NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF SEPTEMBER 2000 RECALLS

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Models: Honda CBR929RR Year: 2000

Number Involved:  6,209

Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - May 2000

Defect:   On certain motorcycles, during routine maintenance, a pressurized fuel hose can be damaged. Lifting the front of the fuel tank beyond a certain point can stress and damage the hose. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel hose with a longer fuel hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 28, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-310-532-9811.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V257]

Aprilia USA Inc.

Models: Aprilia SL Falco 1000 Year: 2000

Number Involved:  382

Dates of Manufacture:  February - May 2000

Defect:  On certain motorcycles with half-fairings, the oil hose could fail, causing the oil to spill under the rear wheel. This could result in loss of control of the motorcycle.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the oil hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 9, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Aprilia at 1-877-277-4542.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V272/Aprilia Recall No. 2000/008]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models: BMW X5 Year: 2001

Number Involved:  490

Dates of Manufacture:  June - July 2000

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the safety belt lower outboard anchorage bolt on the driver's and front passenger's seats may not have been secured properly. In the event of a crash, the safety belt system might not be able to provide the necessary restraint.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the bolts and correct the torque if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V261]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models: BMW K1200RS Years: 1998-2000

Number Involved:  2,368

Dates of Manufacture:  February 1997 - August 1999

Defect:  On certain motorcycles, a spring-loaded thermostatic element in the oil thermostat housing is held in place by a cover that is retained by a snap ring. The snap ring may not have been properly installed during production. During vehicle operation, the snap ring could unseat, allowing the cover to loosen or detach, resulting in loss of the entire oil volume. Engine damage could occur if the engine is not immediately switched off. In addition, oil could travel along the engine cover and ultimately contact the rear tire, reducing its traction and affecting the stability of the motorcycle, possibly resulting in a crash and personal injury.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the snap ring installation and if the snap ring is not fully seated, the complete oil pump intermediate flange will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V264]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models:

BMW F650GS Year: 2001
BMW F650GS Dakar Year: 2001

Number Involved:  417

Dates of Manufacture:  March - July 2000

Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank is equipped with a carbon canister which helps control evaporative emissions from the fuel system. This canister is mounted to a metal insert that is integrated into the tank. During the production process, the thickness of the fuel tank material in the area of the insert may be less than intended. As a result, vehicle operating conditions such as vibration, high temperature, etc., could result in the fuel tank developing a crack in the area of the insert. The fuel tank could leak during refueling, possibly resulting in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #5.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V267]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:

Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Years: 1996-2000
Plymouth Voyager/Grand Voyager Years: 1996-2000
Chrysler Town and Country Years: 1996-2000

Number Involved:  1,163,000

Dates of Manufacture:  February 1995 - September 1999

Defect:  On certain minivans built with 3.3L and 3.8L engines, the fuel injection delivery system can leak fuel from some of the sealing O-rings in the fuel injection rail. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing O-rings continue to degrade. DaimlerChrysler has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule. However, if a vehicle is leaking fuel from the O-rings or from a cracked fuel line, the vehicle should be taken into a dealer to have this repaired as soon as possible. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V268/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 895]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Escape Year: 2001

Number Involved:  1,325

Dates of Manufacture:  October 1999 - August 2000

Defect:  Some 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS) may have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle. This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 2, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V260001/Ford Recall No. 00S25]

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Windstar Year: 2001
Ford Crown Victoria Year: 2001
Lincoln Town Car Year: 2001
Mercury Grand Marquis Year: 2001

Number Involved:  18,500

Dates of Manufacture:  March - September 2000

Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles and minivans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (RCM). In some cases, the RCM does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up. This condition could result in personal injury.

Remedy:   Dealers will replace the RCM in these vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 2, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V270/Ford Recall No. 00S26]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Escape Year: 2001

Number Involved:  10,850

Dates of Manufacture:  October 1999 - September 2000

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the O-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. This damage could result in fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 16, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V277001/Ford Recall No. 00S27]

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford F150 Years: 1998-2000
Ford F250 Years: 1998-2000
Ford E150 Years: 1998-2000
Ford E250 Years: 1998-2000
Ford Econoline Years: 1998-2000

Number Involved:  4,500

Dates of Manufacture:  March 1998 - September 2000

Noncompliance:  Certain bi-fuel CNG pickup trucks and vans, modified by CFI Control Systems, Inc., fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 303, "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." The label affixed to the fuel filler door by the vehicle modifier contains the inspection date and expiration date of the CNG tank. However, it does not contain the statement "See instructions on the fuel container for inspection and service life."

Remedy:  Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 23, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free label and instructions within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V284/Ford Recall No. 00L07]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

GMC Sonoma Year: 2000
Chevrolet S10 Year: 2000
Oldsmobile Bravada Year: 2000

Number Involved:  223,194

Dates of Manufacture:  March - November 1999

Defect:  Certain light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles were built with incorrect payload information on the vehicle certification label. The payload shown on the label is greater than the maximum validated payload. If the vehicle is loaded to the incorrectly labeled payload, it may not ride and handle in the manner that the driver expects. This could result in a loss of control of the vehicle or an inability to stop the vehicle within expected stopping distances.

