NHTSA Publishes List of February 2004 Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released
a list of auto safety recalls announced in February 2004 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, 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.
VEHICLES:
CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES
American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
Models: |
Honda Civic |
Years: 2001-2002 |
|
Honda Insight |
Years: 2000-2002 |
Number Potentially Involved: 440,000
Dates of Manufacture: October 1999 – December 2001
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the
low-beam terminal on the head light wire harness can overheat and could
cause the low beams to fail without warning. An unexpected loss of low
beams could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the head light switch and
coupler for signs of heat damage. If heat damage is present, the dealer
will replace the switch and coupler. If no heat damage is present, the
dealer will replace the head light switch and one mating pin in the coupler.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was to begin on April
5, 2004 . Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V086]
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: |
Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan |
Years: 2005 |
|
Chrysler Town & Country |
Years: 2005 |
Number Potentially Involved: 3,200
Dates
of Manufacture: October 2003 – January 2004
Defect: On
certain minivans equipped without the available “ Stow ‘n Go” seating
option, the right front seat belt retractor assembly may have been improperly
assembled. As a result, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant
in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers
willinspectthe
retractor assemblies and any seat belt assembly that does not have the stake
will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
on Feb. 23, 2004 . Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V047/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D04]
General Motors Corporation
Models: |
Cadillac Escalade/ESV/EXT |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Chevrolet Avalanche |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Chevrolet Express |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Chevrolet Silverado |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Chevrolet Suburban |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
GMC Savana |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
GMC Sierra |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
GMC Yukon/Yukon XL |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Hummer H2 |
Years: 2003-2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 68,875
Dates of Manufacture: May – June
2003
Noncompliance: Certain sport utility vehicles,
pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, “Passenger Car Brake Systems.” Some
of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost
housing relief valve bore. Consequently, the valve O-ring seal may fracture.
Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under
certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may also require an increase
in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration.
Remedy: Dealers
are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The manufacturer has reported
that owner notification is expected to begin during the second quarter of
2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438;
GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V045/GM
Recall No. 04004]
General Motors Corporation
Models: |
Chevrolet TrailBlazer/TrailBlazer EXT |
Years: 2002-2003 |
|
GMC Envoy/ Envoy XL |
Years: 2002-2003 |
|
Oldsmobile Bravada |
Years: 2002-2003 |
Number Potentially Involved: 581,394
Dates of Manufacture: October
2000 – November 2002
Defect: The windshield wipers on these sport
utility vehicles may fail to turn on, unexpectedly stop working, fail to
turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or the washer
pump may operate continuously because water can enter the wiper module and
either cause a short circuit or corrosion of components within the module.
Driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers
will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper
motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected for signs
of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the third
quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463;
or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V046/GM Recall No. 04005]
General Motors Corporation
Models: |
Chevrolet Corvette |
Years: 1997-2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 126,624
Dates of Manufacture: September
1996 – January 2004
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped
with electronic column lock systems (ECL), when the ignition switch is turned
to “lock,” the ECL prevents turning of the steering wheel. When
the vehicle is started, the ECL unlocks the steering column. The vehicle
is designed so that if the column fails to unlock when the vehicle is started
and the customer tries to drive away, the fuel supply will be shut off stopping
the engine. This prevents the vehicle from being driven when it cannot be
steered. However, if voltage at the Powertrain Control Module is low or interrupted,
the fuel shut off may not occur and the vehicle can be driven while the steering
column is locked. If this occurs, a crash could occur.
Remedy: On
vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the dealer will disable
the steering column lock by removing the column lock plate. When the ignition
key is removed, the transmission shifter will lock, but the steering column
will not lock. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the dealer
will reprogram the powertrain control module. The steering column on these
vehicles will continue to lock when the key is removed. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second
quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V060/GM Recall No. 04006]
General Motors Corporation
Models: |
Buick LeSabre |
Years: 1998-1999 |
|
Oldsmobile 88 |
Years: 1998-1999 |
|
Pontiac Bonneville |
Years: 1998-1999 |
Number Potentially Involved: 433,632
Dates of Manufacture: March
1997 – June
1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped
with 3800 V6 (l36) engines and certain Delphi fuel pressure regulators, the
regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow
fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does
not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed
spark can cause a backfire. The backfire can rupture the intake manifold.
