NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JUNE 2000 RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
July 31, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 32-00
Monday, July 31, 2000
Contact: NHTSA, Tim Hurd, (202) 366-9550
The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in June 2000 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. also can be used to report safety problems.
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Crown Victoria Years: 1996-2000
Mercury Grand Marquis Years: 1996-2000
Lincoln Town Car Years: 1996-2000
Number Involved: 3,500
Noncompliance: The replacement seat belt assemblies that were installed in certain 1996-2000 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Cars between Jan. 1 and June 13, 2000, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The equipment involved is Service Stock Seat Belt Assemblies, Model Nos. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, and T 9217, built by TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. (TRW) and manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. These seat belt assemblies were installed as warranty or service replacement equipment on these vehicles. Because of a problem with the seat belt retractor, in the event of a collision, these seat belts may not adequately restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the Service Seat Belt Assemblies that were installed from Jan. 1 through June 13, 2000. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during late July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V157001/002/Ford Recall No. 00S15]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Windstar Year: 2000
Number Involved: 3,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 2000
Defect: Certain minivans may have incorrect fuel line end forms that result in a lower than specified pull apart force for the installed fuel line connection.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel line clip on the fuel supply and return line connections at the rear of the chassis fuel line bundle. The manufacturer reported that owner notification began July 10, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V164/Ford Recall No. 00S11]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Windstar Years: 1996-1998
Ford F150 Years: 1997-1998
Ford Explorer Years: 1997-1998
Ford Expedition Years: 1997-1998
Lincoln Navigator Year: 1998
Number Involved: 20,637
Noncompliance: Certain previously leased minivans, light pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles originally built for sale in Canada meet Canadian requirements for daytime running lights, but not the photometric requirements of FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." According to Ford, the vehicles were imported into the U.S. erroneously between March 1999 and April 1, 2000, because the running lights were believed to meet U.S. specifications.
Remedy: Dealers will be advised to deactivate the running light function and to complete any outstanding safety recalls on these vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin July 21, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V168/Ford Recall No. 00S14]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford F Super Duty Year: 2000
Number Involved: 8,100
Dates of Manufacture: November 1999 - April 2000
Defect: Certain vehicles built on a stripped motor home chassis may have a missing or partially installed brake pedal to master cylinder pushrod retaining clip. If the clip is missing or falls out, the pushrod could disconnect from the brake pedal, resulting in the operator being unable to apply the brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the retaining clip installation. Missing or partially installed clips will be properly installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 10, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V170/Ford Recall No. 00S12]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet S10 Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 306
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - March 1998
Defect: On certain electric pickup trucks, a condition exists in which the fuel-fired heater fill pipe ground strap contacts the rear passenger side brake pipe. This could wear off the corrosion protection of the brake pipe, leading to premature corrosion and eventual loss of brake pipe integrity and partial brake failure.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the ground strap attachment, inspect the brake pipe for wear, and replace the brake pipe if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during June 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V159/GM Recall No. 00050]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Buick Century Year: 2000
Buick Regal Year: 2000
Chevrolet Lumina Year: 2000
Number Involved: 248
Dates of Manufacture: May 2000
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with FMVSS No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity." The clamp that secures the flexible fuel fill hose to the metal fill tube may be loose and could separate, causing fuel leakage. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the likelihood of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel hose fill neck clamp and, if necessary, reposition and tighten the clamp. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began June 28, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V160/GM Recall No. 00056]
Toyota Motor Company
Models:
Toyota Avalon Year: 2000
Toyota Camry Year: 2000
Toyota Solara Year: 2000
Number Involved: 541
Dates of Manufacture: March - April 2000
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper heat treatment, the rear axle may not have adequate strength in some areas. The rear axle shafts could fail or break after extended use of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear axle hub assemblies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V154]
Triumph Motorcycles
Models: Triumph TT600 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 763
Dates of Manufacture: December 1999 - May 2000
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the clutch housing bolts become loose and could break. Bolt remnants can migrate to the alternator and lead to engine damage. This could lead to a loss of control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the housing bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Triumph at 1-770-631-9500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V158]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models:
Blue Bird All American Years: 1997-2000
Blue Bird TC2000 Years: 1997-2000
Blue Bird LTC 40 Years: 1997-2000
Blue Bird Q-Bus Years: 1997-2000
Blue Bird Commercial Years: 1997-2000
Number Involved: 9,687
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - May 2000
Defect: On certain school and transit buses equipped with Bendix air brakes, Bendix changed the internal design of the QR1C relay valve by adding a hole in the internal diaphragm. When the hole in the diaphragm aligns with the hole in the valve body, the brake application time increases. Under certain conditions, such as when the vehicle is parked on an incline, when the driver activates the parking brake but removes his or her foot from the treadle valve, the bus could roll before the parking brake is fully engaged.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the diaphragms with holes with solid diaphragms for the QR1C valves. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during early July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V162/Blue Bird Recall No. R00DX]
Coachmen Industries, Inc.
