U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, D.C.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov

News

NHTSA Publishes List of August, September 2003 Recalls




The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in August and September 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 1-888-327-4236 or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS

August 2003

VEHICLES:  

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models:	BMW 745i	Year:     2003
	BMW 745Li	Year:     2003
	BMW 760Li	Year:     2003

Number Potentially Involved:  2,400
Dates of Manufacture:  May - July 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the engine oil filter drain plug may be insufficiently tightened. This could lead to loosening of the plug causing an initial oil spray and a subsequent oil leak. If a large amount of oil loss occurs, engine damage may result. Depending on the extent of the damage, a crash could occur.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the torque of the oil filter drain plug and, if necessary, retighten the drain plug with the correctly specified torque. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 12, 2003. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V324]

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:    BMW R 1150 GS Adventure                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:  1,397
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2002 - April 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, due to the material composition of the rear brake hose, the hose may split open during riding conditions in which a full extension of the rear suspension occurs. In some cases, the hose may also have been routed incorrectly to the caliper aggravating the condition. As a result, a loss of brake fluid and brake pressure can occur, possibly resulting in rear brake failure. A crash could occur.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose. It will be rerouted on motorcycles in which a hose of the new material specification has already been installed. The brake hose will be replaced and rerouted on all other affected motorcycles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 12, 2003. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117, Option #4.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V325]

Ford Motor Company


Models:	Ford Crown Victoria	Year:     2003
	Ford CVPI	Year:     2003

Number Potentially Involved:  29,946
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 - September 2002
Defect:  On certain police and taxi vehicles equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk. The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and replace the four road wheels and spare wheel with the manufacturing date codes of August 18, 2001 through September 22, 2002. In addition, Ford is providing extended warranty coverage for wheels on 2003 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and taxis built from October 1, 2002 through April 29, 2003. These wheels are exhibiting cracks at a substantially lower rate than those wheels included in the recall. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 8, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V279/Ford Recall No. 03S05]

Ford Motor Company


Models:	Ford Explorer	Years:     1999-2001
	Ford Explorer Sport	Years:     2001
	Ford Explorer Sport Trac	Years:     2001
	Mercury Mountaineer	Years:     1999-2001

Number Potentially Involved:  448,005
Dates of Manufacture:  March 1999 - December 2000
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control and 4.0L SOHC engines, if the strand cover on the speed control cable becomes flared at the end, the speed control cable may bind when the speed control is activated. The throttle return spring force may not be sufficient to overcome the binding condition when the speed control is disengaged. Braking function would be maintained though stopping distances may be increased.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the speed control cable and, if necessary, replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 29, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V280/Ford Recall No. 03S03]

Ford Motor Company


Models:	Ford Explorer	Years:     1998-2001
	Ford Explorer Sport	Years:     2001-2002
	Ford Explorer Sport Trac	Years:     2001-2002
	Mercury Mountaineer	Years:     1998-2001

Number Potentially Involved:  1,552,880
Dates of Manufacture:  May 1997 - August 2002
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with high back seats, the upper bolt on the driver’s side high back seat, that attaches the seat recliner mechanism to the seat back frame, could fracture. If the bolt fractures and does not jam in the seat back frame, the seat back may recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, such as the second row seat cushion. The driver could potentially lose contact with the steering wheel or foot pedals during such an event, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt with a metal spacer and bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced with a partially threaded bolt. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 29, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V281/Ford Recall No. 03S04]

General Motors Corporation


Models:	Chevrolet Malibu	Years:     2000-2001
	Oldsmobile Alero	Years:     2000-2001
	Pontiac Grand Am	Years:     2000-2001

Number Potentially Involved:  670,740
Dates of Manufacture:  February 2000 - May 2001 
Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative. When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.   
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on February 16, 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V327/GM Recall No. 03043]

Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc
Models:    Mercedes Benz E Class                   Year:      2003
Number Potentially Involved:  554
Dates of Manufacture:  January - March 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the nut on the bolt that connects the steering gear to the steering coupling may not be tightened correctly. The loosening of the nut could result in a slipping of the connection over time.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the vehicles and tighten the nut on the bolt if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 21, 2003. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V289/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 2003-08003]

Nissan Motor Corporation
Models:    Nissan Xterra                   Year:      2000
Number Potentially Involved:  31,700
Dates of Manufacture:  October 1999 - February 2000
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the alloy wheels used on these vehicles may not have been properly manufactured and could develop cracks in the wheel spokes. If a sufficient number of spoke cracks develop, the wheel could fail and separate from the mounting hub, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the four alloy wheels with Xterra SE model bright alloy wheels. The spare tire steel wheel is not affected. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 15, 2003. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V307]

Subaru of America, Inc.


