March 2001 Safety Recalls

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

VEHICLES

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Suzuki Motor Company

Models: Suzuki Grand Vitara Year: 2001

Number Involved:  14,911

Dates of Manufacture:  September 2000 - February 2001

Defect:  Some sport utility vehicles do not comply with the certain requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars." The presentation of some of the information on the tire information label deviates from the format set forth in the standard and the label may not be "permanently affixed" as required by the standard. The label may not be fully understood by some customers.

Remedy:  Dealers will install new labels as well as an update to the owner's manual. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 26, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V070/Suzuki Recall No. X-5]

Aston Martin

Models:

Aston Martin DB7 Years: 1996-1998 and 2000-2001
Aston Martin Volante Years: 1996-1998 and 2000-2001
Aston Martin Vantage Years: 1996-1998 and 2000-2001

Number Involved:  3,238

Dates of Manufacture:  Beginning April 1996

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the steering column lighting switch gear has a potential to trap wires, leading to a partial loss of lighting functionality. Depending on which wires are trapped, the loss of lighting functionality can vary. However, any loss of lighting functionality can lead to a possible vehicle crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will repair the wiring. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during April 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Aston Martin at 1-201-818-8352.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V-110/Aston Martin Recall No. SAR 007]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:

Dodge Dakota Year: 2001
Dodge Durango Year: 2001

Number Involved:  85,400

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - January 2001

Defect:  On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive, the electric shift transfer case may not fully engage into gear when the operator moves the transfer case selector switch. This could cause the transfer case to end up in the neutral position unexpectedly and allow the vehicle to roll away if the parking brake is not applied.

Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the transfer case control module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 9, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V077/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 975]

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Taurus Year: 2000
Mercury Sable Year: 2000
Ford Excursion Year: 2000

Number Involved:  74,000

Dates of Manufacture:  October - December 1999

Defect:  On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, due to the use of incorrect material by a supplier, the headlamp switch knob can fracture and separate from the headlamp switch. This would cause difficulty for the driver to activate the headlamps, which could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the headlamp switch knob. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 26, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V075/Ford Recall No. 01S09]

Ford Motor Company

Models:

Ford Taurus Years: 2000-2001
Mercury Cougar Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  157,000

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1999 - August 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with adjustable pedals, if the grease from the adjustable pedal assembly enters the stop lamp switch, it can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon build up, and potentially, a short circuit. A short circuit could lead to either the brake lamps staying on or to a loss of brake lamp function, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch and wipe down the adjustable pedal assembly to remove excess grease. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 26, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V078/Ford Recall No. 01S08]

Ford Motor Company

Models: Ford Focus Year: 2001

Number Involved:  8,500

Dates of Manufacture:  March 2001

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the seat back recliner handle spring could have been damaged, and the occupant may notice a looseness of the front seat back, or the seat back could unexpectedly recline. If the seat back unexpectedly reclines while the car is being driven, it could result in loss of vehicle control.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the seat back recliner handle spring for the driver and front passenger seats. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on March 28, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V108/Ford Recall No. 01S13]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet Venture Years: 1997-2001
Pontiac Montana Years: 1998-2001
Pontiac Transport Years: 1997-1998
Oldsmobile Silhouette Years: 1997-2001

Number Involved:  477,011

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1995 - December 2000

Defect:  On certain minivans equipped with passenger-side power sliding doors, the door closes but may not be latched. If this happens, the sliding door can open while the vehicle is in motion, particularly when the vehicle ascends a hill, makes a turn, or travels over a rough road surface. An unrestrained occupant could fall out of the van and be injured.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a new actuator assembly to the power sliding door. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 18, 2001. 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. 01V067/GM Recall No. 01013]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

Chevrolet Malibu Years: 1997-1998
Oldsmobile Cutlass Years: 1997-1998

Number Involved:  129,427

Dates of Manufacture:  January 1996 - January 1998

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles registered or located in northern states with a significant amount of snow, ice, and similar inclement weather (Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming), if a buildup of snow or ice restricts the movement of the passenger side windshield wiper arm, the pivot housing can crack and the wipers will not operate. Reduced visibility in inclement weather could lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the passenger side windshield wiper pivot housing. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V068/GM Recall No. 01014]

General Motors Corporation

Models:

GMC Yukon Denali Year: 2001
GMC Yukon XL Denali Year: 2001

Number Involved:  301

Dates of Manufacture:  August - October 2000

Defect:  Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a misrouted positive battery cable assembly that could come in contact with the steering shaft universal joint. Over time, this contact could cause a wear-through of the cable assembly conduit and cable insulation, exposing the wire core and resulting in intermittent electrical shorting. This could result in erratic movement of the voltage gauge or total battery discharge in a few hours. Also, the cable insulation and conduct could ignite if enough current is discharged at the point of contact, resulting in an underhood fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the positive battery cable for proper routing and re-route the cable in necessary. The cable will also be inspected for wear of the conduit and cable insulation, and will be replaced if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 23, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V107/GM Recall No. 01001]

Mitsubishi Motor Sales, America

Models:

Mitsubishi Galant Year: 2001
Mitsubishi Eclipse Year: 2001
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Year: 2001

Number Involved:  192

Dates of Manufacture:  February 2001

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, a bulge in the fuel tank caused by the manufacturing process resulted in thinning of the material during a welding operation, increasing the risk of fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank assembly. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V069]

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.

