The Crittenden Automotive Library

NHTSA Publishes List of April Recalls

Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

NHTSA Publishes List of April Recalls

NHTSA
June 8, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 30-98
June 8, 1998
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550

NHTSA Publishes List of April Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in April 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) or 1-800-424-9393. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS APRIL 1998

VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Dodge Ram

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 1,550
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V075
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient, causing a hub fatigue fracture. This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circle ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and, if necessary, replace these rotors.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during May 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Dodge Ram

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 3,500
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V076
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: These passenger vans and station wagons are equipped with the power seat option. The driver's side front seat attaching riser welds were not correct. The seat attachment strength would not be sufficient in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side power front seat riser with a riser that was MIG welded.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during June 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Ferrari North America

Models:

Ferrari F355

Years: 1995

Number Involved: 269
Dates of Manufacture: July 1994 - May 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V088
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with dual fuel pumps, the fuel injection line fitting can fracture if the aluminum nut attaching the lines is tightened excessively. If the fuel line fractures, fuel leakage can occur. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the fuel injection lines that have aluminum nuts and replace them with new lines containing steel attaching nuts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during May 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford F-Super Duty

Years: 1999

Number Involved: 3,500
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V070
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The accelerator cable on these motor home chassis is susceptible to freezing. Water can accumulate in the end fitting, and at temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below, can freeze. The ice could prevent the accelerator from return to idle. Increased stopping distance would be required, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable with a revised accelerator cable. Owner notification began during April 6, 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet Venture	Years: 1997-1998
Oldsmobile Silhouette	Years: 1997-1998
Pontiac TranSport	Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 55,154
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V072
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The windshield wiper linkage arm on these minivans can contact a brake line which is connected to the traction control system modulator valve. This contact can chafe the brake line and result in a brake fluid leak. Brake fluid leakage can cause reduced brake effectiveness and increased stopping distances.
Remedy: Dealers will install a brake line clip to ensure proper clearance. Also the brake lines will be inspected for any damage caused by this condition and will replace any damaged lines.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during April 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet C6	Years: 1998
Chevrolet C7	Years: 1998
GMC C6	Years: 1998
GMC C7	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 146
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V073
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On certain medium duty trucks equipped with air brakes and anti-lock brake systems (ABS), the electric brake control harness can chafe resulting in an electrical grounding condition. This will illuminate a warning light on the instrument panel and shut off the ABS feature. This condition can cause reduced braking capability of the front brakes and increase risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness for chaffing and proper routing and will repair if necessary.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during April 1998. Owners who 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.

Moto America, Inc.

Models:

Moto Guzzi Sport 1100

Years: 1996-1997

Number Involved: 289
Dates of Manufacture: December 1994 - April 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V078
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The latch securing the passenger seat on these motorcycles can fail allowing the seat and passenger to fall off the rear of the motorcycle. The passenger could sustain serious injuries or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these seats with a new seat that incorporates an improved latch mechanism and a more rigid base. In addition, some body work around the passenger seat will be removed so that the replacement seat will fit properly.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began April 23, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Moto America at 1-800-USA-MOTO (1-800-872-6686).

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Models:

Porsche 911 Carrera

Years: 1996

Number Involved: Not yet available
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V089
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Inadvertent deployment of the air bag can occur. Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Porsche has not yet provided a remedy and owner notification schedule for this recall.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Models:

Suzuki GSX600FW	Years: 1998
Suzuki GSX750FW	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 4,103
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V087
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The bracket portion of the passenger grab rail can break causing the passenger to lose their balance and fall from the motorcycle, or could disturb the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger grab rail with a new, stronger grab rail. Owner notification was expected to begin during May 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040, ext. 380.

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models:

Lexus GS300	Years: 1998
Lexus GS400	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 14,855
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V080
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Due to a manufacturing defect of the yaw rate sensor for the vehicle stability control (VSC), the VSC can operate improperly if the sensor is affected by certain electromagnetic waves, such as from a cellular phone. Should this occur, the brake can operate unexpectedly, affecting steering and speed control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the yaw rate sensor.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during June 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lexus at 1-888-333-9376.

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

Charles Machine Works, Inc.

Models:

Ditch Witch S5A	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch S5A1	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch S5A2	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch T12AE	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch T14AE	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch T14AH	Years: 1996 - 1997
Ditch Witch T14AJT	Years: 1996 - 1997

Number Involved: Not yet available
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V086
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On trailers equipped with wheels that are stamped with "T16x16K DOT 0496 RUDEVECA," the wheel center to rim welds have failed, causing the rim to break loose from the wheel center. This condition could cause a driver to lose control of the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these wheels. Owner notification was expected to begin during May 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Charles Machine at 1-580-336-3591.

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.

Models:

Fleetwood Flair	Years: 1998
Fleetwood Storm	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 685
Dates of Manufacture: June 1997 - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V083
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Due to improper installation of electrical wires on these motor homes, the battery cables can contact the automatic transmission cooler fluid lines. The ignition switch and customer accessory wiring is undersized. This condition can result in damage to the battery cable insulation, leading to an electrical short, and possibly a fire. The undersized wiring can result in the engine stopping with a resultant loss of power steering or power braking, leading to a possible crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair these vehicles, including replacement of any damaged wiring or other vehicular components.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began April 27, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.

Freightliner Corporation

Models:

Freightliner Century

Years: 1996 - 1998

Number Involved: 21,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V085
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Certain heavy duty trucks equipped with Meritor interaxle driveline U-joints. Deflector rings, a part of the system to seal the U-joints from contaminates, are loose. This allows water to enter the U-joint bearing area, resulting in dilution of the lubricant, oxidation of the bearing and seal surfaces, and loss of lubricant. If this problem goes undetected, the interaxle driveline can separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the U-joints with the current design U-joints.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin June 1, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-503-735-8682.

Holiday Rambler Corporation

Models:

Holiday Rambler Endeavor

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 47
Dates of Manufacture: February - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V074
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The fuel relay on these diesel motor homes built on a Freightliner chassis, was positioned too close to the engine. Excessive heat from the engine can cause premature failure of the fuel relay. If the fuel relay fails, engine stalling can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the fuel relay to the frame strut of the firewall.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during April 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Holiday Rambler at 1-800-685-6545.

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Models:

Spartan Gladiator	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Diamond	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Metro Star	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Advantage	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Baron	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Silent Night	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Charger	Years: 1996 - 1998
Spartan Low Profile Gladiator	Years: 1996 - 1998

Number Involved: 477
Dates of Manufacture: February 1996 - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V077
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On these fire trucks equipped with occupant side entry doors, a difficulty in latching the doors to the full closed position can occur, and/or, the doors can release to the secondary latch position. Also loose rivets can cause the latch control mechanism to bind, not allowing the door to latch properly when shut. The cab door could unlatch from its primary latch while the vehicle is in motion, allowing the door to open unassisted to the secondary latch position.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the latch and actuator on the doors.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during June 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400.

EQUIPMENT

Accuride/Kaiser Corporation (AKW)

Models:

AccuForge 22.5x8.25

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 47,919
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E012
Description of Defect: Aftermarket aluminum dual wheels, 22.5x8.25, one-piece, tubeless. Certain design revisions combined with process conditions caused fatigue cracks in these wheels. This condition can cause failure of these wheels.
Remedy: AKW will replace these wheels.
Owner Notification: An owner notification schedule has not yet been determined. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AKW at 1-814-480-6400.

Aimco Products, Inc.

Models:

Aimco 5488	Years: 1998
Aimco 5447	Years: 1998
Aimco 65065	Years: 1998
Aimco 65410	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 23,500
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E010
Description of Defect:Brake rotors for use on Ford Aerostar, Ranger, and Bronco II model vehicles, and also for use on Mazda pickup trucks. Cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole. Loss of braking can result.
Remedy: Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. Consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors where originally purchased/installed for replacement.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during April 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Aimco at 1-800-264-3414.

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Running board kits

Years: N/A

Number Involved: 13,000
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E009
Description of Defect: A jack adapter sold in some of these running board kits can create an unstable vehicle condition when it is used with the jack to raise the vehicle. The vehicle could fall off the jack, increasing the risk of personal injury to persons working on the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the adapter from the jack package and install four permanent jack locator/extension pads.
Owner Notification: Owner notification has not yet been scheduled. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

Vehicle Systems, Inc.

Models:

Aqua Hot Model 431	Years:
Aqua Hot Model 411	Years:

Number Involved: 1,938
Dates of Manufacture: May 1989 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E011
Description of Defect: The fiberglass insulating material located under the burner head on the floor of the Aqua Hot heating system enclosure as well as on the back side of the access doors for the electric heating element and thermostats can become soaked with fluids (ethylene glycol and/or diesel fuel), increasing the risk of an electrical short. This condition can result in a fire in the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the insulation material from beneath the heating system as well as from behind the control thermostat and heating element accessory covers.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began April 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact the motor home company or Vehicle Systems at 1-303-857-2901.

TIRES

Kelly Springfield Tire Company

Models:

P20570R14	Years:
P20570R15	Years:

Number Involved: 594,853
Dates of Manufacture: March 1996 - September 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98T002
Description of Defect: Tire Sizes P205/70R14 and P205/70R15: Big O Legacy Tour Plus, Embassy Diplomat, Arizonian Limited Edition, Kelly Aqua Tour, Ultra Touring GT, Telstar Premium Touring, Laramie Premium Touring, Jetzon Ultra Quad +, Sears Superguard GT, Motomaster SK 110, Co-Op Golden Mark, Cordovan Grand Prix, Shell Touring 2000, Multi-Mile Grand Am, Sigma Supreme Touring, Concorde touring 9000, Summit Touring TLR, Pos-A-Traction, and P205/70R15 Unocal Touring Radial tires, Serial Numbers beginning with "PJ" and ending with a combination of 136 through 367. A circumferential cracking condition in the lower sidewall above the bead area can occur. This condition can cause a premature failure of the tire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these tires free of charge to the consumer.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin June 1, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement tire within a reasonable time should contact Kelly Springfield at 1-800-592-3267, Option #2.