NHTSA September Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in September 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 encourage 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.
September 2001
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Chrysler PT Cruiser Year: 2002
Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 2002
Number Involved: 43,000
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 2001
Defect: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, a software error can occur in the instrument cluster microprocessor. Under certain conditions, the cluster, which controls the majority of the vehicle's gauges, illumination lamps, and warning lamps, could become inoperative. Driving the vehicle with an inoperative cluster could cause a distraction, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will correct the cluster software. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V288/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 994]
Ferrari North America
Models: Ferrari 550 Maranello Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 468
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - June 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the wheel bolt inserts fitted in the magnesium wheel can show signs of cracking. If the wheel bolt inserts begin to crack, a reduction of the torque applied to the wheel would result. Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all four magnesium wheels with wheels made of aluminum, which are not fitted with inserts. All the wheel bolts will also be replaced because the aluminum wheels require a different type of bolt. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2651.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V297/Ferrari Recall No. 32]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Trailblazer Year: 2002
GMC Envoy Year: 2002
Number Involved: 895
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001
Defect: Some sport utility vehicles were built with a range shift collar in the transmission transfer case that contains cracks. This condition could result in a complete fracture of the range shift collar and subsequent loss of vehicle forward and reverse gears, and the inability to maintain "Park" position. Among other things, this increases the risk of a vehicle crash resulting from unintended movement of a parked vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transfer cases and update the control module calibration. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V283/GM Recall No. 01061]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley-Davidson Dyna Glide Year: 2001
Number Involved: 25,711
Dates of Manufacture: July 2000- July 2001
Defect: Certain motorcycles were built with a fuel hose that could come off the carburetor. Should this occur, fuel could spill. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the motorcycle to insure that the fuel hose is installed correctly on the carburetor. If the fuel hose is installed incorrectly, the dealer will correct this condition. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at
1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V278/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0104]
Hyundai Motor America
Models: Hyundai XG300 Year: 2001
Number Involved: 3,255
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 2001
Noncompliance: Some passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles do not have the correct tire pressure placard attached. Incorrect tire inflation pressure can damage tires, affect vehicle handling, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a correct tire pressure placard and installation instructions. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-829-9956.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V307/Hyundai Recall No. 045]
Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models: Kawasaki ZRX1200-A Year: 2001
Number Involved: 3,100
Defect: On certain motorcycles, a section of the wiring harness located above the headlight is routed incorrectly. As a result, turning the handlebar can cause abrasion of the wire harness sheath and wiring insulation, leading to malfunction of the turn signals, instrument lights, or indicator lights. Malfunction of any of these items could create the risk of a crash resulting in injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the wiring harness and examine the harness and clamp for any signs of damage. Damaged clamps or wires will be repaired or replaced, as appropriate. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V294]
Mitsubishi America
Models: Mitsubishi Eclipse Year: 2000
Mitsubishi Galant Year: 2000
Number Involved: 25,803
Dates of Manufacture: March 1999 - July 2000
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles built with V6 engines, the power steering fluid feed tube can come in contact with an exhaust manifold mounted heat shield, causing a hole to be worn through the power steering pipe and allowing fluid to leak. Leaking power steering fluid can result in a fire, and continued loss of fluid will result in a loss of power assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the power steering tube with one having a new routing. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to 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. 01V295001/Mitsubishi Recall No. 00XSND0128]
National R.V. Inc.
Models: National RV Sea Breeze Years: 1998-2001
National RV Palisades Years: 1998-2001
Number Involved: 1,272
Dates of Manufacture: February 1998 - August 2001
Defect: On certain fifth wheel trailers, the trailer pin box steel structure could fail at the welds or tubular steel structure due to fatigue. This could lead to separation of the steel tubes comprising the gooseneck and partial or complete detachment of the pin box connection between the tow vehicle and the fifth wheel gooseneck steel structure.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce the gooseneck structural steel assembly. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact National R.V. at 1-800-439-3653.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V285/National RV Recall No. 2-CS-02-01]
Paccar, Incorporated
Models: Kenworth T800 Year: 2001
Kenworth T600 Year: 2001
Kenworth C500 Year: 2001
Kenworth W900 Year: 2001
Number Involved: 2,670
Dates of Manufacture: March - June 2001
Noncompliance: Certain heavy duty Class 8 trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems." The mode door in the HVAC system can become inoperable. The mode door cam and actuator could bind, causing the cam retaining tabs to shear off. This failure may inhibit the ability to direct air blowing from the HVAC system to the windshield, potentially reducing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the model door operation and replace the HVAC cab mode housing assembly if necessary. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during October or November 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-7356.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V305/Kenworth Recall No. 01KW9]
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
Models: Winnebago Rialta Year: 2002
Number Involved: 396
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 2001
Defect: On certain motor homes, the wheel cover can rotate while mounted on the wheel. If the cover rotates to the valve stem, it could shear the valve stem off, leading to a rapid deflation of the tire. This rapid tire air loss could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a potential crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rubber valve stems and wheel covers. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01V298/Winnebago Recall No. 84]
Federal Mogul Corporation
Models: Brake Hose
Number Involved: 299,071
Dates of Manufacture: August 1999 - May 2001
Noncompliance: These hoses experience crimp failures due to the fact that they were not properly machined as required under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106, "Brake Hoses." The crimp can slip off the hose without warning. If the crimp slips off the hose, the driver will lose braking ability, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. The dates codes stamped on the affected brake hose assembly fitting are: WAG9931 to WAG9952, WAG99031 to WAG99052, WAG0001 to WAG0052, WAG00001 to WAG00052, WAG 0101 to WAG0118, and WAG01001 to WAG01018. Federal-Mogul will also include hoses distributed under the Wagner, Guardian, and Rockhill (WAG) brands. This recall includes Part Nos. F8116, F11190, F64844, F78076, F78097, F79333, F79362, F79380, F89055, F86574, F96549, F96868, F101012, F102145, and F104999.
Remedy: Owners who have installed the affected brake hoses on their vehicles should have their vehicles inspected and the brake hoses replaced as soon as possible. Federal-Mogul will pay for the inspection and replacement of the defective parts, as well as shipping charges. To obtain reimbursement, return the hoses via mail or surface UPS along with the bill for labor expenses to Packard Industries, Brake Hose Recall, 128 Monroe Street, Boonton, NJ 07005 or call 1-800-527-4545. The manufacturer reported that notification began July 12, 2001.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01E023]
General Electric Company
Models: GE Lighting Headlamp
Number Involved: 90,098
Dates of Manufacture: February - May 2001
Noncompliance: Some Model 9007 automotive headlamp bulbs, product codes 20551, 22388, 26022, 26141, and 47642, have plastic bases with a portion of the molded plastic aligned incorrectly. The condition allows the bulb to be installed incorrectly. If this occurs, the high beam will shine downward. These bulbs do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." If the headlamp bulbs are incorrectly aligned, they cannot perform their intended function, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: GE Lighting will notify its customers and provide replacement bulbs free of charge. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2001. Owners who do not receive the free replacement seat within a reasonable time should contact GE at 1-800-327-2080.
[NHTSA Recall No. 01E044]
