Recalls:Buell; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Ford:F650,F750; Saturn; Montana; Hogs; Discovery II; Mangusta; Saab; 4Runner; VW:Passat,Jetta,Beetle; Coachman; Monaco;
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in January 2002 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, 1-888-327-4236, 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
January 2002
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Buell Motorcycle Company
| Models: |
Buell M2L
| Year: 2002 |
| Buell S3T | Year: 2002 | |
| Buell M2 | Year: 2002 | |
| Buell X1 | Year: 2002 |
Number Involved: 387
Dates of Manufacture: September – November 2001
Defect: These motorcycles were built with a front shock mount that is cracked and could break, allowing the suspension to drop unexpectedly. This could cause a loss of control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the broken shock mount. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Buell at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V003/Buell Recall No. 0824]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 2002
Number Involved: 71,677
Dates of Manufacture: July – December 2001
Noncompliance: Those sport utility vehicles equipped with a fuel tank brush guard could fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 301, "Fuel System Integrity.” The onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) control valve can become detached during a crash, allowing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will either replace the fuel tank brush guard with a skid plate or reinforce the existing fuel tank brush guard with a reinforcement bracket. DaimlerChrysler 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 DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V032/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. A10]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford F650 Truck Years: 2000-2002
Ford F750 Truck Years: 2000-2002
Number Involved: 546
Dates of Manufacture: May 2000 – December 2001
Noncompliance: Certain medium duty pickup trucks equipped
with air brakes which include an optional trailer package fail to comply with
the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air
Brake Systems." The air brake lines connected to the tractor protection
valve are misrouted. A leak in the primary air circuit or secondary air circuit
could result in a reduction or loss of the trailer brake effectiveness, increasing
the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will re-route the air lines connected to the tractor
protection valve. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected
to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within
a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-248-0186.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V024/Ford Recall No. 02S31]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn S-Series Sedan Year: 2002
Number Involved: 790
Dates of Manufacture: January 2002
Noncompliance: Certain sedans fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages," and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection." These vehicles were manufactured with welds between the door striker and belt-line that do not meet Saturn specifications. If the seat belt anchorage on the pillar failed in a crash, the driver could be injured more seriously. In a side impact, occupants could also be injured more seriously because of greater intrusion or reduced performance of the optional side curtain air bag.
Remedy: Dealers will install additional structural fasteners to the driver's side door pillar. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 15, 2002. 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. 02V020/GM Recall No. 02002/Saturn Recall No. 02C05]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Pontiac Montana Year: 1999
Number Involved: 814
Dates of Manufacture: August – September 1998
Defect: On certain of these minivans, the driver's air bag inflator modules could produce excessive internal pressure. In the event of a crash that would trigger a driver's air bag deployment, the increased internal pressure can cause the inflator module to explode. Metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver air bag module. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V027/GM Recall No. 01052]
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company
| Models: | Harley Davidson Shrine | Years: 2001-2002 |
| Harley Davidson FLHTCU-1 Shrine | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTP-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHPE-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHP-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTCU-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTC-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTC | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHT | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHR-1 | Years: 2001-2002 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHR | Years: 2001-2002 |
Number Involved: 26,949
Dates of Manufacture: October – November 2001
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the clips that retain the
wiring for the front fender tip light can become detached from the fender,
causing the wires to fray and short. This could cause the lighting system
fuse to blow, leaving the vehicle without an operational front fender tip
light, headlight, taillight, running lights, and passing lamps (if equipped).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fender tip light wiring harness
retention clips, and inspect and replace, if necessary, any damaged wiring
harnesses. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected
to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy
within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V002/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 0105]
Land Rover North America, Inc.
Models: Land Rover Discovery II Years: 1999-2001
Number Involved: 55,505
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 – July 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, contamination of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor can cause the ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to incorrectly interpret the sensor signal, resulting in inappropriate ABS activation. This can lead to an increase in braking distance that is unanticipated by the driver.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new ECU. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February or March 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Land Rover at 1-301-731-9040.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V022/Land Rover Recall No. D263]
Land Rover North America, Inc.
Models: Land Rover Discovery II Years: 1999-2002
Number Involved: 64,925
Dates of Manufacture: April 1998 – January 2002
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable could have become kinked during vehicle assembly, resulting in chaffing of the cable. Continued chaffing can lead to breakage of the interior cable strands. Breakage of the cable strands can result in the throttle being stuck in the open position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the damaged cables where necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during mid-February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Land Rover at 1-301-731-9040.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V028/Land Rover Recall No. D274]
Qvale Automotive Group
Models: QAG Mangusta Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 300
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with Visteon air bag
control modules, the modules were produced with an incorrect deployment calibration
setting. In the event of a crash, improper air bag deployment could result,
increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control
unit. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected
to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy
within a reasonable time should contact QAG at 1-800-390-9606.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V023]
Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models: Saab 9-5 Year: 2002
Number Involved: 2,601
Dates of Manufacture: September – November 2001
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the steering knuckle
castings may have been contaminated during the casting process. These knuckles
can break, resulting in possible loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering knuckle for the casting
number. If the knuckle was in the defective batch, the steering knuckle will
be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
Jan. 18, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable
time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V006/Saab Recall No. 15007]
Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Toyota 4Runner Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 273,743
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995 – February 1998
Defect: A combination of heavy loading (simultaneous loading
to rear gross axle weight rating and gross vehicle weight rating) and severe
steering maneuvers could cause the 2WD 4Runner to lose directional stability.
