NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF NOVEMBER RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
December 18, 1998
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 84-98
December 18, 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 November 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
NOVEMBER 1998
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models: BMW Z3 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,000
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1998
Defect: The nut that secures the main positive cable to the positive battery terminal clamp was not tightened properly, allowing the cable over time to loosen. If this occurs, the cable could ultimately loosen to the point where electrical continuity could be interrupted. If this occurs while the engine was running, the engine could stop. Also, if the vehicle were being operated at night, the lighting system could shut off, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the nut to the proper specifications. Owner notification began in late-November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V275]
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models: BMW R1100 S Motorcycles Year: 1999
Number Involved: 700
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - October 1998
Defect: If the engine backfires during the starting process, it is possible that either the throttle body has loosened in its mount or disconnected from the mount. If this happens, the fuel line could be damaged or the line and injector could separate from each other, causing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel distribution unit with a revised design. In addition, the connection between the throttle body and the air inlet tube will be secured with two screws to prevent damage to the hose or injector should a backfire occur. Owner notification is expected to begin during late December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V294]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 1999
Number Involved: 13,000
Dates of Manufacture: July - September 1998
Defect: The rear outboard seat belt retractor spring can disengage from the rewind mechanism, disabling the retractor function and preventing the belt from fitting snugly around the occupant. In the event of a crash, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these retractors. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V276/Chrysler Recall No. 809]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Probe Year: 1997
Number Involved: 5,700
Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - June 1997
Defect: An external spring in the timing belt tensioner can break, get caught in the timing belt, and result in engine stalling.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tensioner and replace it if necessary. Owner notification began in November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V206002/Ford Recall No. 98S30]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Taurus Year: 1999
Mercury Sable Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,800
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1998
Defect: On vehicles equipped with the "California" emissions package, marketed in California, and certain northeastern states, an incorrect transmission oil cooler line was installed. The line contacts the anti-lock braking system module support bracket and, over time, can wear and develop a leak. Transmission fluid can then leak onto the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install the appropriate transmission oil cooler line. Owner notification is expected to begin Dec. 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. 98V288/Ford Recall No. 98S31]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Expedition Year: 1999
Lincoln Navigator Year: 1999
Number Involved: 4,000
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1998
Defect: These sport utility vehicles may have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm. If so, increased brake stopping distances can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary. Owner notification began Nov. 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V296/Ford Recall No. 98S32]
Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
Models: Gulf Toyota Camry Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota 4Runner Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota Corolla Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota Tacoma Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota T100 Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota Sienna Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 7,794
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 1998
Defect: Sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with wheel lug nuts, Part No. 1207, supplied by Prime Wheel Corporation and distributed by Gulf States Toyota, Inc., in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. The lug nuts are defective, causing loss of the lug nut torque, fatigue fracture of the wheel, and possible loss of the wheel. This condition can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all the wheel lug nuts and also perform a complimentary wheel rotation when the repair is done. Owner notification began in November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Gulf States Toyota Distributor at 1-800-444-1074.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V277]
Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
Models: Gulf Toyota Camry Years: 1998-1999
Gulf Toyota RAV 4 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 1,519
Dates of Manufacture: July - October 1998
Defect: Sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with an Audiovox Securikey+ Security System and Securikey+ Security System with remote starter system and distributed by Gulf States Toyota, Inc., in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. Certain security system wiring harnesses can malfunction causing an electrical failure. This condition can cause the engine to run poorly and stall. Also, the vehicle's electrical components, such as the dash warning lights and HVAC fan speed controls, can intermittently fail.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the Securikey+ wiring harness and, if necessary, replace the harness. Owner notification began in November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Gulf States Toyota Distributor at 1-800-444-1074. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V279]
Nissan Motors Corporation
Models: Infiniti Q45 Years: 1991-1992
Number Involved: 28,970
Dates of Manufacture: June 1990 - June 1992
Defect: This recall involves passenger vehicles equipped with Bose rear speakers with an integral amplifier. A conductive bridge can form between two lines of the circuit board pattern when there is electrolyte leaked from a capacitor and high humidity conditions. This can close a transistor on the circuit board and result in overheating. This condition can result in smoke or flame and possibly the rear speakers catching fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit board with a new board that has been coated. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 1999. 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. 98V284]
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki GSX-R750W Year: 1998
Suzuki TL1000RW Year: 1998
Number Involved: 6,087
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - April 1998
Defect: The hose connecting the fuel pump to the fuel filter on these motorcycles can come off, causing a leak of fuel pressure to the fuel injection systems. This can prevent the motorcycle from starting or can cause the engine to stall. Engine stalling while riding can reduce the driver's ability to control the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original rubber fuel hose with a combination metal and rubber fuel hose set to eliminate the possibility of a fuel hose disconnecting from the fuel pump. Owner notification began Nov. 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-255-2550.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V287/Suzuki Recall No. 2035/2036]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: VW Corrado Years: 1992-1994
Number Involved: 6,217
Dates of Manufacture: August 1991 - June 1994