Models: Shasta Class C Year: 2000
Number Involved: 117
Dates of Manufacture: January - June 2000
Defect: On certain motor homes constructed on Chevrolet chassis, the routing of the main battery feed wiring from the coach battery to the distribution panel of the motor home allows it to come in contact with the exhaust manifold of the vehicle. Over time, the heat of the manifold degrades the shielding of the wire, exposing the wire to the metal manifold. The coach battery is not the engine battery. The coach battery provides service to the motor home's 12V appliances. This condition could create an electrical short, and if the short does not cause the fuse to blow, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the wiring and add an additional clamp to permanently secure the wiring in this new position safely away from the exhaust manifold. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during July/August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Coachmen at 1-219-825-5821.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V167]
Jayco, Incorporated
Models: Jayco JB Kiwi Year: 2000
Number Involved: 760
Dates of Manufacture: August 1999 - June 2000
Defect: On certain 23 foot travel trailers, all of the liquid storage tanks are located behind the axle, so that when the tanks are full or other materials are improperly loaded, the trailer hitch weight is reduced. The vehicle becomes difficult to tow at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour.
Remedy: Dealers will add additional weight to the A-frame of the travel trailer, revise the federal axle weight labels and towing instructions, and replace the tires with higher capacity tires to accommodate the added weight. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-877-825-4782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V169/Jayco Recall No. 00-1-31]
Nissan Diesel America, Inc.
Models:
Nissan Diesel UD1200 Years: 1999-2000
Nissan Diesel UD1400 Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 3,058
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - March 2000
Defect: On certain medium duty trucks, the steering gear box is mounted to the frame using a combination of two mounting bolts with nuts and two mounting studs. The two mounting bolts thread into mounting nuts that are welded to the inside of the frame. During the vehicle manufacturing process, residual welding material from the welding of an adjacent bracket for the ABS relay can accumulate in the two steering gear mounting nuts. If this occurs, the steering gear box mounting bolts will have inadequate clamping force, which can cause fatigue failure of the mounting bolts and studs. This could cause a loss of steering with little or no prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and inspect the two mounting bolts for thread damage. New mounting bolts will be installed. If damage to the bolt threads is evident, new nuts will also be installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan Diesel at 1-972-756-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V156]
PACCAR, Inc.
Models: Peterbilt 387 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 111
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks, the steer axle mudflaps and/or mudflap stiffeners can rub a hole in the forward surface of the undercab fuel tank, causing a hole in the fuel tank. This can result in fuel leakage and increase the risk of fire if an ignition source is present.
Remedy: Dealers will provide replacement mudflap assemblies smaller than the original assemblies to owners and the fuel tank will be checked for abrasion and replaced if damaged. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4171.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V161/Peterbilt Recall No. 500E]
Safari Motor Coaches, Inc.
Models:
Beaver Patriot Years: 1999-2000
Beaver Monterey Years: 1999-2000
Beaver Contessa Years: 1999-2000
Safari Continental Years: 1999-2000
Safari Serengetti Years: 1999-2000
Safari Zanzibar Years: 1999-2000
Harney Renegade Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 691
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 - November 1999
Defect: On certain motor homes built on Magnum chassis and equipped with ABS systems, the anti-lock brake modulator fails to regulate hydraulic pressure to the appropriate wheel, causing the modulator to react improperly. Failure of the anti-lock braking system could cause a loss of control of the vehicle in certain braking situations.
Remedy: Dealers will install a wiring harness update, which properly routes the electrical signal from the ECU to the modulator. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 13, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Safari/Beaver/Harney at 1-800-344-6332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V173/SMC Recall No. SAB00-104]
EQUIPMENT:
Accuride Corporation
Models: Accuride Wheel Rim
Number Involved: 5,719
Dates of Manufacture: January - March 2000
Defect: Certain 22.5 x 8.25 15 tubeless demountable rims, Part No. 32051, contain an incomplete weld in the mounting ring. Under certain circumstances, this could develop into a crack on the mounting ring. Over time, the crack could propagate, resulting in mounting ring failure and causing the rim to separate from the vehicle. Loss of vehicle control could occur.
Remedy: Accuride will inspect and replace the defective or suspect wheel rims. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Accuride Customer Service at 1-812-962-5027.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00E029]
Britax Child Safety, Inc.
Models: Britax Roundabout
Number Involved: 9,922
Dates of Manufacture: January - March 1999
Noncompliance: On certain child restraints, the shells may have been improperly molded and could allow higher head excursions than allowed by FMVSS No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." An insufficient parting line bond in the area of the harness adjuster attachment may lead to adjuster movement under crash loads that could allow a child's head to move further than the permitted limits. In a crash, additional head movement could allow a child's head to strike something in the vehicle and lead to injury.
Remedy: Consumers with the affected seats are being instructed to contact Britax in order to receive a free repair kit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Britax at 1-888-427-4829.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00E034]
Norcold Inc.
Models:
Norcold N621
Norcold N641
Norcold N821
Norcold N841
Number Involved: 40,376
Dates of Manufacture: May - November 1999
Defect: Certain combination gas/electric absorption refrigerators for use in recreational vehicles can experience a cooling system leak through fatigue failure of the cooling unit from the elevated heat during operation in the AC electric mode. Extended operation of a leaking cooling unit in the AC electric mode can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the AC heating element to correct the defect. The dealers will also inspect the refrigerators for coolant leaks and replace the cooling unit if a leak is detected. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during July 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Norcold at 1-800-767-9101.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00E031]