the brake pedal is depressed, the vacuum brake booster check valve can stick to the valve body.
Consequence of Defect: This condition would result in reduction or loss of vacuum boost, reducing brake efficiency.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the brake vacuum hose.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Nov. 12, 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 Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Rolls-Royce Motors, Incorporated
Models:
| Bentley Azure | Years: 1996-1998 |
Number Involved: 211
Dates of Manufacture: June 1995 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V182
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The main battery cable can contact a body panel located in the trunk, resulting in damage to the cable insulation.
Consequence of Defect: If the body panel comes in contact with the cable wire, a short circuit, loss of electrical supply, or fire could occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will reposition the cable and replace any damaged cables.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Rolls-Royce at 1-201-967-9100.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
| Audi 80 | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi 90 | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi 100 | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi 200 | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi V8 | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi Coupe | Years: 1989-1993 |
| Audi S4 | Years: 1989-1993 |
Number Involved: 54,800
Dates of Manufacture: September 1988 - July 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V172 Volkswagen Campaign No. KF
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Some air bag sensors do not comply with Audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Consequence of Defect: In the event the sensor should malfunction, the air bag restraint system can inadvertently deploy. Deployment of the air bag restraint system without warning could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
| Audi 90 | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Audi Cabriolet | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Audi A4 | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Audi A6 | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Audi A8 | Years: 1995-1997 |
Number Involved: 39,300
Dates of Manufacture: July 1994 - September 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V175 Volkswagen Campaign No. KG
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Consequence of Defect: Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Collins Bus Corporation
Models:
| Collins Bantam | Year: 1997 |
| Collins Grand Bantam | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 86
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V168
Vehicle Description: School buses equipped with 39-inch school bus seats. Description of Noncompliance: The seats in these buses have seat frames that do not comply with the energy absorption requirements of FMVSS No. 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection." Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupant of the seat could incur personal injuries.
Corrective Action: A gusset will be added to the seat cushion frame. In addition, a reinforcement strap will be added to the front of the seat leg.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Sept. 16, 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 Collins at 1-800-533-1850.
Fleetwood Enterprises, Incorporated
Models:
| Fleetwood Pace Arrow | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Fleetwood Bounder | Years: 1997-1998 |
Number Involved: Not yet available
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V178 Fleetwood Campaign No. 71001
Vehicle Description: Class A motor homes.
Description of Defect: The hydraulic hoses which operate the leveling jack system are routed too close to the engine exhaust manifold, causing the hose to melt and release hydraulic fluid.
Consequence of Defect: This hydraulic fluid can ignite in the engine compartment, causing a fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect, replace any damaged hoses, and relocate the affected hydraulic lines.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 31, 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 Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
Holiday Rambler Corporation
Models:
| Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite | Year: 1997 |
Number Involved: 27
Dates of Manufacture: June - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V185
Vehicle Description: Travel trailers.
Description of Defect: The springs used on the two axles are underrated for the vehicle weight rating.
Consequence of Defect: The current springs were not rated properly to allow a sufficient Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the current springs with springs that will allow the axles to be rated at 5,200 lbs. each. Also a new federal certification label and metal identification plate will be installed to reflect the increased GAWR.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during November 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 Holiday Rambler at 1-800-685-6545.
Mack Trucks, Incorporated
Models:
| Mack FDM | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 109
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V181 Mack Campaign No. SC0252
Vehicle Description: Front discharge mixer chassis.
Description of Defect: The original equipment miter boxes have no protective boots on the shafts and dirt can enter the system causing the gear shaft bearings to deteriorate.
Consequence of Defect: The bearing deterioration can cause the steering to lock up resulting in loss of steering control.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these miter boxes.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Nov. 7, 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 Mack at 1-610-709-3011.
Thomas Built Buses, Incorporated
Models:
| Thomas Saf-T-Liner | Years: 1997 |
| Thomas MVP | Years: 1997 |
| Thomas ER | Years: 1997 |
Number Involved: 953
Dates of Manufacture: January - October 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V177
Vehicle Description: School and transit buses.
Description of Defect: If debris becomes trapped between the plastic cup, which seals the opening where the steering column comes through the bus floor and the steering knuckle, the steering linkage can bind.
Consequence of Defect: Binding of the steering linkage can cause the driver to oversteer the vehicle, possibly resulting in loss of control of the vehicle or a crash.
Corrective Action: Owners are requested to remove the plastic seal which will leave an opening between the vehicle floor and the steering column. Thomas Built is in the process of designing a proper seal for that area, and this seal will be sent to owners for installation.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 17, 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 Thomas Built at 1-910-889-4871.
Union City Body Company
Models:
| Union City Classic | Year: 1998 |
Number Involved: 53
Dates of Manufacture: September - October 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V189
Vehicle Description: Aluminum walk-in vans built on GM P30 classic chassis.
Description of Defect: Inadequate clearance between the fuel tank sending unit and the floor plank of the body can cause the fuel lines and/or sending unit to rub against the floor structure when the floor deflects under load or the fuel tank expands.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause damage over an extended period of time to the fuel tank sending unit and/or fuel lines and cause fuel leakage. If an ignition source was present, a fire could occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will either install a fuel tank sending unit inspection cover or the floor structure will be modified to provide clearance in the area of the sending unit.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Nov. 8, 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 Union City at 1-317-964-3121.
EQUIPMENT
Dexter Axle Company, Incorporated
Brands:
| Dexter D20 | |
| Dexter D28 | |
| Dexter D35 |
Number Involved: 5,048
Dates of Manufacture: June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E033
Equipment Description: Axles used on American Travel, Coachmen RV, Fleetwood, Jayco, Shasta, Skyline, Starcraft and Sunline motor homes and travel trailers.
Description of Defect: The wheel bearings used in some of these axles have a metallurgical defect that lead to early failure.
Consequence of Defect: A wheel bearing failure could result in the loss of the wheel end from the axle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the axles and replace the wheel bearings if necessary.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during November 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 Dexter at 1-219-296-7301.
GNB Technologies, Incorporated
Brands:
| Battery |
Number Involved: 7,274
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E035
Equipment Description: Group 24 starting/lighting/ignition automotive batteries for installation as original equipment in vehicles and for replacement equipment distributed by Advance Auto Parts stores.
Description of Defect: These batteries have a defective negative post that can cause acid leakage and related corrosion damage.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause a catastrophic failure of the battery which could lead to an engine fire or battery explosion.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these batteries. Until a new battery is obtained, owners should not attempt to "jump start" these batteries.
Owner Notification: Distributor notification began Oct. 23, 1997.
Note: Owners who do not obtain a free battery within a reasonable time should contact GNB at 1-770-551-0300.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Brands:
| Flame | |
| Americana | |
| Stinger Graphics |
Number Involved: 6,575
Dates of Manufacture: May - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E034 Harley-Davidson Campaign No. 089
Equipment Description: Motorcycle half helmets, Part Nos. 98070-97V, 98037-97V, 98038-97V, 98039-97V, 98072-97V, 98081-97V, and 98082-97V.
Description of Defect: These helmets have misassembled retention systems.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can allow the helmet to move out of position on the user's head.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these helmets and, if necessary, replace these helmets.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their helmets to an authorized dealer and do not receive the free inspection and remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.