NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF MARCH RECALLS |
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NHTSA
May 10, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NHTSA 20-99
Monday, May 10, 1999 Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No.: (202) 366-9550
NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST
OF MARCH RECALLS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in March 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
MARCH 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
AM General Corporation
Models: AM General Hummer Year: 1999
Number Involved: 153
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - February 1999
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the nuts used to attach the master cylinder to the hydroboost bolts were of the metric type rather than the required SAE type. A loose master cylinder condition can occur, causing longer than normal brake pedal travel during brake pedal applications.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinder-to-hydroboost mounting bolts and nuts. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AM General at 1-734-523-8000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V059/AM General Recall No. AMG-R9901]
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:
BMW 323i Year: 1999
BMW 328i Year: 1999
Number Involved: 32,500
Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - March 1999
Defect: These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (rear door air bags are optional), a head protection system (HPS) for front occupants, a central electronic sensor and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. This system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed. This could cause the side air bag and HPS to deploy without an actual side crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V063]
Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Plymouth Neon Year: 2000
Dodge Neon Year: 2000
Number Involved: 380
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, some frontal (passenger side) air bags may not inflate properly. In the event of a crash, the passenger may not be adequately protected, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module on the passenger side. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V043/Chrysler Recall No. 821]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Year: 1999
Number Involved: 45
Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - February 1999
Defect: On passenger vans and wagons equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG), the fuel hose that connects the left and right fuel rails may shrink and leak fuel if exposed to high engine operating temperatures. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly. Owner notification began March 22, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V044/Chrysler Recall No. 822]
Ducati North America Inc.
Models: Ducati M900 Year: 1996
Number Involved: 560
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available.
Defect: It is possible that the fuel line connecting the fuel filter and fuel cock can leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace this fuel line. Owner notification began during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V047]
Ducati North America Inc.
Models:
Ducati ST2 Year: 1998
Ducati 916 Year: 1998
Ducati 748 Year: 1998
Ducati 916SPS Year: 1998
Number Involved: 793
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available.
Defect: It is possible that the fuel lines inside the fuel tank can leak. Fuel leakage can result in fuel starvation and engine stalling.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank lines. Owner notification began during February 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V048]
Ducati North America Inc.
Models: Ducati M900 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 97
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available.
Defect: The front brake line routed between the steering head and the instrument cluster support plate contacts the edge of the support plate. This could damage or weaken the line and affect the control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will reposition, or replace if necessary, the front brake line. Owner notification began in March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V049]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford F150 Truck Year: 1999
Number Involved: 32,240
Dates of Manufacture: August 1998 - February 1999
Noncompliance: 4x4 vehicles with Off Road option packages manufactured from August 1998 through February 1999, and 4x2 vehicles with Sport option package manufactured from November 1998 through February 1999. The tire and rim identification information is incorrect on the certification labels for these vehicles. This does not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars." If incorrect tire information is given, underrated tires could be installed on the truck as replacements, causing excessive tire wear or, in extreme cases, possible tire blowouts.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a revised label overlay. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V039/Ford Recall No. 99S03]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Econoline Year: 1999
Ford E150 Year: 1999
Ford E250 Year: 1999
Ford E350 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,000
Dates of Manufacture: Jan. 29 through Feb. 7, 1999
Noncompliance: Vehicles equipped with the "60/40" hinged side cargo doors. The strikers for the 60/40 door single latch system were found to contain stress cracks at the striker lower stake joint. Strikers with stress cracks may not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components." In the event of a crash, the door strikers may not hold the door, increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door striker. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-33673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V046/Ford Recall No. 99S04]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Louisville Years: 1997-1998
Ford Aeromax Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 1,700
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - December 1997
Noncompliance: On certain trucks equipped with the Dealer Special Order optional Wabco air dryer, the air brake system was plumbed so that the systems did not provide air reservoir isolation. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." The air brake reservoir pressure could be depleted, activating the emergency spring brake. With the emergency spring brake deployed, the vehicle would stop and could not be moved until the brake air system was repaired.
