NHTSA Publishes List of October Recalls
10 December 1998
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | NHTSA 80-98 | |
|---|---|---|
| December 10, 1998 | Contact: Tim Hurd | |
| Tel. No. (202) 366-9550 |
NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST
OF OCTOBER RECALLS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in October 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 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models: BMW K1200RS Motorcycle Year: 1998
Number Involved: 1,000
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - October 1997
Defect: During extended operation in high ambient temperatures, the area of the pump mounting surface of the fuel tank can deform, forming a gap between the tank mounting surface and the gasket, allowing fuel to escape from the tank at that area. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump-to-tank gasket. Owner notification is expected to begin toward the end of December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V258]
Chrysler Corporation
Models: Eagle Summit Years: 1992-1996
Plymouth Colt Years: 1992-1994
Number Involved: 6,198
Dates of Manufacture: July 1991 - June 1996
Defect: In these vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive, lockup of the transfer case can occur due to insufficient lubrication. This condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for adequacy of the transfer case oil volume, transfer case oil leakage, and operational degradation of the transfer case mechanism. If oil volume is insufficient, the appropriate amount of oil will be added. If there is transfer case oil leakage, the transfer case will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998 and January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V168003/Chrysler Recall No. 805]
Ferrari North America, Inc.
Models: Ferrari 348 Years: 1994-1995
Number Involved: 556
Dates of Manufacture: October 1992 - June 1994
Defect: The automatic seat belt slider can become jammed when the slider tape separates from the take-up reel, illuminating the seat belt warning light. Should such a condition occur, the belt must be positioned and fastened manually by connecting the belt to the fixed anchor point. The occupant may not realize that the seat belt can be operated manually, and may not use the restraint system, increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the complete passive restraint seat belt system. Owner notification began during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V250/Ferrari Recall No. 164]
Ferrari North America, Inc.
Models: Ferrari 550 Years: 1997-1999
Number Involved: 275
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - July 1998
Defect: The fuel supply and return lines can leak where the ferrule of the union meets the flexible pipe allowing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel supply and return lines with new updated lines. Owner notification began during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ferrari at 1-201-816-2600.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V268/Ferrari Recall No. 165]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford E350/Econoline Truck Year: 1999
Number Involved: 350
Dates of Manufacture: August 1998
Defect: These pickup trucks, equipped with single rear wheels and a 3.55:1 or 3.73:1 axle ratio, were built with incorrect speedometer driven gears, resulting in a lower speedometer reading than the actual vehicle speed being driven. This can result in the vehicle being driven at an unsafe or illegal speed should the driver not realize that his vehicle road speed is greater than what the speedometer indicates.
Remedy: Dealers will install the correct speedometer gear. Owner notification began November 2, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V257/Ford Recall No. 98S28]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Lincoln Continental Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,500
Dates of Manufacture: September - October 1998
Defect: The fuel rail crossover hose was damaged during fuel rail assembly, allowing fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel rail with a revised fuel rail assembly. Owner notification was to begin Nov. 16, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V269/Ford Recall No. 98S29]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Oldsmobile Intrigue Year: 1999
Number Involved: 2,732
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 1998
Defect: Some of these passenger vehicles, equipped with a 3.8 Liter engine, were built without a heater hose clip. This can allow the hose to sag and contact the oxygen sensor, resulting in a coolant leak. If a coolant leak were to occur, and leaking coolant contact the hot exhaust manifold, an engine compartment fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will install a heater hose clip. Owner notification began Oct. 19, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact
Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V241/GM Recall No. 98055]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Chevrolet Silverado Truck Year: 1999
GMC Sierra Truck Year: 1999
Number Involved: 8,367
Dates of Manufacture: April - August 1998
Defect: On these extended cab, 4-wheel drive pickup trucks, the steering gear to frame attachment bolts were not properly tightened. Over time, these bolts can loosen, allowing the steering gear to move, resulting in an unresponsive steering feel and noise to the driver. If this condition is ignored, the bolts can wear or fatigue to the point of breaking or the bolts can back out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear will separate from the frame, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will retighten the steering gear to frame bolts to the proper specifications. Owner notification began Oct. 6, 1998. 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. 98V242/GM Recall No. 98062]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley-Davidson Sportster Year: 1999
Number Involved: 232
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1998
Noncompliance: The certification label incorrectly indicates the front tire size as 100/90-19 57H instead of the correct designation MH90-21 56H. Also the certification labels do not contain the correct model designation. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars." If incorrect tire information is given, underrated tires could be placed on the motorcycle, causing excessive tire wear or, in extreme cases, possible tire blowouts.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with new certification labels and installation instructions. If an owner desires, their dealer can install the label for them. Owner notification began during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680
. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V267/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 094]
Hyundai Motor America
Models: Hyundai Accent Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 64,967
Dates of Manufacture: May 1994 - November 1996
Defect: Passenger vehicles registered in the following 20 "salt belt" states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. During winter months, road salt used to de-ice roads can result in corrosion that causes pits to form on the front spring lower coils. These pits can allow cracks to develop, causing breakage of the lower spring coil. If the front coil spring breaks, it can contact a tire and result in tire damage.
