The Crittenden Automotive Library

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF FEBRUARY RECALLS

Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF FEBRUARY RECALLS

NHTSA
April 16, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 21-98
Thursday, April 16, 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 February 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 FEBRUARY 1998

VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Models:

Honda Accord	Years: 1998
Acura CL	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 33,966
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - January 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V018
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: During manufacturing, the casting die caused an irregularity in the right-side transmission cover. This irregularity can limit the movement of the parking pawl actuation level and prevent adequate engagement of the parking gear pawl. This does not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence of Noncompliance: This condition can cause the vehicle to roll down an incline when the transmission is locked in "Park," increasing the risk of personal injury and/or property damage.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a collar on the transmission parking pawl to ensure proper movement of the actuation lever.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Feb. 12, 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 Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Automobili Lamborghini

Models:

Lamborghini Diablo

Years: 1996-1997

Number Involved: 44
Dates of Manufacture: April - September 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V030
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic window retractor system.
Description of Defect: When the door handle is activated, an electronic signal is processed through a micro switch to the inside door latch. This switch has failed causing the door to remain closed.
Consequence of Defect: If this occurs, the vehicle occupant would not be able to exit (or enter) the vehicle in the event of a vehicle crash or fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the window system and, if necessary, will replace the system with the new, modified version of the micro switch and latch assembly.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during 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 Lamborghini at 1-714-261-8872.

Buell Motorcycle Company

Models:

Buell S-1	Years: 1996-1998
Buell S-3	Years: 1997-1998
Buell S-3T	Years: 1997-1998
Buell M-2	Years: 1997-1998
Buell S-1W	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 4,724
Dates of Manufacture: January 1995 - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V036 Buell Campaign No. 0808
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Noncompliance: Failure of one or more turn signal lamps would not be indicated to the operator of the vehicle (no noticeable change in the flashing rate of the turn signal indicator light). This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: An operator would not be aware that the turn signal lamps were not working increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the turn signal lamps on these motorcycles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began March 3, 1998.
Note: Owners who take their motorcycles to an authorized dealer and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-343-8400.

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Jeep Cherokee	Years: 1998
Jeep Grand Cherokee	Years: 1998
Jeep Wrangler	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 8,900
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V023 Chrysler Campaign No. 764
Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The power brake booster vacuum reservoir diaphragm can split or tear.
Consequence of Defect: This can cause an increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during brake application without prior warning.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect manufacturing date range will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during 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 Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Ferrari North America

Models:

Ferrari F550

Years: 1997

Number Involved: 48
Dates of Manufacture: January - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V026 Ferrari Campaign No. 160
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with wheel bolts, part number 146989.
Description of Defect: Excessive friction between the wheel bolts and the hub can cause the bolts to loosen.
Consequence of Defect: This condition causes wheel vibration increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the wheel bolts with new wheel bolts that have been permanently treated with an anti-seizing material.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Feb. 12, 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 Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Ranger

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 11,500
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - January 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V021 Ford Campaign No. 98S02
Vehicle Description: Light duty four-wheel drive pickup trucks equipped with off-road option.
Description of Noncompliance: The tire and rim identification information is incorrect on these vehicles. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."
Consequence of Noncompliance: The 16-inch tires could not be inflated on the specified 15x7.0J rim.
Corrective Action: Owners will be sent a safety certification label partial overlay which will contain the correct rim size, and instructions for affixing this label to the vehicle. If an owner so desires, their Ford dealer can install the label for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Lincoln Town Car	Years: 1998
Lincoln Continental	Years: 1998
Lincoln Navigator	Years: 1998
Ford Contour	Years: 1998
Mercury Mystique	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 233,700
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V028 Ford Campaign No. 98S03
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.
Corrective Action: Owner guide inserts containing revised aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides, will be mailed to owners of these vehicles. If an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin March 23, 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free owner guide inserts and directions within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford F700 Truck	Years: 1998
Ford F800 Truck	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 1,600
Dates of Manufacture: March - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V041 Ford Campaign No. 98S05
Vehicle Description: Medium duty trucks and chassis-cabs.
Description of Defect: An automatic locking front wheel bearing adjusting nut was damaged during installation, if removed with the incorrect tools, or if an incorrect torque specification was used.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause the nut to rotate freely and lose torque. It could rotate until it is no longer connected to the front spindle and allow the front wheel to separate from the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the front wheel bearing adjusting nuts with castle nuts and cotter pins.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin 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.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet Cavalier	Years: 1996
Chevrolet Beretta	Years: 1996
Oldsmobile Achieva	Years: 1996
Buick Skylark	Years: 1996
Pontiac Sunfire	Years: 1996
Pontiac Grand Am	Years: 1996

