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NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JUNE RECALLS
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NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JUNE RECALLS
NHTSA
August 4, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 40-98
August 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 June 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). The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Bayerishe Motoren Werke (BMW)
Models:
| 540i | Years: 1998 |
| 540iA | Years: 1998 |
| 740iA | Years: 1998 |
| 740iLA | Years: 1998 |
| 750iLA | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 1,100
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V142
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The differential pinion shaft within the differential case assembly was produced without the appropriate surface hardening. This can result in the shaft experiencing premature wear. This condition will cause a noise from the differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of power to the rear wheels.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the entire differential assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin the end of August 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Bayerishe Motoren Werke (BMW)
Models:
Number Involved: 3,800
Dates of Manufacture: August - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V143
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The sealing material of the transmission gear position switch can develop leaks and allow water entry. This can eventually result in an incorrect indication of the gear position, which could cause the car not to start, or allow it to start in a drive gear, such as "Drive" or "Reverse."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transmission gear position switch. Owner notification is expected to begin the end of August 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
| Chrysler Concorde | Years: 1993 |
| Dodge Intrepid | Years: 1993 |
| Eagle Vision | Years: 1993 |
Number Involved: 84,600
Dates of Manufacture: June 1992 - May 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V130
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: On these passenger vehicles built with 3.3-liter engines, the O-rings used to seal the interface of the fuel injector rail supply, return, and cross-over tubes are not as durable as those used in later model years. Deterioration of the O-rings can cause fuel leakage, and in the presence of an ignition source, could result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail.
Owner Notification: Chrysler has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this recall.
Ferrari North America
Models:
Number Involved: 235
Dates of Manufacture:January - May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V132
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The torque on the power steering column nut is insufficient. Loss of vehicle handling could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the proper position of the splines on the power steering column extension and tighten the bolt.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during June 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Chevrolet Venture | Years: 1998 |
| Pontiac Transport | Years: 1998 |
| Oldsmobile Silhouette | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 38,540
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V131
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: On these minivans, a broken shift cable fitting or loose shift linkage can occur. Consequently, moving the shift lever to the "Park" position may not shift the transmission to "Park." The vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the automatic transaxle range selector cable.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during June 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:
| Cadillac Seville | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 1,059
Dates of Manufacture: June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V144
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The windshield wiper motor "Low" speed function can become inoperative when the motor is switched from "High" to "Low" speed. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, the driver's visibility could be affected.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover which contains the microprocessor.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during late July 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Chevrolet Venture | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Oldsmobile Silhouette | Years: 1997-1998 |
Number Involved: 125,990
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V145
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: On passenger minivans equipped with bucket seats or a split bench seat in the second (middle) or third (back) row, the seat latch mechanism does not have protective covers. When activating the release mechanism to roll a bucket seat forward, a customer's finger(s) could be severely injured, or severed, if they are not kept clear of the mechanism.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective covers on the outboard latch mechanism on all left and right hand rear bucket seats in the second and third row, and to both inboard and outboard latch mechanisms on the center rear bucket seat and the 40 percent portion of the split bench seat.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
General Motors Corporation
Models:
| Chevrolet Cavalier | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Pontiac Sunfire | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 675,302
Dates of Manufacture: April 1995 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V146
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sending and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan. Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Lotus Cars of America, Inc.
Models:
| Lotus Esprit | Years: 1997-1998 |
Number Involved: 160
Dates of Manufacture: NHTSA Recall No.: 98V135
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: Certain wheels were not properly heat treated for hardness. The rear wheels could crack and break, resulting in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these wheels.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.
Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models:
| Saab 900 | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Saab 9000 | Years: 1997-1998 |
| Saab 9-3 | Years: 1999 |
| Saab 9-5 | Years: 1999 |
Number Involved: 39,313
Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V139
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The air bag alert label on the driver's side visor was omitted. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them. Owner notification is expected to begin Aug. 30, 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Subaru of America, Inc.
Models:
| Subaru Legacy | Years: 1998-1999 |
Number Involved: 20,603
Dates of Manufacture: January - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V127
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The Purolator oil filters used on these vehicles can fracture, causing a vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak. This vaporized oil spray can result in oil vapor ignition by the hot exhaust system resulting in a possible underhood fire. Service parts supplied to Subaru dealers are also involved (Lot numbers F01 J21D2, F01 J30D2, F02 J09D1, F02 J09D2, AND F02 J20D1).
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters. Owner notification began during late June 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models:
| Suzuki GSX-R750 | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Suzuki GSX-R600 | Years: 1997 |
| Suzuki TL1000S | Years: 1997-1998 |
Number Involved: 17,007
Dates of Manufacture: September 1995 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V127
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The gasket between the fuel tank and the fuel pump mounting plate can lose its ability to provide a tight seal, allowing fuel to drip from the gasket. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned fuel pump gasket on these motorcycles. Owner notification began June 29, 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-255-2550.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
| Volkswagen Passat | Years: 1998 |
| Audi A4 | Years: 1998 |
| Audi A6 | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 19,800
Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V134
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: If the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged. Screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.
