NHTSA March 2002 Recalls: Honda ; BMW ; Jeep; Dodge; Plymouth; Chrysler; Ford ; Pontiac; Olds; Chevy; Buick; Mazda; Subaru; Toyota; Thomas; Freightliner; Utilimaster; Bleacher Comfort; Evenflo; Granco; Peg Perego; Kelly Springfield

American Honda Motor Company

Models:          Honda Accord                                                 Year:    2000  

                        Acura TL                                                         Year:    2000  

Number Involved:  2,900

Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 – May 2000

Defect:  On these passenger vehicles, a component in the inflator of the passenger air bag modules was not welded properly.  As a result, the affected air bags may not deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a front seat passenger.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the passenger air bag module.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V080]

BMW

Models:          BMW 325xi                                                     Year:    2002  

Number Involved:  799

Dates of Manufacture:  January – February 2002

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the manufacturing process of the rear brake rotors may have resulted in a crack where the brake disc and the parking brake drum meet.  Further cracking of the rotor could occur due to braking torque when the vehicle is driven and the brakes are applied.  The brake drum, connected to the wheel hub, would completely separate from the disc.  If this happened, the wheel would continue to turn, but the disc would stop, eliminating the braking capability at that wheel and increasing the risk of a crash. 

Remedy:  Dealers will replace both rear brake rotors.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 15, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-331-1117.

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:          Jeep Wrangler                                                  Years:  2001-2002

Number Involved:  95,000

Dates of Manufacture:  June 2000 – December 2001

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, water and impurities can enter into the ignition switch causing a short circuit that can result in a vehicle fire. 

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the ignition switch with a redesigned switch.  Owner notification began April 8, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V075/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B07]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:          Dodge Caravan                                                Years:  1997-1999

                        Plymouth Voyager                                            Years:  1997-1999

                        Chrysler Town and Country                              Years:  1997-1999

Number Involved:  545,311

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1996 – October 1998

Defect:  On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.  In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during June 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V076/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B09]

Ford Motor Company

Models:          Ford F250 Truck                                             Year:    1999

                        Ford F350 Truck                                             Year:    1999

                        Ford F450 Truck                                             Year:    1999

                        Ford F550 Truck                                             Year:    1999

Number Involved:  51,846

Dates of Manufacture:  January - September 1998

Defect:  On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions, failure of the front parking brake cable input button could result in failure of the parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.  This could result in unintended vehicle movement and a vehicle crash. 

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the front parking brake cable and the controller and verify the performance of the parking brake system.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V068/Ford Recall No. 02S34]

Ford Motor Company

Models:          Ford Windstar                                                  Years:  2000-2001

Number Involved:  417,037

Defect:  On certain minivans, water and other contaminants (dirt, salt, etc.) can enter into the right rear passenger compartment due to a missing body sealer.  This could cause a short circuit in the electrical connector at the rear wire harness.  A short circuit can lead to malfunction of the rear lighting system, reverse park-aid system, or trailer tow electrical system.  A sustained short circuit can result in melted connectors and potentially lead to a fire. 

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the electrical connector and surrounding area for absence of body sealing and corrosion.  If corrosion is present, dealers will service the body gaps, repair corroded connectors, and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole.  If corrosion is not present but the body sealer is missing, dealers will service the body gaps and apply a protective patch to the connector assembly and body hole.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 5, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V072/Ford Recall No. 02S33]

General Motors Corporation

Models:          Pontiac Grand Am                                            Years:  1996-1997

                        Pontiac Sunfire                                                 Years:  1995-1997

                        Oldsmobile Achieva                                          Years:  1996-1997

                        Buick Skylark                                                   Years:  1996-1997

                        Chevrolet Cavalier                                            Years:  1995-1997

Number Involved:  1,589,948 

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1994 – July 1997

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the “Start” position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.  If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. 

Remedy:  Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent current from flowing through the ignition switch.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 27, 2002.  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, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

General Motors Corporation

Models:          Pontiac Vibe                                                     Year:    2003

Number Involved:  2,701  

Dates of Manufacture:  January – February 2002

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier to be loose due to insufficient tightening during the assembly process.  If the vehicle is operated in this condition, one or more of the four bolts could come loose, causing an abnormal noise from the rear axle area.  In the event that all four bolts loosen completely, separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier could occur, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. 