Remedy: Dealers will install a spring guide to prevent a broken coil spring from contacting and damaging a tire. Owner notification began Nov. 25, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-829-9956.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V245/Hyundai Recall No. 031]
Isuzu Motor, Limited
Models: Isuzu Amigo Year: 1998
Number Involved: 5,361
Dates of Manufacture: December 1997 - June 1998
Defect: On these sport utility vehicles equipped with a sunroof sunshade, the primer applied to prepare the surface prior to bonding the sunshade holders to the sunroof weakened the bonding strength of the adhesive, resulting in an unsatisfactory bond of the holder to the sunroof. This condition can result in separation of the holder, causing the sunshade to fall, possibly striking a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will remove and re-bond the sunshade holders. Owner notification began Nov. 11, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-382-2238. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V260]
Jaguar Cars Inc.
Models: Jaguar XJ12 Year: 1994
Number Involved: 1,457
Dates of Manufacture: December 1992 - June 1994
Defect: The hood liner can sag and interfere with the throttle linkage operation. This condition can cause high engine idle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair these vehicles. Owner notification is expected to begin mid-December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jaguar at 1-201-818-8171. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V271/Jaguar Recall No. R469]
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda 626 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 73,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1997 - August 1998
Defect: If the vehicle is operated in a hot, humid environment with the window open and air conditioner running, it is possible for condensation to enter the audio unit and cause a short circuit. If the short circuit occurs at one specific set of terminals, the speaker can overheat and in some cases, catch fire.
Remedy: Dealers will affix aluminum tape over the audio unit to prevent water from entering. Owner notification began during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V243]
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda 626 Years: 1995-1997
Mazda MX6 Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 213,000
Dates of Manufacture: June 1994 - September 1996
Defect: These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the air bag sensor unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V249]
Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
Models: Mercedes Benz E-Class Year: 1999
Number Involved: 4,163
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1998
Defect: A wrong clamp may have been installed on the window air bag units. The window air bag may not fully deploy in a side-impact collision, not providing adequate protection to the vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the window air bag units and, if the wrong or incorrectly installed clamp is found, the entire unit will be replaced. Owner notification was to begin Nov. 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V256/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 1998090002]
Moto America Inc.
Models: Moto Guzzi Sport 1100I Year: 1997
Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro Years: 1997-1998
Moto Guzzi Daytona RS Year: 1997
Number Involved: 595
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - April 1998
Defect: The hoses supplying oil from the engine to the oil radiator and back to the engine can separate at the fittings. A leak can develop, allowing oil to get on the tires of the motorcycle. This can cause loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install replacement oil radiator hoses of improved design and materials. Owner notification began Nov. 18, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Moto America at 1-800-USA-MOTO (1-800-872-6686).
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V272]
Moto America Inc.
Models: Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro Years: 1997-1998
Moto Guzzi Daytona RS Year: 1997
Number Involved: 390
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - April 1998
Defect: The hose assembly supplying oil to the cylinder head can separate at the fittings. A leak can develop, allowing oil to get on the tires of the motorcycle. This can cause loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install the cylinder head supply hoses of improved design and materials. Owner notification began Nov. 18, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Moto America at 1-800-USA-MOTO (1-800-872-6686). [NHTSA Recall No. 98V273]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C Motorcycle Year: 1999
Number Involved: 266
Dates of Manufacture: July - September 1998
Defect: The fuel sending unit gasket can swell, providing inadequate sealing. If proper sealing is not provided, fuel can leak from the fuel tank. If an ignition source is present, a fire could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel sending unit gasket on these motorcycles. Owner notification began Oct. 15, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Polaris/Victory at 1-612-417-8650. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V259]
Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki Swift Year: 1997
Number Involved: 1,198
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - March 1997
Defect: On certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle, the shift lever appears to be in "Park," but can easily be moved from the "Park" position without the use of the key, transaxle lever detent button, or depressing the brake. If the shift lever were to come out of "Park" while the vehicle is parked on a sloping surface, the vehicle could roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the shifter assembly. Until the vehicle is serviced, owners are advised that when shifting to "Park," they should always apply the parking brake before releasing the service brake. Owner notification began Oct 18, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V225002/Suzuki Recall No. S7]
Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Models: Volvo V70 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 50,835
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - October 1998
Defect: On certain station wagons equipped with third seats, users of this seat, when exiting the vehicle, can come in contact with the tailpipe. Contact with the tailpipe can result in personal injury.
