NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF OCTOBER RECALLS |
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NHTSA
December 29, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 64-99
Wednesday, December 29, 1999
NHTSA, Tim Hurd, (202) 366-9550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in October 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), or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
OCTOBER 1999
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda CR-V Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 101,159
Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - November 1998
Defect: On certain vehicles, an improperly routed under-dash wire harness could be damaged by contact with the brake light switch, possibly resulting in a blown fuse. If this occurs, operation of critical components can be lost, including windshield wipers, headlights, turn signal and hazard lamps, tail lamps, the anti-locking function of the brakes, and the battery charging system.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective, corrugated plastic tube over the wire harness in the area of the brake stop switch. If any wire or wires are damaged, they will be repaired. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V282]
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki GSX1300RX Hayabusa Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,670
Dates of Manufacture: January - July 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the spring in the cam chain tension adjuster can break, allowing the cam chain to jump to the wrong position on the cam shaft sprockets. If the chain jumps to the wrong position, severe engine damage could occur, causing sudden engine failure. Sudden engine failure could cause the rear wheel to lock up, possibly causing the rider to lose control the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original cam chain tension adjuster with a revised cam chain tension adjuster. Owner notification began Oct. 13, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-255-2550.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V270/Suzuki Recall No. 2039]
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki Vitara Year: 1999
Number Involved: 8,408
Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - June 1999
Noncompliance: Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp actuating switch. If the switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights may be inoperative. On vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp actuating switch may also prevent shifting out of "Park." This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly. Owner notification was expected to begin during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V273.002/Suzuki Recall No. V7]
Excelsior-Henderson
Models: Excelsior-Henderson Super X Year: 1999
Number Involved: 857
Dates of Manufacture: January - July 1999
Defect: The fuel hose may disconnect between fuel pump regulator and fuel tank outlet nozzle. The fuel pump and hose are located inside the fuel tank assembly. If this disconnect occurs, the engine can stall, possibly causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a plastic safety tie to secure the fuel hose. Owner notification began Oct. 29, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Excelsior-Henderson at 1-612-873-7000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V299]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Thunderbird Years: 1991-1993
Mercury Cougar Years: 1992-1993
Number Involved: 164,731
Defect: On certain vehicles equipped with fog lights, the headlights may go out for various intervals as a result of the circuit breaker opening. Drivers could experience a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a headlight switch which incorporates a circuit breaker of revised design and install a wiring harness connector, if needed. Owner notification was expected to begin during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V275/Ford Recall No. 99S30]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley-Davidson 1200 Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 9,890
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - September 1999
Defect: The handle bars on these motorcycles can break, causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these handle bars. Owner notification began during November 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. 99V290/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0100]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley-Davidson FLT Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 52,126
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - October 1999
Defect: The bank sensor angle system can malfunction, causing the engine to stall or quit unexpectedly when riding. The engine can stall, possibly causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the bank angle sensor system. Owner notification began in November 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. 99V291/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0101]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley-Davidson FLT Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 52,126
Dates of Manufacture: May 1997 - October 1999
Defect: The fuel tank vent system can malfunction, causing the engine to stall or quit when riding. If this occurs, the engine can stall, possibly causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the correct the fuel tank vent system. Owner notification began in November 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. 99V292/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0101]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Geo Tracker Year: 1999
Number Involved: 30,605
Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - June 1999
Noncompliance: Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp actuating switch. If the switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights may be inoperative. On vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp actuating switch may also prevent shifting out of "Park." This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet/Geo at 1-800-222-1020.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V273.002/GM Recall No. 99052]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Saturn SC Years: 1999-2000
Saturn SW Years: 1999-2000
Saturn SL Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 265,522
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 - August 1999
Noncompliance: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." Some of the vehicles were produced with seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were not adequately tightened at the center pillar and could fall out, making the seat belt inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for proper installation and torque of the seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts. Owner notification began Oct. 29, 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. 99V280/GM Recall No. 99067/Saturn Recall No. 99C02]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet Lumina Year: 2000
Pontiac Grand Prix Year: 2000
Number Involved: 108
Dates of Manufacture: September - October 1999
Defect: The passenger side air bag modules have an undersized inflator orifice. In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger side air bag deployment, this undersized orifice can cause the inflator module to explode. If an air bag inflator module explodes, metal and/or plastic debris could cause severe injury to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag modules. Owner notification began Oct. 27, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V283/GM Recall No. 99073]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Saturn SC Year: 2000
Saturn SW Year: 2000
Saturn SL Year: 2000
Number Involved: 7,458
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1999
Noncompliance: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impacts." The armrests were produced with a latch that will not withstand the vertical force requirements of the standard. In the event of a crash, the latch may open and the armrest or the contents of the console could injure an occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console armrest latch. Owner notification began Oct. 29, 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. 99V297/GM Recall No. 99071/Saturn Recall No. 99C07]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Buick LeSabre Year: 2000
Cadillac Eldorado Year: 2000
Cadillac Seville Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,284
Dates of Manufacture: July - October 1999 (Buick's build dates are September - October 1999)
Defect: The inner tie rod nuts are loose and can result in separation of a tie rod. Separation of a tie rod can cause unexpected steering input, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will check and adjust the vehicle toe-in and tighten the inner tie rod nuts to the specified torque. Owner notification began Nov. 16, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V301/GM Recall No. 99064]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Malibu Year: 2000
Number Involved: 43,204
Dates of Manufacture: April - September 1999
Noncompliance: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity," because the fuel fill fitting is not properly secured to the fuel tank and could leak an excessive amount of fuel. Fuel leaks may occur, particularly after refueling or when the tank is more than half full. If an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary. Owner notification began Nov. 18, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V302/GM Recall No. 99075]
Kia Motors America, Inc.