Number Involved: 249,420
Dates of Manufacture: April 1995 - January 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V027 GM Campaign No. 98011
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence of Noncompliance: The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during 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 Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet C10	Years: 1998
Chevrolet C20	Years: 1998
Chevrolet C30	Years: 1998
Chevrolet Tahoe	Years: 1998
Chevrolet Suburban	Years: 1998
Chevrolet G10	Years: 1998
Chevrolet G20	Years: 1998
Chevrolet G30	Years: 1998
Chevrolet Express	Years: 1998
GMC C15	Years: 1998
GMC C25	Years: 1998
GMC C35	Years: 1998
GMC Suburban	Years: 1998
GMC Yukon	Years: 1998
GMC Savana	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 1,137
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V033 GM Campaign No. 98009
Vehicle Description: Light duty pickup trucks, vans, and multi-purpose passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Consequence of Defect: If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during 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 Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

Jaguar Cars

Models:

Jaguar XK8	Years: 1998
Jaguar XJ	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 5,379
Dates of Manufacture: July - October 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V022 Jaguar Campaign No. R466
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The throttle cable adjuster bracket nut on the outer sleeve of the cable can become displaced from the cable bracket on the engine.
Consequence of Defect: Should this occur, the operator could not open or close the throttle and only a limited opening of the throttle will occur, even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed to the floor.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and install wrap to securely locate the adjuster nut.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during 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 Jaguar at 1-800-4-JAGUAR (1-800-452-4827) Option #3.

Land Rover

Models:

Land Rover Range Rover	Years: 1995
Land Rover Discovery	Years: 1994-1998

Number Involved: 54,488
Dates of Manufacture: December 1993 - December 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V040 Land Rover Campaign No. B488
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: As a result of chaffing of a cruise control wire against the steering wheel rotary coupler, the insulation can fail and ground the coupler. Electrical grounding of the coupler can cause the driver's air bag to deploy.
Consequence of Defect: Deployment of the air bag restraint system without warning can cause a driver to lose vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a fusible link which will protect the rotary coupler from overheating.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin March 24, 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 Land Rover at 1-301-731-9040.

Mazda (North America), Incorporated

Models:

Mazda Navajo

Years: 1991-1993

Number Involved: 23,000
Dates of Manufacture: February 1990 - December 1992
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V235002 Mazda Campaign No. 74803
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 strike a following vehicle.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with 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 March 2, 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free instruction booklet and warning label within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Saab Cars USA, Incorporated

Models:

Saab 900

Years: 1994-1998

Number Involved: 92,505
Dates of Manufacture: September 1993 - December 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V038 Saab Campaign No. 299
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: The instructions for properly aiming the headlighting system were omitted. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence of Noncompliance: If the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may not be able to properly aim the headlights.
Corrective Action: Owners will be sent aiming instructions, and directions for affixing these inserts to the owner guides. If an owner so desires, a dealer can affix the inserts in their owner guide for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin 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 Saab at 1-800-955-9007.

Southern Comfort Conversions

Models:

Chevrolet Express	Years: 1996-1997
GMC Savana	Years: 1997

Number Involved: 276
Dates of Manufacture: November 1996 - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V029
Vehicle Description: Chevrolet and GMC conversion vans equipped with Twin Air "Ultra" rear heater and air conditioning units and converted by Southern Comfort Conversions.
Description of Defect: The heater and air conditioning units contain a resistor coil that can overheat when the fan is running at a low speed.
Consequence of Defect: This could cause a fire within the unit.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the resistor coil in these units.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Feb. 10, 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 Southern Comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

Subaru of America, Incorporated

Models:

Subaru Legacy	Years: 1997
Subaru Outback	Years: 1997

Number Involved: 61,115
Dates of Manufacture: August 1996 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V035
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The throttle shaft ball bearing on the sensor side of the throttle body assembly was not installed in certain throttle bodies.
Consequence of Defect: Operation of a vehicle with a missing throttle shaft bearing can eventually lead to an incomplete return of the throttle resulting in a high idling condition.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the throttle body and replace the throttle assembly if the bearing is missing.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during late 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 Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Subaru of America, Incorporated

Models:

Subaru Legacy	Years: 1997-1998
Subaru Outback	Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 19,386
Dates of Manufacture: May - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V042
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
Description of Defect: Due to poor welds of the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break, and improper movement of the shift levers.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin 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 Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

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

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

Blue Bird SBCV

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 564
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V037
Vehicle Description: School buses mounted on Freightliner FS-65 chassis.
Description of Noncompliance: These buses equipped with System "B" mirrors do not fully comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence of Noncompliance: A school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, correct the mirror installations.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during the first quarter of 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 Blue Bird at 1-919-825-2021.

East Manufacturing Corporation

Models:

East Manufacturing Trailer

Years: 1996-1997

Number Involved: 174
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V034
Vehicle Description: Dump trailers.
Description of Defect: A hollow draw bar pin was used instead of a solid draw bar pin.
Consequence of Defect: One or both of the hollow draw bar pins can fracture, causing a stability problem between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect each trailer and replace hollow pins with solid pins.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during the first quarter of 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 East Manufacturing at 1-330-325-9921.

