The Crittenden Automotive Library

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF DECEMBER RECALLS

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF DECEMBER RECALLS

NHTSA
February 4, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 05-98
Wednesday, February 4, 1998
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 December 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
DECEMBER 1997

VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

BMW of North America, Incorporated

Models:

BMW R850R	Years: 1996-1997
BMW R1100R	Years: 1995-1997

Number Involved: 2,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - August 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V237
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebar is turned fully to one side. Also, the wiring harness was attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward, limiting the amount of free movement of the handlebar.
Consequence of Defect: The harness wires can be damaged, break, or pull out of the ignition switch. If the harness wires were damaged, but not broken or disconnected, the electrical system could be affected while the motorcycle was being ridden. Operation of the engine would be affected and intermittent conditions such as hesitation, misfiring, or "cutting out" could occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will relocate the cable tie further back so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. If the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (with harness) will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of February 1998.
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 BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Dodge Caravan	Years: 1998
Dodge Grand Caravan	Years: 1998
Plymouth Voyager	Years: 1998
Plymouth Grand Voyager	Years: 1998
Chrysler Town & Country	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 25,900
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V231 Chrysler Campaign No. 762
Vehicle Description: Passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats.
Description of Defect: The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
Consequence of Defect: The shoulder harness can fail to properly restrain the child seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the routing of the shoulder belt webbing and any found incorrect will be properly rerouted.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during January 1998.
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.

Ducati North America, Inc.

Model:

Ducati 916

Years: 1994-1995

Number Involved: 1,316
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V221
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: The throttle control linkage pin was not lubricated properly.
Consequence of Defect: The engine throttle can bind and not return to proper idle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will lubricate the throttle control linkage pin using grease containing molybdenum disulphide.
Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided.
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 Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.

Ducati North America, Inc.

Models:

Ducati 900SL	Years: 1993
Ducati 900SSSP	Years: 1994-1997

Number Involved: 2,380
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V222
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: The rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt can fail.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause increased braking effort.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt with a new modified nut and bolt.
Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided.
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 Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.

Ducati North America, Inc.

Models:

Ducati 916

Years: 1994-1995

Number Involved: 649
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V224
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: The rear wheel spindle can fail and the roller bearing and seals of the hub are not properly lubricated.
Consequence of Defect: This can result an increased braking effort.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the rear wheel spindle and lubricate the roller bearing and seals of the hub.
Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided.
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 Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Contour	Years: 1995-1996
Mercury Mystique	Years: 1995-1996

Number Involved: 38,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - August 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V225 Ford Campaign No. 97S95
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option.
Description of Defect: The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly, leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable.
Consequence of Defect: This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 13, 1998.
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

Model:

Ford Explorer

Years: 1991-1993

Number Involved: 185,000
Dates of Manufacture: January 1990 - January 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V235 Ford Campaign No. 97L15
Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof.
Description of Defect: The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This is caused by improper installation of the sunroof glass panel.
Consequence of Defect: Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could distract the driver, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control, or could impact a following vehicle.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and installation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to owners.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 16, 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free instruction booklet and warning label within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Cadillac Deville

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 14,423
Dates of Manufacture: September - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V232 GM Campaign No. 97070
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles were built with hood hinge pivot bolts that can break because of an improper heat treat condition. A broken bolt can cause either the corner of the hood near the windshield to rise, or one side of the hood to be unstable when opened. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion."
Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, the hood could be pushed back through the windshield glass, possibly injuring the vehicle occupants.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the hood hinge pivot bolts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during January 1998.
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.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Models: Harley-Davidson FL Year: 1998

Harley-Davidson Softail

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 2,012
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V227 Harley-Davidson Campaign No. 090
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: The rear brake pedal assembly may have an inadequate weld.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever, causing rear brake failure.
Corrective Action: Dealers will perform the recall service on these motorcycles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during January 1998.
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 Harley-Davidson at 1-8414-342-4680.

Kawasaki Motors Corporation

Models: Kawasaki VN1500 Year: 1997

Kawasaki Vulcan

Years: 1997

Number Involved: 544
Dates of Manufacture: January - February 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V233
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: An improperly manufactured transmission gear can cause weakening and eventual breakage of an adjacent gear.
Consequence of Defect: Gear breakage can result in transmission lockup, causing the operator to lose control of the motorcycle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these motorcycles and repair affected units.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during late December 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 Kawasaki at 1-714-770-0400.

Kia Motors America, Incorporated

Models:

Kia Sportage

Years: 1996-1997

Number Involved: 23,493
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V234
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction, causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently.
Consequence of Defect: Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost.
Corrective Action: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 15, 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 Kia at 1-800-333-4KIA (800-333-4542).

Mazda (North America), Inc.

Models:

Mazda 626

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 20,000
Dates of Manufacture: August - December 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V228 Mazda Campaign No. 73801
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Due to a programming error, the powertrain control module (PCM) installed can, under certain driving conditions, trigger a shift in air-fuel ratio to an overlean condition.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in an engine stall, which could lead to loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will reprogram the PCM with the correct engine control logic.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during January 1998.
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 Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Renault USA, Incorporated

Models: Renault Medallion Years: 1988-1989

Eagle Medallion

Years: 1988-1989

Number Involved: 32,000
Dates of Manufacture: January 1987 - July 1988
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V226 Chrysler Campaign No. 745
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The heater core end cap can fail due to material strength deterioration occurring over time from exposure to high temperature engine coolant.
Consequence of Defect: Failure will allow the discharge of stream from the coolant into the passenger compartment, causing reduced driver visibility.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a coolant temperature controlled heater core fluid bypass valve.
Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided.
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.

Yamaha International Corporation

Models: Yamaha XVZ13LTJ Year: 1997

Yamaha LTJC	Years: 1997
Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe	Years: 1997

Number Involved: 1,027
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V230
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: An overload of the turn signal, rear tail/brake light, and carburetor warmer circuit can blow the fuse.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in a loss of rear tail and brake light illumination, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install new, appropriate-rated fuses.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 22, 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 Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.

Models:

Fleetwood Discovery

Years: 1997

Number Involved: 433
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V236 Fleetwood Campaign No. 97212
Vehicle Description: Class A motor homes equipped with a vinyl protective front cover.
Description of Noncompliance: This cover includes a mesh which covers the front headlight assembly. This mesh interferes with the photometric performance of the headlights resulting in a noncompliance to FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: The interfering mesh causes the brightness of the headlights and turn signals to be less than required. The decrease in headlight brightness can decrease the ability to view the road while driving at night or in other instances where headlights would be needed. Also, the decreased brightness of the turn signals will affect the visibility of these signals to following vehicles.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with instructions and repair parts necessary to preform this recall. If an owner so desires, a dealer can perform this remedy for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Jan. 20, 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the instructions and free repair parts within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.

ShoreMaster, Incorporated

Models:

ShoreMaster Xtreme

Years: 1997

Number Involved: 125
Dates of Manufacture: August - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V214
Vehicle Description: Snowmobile two-place tilt and V-front trailers.
Description of Defect: The axle hub was not properly sized. The axle hub is 6.5 inches in diameter, but should have been 5.5 inches.
Consequence of Defect: Over time, the bolt holes in the wheel rim could become elongated and cause rim failure, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the hubs, or alternatively, larger tires will be provided to fit on the existing hubs.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 3, 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 ShoreMaster at 1-800-328-8945.