NHTSA Publishes List of December, January Recalls |
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NHTSA
March 10, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA 07-00
Friday, March 10, 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 December 1999 and January 2000 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
December 1999/January 2000
Vehicles
Cars, Vans, Light Duty Trucks and Motorcycles
AM General Corporation
Models: AM General Hummer Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 980
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 - September 1999
Defect: A potential chafing condition occurs between the flexible brake lines which connect the master cylinder to the ABS modulator on these sport utility vehicles. This condition can lead to one or both of the brake lines developing a brake fluid leak, causing a reduction in brake line pressure and resulting in longer-than-normal stopping distances.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinder to ABS modulator lines. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AM General at 1-734-523-8000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V005/AM General Recall No. AMG-R0001]
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda S2000 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 4,930
Dates of Manufacture: June - December 1999
Defect: When the convertible top is down and the seats are pushed all the way back, the seat belts may not retract properly, resulting in slack in the seat belts. This slack can reduce the protective capability and effectiveness of the belts and increases the risk of injury to an occupant in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the convertible top cover to prevent interference with the seat belt. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V016]
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki Sidekick Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 13,461
Dates of Manufacture: June 1995 - September 1996
Defect: Insufficient strength of the mounting base on the upper end of the front struts on these sport utility vehicles can lead to breakage of the mounting bolts that attach the upper end of the front struts to the vehicle body. If the strut breaks loose, a driver could lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will add a reinforcement for both front struts between the front strut mounting base and the vehicle body. In addition, the front strut mounting bases, mounting bolts and nuts, and strut bar stays will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during March 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V008/Suzuki Recall No. W2]
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki SV650 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,458
Dates of Manufacture: July - December 1999
Defect: The motorcycle crankcase design allows the creation of air pockets near the oil pump inlet due to sloshing of the oil in the crankcase. If the oil pump draws air, inadequate lubrication to the engine occurs, causing severe engine damage and resulting in engine failure. Sudden engine failure while riding could cause rear wheel lockup, causing the driver to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will install an oil plate to prevent the creation of air pockets in the area of the oil pump inlet, and add a reinforcement for both front struts between the front strut mounting base and the vehicle body. In addition, the front strut mounting bases, mounting bolts and nuts, and strut bar stays will be replaced. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki Motorcycle at 1-714-996-7040, extension 396.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V009/Suzuki Recall No. 2041]
Aston Martin
Models: Aston Martin DB7 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 381
Dates of Manufacture: June 1999
Defect: The welds securing the front damper lower mounting bracket on these passenger vehicles could be inadequate, resulting in separation of the bracket. The separated bracket could displace the damper and limit steering action.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front damper lower mounting bracket. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Aston Martin at 1-201-818-8352.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V011/Aston Martin Recall No. SAR 003]
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models: BMW X5 Year: 2000
Number Involved: 190
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1999
Defect: On these sport utility vehicles, the lower steering shaft coupling includes a plastic collar which fits over the lower steering rack input shaft. This collar is pushed down onto the steering rack and tightened during assembly. On some of the affected vehicles, the collar may not have been pushed down fully onto the rack at the assembly plant. If this occurs, operation of the vehicle, especially in rough road conditions, can cause the clearance between the collar and the steering rack to increase to the point where the input shaft can separate from the rack, resulting in a loss of steering capability.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering rack input shaft collar for proper positioning, and reposition if necessary. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V010]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Jeep Cherokee Year: 1995
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years: 1994-1995
Number Involved: 334,047
Defect: The front disc brake rotors of passenger and multi-purpose vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, can experience severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the "salt belt." If the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped steel center hub section of the rotor. The reduced strength can allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub, reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these rotors with rotors with a stainless steel center section and which are coated with corrosion protection. Owner notification began Dec. 20, 1999. Owners who do not have their vehicles replaced within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V340/Chrysler Recall No. 747]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Durango Year: 1999