The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector
out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy: Dealers
will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the second
quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Oldsmobile at
1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
[NHTSA Recall
No. 04V090/GM Recall No. 03054B]
General Motors Corporation
Models: |
Chevrolet Malibu |
Years:
2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 51,715
Dates of Manufacture: August
2003 – January
2004
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles
fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” Some of these vehicles
that were not equipped with an Advanced Occupant Restraint System (AORS)
have driver and passenger side sun visors with AORS labels. The AORS labels
do not include statements and the illustration required by FMVSS No. 208
for vehicles without AORS.
Remedy: Owners will be sent replacement
labels with instructions on how to install them. The manufacturer has not
yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet
at 1-800-630-2438.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V094/GM Recall
No. 04011]
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Models: |
Harley Davidson Dyna Glide |
Years: 2004
|
Number Potentially Involved: 4,593
Dates of Manufacture: September – November
2003
Defect: On
certain fuel-injected motorcycles, the inner line of the fuel hose could
separate, causing a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition
source, could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will
replace the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner
notification began on Feb. 12, 2004 . Owners may contact Harley-Davidson
at 1-414-342-4680.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V052/Harley-Davidson Recall No.
0112]
Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.
Models: |
Kawasaki VN1600-A1/A1L |
Years: 2003
|
|
Kawasaki VN1600-A2/A2L |
Years: 2004 |
Number Potentially
Involved: 5,850
Dates of Manufacture: October
2002 – November 2003
Defect: On certain
motorcycles, the muffler brackets could crack, allowing the muffler to
become loose and potentially separate from the main exhaust pipes, which
could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce
the muffler brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
began on Feb. 17, 2004 . Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V063]
Mazda ( North America), Inc.
Models: |
Mazda MPV |
Years: 2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 15,800
Dates
of Manufacture: August 2003 – February
2004
Noncompliance: Certain minivans fail to
comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 208, “Occupant
Crash Protection.” The front passenger air bag was not correctly wired
and could fail to operate properly. In the event of a crash, the air bag
will not provide adequate protection.
Remedy: Dealers
will install a new wiring harness in the front passenger air bag system.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin
during April 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V073/Mazda Recall No. 1604B-a]
Mazda ( North America), Inc.
Models: |
Mazda RX8 |
Years: 2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 29,300
Dates of Manufacture: April 2003 – January
2004
Defect: During an New Car Assessment Program
testing, it was found that some passenger vehicles have front passenger
air bags that were improperly wired and could fail to operate properly.
The air bag will not provide adequate protection if the vehicle is involved
in a frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install
a new wiring harness in the front passenger air bag system. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during April
2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V074/Mazda Recall No. 1604B-b]
Mazda ( North America), Inc.
Models: |
Mazda RX8 |
Years: 2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 12,000
Dates
of Manufacture: April – August
2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles
with manual transmissions, the heat insulator may be cracked. Continued
operation of the vehicle could cause the insulator to separate from
the vehicle, posing a hazard to following vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers
will replace the heat insulator. The manufacturer has reported
that owner notification is expected to begin during April 2004.
Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V075/Mazda
Recall No. 1704B]
Mitsubishi Motors North America
Models: |
Mitsubishi Diamante |
Years: 2000-2003 |
|
Mitsubishi Montero |
Years: 2001 |
|
Mitsubishi Outlander |
Years: 2003 |
Number Potentially Involved: 134,000
Noncompliance: Certain sport utility
and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, “Child Restraint
Anchorage Systems.” The owner’s
manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment
when installing a child restraint system (CRS) tether strap. If the tether
strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat
may not be sufficiently restrained. In the event of a crash, the child could
be injured.
Remedy: A letter describing the problem
will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct
instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker
in the owner’s
manual. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-8888-648-7820. [NHTSA
Recall No. 04V067/Mitsubishi Recall No. SR-04-002]
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Models: |
Porsche Cayenne S |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
Years: 2003-2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 10,637
Dates
of Manufacture: January 2002 – July
2003
Defect: On certain sport utility
vehicles, the main wiring harness was incorrectly routed and
could be damaged. Damage to the wiring harness can lead to the
failure of various electrical systems or to a fire.
Remedy: Dealers
will inspect and repair or replace the wiring harness, as necessary.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V069]
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Models: |
Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera
4S |
Years: 2003 |
|
Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet/4 Cabriolet |
Years: 2003 |
|
Porsche 911 GT2 |
Years: 2003 |
|
Porsche 911 Targa |
Years: 2003 |
|
Porsche 911 Turbo |
Years: 2003 |
Number Potentially Involved: 1,805
Dates
of Manufacture: September
2002 – March
2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles,
the front seat backs do not meet Porsche’s strength standards.
In the event of a rear-end crash, the occupied seat back could tilt
on one side to the rear, increasing the risk of severe injury to the
occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the
front seats. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may contact
Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V070]
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Models: |
Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne S |
Years: 2004 |
|
Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
Years: 2004 |
Number Potentially
Involved: 4,100
Dates of Manufacture: August-November
2003
Defect: In certain sport
utility vehicles, the he transfer case housing could fracture.
Should the transfer case fail, incorrect torque would be
applied to the driven wheels or oil may leak and contact
the tires, which could lead to loss of control and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the
transfer case housing and, if necessary, replace the transfer
case. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
is expected to begin during April or May 2004. Owners may
contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V071]
Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Models: |
Porsche Cayenne S |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
Years: 2003-2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 4,144
Defect: On
certain sport utility vehicles, the driver’s side
seat frames were improperly welded. In the event of a crash,
the seat frame could break, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers
will replace the driver’s
side seat frame. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
is expected to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V072]
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: |
Volkswagen Jetta |
Years: 1999-2002 |
Number Potentially Involved: 377,130
Dates of Manufacture: May
1998 – November
2001
Defect: The brake light switch
on these vehicles may malfunction. If this happens, the
brake lights could become inoperative, or come on and stay
on, even though the vehicle is parked.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these switches.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected
to begin during April 2004. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V096]
Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Models: |
Volvo V70/V70XC |
Years: 2002 |
Number Potentially Involved: 3,242
Dates
of Manufacture: May – June
2002
Defect: On certain sport utility
vehicles, the rear left and right brake light relays may
not function when the brake pedal is depressed or may
stay on continuously. If the brake lights fail to come on, there
will be no lower brake lights to indicate to following
vehicles that the vehicle is decelerating, which could
result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake
light relay with two relays of a modified design. The manufacturer
has reported that owner notification began on Feb. 23,
2004 . Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
[NHTSA
Recall No. 04V051/Volvo Recall No. R131]
MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL
BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES
IC Corporation
Models: |
IC/Amtran CE |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
IC/Amtran FE |
Years: 2003-2004 |
|
IC/Amtran RE |
Years: 2003-2004 |
Number Potentially Involved: 1,589
Dates
of Manufacture: August
2002 – February
2003
Defect: On certain “Special
Needs” school
buses equipped with Sur-Loc “L” wheelchair tracks, the wheelchair
lift mounting bolts could corrode if moisture is present in the treated plywood
floor. This could reduce the function of the track or the strength of the
lift mounting bolts, resulting in personal injury to the wheelchair occupant
in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace
the Sur-Loc “L” tracks
with protected tracks and mounting hardware. Also, lift-floor mounting bolts
will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
on March 23, 2004 . Owners may contact IC at 1-800-843-5715.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V097/IC Recall No. 04301]
Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Models: |
Volvo VN |
Years: 2002-2003 |
Number Potentially Involved: 2,112
Dates
of Manufacture: November
2002 – October
2003
Defect: On certain Class
8 trucks, the engine pre-heater jumper wiring harness
was incorrectly assembled. The engine pre-heater could overheat,
resulting in damage to it and to other heat- sensitive
engine components located near the pre-heater. This could
compromise the ability to re-start the engine, which
could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair
the affected circuits in the jumper wiring harness connector.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began
on March 8, 2004 . Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-528-6586.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V077/Volvo Recall No. RVXX0402]
TIRES:
Bridgestone/Firestone North America
Brands: Steeltex A/T
LT265/75R16
Number Potentially
Involved: 487,000
Dates
of Manufacture: March
1999 – December
2002
Defect: These tires were installed
as original equipment on approximately 80,000 MY 2000-2003
Ford Excursion sport utility vehicles. If the tires are
operated at below recommended inflation pressures or above recommended
loads or at excessive speeds, they could experience rapid
air loss, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: The
manufacturer, in conjunction with Ford Motor Company,
will notify its customers and replace the tires free
of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification
began on March 5, 2004 . Owners may contact Bridgestone/Firestone
at 800-465-1904.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04T003]