Remedy:  Dealers will properly tighten the bolts.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 12, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V074002/GM Recall No. 02010]

Mazda North America, Inc.

Models:          Mazda MPV                                                    Year:    2002

Number Involved:  14,000

Dates of Manufacture:  November 2001 – February 2002

Noncompliance:  Certain minivans fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, “Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars.”  An incorrect gross axle weight rating (GAWR) was indicated on the certification label. 

Remedy:  Dealers will install certification labels and inserts in the owner’s manual.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free label and inserts within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V078/Mazda Recall No. 0602D]

Subaru of America, Inc. 

Models:          Subaru Legacy                                                 Year:    2002

                        Subaru Outback                                               Year:    2002

Number Involved:  1,252

Dates of Manufacture:  February – March 2002

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit and lower).  At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver’s foot is no longer on the brake pedal.  This can occur without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the master cylinders.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 21, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V079/Subaru Recall No. WWH-91]

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models:  Toyota Corolla                                                         Year:    2003

Number Involved:  8,483  

Dates of Manufacture:  January – February 2002

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and hub assembly to the rear axle carrier to be loose due to insufficient tightening during the assembly process.  If the vehicle is operated in this condition, one or more of the four bolts could come loose, causing an abnormal noise from the rear axle area.  In the event that all four bolts loosen completely, separation of the rear brake and hub assembly from the rear axle carrier could occur, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control. 

Remedy:  Dealers will properly tighten the bolts.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 21, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V074001]

Freightliner Corporation/Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Models:  Thomas MVP ER                                                     Years:  1995-2001

Number Involved:  4,800

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1995 – March 2001  

Defect:  On certain school buses, misalignment of the fan drive system components can cause premature belt and pulley bearing wear.  If the school bus is disabled by a cooling system failure and is stalled on the side of the road, an increased risk of a crash resulting in injury to a school bus occupant could occur. 

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fan belt, idler pulley, and belt tensioner.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-841-5924.

Freightliner Corporation

Models:          Freightliner FLD                                               Year:    2001

                        Freightliner Century                                          Year:    2001

                        Sterling Acterra                                                Year:    2001

                        Western Star 4900                                           Year:    2001

                        Western Star 5900                                           Year:    2001

                        Western Star 6900                                           Year:    2001

Number Involved:  30,000

Dates of Manufacture:  February – November 2001

Defect:  On certain trucks, a capacitor in the power line carrier (PLC) filter could overheat and/or ignite when subjected to reverse polarity electrical spikes.  

Remedy:  Dealers will disconnect and secure the PLC filter ground wire.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V087/Freightliner Recall No. FL-393]

Utilimaster Corporation

Models:          Utilimaster Aeromaster                                     Years:  1996-2000

Number Involved:  11,418

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1996 – January 2000

Defect:  On certain walk-in vans equipped with seat belt buckles manufactured by Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc., after repeated flexing, the cable can fatigue and fray at the point where it is crimped to the buckle.  The buckle could eventually detach from the cable, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant in a crash. 

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 8, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Utilimaster at 1-800-582-3454.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02V064]

Bleacher Comfort

Models:          NXT Beanie  

                        NEXL MB021

                        NEXL MB031

                        NEXL MB041

Number Involved:  18,164

Noncompliance:  These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”  In the event of a crash, serious head injury or death could occur.

Remedy:  Nexl will rework the helmet by removing the liner and adding a Kevlar weave laminate within the outer shell to prevent possible penetration in a crash.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or go to its web site at www.nexlsports.com.                                                            

Bleacher Comfort

Models:          NXT Beanie  

                        NEXL MB021

                        NEXL MB031

                        NEXL MB041

Number Involved:  18,164

Noncompliance:  These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the retention requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”  In the event of a crash, the plastic loop could break, leaving the wearer unprotected, possibly resulting in serious head injury or death. 

Remedy:  Nexl will remove the plastic loop and wrap the chinstrap around the ear strap, securing the strap with reinforced stitching.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or visit their website at www.nexlsports.com.

