Vehicle Recalls March 2004 - Complete List
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of March 2004 auto safety recalls announced and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.
This list identifies the make and model of the vehicle or equipment involved, with a brief description of the safety problem.
Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Historically, 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 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
March 2004
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Bentley Motors Ltd.
| Models: | Bentley Arnage R | Years: 2002-2004 |
| Bentley Arnage RL | Years: 2002-2004 | |
| Bentley Arnage T | Years: 2002-2004 | |
| Bentley Arnage Limousine | Years: 2002-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 2001 – February 2004
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel feed line quick connector may disengage, allowing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the quick release collar, ensure that the quick connector is fully engaged, and install a safety clip. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 22, 2004. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-800-777-6923.
Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC
| Models: | Big Dog Boxer | Year: 2004 |
| Big Dog Bulldog | Year: 2004 | |
| Big Dog Chopper | Year: 2004 | |
| Big Dog Daytec Chopper | Year: 2004 | |
| Big Dog Mastiff | Year: 2004 | |
| Big Dog Pitbull | Year: 2004 | |
| Big Dog Ridgeback | Year: 2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 2003 - March 2004
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the piston in the rear master cylinder may have been improperly sized, which could cause the rear brakes to drag or lock up. This could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the piston from the rear master cylinder and replace it with a new piston. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 30, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Liberty
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 2,875
Dates of Manufacture: January 2004
Defect: On some sport utility vehicles, certain remote
keyless entry (RKE) input may cause the body control module
(BCM) software
to actuate the door lock motors continuously. This can cause
the lock motor
bearings to overheat and seize. If this occurs, the door lock
system will
become inoperative.
Remedy::Dealers will inspect and replace, as
necessary, the
door latch assemblies, and the BCM software will be updated.
The manufacturer
has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this
campaign. Owners
may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 14,621
Dates of Manufacture: December 2003 – February 2004
Defect: On some sport utility vehicles equipped with a
4.0-liter engine, the crankshaft position sensor wiring
insulation may crack
and expose the wire. In the presence of moisture, this could
result in sensor
malfunction, which could cause the engine to stall, increasing
the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position
sensor.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on
March 29, 2004.
Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Chrysler Pacifica
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 34,561
Dates of Manufacture: January – July 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with
a NGC-1 powertrain control module, the software protocol used
to test the
vehicle exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system may lead to
engine stalling
under certain circumstances, increasing the risk of a
crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install revised engine controller
software,
which will eliminate the potential for the stalling condition.
The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began on March 15, 2004.
Owners may
contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Ford Motor Company
| Models: | Ford Taurus | Year: 2003 |
| Mercury Sable | Year: 2003 |
Dates of Manufacture: April 2002 – September 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the air filter paper can smolder or burn. This can lead to damage to the air induction system on these vehicles and/or an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air filter element. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 10, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Ford Motor Company
| Models: | Ford Taurus | Years: 2000-2003 |
| Mercury Sable | Years: 2000-2003 |
Dates of Manufacture: May 1999 – March 2003
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles are being recalled to correct a problem with a malfunctioning stop lamp switch and/or associated wiring. This malfunctioning could render the stop lamps inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. This could cause confusion to a following driver, which could lead to a crash. In addition, if the switch and/or associated wiring fail in the open position, the brake lights will not actuate and the driver will not be able to shift the vehicle out of "Park." If they fail in the closed position, the brake lights will remain on, which will not allow the speed control to be activated. This could also cause the battery to discharge.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the stop lamp switch and associated wiring assembly and install a newly designed stop lamp switch and wire assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 5, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
General Motors Corporation
Models: Oldsmobile Aurora
Years: 1995-1997
Number Potentially Involved: 93,572
Dates of Manufacture: September 1993 – June 1997
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with a
4.0-liter
V8 engine have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in
the fuel rail
construction may degrade and crack. Additionally, the MY 1995
Aurora uses
a unique underhood fuel return line that may crack. Cracking of
the fuel
rail or return line tubing can result in a fuel leak into the
engine compartment.
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could
result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new fuel rail assembly
constructed
out of stainless steel. Dealers will also install a revised
chassis fuel
return line. The manufacturer has reported that owner
notification is expected
to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Oldsmobile at
1-800-630-6537.
