NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JULY RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
September 9, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 42-99
Thrusday, September 9, 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 July 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, 72 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
JULY 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
DaimlerChrysler
Models:
Chrysler Town & Country Years: 1991-1993
Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Years: 1991-1993
Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager Years: 1991-1993
Number Involved: 1,200,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1990 - May 1993
Defect: The left hand windshield wiper pivot drive arm was not mechanically staked to the pivot shaft. This could allow the drive arm to disengage from the shaft and cause a loss of wiper function.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left hand side windshield wiper pivot assembly. Owner notification was to begin during August/September 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V189/Chrysler Recall No. 836]
DaimlerChrysler
Models: Dodge Ram Year: 1999
Number Involved: 9,000
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 1999
Defect: The underbody hydraulic clutch line heat shield is too short, allowing the plastic clutch line material to be directly exposed to exhaust temperatures. If the line melts, hydraulic fluid can leak onto the vehicle exhaust and cause an underbody fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install the proper length heat shield. Owner notification is expected to begin during September 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V190/Chrysler Recall No. 838]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Year: 1998
Mercury Mystique Year: 1998
Number Involved: 153,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - April 1998
Defect: The accelerator cable may have a burr on or near the end of the cable sleeve interior. This burr could fray the core wire, resulting in the accelerator not returning to idle when the accelerator pedal is released. The cables could stick, bind, or cause high engine RPM's.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised accelerator cable. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V194/Ford Recall No. 99S19]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Buick Century Year: 1999
Buick Regal Year: 1999
Number Involved: 168,035
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - April 1999
Defect: Passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles exhibit a condition in which the antilock brake system (ABS) motor shorts to its case and grounds through a flexible brake fluid pipe. This short can cause extreme heating of the flexible brake pipe which can melt a nearby flexible plastic fuel hose, resulting in a fuel leak and possible under-hood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a ground cable from the electronic brake control module (EBCM) to the engine compartment body rail. Owner notification was expected to begin during July 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V170/GM Recall No. 99033]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet S10 Truck Years: 1991-1996
Chevrolet Blazer Years: 1991-1996
GMC Sonoma Years: 1991-1996
GMC Jimmy Years: 1991-1996
Number Involved: 1,125,749
Dates of Manufacture: September 1989 - August 1996
Defect: 4-wheel-drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with a EBC4 ABS (antilock brake system). Increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode can occur.
Remedy: General Motors has not yet identified a remedy for this recall. Owner notification was expected to begin during August/September 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. 99V193/GM Recall No. 99041]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn LS Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,310
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1999
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." These vehicles may have been produced with an inoperative valve within the fuel tank assembly. If a vehicle with an inoperative valve were involved in a rollover, fuel spillage could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles to ensure that the valve is operating as intended. The fuel tank assembly will be replaced if necessary. Owner notification began the end of July 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. 99V197/GM Recall No. 99042/Saturn Recall No. 00-C-01]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn LS Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,437
Dates of Manufacture: May - July 1999
Noncompliance: Certain passenger cars do not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Because of a problem in the hazard warning switch assembly, the turn signal lamps may not work, or work intermittently, when the driver uses the turn signal lever or hazard warning switch. Other drivers may not be alerted that the vehicle is turning and a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch assembly. Owner notification began the end of July 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. 99V199/GM Recall No. 99045/Saturn Recall No. 00-C-03]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models:
Harley Davidson Softail Year: 1999
Harley Davidson Dyna Glide Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDL Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FCDWG Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDS-CON Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXD Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXDXl Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXST Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLSTC Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXSTC Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLSTF Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FLSTS Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXSTB Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXSTS Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXR2 Year: 1999
Harley Davidson FXR3 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 10,241
Dates of Manufacture: April - June 1999
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a fuel tank vent fitting that could be plugged, allowing fuel to overflow from the carburetor. This could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank vent fitting and, if it is plugged, will correct this condition. Owner notification began in late July 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. 99V200/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0098]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley Davidson Sidecar Year: 1998
Number Involved: 316
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - July 1998
Defect: These motorcycle sidecars were built with an axle that could break. This could cause a loss of control of the motorcycle, resulting in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the axles on these sidecars. Owner notification was scheduled to begin during late July 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. 99V201/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0099]
Hyundai Motor America
Models:
Hyundai Accent Year: 1999
Hyundai Elantra Year: 1999
Hyundai Tiburon Year: 1999
Number Involved: 11,530
Dates of Manufacture: March - April 1999
Defect: Passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals can allow transmission fluid to leak. This leakage can result in reduced pressure application to the clutches, brake, and kickdown servo, allowing them to slip. This slippage causes the vehicle not to accelerate, or not accelerate as expected, when the driver presses the accelerator pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pressure control solenoid valve. Owner notification was scheduled to begin during July 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-829-9956.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V178/Hyundai Recall No. 033]
Mazda North America, Inc.
Models: Mazda MVP Minivans Year: 2000
Number Involved: 5,600
Dates of Manufacture: March - June 1999
Defect: Minivans equipped with engines supplied by Ford Motor Company's Cleveland engine plant. These engines are installed with fuel injectors that do not match the lower intake manifold and can result in fuel leakage and possible under-hood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower intake manifold assembly. Owner notification began during July 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V171/Mazda Recall No. 81907]
Mazda North America, Inc.