Remedy: Owners will be requested to inspect the length of the vehicle's tailpipe and, if necessary, return the vehicle to a dealer for repair. Owner notification is expected to begin during the fall of 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V254/Volvo Recall No. 89]
SCHOOL BUSES, MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS,
TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES
AmTran Corporation
Models: AmTran Genesis Years: 1998-1999
AmTran RS3302 Years: 1998-1999
AmTran RS3302 Years: 1998-1999
AmTran RS3302 Years: 1998-1999
AmTran RS3302 Years: 1998-1999
AmTran RS3302 Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved: 1,878
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 - September 1998
Defect: Transit buses built with the rear axle five-spoke cast style wheel assemblies, Codes 28A002, 28A003, 28A006, and 28A007. These assemblies have mismatched wheel spacer and clamps, which can cause high stress on the wheel studs. This condition can result in wheel stud failures, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a repair kit and installation instructions. Owner notification began Sept. 18, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact AmTran at 1-800-843-5615.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V248/AmTran Recall No. 98-304]
Carpenter Manufacturing
Models: Carpenter Counselor Years: 1995-1998
Number Involved: 35
Dates of Manufacture: May 1998 - December 1998
Noncompliance: School buses built on a Spartan chassis and equipped with hydraulic brakes. The brake warning light is not properly labeled and could function improperly. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic Brake Systems." A brake system malfunction can occur and the warning system would not warn the driver of a brake system problem. This recall supersedes Recall 98V-017 conducted in January 1998. The repair did not correct the noncompliance.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a repair kit and instructions to repair their vehicle. If an owner so desires, a Carpenter dealer can perform the remedy for them. Owner notification began during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Carpenter at 1-765-965-4000. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V262]
Chance Coach, Inc.
Models: Chance Coach AH-28 Years: 1993-1997
Number Involved: 38
Dates of Manufacture: October 1993 - September 1997
Defect: On certain compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled streetcars, the fuel tank support structure (cupola) was improperly fastened. These fasteners can loosen over time, causing complete structural failure of the cupola. This condition can lead to CNG leakage, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these structures and repair as necessary. Owner notification began during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chance Coach at 1-888-391-1777. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V253]
Fleetwood Folding Trailer
Models: Fleetwood Grand Tour Year: 1998
Fleetwood Grand Tour Elite Year: 1999
Number Involved: 8,602
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - October 1998
Defect: Folding travel trailers equipped with optional molded gas bottle cover assemblies. The upper molded gas bottle cover lid can become disengaged from the plastic pan during transit due to improper attachment of the lower rubber hold-down straps, severe wind turbulence, or vibration, and could fall onto the roadway, creating a road hazard.
Remedy: Dealers will add a positive locking device to secure the upper molded gas bottle cover lid to the lower plastic pan. Owner notification began Nov. 9, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Fleetwood Folding Trailer at 1-814-445-9661. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V263/Fleetwood Recall No. TS:98-9]
North American Bus Industries
Models: NABI LFW Year: 1998
Number Involved: 196
Dates of Manufacture: January - September 1998
Noncompliance: The brake system response time for the apply and the stopping distance requirement when the control line was disconnected at the rear relay valve did not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." Increased braking distance can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a double check valve at the control port of the service relay valve and replace a 5/8" line with a 3/4" line from the front service reservoir to the brake pedal. Owner notification was to begin Nov. 28, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact at NABI at 1-256-831-4296. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V274]
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Models: Spartan Alpine Year: 1997
Spartan K2-2242 Years: 1997-1999
Spartan Z1-2242 Year: 1997
Spartan IC2242 Year: 1997
Spartan MM2242 Years: 1996-1998
Number Involved: 1,237
Dates of Manufacture: May - June 1997
Defect: On motor homes built with a Midland-Grau TK-2 anti-lock brake system (ABS), pressure differential problems between the front and rear brake systems can result in brake timing issues that can create excessive front brake wear. This condition can reduce front brake life, resulting in increased vehicle stopping distances.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the quick release valve with a valve from another vendor. Owner notification began during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Spartan at 1-800-722-3025.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V251/Spartan Recall No. SPEC 98028]
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Models: WHITEGMC/Volvo ACL Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo ACM Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo FE Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WAH Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WCA Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WCL Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WCM Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WCS Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WG Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WH Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WIA Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WIL Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WIM Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WX Years: 1986-1998
WHITEGMC/Volvo WXLL Years: 1986-1998
Number Involved: 95,013
Dates of Manufacture: October 1986 - July 1998
Defect: The air suspension control valve supply line was not plumbed through an air pressure protection valve. In the event of a failure, there would be loss of air pressure in the 'B' system air reservoir that supplies air pressure for the front steer axle brakes. This condition would result in increased stopping distances.
