NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF SEPTEMBER RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
November 20, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 76-98
November 20, 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 September 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.
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
SEPTEMBER 1998
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda Accord Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 967,771
Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - May 1997
Defect: On certain sedan, coupe and wagon model vehicles (not including the DX model and models with V6 engines), the factory installed air-conditioner wire harness was improperly routed, allowing some wires to rub against each other, which eventually can cause a short circuit. The short circuit can cause the underhood wiring to overheat and smoke, and possibly lead to a fire in the engine compartment. A short circuit could also result in a blown fuse or dead battery
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to assure proper routing of these wires. Any harness improperly routed will be inspected for damage and the routing will be corrected. If any insulation is worn through and the copper wires are exposed, the harness will be replaced. Dealers will also install plastic tubing to protect the harness. Owner notification began Oct. 8, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. [NHTSA Recall No.98V231]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Truck Year: 1998
Number Involved: 25,014
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - April 1998
Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with 5.9-liter, 24-valve diesel engines, the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube located in the engine compartment between the filter and the high pressure pump can fracture. This condition can allow fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure diesel fuel supply tube. Owner notification began Sept. 14, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V207/Chrysler Recall No. 788]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Truck Year: 1998
Dodge Dakota Truck Year: 1998
Number Involved: 12,400
Dates of Manufacture: March - June 1998
Defect: These trucks may have been built with bolts that were not properly hardened. The bolts were used to attach the cab and the core support to the frame. This condition can allow the cab to separate from the frame, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these bolts with properly hardened bolts. Owner notification began Sept. 21, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V208/Chrysler Recall No. 798]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Truck Year: 1998
Number Involved: 30,000
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - May 1998
Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with 5.9-liter, 24-valve diesel engines, an intermittent high engine idle condition can occur due to a malfunction of the vehicle speed sensor. This creates a signal which is misinterpreted by the engine control software, causing a high idle speed condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine controller software to correct erroneous speed sensor signals. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V209/Chrysler Recall No. 799]
Ferrari North America
Models: Ferrari F355 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 81
Dates of Manufacture: March - May 1998
Defect: Fuel tank damage could have occurred from screws used to install the soft top mechanism covers. This condition can cause fuel leakage from the fuel tank, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for leaks. If leaks are found, the fuel tank will be replaced. Dealers will also inspect the soft top mechanism cover screws to verify proper length. If the screws are found to be the wrong length, correct length screws will be installed. Owner notification began Sept. 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651. [NHTSA Recall No.98V223]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Ranger Truck Year: 1999
Number Involved: 330
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1998
Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with 3.0-liter engines, an 'O-ring' seal in the fuel injection system could be damaged, allowing fuel leakage. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pulse damper, which is a component of the fuel injection system. Owner notification began Sept. 21, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V201/Ford Recall No. 98S24]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Taurus Year: 1999
Mercury Sable Year: 1999
Number Involved: 6,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1998
Defect: A dash insulator retainer clip was not fully assembled to the accelerator cable dash fitting. The clip can disengage from the accelerator cable and fall into the accelerator pedal arm pivot area. If this condition occurs, the engine may not fully return to idle. Also, the insulator may not stay in the intended location and could interfere with the accelerator cable.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles to ensure proper installation of the accelerator cable clip, and re-install if needed. Owner notification began Sept. 21, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V204/Ford Recall No. 98S25]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Contour Years: 1995-1998
Mercury Mystique Years: 1995-1998
Number Involved: 175,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1994 - January 1998
Defect: The floor shift automatic transmission control can be damaged if subjected to certain interior cleaning products. The gear position indicator can deteriorate and not correctly indicate the actual gear position. This condition can result in incorrect gear selection.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission floor shift control. Owner notification was to begin Oct. 31, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No.98V233/Ford Recall No. 98S26]
General Motors Corporation
Models: GMC Envoy Year: 1998
Number Involved: 3,116
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - April 1998
Noncompliance: The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) were built with a candela value greater than 2,600, were located less than 100mm from the turn signals and hazard warning lamps, and are not deactivated when the turn signal or hazard warning lamps are activated. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." This condition would make if difficult for drivers of oncoming vehicles to see the turn signal, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new body control module and reprogram the vehicle with a new calibration that will turn the DRL off when the turn signal or hazard warning flasher is activated. Owner notification is expected to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V097001/GM Recall No. 98056]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Geo Metro Year: 1997
Number Involved: 32,903
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - March 1997