Although the 4WD 4Runners do not exhibit the handling condition, Toyota will
recall these vehicles to avoid any public confusion as to which vehicles should
receive the replacement parts.
Remedy: Dealers will replace rear suspension parts. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during February
2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time
should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V021]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Volkswagen Passat Years: 1998-2000
Volkswagen Jetta Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 311,047
Dates of Manufacture: August 1996 – December 1999
Defect: On these passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler
neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle
is driven until the tire disintegrates. Fuel leakage can occur, increasing
the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will fit the Passat vehicles with a new
wheelhouse liner that will better protect the car’s filler neck. The Jetta
vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance
abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification will begin during May 2002. Owners who
do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volkswagen
at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V026]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Volkswagen New Beetle Years: 2001-2002
Volkswagen Jetta Years: 2001-2002
Volkswagen Golf Years: 2001-2002
Number Involved: 55,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 2000 – September 2001
Defect: On these passenger vehicles, short circuits within
the Electronic Control Unit of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) can result
in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ABS control unit. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during late-February
2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time
should contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V031/VWoA Recall No. WJ]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Coachmen RV Company
Models: Coachmen Shasta Year: 2002
Coachmen Captiva Year: 2002
Number Involved: 226
Dates of Manufacture: August – December 2001
Defect: On certain travel trailers equipped with optional underslung
spare tire carriers, the locking pin for the carrier may not have been installed.
If the release bolt that secures the spare tire carrier to the frame at the
drop down end of the carrier were to become loose and fall off, a portion
of the carrier assembly itself could detach and fall off if there is no locking
pin. If the spare tire carrier were to separate from the unit during travel,
there is the potential for a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install an improved carrier release
bolt and locking pin. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
was expected to begin during February 2002. Owners who do not receive the
free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Coachmen at 1-800-453-6064.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V009]
Mack Trucks, Incorporated
Models: Mack CX Years: 2000-2001
Mack CH Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved: 869
Dates of Manufacture: September 2000 – December 2001
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with R. H. Sheppard
M90 steering gears, an incorrect hose was used for the high-pressure line
between the power steering pump and the steering gear. The hose is rated
at 2000 psi, while it should be rated at 3000 psi. This hose could develop
a leak or burst while in service. Should the line burst, steering control
would still be maintained, but a loss of power assist will be experienced.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering hose. The manufacturer
has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners who do not receive
the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mack at 1-610-709-3011.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V019/Mack Recall No. SC0272]
Monaco Coach Corporation
Models: Monaco Diplomat LE Year: 2001
Monaco Windsor Year: 2001
Monaco Scepter Year: 2001
Monaco Knight Year: 2001
Monaco Diplomat Year: 2001
Holiday Rambler Ambassador Year: 2001
Holiday Rambler Endeavor Year: 2001
Holiday Rambler Imperial Year: 2001
Safari Marquis Years: 2001-2002
Safari Solitaire Years: 2001-2002
Safari Patriot Year: 2002
Number Involved: 3,146
Dates of Manufacture: October 2000 – March 2001
Defect: On certain Class A motor homes equipped with Meritor
Wabco brake valves, part number 9738980050, part number 9732980010, or part
number 9732980130, the brake valve may stick open when a high-pressure brake
application is released. When the valve sticks open, it can result in a total
loss of air from either the service or the park brake system. The driver
may lose braking ability under a service application, possibly resulting in
a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Meritor Wabco will contact the vehicle owners to
have the affected relay valves replaced or rebuilt free of charge. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification was to begin during February or March
2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time
should contact Meritor Wabco at 1-800-535-5560 or Monaco at 1-877-466-6226.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V013001]
EQUIPMENT
Safeline Kids, Inc.
Models: Sit-N-Stroll 2240
Number Involved: 3,522
Dates of Manufacture: April – October 2001
Noncompliance: Certain rear-facing and forward-facing convertible child restraint seats fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." The FAA certification statement, "This restraint is Certified for use in Motor Vehicles and Aircraft," is in yellow lettering instead of the required red lettering. This noncompliance could lead flight attendants to refuse to allow a parent/guardian to bring or use this product on an airplane, which could create a safety risk to the child.
Remedy: Safeline Kids will send corrected labels to the known owners to be placed over the existing labels free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2002. Owners should contact Safeline Kids at 1-800-829-1625.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02E002]
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