Remedy: Dealers will install the necessary air pressure protection valve. Owner notification was to begin during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V255/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVWA9802]
EQUIPMENT
Audiovox Corporation
Models: Theft Deterrent System
Number Involved: 1,960
Dates of Manufacture: June - September 1998
Defect: Aftermarket theft deterrent systems used on 1998-1999 Toyota RAV4, Avalon, and Sienna model vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota Distributors, Inc., in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A percentage of the female terminals used in the alarm connector were found to be defective, causing an 'open circuit' condition when mated to the male ignition switch terminals. This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle may not run smoothly and stall.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: RAV4: 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; Sienna: 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and Avalon: 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98, 9/1/98, 9/2/98, and 9/3/98. Owner notification was to begin during November 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Southeast Toyota Distributor at 1-800-301-6859. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E035
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.
Models: Horn Cover
Number Involved: 598
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1998
Defect: Custom horn covers for use on 1992-1998 motorcycles, not including XL 883 models. Abrasion leading to possible fuel leakage can occur between the fuel line and the accessory custom horn cover. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the accessory custom horn cover and replace it with the original equipment horn cover. If the original horn cover is not longer available, it will be replaced. The fuel line will also be inspected and replaced, if necessary. Owners will be reimbursed for the cost of the accessory custom horn cover. Owner notification began Oct. 20, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E033/Harley-Davidson Recall No. 093]
Moog Automotive
Models: Moog Ball Joint
Number Involved: 45,300
Dates of Manufacture: January 1996 - May 1997
Defect: Aftermarket ball joints for use on 1986-1990 Acura Legend, 1986-1989 Honda Accord, 1983-1991 Honda Prelude, 1988-1991 Honda Civic/CRX, and 1990-1992 Acura Integra model vehicles. Premature wear of the stud ball socket results in axial looseness. This condition can continue to deteriorate and will eventually result in the ball joint stud separating from the housing, increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
Remedy: Moog will replace these ball joints with ball joints from another supplier. Owner notification began Oct. 12, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement ball joints within a reasonable time should contact Moog at 1-314-385-3400. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E031]
Moog Automotive
Models: Moog Idler Arm
Number Involved: 95
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1998
Defect: Aftermarket idler arms for use on 1986½ 1995 Nissan trucks with 2-wheel drive. A tapered hole in the linkage end is too small in diameter so that the stud in the center link will not install to the correct depth. It would be impossible to install the cotter pin. Without the cotter pin, it is possible that the nut could loosen in service or that the stud in the center link could be damaged during the tightening process. If the arm disconnects at this pivot point, the center link will be allowed to drop out of its proper position, causing disruption to the steering.
Remedy: Moog will replace these idler arms with idler arms from another supplier. Owner notification began Oct. 6, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free replacement idler arms within a reasonable time should contact Moog at 1-314-385-3400. [NHTSA Recall No. 98E032]
CHILD SAFETY SEATS
Basic Comfort, Inc.
Models: Galaxy 2000, Models 960 and 961
Number Involved: 41,906
Noncompliance: These seats do not meet the chest acceleration requirements of FMVSS No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." Improper placement of the shoulder belt portion of the vehicle's built-in safety harness system can result in excessive forces on the chest of the booster seat occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: A revised instructional booklet will be provided to owners of these booster seats. Owner notification began during October 1998. Owners who do not receive the free instruction booklet within a reasonable time should contact Basic Comfort at 1-800-456-8687.
[NHTSA Recall No. 98E036]
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