Defect: On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle, the shift lever appears to be in "Park," but can easily be moved from the "Park" position without the use of the key, transaxle lever detent button, or depressing the brake. If the shift lever were to come out of "Park" while the vehicle is parked on a sloping surface, the vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly. Until the vehicle is serviced, owners are advised that, when shifting to "Park," they should always apply the parking brake before releasing the service brake. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet/Geo at 1-800-222-1020. [NHTSA Recall No.98V225/GM Recall No. 98052]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet C10706 Truck Year: 1998
Chevrolet C10753 Truck Year: 1998
GMC C10706 Truck Year: 1998
GMC C10753 Truck Year: 1998
Number Involved: 13,684
Dates of Manufacture: April - December 1997
Defect: On certain extended cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility vehicles, the rear brake line can contact the left front fender wheelhouse inner panel just above the chassis frame. A hole could be worn in the brake line, allowing a loss of brake fluid. Rear brake effectiveness could be reduced, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the brake line positioning clip, inspect the brake line for wear and, if necessary, replace the brake line. Owner notification was to begin during October 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.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V226/GM Recall No. 98049]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet B7 School Bus Years: 1997-1998
GMC B7 School Bus Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 3,969
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - April 1998
Defect: On some of these school buses equipped with power steering, an incorrect intermediate steering shaft was installed. The overlap in the slip joint is insufficient, which allows the steering shaft to separate. This can lead to loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering shaft and, if necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft. Owner notification began Sept. 2, 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. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V237/GM Recall No. 98050]
Kia Motors America, Inc.
Models: Kia Sportage Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 22,106
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - May 1998
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles built without an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the steering intermediate shaft coupling can contact a hydraulic brake line, causing fluid leakage. This condition can cause a loss of rear brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, increase the clearance between the brake line and steering intermediate shaft coupling. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4KIA (1-800-333-4542). [NHTSA Recall No.98V222]
Mazda North America, Inc.
Models: Mazda 626 Year: 1997
Mazda MX6 Year: 1997
Number Involved: 40,000
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - June 1997
Defect: An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break and get caught in the timing belt, resulting in possible engine stalling.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V206/Mazda Recall No. 76810]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
Models: Mitsubishi Montero Years: 1994-1998
Number Involved: 36,000
Defect: The accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats. In the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may be at risk of ejection or enhanced injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. A rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching. 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 Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
[NHTSA Recall No.98V205]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
Models: Mitsubishi Galant Years: 1994-1995
Number Involved: 17,079
Dates of Manufacture: July 1993 - December 1994
Defect: When the stop lamp switch was assembled, grease was inadvertently applied to the contact point, causing the contact point to heat up and allowing internal operation elements to melt. The switch will stick in the ON or OFF position, causing the anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light to come on.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay and replace the brake lamp switch. 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 Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037. [NHTSA Recall No.98V212]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc.
Models: Mitsubishi Montero Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 61,800
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - May 1998
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the front brake lines can develop pin holes due to chaffing against the edge of the pass-through hole in the inner fender. Brake fluid can leak, resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake lines for signs of wear and proper routing. If the lines are not correctly centered in the pass-through hole, the lines will be repositioned by slightly bending them. If there is evidence of brake line wear, the brake line will be replaced. 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 Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V220]
Mitsubishi Caribbean
Models: Mitsubishi Navita Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 6,609
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - May 1998
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles located in the Caribbean, the front brake lines can develop pin holes due to chaffing against the edge of the pass-through hole in the inner fender. Brake fluid can leak, resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake lines for signs of wear and proper routing. If the lines are not correctly centered in the pass-through hole, the lines will be repositioned by slightly bending them. If there is evidence of brake line wear, the brake line will be replaced. 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 Mitsubishi at 1-787-251-8715.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V220.001]
Nissan Motor Corporation
Models: Infiniti Q45 Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 17,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - September 1997
Noncompliance: The ignition key can be removed when the engine is turned off without placing the transmission shift lever in the "Park" position. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection." If this occurred and the driver failed to move the shift lever to "Park" or engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll away.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shift lock control unit. Owner notification was to begin Nov. 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 (1-800-NISSAN1). [NHTSA Recall No. 98V215]
Nissan Motor Corporation
Models: Nissan Pickup Truck Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 100,032
Dates of Manufacture: March 1995 - November 1995
Defect: A rear lamp will not illuminate because the metal barrel in the light bulb socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing due to inadequate heat resistance of the plastic at the lamp operating temperature. The stop/tail combination lamp or the turn signal lamp will not function.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the bulb sockets in the rear combination lamp. Owner notification is expected to begin Nov. 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).