Models:	Subaru Legacy	Year:     2004
	Subaru Outback	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  7,874
Dates of Manufacture:  June - August 2003
Defect:  Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles may have a loose or out of position fuel filler hose clamp, which could result in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and tighten the clamp on the fuel filler hose. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 27, 2003. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V303]

Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Models:    Toyota Sienna                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  34,437
Dates of Manufacture:  January - July 2003
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated. If the fuel tank becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 1, 2003. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V291/Toyota Recall No. SSC 30K]

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC


Models:	Volvo V70	Years:     2001-2003
	Volvo XC70	Years:     2001-2003
	Volvo S60	Years:     2001-2003
	Volvo S40	Years:     2001-2004
	Volvo V40	Years:     2001-2004
	Volvo S80	Year:      2003

Number Potentially Involved:  220,407
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2000 - February 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."  The second ISOFIX guide was not installed in these vehicles and, in certain cases, the Owner’s Manual ISOFIX information is incorrect.
Remedy:  Owners will receive a letter/package consisting of the second ISOFIX guide with installation instructions, and in certain cases, the corrected Owner’s Manual may be provided. If the owner wants to take their vehicle to a Volvo dealer for installation of the guide, it will be performed at no charge to the owner. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 19, 2003. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.


[NHTSA Recall Nos. 03V284/Volvo Recall No. 124]

Volvo Cars of N.A., LLC
Models:    Volvo S60                   Year:      2002
Number Potentially Involved:  3,499
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2001 - February 2002
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger cars fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." The Tire Pressure Label is incorrect. These vehicles did not have the "Max Load Vehicle Capacity Weight" information on the label.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with a corrected label. If the owner so desires, a dealer can install the label for them. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 8, 2003. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.


[NHTSA Recall Nos. 03V305/Volvo Recall No. 123]

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA


Models:	Yamaha Midnight Star	Year:      2001
	Yamaha Road Star	Year:      2001
	Yamaha XV1600ASNC	Year:      2001
	Yamaha XV1600AN	Year:      2001
	Yamaha XV1600ANC	Year:      2001
	Yamaha XV1600ASN	Year:      2001

Number Potentially Involved:  2,826
Defect:  In the transmission on certain motorcycles, the second/third pinion gear may be incorrectly machined which could cause abnormal wear that eventually results in a broken retainer circlip. If the circlip breaks, the transmission could lock up, which would also cause the rear wheel to lock up. This could result in loss of control and a crash, possibly resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the transmission gears and shafts with new ones. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 9, 2003. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-889-2624 or visit their website at www.yamaha-motor.com.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V309]

 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES




Collins Bus Corporation
Models:     Collins Grand Bantam                   Year:    2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  16
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2002 - August 2003
Defect:  On certain school buses equipped with floor mounted wheelchair anchorages,  the reinforcement plate for the attachment pocket may have been placed in the wrong position, thereby not allowing the screws to be attached through it. In the event of a crash, the anchorage may not retain the wheelchair. Serious injury to the wheelchair occupant or other vehicle occupants may result.
Remedy:  Dealers will repair the buses by inserting a reinforcement extension plate and redrilling holes into this plate for the wheelchair anchorage screws to pass through. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 3, 2003. Owners may contact Collins at 1-800-533-1850.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V318]

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.


Models:	Fleetwood Revolution	Years:     2002-2004
	Fleetwood American Eagle	Year:       2004
	Fleetwood Tradition	Years:       2004

Number Potentially Involved:  1,273
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 - September 2003
Defect:  On certain motor homes, the electric power for the entry doorstep "Last Out" feature has not been provided and the entry doorstep will not operate in "Last Out" mode. The "Last Out" is a safety feature that causes the entry doorstep to extend one last time if the entry doorstep power switch is off and the vehicle ignition is turned off.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and provide power so the entry doorstep "Last Out" feature is active. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 10, 2003. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V304/Fleetwood Recall No. 30815]

Ford Motor Company
Models:     Ford Econoline                   Years:    2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  64
Dates of Manufacture:  June 2001 - March 2003
Defect:  On certain cutaway chassis cabs equipped with 5.4L engines and a school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank. The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.
Remedy:  Ford will send technicians to the owner’s location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 3, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
                                      