Number Involved: 99,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - May 1998
Defect: The rear brake tube can contact an underbody crossmember, eventually wearing a hole in the tube. If the tube is perforated, there will be a reduction in braking from the rear wheels, increasing stopping distances.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all vehicles and will install a rubber isolator on all vehicles that do not show any indication of tube contact. Vehicles that show contact and have less than 45,000 miles with no signs of red rust will have the rubber isolator installed with silicone to protect the tube where the coating has worn off. Vehicles that exhibit contact, and have more than 45,000 miles or show signs of red rust, will have the brake tube replaced with the production tube and isolator. Owner notification began during January 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V341/Chrysler Recall No. 841]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Durango Year: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 150,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - September 1998
Defect: The fuel tank strap can separate due to fatigue during vehicle operation. If this occurs, the tank will be unsupported, increasing the risk of a fuel leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the double toggle lock fuel tank straps with a single toggle lock design. Owner notification began February 7, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V342/Chrysler Recall No. 842]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge Intrepid Year: 2000
Chrysler 300M Year: 2000
Chrysler Concorde Year: 2000
Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 2000
Number Involved: 350
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1999
Defect: The passenger air bag inflator assembly contains an incorrect inflator charge amount. This condition could increase the risk of a passenger occupant injury under certain crash conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module with a correct module. Owner notification began Jan. 24, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V343/Chrysler Recall No. 858]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Truck Year: 2000
Number Involved: 76
Dates of Manufacture: October - November 1999
Defect: The welds at the right side lower control arm bracket to axle tube attachment may have inadequate fatigue life due to poor weld quality. This can lead to separation of the control arm bracket from the axle tube. If the bracket separates the vehicle could experience reduced directional stability, braking degradation and/or vehicle pull under braking.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front axle with a properly welded front axle. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not have their front axles replaced within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V007/Chrysler Recall No. 861]
Ducati North America, Inc.
Models:
Ducati 916 Years: 1994-1998
Ducati 748 Years: 1997-1999
Ducati 955SP Year: 1996
Ducati 996SPS Years: 1997-1998
Ducati 996BIP Year: 1999
Number Involved: 748
Defect: On certain motorcycles equipped with a rear wheel hub spindle, internal cracks may be present on the rear wheel spindle. This condition can cause the spindle to fail, causing a loss of control of the motorcycle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear wheel spindle and replace it if necessary. Owner notification began Dec. 15, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V360]
Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Year: 2000
Mercury Mystique Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,400
Dates of Manufacture: December 1999
Defect: An incorrect label was installed on the driver side rear door. This label contains instructions for the activation of the childproof safety locks. The operator of the vehicle may believe the childproof safety lock is activated when it is not, potentially allowing the door to be opened from the inside.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a replacement label and installation instructions. Owner notification began Jan. 11, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free replacement label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V361/Ford Recall No. 99L02]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Focus Year: 2000
Number Involved: 31,002
Defect: The speed control cable end fitting can allow water to enter the speed control servo assembly. If this occurs, corrosion in the servo assembly could develop and cause intermittent speed control operation or prevent the throttle from returning to idle. A throttle that does not return to idle could result in unexpected acceleration, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the speed control cable with a new cable designed to prevent water intrusion and inspect the assembly for internal corrosion. Servos with evidence of corrosion will also be replaced. Owners are advised not to use the speed control until the vehicles are repaired. Owner notification began Dec. 13, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V346/Ford Recall No. 99S35]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Mercury Villager Year: 1999
Number Involved: 42,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - June 1999
Defect: The tail light socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb. If the bulb falls out of the socket, the brake and tail lamps will not function.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets. Owner notification began Jan. 19, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V347.001/Ford Recall No. 99S36]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Windstar Year: 2000
Number Involved: 1,475
Dates of Manufacture: August - September 1999
Defect: These minivans may have been built with incorrect urethane, resulting in an adhesive bond rather than the intended molecular bond for the front windshield and rear liftgate glass. If the bond deteriorates, it could provide less than the intended level of glass retention in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield and liftgate glass. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free replacement label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V020/Ford Recall No. 00S01]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn L-Series Year: 2000