NHTSA Recall No. 98V234]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycles Year: 1999
Number Involved: 61
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1998
Defect: The fuel level sending unit on these motorcycles was incorrectly manufactured and can leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit. Owner notification began Sept. 15, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-542-0500. NHTSA Recall No. 98V216/Polaris Recall No. 98-1]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycles Year: 1999
Number Involved: 61
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1998
Defect: The fuel filter was incorrectly manufactured and can leak. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter. Owner notification began Sept. 15, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-542-0500. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V217/Polaris Recall No. 98-1]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycles Year: 1999
Number Involved: 61
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1998
Defect: The tail light bulbs on these motorcycles can burn out prematurely due to the tail light bulb vibrating in the light socket. This condition can cause a visibility problem for the driver and following vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will firm up the tail light bulb fitting and the electrical socket to prevent the bulb from vibrating. Owner notification began Sept. 15, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-542-0500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V218/Polaris Recall No. 98-1]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycles Year: 1999
Number Involved: 52
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1998
Defect: The fuel hose clamps do not properly seal the hose to the plastic coupler and the fuel pump, allowing fuel leakage. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel leakage can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel hose clamps. Owner notification began Sept. 15, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-542-0500. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V219/Polaris Recall No. 98-1]
Yamaha Motor Corporation
Models: Yamaha YZF-R1K Year: 1998
Yamaha YZF-R1KC Year: 1998
Number Involved: 1,770
Dates of Manufacture:
Defect: The primary drive gear backing plate (clutch basket) can break causing the engine components to lock up. This condition can lead to rear wheel lock up, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new primary drive gear and related parts. Owner notification began Oct. 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V236]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Carpenter Manufacturing
Models: Carpenter Classic Years: 1996-1997
Carpenter Cadet Years: 1996-1997
Carpenter Counselor Years: 1996-1997
Carpenter Classmate Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 5,776
Dates of Manufacture:
Defect: The back panels of the passenger seats on these school buses were not adequately welded. In the event of a vehicle crash, the seat occupant may not be properly protected and personal injury could occur.
Remedy: Carpenter will provide owners with detailed inspection instructions and provide them with the necessary parts to repair these seats. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Carpenter at 1-765-965-4000. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V238]
Damon Corporation
Models: Damon Daybreak Years: 1997-1998
Damon Challenger Years: 1997-1998
Damon Ultrasport Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 101
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1997
Defect: On these Class A and Class C motor homes, the hardware used to secure the liquid propane (LP) tank was not properly tightened. If the LP tank is not secured, the tank could fall to the ground while the motor home is being driven, increasing the risk of an explosion or vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the motor homes to verify that the proper hardware is being used and that all nuts are tightened properly. Owner notification began Sept. 17, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Damon at 1-800-860-3812. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V213/Damon Recall No. DPB98-060]
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models: Fleetwood Vision Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 107
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 1998
Defect: On these Class A motor homes, the intermediate drive shaft can fall to the ground. This creates a potential loss of vehicle control and/or a road obstruction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the intermediate drive shaft with one of a new design. Owner notification began Sept. 17, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V211/Fleetwood Recall No. 80901]
Grumman Corporation
Models: Grumman Van Year: 1998
Number Involved: 22
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - August 1998
Defect: On these truck bodies installed on the Navistar 1652C chassis and equipped with automatic transmissions, the parking brake was routed so that it can contact the left front tire. This contact can cause the protective sheath to be worn away, potentially causing failure of the cable. This condition can disable the parking brake.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the cable out of the area of the front tire and replace any cables worn by the tire. Owner notification began Oct. 1, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Grumman at 1-616-659-0327.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V214]
Holiday Rambler Corporation
Models: Holiday Rambler Imperial Years: 1997-1998
Monaco Diplomat Years: 1998
Number Involved: 398
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - May 1997
Defect: On these motor homes built on a Roadmaster chassis, inadequate bracing was used to secure the fuel tank. The brake could fail allowing one end of the fuel tank to loosen from its position and hang lower than the other end. The fuel tank could eventually separate from the vehicle and drop to the ground, increasing the risk of personal injury or a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional brace under the fuel tank. Owner notification began Aug. 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Monaco at 1-800-685-6545. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V232]
Jayco, Inc.
