NHTSA Publishes List of August 2001 Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in August 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's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline, 1-800-424-9393, or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
August 2001
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Acura 3.2TL Years: 2000-2002
Number Involved: 8,168
Noncompliance: The following vehicles were repaired with incorrect parts: model year (MY)
2002 Acura 3.2TL sedans with replacement buckles installed per recall 01V-166001; certain MY
2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as product update repairs; and
certain MY 2000-2002 Acura 3.2TL vehicles with replacement buckles installed as warranty or
collision repairs. Repairs were made from March 9 through July 27, 2001. Some of the
noncompliant buckles were mislabeled and redistributed to Acura dealers to be used as recall
repair parts. Honda also determined that incorrect front seat belt buckle replacement parts were
used for some product update repairs of 2000 Acura 3.2TL vehicles, and warranty or collision
repairs of 2000-2002 3.2TL vehicles. These seat belt buckles might not comply with
requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." In the event of a crash, the seat
occupant may experience some difficulty in unfastening the belt after the crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the front seat belt buckles. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Aug. 20, 2001. Owners who do not
receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V166002]
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models: BMW R1100 S Year: 1999
Number Involved: 1,090
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 - April 1999
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the flexible fuel hose leading from the fuel distributor can
chafe against the rigid lines of the fuel feed and the return lines. Continued chafing of the hose
can lead to fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a
fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right side flexible hose with a hose that has a braided cover to
prevent chafing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin
during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time
should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.
[NHTSA Recall No.01V272]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Van Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 98,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1999 - March 2001
Defect: On certain vans and wagons not equipped with power front seats, in the presence of road
salt, water, and possibly other debris, the power seat connector located beneath the driver's seat
could develop a high resistive short circuit that cycles the circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker
cycles for an extended period of time, heat could build up in the connector, possibly resulting in a
fire.
Remedy: Owners are to receive instructions for removing the circuit breaker from the fuse panel.
If an owner desires, their dealer can perform the repair. The manufacturer has reported that owner
notification was expected to begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free
remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V253/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 990]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
| Models: | Dodge Intrepid | Years: 2000-2001 |
| Chrysler Concorde | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Chrysler 300M | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Chrysler LHS | Years: 2000-2001 |
Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 - June 2001
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles (non-sunroof only) fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact." In the event of a crash, there is a potential for injury if the occupant's head were to contact the B-pillar.
Remedy: Owners will be sent a storage bin accessory unit that can be attached to the B-pillar along with installation instructions. However, owners also can have a dealer perform the installation. DaimlerChrysler has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V273/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 991]
Ford Motor Company
| Models: | Ford Contour | Year: 1998 |
| Mercury Mystique | Year: 1998 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 1996 - April 1998
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant and currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and including the District of Columbia, the front coil springs may fracture as a result of corrosion in high corrosion environments. Depending on the location of the fracture, a broken spring could move past the spring seat and contact a front tire. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring, increasing the likelihood of a loss of control and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install spring catcher brackets. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V255/Ford Recall No. 01S23]
Ford Motor Company
| Models: | Ford Focus | Years: 2000-2001 |
| Ford Taurus | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Ford Expedition | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Ford Excursion | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Ford F150/F250/F350/F450/F550/F650 | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Lincoln Continental | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Lincoln Town Car | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Lincoln Navigator | Years: 2000-2001 | |
| Mercury Sable | Years: 2000-2001 |
Dates of Manufacture: February - September 2000
Defect: On certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: Atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; Chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; Kansas City plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; Kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; Michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; Norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; Wayne Stamping and Assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and Wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built within the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V258/Ford Recall No. 01S24]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Windstar Years: 1999-2001
Number Involved: 598,256
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 - June 2001
Defect: On certain minivans, contaminants such as water, salt, and windshield washer solution
can enter the wiper motor cover assembly through pinholes on the exterior of the cover that are
used in the molding process. In addition, on certain of these vehicles built between February and
August 2000, a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could
malfunction and overheat. Either of these conditions could potentially result in loss of
intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke,
or ignition of the plastic cover material. Contaminant entry could also result in unintended wiper
motor operation. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the
wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked"
position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a
crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiper cover with improved sealing
and water resistance. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during
September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time
should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V261/Ford Recall No. 01S25]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Windstar Years: 1999-2001
Number Involved: 413,245
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 - June 2001
Defect: On certain minivans, if the auxiliary air conditioning blower
motor stops turning while in the medium-low blower speed setting, there is the potential that the
resistor may become hot and smoke. The motor could potentially catch on fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a jumper wire that will ensure that the
medium-low blower speed setting is protected by the thermal limiter. The manufacturer reported
that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free
remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V261/Ford Recall No. 01S26]
General Motors Corporation
| Models: | Chevrolet Venture | Years: 1998-2001 |
| Pontiac Transport | Year: 1997 | |
| Pontiac Montana | Years: 1998-2001 | |
| Oldsmobile Silhouette | Years: 1997-2001 |
Defect: Certain MY 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana/Transport, and Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors that were serviced in NHTSA Recall 01V-067 (GM Campaign 01013) from April to August 2001, and also 2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette mini vans equipped with passenger side power sliding doors assembled in January through April 2001, have inadequate front welds. If a front weld fails, the actuator can jam in the unlatched position and, when the sliding door closes, it will not be latched. If this happens, the power sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the actuators for certain date codes and, if necessary, replace the actuators. GM has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 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 Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V264/GM Recall No. 01059]
Mitsubishi America
Models: Mitsubishi Montero Years: 2001-2002
Number Involved: 39,020
Dates of Manufacture: December 1999 - June 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accumulator that
is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been improperly manufactured. Over a period
of time, this could result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator.