Remedy:  Owners will be sent a new label for installation on the driver's door of the vehicle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 18, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V258001/GM Recall No. 00063]

Gulf States Toyota, Inc.

Models:

Gulf Toyota Camry Year: 2000
Gulf Toyota Corolla Year: 2000
Gulf Toyota Tacoma Year: 2000
Gulf Toyota Echo Year: 2000

Number Involved:  33,821

Dates of Manufacture:  October 1999 - August 2000

Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles and light duty pickup trucks fitted with speed control devices at Gulf States Toyota's Vehicle Processing Center or installed by certain Toyota dealers in Gulf States' region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas) are equipped with an E-clip, which holds the speed control assembly to the accelerator linkage, that could break. If the E-clip fails, the speed control attachment could come off, causing the speed control to stop working. The loose attachment could cause the accelerator to stick, preventing normal stopping and handling of the vehicle.

Remedy:  Gulf States' dealers will replace the E-clip with a cotter pin. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Gulf States at 1-800-444-1074.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V252]

Hyundai Motor America

Models:

Hyundai Sonata Years: 1999-2000
Hyundai Elantra Years: 1999-2000

Number Involved:  165,977

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1998 - July 2000

Defect:  Certain Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter V-6 engines and all Elantra vehicles may experience intermittent low-speed engine stalling, which occurs if the MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor electrical signal is interrupted as a result of engine vibration transmitted to the MAF Sensor connector wiring harness. This condition can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will re-route the MAF Sensor connector wiring harness. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V259/Hyundai Recall Nos. 039/040]

Isuzu Motors Limited

Models: Isuzu Trooper Years: 1998-1999

Number Involved:  13,275

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - May 2000

Defect:  This recall involves certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive and automatic transmissions built with TOD (Torque-On-Demand). In certain high speed frontal crashes, an interior fuel line can separate, allowing fuel to leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will install fuel system shields. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 21, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-643-4040, extension 309.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V253/Isuzu Recall No. 00-02-S004]

Mazda (North America), Inc.

Models: Mazda Tribute Year : 2001

Number Involved:  1,900

Dates of Manufacture:  May - September 2000

Defect:  Certain 4x2 sport utility vehicles not equipped with an antilock brake system (ABS) may have inadvertently been built with 4x4 rear hubs instead of 4x2 hubs. If the incorrect hubs are installed, the rear wheels can loosen, or in some cases, separate from the vehicle. This condition could cause loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the rear hubs and, if necessary, replace them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 2, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-000-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V260002/Mazda Recall No. 96009]

Mazda (North America), Inc.

Models: Mazda Tribute Year : 2001

Number Involved:  5,700

Dates of Manufacture:  April - September 2000

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the O-ring seals in the fuel line connector at the outlet end of the fuel filter were damaged when the line was connected to the filter during vehicle assembly. This damage could result in fuel odor, or possibly in fuel dripping from the connection. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 16, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-000-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V277002/Mazda Recall No. 97010]

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models: Toyota Echo Year: 2001

Number Involved:  4,530

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1999 - March 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, condensed moisture from the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) port could seep toward the brake vacuum port inside the intake manifold at freezing ambient temperatures and start to freeze. Vacuum assist to the brakes would decrease and increased pedal pressure would be required, increasing the vehicle stopping distance.

Remedy:  Dealers will repair the vacuum port. Also, owners of the subject vehicles in states other than the recall states will be notified of the recall. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V256]

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models: Toyota Prius Year: 2001

Number Involved:  1,772

Dates of Manufacture:  May - July 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, insufficient electrical contact can occur in the torque sensor that controls the power assist operation of the electric power steering gear box. The torque sensor could output improper electrical signals. If this occurs, the power steering warning icon will be displayed on the center panel, and the driver could experience higher than normal steering effort depending upon vehicle speed.

Remedy:  Dealers will repair the electric steering gear box. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V285]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Models: Volkswagen Golf Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  4,218

Dates of Manufacture:  August 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, one of two brackets used to bolt the front suspension control arm in the front of the vehicle to the body structure may have been inadequately welded. The control arm could gradually loosen and ultimately separate from its bracket in normal driving which could cause the vehicle to be difficult to control or result in loss of control.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the bracket and if the welding is insufficient, will replace the control arm. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during September 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V280/VWoA Recall No. UX]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Blue Bird Body Company

Models:

Blue Bird All American Years: 1998-2000
Blue Bird TC2000 Years: 1998-2000

Number Involved:  10,918

Dates of Manufacture:  January 1998 - August 2000

Defect:   On certain school and transit buses built with Bendix air antilock brake systems (ABS) with an EC-17 1030R electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by (1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or (2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal. This condition could cause the ABS ECU to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels. This could result in extended braking distances and a possible crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 28, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V232005/Blue Bird Recall No. R00EE]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford F Super Duty Year: 2000

Number Involved:  12,850

Dates of Manufacture:  November 1999 - June 2000

Defect:  Certain motor home chassis may have a misrouted wire harness that attaches to the brake pedal position switch. The wire could rub on the steering column, resulting in a short circuit and a blown fuse, causing a loss of stop lamp function. This would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and could lead to a crash.