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with VR6 engines, a coolant system component such as the thermo switch, radiator fan, or water pump, can malfunction causing the coolant temperature and coolant system pressure to increase significantly. Over time, excessive pressure can cause leakage of coolant from the system, including leakage from the heat exchanger. Leakage of hot coolant from the heat exchanger can cause injury to the feet of the driver or steam up the interior of the vehicle, temporarily impairing the driver's vision.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a functional check of the cooling system and also install a pressure valve which will result in reduced coolant pressure in the heat exchanger. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V295/VWoA Recall No. UE]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner FLN Year: 1998
Number Involved: 441
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1998
Noncompliance: The door hinge fasteners on certain heavy duty trucks contain a defect which could cause a failure to comply with the loading requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." In the event of a crash, the door hinge may not perform as required by the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door hinge fasteners. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V280/Freightliner Recall No. FL-226]
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner FLN106 Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 348
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - September 1998
Noncompliance: This recall involves heavy duty trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and an optional shift selector with a park brake position. These vehicles do not comply with the emergency brake system requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake System." If the secondary air system is drained, the spring brakes will apply and the ability to apply, release, and modulate the service brakes will be lost. Increased braking effort will be required, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the brake system on these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V281/Freightliner Recall No. FL-227A]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models: Navistar 3400 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 3800 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 4700 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 16,231
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - August 1998
Defect: The recall involves heavy duty trucks equipped with T444E diesel engines. The high pressure oil line for the fuel injection system, which goes from the high pressure oil pump to the right cylinder head, can chafe against the air cooler crossover pipe. If this condition occurs, the hose will fail, resulting in a sudden loss of oil, causing the engine to have a sudden loss of power.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the hoses and if the hose is not damaged, a plastic convoluted shield will be placed over the current hose. If the hose is damaged, it will be replaced along with the convoluted hose. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V289/Navistar Recall No. 98507]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models: Navistar 9100 Years: 1997-1999
Navistar 9200 Years: 1997-1999
Navistar 9300 Years: 1997-1999
Navistar 9400 Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 5,487
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - September 1998
Defect: The recall involves heavy duty trucks equipped with the Spicer SPL170 55mm center bearing package. The end yoke retaining nut can loosen causing the drive line to vibrate and separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the 55mm center bearing package and coupler shaft, and replace it with a new coupler shaft and a 60mm center bearing package. An interim remedy can be implemented by placing a spot weld on the coupling shaft threads until parts are available. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V290/Navistar Recall No. 98508]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models: Navistar 3400 Years: 1997-1998
Navistar 3600 Years: 1997-1998
Navistar 3800 Years: 1997-1998
Navistar 4700 Years: 1997-1998
Navistar RE Years: 1997-1998
Navistar 1652 Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 22,032
Dates of Manufacture: January - November 1997
Defect: The recall involves heavy duty trucks equipped with T444E diesel engines. A fuel leak can occur because of over-crimping of the hose end fittings on the hose from the regulator to the left head and the hose from the fuel transfer pump to the regulator. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the oil hose and place an additional convoluted loom around the existing oil hose or replace the hose assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V291/Navistar Recall No. 98509]
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Models: Spartan K2 Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 203
Dates of Manufacture: August 1996 - August 1998
Defect: On certain motor homes, the parking brake capacity is insufficient to hold the vehicle while parked on an incline. The vehicle could roll while parked, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will increase the brake slack adjuster length and install brake shoes with different lining material. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-800-722-3025. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V285/Spartan Recall No. SPEC 98003]
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Models: Volvo ACL Years: 1997-1998
Volvo VN Years: 1997-1998
Volvo WG Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 25
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - October 1998
Defect: This recall involves heavy duty trucks equipped with a FAL 8.0 front steer axle. The upper steering arm can fail without warning. This condition can result in the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the upper steering arm and replace it, if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during late December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V297/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVXX9899]
EQUIPMENT
Advanced Fuel Components, Incorporated
Models: AFC 211
AFC 211A
Number Involved: 4,200
Dates of Manufacture: November 1992 - November 1996
Defect: On the compressed natural gas (CNG) valves used on transit buses, valve seat deterioration can occur resulting in gas leakage. CNG leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these valves. Owner notification began Nov. 19, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AFC at 1-616-781-1111. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E040/AFC Recall No. 98-001]
Aluminum Company of America
Models: Alcoa LTS
Alcoa Classic
Number Involved: 88,394
Dates of Manufacture: September 1993 - June 1996
Defect: The recall involves aftermarket aluminum light truck wheels, 16-inch x 6-inch, used with dual rear wheel axle applications. Fatigue cracks can occur at multiple locations in the outboard bead seat area, allowing air to slowly leak out of the tire. If the user ignores the problem, the cracks could continue around the circumference of the wheel, causing the face of the wheel to separate from the remaining part of the wheel. This condition could result in the tire separating from the wheel, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subject wheels. Owner notification began Nov. 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement truck wheels within a reasonable time should contact Alcoa at 1-888-999-6310. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E039]
TIRES
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Models: Trendsetter SE P225/70R15
Mastercraft P225/70R15
Hercules P225/70R15
Number Involved: 1,683
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1998
Defect: This recall involves Cooper Trendsetter SE, Serial Numbers 3DUUC2J358 and 3DUUC2J368 (Aug. 30 through Sept. 12, 1998), Mastercraft A/S IV, Serial Numbers 3DUUFFU338, 3DUUFFU348, and 3DUUFFU358 (Aug. 16 through Sept. 5, 1998), and Hercules MRX Plus IV, Serial Numbers 3DUUHNM338 (manufactured Aug. 16 through Aug. 22, 1998) tubeless radial standard load tires These tires may not have adequate rubber coverage of the belt edge due to low tread gauge under the shoulder slots. If separation is not detected, continued use can cause the ply cords to break and the tubeless liner to tear losing the inflating air.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these tires and replace, mount, and balance the new tires at no charge. Owner notification began Nov. 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement tires within a reasonable time should contact Cooper at 1-800-854-6288.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98T004/Cooper Recall No. 105]
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