NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF MAY RECALLS |
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NHTSA
July 6, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 30-99
Tuesday, July 6, 1999
Contact: NHTSA, Tim Hurd, (202) 366-9550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in May 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
MAY 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company
Models:
Acura RL Years: 1996-1998
Acura TL Years: 1996-1998
Acura CL Years: 1997-1998
Honda Accord Years: 1997-1998
Honda Prelude Years: 1997-1998
Honda Odyssey Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 125,380
Dates of Manufacture: December 1995 - August 1996
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles and minivans were manufactured with ball joints that can prematurely wear out. In the worst case, the ball joints can separate, causing the front suspension to collapse. This condition would result in vehicle deceleration, a sudden loss of power, and reduced steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V069]
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:
BMW 323i Year: 1999
BMW 328i Year: 1999
Number Involved: 31,000
Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - March 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible that the retaining clip that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm was not properly installed during production. The clip could detach from the pin on the brake pedal arm, allowing the pushrod to disconnect from the arm. If this occurs, braking would not be possible, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clip for tight installation and replace the clip if it is loose. Owner notification began in May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V100]
Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1999
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1999
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 10,556
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - April 1999
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank mounting system that could, in the event of a crash, allow the fuel tank to separate from the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-343-8400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V104/Buell Recall No. 0814]
Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1999
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1999
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell X1 Lightning Year: 1999
Number Involved: 12,321
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - April 1999
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent valve assembly that could become plugged. Under certain conditions, this could cause the carburetor to overflow fuel, which could result in a fire. This condition could also prevent sufficient fuel flow, which could cause the engine to misfire or stall.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank vent valve assembly. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-343-8400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V105/Buell Recall No. 0815]
Buell Motorcycle Company
Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 8,950
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - June 1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a swingarm that could break. If the swingarm should break, loss of vehicle control could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the swingarm. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-343-8400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V106/Buell Recall No. 0816]
Models:
Buell S1 Lightning Years: 1996-1998
Buell S1 White Lightning Year: 1998
Buell M2 Cyclone Years: 1997-1998
Buell S2 Thunderbolt Years: 1995-1996
Buell S2T Year: 1996
Buell S3 Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Buell S3T Thunderbolt Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 8,950
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - June 1998
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a rear shock absorber front eye that could break. If the shock eye should break, the underside of the vehicle will drag on the ground, possibly causing loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-343-8400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V107/Buell Recall No. 0817]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Chrysler Town & Country Years: 1993-1995
Dodge Caravan Years: 1993-1995
Dodge Grand Caravan Years: 1993-1995
Plymouth Voyager Years: 1993-1995
Plymouth Grand Voyager Years: 1993-1995
Number Involved: 860,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1993 - March 1995
Defect: On certain minivans, an intermittent short circuit in the air bag initiator wire can occur shortly after vehicle startup and could lead to an inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V113/Chrysler Recall No. 818]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge Neon Year: 1999
Plymouth Neon Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,000
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - January 1999
Defect: The front suspension lower control arms could have been inadequately welded between the pivot tube and the arm. This inadequate welding can allow the tube to separate from the arm, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower control arm. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V114/Chrysler Recall No. 826]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Wrangler Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998
Defect: The left side and right side instrument panel wiring ground attachment screws could loosen over time. If the left side screw loosens, the instrument panel gauges could fail to function when the headlamps are turned on. If the right side screw loosens, the defroster blower motor could fail to function.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the ground screws, drill a new pilot hole adjacent to the original hole, and the screws will be reinstalled in the new holes. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V117/Chrysler Recall No. 830]
Ducati North America Inc.
Models:
Ducati M900 Years: 1997-1998
Ducati M750 Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 1,496
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available.
Defect: It is possible that the handlebar can crack, affecting control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the handlebars. Owner notification began May 14, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V122]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Years: 1996-1998
Mercury Mystique Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 602,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1995 - August 1998
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the terminals at the headlight switch and wiring harness connector can experience heat damage as a result of overheating. The damage could result in distortion of the terminal, causing an open circuit in the instrument panel illumination, parking lamp, and tail lamp circuits.
