The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in February 2002 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

February 2002 

VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

 

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:	Jeep Wrangler	Years: 1990 -1995
Number Involved:  316,148 Dates of Manufacture:  July 1989 – December 1995 Defect:  On those sport utility vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the parking brake can self-release without warning, allowing the vehicle to roll away and increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will install a parking brake assembly with a stronger pawl return spring.  The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during the summer of 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V041/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B03]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:	Jeep Grand Wagoneer	Years: 1993-1998
	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Years: 1993-1998
Number Involved:  1,620,000 Dates of Manufacture:  June 1992 – May 1998 Defect:  On some sport utility vehicles, when a driver has not placed the transmission shifter lever fully into the "Park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle could unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.  This could result in a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will add a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly.  On March 22, 2002, DaimlerChrysler sent owners an interim notice concerning this problem.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V053/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. B02]

 

Hyundai Motor America
Models:	Hyundai Tiburon	Year:2003
Number Involved:  1,174 Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 – January 2002 Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the left lower instrument panel bracket was not installed.  If this bracket has not been installed, there may be an increased likelihood of injury, or increased severity of injury, in a frontal crash. Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the vehicles to determine if the bracket has been installed.  If the bracket has not been installed, the dealer will install the left lower instrument panel bracket.  The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V044/Hyundai Recall No. 050]

 

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:	Nissan Maxima	Year: 2002
	Infiniti I35	Year: 2002
Number Involved:  39,000 Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with an electronic throttle control system, the stopper for the accelerator pedal will prevent excessive movement of the accelerator position sensor.  If the driver applies overly excessive force to the accelerator pedal while at the same time pushing it to the right, the pedal can “over travel” due to the design of the pedal stopper.  This will cause the engine malfunction indicator lamp to come on and the engine speed to be severely limited.  If this occurs unexpectedly, it could lead to a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal stopper.  The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V043]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Isuzu Motors Limited
Models:	Isuzu FVR	Years: 1999-2000
	Isuzu FTR	Years: 1999-2000
	Isuzu FSR	Years: 1999-2000
Number Involved:  1,368 Dates of Manufacture:  August 1998 – August 2000 Defect:  Some medium duty tilt cab trucks equipped with manual transmissions have a condition in which the clutch master-cylinder pushrod end that attaches to the clutch pedal pin can wear prematurely.  The first noticeable effect of this wear could be the clutch pedal not returning completely to the full-up position.  If this occurs, the fast-idle engine speed control may not function.  If the clutch master-cylinder pushrod end wears sufficiently to allow the attaching end to bend open or break off, the pedal pin would detach from the clutch rod link and the clutch would engage.  If clutch engagement occurred while the vehicle was stopped, with the engine running and the transmission in gear, and if the brakes were not applied, the vehicle could move. Remedy:  Dealers will install a new clutch master-cylinder assembly and clutch pedal assembly. The manufacturer reported that owner notification was expected to begin during April 2002.  Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-643-4070.
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V052001]