Models:

Toyota Avalon Year: 2001
Toyota Camry Year: 2001
Toyota Sienna Year: 2001

Number Involved:  545

Dates of Manufacture: January 2001

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles and light trucks, the front sub frame assembly was not adequately welded. This condition could cause failure of the assembly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and replace the front sub frame, if necessary. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during April 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V072]

Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.

Models:

Volvo S80 Year: 2001
Volvo V70 Year: 2001

Number Involved:  3,276

Dates of Manufacture: November 2000 - January 2001

Defect:  On certain sedans and wagons, the rear outboard seat belt anchorage bolts may have been incorrectly tightened. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the anchorage bolts and tighten to the correct torque level. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 30, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V100/Volvo Recall No. 104]

Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.

Models: Volvo V70 Year: 2001

Number Involved:  16,085

Dates of Manufacture: January 2000 - January 2001

Defect:  On certain wagons, the bolted joint, used for attaching the bracket that is part of the installation hardware for the ISOFIX-type child restraint, may have been incorrectly tightened. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the anchorage bolts and tighten to the correct torque level. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 30, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V101/Volvo Recall No. 104A]

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Models:

Yamaha XV1600AM Year: 2000
Yamaha XV1600AL Year: 1999
Yamaha XV1600ATL Year: 1999
Yamaha XV1600 ATM Year: 2000

Number Involved:  13,362

Dates of Manufacture: October 1998 - February 2000

Defect:  On certain Road Star motorcycles, if the bolts holding the exhaust system are allowed to loosen, the bracket holding the mufflers can break. If this occurs, the broken bracket and the mufflers could fall loose from the motorcycle, damaging or pulling loose the rear hydraulic brake hose, causing loss of rear brake performance. The loose muffler parts could also present a traffic hazard for those around the motorcycle. Additionally, the rider could be distracted as the mufflers fall loose, and this could lead to a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a new muffler bracket. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 27, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Yamaha at 1-800-6-YAMAHA (1-800-693-6242).

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V094]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES

Airstream Incorporated

Models:

Airstream Cutter Years: 1997-2000
Airstream XC Years: 1997-2000

Number Involved:  298

Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - June 2000  

Defect:  On certain motor homes built on Freightliner chassis, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) rear brake valves can be damaged due to the fresh water tank sagging downward. This will result in automatic application of the emergency brake, causing a rapid deceleration and stopping of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a steel support bracket that runs fore and aft under the fresh water tank between two chassis cross members. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 14, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Airstream at 1-877-596-6505.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V086]

Airstream Incorporated

Models:

Airstream Cutter Years: 1997-2000
Airstream XC Years: 1997-2000

Number Involved:  159

Dates of Manufacture: June 1997 - June 2000  

Defect:  On certain motor homes built on Freightliner chassis, the liquid propane gas (LPG) lines can be damaged due to the fresh water tank's sagging, resulting in leakage. Damaged steel LPG lines could result in a leak that could cause a fire or explosion, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a steel support bracket that runs fore and aft under the fresh water tank between two chassis cross members. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 14, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Airstream at 1-877-596-6505.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V087]

Airstream Incorporated

Models:

Airstream Cutter Years: 1997-2000
Airstream XC Years: 1997-2000

Number Involved:  334

Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - June 2000

Defect:  On certain motor homes built on Freightliner chassis, the rear floor support leg attachments could fail, causing damage to the LPG line fittings. Damaged LPG lines could result in a leak that could cause a fire or explosion, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy:  Dealers will re-enforce the rear floor support with a support leg welded to a steel tube. The old legs will be left in place and the new support leg fitted over the floor support tube, and the support welded in place at the floor support tube and the chassis rail. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 14, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Airstream at 1-877-596-6505.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V088

International Truck and Engine Company

Models: International 4700 Years: 1999-2001

Number Involved:  1,389

Dates of Manufacture: September 1998 - March 2001

Defect:  On heavy duty trucks equipped with Bostrom driver seat models (910, 910SC, or 914) and International's parking brake code 04036, if someone outside the cab adjusts or slides the driver's seat to its most forward position, with the parking brake set, the seat will contact and release the parking brake lever. If the parking brake is accidentally released, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a stop-bracket on the seat track to limit the travel of the seat so that the seat cannot release the parking brake lever. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 20, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact International at 1-800-448-7825.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V102/International Recall No. 01503]