Remedy: Dealers will install a headlamp switch wiring connector containing bronze terminals and an inspection, and replacement if necessary, of the headlamp switch. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V103/Ford Recall No. 99S14]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Explorer Year: 1999
Mercury Mountaineer Year: 1999
Number Involved: 18,000
Dates of Manufacture: April - May 1999
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the right front brake line to the hydraulic control unit (HCU) connection could separate, causing the line to leak when the brake pedal is applied. This could result in a loss of brake pressure to the front wheels, increasing the stopping distance.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the flare nut on the brake line. Owner notification began during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V123/Ford Recall No. 99S16]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Crown Victoria Years: 1992-1993
Lincoln Town Car Years: 1992-1993
Mercury Grand Marquis Years: 1992-1993
Number Involved: 279,000
Dates of Manufacture: November 1991 - November 1992
Defect: The speed control deactivation switch can develop a resistive short in the electrical circuit that could potentially result in an underhood fire. A fire is possible both when the vehicle is running and when the vehicle engine is off. Also, the short could disable the speed control system or cause the brake light fuse to open.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell. Owner notification began during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V124/Ford Recall No. 99S15]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet C10 Year: 1992
Chevrolet C20 Year: 1992
Chevrolet C30 Year: 1992
Chevrolet K10 Year: 1992
Chevrolet K20 Year: 1992
Chevrolet K30 Year: 1992
GMC C15 Year: 1992
GMC C25 Year: 1992
GMC C35 Year: 1992
GMC K15 Year: 1992
GMC K25 Year: 1992
GMC K35 Year: 1992
Number Involved: 57,264
Dates of Manufacture: April 1991 - July 1992
Defect: On extended-cab pickup trucks equipped with high-back bucket seats, the seat recliner to frame attaching bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
Remedy: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching bolts torqued to a higher specification. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 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. 99V130/GM Recall No. 99028]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet G20 Year: 1995
GMC G20 Year: 1995
Number Involved: 142
Dates of Manufacture: May 1995
Defect: Vans equipped with sliding side doors were improperly remedied during a safety campaign (95V197/95-C-58) between July 18, 1997 and February 6, 1999. The sliding side-door rear latch was replaced with a latch that was improperly riveted. In the event of a vehicle crash, the door could fail to perform as required and injuries could result.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these latches. Owner notification is expected to begin during June 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. 99V126/GM Recall No. 99024]
Mitsubishi Motors Sales, Caribbean
Models:
Mitsubishi Galant Years: 1994-1996
Mitsubishi Eclipse Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 3,789
Dates of Manufacture: June 1993 - June 1996
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joint can become damaged, allowing dirt and water intrusion which can cause excessive wear of the ball joint. The ball joint could then separate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball joint boots and, if cut or damaged, the lower lateral arm will be replaced. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi Caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V066004]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:
Infiniti Q45 Years: 1997-1998
Infiniti I30 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 17,000
Dates of Manufacture: April - July 1997
Defect: One of the diodes used in the alternator could have been damaged when built. This could eventually result in failure of the diode and an electrical short, which could melt the plastic housing and result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator. Owner notification was expected to begin during July 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V129]
Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models: Saab 9000 Years: 1992-1994
Number Involved: 26,116
Dates of Manufacture: June 1991 - July 1994
Defect: Moisture can enter the inflatable restraint electronic control module (ECM) and cause corrosion on portions of the ECM printer circuit boards. This corrosion can possibly create open connections in circuits which control the restraint deployment, possibly causing inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the exterior of the ECM. If there is no indication of moisture, a cover will be installed over the ECM. If there is indication of moisture, the dealer will replace the ECM and install a cover over the new ECM. Owner notification is expected to begin during late-June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V109/Saab Recall No. 708]
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models:
Suzuki GSXR750 Year: 1999
Suzuki GSXR600 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 7,828
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 - April 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the cam chain tension adjuster does not provide consistent tension to the cam chain in the engine, causing abnormal engine sounds. This could lead to cam chain breakage or over severe engine damage. It can also cause sudden engine failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original cam chain tension adjuster and upper cam chain guide No. 2 with a revised parts. The dealer will inspect and may replace other engine components which may have been damaged because of cam chain tension adjuster failure. Owner notification began during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040, ext. 396.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V132/Suzuki Recall Nos. 2037/2038]
Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Lexus GS300 Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 2,737
Dates of Manufacture: July 1995 - April 1997
Defect: Due to inadequate lubrication of the inside of the lower ball joints, excessive wear can occur, causing damage to the lower ball joints. Separation of the lower ball joints from the steering knuckle arms could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower ball joints. Owner notification is expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V125]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
Volkswagen Passat Years: 1998-1999
Audi A4 Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 12,500
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - February 1999
Defect: This recall applies to vehicles registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit under certain driving conditions. This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the booster.