The loss of this gas pressure could result in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel
when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first time brake boost assist after the vehicle
has been parked for a period of time.
Remedy: Dealers will install an improved accumulator. The manufacturer
reported that owner notification would begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy
within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V254]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Sentra Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 115,000
Dates of Manufacture: February 2000 - June 2001
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the cooling holes in the steel
wheel may have burrs on their edges as a result of improper manufacturing. These burrs can cause
cracks as the vehicle is being driven. Cracks can propagate between adjacent cooling holes.
If enough cracks develop between the cooling holes, the wheel could fail and separate from the
mounting hub without prior warning. Separation of the wheel from the vehicle while being operated
could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for cracks and replace the wheel if
cracks are discovered. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will be conducted
in two phases. The first mailing is expected to begin during October 2001, asking owners to bring
their vehicles to a dealer for inspection of the wheels. Any wheels with cracks will be replaced.
A second owner notification will begin in early December, at which time Nissan will have an adequate
number of replacement wheels, requesting owners who only had the wheels inspected but not replaced, to
return to the dealers for a wheel replacement. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within
a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V277]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Pathfinder Year: 2001
Number Involved: 31,000
Dates of Manufacture: December 2000 - June 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, some of the brackets used to
attach the two gas struts to the rear door (hatch) may have been improperly made. At high ambient
temperatures, the increase in gas pressure in the struts could cause one or both brackets to bend,
resulting in the struts detaching from the brackets when opening or closing the rear door. If both
struts detach from the brackets, the door will rapidly fall down, possibly striking someone and
causing serious injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the strut brackets. The manufacturer has
reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the
free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V282]
Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
| Models: | Toyota Tundra | Years: 1999-2000 |
| Toyota Tacoma | Years: 1999-2000 |
Dates of Manufacture: May 1999 - August 2000
Defect: This recall is for trailer towing wire harness converters installed by dealers or for installation on 1999-2000 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma vehicles. The connectors integrate the vehicle's taillights, brake lights, and turn signal lights with those equipped on the trailer, are defective. Affected part numbers are: PT207-34000, PT207-34002, PT207-04981, and PT214-04985. In the Tundra vehicles, the circuitry utilized in the converter was inadequate to properly manage vehicle and trailer-side voltage spikes. If the converter is exposed to a voltage spike, it may cause an electrical short or open circuit within the converter. In the Tacoma vehicles, due to deficient waterproofing and improper installation location of the converter, which is mounted in the lower portion of the tailgate cavity of the vehicle, an electrical short circuit will occur if water enters the converter housing. An electrical short or open circuit can cause a fault in the converter and a non-operational condition of the trailer lights. A vehicle crash can occur, possibly resulting in personal injury or death, if the vehicle is driven without operational trailer lights.
Remedy: Dealers will notify the customers and install a redesigned trailer towing wire harness converter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01E041]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Audi A8 Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 600
Dates of Manufacture: February 2000 - July 2000
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a fuel and vapor
leak detection system, a "blind cover" at the filler neck of the fuel tank may not seal properly,
allowing fuel vapor to escape. Should this happen, the fuel tank pressure will be reduced, which
will activate the leak detection system and alert the driver of a system's fault indicated by an
instrument panel light. Fuel vapor leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filler neck/expansion tank assembly.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not
receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-866-892-2834.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V259/Audi Recall No. LD]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
American Transportation Corporation
| Models: | AmTran FE | Year: 2000-2002 |
| AmTran RE | Year: 2000-2002 | |
| AmTran CS | Year: 2000-2002 | |
| AmTran/International FE | Year: 2001-2002 | |
| AmTran/International RE | Year: 2001-2002 | |
| AmTran/International CS | Year: 2001-2002 | |
| International IC | Year: 2001-2002 |
Dates of Manufacture: August 1999 - August 2001
Defect: On certain school and transit buses equipped with 39-inch flip seats, the seats could bind in the occupied position and not return to the stored position when not occupied. The cushion frame support bar slides off the seat support pad, which could retain the seat in the occupied position. In the event of an emergency, the seat could block the aisle, which could result in injury or death.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with instructions and parts to repair the seats. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-505-2190.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V269/AmTran Recall No. 01303]
American Transportation Corporation
Models: AmTran CS Year: 1997-2001
Number Involved: 1,432
Dates of Manufacture: November 1996 - May 2000
Defect: On certain school buses equipped with I-6 engines, plywood floors, and a driver
insulation package, the accelerator pedal can stick in either a partial or full throttle position. A
