NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JANUARY RECALLS |
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NHTSA
March 15, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 11-99
March 15, 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 January 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 JANUARY 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
BMW
Models:
BMW 540i Year: 1999
BMW 540iAT Year: 1999
BMW 540iA Year: 1999
BMW 740iA Year: 1999
BMW 740iLA Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,100
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1998
Defect: The thickness of the main positive electrical cable (generator to starter) insulation is less than specified, making it susceptible to being abraded or cut by the clip that secures the cable to the generator. The cable insulation can be worn away, exposing the wire. The wire could contact the clip or a short circuit could occur. If the vehicle were parked with the engine off, the engine may not restart. If the engine were running and the short occurred, the generator would not charge the battery, affecting the operation of the engine and electrical systems.
Remedy: Dealers will apply a thickness of insulating tape to the cable in the area of the clip, and install a revised clip. Owner notification was to begin during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-0117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V004]
BMW
Models: BMW 540i Year: 1999
BMW 540iAT Year: 1999
BMW 740iA Year: 1999
BMW 740iLA Year: 1999
Number Involved: 250
Dates of Manufacture: September - October 1998
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 5HP24 automatic transmission, premature wear of the ring gear can occur, leading to the loss of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and reverse gears. If this problem occurs, the car may no longer operate in reverse, lst, 2nd, or 3rd gears.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission. Owner notification is expected to begin during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-0117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V005]
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge NeonYear: 1998
Plymouth NeonYear: 1998
Number Involved: 3,600
Dates of Manufacture: May 1998
Defect: The rear suspension crossmember may be missing spot welds. This can result in structural cracks in the body, and reduced crash protection in a rear impact.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for any missing welds, and will have structural rivets installed in place of the missing welds. Owner notification began Feb. 2, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V001/Chrysler Recall No. 796]
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge Ram Van Year: 1998
Number Involved: 30,400 Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - June 1998
Defect: On certain vans and vans used for conversion, if a heavy object strikes the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (AECM) located under the driver's seat, the module could inadvertently deploy the air bags. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the AECM with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles. Owner notification began Feb. 15, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V002/Chrysler Recall No. 816]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet Astro Years: 1996-1998
GMC Safari Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 2,090
Dates of Manufacture: May 1996 - September 1997
Defect: This recall involves minivans equipped with integrated child seats. Some of these vehicles may be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. If the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. If the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint would continually play out and not lock. These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat. Owner notification began Jan. 21, 1999. 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. 99V009/GM Recall No. 98071]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson FLHT Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHTC Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHTCUI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHTCI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHTPI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLTR Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLTRI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHR Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHPI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHP Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLHRCI Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDL Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDWG Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDS CONV Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXD Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDX Year: 1999
Number Involved: 14,211
Dates of Manufacture: February 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the engine cam bolt can lose its clamp load or break. This can cause the engine to quit running with or without warning. In some instances, the engine could run erratically before quitting.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine cam bolts and washers. Owner notification began Jan. 27, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V003/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 095]
Land Rover North America, Inc.
Models:
Range Rover Years: 1995-1999
Number Involved: 26,250
Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - August 1998
Defect: This recall involves certain sport utility vehicles. As a result of water entry, subsequent freezing, and ice blockage, the transmission breather tube can become clogged and expel transmission fluid from the dipstick onto hot engine components. In the presence of an ignition source, this leakage can result in an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the transmission breather tube from the inner fender and a section of the hose will be cut at an angle. This action will remove the end of the breather tube from any pooled water and will prevent water droplets from clinging to the end of the tube. Owner notification began Jan. 11, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V007/Land Rover Recall No. D352]
Toyota Motor Company
Models:
Lexus RX300 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 23,441
Dates of Manufacture: January - July 1998
Defect: The headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light when the headlight switch is placed in the "AUTO" position. Vehicles following behind may not see the vehicle, since no headlights and taillights would be illuminated, increasing the risk of a crash. The daytime running lights, operating off the high beams at reduced intensity, are unaffected and remain illuminated.
Remedy: Dealers will install a modified body Electronic Control Unit. Owner notification was to begin during mid-February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lexus at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V011]
Toyota Motor Company
Models:
Lexus RX300 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 6,503
Dates of Manufacture: January - December 1998
Defect: This recall involves certain passenger vehicles equipped with the optional traction control system. On the rear brake tube distribution, if one of the dual brake lines fails and the driver applies the brake, the vehicle will feel unstable compared to vehicles with proper rear brake tube distribution. This condition can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install modified brake tubes. Owner notification was to begin during mid-February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lexus at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V012]
Triumph Motorcycles
Models:
Triumph Adventurer Year: 1999
Number Involved: 212
Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles equipped with 19-inch front wheels, the inner tube can be deformed during installation into the wheel and tire assembly. This deformation can result in perforation of the tube and loss of air pressure. This condition could cause loss of control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front wheel on these motorcycles. Owner notification was to begin during mid-February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Triumph at 1-770-631-9500.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V016]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models:
Blue Bird Conventional Years: 1993-1999
Number Involved: 15
Dates of Manufacture: June 1993 - January 1999
Noncompliance: On certain school buses mounted on Navistar chassis, the standard cross view mirror assemblies installed do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors." The school bus driver may not be able to see certain portions in front of the bus, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury to persons near the bus.
