NHTSA Publishes List of September 2002 Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in September 2002 and urged consumers to have the problems promptly fixed.
This 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, 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 1-888-327-4236 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
September 2002
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company
Models: Honda Silver Wing
Year: 2002
Honda FSC600 Year:
2002
Number Potentially Involved: 2,454
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001 – July 2002
Defect: On certain motorcycles, under certain riding conditions,
such as continuously bumpy roads, the rear wheel could develop stress cracks
where the wheel spokes attach to the hub. The spokes will eventually fail,
causing the wheel to collapse without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear wheel, including a new
tire. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to
begin during October 2002. Owners should contact Honda Motorcycle at 1-800-289-8226.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V250]
Daewoo Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Daewoo Nubira
Years: 2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 38,181
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform
to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 106, “Brake
Hoses.” A crack can develop in the outer rubber layer of the front brake hoses
resulting in brake hose rupture, brake fluid leakage, and loss of vehicle braking.
Remedy: Dealers will install new redesigned front brake hoses.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during
October 2002. Owners should contact Daewoo at 1-877-362-1234, Selection 1.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V257]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Expedition Year:
2002
Lincoln Navigator
Year: 2002
Number Potentially Involved: 80,254
Dates of Manufacture: March 1999 – August 2000
Noncompliance: Certain sport utility vehicles 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.” The rear
tire pressure is incorrectly listed on the certification label for 4x2 vehicles.
Customers may inflate their rear tires based on the incorrect tire pressure
information on the certification label.
Remedy: A supplementary label will be sent to customers to place
near the certification label to identify the appropriate rear tire pressure.
Customers may also have the dealer install the label on the vehicle, if they
so desire. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during October 2002. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V239/Ford Recall No. 02L10]
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Crown Victoria
Year: 2002
Number Potentially Involved: 574
Dates of Manufacture: May 2001 – March 2002
Defect: On certain natural gas passenger vehicles, a T-fitting
that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves
are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the ON position or during
refueling. A gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create
a combustible mixture in the presence of an ignition source could result in
a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned “T” fitting on #4 fuel
tank and tested for leakage. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
is expected to begin during October 2002. Owners should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V249/Ford Recall No. 02S39]
General Motors Corporation
Models: Cadillac Escalade
Years: 2000-2002
Chevrolet Tahoe
Years: 2000-2002
GMC Yukon
Years: 2000-2002
GMC Denali
Years: 2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 558,904
Dates of Manufacture: September 1999 – February 2002
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward
folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points
exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded
rearward as the seatback is folded down. If a person were to insert his or
her finger into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap
and pinch the finger, causing injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during
November 2002. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782,
or Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V253/GM Recall No. 02039]
Indian Motorcycle Company
Models: Indian Chief
Year: 2002
Number Potentially Involved: 948
Dates of Manufacture: April – August 2002
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the rear brake caliper could
contact the rotor as a result of a misalignment of the caliper carrier. The
rear brake can overheat and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the motorcycle to ensure that the
rear brake caliper and rotor are correctly positioned. If they are not, the
dealer will replace the swing arm and rear brake assembly. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began on Aug. 28, 2002. Owners should
contact Indian at 1-408-846-7228.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V246]
Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Models: Kawasaki VN1500-N3 Year:
2002
Kawasaki VN1500-E5
Year: 2002
Kawasaki VN1500-P1
Year: 2002
Number Potentially Involved: 698
Dates of Manufacture: December 2001
Defect: On certain “Mean Streak,” “1500 Classic,” and “1500
Classic Fi” motorcycles, a flange on the transmission output shaft can fracture,
resulting in engine damage with possible engine lock-up. Flange failure could
cause the outer gear on the shaft to contact the transmission housing, pieces
of the flange could interfere with transmission operation, or operation in first
gear could allow two sets of transmission gears to mesh simultaneously. These
failures could cause sudden transmission lock-up, which would cause both the
engine and rear wheel to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will disassemble the engine and replace the transmission
output shaft. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during October 2002. Owners should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V261]
Moto Guzzi North America
Models: Moto Guzzi California
Years: 1998-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 2,284
Dates of Manufacture: September 1997 – February 2001
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the throttle linkage can fail
to return to a completely closed position. Should this failure occur, the motorcycle
could fail to decelerate when the rider wants it to, increasing the risk of
a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle return cable. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.
Owners should contact Moto Guzzi at 1-678-238-0902.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V262]
Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Infiniti G35
Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 18,300
Dates of Manufacture: January – July 2002
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel hose connection
for the outlet of the fuel pump, which is located at the top of the fuel tank,
may not have been properly attached when the vehicle was assembled and could
come loose while driving or when starting the engine. If the connection comes
loose while driving, the engine will stop running due to lack of fuel, increasing
the risk of a crash. Also, if the connection comes loose while driving or attempting
to start or restart the engine, some fuel will discharge from the fuel pump.
If this should occur in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, properly attach
the fuel hose to the fuel pump. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
began Oct. 7, 2002. Owners should contact Nissan at 1-800-662-6200.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V245]
Polaris Industries, Inc.
Models: Victory V92C
Years: 1999-2001
Victory V92SC Sportcruiser Years:
1999-2001
Victory V92C Special Edition
Year: 2000
Victory V92DC Deluxe Cruiser
Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 9,120
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 – July 2001
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the fuel pump can fail, causing
poor engine performance and possible engine stalling, increasing the risk of
a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pumps. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during November 2002.
Owners should contact Victory at 1-715-294-5331.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V263/Victory Recall No. V02-05]
Subaru of America, Inc.
Models:
Subaru Legacy Year: 2003
Subaru Outback
Year: 2003
Subaru Baja
Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 555
Dates of Manufacture: August 2002
Defect: On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles with
4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley
center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in
the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging
from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during
vehicle usage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the water pump. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began Sept. 12, 2002. Owners should contact
Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V240]
Triumph Motorcycles
Models: Triumph Speed Triple
Years: 2001-2002
Triumph Sprint ST
Years: 2001-2002
Triumph Daytona
Years: 2001-2002
Triumph Centennial
Years: 2001-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 1,557
Dates of Manufacture: March 2001 – March 2002
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel needle roller
bearings can deteriorate and seize, causing the rear wheel to lockup. This
can cause a loss of control of the motorcycle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace all rear wheel bearings. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began Sept. 19, 2002. Owners should contact
Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V242/Triumph Recall No. 313]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Volkswagen Golf Years: 2000-2001
Volkswagen Jetta
Years: 2000-2001
Volkswagen Cabrio
Years: 2000-2001
Volkswagen New Beetle
Years: 2000-2001
Number Potentially Involved: 332,950
Dates of Manufacture: September 1999 – January 2001
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with
requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, “Child Restraint
Anchorage Systems.” Child seat anchorages installed in the vehicle’s rear seats
must be identified by markings, and their location and use described in the
owner’s manual. The anchorages in these vehicles were not marked or described
as required by the standard.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for the Owner’s
Manual and also a set of four guidance fixtures intended for use in conjunction
with child seats equipped with rigid or semi-rigid lower anchorage attachments.
Also enclosed will be four decals, together with installation instructions and
a template for attaching the decals to the lower seat backs. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began Sept. 15, 2002. Owners should contact
VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V244/VWoA Recall No. UW]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
Volkswagen Passat Year: 1996
Number Potentially Involved: 10,450
Dates of Manufacture: August 1995 – December 1995
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion
of the ignition switch assembly can fail, causing the headlights and windshield
wipers to become inoperative. If such failures occur while the vehicle is
in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition
switch assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during October 2002. Owners should contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V256/VWoA Recall No. WQ]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird All American
Years: 2000-2002
Blue Bird TC2000
Years: 2000-2002
Blue Bird Conventional
Years: 2000-2002
Blue Bird Micro Bird
Years: 2000-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 605
Dates of Manufacture: May 2000 – June 2002
Defect: On certain school buses and transit buses equipped with
passenger seat belts with retractors, the cover halves for the retractable portion
of the belt can separate completely and release the seat belt connector. If
this occurs, one of the load bearing pins in the connector could separate from
the connector and render the seat belt unusable. In the event of a crash, the
seat occupant would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of an injury.
The seat belt supplier, Am-Safe, will provide a snap on "over-cover"
to owners to prevent the seat belt cover from separating.
Remedy: Owners will be provided a snap-on "over-cover"
to prevent the seat belt cover from separating. The manufacturer has reported
that owner notification began Sept. 27, 2002. Owners should contact Blue Bird
at 1-478-822-2242.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V160002/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GG]
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird TC2000
Year: 1998
Blue BirdCommercial Series
Year: 1998
Number Potentially Involved: 318
Dates of Manufacture: March 1998 – February 1999
Defect: On certain front engine school and transit buses equipped
with Blue Bird Option 40177 Cummins ISB engines, the alternator power cables
may not be routed properly from the alternator output to the starter motor.
If the cables are not routed properly, the cable insulation could be abraded
by contact with other chassis components, resulting in a short to ground, which
could lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will add a loom and reroute the electrical
power cable from the alternator output to the starting motor. The alternator
power cable will be replaced if abrasions are found. The manufacturer has reported
that owner notification began Sept. 30, 2002. Owners should contact Blue Bird
at 1-478-822-2242.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V233/Blue Bird Recall No. R02GK]
Freightliner Corporation
Models: Freightliner FS-65
Years: 1996-1998
Number Potentially Involved: 725
Dates of Manufacture: Prior to January 1998
Defect: On certain school bus chassis equipped with Cummins
ISB engines with a mechanical throttle, the throttle cable can vibrate excessively
and break near the end fitting that attaches to the engine linkage. This can
result in a loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will properly install a new throttle cable
design. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to
begin during November 2002. Owners should contact Freightliner at 1-800-547-0712.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V248/Freightliner Recall No. FL-398]
International Truck and Engine Corporation
Models: International 3200
Years: 2002-2003
International 4200
Years: 2002-2003
International 4300
Years: 2002-2003
International 4400
Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 11,204
Dates of Manufacture: November 2000 – April 2002
Defect: On certain medium and heavy duty trucks built with driveline
parking brake codes 04GAR, the parking brake assembly may not hold the vehicle
in position when set. Factors contributing to this possibility are as follows:
(1) cracked or broken cams; (2) loose or broken anchor bolts; (3) initial shoe
diameter not set properly during assembly, which can lead to progressive component
damage; (4) bent adjuster levers that cannot function; or (5) automatic adjuster
cables that are disconnected. If the parking brake does not function properly,
the vehicle could roll, without warning, after the parking brake lever has been
set, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cam, lever, and bolt. The
manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during
December 2002. Owners should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V260/International Recall No. 02513]
International Truck and Engine Corporation
Models: International 9200
Years: 2002-2003
International 9400
Years: 2002-2003
International 9900
Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 2,129
Dates of Manufacture: June - September 2002
Defect: On certain heavy duty trucks, the joint between the lower
portion of the steering column and the upper end of the intermediate steering
shaft may have a missing or loose pinch bolt. This condition could also occur
at the lower end of the intermediate steering shaft at the steering gear connection.
If a pinch bolt is missing or vibrates loose, the shaft could separate from
the steering column or steering gear, and allow slippage between the joined
shafts, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both ends of the shaft to ensure
the pinch bolt is installed and/or properly torqued. If the bolt and nut are
missing, a new bolt, nut, and washer will be installed. The manufacturer has
reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002.
Owners should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V265/International Recall No. 02514]
Monaco Coach Corporation
Models: Monaco LaPalma
Years: 1999-2003
Monaco Monarch
Years: 2000-2002
Monaco Monarch SE
Years: 2002-2003
Holiday Rambler Admiral
Years: 1999-2002
Holiday Rambler Admiral SE
Years: 2002-2003
Holiday Rambler Vacationeer
Years: 2000-2003
Holiday Rambler Endeavor
Years: 1999-2001
Number Potentially Involved: 6,376
Defect: On certain Class A motor homes manufactured on F53 20,500-pound
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) Ford chassis, and on 2000-2003 Class A motor
homes manufactured on W-22 22,000-pound GVWR Workhorse chassis, the floor truss
network support system has a potential to weaken, causing internal and external
features to become misaligned. This can result in bottoming out the suspension
and amplification of the stress placed on the floor truss network. The additional
stress can result in the fracture of welds securing the floor truss network
system to the chassis frame rail and fracture of the floor truss network support
system. The possibility exists that there could be damage to electrical wiring
and/or fuel lines which could potentially lead to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the floor truss network support
system, reinforce the existing structure, and repair, as needed, the floor truss
network support. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during October or November 2002. Owners should contact Monaco at 1-800-685-6545.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V237]
Volvo Trucks North America, Incorporated
Models: Volvo WIA
Years: 1990-2002
Volvo WG
Years: 1990-2002
Volvo WCA
Years: 1990-2002
Volvo VNM
Years: 1990-2002
Volvo VNL
Years: 1990-2002
Number Potentially Involved: 5,532
Dates of Manufacture: November 1990 – July 2002
Noncompliance: Certain Class 8 heavy duty trucks fail to comply with
the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps, Reflective
Devices, and Associated Equipment.” The two tail lamps, back-up lamp, and license
tag lamp were mounted on insufficiently rigid mounts. This does not meet the
requirements of the standard.
Remedy: Dealers will attach the two tail lamps, back-up lamp,
and the license tag lamp on stiffer brackets. The manufacturer has reported
that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2002. Owners should
contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V238/Volvo Recall No. RVXX0298]
Equipment:
Northpole USA
Models: Northpole Cargo Carrier
Number Potentially Involved: 4,000
Defect: On certain Panorama Cargo Carriers that are attached to the
top of a vehicle, the straps can rip and the carrier can fly off the vehicle.
If the carrier flies off the vehicle while it is in motion, it could strike
a pedestrian or another vehicle, possibly resulting in personal injury or a
vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ames Department Stores are the exclusive dealers for these carriers.
Northpole is notifying the stores and will repurchase these carriers. Notification
to Ames began Sept. 9, 2002. Owners should contact Northpole USA at 1-800-613-1225.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02E051]
Wells Manufacturing Company
Models: Wells Stoplight Switch
Number Potentially Involved: 19,400
Defect: On certain aftermarket stoplight switches, Well's catalog Part
Nos. DR452, DR427, and DR431, the switch can remain in the "stoplight
off" position when the brake pedal is pressed. The brake lights would
not illuminate and the anti-lock brake system would not be available. If the
anti-lock braking system is disabled, a vehicle crash could occur, possibly
resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Wells Manufacturing will notify its customers and replace the
switch free of charge. Owner notification began Aug. 20, 2002. Owners should
contact Wells Manufacturing at 1-800-558-9770.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02E049]
TIRES:
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Models: Firestone 30x9.50R15 LT
Number Potentially Involved: 754
Dates of Manufacture: September – October 2001
Noncompliance: Certain Widetrack Baja A/T tires, size 30x9.50R15
LT, fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 119, "New
Pneumatic Tires." The maximum load and inflation are incorrectly stated
on the tires. These tires can be over-inflated and possibly contribute to a
vehicle crash.
Remedy: Bridgestone/Firestone dealers will replace these tires.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 10, 2002.
Owners should contact BFS at 1-800-367-3872.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02T014]
Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
Models: Firestone P19565R15
Number Potentially Involved: 23,400
Dates of Manufacture: April 2002
Defect: Certain P195/65R15 tires produced for use on certain 2003
model year Toyota Corolla S and LE vehicles may develop a "raised tread
block" and cause a “helicopter type” noise. Continued use of a tire with
this condition may lead to a localized “chunk out” of tread material, and possibly
result in a vehicle crash. The DOT tire identification numbers for the recalled
tires are W2C6T001402 and W2C6T001502.
Remedy: Bridgestone/Firestone dealers will replace these tires.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 10, 2002.
Owners should contact BFS at 1-800-367-3872.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02T015]
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