vehicle crash can occur if the throttle sticks and does not return as expected to the idle position.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with instructions and parts to repair the buses. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners
who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-501-505-2190.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V270/AmTran Recall No. 01304]
Collins Bus Corporation
Models: Collins Grand Bantam Year: 2001
Number Involved: 107
Dates of Manufacture: March 2000 - August 2001
Defect: On certain school buses equipped with a floor-mounted track used to
accommodate and secure wheelchairs, the bolts used to secure this track to the floor are too long and
protrude through the wheel well. It is possible that the protruding bolts will puncture the rear tires
if the tires should be pushed up into their full jounce position, possibly resulting in a loss of steering
control and a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the long bolts with shorter bolts that
will sit flush with the retaining nuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would
begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should
contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V267]
International Truck and Engine
| Models: | International 5000i | Years: 1998-2001 |
| International 9000i | Years: 1998-2001 |
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 - May 2001
Defect: In below freezing operating conditions, the air-pressure actuated brake light switch that is mounted outside the cab on the front cowl on certain heavy duty trucks, may not activate during light to normal braking. If the brake lights fail to come on, there will be no lights to indicate to following vehicles that the affected vehicle is decelerating, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all air brake stop light switches. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V250/International Recall No. 01511]
Jayco, Inc.
Models: Jayco Designer Years: 1996-2000
Number Involved: 12,281
Dates of Manufacture: June 1995 - June 2000
Defect: On certain fifth wheel and travel trailers, the fasteners used
on the underfloor can either come loose or pull through the underfloor, causing portions or all of
a section of the underfloor to detach from the vehicle. If this occurred, the section could fall to
the pavement, potentially causing a crash for following vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will add or replace fasteners. The manufacturer has
reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the
free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jayco at 1-219-825-5861.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V251]
Monaco Coach Corporation
| Models: | Monaco Monarch | Years: 2000-2002 |
| Monaco LaPalma | Years: 2000-2002 | |
| Holiday Rambler Admiral | Years: 2000-2002 |
Dates of Manufacture: June 1999 - July 2001
Defect: On certain motor homes built on the Workhorse chassis, the supply and return line carrying gasoline to and from the engine may have been improperly routed and/or secured. As a result, the fuel line could become damaged and leak, increasing the risk of a fire. Specific floor plans at issue are 30D, 30PBD, 32PBD, 36DPD, 36PBD, 36WDD, and 37WDD.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel line routing, install additional means of securing the fuel line, if required, and/or replace the line if damage has occurred. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V257/Monaco Recall No. R01059]
PACCAR, Incorporated
Models: Kenworth T300 Years: 1996-2001
Number Involved: 3,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1996 - August 2001
Defect: On certain trucks equipped with 10,000- or 12,000-pound Dana front axles,
acondition alled brake "sprag," which is characterized by a noise at the end of an applied stop, can develop
in the brake system. This noise is the result of a pulsation of the brake lining with the brake
drum during brake application. These noise vibrations occur at the resonant frequency of the
front axle cross-tube assembly and cause unusually high strain forces in the threaded portion of
the tie rod ends that are connected to the cross-tube. Failure of the tie rod end can cause loss of
steering control and possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake lining on the front axle of each
vehicle with a lining made of a different composition. In addition, the tie rod ends will be replaced. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners
who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-7356.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V268/Kenworth Recall No. 01KW7]
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
| Models: | Winnebago/Itasca Adventurer | Year: 2001 |
| Winnebago/Itasca Sun Cruiser | Year: 2001 |
Dates of Manufacture: January - May 2001
Defect: On certain motor homes built on a Workhorse chassis, Models WPG35U, WPG37G, IPG35U, and IPG37G, the black pipe supplying liquid propane (LP) gas to the furnace was not long enough, which could cause the copper line that is connected to this pipe to come in contact with the end of the leaf spring of the suspension. If this happens, the copper line may get damaged and, over time, a leak could develop, increasing the possibility of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the black pipe and replace the LP line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V252/Winnebago Recall No. 82]
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
| Models: | Winnebago Journey | Years: 2000-2002 |
| Winnebago Journey DL | Years: 2000-2002 | |
| Itasca Horizon | Years: 2000-2002 |
Dates of Manufacture: April 1999 - May 2001
Defect: On certain motor homes (Models WKP36L, WKP36LD, and IKP36LD), the nuts may have loosened from the bolts that connect the liquid propane (LP) tank to the motor home. If the attachment hardware is loosened, the road vibration could produce undue stress on the weld joints of the brackets and they could break. If this happens, the tank could fall off, resulting in a road hazard or a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the LP tank attachment and re-tightened the fasteners in addition to adding lock nuts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during September 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V260/Winnebago Recall No. 83]
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