December 2001 Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in December 2001 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, 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-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236). The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
December 2001

VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

 

American Honda Motor Company
Models:	Honda Accord	Years:2000-2001
	Honda Civic	Years:2000-2001
Number Involved:  16,459
Dates of Manufacture:  July -- September 2000
Noncompliance:  Some sedans and coupes fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." Certain rear seat belt buckles were improperly manufactured. The rear seat belts will work properly and provide protection in a crash, but the owner may experience difficulty unfastening the belt after the crash. Only buckles that are marked (on the back side of the buckle) with an assembly number beginning with 00185, 00186, or 00187 have the problem. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the seat belt assemblies that were improperly manufactured. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V380]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Jeep Liberty	Year:2002
Number Involved:  102,000
Dates of Manufacture:  January - November 2001
Defect:  In the event of a frontal offset collision in these sport utility vehicles, sharp edges on the power steering pressure hose bracket could cut the front impact sensor wiring insulation, causing a short circuit in the wiring. This could delay the deployment of the air bag system, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Remedy:  Dealers will wrap the front impact sensor wire harness with protective insulation to prevent the possibility of damage. DaimlerChrysler has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V373/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. A07]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:Jeep Grand Cherokee	Year:2002
Number Involved:  50,200
Dates of Manufacture:  July - October 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the fuel inlet check valve could stick in the partially open position. This condition could cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube during refueling. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the fuel inlet check valve. Vehicles found to have a sticking fuel inlet check valve will have the fuel tank assembly replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V374/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. A06]

Ford Motor Company
Models:	Ford Mustang	Year:1995
	Mercury Sable	Year:1995
	Ford Taurus	Year:1995
Number Involved:  695,260
Dates of Manufacture:  April 1994 - August 1995
Defect:  On certain Taurus/Sable vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter and 3.8-liter engines and Mustang vehicles with 3.8-liter and 5.0-liter engines, it is possible for the engine cooling fan bearing to seize. Should this occur, excessive heat could be generated, which could melt the fan motor electrical connector. Components inside the cooling fan motor could ignite, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the engine cooling fan assembly and install a circuit breaker. If the cooling fan is inoperative, the fan and motor assembly will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V390/Ford Recall No. 01S30]

General Motors Corporation
Models:	GMC Jimmy	Years: 2000-2001
	Oldsmobile Bravada	Years: 2000-2001
	Chevrolet Blazer	Years: 2000-2002
Number Involved:  506,377
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - August 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped, and could result in a crash. Remedy:  GM has not yet provided a remedy or owner notification schedule for this recall. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782, Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V364/GM Recall No. 01073]

General Motors Corporation
Models:	Chevrolet Camaro	Year: 2002
	Pontiac Firebird	Year: 2002
Number Involved:  897
Dates of Manufacture:  October - November 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection." These vehicles may have welds near the lower driver's side door hinge that do not meet specifications. In a crash, an occupant could receive severe injuries. Remedy:  Dealers will install structural rivets. The manufacturer has reported that owner otification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V381/GM Recall No. 01072]

General Motors Corporation
Models:	Chevrolet Venture	Year:2001
	Pontiac Aztec	Year: 2001
	Pontiac Montana	Year: 2001
	Oldsmobile Silhouette	Year: 2001
Number Involved:  75,816
Dates of Manufacture:  April - October 2000
Noncompliance:  Certain minivans and sport utility vehicles built with second row 50/50 split bench seats or captain's chairs fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The seat latch anchor wire diameter is greater than 6.1 mm, potentially inhibiting the installation of child restraints. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the latch anchor wires and repair those with an improper diameter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during March/April 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V383/GM Recall No. ]

General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Vue	Year: 2002
Number Involved:  327
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." Some vehicles were produced with rear outer seat belt shoulder guide anchor bolts that were incorrectly installed. If these bolts were incorrectly installed, the bolts would not withstand the load requirements of the standard. If an anchorage failed in a crash, the occupant would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Remedy:  Dealers will replace the rear shoulder guide anchor bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during December 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V386/GM Recall No. 01076/Saturn Recall No. 02-C-04]

Hyundai Motor America
Models:Hyundai Santa Fe	Year: 2001
Number Involved:  15,241
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2000 - February 2001
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 2.7-liter V-6 engines, improperly manufactured crankshaft position sensors (CPS) were installed. The CPS cases were improperly manufactured and did not meet dimensional specifications. Internal gaps within the cases allowed epoxy to contact the printed circuit board, which resulted in cracking of the circuit board capacitor. A damaged CPS capacitor could result in engine stalling. Remedy:  Dealers will replace the CPS. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V388]

Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models:Mazda MPV	Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved:  19,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 1999 - November 2001
Noncompliance: Certain minivans without anti-lock braking systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Brake Systems." Due to inappropriate brake pipe layout, these vehicles do not meet the partial failure brake stopping distance requirements of the standard. If partial failure occurred in the braking system, the stopping distance of the vehicle could increase, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will modify the brake system. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500, Option #4. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V382/Mazda Recall No. 0502A]

 

Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc.
Models:Mercedes Benz C Class	Years: 1998-1999
Number Involved:  65,731
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997 - June 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with Hoppecke batteries, the battery maintenance schedule could be less than needed to maintain proper electrolyte levels. Low electrolyte levels increase the potential for inter-cell rupture and sparking, which could result in a battery explosion. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the batteries, including fluid levels. Some batteries may be replaced if necessary, on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the battery inspection, the addition of labels in the vehicle owner's manual and engine compartment will be included to conspicuously remind owners as well as dealer and service personnel of the need to perform battery maintenance. Mercedes-Benz has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V366]

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models: Nissan Sentra	Years: 2000-2001
Number Involved:  81,393
Dates of Manufacture:  January - October 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Vehicles produced during this period were missing tamperproof caps that prevent horizontal headlamp adjustment. Remedy:  Dealers will install a tamperproof cap over the horizontal adjustment screw for both headlamps. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V376]

 

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models: Lexus ES300	Year: 2002
Number Involved:  1,697
Dates of Manufacture:  September - October 2001
Defect:  On these passenger vehicles, the left front brake tube may have been deformed prior to vehicle delivery due to improper installation of a coil spring spacer that was installed to prevent damage to the vehicle during transportation. If the brake tube is deformed significantly, it could contact the inner fender panel, and eventually cause damage to the tube due to vibration during driving. Brake tube damage could also lead to brake fluid leakage after extended use of the brakes. This could cause increased stopping distances during braking, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the front brake line and, if necessary, replace the line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lexus at 1-888-333-9376. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V371]

 

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models:	Lexus ES300	Year: 2002
	Toyota Camry	Year: 2002
Number Involved:  19,587
Dates of Manufacture:  July - November 2001
Defect:  On these passenger vehicles equipped with a three-spoke style steering wheel, during air bag deployment, it is possible that the bottom seam of the front driver's side air bag module cover (horn pad) could be torn away, allowing the bottom portion of the cover to completely detach from the air bag module. If this should occur, there is a possibility that the detached bottom portion may strike the driver, causing personal injury. Remedy:  Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Lexus at 1-888-333-9376 or Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V371]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

 

Freightliner Corporation/Thomas Built Buses, Inc.
Models:Thomas MVP EF	Years:1996-2001
Number Involved:  57
Dates of Manufacture:  November 1996 - November 2001
Noncompliance:  Certain school buses fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 217, "Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release." A third roof hatch must be added to meet the standard requirements. Only vehicles located in the state of Washington are involved. Remedy:  Dealers will install a third roof hatch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-336-889-4871. [NHTSA Recall No. 01V378]

EQUIPMENT

LMI USA, Inc.

Models: LMI USA Ball Joints

Number Involved:  2,904

Dates of Manufacture:  December 2000 - April 2001

Defect: Certain aftermarket replacement ball joints for steering or suspension systems on 1990-1993 Acura Integra, 1986-1989 Honda Accord, 1988-1991 Honda Civic and CRX,

1983-1991 Honda Prelude, Part No. 51220-SK7-013, and 1991-1995 Honda Legend passenger vehicles, Part No. 51220-SL5-003, with date codes Z OH and Y OH, have defective sealing boots. The material used in the manufacture of the sealing boot can deteriorate over time permitting foreign objects, such as water and dirt, to infiltrate the sealing boot and cause rust inside the ball joint housing, damage to the surface of the ball, or damage to the retaining ring. These effects in turn can cause misalignment of the ball joint within the housing, potentially causing it to fail. A ball joint failure could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy:  LMI will notify its distributors and customers to have the ball joints replaced free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that distributor/owner notification was expected to begin during January 2002. Owners should contact LMI at 1-734-477-9700. [NHTSA Recall No. 01E064]

TIRES

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company

Models:Del-Nat Chaparral AP

Number Involved:  1,848

Dates of Manufacture:  August - October 2001

Defect: Certain size P265/75R15 and P265/75R16 tires may not have adequate rubber coverage of the belt edge. When this condition exists, it may eventually expose the belt wires, which could lead to belt degradation. Remedy:  Cooper is notifying its dealers/customers to have the tires replaced free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that distributor/owner notification began Dec. 10, 2001. Owners should contact Del-Nat Corporation at 1-800-489-7233 or Cooper Tire at