NHTSA Publishes List of February 2001 Recalls
NHTSA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in February 2001 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 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 VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES American Honda Motor Company Models: Acura Legend Years: 1991-1992 Number Involved: 47,158 Dates of Manufacture: September 1990 - August 1992 Defect: On certain sedan and coupe model vehicles equipped with a Bose audio system that had separate speaker amplifiers mounted behind the rear seat back, a transistor in the speaker amplifier could overheat, resulting in smoke or the possibility of a fire. Remedy: Dealers will replace the amplifier circuit boards. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 9, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Acura at 800-382-2238. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V053] Bayerische Motoren Werke Models: BMW X5 Year: 2001 Number Involved: 13,791 Dates of Manufacture: September 2000 - January 2001 Defect: During assembly of these sport utility vehicles, the lower end of the steering column spindle may not have been inserted completely into the coupling. In such a case, the fastening bolt used to secure the connection may not completely engage the spindle within the coupling. During driving, it would be possible for the spindle to disconnect, resulting in a loss of steering capability and increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the spindle to ensure proper insertion in the coupling, and, if necessary, the spindle will be fully inserted and the fastening bolt replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V-030] Bayerische Motoren Werke Models: BMW F650 GS Year: 2001 Number Involved: 1,183 Dates of Manufacture: March - December 2000 Defect: On these motorcycles, under certain riding conditions when the rear brake and the throttle are applied simultaneously, the rear brake caliper support could bend, leading to contact between the brake hose connecting piece on the rear caliper and the swing arm. Brake fluid leakage from the caliper could occur, resulting in loss of rear braking capability. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear brake caliper support and, if it is bent, will replace the swing arm, together with the caliper and brake hose, if necessary. If the support is not bent, it will be reinforced with a plastic block. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V-047] Daewoo Motor de Puerto Rico Models: Daewoo Lanos Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 1,362 Dates of Manufacture: December 1999 - November 2000 Defect: On these passenger vehicles, a wiring harness located beneath the carpet in the front passenger floor area can become damaged by passenger traffic as the wire harness is rubbed against a body seam in the floor panel. When damaged, engine driveability could be affected and could result in sudden engine stalling. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the harness for damage, make repairs, and reposition the wire harness to a location where it cannot be damaged. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began February 2, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Daewoo de Puerto Rico at 1-787-274-6514. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V020001/Daewoo Recall No. 01-9A-002] DaimlerChrysler Corporation Models: Dodge Ram Years: 1994-1996 Number Involved: 157,000 Dates of Manufacture: July 1993 - July 1996 Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with diesel engines, the throttle cable could unravel (fray) or break, resulting in a loss of throttle control. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the throttle cable and upper bell crank lever. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V037/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 970] DaimlerChrysler Corporation Models: Dodge Ram Year: 2000 Number Involved: 2,000 Dates of Manufacture: July - September 1999 Defect: These pickup trucks are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) that may have inadequate clearance between the front tire/wheel and the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. During full lock turns, it is possible for the tire or wheel to contact the brake hose/ABS sensor wire assembly. Continued contact can result in wire damage and/or a hole in the brake line and reduced braking effectiveness. Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hose assemblies, and the ABS sensor wire will be inspected and replaced if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V038/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 971] DaimlerChrysler Corporation Models: Dodge Neon Year: 2001 Number Involved: 137 Dates of Manufacture: June - October 2000 Noncompliance: These passenger vehicles, built with 16-inch wheels and equipped with an R/T package, have an incorrect tire placard. The vehicles were equipped with P195/50R16 tires but the tire placard indicated that the recommended tire sizes were P185/65R14 and P185/65R15. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, ATire Selection and Rims.@ Remedy: Owners will be provided with a correct label and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Feb. 14, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V039/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 972] DaimlerChrysler Corporation Models: Dodge Ram Years: 1994-1999 Number Involved: 701,000 Dates of Manufacture: July 1993 - March 1999 Defect: On these pickup trucks registered or located in states in the Asalt belt@ area (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri), corrosion of the return spring on the hood secondary latch could cause the mechanism to bind in the Arelease position.