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V282/Ford Recall No. 03S06]

Ford Motor Company


Models:	Ford F-650	Year:     2004
	Ford F-750	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  1,000
Dates of Manufacture:  December 2002 - February 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain medium duty chassis cabs 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 placard label and incomplete vehicle label may have incorrect metric (Kpa) tire pressure information (tire inflation pressure shown in English units (psi) is correct), and transposed tire size and rim size information.
Remedy:  Owners will be sent corrected labels with instructions for installation. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 8, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V283/Ford Recall No. 03L13]

Ford Motor Company


Models:	Ford F-650	Year:     2004
	Ford F-750	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  97
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2002 - July 2003
Noncompliance:  Certain medium duty chassis cabs fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems." The connection of the air brake hose for the front and rear brake lines at the primary and secondary air reservoir tanks may be installed incorrectly.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the air brake line routing and if necessary, repair the vehicle. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on September 12, 2003. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V319/Ford Recall No. 03C04]

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck, America


Models:	Mitsubishi Fuso FH210	Years:     2000-2003
	Mitsubishi Fuso FH211	Years:     2000-2003
	Mitsubishi Fuso FH617	Years:     2000-2003

Number Potentially Involved:  1,913
Dates of Manufacture:  March 2000 - May 2002
Defect:  On certain medium duty trucks, the front hub outer wheel bearing may become damaged due to improper lubrication. This could cause smoke from the area of the front wheel hub, or the vehicle could become inoperable due to bearing seizure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the wheel hub bearings, and if the bearings show a sign of damage or breakage, will replace the bearing with a new one. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on August 20, 2003. Owners may contact Mitsubishi Fuso at 1-877-711-0707.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V278]

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.


Models:	Volvo WX	Years:     1998-2004
	Volvo WXLL	Years:     1998-2004

Number Potentially Involved:  3,426
Dates of Manufacture:  December 1997 - June 2003
Defect:  On certain heavy duty vehicles, the body builder wiring option was mis-wired in such a way that the auto neutral with service brake status option may allow the transmission to go into forward gear without the driver's foot pressing down on the brake pedal first. Unintended movement of the vehicle could put persons in danger inside and outside the vehicle.
Remedy:  Dealers will install an additional air operated stop light switch and the necessary wiring changes. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on October 22, 2003. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V308/Volvo Trucks Recall No. RVXX0306]




EQUIPMENT:




Dorel Juvenile Group
Models:     Cosco Alpha Omega
Number Potentially Involved:  86,476

SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
September 2003

VEHICLES:  

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.


Models:	Honda GL1800	Years:     2002-2003
	Honda GL1800A	Years:     2002-2003

Number Potentially Involved:   8,196
Dates of Manufacture:   March – September 2002
Defect:   On some motorcycles, certain frame welds do not meet manufacturing specifications. High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces or through potholes can cause the affected welds to crack. The welded area could break, resulting in rear suspension collapse or lower cross member separation, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect and reinforce the welds on all frames. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V350]

American Suzuki Motor Corporation
Models:    Suzuki Verona                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  4,548
Dates of Manufacture:  June – August 2003
Defect:  Some of these passenger vehicles may have a mislocated sensor in the driver’s seat belt buckle assembly. This condition can prevent the driver’s seat belt tongue from being inserted into the buckle. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:    Dealers will replace the driver’s seat belt buckle assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V333/Suzuki Recall No. K4]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation


Models:	Chrysler 300M	Year:     2004
	Chrysler Concorde	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:  20,978
Dates of Manufacture:    March – June 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, an internal hood latch component may have been manufactured with a crack, which could propagate and break, allowing the primary/secondary latch spring to disengage. This could result in loss of both primary and secondary hood latch function, allowing the hood to open without warning. This could increase the risk of a crash. Remedy:    Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the latch assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Sept. 22, 2003. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V332/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C29]

General Motors Corporation


Models:	Chevrolet Astro	Year:     2003
	GMC Safari	Year:     2003

Number Potentially Involved:   41,477
Dates of Manufacture:   March 2002 – June 2003
Defect:   Some of these minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left and right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint. If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road (salt, dirt, water, etc.) could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint causing the joint to wear out too quickly. The steering knuckle could separate from the lower control arm, dropping down the affected corner of the vehicle. The coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, creating a drag that would slow the vehicle. The driver could have difficulty in maintaining the directional control of the vehicle. In addition, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle if forces resulting from the wheel’s dragging action were sufficient to fracture the tie rod end and upper ball joint connections. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel’s hydraulic brake hose, resulting in lost braking performance from the front brake system. Vehicle stopping distance would increase, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.