Remedy: Dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place. Owner notification was expected to begin July 17, 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen of America (VWoA) at 1-800-822-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
AmTran Corporation
Models:
| AmTran Genesis | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran RS3302 | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran RS3505 | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran RS3708 | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran RS3911 | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran RC3911 | Years: 1998 |
| AmTran FH1652 | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 253
Dates of Manufacture: April - May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V123
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: On buses equipped with two-piece, NO5X7508 tilting steering columns, or NO5X710 telescopic and tilting steering columns, the upper pinch bolt nut was omitted during the assembly process. If the nut was not installed, the bolt can separate from the universal joint, causing a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a free repair kit and instructions to remedy this condition. If an owner so desires, their dealer can perform the remedy for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-505-2190.
Dorsey Trailers, Inc.
Models:
| Dorsey Trailer | Years: 1997-1999 |
| Dorsey Dolly | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 125
Dates of Manufacture: March 1997 - May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V126
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect:The tubing installed in the air brake system on these platform trailers was not recommended for use with the tubing fittings used in the air brake system, and the tubing installed on the dollies do not have the proper labeling and minimum burst strength. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 106, "Brake Hoses." If the tubing in the supply (emergency) line bursts or becomes disengaged from the fitting, the trailer can experience a panic stop without prior warning to the driver. If the tubing in the control (service) line bursts, the trailer can be operating without service brakes.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake system tubing and replace the noncompliant tubing installed in the brake system.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 22, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Dorsey Trailers at 1-334-897-5711.
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
| Fleetwood Bounder | Years: 1996-1997 |
| Fleetwood Discovery | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 931
Dates of Manufacture: July 1995 - January 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V147
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: The driver's and passenger's side windows do not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 205, "Glazing Materials," for an acceptable level of tint. This condition could cause the driver reduced visibility through the side windows when backing up, when using the mirrors for lane changes, or whenever looking through the windows, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these windows.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin July 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
Home & Park Motor Homes
Models:
| Home and Park Roadtrek | Years: 1994 |
Number Involved: 404
Dates of Manufacture: January - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V136
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: On these Class `B' motor homes built on Dodge 1500, 2500, and 3500 van chassis, the fuel vent hose from the fuel tank to the fuel fill entry may not be vapor tight due to overtightening of the clamp at the connection of the plastic vent tank to the rubber vent hose. This condition can cause fuel or fuel vapor leakage, resulting in a potential fire hazard.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the gear clamp securing the rubber vent hose to the plastic vent hose, install a rigid insert tube into the plastic vent tube, and reattach the rubber hose and gear clamp.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 26, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Home & Park at 1-888-ROADTREK (1-888-762-3873).
Jayco, Inc.
Models:
| Jayco Designer | Years: 1998 |
| Jayco Eagle | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 208
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V140
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect:The routing of the wire harness in the engine is too close to the engine block. Contact between the wire harness and the engine block an cause smoke and/or fire in the engine block area.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the harness away from the engine block.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-219-825-5861.
New Flyer Industries Ltd.
Models:
| New Flyer D60 | Years: 1996 |
Number Involved: 30
Dates of Manufacture: January - December 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V137
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect:Under extreme brake applications, the slack adjuster yoke in the rear brakes on these articulated transit buses can come in contact with the axle mounting hardware. This can reduce braking during a stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: The owners will be provided with parts, instructions and repair assistance as required. The repair will consist of replacing the axle U-bolt washers and trimming the excess U-bolt length.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and instructions within a reasonable time should contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-1251, ext. 351.
New Flyer Industries Ltd.
Models:
| New Flyer D40LF | Years: 1996-1997 |
| New Flyer D30LF | Years: 1996-1997 |
Number Involved: 163
Dates of Manufacture: NHTSA Recall No.: 98V138
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect: A tether strap on the driver's seat was omitted. This does not comply with the strength requirements of FMVSS No. 207, "Seating Systems." The driver's seat may not adequately restrain the driver in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with parts, instructions, and repair assistance as required. The owner will install the missing tether straps.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and instructions within a reasonable time should contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-1251, ext. 351.
PACCAR, Inc.
Models:
| Kenworth T2000 | Years: 1996-1998 |
Number Involved: 9,500
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V129
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect:On heavy duty trucks equipped with Caterpillar 3406E engines, the routing of the electrical and fuel lines can cause chaffing of the wiring harness on the fuel line. This chaffing can cause fuel leakage and a potential for a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, adjust, and repair, if necessary, the fuel line and electrical harness.
Owner Notification:Owner notification was expected to begin during July 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-206-828-5418.
Strick Corporation
Models:
| Strick Trailers | Years: 1998 |
Number Involved: 30
Dates of Manufacture: NHTSA Recall No.: 98V124
Vehicle Description: Description of Defect:On trailers equipped with Meritor RHP suspensions, the brake actuation and release times do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." Increased braking distance can occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will change the number of hoses and fittings in the air system.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began March 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Strick at 1-215-949-4712.
Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration