November, December 2000 Safety Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in November and December 2000 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
NOVEMBER and DECEMBER 2000

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Number Involved:  8,696

Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - November 2000

Defect:  On certain motorcycles, when the clutch lever is released to the friction point, but the lever is not completely released to fully engage the clutch, strong clutch disk vibration could occur at the higher engine rpms used for rapid or race-type starts. This stress can cause the clutch to fail. This failure results in several large sections cracking and eventually separating from the clutch. If this occurs, rear lock-up is possible if a broken piece is caught in the primary drive gear. The engine could lose primary ignition and stop suddenly if a broken piece damages the pulsar rotor. Also, engine oil can leak from the crankcase if a broken piece is forced through the crankcase. The spilled oil could cause the rear wheel to lose traction and the motorcycle could crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a clutch kit that includes a redesigned outer clutch basket, spring, clutch lifter lever, and other parts intended to reduce stress on the clutch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 8, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-310-783-3772. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V403]

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Number Involved:  1,914

Dates of Manufacture:  September - October 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the machine used to mount and inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant may have damaged the inner rim flange of the wheels. This could lead to a sudden loss of air from the tire, affecting handling and vehicle control.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the five wheels for possible damage. If damage from the mounting machine is found on any wheel, all five wheels will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 22, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V383]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Number Involved:  1,211,756

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1999 - October 2000

Noncompliance:   Certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 12, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free owner's manual addendum within a reasonable time should contact Daimler Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V366/Daimler Chrysler Recall No. 957]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Number Involved:  1,504

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1999 - October 2000

Noncompliance:   Certain passenger vehicles equipped with the sport appearance package fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles with 16-inch wheels and tires were equipped with the incorrect tire placard. The label specifies the wrong recommended tire size. This could cause the owner to select incorrect replacement tires.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a new label or, if the owner wishes, their dealer can install the label for them. Owner notification began Dec. 14, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact Daimler Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V415/Daimler Chrysler Recall No. 961]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  17,700

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - May 2000

Defect:  The affected motor home chassis and heavy duty trucks have tie rod ends and/or drag link assembly ends that could have insufficient hardness in the ball stud. This could result in premature wear and, potentially, separation of the ball stud from its socket.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the tie rod ends and/or drag link assemblies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 4, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V246111/Ford Recall No. 00S48]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  11,400

Dates of Manufacture:  April - June 2000

Noncompliance:  On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 4.6-liter engines, a coolant flow blockage exists at the intake manifold heater core nipple, resulting in no coolant flow to the heater and, therefore, no warm air flow from the heater or windshield defroster. Vehicles with this condition do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems." Loss of visibility could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Customers will be asked to verify, following instructions provided, that heated air flows from their vehicle's heater/defroster outlets. The customers will be advised to contact their dealers to make arrangements for repair of their vehicles if no heated air flow exists at these outlets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 20, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V355/Ford Recall No. 00S43]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  82,300

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1998 - September 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints were not tightened to specifications when they were attached to the lower control arms. If the ball joint attaching nuts are not adequately tightened, they can loosen and, ultimately, result in fracture of the ball joint stud. If the ball joint fractures, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the torque on the two ball joint attaching nuts. Vehicles with loose ball joint attaching nuts will either have the fasteners tightened to specification, or if necessary, the ball joints will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 27, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V359001/Ford Recall No. 00S39]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved: 262,559

Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - December 1995

Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with the 2.5 V6 engine, tightening of the engine cooling fan motor bearings, up to and including motor stall, can result in increased motor torque and higher than normal motor current and accompanying high motor temperatures. Overheating of the cooling fan motor due to excessive current can result in smoke and odors from bearing grease, insulation and other internal motor components. If electrical current continues to be applied to the motor, internal motor components could ignite possibly igniting other engine compartment components.

