NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JANUARY RECALLS |
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NHTSA
March 11, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 12-98
March 11, 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 January 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
JANUARY 1998
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
| Chrysler Corporation | ||
| Models: | Jeep Cherokee | Years: 1990-1991 |
| Jeep Wrangler | Years: 1990-1991 | |
| Jeep Comanche | Years: 1990-1991 | |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | Year: 1993 | |
| Eagle Premier | Years: 1989-1991 | |
| Dodge Monaco | Years: 1989-1991 | |
| Number Involved: | 225,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | July 1989 - July 1991 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V005 | Chrysler Campaign No. 747 | |
Vehicle Description: Passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in one of the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Description of Defect: The front disc brake rotors can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." If the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor.
Consequence of Defect: The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a corrosion protection.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during the first quarter of calendar year 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.
| Chrysler Corporation | ||
| Models: | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Year: 1996 |
| Number Involved: | 65,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | July 1995 - July 1996 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V006 | Chrysler Campaign No. 757 | |
Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose vehicles equipped with "Quadra-Trac" transfer case, temporary spare tire, and 225/70/R16, 225/70/R16 or 245/70/R15 road tires.
Description of Defect: When the temporary spare tire is in use, the front axle can overheat.
Consequence of Defect: An overheated axle can force axle fluid out of the seals, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the temporary spare tire with a full size tire and wheel.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Feb. 2, 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.
| Chrysler Corporation | ||
| Models: | Dodge Durango Truck | Years: 1998 |
| Number Involved: | 37,900 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | September 1997 - January 1998 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V019 | Chrysler Campaign No. 768 | |
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks.
Description of Defect: The fastener which secures the generator cable to the power distribution center has an insufficient clamp load, resulting in a loose connection and electrical arcing at the connection.
Consequence of Defect: This condition could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Corrective Action: Dealers will re-tighten the generator cable and battery cable fasteners to the proper torque specifications.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by March 2, 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.
| Ford Motor Company | ||
| Models: | Ford F-150 Truck | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Number Involved: | 45,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | November 1995 - November 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V007 | Ford Campaign No. 97S96 | |
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks equipped with a 4.2-liter engine and originally sold or currently registered in one of the following states: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Description of Defect: The throttle is unable to return to idle due to ice forming in the throttle body when the temperature ranges from -10 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consequence of Defect: Increased brake pedal effort may be necessary or some increase in stopping distance could result.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a revised PCV system on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 23, 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 | ||
| Models: | Ford Taurus | Years: 1993-1994 |
| Mercury Sable | Years: 1993-1994 | |
| Lincoln Continental | Years: 1993-1994 | |
| Lincoln Mark VIII | Years: 1993-1994 | |
| Number Involved: | 506,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | December 1992 - September 1993 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V009 | Ford Campaign No. 98S01 | |
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
Consequence of Defect: Loss of headlights can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a circuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin by April 15, 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.
| Nissan Motor Corporation | ||
| Models: | Nissan Sentra | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Number Involved: | 65,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | December 1995 - September 1996 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V008 | ||
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles do not meet the illumination requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: Vehicles following may not be aware that the vehicle in front is stopping, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with two new light bulbs for the stop/tail lamps which are brighter than the original bulbs. A label with the new bulb number will also be provided for insertion into the Owner's Manual. If an owner so desires, a dealer can install the light bulbs for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by March 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 Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
| Toyota Motor Company, Limited | ||
| Models: | Lexus LS400 | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Lexus SC400 | Years: 1996-1997 | |
| Number Involved: | 47,525 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | April 1995 - June 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V016 | ||
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Due to improper assembly of the terminal for the starter motor magnetic switch, an electrical short circuit can occur if electrically-conductive liquid, such as road splash with deicing salt, enters this area.
Consequence of Defect: A starter motor no-start condition or an underhood fire can result.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Feb. 9, 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 Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
| Aero Manufacturing, Incorporated | ||
| Models: | Aero Aerolite | Year: 1998 |
| Number Involved: | 780 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | July - October 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V013 | ||
Vehicle Description: Travel trailers.
Description of Defect: The simultaneous use of the microwave oven and the cooktop produces negative pressure that causes the flames on the cooktop to reverse. This could result in damage to the burner head, possibly resulting in extinguishing the flame. If the flame is extinguished, liquid propane (LP) gas could leak into the trailer.
Consequence of Defect: The presence of LP gas in the trailer could result in asphyxiation of persons present in the trailer or possibly an explosion if the LP gas is ignited by a spark.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a drop-in burner box kit which will eliminate the negative pressure when the microwave oven and the cooktop are used simultaneously.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 15, 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 Aero Manufacturing at 1-219-457-8787.
| Carpenter Manufacturing | ||
| Models: | Carpenter Counselor | Years: 1995-1997 |
| Number Involved: | 35 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | May 1995 - December 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V017 | Carpenter Campaign No. 98001 | |
Vehicle Description: School buses built on a Spartan chassis and equipped with hydraulic brakes.
Description of Noncompliance: The brake warning light is not properly labeled and could function improperly. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic Brake Systems."
Consequence of Noncompliance: A brake system malfunction can occur and the warning system would not warn the driver of a brake system problem.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with a repair kit and instructions to repair their vehicle. If an owner so desires, a Carpenter dealer can perform the remedy for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 26, 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 Carpenter at 1-765-965-4000.
| Freightliner Corporation | ||
| Models: | Freightliner FLD120 | Year: 1997 |
| Freightliner FLC120 | Year: 1997 | |
| Number Involved: | 21 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | July - October 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V001 | Freightliner Campaign No. FL-217A | |
Vehicle Description: Trailers.
