NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF FEBRUARY RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
March 29, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 14-99
March 29, 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 February 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
FEBRUARY 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 263,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1994 - August 1997
Defect: On certain van and wagon model vehicles, if water or road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (AECM), the AECM can corrode. The resulting corrosion can cause the driver side air bag to deploy inadvertently. Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the AECM with an AECM that is sealed from moisture intrusion. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V023/Chrysler Recall No. 815]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram 3500 Truck Years: 1994-1997
Number Involved: 79,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1993 - October 1996
Defect: On Model 3500 light duty trucks, operation of the headlamps over an extended period of time can result in headlamp switch failure, causing the headlamps or park lamps to go out. If the lights fail, a visibility problem could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp switch including a relay in the park lamp wiring circuit. Owner notification is expected to begin during spring of 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V024/Chrysler Recall No. 819]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Aerostar Mini Van Years: 1994-1995
Number Involved: 23,200
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1994
Defect: Heat generation in the wiring harness to the fuel pump/sender assembly can cause an electrical short. The vehicle could experience a loss of power and become immobilized, and the fuel gauge may be erratic. Heat damage, including melting or charring of the fuel pump and sender assembly wire harness and associated wiring harnesses, can also result. The short circuit also has the potential to cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness in the fuel pump ground circuit that will be installed at the fuel pump inertia shut-off switch. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V028/Ford Recall No. 99S01]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Aerostar Mini Van Years: 1992-1997
Number Involved: 757,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1991 - August 1997
Defect: These vehicles were produced with a higher than specified electrical load through the accessory power feed circuit that connects to the A2 (accessory) terminal within the ignition switch. As a result, during start-up, electrical arcing of the A2 terminal to the terminal bridge could potentially cause pitting of the bridge. This condition, over time, could create a short circuit and allow current to flow through the ground wiring, causing overheating and the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper harness with a relay which will re-route and activate all A2 accessories through the relay. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V029/Ford Recall No. 99S02]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet C10 Truck Year: 1994
Chevrolet C20 Truck Year: 1994
Chevrolet C30 Truck Year: 1994
Chevrolet C3500 Truck Year: 1994
Chevrolet Suburban Year: 1994
GMC C15 Truck Year: 1994
GMC C25 Truck Year: 1994
GMC C35 Truck Year: 1994
GMC C3500 Truck Year: 1994
GMC Suburban Year: 1994
Number Involved: 988,587
Dates of Manufacture: March 1993 - September 1994
Defect: These vehicles were built with the polarity of the wiring for the brake switch reversed from what was specified on the switch drawing. With the reversed polarity, the contacts in the brake switch can wear out prematurely. The brake switch will perform normally until the brake switch contacts wear out, resulting in loss of the brake lamps without any warning to the driver. This would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 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. 99V025/GM Recall No. 98065]
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
Models: CLK320 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,600
Dates of Manufacture: July - December 1998
Noncompliance: The seat belt anchorages do not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."A defective weld was discovered on the weld nut for the bolt used to secure the front shoulder seat belt guides. Due to this defective weld, the anchorages may not adequately secure the front seat belts in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the shoulder belt anchor assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V030/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 1999020002]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Year: 1999
Number Involved: 715
Dates of Manufacture: October - December 1998
Defect: The fuel hose on this motorcycle may fail, resulting in a fuel leak near the rear cylinder of the motorcycle and under the rider's seat. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these fuel hoses. Owner notification began Feb. 25, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-417-8650.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V032]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Volkswagen Jetta Year: 1999
Volkswagen Golf Year: 1999
Number Involved: 23,600
Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - January 1999
Defect: The sound absorbing mat attached to the inside of the B-pillar side trim panel may have been improperly installed. Surface and edges of the mat could have been damaged during the assembly process. The mat could ignite when exposed to the exhaust gas of the seat belt pre-tensioner in the event the pre-tensioner is triggered in a crash, resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the matting materials from inside the B-pillar on both sides of the vehicle. Owner notification began Feb. 9, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-877-270-4178.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V022/VWoA Recall No. UF]
Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Models: Volvo S70 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 3,632
Dates of Manufacture: August - December 1998
Noncompliance: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." The fuel filter bracket configuration margins are insufficient. In the event of a vehicle crash, fuel leakage could occur. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel filter protection bracket. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V035/Volvo Recall No. 93]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird Micro Bird Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 1,700
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - January 1999
Defect: On certain school buses equipped with 30-inch and 34-inch seats and barriers or 36-, 39- and 45-inch seats and barriers with offset legs installed in the first body section behind the driver, additional floor reinforcement is added. It was discovered this reinforcement interferes with and chafes the rubber fuel filler hose. This chafing could result in a fuel leakage, which, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will place a shield over the additional floor reinforcement to protect the rubber fuel filler hose from chafing. Owner notification began Feb. 18, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V020/Blue Bird Recall No. R99CK]
