NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF MARCH 2000 RECALLS |
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NHTSA
May 31, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 23-00
Wednesday, May 31, 2000
Contact: NHTSA, Tim Hurd, (202) 366-9550
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in March 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. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge Stratus Year: 2000
Chrysler Cirrus Year: 2000
Plymouth Breeze Year: 2000
Number Involved: 17,000
Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2000
Defect: These vehicles were built with incorrect child lock instruction labels. The incorrect labels could cause confusion as to whether the childproof safety lock was activated.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with correct labels. Owner notification began March 27, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V066/Chrysler Recall No. 868]
Ferrari North America, Inc.
Models:
Ferrari F355 Year: 1999
Ferrari F355 F1 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 477
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - May 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with Bosch braking systems, brake fluid reservoir hoses may not be resistant to brake fluid, which could cause failure of the hoses. Should a hose failure occur, the brake failure light would light up, followed by loss of vehicle braking efficiency.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the hoses and, if required, install new hoses that are resistant to brake fluid. Owner notification began March 21, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V064/Ferrari Recall No.20]
Ferrari North America, Inc.
Models:
Ferrari 360 Modena Year: 1999
Ferrari 360 Modena F1 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 173
Dates of Manufacture: December 1998 - October 1999
Defect: The ABS (anti-lock braking system)/ASR (traction control system) electronic control unit is affected by an error in production by the supplier. The ABS function will not activate, allowing vehicle instability under very hard braking.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS/ASR electronic control unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V099/Ferrari Recall No.27]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Explorer Years: 1999-2000
Mercury Mountaineer Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 208,903
Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - September 1999
Defect: Sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L engines and All-time 4-Wheel Drive (A4WD) powertrains. The generic electronic module (GEM) could experience a condition referred to as "lock-up" in which the GEM controlled electronic functions (e.g., front windshield wipers, interior lights, 4x4 system, etc.) could not be turned ON or, in some cases if the function is ON, could not be turned OFF.
Remedy: Dealers will install a resistor in the GEM circuit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 15, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V072/Ford Recall No. 00S04]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Expedition Years: 1997-2000
Lincoln Navigator Years: 1997-2000
Number Involved: 565,800
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - December 1999
Defect: Bolts which attach the trailer hitch assembly to the frame in sport utility vehicles could lose the clamp load. The trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 24, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V073/Ford Recall No. 00S05]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Years: 1996-1998
Mercury Mystique Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 250,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - August 1998
Defect: In passenger vehicles NOT equipped with the anti-lock braking system, a pressure conscious reducing valve (PCRV) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion. This could result in a malfunction when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
Remedy: Dealers will install improved PCRV's in the rear brake system. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V075/Ford Recall No. 00S03]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet Express Years: 1999-2000
GMC Savana Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 10,468
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - January 2000
Defect: Passenger vans equipped with a brake warning indicator may have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow switch assembly. If this occurs, power steering fluid could flow onto hot engine parts, and an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. If the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during late March 2000. 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. 00V085/GM Recall No. 00028]
Hyundai Motor America
Models:
Hyundai Elantra Years: 1996-1997
Hyundai Tiburon Year: 1997
Number Involved: 84,020
Dates of Manufacture: September 1995 - August 1997
Defect: The evaporative emission control systems of these vehicles can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface, which could allow fuel to escape. The "Check Engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver may notice a gasoline odor. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced. Additionally, dealers will also confirm that the new fuel filler cap has been installed, and will install the new fuel filler cap if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-63-5151
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V095/Hyundai Recall No. 037]
Hyundai Motor America
Models: Hyundai Accent Year: 2000
Number Involved: 16,264
Dates of Manufacture: November 1999 - January 2000
Defect: The protective rubber boot which covers the ball joint connection between the windshield wiper motor drive arm and the windshield wiper drag link can stick to the surface of the drive arm. If the rubber boot sticks and the wiper motor is turned on, binding of the interface between the drive arm and drag link results, causing the ball joint connection to disengage. If the connection disengages, the windshield wipers are inoperative. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the protective rubber boot and will lubricate the new protective rubber boot where it contacts the drive arm.The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V096/Hyundai Recall No. 038]
Isuzu Motors Limited
Models:
Isuzu Rodeo Years: 1998-1999
Isuzu Amigo Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 213,736
Dates of Manufacture: July 1997 - October 1999
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut may loosen. The bolt could detach fully, causing separation of the lower link from the rear axle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during March 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-643-4070.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V58/Isuzu Recall No. SB0006S002]
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda 626 Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 71,000
Dates of Manufacture: February 1999 - January 2000
Defect: Certain reservoir tank caps on the brake master cylinder were produced with a worn out die and lack ventilation holes. As a result, the pressure in the reservoir tank can drop gradually as the brake pad or shoe wears and ambient temperature drops. Also, the pressure could reach a point where the brake caliper and drum cylinder are pulled back by the vacuum in the reservoir tank when the vehicle is parked for a long time. This could lead to reduced brake effectiveness, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the reservoir cap and replace it, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V074/Mazda Recall No. 89004]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Sentra Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 14,800
Dates of Manufacture: May - November 1995
Defect: The front coil springs may not have sufficient corrosion resistance in areas of the country where significant amounts of de-icing salts are applied to roads in the winter. If a broken spring comes out of the lower seat, it could contact and puncture the tire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front coil spring. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V063]
Rolls-Royce Motors, Inc.
Models: Bentley Arnage Year: 2000
Number Involved: 110
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 - February 2000
Defect: The fuel return pipe in the engine compartment can wear through as the result of repeated contact with the exhaust manifold as the vehicle is driven. If the hose becomes damaged, fuel leakage could occur. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the routing of the fuel return line. If necessary, the dealer will reposition the hose or replace it with a new hose if it was damaged. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during late March 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Rolls-Royce at 1-800-777-6923.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V092/Rolls-Royce Recall No. RE 0001]
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Models:
Yamaha YFZR1K Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1KC Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1L Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1LC Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1K Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR6L Years: 1999-2000
Yamaha YFZR6LC Years: 1999-2000
Yamaha YFZR6M Years: 1999-2000
Yamaha YFZR6MC Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 17,146
Dates of Manufacture: February 1998 - February 2000
Defect: The screws holding the sidestand switch can loosen and fall out due to engine heat and vibration. If the sidestand falls down, it would not be possible to ride the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the screws holding the sidestand switch. Owner notification began March 13, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V076]
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Models:
Yamaha YFZR1K Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1KC Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1L Years: 1998-1999
Yamaha YFZR1LC Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 5,313
Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - July 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the front brake pad material could separate from the backing plate due to insufficient adhesion. If pad separation occurs, there could be a loss of braking ability.
Remedy: Dealers will install new front brake pads. Owner notification began March 13, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V077]
SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird All American Years: 1998-2000
Number Involved: 779
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - February 2000
Defect: On certain front engine school and transit buses, the power distribution unit (PDU) cables are inadequately supported and routed in close proximity to the steering pitman arm. The cable can chafe and result in an electrical short, possibly disabling the vehicle.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with step by step repair instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during late March 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. 00V071/Blue Bird Recall No. R00DS]
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
Fleetwood Vision Years: 1999-2000
Fleetwood Southwind Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 276
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - July 1999
Defect: On certain motor homes, the generator exhaust gases can accumulate beneath the slide out portion of the motor home and can seep into the vehicle interior, possibly causing carbon monoxide poisoning to persons inside.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the generator exhaust pipe with a new exhaust pipe designed to terminate at a location other than under the extended slide out room. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during late March 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V086/Fleetwood Recall No. 00228]
Forest River, Inc.
Models:
Forest River 34CK-TS Year: 2000
Forest River 37RL-TS Year: 2000
Number Involved: 115
Dates of Manufacture: November 1999 - February 2000
Defect: On certain fifth wheel trailers equipped with slide-out rooms that house the kitchen range and refrigerator, a liquid propane (LP) gas hose connects the main LP gas manifold to the gas fired appliances in the slide-out room. The hose connection in the refrigerator compartment puts a rotational stress on the crimped connection between the fitting that connects to the tee and the hose itself, resulting in leakage of LP gas. LP gas leakage in the present of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a manifold and then attach a hose with a high compression end fitting to a brass fitting. The hose will then flex side to side rather than rotationally. Owner notification began Feb. 23, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Forest River at 1-219-533-5934.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V060]
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner Argosy Years: 1998-2000
Number Involved: 12,380
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - February 2000
Defect: On heavy duty trucks equipped with certain 12-volt power outlets, an unplugged hole in the floorboard can allow road salts and moisture into an area where a 12-volt power outlet is mounted. A short between the outlet terminals could develop which could cause an electrical fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all vehicles to determine if a floorboard plug was installed. On vehicles found without a plug, a new outlet and plug will be installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during May 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V082/Freightliner Recall No. FL-256]
Jayco, Incorporated
Models:
Jayco Eagle Year: 2000
Jayco Designer Year: 2000
Number Involved: 432
Dates of Manufacture: June - December 1999
Noncompliance: On some motor homes, certain pleated shades failed the requirements of FMVSS No. 302, "Flammability of Interior Materials." If a fire occurred in the motor home, the pleated shades would burn at an accelerated rate, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pleated shades on these motor homes. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during early April 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-877-825-4782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V089]
EQUIPMENT
Ford Motor Company
Models: Aftermarket Trailer Hitch Assemblies
Number Involved: 6,750
Defect: These trailer hitch assemblies for use on Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles could lose the frame attaching bolt clamp load. The trailer hitch could separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates. Purchasers of this aftermarket trailer hitch should contact their dealer or call Ford at 1-800-392-3673, to register with the manufacturer for the recall.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00E013/Ford Recall No. 00S05]
TIRES
Continental General Tire Inc.
Models: Continental P185/70R14
Number Involved: 3,109
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1999
Defect: Certain tires were produced with a non-specified rubber compound in the belt area, creating the risk for potential tire failure.
Remedy: Continental is notifying consumers to take their defective tires to an authorized dealer to have the tires replaced with an identical or reasonable equivalent tire free of charge, including mounting and balancing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin in April 2000. Purchasers of these tires should contact their dealer or call Continental at 1-800-847-3349 to register with the manufacturer for the recall.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00T002]
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