Remedy: Dealers will install a check valve in the air line. Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V050/Ford Recall No. 99S05]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Year: 1999
Mercury Mystique Year: 1999
Number Involved: 4,600
Dates of Manufacture: Jan. 4-14, 1999
Noncompliance: Passenger vehicles built with automatic transmissions which utilize a PARK/LOCK solenoid. It is possible to rotate the ignition key to the LOCK position and remove the key without the shift lever and transmission being in PARK. These vehicles do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that have units with ignition keys removable in gear positions other than PARK will have the steering column replaced. Owner notification was 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. 99V060/Ford Recall No. 99S06]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Explorer Years: 1997-1999
Mercury Mountaineer Years: 1998-1999
Ford Ranger Years: 1998-1999
Ford Mustang Years: 1998-1999
Ford F150 Truck Year: 1999
Ford F250 Truck Year: 1999
Ford F350 Truck Year: 1999
Ford F450 Truck Year: 1999
Ford F-53 Truck Chassis Year: 1999
Number Involved: 895,000
Dates of Manufacture: May 1996 - March 1999
Defect: Certain 1997-1999 RHD Explorer equipped with 4.0-liter OHV/SOHC engines and speed control built from May 29, 1996 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 Explorer/Mountaineers equipped with 4.0-liter OHV/SOHC or 5.0-liter engines or 1998-1999 Rangers equipped with 2.5-liter, 3.0-liter FFV/EFI or 4.0-liter engines and speed control built from January 5, 1998 through March 4, 1999; 1998-1999 Mustangs equipped with 3.8-liter, 4.6-liter 2-valve or 4-valve engines and speed control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (over 8,500 lbs.) trucks equipped with 5.4-liter or 6.8-liter engines and speed control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999; and 1999 F-53 stripped chassis equipped with 5.4-liter or 6.8-liter engines and speed control built from March 2, 1998 through March 4, 1999. The speed control cable can interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control. If the speed control is used and this condition is present, a stuck throttle could result, increasing the potential for a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the speed control cable. Owners will receive two notices: the first notice was to begin during March 1999; and the second notice will be made when parts are available (anticipated late April, early May). Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V062/Ford Recall No. 99S09]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Z Years: 1994-1995
Number Involved: 136,300
Dates of Manufacture: January - August 1994
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, some front seat back recliner gear teeth may wear excessively through repeated use, and could cause the seat back to slip partially rearward when force is applied. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven, it could cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the vehicle's front seat recliner mechanism. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V045/GM Recall No. 99006]
Mitsubishi Motors Sales, America
Models: Mitsubishi Montero Year: 1999
Number Involved: 10,000
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available.
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles with four wheel drive and automatic transmissions, automatic transmission fluid could be vented onto the hot exhaust system as a result of unanticipated heat generation in the transmission. The vented transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the transmission control unit to limit vehicle speed to below approximately 30 miles per hour when the vehicle is operated in the four-wheel-drive low range, will provide an additional label describing the proper use of four-wheel-drive low range, and will relocate the transmission breather vent. In addition, the owner's manual will be corrected with the proper information to reflect the change to the speed limitations in the four-wheel-drive low range. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V041]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Quest Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,600
Dates of Manufacture: December 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain minivans, a second row right hand side captain's chair may have inadequate lubrication of the easy entry and exit latch system. In some cases, the actuator spring in the latch could deform after repeated use, causing the latch to remain in the unlatched position. If this occurs, the seat will slide freely on the seat track, and the springs on the track will move the seat to the easy entry position toward the front of the vehicle. An unlatched seat track could result in an increased risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat track for the second row right hand side captain's chair, which includes the easy entry and exit latch mechanism. Owner notification is expected to begin during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V056002]
Subaru of America, Inc.
Models:
Subaru Legacy Years: 1998-1999
Subaru Forester Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 221,987
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - March 1999
Defect: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking system, in extremely cold weather, the brake master cylinder seals can fail. If this occurs, the brake pedal can go to the floor during application, increasing the brake stopping distance.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V40]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Audi A6 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 27,964
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - March 1999
Defect: On passenger vehicles equipped with the Quattro drive system, if the vehicle is refueled shortly after the engine is started and is kept running during refueling, the fuel vapor recovery system could produce sufficient pressure to cause fuel to be expelled after a complete fill-up when the fuel pump nozzle is removed from the filler neck. In the presence of an ignition source, fuel spray could result in fire or possible personal injury.
Remedy: Audi will provide a new page for the Owner's Manual and also request owners to make an appointment with their dealers to have a label containing important refueling instructions installed inside of the fuel filler door. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V058/Audi Recall No. KT]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
AmTran Corporation
Models:
AmTran Genesis Year: 1999
AmTran FH1652 Year: 1999
AmTran RE Year: 1999
AmTran FE Year: 1999
Number Involved: 523
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - February 1999
Defect: Some rear brake assemblies were built using incorrect mounting hardware. Improper torque of the fastener or fasteners that retain the brakes to the rear axle could allow brake groups to separate from the rear axle.