Remedy: Dealers will install a Positive Temperature Coefficient device in-line with each fan motor. Ford will also extend the warranty on the engine cooling fan assembly to a total of 8 years of service or 100,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If the vehicle already has more than 100,000 miles, this coverage will last until July 31, 2001. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Feb. 5, 2001. Owners who do

not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V367/Ford Recall No. 00S44]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved: 46,000

Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 - November 2000

Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper linkage can disengage due to a broken ball socket. This condition will likely result in sudden and complete loss of the windshield wiper function, or of the wiper function on the driver side only, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the wiper module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 11, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V387002/Ford Recall No. 00S49]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  137,700

Dates of Manufacture:  September 1999 - October 2000

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods, a wire-formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven. A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility and a crash.

Remedy:   Dealers will replace the hood striker. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 4, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V394/Ford Recall No. 00S45]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  100,500

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1998 - November 1999

Defect:  Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with the 3.27 or 3.55 axle ration have a Powertrain Control Module that could allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed. At these extreme speeds, the vehicle could be capable of exceeding the speed rating of the tire. Operating the vehicle above the maximum speed rating could lead to a tire failure, which could result in a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 4, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V395/Ford Recall No. 00S46]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  495,000

Dates of Manufacture:  March 1999 - November 2000

Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." The affected Expedition/Navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of seating positions equipped with tether anchorages and do not provide instructions for securing child seats to these tether anchorages. The F150 Owner Guides do not provide the procedure for securing child seats to the tether anchorages. The Taurus/Sable owner guides do not identify the center rear seating position as having LATCH-compatible lower anchorages. In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached, increasing the risk of injury to the child.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with revised owner guide inserts providing the required information and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if they prefer, their dealer will affix the inserts to their owner guides. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Jan. 2, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free label within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V396/Ford Recall No. 00L11]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  810,000

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1994 - October 1996

Defect:  Under certain conditions, a front stabilizer bar link stud on some sport utility vehicles can fracture from bending fatigue. Vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install stronger front left and right stabilizer bar links. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Dec. 18, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V402/Ford Recall No. 00S47]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  74,500

Dates of Manufacture:  March - December 1999

Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, a decklid wire harness can fatigue and develop broken wires in the bend area of the wire harness. This could result in either a loss of individual lamp functions, an electrical short in the broken wires that causes a fuse to open, or in the loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function. Loss of stop lamp or tail lamp function could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the decklid wire harness. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 18, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V411/Ford Recall No. 00S50]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  16,000

Dates of Manufacture:  August - September 2000

Defect:  On certain minivans and passenger vehicles, a restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restraint could be affected, providing less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.

Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the RCM and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 18, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V412/Ford Recall No. 00S52/00S53/00S54]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  95,000

Dates of Manufacture:  March 1999 - October 2000

Defect:  Certain station wagons and 3-door vehicles have a folding 60/40 second seat that becomes a load floor in the folded position. When the 60 percent portion of the seat is folded down and a load is applied to the front edge of the load floor, the outboard hinge pivot could disengage from the hinge. If the seat is then returned to the upright position without re-engaging the hinge pivot, the seat and seat belts may not provide the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a revised seat back hinge pivot. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Jan. 2, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V418/Ford Recall No. 00S55]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  220,000

Dates of Manufacture:  May 1996 - May 1998

Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines that still retain the original throttle body (Part Numbers 97JF-9E926AB or 97JF-9E926-AC), a gap between the plate and bore of these throttle bodies was too narrow. This reduced clearance allowed the engine deposits normally present in the throttle body to contact or bridge the gap. If the engine deposits bridged the gap between the throttle plate and bore and then hardened, on the initial application of the accelerator pedal after the engine has cooled, the operator would need to apply additional force to the accelerator pedal to break the bridge. This could result an unexpected engine surge, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the original throttle bodies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin 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. 00V422/Ford Recall No. 00S58]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  275,000

Dates of Manufacture:  December 1992 - August 1993

Defect:  On certain light duty trucks and cab chassis equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks, the carbon steel fuel pressure regulator in the fuel system can wear out during the life of the vehicle. If the fuel pressure regulator malfunctions, it can cause high fuel system pressure, which damages the fuel pump check valve. This allows fuel to be transferred from one tank to the other, possibly overfilling the non-operating tank, resulting in fuel overflow past the filler cap. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy:   Dealers will have a stainless steel fuel pressure regulator installed. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V424/Ford Recall No. 00S57]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  36,500