@ If the primary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. Remedy: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V040/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 973] Europa International, Inc. Models: Europa Gelaendewagen Years: 1992-2001 Number Involved: 485 Dates of Manufacture: September 1992 - February 2001 Defect: These sport utility vehicles were built with incorrect labeling on the transmission shifter console. The improper labeling could cause a driver to park the vehicle without applying the parking brake, which could allow the vehicle to roll away and cause a crash or injury. Remedy: Dealers will re-label the vehicle console and place a sticker on the console warning of the need to use the parking brake. An owner=s manual supplement will also be provided explaining the need to use the parking brake. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin March 21, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Europa at 1-888-538-7672. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V064] Ferrari North America Models: Ferrari 360 Modena Year: 1999 Number Involved: 353 Dates of Manufacture: December 1998 - December 1999 Defect: These sports cars can have a software programming error in the integrated electronic instrument cluster. This error exists in the brake system warning light monitoring function of the instrument cluster. The red electronic brake distribution warning light does not illuminate. As a result, if a brake problem were to exist, the driver would not be aware of it. Remedy: Dealers will remove the instrument cluster from the vehicle and download updated software into the instrument cluster. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2600. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V025] Ford Motor Company Models: Mercury Cougar Years: 1999-2000 Number Involved: 120,000 Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - September 2000 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5-liter V6 engines, the battery cable was misrouted and its attachment to the alternator cable was under-torqued. If misrouted, the cable could contact the power steering line and the insulation could wear, resulting in an electrical short. The short could potentially result in a fire, stalling, or a condition under which the vehicle does not start. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery cable to the alternator for damage and if it is damaged, will replace the cable. Additionally, the routing of the cable will be corrected, as necessary, and a routing clip will be added. Also the torque on the alternator attachment of the cable will be checked and, as required, will be tightened to specification. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V031/Ford Recall No. 01S02] Ford Motor Company Models: Mercury Cougar Year: 1999 Number Involved: 33,000 Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - August 1998 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake lamp switch terminals could overheat, potentially causing either a loss of brake lamp function or continuously illuminated brake lamps. Remedy: Dealers will install a new stop lamp extension harness with bronze terminals at the brake lamp switch connector, and also inspect the brake lamp switch for signs of overheating and replace, as required. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V032/Ford Recall No. 01S03] Ford Motor Company Models: Ford Taurus Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 28,000 Dates of Manufacture: March - December 2000 Noncompliance: On those passenger vehicles with factory or dealer-installed deck lid spoilers with LED center high-mounted stop lamps (CHMSL), with the ignition switch in the START or RUN positions and the hazard warning lights operating, the CHMSL can illuminate (at reduced intensity) even though the service brakes have not been applied. This does not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, ALamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.@ Also, in some cases the vehicle brake-shift interlock would not function properly allowing the shift lever to be moved from PARK without applying the brake. Vehicles produced with spoilers were manufactured from March 1 through Oct. 31, 2000; and vehicles with spoilers installed by dealers were manufactured from Jan. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper/resistor assembly at the spoiler that provides an electrical resistor to ground and corrects the CHMSL and brake-shift interlock conditions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on March 19, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V048/Ford Recall No. 01S06] Ford Motor Company Models: Ford Ranger Years: 1998-2000 Number Involved: 1,260 Dates of Manufacture: October 1997 - July 2000 Defect: The recalled vehicles are electric-powered pickup trucks. If the transaxle attaching bolts begin to loosen, the driver could notice a jerking motion and/or a clunking sound. If not serviced promptly, all nine bolts could ultimately fall out or fracture, and the transaxle could drop. If the transaxle drops, the vehicle may no longer be in the gear indicated. If this occurs, the shift lever could be put into APark@ and the vehicle would still be free to roll as if in ANeutral.