General Motors Corporation
| Models: | Chevrolet Silverado | Years: 2000-2004 |
| GMC Sierra | Years: 2000-2004 | |
| Chevrolet Avalanche | Years: 2002-2004 | |
| Cadillac Escalade EXT | Years: 2002-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 – November 2003
Defect: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the third quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
General Motors Corporation
| Models: | Chevrolet Blazer | Years: 2003-2004 |
| Chevrolet S-10 | Years: 2003-2004 | |
| GMC Jimmy | Years: 2003-2004 | |
| GMC Sonoma | Years: 2003-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 2002 – April 2004
Noncompliance: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
General Motors Corporation
Models: Buick Rendezvous
Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 103,956
Dates of Manufacture: September 2002 – March 2004
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, a structural
support at the latch attachment in the rear liftgate may be
inadequate to
retain the latch to the liftgate in certain severe vehicle
crash events.
If the liftgate were to open in a vehicle crash, an occupant
could be ejected
from the vehicle resulting in increased risk of personal
injury.
Remedy: Dealers will add structural reinforcements to
the liftgate
in the area adjoining the latch assembly. Note: This
is an expansion
of a previous recall (03V-211). The manufacturer has not
yet provided
an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick at
1-866-608-8080.
General Motors Corporation
Models: Cadillac SRX
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 11,375
Dates of Manufacture: March 2003 – January 2004
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with all
wheel drive, the antilock brake system (ABS) may improperly
temporarily isolate
the driver from the foundation brake system for a maximum of
1.25 seconds.
This can cause an increase in braking distance, which could
result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic
control unit.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is
expected to begin
during April or May 2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at
1-866-982-2339.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
| Models: | Harley Davidson FLHPEI | Years: 2001-2003 |
| Harley Davidson FLHPI | Years: 2001-2003 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTCI | Years: 2001-2003 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTCUI | Years: 2001-2003 | |
| Harley Davidson FLHTPI | Years: 2001-2003 | |
| Harley Davidson FLTRSEI-2 | Year: 2001 |
Defect: On certain FL touring and police motorcycles, the 40-amp main circuit breaker can "open" for reasons other than which it was designed, causing an unexpected interruption of all electrical power to the motorcycle. This condition could cause the motorcycle to stall, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the circuit breaker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
Hyundai Motor Company
Models: Hyundai Santa Fe
Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 17,401
Dates of Manufacture: September 2002 – February
2004
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with
3.5-liter V-6 engines, 4-wheel drive and antilock braking
systems (ABS), if
the brake pedal is depressed at speeds between 3 and 12 mph
when the brake
pad friction surfaces are wet, a vibration may occur between
the brake discs
and pads causing ABS sensor electronic signal noise to develop.
At speeds
below 5 mph, the ABS sensor signal noise may cause the ABS
electronic control
unit (ECU) to activate the ABS, extending the stopping
distance. If an extended
stopping distance occurs, it could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS ECU. The
manufacturer
has reported that owner notification was expected to begin
during April 2004.
Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Jaguar Cars Ltd
Models: Jaguar XJ
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,142
Dates of Manufacture: November 2003 – January 2004
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger
air
bag trim may have sharp edges. Should the air bag deploy, it
could be cut,
causing it to not inflate properly, which increases the risk of
injury to
the occupant in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the passenger air bag
aperture
and, where necessary, remove any sharp, serrated edges. The
manufacturer
has reported that owner notification was expected to begin
during April or
May 2004. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Maserati North America, Inc.
| Models: | Maserati Coupe | Years: 2002-2004 |
| Maserati Spyder | Years: 2002-2004 |
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, two of the four securing bolts in the steering assembly may not have had a locking compound applied to the threads prior to installation. As a result, the bolts may become loose, which could lead to a reduction in vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two affected bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2651.
Mitsubishi Motors North America
Models: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 7,278
Noncompliance: On certain passenger vehicles sold in
the
United States and Puerto Rico, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as stated on the certification
label are in error.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the label. The
manufacturer has
reported that owner notification was expected to begin during
April 2004.
Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Quest
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 13,757
Dates of Manufacture: March – September 2003
Noncompliance: Certain minivans fail to comply with the
advanced air bag requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No.