Models: Kia Sephia Year: 1999
Number Involved: 90,054
Dates of Manufacture: September 12997 - January 1999
Defect: The ball socket on the windshield wiper link may be out of tolerance, resulting in the link disengaging from the wiper motor drive under load, such as pushing against ice, snow or other resistance. Also the wiper arm retaining nut could be inadequately tightened, allowing the wiper arm to slip and/or stop functioning. This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-949-470-7000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V271]
Land Rover North America, Inc.
Models: Land Rover Petrol Year: 1999
Number Involved: 5,823
Dates of Manufacture: May 1998 - July 1999
Defect: The power assisted steering pump pulley can fail, resulting in a loss of steering power assist. Continued operation of the vehicle can cause engine overheating and damage. The loss of steering assist could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new power steering pump/pulley assembly. Owner notification began Oct. 22, 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. 99V278/Land Rover Recall No. D385]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Audi TT Year: 2000
Number Involved: 8,003
Defect: In certain high speed turns or abrupt lane change maneuvers at speeds substantially above posted speed limits, and depending upon road conditions, precise steering response may be demanded to retain directional stability. In the event control is lost, a crash may occur, resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front stabilizers in front drive Audi TT's and the front and rear stabilizers in Audi TT's equipped with quattro drive. A modified control arm will be installed in the front, together with firmer shock absorbers in the front and rear. In addition Audi will install a rear spoiler. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V300]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird TC2000 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 2,100
Defect: On certain front engine buses equipped with Cummins ISB engines. The electrical power cables may not have been routed properly from the alternator output to the starting motor. If the cables are not routed properly, the cable insulation could be abraded by contact with other chassis components, causing an electrical short. The electrical short could cause an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will add a harness clip and reroute the electrical power cable from the alternator output to starting motor. Any cables found with abrasions will be replaced. Owner notification began during November 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. 99V289/Blue Bird Recall No. R99DF]
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
Fleetwood American Eagle Years: 1996-2000
Fleetwood American Dream Years: 1996-2000
Fleetwood American Tradition Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 3,398
Dates of Manufacture: July 1995 - September 1999
Defect: Certain motor homes equipped with slide-out rooms have an uneven front axle weight distribution. When the vehicle is fully equipped and loaded with cargo, this can lead to an overload condition on a front tire. Overloading of a tire can lead to tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will equip the subject motor homes with new larger capacity front tires, will adjust the weight distribution on the front axle (if necessary), apply new certification labels, and reinforce consumer education about the importance of tire maintenance, including rotation, alignment, and tire inflation pressure. Owner notification began Oct. 29, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V277/Fleetwood Recall No. 91015]
Freightliner Corporation
Models:
Freightliner Century Years: 1998-1999
Freightliner Argosy Years: 1998-1999
Freightliner FLD Years: 1998-1999
Freightliner FLN Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 2,976
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - October 1999
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks, the outboard bearing on the steering axle hubs can fail due to water intrusion through a hubcap vent, resulting in a separation of the wheel.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the hubcap and inspect for water intrusion and corrosion. The hub and bearing assembly will be replaced if there is evidence of corrosion. A non-vented hubcap will be installed. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V295/Freightliner Recall No. FL-246]
National R.V., Inc.
Models:
National Sea Breeze Years: 1998-1999
National Seaview Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5330 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5331 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5340 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5350 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5360 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5370 Years: 1998-1999
Dolphin 5371 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6330 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6331 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6350 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6351 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6370 Years: 1998-1999
Tropi Cal 6371 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 2,950
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - April 1999
Defect: These motor homes have a Model 1546 liquid propane gas (LPG) tank installed in which the tank bracket can fail, allowing the tank to detach completely from the vehicle. This could cause a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install bolt-on brackets. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact National RV at 1-909-943-6007
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V279]
EQUIPMENT
Lift-U
Models: Wheelchair lifts
Number Involved: 2,534
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 - April 1999
Defect: Failure of a soft seat check valve in these wheelchair lifts may allow the front and rear platform barriers to return to a horizontal position from the vertical position in which they are supposed to be locked. This could allow a wheelchair to roll off the lift platform, injuring its occupant.
Remedy: Lift-U is providing replacement soft seat check valves to the OEMs involved (See 99V-242 for vehicle manufacturers involved). Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners may contact Lift-U at 1-209-838-2400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E035]
Norcold, Inc.
Models: Gas/Electric Refrigerators
Number Involved: 127,053
Dates of Manufacture: August 1992 - August 1999
Defect: On Models 322, 323, N260, N260.3, N300, and N300.3 refrigerators, the swivel nut, which is an integral connection component of a pressure tap device, is susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. This cracking can lead to an open fracture in the brass nut, potentially allowing propane gas to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the swivel nut/pressure tap component and replace with a remedy kit. Owner notification began during November 1999. Owners are requested to contact Norcold at 1-937-497-3080.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E036]
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