NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF DECEMBER RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
February 5, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 03-99
February 5, 1999
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 December 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
DECEMBER 1998
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Daewoo Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Daewoo Lanos Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 1,050
Dates of Manufacture: March - May 1998
Defect: The steering wheel center bushing connecting the steering wheel hub to the steering column can slip, resulting in excessive free play and looseness of the steering, which can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing steering wheel with a revised version. Owner notification began Dec. 7, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Daewoo at 1-310-223-5900.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V305/Daewoo Recall No. RSB-001-98]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford F Super Duty Motor Home Chassis Year: 1999
Number Involved: 19,187
Dates of Manufacture: January- November 1998
Defect: The accelerator cable on the motor home chassis is susceptible to freezing. Water can accumulate in the end fitting and can freeze. The ice could prevent the accelerator from returning to idle. Increased stopping distance would be result increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable with a revised accelerator cable. Owner notification began Dec. 1, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V304/Ford Recall No. 98S33]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Expedition Year: 1999
Lincoln Navigator Year: 1999
Number Involved: 305
Dates of Manufacture: August 1998
Defect: The fuel line assemblies on these sport utility vehicles may have been damaged by the supplier during manufacturing, allowing leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, replace the front and rear fuel line assemblies. Owner notification began Jan. 3, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V312/Ford Recall No. 98S35]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Crown Victoria Years: 1990-1999
Lincoln Town Car Years: 1990-1999
Number Involved: 175,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1996 - December 1998
Defect: On certain police, fleet, natural gas, and limousine vehicles, the one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground. If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints. Owner notification began Jan. 18, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V322/Ford Recall No. 98S37]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Taurus Years: 1986-1995
Mercury Sable Years: 1986-1995
Lincoln Continental Years: 1988-1994
Number Involved: 2,697,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 1985 - June 1995
Defect: On vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin, the rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience stress corrosion cracking if subjected to long term exposure to road salt. This can result in fracture and loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corner of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop. If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts. Owner notification began January 18, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V323/Ford Recall No. 98S36]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Lumina Year: 1995
Buick Regal Year: 1995
Oldsmobile Cutlass Year: 1995
Pontiac Grand Prix Year: 1995
Number Involved: 111,470
Dates of Manufacture: November 1994 - January 1995
Defect: The center rear seat belt anchor plate exhibits stress cracks. In the event of a crash, the seat belt system can fracture, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the center rear seat belt system. Owner notification began during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V306/GM Recall No. 97023A]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Z Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 64,199
Dates of Manufacture: July 1995 - February 1997
Defect: These vehicles were produced or serviced with a horn assembly which could fail. The horn could either become inoperable or activate without the driver pressing the horn button. Under certain conditions, heat can build up within the assembly and an underhood fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the horn assembly. Owner notification began during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V307/ GM Recall No. 98C01]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1996-1997
Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 27,083
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - March 1997
Defect: One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break. If this were to occur while the vehicle is in motion, a loss of vehicle control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners. Owner notification was to begin during January 1999. 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.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V319/ Recall No. 98063]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Oldsmobile Alero Year: 1999
Pontiac Grand Am Year: 1999
Number Involved: 217
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998
Defect: The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut may have been improperly tightened. This condition can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary. Owner notification began during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V320/GM Recall No. 98075]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Tracker Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,158
Dates of Manufacture: November - December 1998
Defect: The coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft is cracked. This could allow the steering shaft to separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling. Owner notification began during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V324/GM Recall No. 98076]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales, Caribbean
Models: Mitsubishi Eclipse Years: 1990-1991
Mitsubishi 3000GT Year: 1991
Mitsubishi Truck Years: 1986-1991
Mitsubishi Montero Years: 1986-1991
Mitsubishi Starion Year: 1986
Mitsubishi Cordia Years: 1986-1988
Mitsubishi Galant Years: 1986-1991
Mitsubishi Sigma Years: 1988 & 1990
Mitsubishi Mirage Years: 1986-1991
Number Involved: 53,162