208, "Occupant Crash Protection." For the front passenger
seating position,
the automatic suppression feature option was chosen. The front
passenger
seat is equipped with a seat cushion bladder and sensors that
are used for
occupant detection under the standard. When a six-year-old
child dummy was
placed in the required positions, the air bag was not
suppressed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat
cushion/sensor
assembly. If the seat cushion/sensor is found to be operating
improperly,c the seat will be
removed and recalibrated. The manufacturer has reported that
owner notification is expected
to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Nissan at
1-800-647-7261.
Subaru of America, Inc.
| Models: | Subaru Impreza | Years: 2002-2004 |
| Subaru Legacy | Years: 2001-2004 | |
| Subaru Outback | Years: 2001-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 2000 – February 2004
Defect: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position. If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
| Models: | Audi A6 | Years: 1998-2004 |
| Audi S6 | Years: 1998-2004 | |
| Audi Allroad Quattro | Years: 1998-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 – February 2004
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, if a driver’s knees push against the knee bolster located under the dashboard, it can contact the headlight switch wiring harness and an electrical short could occur. This could result in a fire originating in the left dashboard area.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protective covering on the knee bolster (crash element). In addition, the wiring harness as well as the felt protector on the left side of the dashboard carrier will be checked, and replaced if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during July 2004. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
| Models: | Blue Bird Wanderlodge | Years: 2003-2004 |
| Blue Bird Express 3500 | Years: 2003-2004 | |
| Blue Bird Express 4000 | Years: 2003-2004 |
Defect: On certain motor homes and transit buses, the clamp bolts and drag link were incorrectly tightened. The clamps could loosen, causing misalignment of the steering axles, which could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clamp bolts and tighten to the required torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 7, 2004. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Coachmen RV Company, LLC
Models: Coachmen Freelander
Years: 2004-2005
Number Potentially Involved: 122
Dates of Manufacture: October 2003 – February 2004
Defect: On certain Class C mini-motor homes, the
wiring
harness routed between the back of the refrigerator and the
refrigerator cabinet
could come in direct contact with the refrigerator burner tube
and cooling
unit. If contact occurs, the wire insulation material may melt,
which could lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will relocate the wiring harness. The
manufacturer
has reported that owner notification was expected to begin
during April 2004.
Owners may contact Coachmen at 1-800-453-6064.
General Motors Corporation
| Models: | Chevrolet Kodiak | Year: 2004 |
| GMC Topkick | Year: 2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: January – February 2004
Defect: On certain medium-duty trucks, the switch retainer holding the brake booster push rod and the brake pedal together could be missing. This could cause the push rod and pedal to separate, resulting in a loss of brakes and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a new retainer if missing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 5, 2004. Owners may contact GMICT (General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck LLC) at 1-800-862-4389.
International Truck & Engine Corporation
| Models: | International 7300 | Years: 2001-2004 |
| International 7400 | Years: 2001-2004 | |
| International 7500 | Years: 2001-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: September 2001 – March 2004
Defect: On certain trucks equipped with DT466 or DT530 1308 style engines and either 4x4 or 6x6 capability, the universal joint between the front drive shaft and drive axle could come in contact with the engine oil filter. This could cause complete engine oil loss that could result in the engine shutting down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a shorter oil filter and adapter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin on April 29, 2004. Owners may contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
Winnebago Industries, Inc./Volkswagen of America,
Inc.
Models: Winnebago Rialta
Years: 1998-2000
Number Potentially Involved: 2,563
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 – June 2001
Defect: On certain motor homes built on a Volkswagen
Eurovan chassis, the engine cooling fans could fracture and
break apart.
If the fan fractures or breaks, this could increase the risk of
personal injury
or damage to the vehicle.
Remedy: Volkswagen dealers will replace the engine
cooling fans.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was
expected to begin during April 2004.
Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 or Winnebago at
1-641-585-6939.
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
| Models: | Winnebago Journey | Years: 2000-2004 |
| Itasca Horizon | Years: 2000-2004 | |
| Itasca Meridian | Years: 2000-2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: April 1999 – September 2003
Defect: On certain motor homes, the liquid propane (LP) tank can crack where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank. This could lead to an LP leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will re-install a cradle-style carrier and, if necessary, replace the LP tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.
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