Complete List of December 2003 Recalls From NHTSA
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: August 2001 – November 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles equipped with optional brake rotor-carriers, the rotor-carriers can crack while in service and possibly break, causing partial loss of the brake system or the potential for rotor-carrier detachment, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rotor-carrier assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact American IronHorse at 1-817-665-2045.
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: July 1998 – June 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed. If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 5, 2004. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the wire that provides power to the horn, due to misrouting, can become frayed from contact with the horn bracket mounting bolt. As a result, the horn wire may become exposed, and when the horn button is pushed, either the horn circuit fuse or the key switch fuse can blow. If the key switch fuse blows, the vehicle can stall, which could result in a crash. If the horn fuse blows, there will be a loss of power to the horn and rear brake light.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and correct the wire routing, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 23, 2003. Owners may contact Buell at 1-414-342-4680.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
| Models: | Dodge Ram 1500 | Year: 2004 |
| Dodge Ram 2500 | Year: 2004 |
Dates of Manufacture: November 2003
Defect: On certain pickup trucks, the transfer case to transmission attaching fasteners may not be tightened correctly. This could cause the transmission adapter or transfer case housing to crack and leak fluid. Continued operation can result in propeller shaft separation and damage to fuel system components, which could lead to a fuel leak. Fluid and/or fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can cause an underbody fire.
Remedy: Dealers will retighten the transfer case to transmission fasteners. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 22, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
| Models: | Dodge Caravan | Year: 2000 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan | Year: 2000 | |
| Dodge Dakota | Years: 2001-2002 |
Dates of Manufacture: July 1999 – July 2002
Noncompliance: On certain minivans and 4x2 pickup trucks, the vehicle certification label may have gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) that exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."
Remedy: Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle GAWR and tire size. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin on March 1, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: August – October 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, some seat belt buckles may have a burr on a metal component of the locking mechanism. The presence of the burr could prevent the seat belt from locking under certain circumstances. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belts. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: June 2001 – December 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, if the motorcycle is dropped onto the left side, air may enter the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. If left unattended, the rear brake may not operate, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reposition the rear brake master cylinder reservoir. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 31, 2003. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
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 |
Dates of Manufacture: August – September 2003
Defect: On certain chassis equipped with Dana steering axle assemblies, the steering arm could crack. The ball stud could become loose, causing loss of steering control that could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the integral knuckle and steering arm and replace, if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 16, 2004. Owners may contact Mack at 1-610-709-3337.
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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