PACCAR, Incorporated

Models:

Peterbilt 357 Years: 2000-2001
Peterbilt 378 Years: 2000-2001
Peterbilt 379 Years: 2000-2001
Peterbilt 385 Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  1,755

Dates of Manufacture:  October 2000 - February 2001

Defect:  On certain heavy duty trucks, the bolts used to secure the steering shaft can fail. This condition can result in the loss of vehicle control without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the defective bolts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began April 2, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Peterbilt at 1-940-591-4171.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V066/Peterbilt Recall No. 201-B]

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Models:

Thomas Saf-T-Liner Years: 2000-2001
Thomas Transit Liner ER Years: 2000-2001
Thomas Saf-T-Liner HD Years: 2000-2001
Thomas Transit Liner HD Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  146

Dates of Manufacture:  October 2000 - March 2001

Defect:  On certain school buses, the accelerator pedal can hang up on the floor rubber. This could cause the vehicle to retain its speed even after the driver released the pedal, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a stainless steel plate under the accelerator pedal. Thomas Built/Freightliner has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V103]

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Models:

Thomas MVP ER Years: 2000-2001
Thomas ER Transit Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  153

Dates of Manufacture:  October 2000 - February 2001

Noncompliance:  Certain school buses fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." These vehicles do not comply because the low air warning system detects pressure in only one reservoir system and not both as required.

Remedy:  Dealers will correct the low air pressure switch wiring. Thomas Built/Freightliner has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V105]

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Models: Volvo VHD Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  941

Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 - February 2001

Defect:  On certain Class 8 heavy duty, axle back trucks, the design of the lower steering column shaft universal joint boot could allow the boot to get entangled in the universal joint. This can cause increased steering effort, creating a potential for steering lockup.

Remedy:  Owners will be advised to remove the universal joint boot per instructions. If owners choose, a Volvo Truck dealer can remedy the defect for them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began March 27, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free instructions within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V092/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVXX0102]

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.

Models: Volvo VN Years: 1997-1999

Number Involved:  1,577

Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - August 1999

Noncompliance:  On certain Class 8 heavy duty trucks, under certain operating conditions, the weight certification label which contains front Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) information pursuant to the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars," does not accurately reflect the actual front gross axle weight. When operating the truck "bobtail" with full fuel tanks and two occupants with an allowance for personal belongings, the actual gross axle weight may exceed the stated rating found on the weight certification label.

Remedy:  The weight certification label can be brought into compliance by one or more of the following means: (1) replacement of the label with one which contains correct information; or (2) replacement of front axle tires, rims or tie rod tube or a combination thereof; or (3) replacement or relocation of the fuel tanks. The manufacturer reported that owner notification would begin during April/May 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy or label within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V093/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVXX0103]

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Models: Winnebago Brave Years: 2000-2001
Winnebago Sunrise Years: 2000-2001
Winnebago Adventurer Years: 2000-2001
Winnebago Sun Cruiser Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved:  1,437

Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 - March 2001

Defect:  On certain motor homes, the copper line supplying liquid propane gas (LPG) to the furnace may have been improperly clamped, which could cause the line to come in contact with a metal flange. If this happens, the copper line could be damaged and could develop a leak, which has the potential to ignite.

Remedy:  Dealers will re-route the LPG hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 26, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Winnebago at 1-641-585-6939.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01V099/Winnebago Recall No. 79]

EQUIPMENT

Clarcor, Inc.

Models:

Baldwin Fuel Filter
Hastings Fuel Filter

Number Involved:  17,740

Defect:   Fuel filters used as replacement equipment in certain Chevrolet, DaimlerChrysler, Daihatsu, Dodge, Eagle, Geo, Hyundai, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Plymouth, Suzuki, and Toyota passenger vehicles. Part Numbers BF1100 and BF1179 fuel filters sold by Baldwin and certain GF242 and GF288 fuel filters sold by Hastings. These fuel filters were purchased from Maddocks between Sept. 20, 1999, and Sept. 11, 2000, and can be easily identified because of the label affixed to them, which indicates the flow direction of fuel and states "MADE IN CANADA." Gasoline can leak through the seam of the filter. In the presence of an ignition source, a possible fire can occur in the engine compartment.

Remedy:  Baldwin and Hastings will implement a program to retrieve the defective fuel filters at no charge to the costumer. The manufacturer reported that independent distributor notification would begin on March 16, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Baldwin at 1-800-822-5394 or Hastings at 1-800-887-8836.

[NHTSA Recall No. 01E009]