Models: Mazda MVP Minivans Year: 2000
Number Involved: 12,000
Dates of Manufacture: March - July 1999
Defect: Because of the inappropriate shape of the linkage in the rear door lock controller, accumulated dust may prevent the door lock mechanism from functioning properly, causing incomplete locking of the door when the childproof locking system is used. This could result in an opening of the door while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will install parts in the latching assembly that will prevent this problem from occurring. Owner notification began during July 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V191/Mazda Recall No. 82907]
Yamaha International Corporation
Models:
Yamaha YFZ-R1K Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZ-R1KC Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZ-R1L Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZ-R1LC Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 6,373
Defect: Motorcycles. A coolant water hose can come loose at the thermostat housing during operation. Steam released could obscure the rider's vision, and leaking coolant could make the rear tire slip.
Remedy: Dealers will install and properly tighten two new hose clamps. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V186]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
American Transportation Corporation
Models: AmTran FE Year: 1999
Number Involved: 91
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 1999
Defect: Some forward handrails with outward opening entrance doors were built with the hand rail mounting too close to the engine cover. Certain clothing articles, such as draw strings, can become lodged in the forward handrails at the bus doors when a person is exiting the bus. If the driver is unaware of the situation, the entrance door may be closed, capturing the item in the door. Death or injury can occur to the person exiting the bus.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to identify the defect and repair procedures. If the owner prefers, an AmTran dealer can perform the remedy for them. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-327-7761.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V195/AmTran Recall No. 99-306]
Leisure Travel Vans
Models: Leisure Dodge Ram Van Year: 1997
Number Involved: 57
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - March 1997
Defect: Motor homes. A protective shield located on the driver side underbody at the sewer dump valve is located too far forward and inboard on the vehicle. This could interfere with the proper operation of the vehicle's park/emergency brake.
Remedy: Dealers will cut the shield to prevent interference with the operation of the emergency brake. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Leisure at 1-204-822-3009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V185]
Paccar, Incorporated
Models:
Kenworth T600 Years: 1998-1999
Kenworth T800 Years: 1998-1999
Kenworth T2000 Years: 1998-1999
Kenworth W900 Years: 1998-1999
Peterbilt 357 Years: 1998-1999
Peterbilt 377 Years: 1998-1999
Peterbilt 378 Years: 1998-1999
Peterbilt 379 Years: 1998-1999
Peterbilt 385 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 272
Dates of Manufacture: December 1998 - June 1999
Defect: Heavy duty trucks equipped with Caterpillar engines and Eaton AutoShift transmissions. The engines can stall because of software problems, increasing steering effort.
Remedy: Dealers will update these engines with software changes. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-206-828-5418 or Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V181/Kenworth Recall No. 99KW02/Peterbilt Recall No. 799-C]
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models: Thomas Conventional Year: 1998
Number Involved: 953
Dates of Manufacture: Prior to October 1998
Noncompliance: On certain school buses, the restraining barriers and reinforcement plates may be installed incorrectly. Nuts used to secure the plate to the floor may be missing or the reinforcement plate may be mounted in a non-standard location. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 222, "School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection." In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the barriers and plates, install any nuts that are missing, and properly mount the reinforcement plate. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-881-7219.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V173]
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models: Thomas Minotour Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 583
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - May 1998
Defect: On certain transit and school buses, in order to install the new aluminum Minotour body, two fuel tank strap fasteners were loosened. Re-tightening these fasteners can result in loss of clamp load, resulting in the fuel tank falling off the vehicle. If the fuel tank falls, fuel leakage could occur, increasing the risk of a fire or explosion.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank strap fasteners. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-881-7219.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V174]
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models: Thomas Conventional Year: 1999
Number Involved: 744
Dates of Manufacture: Before January 1999
Noncompliance: On certain transit and school buses equipped with air suspension driver's seat, tether belts used to anchor the seat belt assembly to the floor were not installed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install the tether belt assembly. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-881-7219.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V175]
Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models: Thomas MVP Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,480
Dates of Manufacture: Prior to March 1999
Noncompliance: On certain transit and school buses equipped with electronic engines, the bottom edge of the accelerator pedal can catch on the floor mat when the pedal is fully depressed. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 124, "Accelerator Control Systems." If the accelerator pedal catches on the floor mat, engine overspeed could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal mounting bracket to raise the accelerator so the pedal does not catch on the floor mat. Owner notification was expected to begin during August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-881-7219.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V176]
EQUIPMENT
Cosco, Inc.
Models:
Arriva
Turnabout
Number Involved: 670,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1995 - September 1997
Defect: Infant car seats/carriers. The Arriva model numbers are 02-665, 02-732, 02-756, 02-729, 02-733, 02-757, 02-731, and 02-751. The Turnabout model numbers are 02-667, 02-758, 02-759, 02-760, 02-761, 02-762, 02-763, 02-764, and 02-765. When used as an infant carrier, the handle locks on each side of the seat can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to flip forward. When this happens, the infant could fall to the ground or bump its head and suffer injuries.
Remedy: Cosco will provide owners with a free repair kit that will make the handle stronger. Owner notification began July 8, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cosco at 1-800-221-6736.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E022]
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