Models: Jayco Heritage Year: 1998
Number Involved: 993
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - March 1998
Defect: On these travel trailers, inadequate strength of the bed brace allows the bed to collapse under pressure. Failure of the bed brace to support the bed when occupied can lead to possible personal injury of the bed occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear bed braces. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-219-825-5861. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V227/Jayco Recall No. RR20A44E]
Keystone RV Company
Models: Keystone Springdale Year: 1998
Number Involved: 451
Dates of Manufacture:
Defect: On these travel trailers, electrical wires were improperly installed and can be pinched between the water tank support cross member and the furnace plenum. This condition can cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the electrical wiring and reroute the wires if necessary. Owner notification began Sept. 18, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Keystone at 1-219-534-7818. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V224]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models: Navistar 3800 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 4700 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 4900 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 1,809
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - July 1998
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with a 1710 drive line and a 12 x 4 hydraulic parking brake, the brake drum or transmission yoke may not have been fully seated when the eight bolts were installed connecting the 3-piece joint. These bolts can loosen, eventually working out or shearing, resulting in drum and drive shaft separation that can cause loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque of these bolts and re-torque to specification. Owner notification began Oct. 9, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V228/Navistar Recall No. 98506]
Orion Bus Industries, Inc.
Models: Orion V Years: 1997-1998
Orion VI Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 723
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - September 1998
Defect: The wheel chair barriers on these buses are attached to the floor with a bolt threaded into the floor structure. In the case of a frontal crash with the wheel chair position occupied, the bolt threads could strip, allowing movement of the barrier. This condition could allow movement of the wheel chair, which could cause personal injury or death to the occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing wheel chair barrier leg mounting bolts with new bolts, nuts and washers. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Orion at 1-905-403-12111.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V210/Orion Recall No. OBI-9807]
Sundowner Trailers
Models: Sundowner Sportman Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner Charter Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner C500 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner C550 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner C575 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner ValueSport Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner St. Load Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner S600 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner S625 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner S650 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner Performer Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner Showman Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner Rancher Sport Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner Executive Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner 710 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner 715 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner 720 Years: 1989-1998
Sundowner 725 Years: 1989-1998
Number Involved: 10,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1989 - July 1998
Noncompliance: The tire sizes were improperly entered on the certification label on certain steel, aluminum and ValueLite horse trailers. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars," and 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." If complete tire information is not available, under rated tires could be placed on the trailer, causing excessive tire wear or, in extreme cases, possible tire blowouts.
Remedy: New certification labels will be mailed to owners of these trailers. If an owner desires, Sundowner will install the label for them. Owner notification began Sept. 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the corrected certification label with a reasonable time should contact Sundowner at 1-580-937-4256. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V203]
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models: Thomas Conventional Years: 1996-1998
Thomas Vista Years: 1996-1998
Thomas MVP Years: 1996-1998
Thomas TL960 Years: 1996-1998
Thomas CL960 Years: 1996-1998
Thomas ER-Transit Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 4,300
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - April 1998
Defect: On school and transit buses equipped with National Seating Series 93B-SB driver's seats, a bracket attaching to the height adjusting shock absorber on this seat can deform and break. This condition can result in a sudden drop of the driver's seat, increasing the risk of loss of control of the vehicle and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a reinforcement to the bracket, or if the bracket is deformed and/or broken, the entire seat base will be replaced. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-841-5991. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V229]
EQUIPMENT
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.
Models: Harley-Davidson Part 52805-97
Harley-Davidson Part 52933-97
Number Involved: 1,737
Dates of Manufacture: March 1997 - August 1998
Defect: Detachable back rests which are an accessory item installed on certain 1994 through 1999 model motorcycles can become detached from its front mounts. This can cause the passenger to shift his/her position, possibly resulting in personal injury, and can impede the driver's ability to control the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the mounts on these back rests. Owner notification was to begin during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98E029/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 092]
Hollywood Engineering, Inc.
Models: Hollywood HR300
Hollywood HR310
Hollywood HR320
Hollywood HR400
Hollywood HR410
Hollywood HR420
Hollywood HR520
Number Involved: 300
Dates of Manufacture: March - April 1998
Defect: The hitch racks on these bicycle racks were welded without support gussets, allowing them to crack, sag or fall off the vehicle. If the rack falls off the vehicle, damage to following vehicles could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: These racks will be exchanged for new racks. Owners who own these bicycle racks should contact Hollywood at 1-800-747-4085, to have them exchanged for properly manufactured racks. Distributor notification began July 13, 1998. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E026]
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