Prevost Car, Incorporated

Models:

Prevost H3-41	Years: 1994-1998
Prevost H3-45	Years: 1994-1998
Prevost VIP 45	Years: 1994-1998

Number Involved: 1,051
Dates of Manufacture: January 1994 - December 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V024 Prevost Campaign No. 97-25
Vehicle Description: Transit buses with drive axle equipped with drum brakes only.
Description of Defect: The design of the differential cross-member reinforcement can crack under certain applications.
Consequence of Defect: This condition could reduce the steering capability increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install two other reinforcements to solidify the cross-member assembly.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 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 Prevost at 1-418-883-3391.

Prevost Cars, Incorporated

Models:

Prevost XL

Years: 1996-1997

Number Involved: 286
Dates of Manufacture: May 1996 - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V025 Prevost Campaign No. 97-21
Vehicle Description: Motor homes equipped with front independent suspension.
Description of Defect: One of the structural members can crack. This member supports the left idler arm and bell crank.
Consequence of Defect: This condition could reduce the steering capability increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install two bolted and welded brackets.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Nov. 28, 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 Prevost at 1-418-883-3391.

EQUIPMENT

ADesignTech International Incorporated

Models:

DesignTech Auto Command

Number Involved: 50,000
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - January 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E002
Equipment Description: Auto Command remote car starters, Models 25523, 25524-28, 25536-38, 20024-28, and 20036-38.
Description of Defect: A software problem occurs allowing the remote car starter to start a vehicle more than once every 3 hours when the temperature drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Consequence of Defect: If a vehicle is located in a closed area, such as a garage, and the vehicle started often, the potential for carbon monoxide build-up could occur increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Owners should to return the remote car starter to have a new microprocessor installed with updated programming.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 12, 1998.
Note: Owners who do not have the free remedy performed within a reasonable time should contact DesignTech at 1-800-337-4468.

Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company

Models:

On My Way

Number Involved: 800,000
Dates of Manufacture: December 1995 - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E003
Equipment Description: On My Way infant car seat/carrier (Model 207) and On My Way travel system (Model 492) infant car seat/carrier with stroller base.
Description of Defect: The red push button assembly on each side of the seat that is used to latch and adjust the carrying handle can unexpectedly release and cause the seat to flip forward.
Consequence of Defect: The latches on these car seat carriers can release without warning, resulting in injuries to children, including bruises, concussions, and skull fractures. These injuries have occurred to both restrained and unrestrained children. Corrective Action: Evenflo will provide a free repair kit to owners of the seats.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free handle replacement kit within a reasonable time should contact Evenflo at 1-800-203-2138.

Midland Brake, Incorporated

Models:

Midland Brake Actuator

Number Involved: 31,626
Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - January 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E004
Equipment Description: Maxibrake I actuators, Type 20, Type 24, Type 30, and Type 36.
Description of Noncompliance: These brake actutors do not have an overstroke indicator. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Consequence of Noncompliance: This condition can lead to reduced brake output if the brakes are not properly adjusted or when it is used without an automatic brake adjusting mechanism.
Corrective Action: Midland will provide owners with a modification kit which will make the brake system comply with the standard.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1998.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free modification kit within a reasonable time contact Midland-Grau at 1-316-365-6911.

Porsche Cars N.A., Incorporated

Models:

Child Seating System Air Bag Deactivation Kit

Number Involved: 32
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E005 Porsche Campaign No. AW 04
Equipment Description: Child seating system air bag deactivation kit for use on 1997-1998 Model 911 Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, 911 Turbo model vehicles (Part No. 993 803 283 00) and Boxster model vehicles (Part Numbers 996 803 283 00 or 996 803 083 00).
Description of Defect: Due to a manufacturing problem, the contact buckle (which is part of the kit) does not deactivate the air bag.
Consequence of Defect: In the event of a crash, deployment of the air bags could result in severe injury or death to the child seat occupant
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a modified air bag deactivation kit.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began 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 Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

TIRES

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Brands:

Cooper Lifeliner Grand Classic STE

Mastercraft Mark VII

Number Involved: 607
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98T001 Cooper Campaign No. 103
Tire Description: P235/60R16, Serial Numbers 3D14C1B497 and 3D14FEU497.
Description of Defect: These tires may not have adequate rubber coverage of the belt edge due to wide belt endings. The belt wires eventually cause cracking resulting in exposed belts.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause the tire to separate. Loss of tire air pressure could result in loss of control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these tires as well as mount and balance the new tires.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began March 2, 1998.
Note: Owners who take their tires to an authorized dealer and do not receive the free replacement within a reasonable time should contact Cooper at 1-800-854-6288.