Description of Noncompliance: Continuous power is to be supplied to the trailer's antilock brake system (ABS) circuit. These vehicles were manufactured with a switch installed in the ABS circuit. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Consequence of Noncompliance: The ABS circuit can be interrupted, resulting in a loss of braking action to the towed vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair the ABS circuit.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 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 Freightliner at 1-503-735-8682.
| Freightliner Corporation | ||
| Models: | Freightliner FL-50 | Years: 1995-1996 |
| Freightliner FL-60 | Years: 1995-1996 | |
| Number Involved: | 35 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | June 1995 - February 1996 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V002 | Freightliner Campaign No. FL-218A | |
Vehicle Description: Truck/trailers.
Description of Noncompliance: The certification labels installed on these vehicles are incorrect. The Gross Axle Weight Rating is too high for the tires that were installed.
Consequence of Noncompliance: The vehicle is too heavy for the tires installed increasing the risk of a tire separation.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a corrected certification label on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 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 Freightliner at 1-503-735-8682.
| Freightliner Corporation | ||
| Models: | Freightliner | Year: 1997 |
| Number Involved: | 2,587 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | March - October 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V003 | Freightliner Campaign No. FL-219A | |
Vehicle Description: Truck/trailers equipped with a hydraulic parking brake.
Description of Defect: A casting error in the hydraulic parking brake relay valve causes excessive pressure in the brake system which can result in a hydraulic hose separation.
Consequence of Defect: If this occurs, the power steering assist will be lost and the brakes will be operating from the back-up system.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a check valve modification kit to reduce the system pressure.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 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 Freightliner at 1-503-735-8682.
| Hino Diesel Trucks (USA) | ||
| Models: | Hino FA4JC | Year: 1998 |
| Hino FA4JE | Year: 1998 | |
| Hino FA4JG | Year: 1998 | |
| Hino FB4JE | Year: 1998 | |
| Hino FB4JG | Year: 1998 | |
| Hino FB4JH | Year: 1998 | |
| Number Involved: | 623 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | January - November 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V014 | Hino Campaign No. A0180 | |
Vehicle Description: Class 4 and 5 trucks equipped with J05C-TB diesel engines.
Description of Defect: A fuel filter was damaged during the manufacturing process of the filter element.
Consequence of Defect: This damaged fuel filter can crack and result in a diesel fuel leak.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the fuel filter on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Feb. 9, 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 Hino at 1-914-365-1400.
| SISU North America, Inc. | ||
| Models: | SISU CYT30 | Year: 1997 |
| SISU CYT50 | Year: 1997 | |
| Number Involved: | 241 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | March - December 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V004 | ||
Vehicle Description: Yard tractors.
Description of Defect: Incorrect routing of an air hose from the rear antilock brake system (ABS) air modulator brake valve to the rear axle brake chamber.
Consequence of Defect: In an antilock condition, the brake system would modulate the wrong wheel.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with replacement fittings and/or hoses. If the owner so desires, a dealer can perform the remedy for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 9, 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 SISU at 1-785-229-6358.
| Thomas Built Buses, Inc. | ||
| Models: | Thomas Conventional | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Number Involved: | 165 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | March - December 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V011 | ||
Vehicle Description: School buses.
Description of Noncompliance: These buses do not comply with the visibility requirements of FMVSS No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence of Noncompliance: The driver of the bus may not have a clear and unobstructed view to the rear.
Corrective Action: New mirrors which incorporate mirror arms that will move the cross view mirrors forward will be installed on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Thomas Built has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.
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.
| Winnebago Industries, Incorporated | ||
| Models: | Winnebago G33WQ | Year: 1998 |
| Winnebago L33WB | Year: 1998 | |
| Winnebago L34WY | Year: 1998 | |
| Winnebago L36WL | Year: 1998 | |
| Itasca G33WQ | Year: 1998 | |
| Itasca L33WB | Year: 1998 | |
| Itasca L34WY | Year: 1998 | |
| Itasca L36WL | Year: 1998 | |
| Number Involved: | 628 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | April - December 1997 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98V015 | Winnebago Campaign No. 71 | |
Vehicle Description: Motor homes.
Description of Defect: A liquid propane (LP) hose was installed in the range burner box. The elevated temperature inside this box can prematurely age the hose causing a possible LP leak.
Consequence of Defect: LP gas leakage could ignite and result in bodily injury and property damage.
Corrective Action: Dealers will relocate the flexible hose outside of the range box.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin by Feb. 16, 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 Winnebago at 1-515-582-6939.
EQUIPMENT
| Wells Manufacturing Corporation | ||
| Models: | Wells UDS418 | |
| Wells UDS419 | ||
| Number Involved: | 73,000 | |
| Dates of Manufacture: | August 1997 - January 1998 | |
| NHTSA Recall No.: 98E001 | ||
Equipment Description: Headlight beam control dimmer switches.
Description of Defect: The dimmer switch can fail prematurely during actuation.
Consequence of Defect: The headlights will stay in the low or high beam state or fail to stay lit affecting a driver's visibility. It is also possible for an electrical short to develop inside the switch resulting in damage to the instrument panel wiring harness.
Corrective Action: Owners should return the headlight dimmer switch to the distributor from whom it was purchased and exchange it for another switch.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 29, 1998.
Note: Owners who take these switches to their distributor and are unable to obtain a free replacement switch should contact Wells at 1-800-558-9770.
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