NHTSA Publishes List of December Recalls
6 February 1998
NHTSA Publishes List of December RecallsWASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in December 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, 70 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 (800) 424-9393, or (202) 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C., area. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems. SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS DECEMBER 1997 VEHICLES: CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES BMW of North America, Incorporated Models: BMW R850R Years: 1996-1997 BMW R1100R Years: 1995-1997 Number Involved: 2,000 Dates of Manufacture: October 1994 - August 1996 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V237 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: A sheet metal plate mounted to the front of the frame below the instrument cluster can cause the wiring harness to be stretched too tight as the handlebar is turned fully to one side. Also, the wiring harness was attached to another harness with a cable tie that is placed too far forward, limiting the amount of free movement of the handlebar. Consequence of Defect: The harness wires can be damaged, break, or pull out of the ignition switch. If the harness wires were damaged, but not broken or disconnected, the electrical system could be affected while the motorcycle was being ridden. Operation of the engine would be affected and intermittent conditions such as hesitation, misfiring, or "cutting out" could occur. Corrective Action: Dealers will relocate the cable tie further back so that the ignition switch wiring harness has sufficient freedom of movement. If the wiring harness is found to be damaged, the ignition switch (with harness) will be replaced. Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin by the end of February 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5. Chrysler Corporation Models: Dodge Caravan Year: 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan Year: 1998 Plymouth Voyager Year: 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager Year: 1998 Chrysler Town & Country Year: 1998 Number Involved: 25,900 Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V231 Chrysler Campaign No. 762 Vehicle Description: Passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. Description of Defect: The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats. Consequence of Defect: The shoulder harness can fail to properly restrain the child seat occupant in the event of a crash. Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the routing of the shoulder belt webbing and any found incorrect will be properly rerouted. Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during January 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. Ducati North America, Inc. Model: Ducati 916 Years: 1994-1995 Number Involved: 1,316 Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available NHTSA Recall No.: 97V221 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: The throttle control linkage pin was not lubricated properly. Consequence of Defect: The engine throttle can bind and not return to proper idle. Corrective Action: Dealers will lubricate the throttle control linkage pin using grease containing molybdenum disulphide. Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600. Ducati North America, Inc. Models: Ducati 900SL Year: 1993 Ducati 900SSSP Years: 1994-1997 Number Involved: 2,380 Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available NHTSA Recall No.: 97V222 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: The rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt can fail. Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause increased braking effort. Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the rear brake reaction rod nut and bolt with a new modified nut and bolt. Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600. Ducati North America, Inc. Models: Ducati 916 Years: 1994-1995 Number Involved: 649 Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available NHTSA Recall No.: 97V224 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: The rear wheel spindle can fail and the roller bearing and seals of the hub are not properly lubricated. Consequence of Defect: This can result an increased braking effort. Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the rear wheel spindle and lubricate the roller bearing and seals of the hub. Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ducati at 1-973-839-2600. Ford Motor Company Models: Ford Contour Years: 1995-1996 Mercury Mystique Years: 1995-1996 Number Involved: 38,000 Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - August 1996 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V225 Ford Campaign No. 97S95 Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles equipped with the traction control option. Description of Defect: The throttle cables were damaged during vehicle assembly, leading to fraying or separation of the throttle cable. Consequence of Defect: This condition could prevent the engine from returning to idle. Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the throttle cable with a revised design that is less susceptible to bending or kinking during installation. Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 13, 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford Motor Company Model: Ford Explorer Years: 1991-1993 Number Involved: 185,000 Dates of Manufacture: January 1990 - January 1993 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V235 Ford Campaign No. 97L15 Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed sunroof. Description of Defect: The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This is caused by improper installation of the sunroof glass panel. Consequence of Defect: Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could distract the driver, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss of vehicle control, or could impact a following vehicle. Corrective Action: Owners will be provided an instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage, and installation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to owners. Owner Notification: Owner notification began Jan. 16, 1998. Note: Owners who do not receive the free instruction booklet and warning label within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. General Motors Corporation Models: Cadillac Deville Year: 1998 Number Involved: 14,423 Dates of Manufacture: September - November 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V232 GM Campaign No. 97070 Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles were built with hood hinge pivot bolts that can break because of an improper heat treat condition. A broken bolt can cause either the corner of the hood near the windshield to rise, or one side of the hood to be unstable when opened. This does not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 219, "Windshield Zone Intrusion." Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, the hood could be pushed back through the windshield glass, possibly injuring the vehicle occupants. Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the hood hinge pivot bolts. Owner Notification: Owner notification began during January 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006. Harley-Davidson Motor Company Models: Harley-Davidson FL Year: 1998 Harley-Davidson Softail Year: 1998 Number Involved: 2,012 Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V227 Harley-Davidson Campaign No. 090 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: The rear brake pedal assembly may have an inadequate weld. Consequence of Defect: This condition can allow the lever hub to separate from the master cylinder lever, causing rear brake failure. Corrective Action: Dealers will perform the recall service on these motorcycles. Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during January 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-8414-342-4680. Kawasaki Motors Corporation Models: Kawasaki VN1500 Year: 1997 Kawasaki Vulcan Year: 1997 Number Involved: 544 Dates of Manufacture: January - February 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V233 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: An improperly manufactured transmission gear can cause weakening and eventual breakage of an adjacent gear. Consequence of Defect: Gear breakage can result in transmission lockup, causing the operator to lose control of the motorcycle. Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect these motorcycles and repair affected units. Owner Notification: Owner notification began during late December 1997. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-714-770-0400. Kia Motors America, Incorporated Models: Kia Sportage Years: 1996-1997 Number Involved: 23,493 Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - August 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V234 Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Defect: A microswitch on the rear hatch lock cylinder can malfunction, causing the power door locks to unlock inadvertently. Consequence of Defect: Should this occur, security from unwanted intrusion into the vehicle is lost. Corrective Action: Dealers will modify the rear hatch door unlock circuit. Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 15, 1997. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4KIA (800-333-4542). Mazda (North America), Inc. Models: Mazda 626 Year: 1998 Number Involved: 20,000 Dates of Manufacture: August - December 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V228 Mazda Campaign No. 73801 Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Defect: Due to a programming error, the powertrain control module (PCM) installed can, under certain driving conditions, trigger a shift in air-fuel ratio to an overlean condition. Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in an engine stall, which could lead to loss of vehicle control and a vehicle crash. Corrective Action: Dealers will reprogram the PCM with the correct engine control logic. Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin during January 1998. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. Renault USA, Incorporated Models: Renault Medallion Years: 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion Years: 1988-1989 Number Involved: 32,000 Dates of Manufacture: January 1987 - July 1988 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V226 Chrysler Campaign No. 745 Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Defect: The heater core end cap can fail due to material strength deterioration occurring over time from exposure to high temperature engine coolant. Consequence of Defect: Failure will allow the discharge of stream from the coolant into the passenger compartment, causing reduced driver visibility. Corrective Action: Dealers will install a coolant temperature controlled heater core fluid bypass valve. Owner Notification: Owner notification schedule has not yet been provided. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. Yamaha International Corporation Models: Yamaha XVZ13LTJ Year: 1997 Yamaha LTJC Year: 1997 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe Year: 1997 Number Involved: 1,027 Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available NHTSA Recall No.: 97V230 Vehicle Description: Motorcycles. Description of Defect: An overload of the turn signal, rear tail/brake light, and carburetor warmer circuit can blow the fuse. Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in a loss of rear tail and brake light illumination, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Corrective Action: Dealers will install new, appropriate-rated fuses. Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 22, 1997. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926. SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. Models: Fleetwood Discovery Year: 1997 Number Involved: 433 Dates of Manufacture: December 1996 - June 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V236 Fleetwood Campaign No. 97212 Vehicle Description: Class A motor homes equipped with a vinyl protective front cover. Description of Noncompliance: This cover includes a mesh which covers the front headlight assembly. This mesh interferes with the photometric performance of the headlights resulting in a noncompliance to FMVSS No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Consequence of Noncompliance: The interfering mesh causes the brightness of the headlights and turn signals to be less than required. The decrease in headlight brightness can decrease the ability to view the road while driving at night or in other instances where headlights would be needed. Also, the decreased brightness of the turn signals will affect the visibility of these signals to following vehicles. Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with instructions and repair parts necessary to preform this recall. If an owner so desires, a dealer can perform this remedy for them. Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Jan. 20, 1998. Note: Owners who do not receive the instructions and free repair parts within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216. ShoreMaster, Incorporated Models: ShoreMaster Xtreme Years: 1997 Number Involved: 125 Dates of Manufacture: August - November 1997 NHTSA Recall No.: 97V214 Vehicle Description: Snowmobile two-place tilt and V-front trailers. Description of Defect: The axle hub was not properly sized. The axle hub is 6.5 inches in diameter, but should have been 5.5 inches. Consequence of Defect: Over time, the bolt holes in the wheel rim could become elongated and cause rim failure, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the hubs, or alternatively, larger tires will be provided to fit on the existing hubs. Owner Notification: Owner notification began Dec. 3, 1997. Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ShoreMaster at 1-800-328-8945. SOURCE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration