NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JULY 2000 RECALLS |
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Topics: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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NHTSA
August 30, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 36-00
Wednesday, August 30, 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 July 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
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda Odyssey Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 78,910
Dates of Manufacture: August 1998 - March 2000
Defect: On certain mini vans, the dimmer control for the instrument panel lights can fail. At night, the driver would not be able to see the instrument panel gauges and displays, and may not be aware of the speed or problems with the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the multiplex unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V183]
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda Accord Year: 2000
Number Involved: 19,540
Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2000
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the rear suspension lower arms and/or control arms could break due to improper welding. Vehicle handling and control would be reduced, increasing the risk of loss of control and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rear suspension lower arms or control arms if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 7, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V184]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Chrysler Concorde Year: 2000
Dodge Intrepid Year: 2000
Number Involved: 601
Dates of Manufacture: June 2000
Defect: On non-ABS equipped passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinder piston retainer snap ring may have been bent inward during the assembly process. The master cylinder piston may be in a "brake applied" position due to the damaged piston retainer snap ring. When the piston is in the applied position, the fluid compensation ports are closed which results in a brake drag condition. If the brake overheats, brake fading could lead to an increase in needed stopping distance. Should a driver not anticipate the extra stopping distance, this condition could cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 24, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V180/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 885]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Dakota Years: 1997-2000
Number Involved: 40,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - September 1999
Defect: Certain pickup trucks built with 2.5L engines have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose. A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V193/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 870]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Chrysler Neon Year: 2000
Dodge Neon Year: 2000
Number Involved: 263,278
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - June 2000
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, vapors from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can condense and freeze inside of the throttle body when the vehicle is operated in cold ambient temperatures. This can prevent the throttle from fully returning to idle, which could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace and relocate a PCV system tube. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 21, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V194/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 886]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,500
Dates of Manufacture: June 2000
Defect: Certain sport utility vehicles have been built with fuel tanks with suspect vent tube welds. Separation of the vent tube weld could result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace any fuel tanks built in the suspect time period. The vehicle will be inspected and if the bar code on the fuel tank indicates that the tank was built during the suspect period, it will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V195/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 887]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Chrysler Cirrus Year: 2000
Dodge Stratus Year: 2000
Plymouth Breeze Year: 2000
Number Involved: 3,400
Dates of Manufacture: April 2000
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles have been built with an inadequate weld between the right front brake hose block and the stand-off bracket. Separation of the stand-off bracket from the block could cause fatigue damage of the right front brake tube and result in a half system brake loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a brake line bracket to the right front brake tube. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V196/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 888]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Dakota Year: 2000
Number Involved: 20,000
Dates of Manufacture: December 1999 - March 2000
Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with 4.7L engine and automatic transmissions, the automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during normal temperature operation. The transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result.
Remedy: Dealers will shorten the vent hose and assure adequate clearance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V197/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 890]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Dakota Years: 1997-2000
Number Involved: 437,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - August 1999
Defect: Certain pickup trucks may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose. Abrasion of the rear brake hose can result in a leak and a loss of braking force at the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to ensure that clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V198/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 891]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Dakota Year: 1997
Number Involved: 92,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - June 1997
Defect: Certain pickup trucks with a 131-inch wheelbase may have been built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody. This contact can result in wear, and after extended contact, could cause a perforation in the fuel line, resulting in leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper clearance. Fuel lines that exhibit inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line that will ensure proper clearance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V199/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 892]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Explorer Year: 2000
