The Crittenden Automotive Library

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JULY RECALLS

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JULY RECALLS

NHTSA
September 14, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 61-98
September 14, 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 July 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

American Honda Motor Company

Models:

Honda Passport

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 16,838
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V170002
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal that will eventually cause a stress fracture. If a terminal is fractured, the powertrain control module (PCM) can receive an erroneous signal indicating a high vehicle speed, thereby causing the PCM to cut the fuel, causing a `no-start' condition, or a possible engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 14, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Automobili Lamborghini

Models:

Lamborghini Diablo

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 63
Dates of Manufacture: March 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V162
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On passenger vehicles equipped with air bags, a Supplementary Rubber Windshield Header Protector, to be installed by the vehicle owner onto the windshield header when driving with the vehicle's top removed, was omitted. Injury to unbelted occupants could occur if the vehicle's top is removed and the vehicle is involved in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the Windshield Header Rail Trim Panel and provide the owner with the missing Supplemental Rubber Windshield Header Rail Protector.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Aug. 3, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lamborghini at 1-714-261-8872.

Ducati North America, Inc.

Models:

Ducati 900FE

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 300
Dates of Manufacture: N/A
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V154
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt will need to be replaced. This condition can cause increased braking effort.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt with a new modified nut and bolt.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began July 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford F150

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 202,000
Dates of Manufacture:November 1995 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98S18
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On these 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, if the vehicle is overloaded, the rear leaf springs can be over-stressed. A fatigue fracture of the spring can occur. The center leaf of the spring can fracture at the forward edge of the spring seat, and in some cases, contact the fuel tank. Fuel tank contact can damage the tank and result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear springs and install an additional clip on the forward end of the rear springs to prevent fuel tank contact in the event of a spring fracture. Any fractured springs will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin on Aug. 10, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Windstar

Years: 1998

Number Involved: N/A
Dates of Manufacture:N/A
NHTSA Recall No.: 98B22
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:This is not a safety defect in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. On these minivans sold during the months of December 1996, and January, February and May 1997, one or both of the two bolts that hold the front brake caliper anchor plate to the wheel spindle can loosen and fall out. If the upper bolt falls out, the caliper can pivot outward contacting the inside of the wheel rim resulting in wheel lockup.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the bolts on the front brake caliper anchor plate to the hub and spindle assembly.
Owner Notification: Owners can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet S10	Years: 1995-1996
Chevrolet C10	Years: 1994-1996
GMC S15	Years: 1995-1996
GMC C15	Years: 1994-1996
Oldsmobile Bravada	Years: 1994-1996

Number Involved: 1,500,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1994-May 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V150
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently. This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin in the fall of 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.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

GMC W3500	Years: 1998
GMC W4500	Years: 1998
Chevrolet W3500	Years: 1998
Chevrolet W4500	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 42
Dates of Manufacture: March - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V151002
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The intermediate steering shaft-to-steering gear attaching bolt was not tightened properly during assembly. This can cause steering noise, loose steering, and an uncentered steering wheel ultimately resulting in a loss of steering.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering shaft and retighten to the specified torque.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin July 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Saturn EV1

Years: 1997

Number Involved: 607
Dates of Manufacture: August 1996 - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V169
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On these electric vehicles, a transistor within the Brake Torque Control Module (BTCM), causes an electrical short to ground. This can cause a loss of front brake assist, increasing the brake pedal travel and the vehicle stopping distance. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic Brake System."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the BTCM.
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 Saturn at 1-888-EV-ASSIST (1-888-382-7747).

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Models:

Harley Davidson FLHS	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHT	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTC	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTCI	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTCU	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTCUI	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTP	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLHTPI	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLTC	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLTCUI	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLTR	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLTRI	Years: 1994-1998
Harley Davidson FLTCU	Years: 1994-1998

Number Involved: 55,013
Dates of Manufacture: April 1993 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V158
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: A loss of electrical power through the ignition switch can occur due to excessive current and other factors. This condition can cause the engine to fail to start, operate erratically, or stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch/circuit breaker and install a relay kit.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began July 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.

Isuzu Motors Limited

Models:

Isuzu NPR Truck

Years: 1998

Number Involved: 90
Dates of Manufacture: March - April 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V151001
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:The intermediate steering shaft-to-steering gear attaching bolt was not tightened properly during assembly. This can cause steering noise, loose steering, and an uncentered steering wheel ultimately resulting in a loss of steering.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering shaft and retighten to the specified torque.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin July 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Isuzu Motors Limited

Models:

Isuzu Rodeo	Years: 1998
Isuzu Amigo	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 38,637
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - February 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V170001
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal and eventually cause a stress fracture. If a terminal is fractured, the powertrain control module (PCM) can receive an erroneous signal indicating a high vehicle speed, thereby causing the PCM to cut the fuel, causing a `no-start' condition, or a possible engine stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 14, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

Models:

Mitsubishi Gallant

Years: 1990-1992

Number Involved: 5,760
Dates of Manufacture: N/A
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V168
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication. This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, the transfer case will be replaced. replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet bee determined. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Land Rover

Models:

Range Rover

Years: 1995-1998

Number Involved: 22,870
Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V149
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:Certain underhood hose and tubing components can fail allowing fluid to leak, such as engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and automatic transmission fluid. This leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace these components. Note that not all components will need to be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began July 8, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.