@ Remedy: Dealers will replace the mounting bolts with longer bolts that include a thread lock material. When installed, the new bolts will be tightened to a higher torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on March 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V062/Ford Recall No. 01S07] General Motors Corporation Models: Chevrolet Lumina Year: 2001 Number Involved: 16 Dates of Manufacture: January - December 2000 Defect: These passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and minivans have passenger air bag inflator modules that were built without the correct amount of generant, which produces the gas that fills the air bag. Some were built with a double load of generant and some were built without generant. In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, a double load of generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants. A module with no generant would not inflate the air bag, and the occupant could receive more severe injuries. Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during February 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V026/GM Recall No. 01004] Mazda (North America), Inc. Models: Mazda Protégé Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 13,000 Dates of Manufacture: July - December 2000 Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the left side rear brake hoses were damaged during assembly. Brake fluid leakage could occur, and brake performance would be degraded, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake hose and, if necessary, replace the hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V024] Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. Models: Mercedes Benz M Class Year: 2001 Number Involved: 377 Dates of Manufacture: January - February 2001 Defect: Certain of these passenger vehicles have an All Activity Module II (AAM II) with a sub-component that could cause the module to intermittently not function properly. The AAM II controls a number of systems including the high beam lights, instrument cluster, door locks, and wiper systems. This condition could cause an intermittent failure of these systems. Remedy: Dealers will replace the AAM II. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Feb. 16, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V061/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 2001-02001] Mitsubishi Motor Sales, America Models: Mitsubishi Montero Sport Years: 1999-2001 Number Involved: 19,000 Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - January 2001 Noncompliance: These sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter engines have brake vacuum hoses that do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106, ABrake Hoses.@ Failure of the vacuum hose can result in a loss of power assist to the brakes and increase stopping distances. Remedy: Dealers will replace the vacuum hose. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V027] Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Models: Bentley Arnage Red Label Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 330 Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 - January 2001 Defect: Improperly manufactured fuel feed and return hoses were installed in some of these passenger vehicles. The position of the crimp securing the rubber hose material to the steel quick release connection may have been improper. If the crimp is not properly positioned, fuel leakage could occur in the engine compartment. If an ignition source is present, this fuel leakage could result in a fire. Remedy: Dealers will replace all feed and return hoses. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V042/Rolls-Royce Recall No. RE0101] Subaru of America, Inc. Models: Subaru Legacy Year: 2001 Number Involved: 3,627 Dates of Manufacture: October - November 2000 Defect: On these passenger vehicles, certain manually-adjustable (non-powered) inner front seat rails may have been improperly welded. In the event of a crash, the seat rail could break, injuring the occupant. Remedy: Dealers will replace these inner front seat-rails. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V034] MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, American Transportation Corporation Models: AmTran FE Years: 1994-1999 Number Involved: 554 Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - December 1999 Noncompliance: Certain school and transit buses do not comply with certain requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, ATire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars,@ and 49 CFR Part 567, ACertification.@ Some certification labels displayed the incorrect tire pressure for the tire specified to meet the Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front and/or rear axles. Remedy: New certification labels are being provided to owners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin March 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-993-7686. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V057/AmTran Recall No.99-304] Blue Bird Body Company Models: Blue Bird All American Year: 1999 Number Involved: 842 Defect: On these motor home chassis, school, and transit buses equipped with TRW tie rod assemblies built with 24-DL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose control, possibly resulting in a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace all defective ball sockets and/or drag links with new components. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-822-2242. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V044003/Blue Bird Recall No. R01ET Blue Bird Body Company Models: Blue Bird School and Transit Buses Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 460 Defect: The recall involves school and transit buses equipped with a combination Spicer J230 rear axle, spring suspension, and Crewson Brunner automatic slack adjusters. The Crewson Brunner slack adjuster contacts a U-bolt mounting bracket when a combination of the listed components is installed. The combination does not allow for full extension of the slack adjuster when brakes are applied and can cause reduced braking effort. Remedy: Dealers will install modified U-bolt brackets that will provide the needed clearance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-822-2242. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V060/Blue Bird Recall No. R01EM] Ford Motor Company Models: Ford F450 Years: 1999-2001 Number Involved: 100,000 Dates of Manufacture: January 1998 - September 2000 Defect: On these medium duty trucks equipped with commercial truck tires that have steel cords in the tire sidewall, the valve stems may have been torn or damaged during assembly. They may leak air, causing sidewall damage and, if not maintained, result in a sidewall failure. A failure during inflation of a damaged tire could result in injury to someone near the tire. Remedy: Dealers will inspect the valve stems for leakage and will replace both the valve stem and the tire if leakage is present. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V046/Ford Recall No. 01S05] Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. Models: Fleetwood Discovery Year: 2001 Number Involved: 200 Dates of Manufacture: December 2000 - February 2001 Defect: On these motor homes, the battery cable is routed too close to a sharp edge on top of the automatic transmission, causing abrasion to the cable insulation, which could lead to an electrical short or possible fire. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace or repair damaged cables, if necessary, and relocate the affected cables. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 2, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V058/Fleetwood Recall No. 10219] Freightliner Corporation Models: Sterling Acterra Year: 2000 Number Involved: 2,700 Dates of Manufacture: January - December 2000 Defect: These heavy duty trucks have an incorrect wiring of the instrument lighting dimmer switch that can cause it to fail. This could result in a loss of the instrument cluster lighting. Remedy: Dealers will correct the wiring for the instrument lighting dimmer switch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin April 24, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V028/Freightliner Recall No. FL-279] Freightliner Corporation Models: Sterling Acterra Year: 2000 Number Involved: 2,858 Dates of Manufacture: January - December 2000 Defect: These heavy duty trucks have an undersized ground wire for the defroster blower motor switch that can cause the switch to overheat and fail. This results in a loss of the defrosting system. Remedy: Dealers will replace the defroster blower motor switch ground wire. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin April 24, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V029/Freightliner Recall No. FL-280] Freightliner Corporation Models: Freightliner FLB Year: 1999 Number Involved: 16,000 Defect: On these heavy duty truck, school and transit bus chassis and motor home chassis equipped with certain TRW tie rod assemblies built with 24-DL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness that can lead to premature wear of the socket. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose control, possibly resulting in a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace all defective ball sockets and/or drag links with new components. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V044002/Freightliner Recall No. FL-284] International Truck and Engine Company Models: International 1652 Years: 2000-2001 Number Involved: 957 Dates of Manufacture: March - December 2000 Defect: On heavy duty trucks and bus chassis equipped with hydraulic brakes and automatic transmissions, misalignment of the brake pedal can cause delayed brake light activation during light braking applications. If the brake lights do not activate properly, other drivers would not be aware of the brake application, which could lead to a crash. Remedy: Dealers will install a new brake pedal. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Feb. 19, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V022/International Recall No. 01501] International Truck and Engine Company Models: International 8100 Years: 1996-2001 Number Involved: 2,855 Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - November 2000 Defect: On heavy duty trucks equipped with Haldex automatic slack adjusters and long stroke brake chambers with Dana brakes, the automatic slack adjuster anchor brackets can fail due to fatigue fracture and completely separate, causing the slack adjusters to function as manual slack adjusters. If the support bracket for an automatic slack adjuster fails, the brakes at that wheel end will not automatically adjust. As the brake linings wear, the vehicle will have reduced braking capacity, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will install a new bracket on each suspect slack adjuster. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Feb. 22, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V023/International Recall No. 01502] PACCAR, Incorporated Models: Kenworth T600 Years: 1999-2001 Number Involved: 1,992 Dates of Manufacture: May 1999 - January 2001 Defect: On heavy duty trucks equipped with an optional firewall-mounted circuit breaker, the main cab power and battery power leads were attached incorrectly. This condition can result in the main cab power being unprotected. If a wiring short occurred anywhere along the cab power circuit, the available battery power could arc and cause subsequent damage to the vehicle or a fire. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the problem, as needed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-206-828-5418. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V021/Kenworth Recall No. 01KW1] PACCAR, Incorporated Models: Peterbilt 330 Years: 1996-2001 Number Involved: 6,623 Dates of Manufacture: January 1996 - January 2001 Noncompliance: Certain heavy duty trucks do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, ASeating System,@ and No. 210, ASeat Belt Assembly Anchorages.@ Some fasteners used to attach the shoulder belt anchor bracket to the cab structure were omitted during production. Remedy: Dealers will add the necessary fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4171. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V054/Peterbilt Recall No. 201-A] Spartan Motors, Inc. Models: Spartan Gladiator Years: 1999-2001 Number Involved: 780 Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 - February 2001 Defect: On fire trucks and motor home chassis equipped with certain TRW tie rod assemblies built with 24-DL ball sockets, the tie rod ball-socket bearings have a below-specification case depth and/or hardness, which can lead to premature wear of the socket. If this condition occurs, the driver can lose control, possibly resulting in a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace all defective ball sockets and/or drag links with new components. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-800-722-3025. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V044001/Spartan Recall No. SPEC 01009] Winnebago Industries, Inc. Models: Winnebago Minnie Winnie Year: 2001 Number Involved: 127 Dates of Manufacture: August 2000 - January 2001 Defect: These motor homes have slide out wall units in which the hose supplying liquid propane gas (LPG) to the refrigerator in the slideout of the unit did not have adequate hose Aloop@ at the extension mechanism. The insufficient amount of hose in this loop could cause damage to the hose when the room is retracted. The hose could develop a leak which has the potential to result in fire. Remedy: Dealers will re-route the LPG hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 9, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V006/Winnebago Recall No. 78] EQUIPMENT Am-Safe, Inc. Models: Am Safe Seat Belt Connectors Number Involved: 31,651 Dates of Manufacture: September 1999 Defect: Center push button seat belt buckle connectors (tongues) were sent through a secondary process after stamping. The secondary process formed a chamfer in the contact surface of some of the connectors. A chamfer in the surface will allow the connector to disengage from the buckle during a vehicle crash, leaving the occupant unrestrained. Serious injury or death could occur if the vehicle occupant is not properly restrained. Remedy: Am-Safe is notifying customers that they will inspect and replace the defective buckle assemblies free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Am-Safe at 1-219-266-8330. [NHTSA Recall No. 01E007] Reese Products, Inc. Models: Reese Trailer Hitch Number Involved: 66,836 Dates of Manufacture: February - October 2000 Defect: Interchangeable Hitch Balls, Kit Part Numbers #57000, #57001, and #57002, which are affixed to a mounting post on a tow vehicle with a vertically aligned plunger applied through the top center of the hitch ball, can work loose. This would allow the hitch ball, and the trailer that is coupled to the ball, to disconnect from the towing vehicle, possibly causing a vehicle crash. Remedy: Reese will provide a replacement kit to its customers free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during March 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Reese at 1-800-326-1090. [NHTSA Recall No. 01E006] TIRES Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. Models: Firestone Firehawk GTA-02 Number Involved: 93,000 Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 - November 2000 Defect: Certain size Firehawk P205/55R16 89H tires, produced at the Wilson, N.C., plant, may develop shoulder area cracking with increasing mileage. Continued use of a tire with this condition may lead to exposure of the belt edge. Under these circumstances, a belt edge separation is possible, which could result in loss of tire pressure. These tires were installed as original equipment on certain model year 2000 and 2001 Nissan Altima SE passenger cars. The recalled tires are identified by DOT serial #W2 T2 VF3 XXX or W2 T2 VF3 XXXX; where XXX may be 289, 299, 309, 319, 329, 339, 349, 359, 369, 379, 389, 399, 409, 419, 429, 439, 449, 459, 469, 479, 489, 499, 509, 519, 529, 010, 020, 030, 040, 050, 060, 070, 080, 090, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, and where XXXX may be 1800, 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, and 4500. Remedy: Firestone will notify owners to bring in their vehicles to an authorized Firestone dealer for free replacement tires. Owner notification is expected to begin March 12, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Bridgestone/Firestone at 1-800-465-1904. [NHTSA Recall No. 01T006] ### |
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