Bleacher Comfort

Models:          NXT Beanie  

                        NEXL MB021

                        NEXL MB031

                        NEXL MB041

Number Involved:  18,164

Noncompliance:  These motorcycle helmets fail to comply with the labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”  These helmets are missing the “Make No Modifications” label.  This label is necessary to warn the owner  to make no modifications to the helmet so as  to maintain the helmet’s integrity in the event of a crash.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a label and installation instructions.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 3, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Nexl Sports at 1-888-367-6395 or visit their website at www.nexlsports.com.                                      

Evenflo Company, Inc.

Models:          Evenflo Triumph

Number Involved:  28,312

Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 – January 2002

Defect:  This recall involves certain convertible child restraints with the model number beginning with 264.  The slide loop connectors (which act as a link in the internal harness system) may not be strong enough to fully secure the seat occupant.  In the event of a crash, the child may not be properly restrained, resulting in serious injury. 

Remedy:  Evenflo will provide owners with a repair kit and installation instructions.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 22, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free kit and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Evenflo at 1-800-425-1967 or visit their website at www.triumphcarseat.com.

[NHTSA Recall No. 02E004]

Graco Children’s Products

Models:          Graco SnugRide

Number Involved:  918,930

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1999 – February 2002

Noncompliance:  This recall involves infant car seats, Model Numbers 7493G9, 7493RS, 7497HL, 7497SY, 7499LK, 7499N2, 841101, 841102, 841103, 841203, 8412T02, 8457D5, 8457DVB, 8457F3, 8457GP, 8457IND, 8457MA, 8457MV, 8457RG, 8457TMJ, 8457TMP, 8457YL, 8458A5, 8458AE, 8458B7, 8458D8, 8458FKB, 8458HE, 8458HH, 8458KY, 8458N5, 8459VL, 8460LV, 8462HAV, 8462JAM, 8471UVB, 8472BLW, 8472BRN, 8472CYP, 8472GMP, 8472MAD, 8472YL, 8474HAB, 8474MEL, 8476VIN, 8477HAV, 8477JAM, 8477NGS, 8478SAR.  Affected model numbers may also begin with the letter "A.”  These seats may be missing components on the base or the carrier shell.  The components are 1 or 2 metal hooks and their retainer pins on the base, or the mating "U" shaped bars on the carrier shell that are used to attach the carrier to the base.  If the hooks, pins, or "U" bars are missing, the carrier may not be securely attached to the base.  In the event of a sudden stop or crash, the carrier could detach from the base, possibly resulting in serious injury or death to the seat occupant.

Remedy:  Graco will provide a replacement seat or base free of charge.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 19, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free replacement seat or base within a reasonable time should contact Graco Century at 1-800-345-4109.

Peg Perego USA, Inc.

Models:          Peg Perego Atlantico System

                        Peg Perego Atlantico Trek System

                        Peg Perego Viaggo System

                        Peg Perego Travel System

                        Peg Perego Inflant Car Seat

                        Peg Perego Pliko Travel System

                        Martinelli Primo Viaggio   

Number Involved:  55,162 

Dates of Manufacture:  May 2001 - February 2002

Noncompliance:  Certain of these infant car seats fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."  The seats have a snap in the upholstery directly over the locking belt adjustment mechanism (A-Loc Adjuster).  When the upholstery is attached by the snap to the cover of the A-Loc Adjuster, it may cause tension in the upholstery due to the weight of the child, which could prevent the complete engagement of the A-Loc Adjuster, and allow slippage in the harness restraints.  In the event of a vehicle crash, the child may not be properly restrained.

Remedy:  Peg Perego will send repair instructions to its customers.  Within 4-6 weeks, owners will receive a new plastic cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 25, 2002.  Owners who do not receive repair instructions or replacement cover within a reasonable time should contact Peg Perego at 1-877-737-3468.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company

Models:          Kelly Springfield 28575R245

                        Kelly Springfield 29575R225

Number Involved:  10,345 

Dates of Manufacture:  February – May 2001

Defect:  Some Armorsteel KLHS Load Range G tires, size 285/75R24.5 and 295/75R22.5, have exhibited evidence of premature tread separation.  If the tread were to separate from the carcass of the tire while the vehicle is in motion, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.

Remedy:  Goodyear will replace the tires.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 3, 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free replacement tires within a reasonable time should contact Goodyear at 1-800-321-2136.