NHTSA 9-04 Monday, February 23, 2004 |
Contact: Tim Hurd Telephone: (202) 366-9550 |
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NHTSA Publishes List of December 2003 Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in December 2003 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.
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-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236), or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNSDecember 2003
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
Accubuilt Inc.
Models: Accubuilt Van
Years: 2002-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 32
Noncompliance: Certain multi-passenger, handicap-accessible
vans built on Ford E250 and E350 chassis fail to conform to the requirements
of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage
Systems." These vehicles lack the appropriate number of child restraint anchorages.
Applicable child seats would not be able to utilize these supplemental anchorages
and, in the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained,
increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Accubuilt will modify or replace one or more of the seats
to include the appropriate number of seating positions with child restraint
anchorage systems. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Accubuilt at
1-888-242-4782.
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Models: Honda FSC600 (Silver Wing)
Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 4,997
Dates of Manufacture: November 2001 - February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, excessive clearance between
the lower handlebar clamp and handlebar holder creates stress that can eventually
cause the handlebar to loosen or detach, resulting in a loss of steering control,
which could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install two lower handlebar clamps, add washers
between the lower clamps and handlebar holder, and install new locknuts.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 26,
2004. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
American IronHorse Inc.
Models: | American IronHorse Classic | Years: 2002-2004 |
American IronHorse Legend | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Outlaw | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Ranger | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Slammer | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Stalker | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Tejas | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Texas Chopper | Years: 2002-2004 | |
American IronHorse Thunder | Years: 2002-2004 |
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: Suzuki XL-7
Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 20,580
Dates of Manufacture: September 2002 – May 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the ignition
system wiring harness is routed under the intake manifold. The harness can
rub against the manifold during vehicle operation and abrasion damage to the
harness can occur. Damage to the wiring harness can cause a short in the
ignition circuit, which can cause the ignition fuse to blow and the engine
to stall. This can result in a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause
a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair any wiring harness damage and will add
additional insulation and a protector plate to prevent the wiring harness
from becoming damaged. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
began on December 16, 2003. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models: | Suzuki Grand Vitara | Years: 1999-2004 |
Suzuki XL-7 | Years: 2001-2004 |
Big Dog Motorcycles, L.L.C.
Models: Big Dog Chopper
Years: 2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,446
Defect: On certain motorcycles assembled with an early
version Rolling Thunder frame, a stress crack could emerge in the frame, which
could cause a loss of control.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the frame. The manufacturer has
reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004.
Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.
Buell Motorcycle Company
Models: | Buell XCB12S | Year: 2004 |
Buell XB9S | Year: 2004 | |
Buell XB9SL | Year: 2004 |
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: | Dodge Ram 1500 | Year: 2004 |
Dodge Ram 2500 | Year: 2004 |
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: | Dodge Caravan | Year: 2000 |
Dodge Grand Caravan | Year: 2000 | |
Dodge Dakota | Years: 2001-2002 |
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Durango
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 27,586
Dates of Manufacture: April - December 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, an instrument
cluster circuit board capacitor may overheat, potentially resulting in an
instrument panel fire.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the capacitor from the circuit
board. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December
17, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Ford Motor Company
Models: Ford Escape
Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 132,243
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 – May 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within
the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function,
resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial
latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear
to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being
depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant
moves slightly in the seat. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may
not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety
belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle
cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on February 2,
2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Vue
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 6,134
Dates of Manufacture: June – October 2003
Noncompliance: Certain sport utility vehicles equipped
with 3.5L V6 (L66) engines fail to conform to the requirements of Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Vehicles
other than Passenger Cars." The front and rear wheel rim size specifications
on the tire/certification label are not correct. The printed wheel rim designation
specified a 16-inch wheel when a 17-inch wheel designation was required.
If the wheel rim size is incorrectly printed on a tire/certification label,
a service technician who solely uses the tire/certification label for service
information may attempt to replace a damaged wheel with an incorrect wheel.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a corrected label and installation
instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
on December 15, 2003. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: Harley Davidson Dyna Wide-Glide
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 23
Defect: Certain motorcycles with carbureted engines have
an angled fuel fitting on the gas tank. These motorcycles do not meet Harley-Davidson
impact test standards and present a risk of fuel leakage and fire in the event
of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank with the proper tank.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began during December
2003. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-342-4680.