Number Involved: 36,848
Dates of Manufacture: May 1998 - October 1999
Defect: Fuel tank assemblies in these vehicles have an Over Pressure Relief (OPR) valve that can become stuck open in a frontal collision. If the vehicle rolls over, fuel spillage could occur and, if an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will permanently seal the outlet port of the OPR valve. Owner notification was expected to begin during January 2000. 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. 99V340/GM Recall No. 99087/Saturn Recall No. 00C08]
Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models: Kawasaki Ninja Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 3,504
Defect: The back torque limiter in the clutch could malfunction and allow the clutch to slip excessively, or not re-engage after a shift. This sudden non-engagement of the clutch could cause the rider to lose control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace certain parts of the clutch. Owner notification began Dec. 1, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V337]
Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,800
Defect: The fuel hose from the fuel filter to the throttle assembly of these motorcycles can rub against the bottom of the fuel pump plate and develop a leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel hose with a molded hose that curves away from the fuel pump plate. Also, a new bracket and grommet will be added to hold the new hose in position. The fuel return hose will also be replaced. Owner notification began Dec. 2, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V338]
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models:
Mazda 626 Year: 1994
Mazda MX6 Year: 1994
Number Involved: 40,000
Dates of Manufacture: January - May 1994
Defect: The headlight wire that runs through the turn signal lever can fail at the point where it is soldered to the headlight switch. The failure of this wire could cause a loss of headlights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the headlight lead wire and replace the headlight switch, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during March 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V358/Mazda Recall No. 87004]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:
Nissan Quest Year: 1999
Nissan Frontier Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved: 67,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 - July 1999
Defect: The tail light socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb. If the bulb falls out of the socket, the brake and tail lamps will not function.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets. Owner notification began Jan. 18, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V347.002]
School Buses and Motor Homes
Carpenter Manufacturing
Models:
Carpenter Cadet Years: 1991-1995
Carpenter Classic Years: 1991-1995
Carpenter Counselor Years: 1991-1995
Number Involved: 3,633
Dates of Manufacture: 1991 - 1995
Defect: The body side posts for the side emergency door can crack on certain school buses. This could cause the emergency door to not latch properly.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with free parts, repair instructions, and will be reimbursed for the labor involved. Owner notification began during January 2000. Owners who do not receive the free repair parts within a reasonable time should contact Carpenter at 1-765-965-4000.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00V015]
Seahawk Recreational Vehicles
Models:
Seahawk Seahawk Years: 1996-1997
Seahawk Yellowstone Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 850
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995 - December 1996
Defect: The fifth wheel trailer hitch connection frame or "pin box" can rotate fore and aft as the vehicle is being pulled. This will lead to eventual destruction of the pin box support, with excessive rotation affecting the control of the tow vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will install a steel T-plate on the back side of the channel cross member and add additional exterior stabilizer bars. Owner notification began Jan. 5, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Seahawk at 1-800-289-8787.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V363]
Equipment
Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
Models: Tow Bars
Number Involved: 2,406
Dates of Manufacture: June 1997 - October 1999
Defect: These tow bars can develop cracks in the mounting brackets. The failure of these brackets could cause separation of the towed vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners will receive a replacement tow bar. Automatic Equipment has requested the return of the defective tow bar. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during February 2000. Owners who do not receive the free replacement tow bar within a reasonable time should contact Automatic Equipment at 1-402-385-3051.
[NHTSA Recall No. 00E001/Automatic Equipment Recall No. AE00-01]
Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
Models:
Kolcraft Infant Rider Kolcraft Secura
Kolcraft Travel About Kolcraft Plus 4
Kolcraft Plus 5 Kolcraft Infant Restraint
Kolcraft Infant Car Seat Kolcraft Playskool
Number Involved: 753,974
Dates of Manufacture: January 1993 - June 1999
Defect: When used as an infant carrier, the handle can unexpectedly move from the intended carrying position, causing the infant to bump its head or fall out of the carrier.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a free repair kit. Until the repair kit has been installed, DO NOT carry the seat by its carrying handle, but by the handles on the head and foot of the seat. Owner notification began Dec. 17, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free repair kit within a reasonable time should contact Kolcraft at 1-877-776-2609.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99E-047]
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