Defect: The front passenger seats of these vehicles are equipped with Takata front seat belt buckles that have seat belt release buttons made of ABS plastic material and marked "PRESS." The buttons can break, allowing pieces to fall into the buckle assembly. If pieces fall into the buckle assembly, the buckle may not operate properly and may fail to properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the front seat belt buckles. Owner notification was to begin during January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi Caribbean at 1-787-251-8716. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V311]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales, Caribbean
Models: Mitsubishi Expo Years: 1992-1993
Mitsubishi Mirage Year: 1993
Number Involved: 6,979
Dates of Manufacture: March 1991 - November 1992
Defect: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles sold in the Caribbean, excess lubrication causes the rubber door latch switch cover to deform and malfunction. The shoulder belt anchorage would then remain at the A-pillar when the door was closed. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door latch switch. Owner notification began December 21, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi Caribbean at 1-787-251-8716. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V316]
Mitsubishi Motor Sales, Caribbean
Models: Mitsubishi Mirage Year: 1993
Number Involved: 3,978
Dates of Manufacture: April 1992 - June 1993
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles sold in the Caribbean, the guide rail on the driver's side contains a covered cable and an angled belt guide at the top end of the webbing. This combination can lead, over time, to wear of the cable's chamber sufficient to allow the cable to drop out of the chamber so that the shoulder belt anchorage becomes stuck. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new replacement guide rail. Owner notification began Dec. 28, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi Caribbean at 1-787-251-8716. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V317]
Nissan Motors Corporation
Models: Infiniti Q45 Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 22,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - June 1998
Noncompliance: The ignition key on certain passenger vehicles 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 Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (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 if parked on a slope.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shift lock control unit. This recall supersedes previous Recall Campaign 98V-215. Owner notification is expected to begin Feb. 16, 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. 98V325]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycle Year: 1999
Number Involved: 266
Dates of Manufacture: May - September 1998
Defect: Certain fuel pump/filter hoses and the fuel tank return hoses can fail, resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel lines between the fuel filter and the fuel pump as well as the fuel return line. Owner notification began Nov. 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory Motorcycle at 1-612-417-8650.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V302]
Subaru of America, Inc.
Models: Subaru Impreza Years: 1994-1995
Legacy Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 95,693
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - July 1995
Defect: Inadvertent air bag deployment on certain passenger vehicles can occur after undercarriage contact of the tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, potholes, etc. Unexpected air bag deployment could result in personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the front tow hooks. Owner notification was to begin during January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V315]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Audi 90 Years: 1993-1995
Audi 100 Years: 1993-1995
Audi Cabriolet Years: 1993-1995
Number Involved: 37,200
Dates of Manufacture: January 1992 - July 1995
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with V6 engines, an internal seal of the fuel injector can malfunction, allowing fuel leakage in the engine compartment. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all fuel injectors. Owner notification is expected to begin during mid-February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V332/VWoA Recall No. KS]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES
Am-Tran Corporation
Models: AmTran Genesis Years: 1991-1997
AmTran RE Years: 1996-1997
Ward Volunteer Years: 1988-1990
AmTran Volunteer Years: 1991-1997
Ward Patriot Years: 1988-1990
AmTran Vanguard Years: 1988-1997
AmTran President Years: 1989-1990
Ward Senator Years: 1990-1992
Number Involved: 31,139
Dates of Manufacture: January 1991 - October 1996
Defect: On certain school buses, emergency door hinges consisting of steel pin fittings, lacking lubrication, can bind from rust or corrosion. This could cause difficulty in opening the doors in the event of an emergency.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a repair kit and installation instructions. The owners can contact an AmTran dealer for assistance if they so desire. Owner notification began Dec. 21, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free repair kit and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-843-5615.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V301/AmTran Recall No. 98-305]
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird TC1000 Year: 1998
Blue Bird TC2000 Year: 1998
Blue Bird Q-Bus Year: 1998
Number Involved: 2,740
Dates of Manufacture: February - November 1998
Defect: On certain transit forward and rear engine buses equipped with Cummins ISB and ISC engines, the wiring harness to the combustion air intake grid heater can chafe against the engine and wear through, causing an electrical short in the grid heater power supply. The short causes the fusible link to fail. When the fusible link fails, insulation on the fusible link can ignite, creating a fire risk in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners will be advised to replace the original grid heater power supply harness with fusible links with a new grid heater power supply harness equipped with fuses. In addition, a clamp will be added to support the harness away from the engine components. Owner notification began Dec. 17, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free harness within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V313/Blue Bird Recall No. R98CH]
Coachmen Industries, Inc.