Remedy: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions. Owner notification is expected to begin July 9, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V131/VW Recall No. UH/Audi Recall No. KU]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Fleetwood Folding Trailer
Models:
Fleetwood Grand Tour Year: 1999
Fleetwood Cheyenne Year: 1999
Fleetwood Nevada Year: 1999
Number Involved: 680
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain folding trailers, improper tire clearance (less than 5/8 inch) between the wheel and front frame cross member can result in the tire rubbing the metal frame. A loss of tire tread, overheating, and possible tire failure can occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the trailers and correct the tire clearance. Owner notification began during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-814-445-9661.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V101/Fleetwood Recall No. TS:99-2]
Navistar International Transportation Corporation
Models:
Navistar 5000 Year: 1999
Navistar 9100 Year: 1999
Navistar 9200 Year: 1999
Navistar 9300 Year: 1999
Navistar 9400 Year: 1999
Navistar 9900 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 4,553
Dates of Manufacture: October - December 1998
Defect: On heavy duty trucks equipped with Dana/Sprague windshield wiper assemblies, the knurled pivot shaft (which operates the windshield wiper arm) is welded to a lever, which connects to the linkage from the wiper motor. The weld at the pivot shaft to the lever can fail. Should a failure occur during inclement weather on the driver's side while the vehicle is in motion, the operator's vision would be partially obscured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the wiper system, conducting a "stall" test to validate the integrity of the weld. All wiper assemblies failing this test will be replaced. Owner notification was expected to begin May 31, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V102/Navistar Recall No. 99502]
EQUIPMENT
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Accessory driver-side floor mats
Number Involved: 931,185
Defect: These floor mats were manufactured from August 1995 to August 1998 and used in 1996-1998 Honda Civic vehicles. Due to the shape of the floor on these vehicles, a mis-positioned genuine Honda floor mat could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing return of the throttle to the idle position.
Remedy: If a customer has a genuine Honda driver-side floor mat, dealers will install a positive floor mat retention system consisting of a grommet in the floor mat and a pin bracket attached to the car. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E015]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Door latch assemblies
Number Involved: 11,115
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - February 1999
Defect: Aftermarket rear sliding door latches, Part Number 14048271, for 1983-1996 Chevrolet and GMC G Vans, and manufactured from July 1996 through February 1999, were improperly riveted. In a vehicle crash, the door could fail to perform as required and injuries could result.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect their records to determine the name and address of the purchaser of the door latches, and the dealers will follow-up with these customers to have the latches replaced. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 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. 99E018/GM Recall No. 99024]
TIRES
Falken Tire Corporation
Brands: LT245/75R16
Number Involved: 1,897
Dates of Manufacture: January 1996 - June 1997
Defect: If certain radial A/P, LT245/75R16, 10 PR, Load Range E tires used on Alfa model trailers are not properly inflated or if the Alfa Ideal Model 235 Trailer is overloaded, the raised white rubber side letter can separate from the black rubber sidewall of the tire, causing a tire blow out.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tires, including the spare. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Falken at 1-800-723-2553, extensions 440 or 280.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99T006/Falken Recall No. 99-01]
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