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird Conventional Years: 1996-1999
Number Involved: 1,390
Dates of Manufacture: February 1996 - January 1999
Defect: On school and transit buses mounted on chassis equipped with an option for three batteries, the battery cables may not have been routed properly, allowing the cable to be chafed or pinched. This can cause the positive cable to short out, creating the potential for a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will plug the hole in the back of the battery compartment that is located directly behind the battery hold down clamp. A new hole will be added directly below the rearmost battery cable hole, and the positive cable will be re-routed through the new hole. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 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. 99V031/Blue Bird Recall No. R99CL]
Freightliner Corporation
Models:
Freightliner MT10 Years: 1995-1996
Freightliner MT12 Years: 1995-1996
Freightliner MT13 Years: 1995-1996
Freightliner MT35 Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 1,800
Dates of Manufacture: June 1995 - February 1998
Defect: The hook on the throttle return springs could fracture at low mileage. The throttle may not return to idle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle springs with heavier springs and a new anchor. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V026/Freightliner Recall No. FL-229A]
Navistar International Transportation corporation
Models:
Navistar 1552 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 1652 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 3400 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 3600 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 3800 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 4700 Years: 1996-1998
Navistar 4900 Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 40,091
Dates of Manufacture: May 1996 - October 1997
Defect: On certain heavy duty vehicles equipped with Spicer 6,000-pound or 8,000-pound front steer axles, the tie rod end can pull outboard and separate from the tie rod tube due to improper thread engagement between the male tie rod end and the female tube. Separation of the tie rod end could result in loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the complete tie rod assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V033001/Navistar Recall No. 99501]
Neoplan USA Corporation
Models: Neoplan AN460 Years: 1993-1999
Number Involved: 238
Dates of Manufacture: November 1992 - February 1999
Defect: On certain JL, MG, OK, OR, ON, and OT Series articulated transit buses, the rear section of the articulated bus could become unstable at high speed if power is lost to the Electronic Control Unit or if the proportional valve or potentiometer fails.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional hydraulic safety-dampening unit to the bus articulation hydraulic system. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Neoplan at 1-719-336-3256.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V027]
EQUIPMENT
Brake Parts Inc.
Models: Aftermarket brake master cylinders
Number Involved: 28,522
Dates of Manufacture: July 1995 - January 1999
Defect: This recall involves aftermarket brake master cylinders, Part Numbers 39649, 39767, 390128, 390190, 390250, 390257, 390258, 390279, and 39961, used on certain 1988 through 1994 Chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks; 1990 through 1995 Astro and Safari minivans; 1993-1994 Caprice and 1994 Impala model vehicles; and 1994 through 1997 Dodge Ram light duty trucks. A weak mounting flange can fracture under panic braking where the system hydraulic pressure exceeds 1750 psi. A loss of braking could result without warning, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Brake Parts will replace these cylinders. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who are unable to receive the free replacement parts within a reasonable time should contact Brake Parts at 1-800-323-0354.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E006]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Screamin' Eagle Race Brace Supports
Number Involved: 1,831
Defect: This recall involvesPart Numbers 66693-98 and 66680-98 are used on 1984-1999 FXR motorcycles (equipped with mid-vehicle rear brake controls) and 1991-1998 FXD motorcycles (equipped with mid-vehicle rear brake controls). Part Numbers 66686-98 and 66704-98 are used on 1984-1999 FXST motorcycles (with forward or custom brake controls). On motorcycles with Part Numbers 66693-98 and 66680-98, the rear brake pedal can come in contact with the brace supports, limiting the travel of the rear brake pedal. On motorcycles using Part Numbers 66686-98 and 66704-98, the instruction sheet for these supports lacks information regarding the proper routing of the rear brake reservoir hose, resulting in a pinched rear brake reservoir hose. This could lead to rear wheel lockup.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the race brace support on the FXR and FXD motorcycles. On FXST motorcycles, dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose for proper routing and replace, if required. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who are unable to receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E004/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 096]
Precision Engineering
Models: Precision RAS 200
Number Involved: 10,000
Defect: This recall involves remote car starters manufactured for the David Levy Company, Inc. The installation instructions contain omissions or methods of installation which can cause software reactions that can result in the starter acting improperly. As a result, the parking lights may stay on, the door locks may lock and unlock randomly, the vehicle may not start, the vehicle may not shut off with the remote starter, the vehicle may start randomly, or the unit may lock up and the vehicle will not respond to the remote unit.
Remedy: Precision Engineering/David Levy will have the unit removed and replaced free of charge. Alternatively, the customer can take the remote starter unit to the retail establishment where it was purchased, have the unit removed, and a replacement unit manufactured by any other manufacturer installed with full credit given to them for the purchase price of the RAS 200 unit, removal and installation charges. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who are unable to receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Precision at 1-818-767-8590 or David Levy at 1-562-404-9998.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E008]
TIRES
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
Models: Cooper Cobra Radial G/T P215/70R14
Number Involved: 216
Dates of Manufacture: November - December 1998
Defect: This recall involves Cobra Radial G/T P215/70R14 tires (Serial Number 3DHYC28468, 478, 488) manufactured from Nov. 15 through Dec. 5, 1998; and Viper Radial GT P215/70R14 tires (Serial Numbers 3DHYUDN468 and 478) manufactured from Nov.15, through Nov. 28, 1998. 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, which will allow the air to escape and the tire to become flat.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these tires. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who are unable to receive the free replacement tires within a reasonable time should contact Cooper Tire at 1-800-854-6288.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99T004/Cooper Tire Recall No. 107]
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