Dates of Manufacture:  August 1996 - August 1997

Defect:  On certain minivans equipped with 3.0-liter engines, an accelerator cable was kinked during installation, causing the core wires to eventually fray with wire strands breaking one at a time. This could increase the friction in the cable, causing the throttle to be slow to return to idle. This condition could result in a stuck throttle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a new accelerator cable. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin Jan. 22, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V425/Ford Recall No. 00S56]

Ford Motor Company

Number Involved:  394,000

Dates of Manufacture:  November 1991 - June 1998

Defect:  On certain minivans, the fuel tank vent hose allows air to vent from the fuel tank during refueling. Cracks have developed in the vent hose. If (1) the fuel tank is overfilled, not allowing excess fuel in the vent hose to flow back into the tank, (2) the vehicle is driven only a short distance after refueling and, (3) there is subsequently significant heating of the fuel tank, the fuel in the tank can expand into the vent hose and leak fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Remedy:   Dealers will replace the vent hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during February 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V419002/Ford Recall No. 00S59]

General Motors Corporation

Number Involved:  1,393

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1998 - August 2000

Defect:  On some of these vehicles, either or both of the two body pressure relief valves (PRV) may not seal and could become inoperative during the life of the vehicle if the body installed on the vehicle does not protect the PRV from road debris. If a PRV does not seal, exhaust fumes could enter into the passenger cab and could cause possible illness, unconsciousness, or death.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the vehicle to ensure that the PRVs are protected by the body of the vehicle. If the PRVs are not protected by the body, the dealer will install new shielded PRVs. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin during January 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-6537. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V404/GM Recall No. 00092]

General Motors Corporation

Number Involved:  2,807

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1999 - October 2000

Noncompliance:  Certain limousine, hearse, and armored vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles have an incorrect tire pressure label. Incorrect tire inflation pressure can damage tires, affect vehicle handling, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with correct labels. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during February 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V431/GM Recall No. 00106]

General Motors Corporation

Number Involved:  2,075

Dates of Manufacture:  June 1999 - October 2000

Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." These vehicles have an incorrect tire pressure label. On vehicles equipped with P235/55R17 tires, the tire pressure label incorrectly specifies P235/60ZR16 tires.

Remedy:  Owners will be provided with correct labels. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification will begin during February 2001. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V432/GM Recall No. 00107]

Isuzu Motors Limited

Number Involved:  18,462

Dates of Manufacture:  July 1999 - August 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, movement of engine compartment components can cause the potential for fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will install a new, reinforced fuel hose assembly. Note: The fuel leakage issue in this recall campaign is not the same as the one addressed in Isuzu's previous campaign 00V-253. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 27, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Isuzu at 1-800-643-7070, ext. 343. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V376/Isuzu Recall No. 00-02-S006]

Jaguar Cars

Number Involved:  38,681

Dates of Manufacture:  January 1999 - September 2000

Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints were not tightened to specifications when they were attached to the lower control arms. If the ball joint attaching nuts are not adequately tightened, they can loosen and, ultimately result in fracture of the ball joint stud. If the ball joint fractures, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the torque on the two ball joint attaching nuts. Vehicles with loose ball joint attaching nuts will either have the fasteners tightened to specification, or if necessary, the ball joints will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 27, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V359002/Jaguar Recall No. R136]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation

Number Involved:  4,506

Dates of Manufacture:  December 1999 - June 2000

Defect:  On certain motorcycles, a leaking vent pipe in the fuel tank can allow fuel to drain onto the ground. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Remedy:  Dealers will insert a supporting brace into the tank to dampen any effects of vibration on the vent pipe. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 28, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V365]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation

Number Involved:  3,279

Dates of Manufacture:  December 1999 - March 2000

Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the fuel gauge and low fuel warning system may not provide an accurate indication of low fuel levels. The operator could run out of fuel without warning, causing the operator to become distracted, or to slow unexpectedly in traffic, creating the risk of a crash.

Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel gauge sending components. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Dec. 28, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.

[NHTSA Recall No. 00V384]

Mazda (North America), Inc.

Number Involved:  24,000