Hyundai Motor Company
Models: Hyundai Santa Fe
Years: 2001-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 249,309
Dates of Manufacture: March 2000 – September 2003
Noncompliance: Certain 4-door 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 tire pressure labels do not contain the information required by the standard.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with a correct label and installation
instructions. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Models: Jaguar XK
Years: 1997-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 39,448
Dates of Manufacture: February 1996 – May 2003
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply
with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps,
Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The headlamp adjustment mechanism
may be operated without suitable instruction on either the mechanism or in the Owner’s Manual.
This does not meet the requirements of the standard. An improperly aimed headlamp
could provide less effective roadway illumination or could cause increased
glare to oncoming vehicles.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an Owner’s Manual
addendum containing the necessary headlamp aiming instructions. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February
2004. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda Tribute
Year: 2001
Number Potentially Involved: 49,000
Dates of Manufacture: April 2000 – May 2001
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, a post within
the safety belt buckle covers could fracture, which could affect latch function,
resulting in either a "no latch" or "partial latch" condition. In the "partial
latch" condition, the buckle tongue can be inserted into the buckle and appear
to be engaged, but will release from the buckle without the push button being
depressed when a relatively low load is applied, such as when an occupant
moves slightly in the seat. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may
not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will have the driver and front passenger safety
belt buckle cover removed and replaced with a newly designed service buckle
cover. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda Mazda6
Year: 2003
Number Potentially Involved: 56,700
Dates of Manufacture: October 2002 – August 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel sender
unit (FSU) may have been improperly installed in the fuel tank, producing
an inadequate seal, and fuel may leak. A fire could occur in the presence
of an ignition source.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the top of the fuel tank, and
if necessary, repair or replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner
notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mazda
at 1-800-222-5500.
Mercedes-Benz USA, L.L.C.
Models: | Mercedes Benz C Class | Year: 2004 |
Mercedes Benz CLK Class | Year: 2004 | |
Mercedes Benz E Class | Year: 2004 |
Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models: Saab 9-3
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 1,658
Dates of Manufacture: November 2002 – November 2003
Noncompliance: Certain convertible passenger vehicles fail to
comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207,
"Seating Systems." The backrest locking mechanism on some front seats may have been
installed incorrectly. This could cause the seat back to fold forward in a frontal crash,
resulting in injury to the driver and/or front seat passenger.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle’s front seats to determine
if they are equipped with the improperly installed component. If either or
both of the seats have this component, they will be replaced. The dealer
may need to order a complete new seat or seats (including matching upholstery)
and the parts may take up to two to four weeks to arrive. Saab will provide
a rental car for the owner until the new seat(s) is (are) available and installed
by the dealer. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
Triumph Motorcycles (America)
Models: | Triumph America | Years: 2002-2004 |
Triumph Speedmaster | Years: 2002-2004 |
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
Blue Bird Body Company
Models: Blue Bird Vision
Year: 2004
Number Potentially Involved: 417
Dates of Manufacture: July – November 2003
Defect: On certain conventional style school buses equipped
with air brakes, the under hood firewall location of the air brake manifold
may permit rain to enter into the parking brake exhaust port fitting. In
freezing weather, this water could form ice that could then block the exhaust
port. When this occurs, the parking brake does not operate as designed.
In the event that this condition occurs and the parking brake failed to apply,
the bus could roll away, resulting in property damage or personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will modify these vehicles. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners may
contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Mack Trucks, Inc.
Models: | Mack CH | Year: 2003 |
Mack CX | Year: 2003 |
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Models: Volvo VNL
Years: 2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 6,939
Dates of Manufacture: April 2002 – November 2003
Defect: In certain heavy duty trucks, when the bunk is
raised into the stored position, an object left on the bunk may inadvertently
turn on a bunk lamp, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a bunk lamp with a push button on/off
switch. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 24, 2003.
Owners may contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.
EQUIPMENT:
Globetech Manufacturing
Models: Globetech GT-8500 Warning Triangle
Number Potentially Involved: 11,232
Dates of Manufacture: March – July 2003
Noncompliance: These triangles do not comply with the requirements
of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 125, "Warning Devices." The
triangle may slide out of position, decreasing visibility by approaching traffic.
Remedy: Globetech will replace the triangle kits. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began on December 15, 2003. Owners should contact
Globetech at 1-937-278-0883.
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