Remedy: Blue Bird will furnish parts and instructions necessary to modify the cross view mirror assemblies to distributors and owners. Owner notification was to begin in February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and instructions within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V017/Blue Bird Recall No. R99CM]
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
Fleetwood Bounder Year: 1998
Number Involved: 95
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 1998
Defect: On certain Class A motor homes, when fully equipped and loaded with typical cargo, an overload condition can occur on the rear axle. This could cause the rear axle components to fail prematurely resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle with a new higher capacity rear axle. Owner notification was begin in February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V013/Fleetwood Recall No. 90108]
Mack Trucks, Incorporated
Models:
Mack CL Year: 1998
Mack RD Year: 1998
Mack RB Year: 1998
Mack DM Year: 1998
Mack MR Year: 1998
Mack LE Year: 1998
Number Involved: 7,065
Dates of Manufacture: March - October 1998
Defect: This recall involves Class 8 heavy duty truck chassis equipped with Mack 16,000-pound, 18,000-pound, or 20,000-pound steering axles. The inner wheel bearing cone for the steering axle wheel hub assembly does not properly fit onto the Mack steering axle spindle assembly. Improper fit of the bearing to the spindle increases the stress levels to the steering axle spindle which could cause spindle failure. If the spindle fails, the driver can lose control of the steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the left and right hub/drum assemblies from the steering axles and replace the inner wheel bearing cones and cups. Owner notification was to begin during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mack at 1-610-709-3011.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V014/Mack Recall No. SC0257]
Spartan Motors, Incorporated
Models:
Spartan SB2142 Years: 1995-1998<
Number Involved: 542
Dates of Manufacture: May 1995 - July 1998
Defect: This recall involves front engine, spring suspension school buses. Due to frame flexing, both the front spring hanger and steering box mounting bolts can loosen, allowing subsequent fracture or torque loss of these bolts. This would allow the front axle to move, affecting directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will add three structural, welded cross members to tie together the right and left frame rails, all located forward of the front axle. Owner notification was to begin during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-800-722-3025.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V008/Spartan Recall No. SPEC 98060]
Spartan Motors, Incorporated
Models:
Spartan Charger Years: 1987-1996
Spartan Advantage Years: 1990-1996
Spartan Baron Years: 1989-1997<
Spartan Diamond Years: 1986-1997
Spartan Gladiator Years: 1986-1996
Spartan Crash Truck Years: 1986-1997
Spartan Metro Star Years: 1991-1997
Spartan Silent Knight Years: 1991-1997
Number Involved: 3,210
Dates of Manufacture: March 1986 - December 1997
Defect: On certain fire trucks, the cab tilt system contains a 12-volt electrical solenoid assembly as an accessory to the cab tilt electric motor/hydraulic pump assembly. Rain, snow, salt spray, or other corrosive environment can corrode the solenoid or "bridge" the energizing coil wire terminal, causing the cab tilt system to operate uncontrollably. This could cause the cab tilt system to actuate unintentionally, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install a hermetically sealed solenoid assembly. Owner notification was to begin during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-800-722-3025.
NHTSA Recall No. 99V010/Spartan Recall No. SPEC 97019]
EQUIPMENT
Federal Mogul Corporation
Models:
Guardian 65-249
Midas BP1259M
AutoPro 3M7125A
Rockhill RM249
Pronto PMD249
EIS DM249LC
Number Involved: 33,584
Defect: This recall involves aftermarket disc brake pads used as replacement products for 1983-1985, 1987-1994 Ford Ranger, 1984-1985, 1987-1990 Bronco II, 1986-1997 Aerostar minivans, 1991-1994 Explorer, and 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo sport utility vehicles. The locating lugs on the steel back of the outer brake pad were incorrectly positioned. The outer brake pads could separate from the caliper during normal braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these brake pads with revised replacement pads. Owner and retailer notification was to begin during February 1999. Owners who are unable to receive the free replacement pads within a reasonable time should contact Federal Mogul at 1-314-977-0300.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E001]
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