Remedy:   Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the wire harness to the brake pedal switch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 25, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V254/Ford Recall No. 00S24]

Freightliner Corporation

Models: Freightliner XC Years: 1997-2000

Number Involved:  5,032

Dates of Manufacture:  December 1997 - August 2000

Defect:  On certain chasses built with Caterpillar engines and equipped with Felsted electronic accelerator pedals, the return springs can break on the accelerator pedals that are equipped with stainless steel or electroplated wire return springs. If both return springs fail, the throttle would not return to the idle position as intended, resulting in a stuck throttle. A stuck throttle could result in a crash.

Remedy:  Replacement accelerator pedals equipped with return springs manufactured of music wire with one additional coil on each spring and with an organic coating, eliminating electroplating, will be installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 11, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V230002/Freightliner Recall No. FL-271]

Freightliner Corporation

Models:

Freightliner FS-65 Year: 1999
Freightliner MC Year: 1999
Freightliner FLN Year: 1999
Freightliner MB Year: 1999
Freightliner FB65 Year: 1999
Freightliner MT Year: 1999
Thomas MVP EF Year: 1999

Number Involved:  10,460

Dates of Manufacture:  March - January 2000 (Thomas ending date is May 2000)

Defect:  Certain shuttle buses, recreational vehicles, utility vans, and heavy duty trucks equipped with the Meritor WABCO Phase 1, D-version Antilock Brake System (ABS), fail to comply to the requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems." An internal diagnostic system in the ABS may not detect an extreme wheel speed sensor air gap. Such a condition could possibly occur during (1) original assembly or (2) subsequent wheel end service. An extreme wheel speed sensor air gap that affects the generation of a response signal may not be detected and thus the indicator lamp may not activate.

Remedy:  Dealers will remove and replace the ABS ECU on buses and multi-passenger vehicles and reprogram the ECU for all others. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during December 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V279001/Freightliner Recall No. FL-264]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet B7 Years: 1998-2001
Chevrolet C6 Years: 1998-2001
Chevrolet C7 Years: 1998-2001
Chevrolet F6 Years: 1998-2001
Chevrolet F7 Years: 1998-2001
GMC B7 Years: 1998-2001
GMC C6 Years: 1998-2001
GMC C7 Years: 1998-2001
GMC F6 Years: 1998-2001
GMC F7 Years: 1998-2001

Number Involved:  30,000

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1997 - August 2000

Defect:   On certain school buses, medium duty trucks, and tractors built with Bendix air antilock brake systems (ABS) with an EC-17 1030R electronic control unit (ECU), there have been reports of unwanted ABS activation at low speeds caused by (1) chafed ABS wheel speed sensor wires on rotating parts or (2) a damaged component at the wheel end that generates a certain type of erratic sensor signal. This condition could cause the ABS ECU to exhaust the air at the air brake modulators for one or more of the wheels, resulting in increased braking distances. This could lead to a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the ABS ECU. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during October 2000 for the B7 series school buses and later when the parts become available for the medium duty trucks and tractors. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V232008/GM Recall No. 00078]

EQUIPMENT:

Century Products

Models: All Century Rear-Facing Infant Seats that have a "Type 1" handle

Number Involved:  4,000,000

Dates of Manufacture:  January 1991 - July 1997

Defect:   The handle on these child restraints can crack during normal use outside a motor vehicle, which can lead to an unexpected break. If the handle unexpectedly breaks, the child could fall to the ground possibly causing serious injuries.

Remedy:  To prevent future cracking or failure of the child seat handle, Century will provide owners with an improved handle and installation instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during October 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Century at 1-800-865-1419.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00E058]

Penray Companies, Inc.

Models: Penray Starting Fluid

Number Involved:  29,932

Dates of Manufacture:  November - December 1999

Defect:  This recall involves Penray Starting Fluid Part No. 5315, Service Pro Starting Fluid Part No. 5315, and Super X Premium Starting Fluid Part No. 470. A high concentration of water in the aerosol container can cause rusting from the inside out along the vertical seam. This could result in fluid leaking out. If the can leaks fluid, this could pose a fire hazard or irritation to consumer's eyes and skin.

Remedy:  Penray has issued a press release to the public and is notifying all its distributors that they will replace the defective cans of starting fluid free of charge. Penray has also issued placards to be posted in all its distributor locations. If you have any of these products and wish to return them, contact Penray Customer Service at 1-800-323-6329.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00E53]