Mercury Mountaineer Year: 2000
Number Involved: 3,002
Dates of Manufacture: June 2000
Defect: Certain 4-door sport utility vehicles equipped with side air bags have a revised level side crash sensor that could deploy the side air bag if the ignition key is in the "run" position and the seatbelt webbing is forcibly extracted from a locked retractor with a jerking motion. Inadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the side crash sensors with a revised design that will reduce the likelihood of an unexpected side air bag deployment. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 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. 00V179/Ford Recall No. 00S17]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Crown Victoria Years: 1998-2000
Mercury Grand Marquis Years: 1998-2000
Lincoln Town Car Years: 1998-2000
Number Involved: 875,000
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles have jacking instructions which, if followed, could cause the vehicle operator to place the jack on a frame weld when attempting to raise a rear wheel. If the vehicle is jacked up with the jack placed on the frame weld and if the vehicle is free to roll (wheels not blocked or chocked), the jack could yield and the vehicle may drop suddenly. If this occurs and any portion of the operator's body is under the vehicle, the potential for personal injury exists.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a revised Jack Instruction and Stowage Card and Jack Warning Label, as well as a supplement to the owner guide. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 24, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free instructions and label within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V200/Ford Recall No. 00S13]
General Motors Corporation
Models:
Buick Regal Year: 1995
Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 268,146
Dates of Manufacture: May 1994 - June 1996
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, corrosion of the air bag inflator's internal wiring, which can occur over time, could cause the inadvertent deployment of the driver's air bag. This deployment could occur during vehicle start-up, while the vehicle is parked or idling, or while in operation. If the consumer is too close to an inflating air bag, serious injuries could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inflators on these air bags. GM mailed an informational letter in early July 7, 2000. This letter explained the product safety issue, what GM is doing to correct it, and what customers can do immediately to lessen any potential for injury. A few parts were available at the time; however, the remainder of parts will not be available until the fall of 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buick at 1-800-521-7300 or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V171/GM Recall No. 00058]
Kia Motors Corporation
Models: Kia Sephia Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 100,137
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - May 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, manufacturing changes were made to a valve on the fuel filler pipe assembly that could cause fuel shut off before the tank reached 95 percent of nominal capacity. This would cause customers to add more fuel to the tank causing fuel to spill or spit back from the fuel filler neck. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace this valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-949-470-7045.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V175]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
Fleetwood Discovery Years: 1996-2000
Fleetwood Bounder Diesel Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 4,967
Dates of Manufacture: June 1996 - August 1999
Defect: On certain motor homes, the power steering gear box hydraulic lines are routed too close to a sharp edge. This can cause the lines to rupture and result in a hydraulic fluid leak. This fluid leakage can cause loss of the power steering assist feature, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, replace or repair damaged hoses as necessary, and relocate the affected hydraulic lines. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V204/Fleetwood Recall No. 00724]
Hino Diesel Trucks (USA)
Models:
Hino FD2J Years: 1999-2001
Hino FE2J Years: 1999-2001
Hino FF2J Years: 1999-2001
Hino FB4J Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 1,848
Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - June 2000
Defect: On certain medium duty trucks equipped with anti-lock brake systems (ABS) and air over hydraulic brake actuation, the ABS computer unit is faulty, which could increase braking distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS computer controller unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 31, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hino Diesel at 1-845-365-1400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V192]
International Truck and Engine Corporation
Models:
International 2000 Years: 1998-2000
International 3000 Years: 1998-2000
International 4000 Years: 1998-2000
International 9000 Years: 1998-2000
Number Involved: 104,302
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - May 2000
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks built with Bendix AIR ABS, the ABS sensor wires on rotating parts chafe, which can lead to a false signal being sent to the Bendix ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This could cause the AIR ABS ECU to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels, leading to an increase in stopping distance. Should a driver not anticipate the extra stopping distance, this condition could cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor wiring routing and re-route or replace the ABS sensors as required. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began July 24, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V176001/International Recall No. 00505]
PACCAR, Inc.
Models: Peterbilt 387 Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 154
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks, the side fairing hinge bar and mounts can detach from the fuel tank straps. The hinge bar can rotate and separate from the fairing, allowing the hinge bar assembly to fall off the vehicle, increasing the risk of property damage and a crash to following vehicles or injury to pedestrians.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional nut plate, and if the bracket is cracked, the fuel tank strap will be replaced with a new strap and bracket assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during August 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4171.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V185/Peterbilt Recall No. 600F]
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