Remedy: Dealers/owners will inspect the mounting hardware and replace the lock nuts if necessary. Owner notification began March 24, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-843-5615.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V038/AmTran Recall No. 99-302]
AmTran Corporation
Models:
AmTran Genesis Years: 1993-1999
AmTran RE Years: 1996-1999
AmTran Volunteer Years: 1993-1997
Ward Volunteer Years: 1993-1997
AmTran Conventional Years: 1997-1999
Am/Tran FE Years: 1993-1999
Number Involved: 8,217
Dates of Manufacture: June 1992 - February 1999
Defect: On certain school buses equipped with flip seats at the emergency exits, the seat cushion hinge on the combination flip seat is located in such a manner that it is within easy reach of the passenger sitting in the seat located behind the combo flip seat. The hinges on the combo flip seat can pinch or sever fingers, resulting in personal injury.
Remedy: Owners will be sent kits to remedy these seats. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free repair kits within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-843-5615.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V061/AmTran Recall No. 99-303]
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner Truck Year: 1999
Number Involved: 675
Dates of Manufacture: January 1999
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with Meritor automatic slack adjusters, the automatic slack adjusters had insufficient torque applied to the guide pawl cap screw. Without sufficient torque on the guide pawl cap screw, the brakes could gradually lose adjustment, increasing the vehicle stopping distance.
Remedy: Dealers will check the torque on the automatic slack adjuster guide pawl. If there is no torque, the brakes will be adjusted and the guide pawl will be tightened to 15-20 foot-pounds. Owner notification is expected to begin during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V055002/Freightliner Recall No. FL-231]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet B7 Year: 1997
GMC B7 Year: 1997
Number Involved: 75
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 1997
Defect: On school buses equipped with 6.0-liter gasoline engine, 10,000-pound front axle, and power steering, the power steering fluid can leak as a result of a supply hose interference condition. Eventually, all power steering assist would cease, resulting in possible loss of control of the bus.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new power steering hose and adapter. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-89782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V057/GM Recall No. 99005]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models:
Navistar 2500 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 2600 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 4700 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 4900 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 5000 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 9200 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 9300 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 9400 Years: 1998-1999
Navistar 8100 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 4,024
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - October 1998
Defect: On certain Class 8 heavy duty truck chassis equipped with 16,000-pound, 18,000-pound, or 20,000-pound heavy duty steering axles, the inner wheel bearing cone for the steering axle wheel hub assembly does not properly fit onto the Navistar 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, a loss of driver control could occur, increasing the risk of a vehicle 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 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. 99V014002/Navistar Recall No. 99503]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models:
Navistar 2500 Year: 1999
Navistar 2600 Year: 1999
Navistar 3800 Year: 1999
Navistar 4700 Year: 1999
Navistar 4800 Year: 1999
Navistar 4900 Year: 1999
Navistar 5000 Year: 1999
Navistar 8100 Year: 1999
Navistar 9100 Year: 1999
Navistar 9200 Year: 1999
Navistar 9400 Year: 1999
Navistar 9800 Year: 1999
Navistar 9900 Year: 1999
Navistar FE Bus Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,547
Dates of Manufacture: January 1999
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks, transit buses, and school buses equipped with Meritor air brake automatic slack adjusters, the automatic slack adjusters had insufficient torque applied to the guide pawl cap screw. Without sufficient torque on the guide pawl cap screw, the brakes could gradually lose adjustment, increasing the vehicle stopping distance.
Remedy: Dealers will check the torque on the automatic slack adjuster guide pawl. If there is insufficient torque, the brakes will be adjusted and the guide pawl will be tightened to 15-20 ft. lbs. Owner notification was 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. 99V055001/Navistar Recall No. 99504]
EQUIPMENT
Pennzoil-Quaker State Company
Models:
Pennzoil Fix-A-Flat
Pennzoil Super Fix-A-Flat
Pennzoil Big Wheel Fix-A-Flat
Number Involved: 32,000,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - February 1999
Defect: The products involved are Fix-A-Flat cone top (S457, 12 oz.); Fix-A-Flat (S455, 16oz.); Super Fix-A-Flat (S277, 20 oz.); and Big Wheel Fix-A-Flat (S278, 26 oz..). The possibility exists that automotive tires can explode when subjected to extreme heat by welding on, or applying a flame to, the wheel rim with the tire still on the rim after use of this product.
Remedy: Consumers are to return the old products and receive reformulated products. Owner notification began Feb. 18, 1999. Owners who return these products and do not receive the free reformulated product within a reasonable time should contact Pennzoil-Quaker State at 1-800-532-5000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E007]