Tiara Motor Coach Division

Models:

Tiara Conversion Van

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 153
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V163
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:Conversion vans built on General Motors, Ford, and Dodge chassis and equipped with a removable power slide and reclining rear sofa. The rear sofa can become dislodged from the retaining clamps in the event of a vehicle crash. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 207, "Seating Systems."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the defective retaining clamps.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Tiara at 1-219-534-2999.

Tiara Motor Coach Division

Models:

Tiara Conversion Van

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 290
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V164
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:Conversion vans built on 127-inch wheel base Dodge chassis. The upper seat belt mounting structure for the mid-row seats is not capable of passing the requirements of FMVSS No. 207, "Seating Systems, " and No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." The seat occupant will not be adequately restrained in the event of a front impact, causing injuries to the seat's occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the defective brackets.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Tiara at 1-219-534-2999.

Tiara Motor Coach Division

Models:

Tiara Conversion Van

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 369
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V165
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:Conversion vans built on Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari chassis. The upper seat belt mounting brackets for the rear sofa are not capable of passing the requirements of FMVSS No. 207, "Seating Systems," and No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." The seat occupant will not be adequately restrained in the event of a front impact, possibly resulting in injuries to the seat's occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the defective brackets.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Tiara at 1-219-534-2999.

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models:

Toyota Camry

Years: 1994

Number Involved: 104,928
Dates of Manufacture: April 1993 - August 1994
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V155
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness. The nut can eventually come off allowing the steering wheel to separate from the steering shaft, loss of vehicle control, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will re-tighten the steering set nut.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who 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

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

All American

Years: 1991-1998

Number Involved: 1,896
Dates of Manufacture: September 1991 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V153
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Movement of the hand throttle cable in the accelerator bracket rubs a groove. The hand throttle cable can become wedged in this groove preventing the accelerator from returning to the idle position, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners will be contacted and advised to disconnect the hand throttle cable until replacement parts are available.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin July 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free modification kit within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

Micro Bird

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 722
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - July 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V176
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:The bolts retaining the fuel tank straps can loosen, allowing the fuel tank to dislodge. This condition could allow the fuel tank to slip, increasing the risk of the tank hitting the ground, resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners will be advised to replace the original bolts and nuts in the fuel tank retaining straps with new bolts and nuts that will be provided.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 27, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement nuts and bolts within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.

Fontaine Trailers

Models:

Fontaine Trailers

Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved: 50
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - January 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V159
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The king pin separates as soon as the trailer is attached, allowing the trailer to separate from the tow vehicle. If a trailer separates from the towing vehicle, a crash or property damage can occur.
Remedy:Dealers will replace the defective king pins.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fontaine at 1-732-651-7166.

Navistar International Transportation Corporation

Models:

Navistar 4800	Years: 1992-1995
Navistar 4900	Years: 1992-1995

Number Involved: 1,463
Dates of Manufacture: January - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98505
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: On these heavy duty 4x4 and 6x6 trucks equipped with Fabco 12,000-pound, front drive axles, the integral tie rod arm of these axles fractures from the spindle yoke. If this occurs, a failure of the tie rod arm could result in a loss of steering control to the right wheel.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a replacement kit which consists of 2 spindle yokes, a steering adjustment screw, and miscellaneous parts along with installation instructions.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin Sept. 22, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement kit within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.

Prevost Car Inc.

Models:

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

Number Involved: 1,784
Dates of Manufacture:May 1994 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V172
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:The alternator and battery cables were not properly installed. This condition can cause the nuts to loosen over a period of time, causing a short circuit and possible fire hazard.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, remove, and re-install the alternator and battery cables.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began July 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Prevost at 1-418-883-3391.

Spartan Motors, Inc.

Models:

Spartan IC2242	Years: 1998
Spartan MM2242 (Mountain Master)	Years: 1998

Number Involved: 522
Dates of Manufacture: April - November 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V174
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect:The fuel fill vent was not long enough when installed into the fuel tank to allow air to pass through the vent holes, creating a back splash of fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the present fuel fill vent with a longer stem which allows the proper amount of air flow.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during the fall of 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400.

EQUIPMENT

Fisher-Price

Models:

Safe Embrace, Model 79700

Number Involved: 54,500
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - March 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E019
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The harness adjuster, used to tighten and lock the harness belts around a child, can malfunction if a spring breaks or dislocates from the correct position. When the harness adjuster fails, it would not properly lock the shoulder belts in place. If this occurs, the child may not be adequately protected in a crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a revised restraint adjuster and installation instructions.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during the middle of August 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement harness adjuster within a reasonable time should contact Fisher-Price at 1-800-355-8882, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Air Bag Switch

Number Involved: 470
Dates of Manufacture: Prior to May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E020
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Aftermarket air bag control switch kits, Part Numbers F8DB - 14385, with the following suffixes: EA, FA, LA, MA, VA, and TA, can break if cycled frequently. These kits are specified for installation on Taurus, Sable, Windstar, Explorer, Mountaineer, Expedition, Navigator, and Ranger vehicles equipped with either driver or driver and front passenger air bags.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these switches with a revised switch.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.