Models: Coachmen Cruise Master Year: 1998
Coachmen Swinger Year: 1998
Number Involved: 100
Defect: On certain motor homes built with kitchen slide-outs, a flexible liquid propane (LP) gas line within the slide-out can leak under certain conditions, for example, when exposed to heat for prolonged periods of time from the stove. Leaking LP gas could result in a fire and explosion.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the flexible LP gas line with a copper line within the slide-out. Owner notification was to begin by early January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Coachmen at 1-219-825-5821.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V310]
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner Century Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 6,720
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - May 1997
Defect: The windshield wiper connecting linkage sockets on certain heavy duty trucks can wear out prematurely due to insufficient greasing during assembly. This can lead to separation of the linkage and loss of wiper function, impairing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the connecting linkages with new links that are properly lubricated. Owner notification was to begin Jan. 21, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V326/Freightliner Recall No. FL-228A]
Les Enterprises M. Corbeil
Models: Corbeil Minibus Years: 1990-1998
Number Involved: 1,545
Dates of Manufacture: November 1989 - November 1998
Noncompliance: This recall involves school buses built on Ford and General Motors chassis. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 217, "Bus Window Retention and Release." The rear door must provide an opening large enough to permit unobstructed passage in the event of a crash. The rear emergency door area is narrow, which could make evacuation of the vehicle more difficult.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat backs on the rear seats with straighter and thinner seat backs, allowing for full access to the rear emergency door. Owner notification was to begin Jan. 11, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Corbeil at 1-450-439-6852. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V330]
Newell Coach Corporation
Models: Newell Motor Home Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 60
Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - August 1998
Defect: This recall involves motor homes equipped with Dana suspensions. A machining operation was omitted from the suspension pivot arm, causing a restriction in the downward suspension travel. An interference can occur between the pivot arm and the upper wishbone. If left unattended, it can result in deformation and cracking of the upper wishbone casting.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the upper wishbones that have any signs of metal-to-metal contact. All pivot arms will need to be modified whether or not they show signs of metal contact. Owner notification was to begin Jan. 22, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Newell at 1-918-542-3344.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V314]
Thomas Built Buses, Incorporated
Models: Thomas Conventional Year: 1993
Thomas Vista Year: 1993
Number Involved: 500
Dates of Manufacture: June - November 1993
Noncompliance: This recall involves school buses built on a Navistar chassis. The cross view mirrors do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." A driver may not be able to see certain portions of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a repair kit and detailed instructions. If an owner so desires, Thomas Built dealers can perform the repair for them. Owner notification is expected to begin during January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free repair kit and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-910-889-4871.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V309]
EQUIPMENT
IMT Corporation
Models: IMT Brake Spider
Number Involved: 160
Defect: This recall involves 15-inch brake spiders that are part of the rear braking system on certain highway trailers and are also used on axles with 19.5-inch tires. These brake spiders can fracture or crack as a result of fatigue stress. This condition would impair the braking system on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners will be instructed to inspect these wheels, and replace them if necessary. Owner notification was to begin by early January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact IMT at 1-519-485-2210.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98E042]
Isringhausen
Models: Isringhausen Driver Seats, Models 6800338 and 6800348
Number Involved: 273
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - August 1998
Defect: This recall involves driver seats, Models 6800/338 and 6800/348, for on transit buses. The tether plates, which are attached to the rear of both the upper and lower frames of the suspension unit, contain a sharp edge which can cause premature wear of the nylon tethers. In the event of a crash, these seat belts may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a replacement kit which includes new tethers, tether plates, nuts, bolts, and a technical bulletin with detailed replacement instructions. Owner notification began Dec. 14, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement kit within a reasonable time should contact Isringhausen at 1-626-968-5333. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E041]
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, causing a loss of 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]
The listening session will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in rooms 6200-6204 of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, D.C. Written comments are also welcome; they should be submitted in two copies to Docket No. NHTSA-98-4956, Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590.