[NHTSA Recall No.03V328/GM Recall No. 03044]

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Pontiac Grand Prix                   Year:    2003
Number Potentially Involved:   59,528
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2002 – August 2003 
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Braking Systems." On some of these vehicles, the right rear brake hose fitting may not be tightened properly, and a brake fluid leak could occur. If enough fluid leaks, the brake pedal will be lower than normal, stopping distances will be longer and a crash could occur.
Remedy:   Dealers will tighten the right rear brake hose fitting to the proper torque specification, and add brake fluid if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Sept. 4, 2003. Owners may contact Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.


[NHTSA Recall No.03V331/GM Recall No. 03045]

General Motors Corporation


Models:	Cadillac CTS	Year:     2004
	Cadillac SRX	Year:     2004

Number Potentially Involved:    6,771
Dates of Manufacture:  June – August 2003 
Noncompliance:  Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 207, "Seating Systems."   One or both front anchor tabs for the front bucket seats are not engaged in the floor pan reinforcement slots. A seat with only one tab engaged or neither engaged would not meet the static rearward loading test requirements of the standard. In some crash conditions, the seat could pivot rearward and its occupant or a rear seat occupant could be injured more severely.
Remedy:  Dealers will ensure that both front anchor tabs are fully seated in the floor pan reinforcement slots. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.


[NHTSA Recall No.03V346/GM Recall No. 03050]

Kia Motors America, Inc.
Models:     Kia Rio                   Year:    2001
Number Potentially Involved:    57,340
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2000 – June 2001 
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. The manufacturer has estimated that owner notification will begin during the first quarter of 2004. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-222-5500.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V352]

Polaris Industries, Inc.


Models:	Victory V92C	Years:     1999-2001
	Victory V92SC	Years:     2000-2001
	Victory V92DC	Year:     2001

Number Potentially Involved:  9,120
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1998 – July 2001
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the sidestand spring and/or the pin used to attach the spring to the frame may be damaged, allowing unintended deployment of the sidestand, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:    Dealers will inspect and replace the sidestand spring and frame rail bracket. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Polaris/Victory at 1-763-417-8650.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V336/Polaris/Victory Recall No. V-03-05]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:     VW New Beetle                   Year:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  38
Dates of Manufacture:  July – August 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the passenger detection function of the passive occupant detection system (PODS) may become disabled. Should the PODS control unit malfunction, the air bag system in the vehicle will not work as designed and may not be able to properly protect occupants in a crash.
Remedy:   Dealers will reprogram the PODS. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact VWoA at 1-800-822-8987

[NHTSA Recall No. 03V356/VWoA Recall No. WU]

 

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES




Blue Bird Body Company
Models:     Blue Bird Vision                   Year:    2004
Number Potentially Involved:  486
Dates of Manufacture:    June – September 2003
Defect:  On certain school buses, the power cables that run from the starter to the power distributor unit could chafe against the bottom corner of the front floor panel, resulting in an electrical short. An electrical short could cause the shut-down of engine parts or result in an underhood fire.
Remedy:    Dealers will install revised cable mounting brackets. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact Blue Bird at 1-478-822-2242.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V355/Blue Bird Recall No. R03GX]

Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.


Models:	Fleetwood Bounder	Years:     2003-2004
	Fleetwood Southwind	Years:     2003-2004
	Fleetwood Pace Arrow	Year:     2003

Number Potentially Involved:  1,100
Dates of Manufacture:   September 2002 – July 2003
Defect:  On certain motor homes built on Workhorse chassis, the hydraulic hose that operates the leveling jack system was routed too close to the engine exhaust. The hot exhaust can cause the hose to melt or abrade, releasing hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid could ignite, resulting in a fire.
Remedy:    Dealers will inspect and replace damaged hoses and relocate the affected hydraulic lines. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 1-800-322-8216.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03V344/Fleetwood Recall No. 30908]

 

EQUIPMENT:




Beams Industries, Inc.
Models:     Seat Belt
Number Potentially Involved:  20,000
Dates of Manufacture:   August – September 2003
Noncompliance:   Certain seat belts, Buckle No. 1524 (number stamped on backside), used on some school buses, passenger, and postal vehicles, fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." The metal frame of the seat belt buckle may fracture due to possible embrittlement of the steel. In the event of a vehicle crash, the buckle can release, increasing the seat occupant’s risk of serious injuries or death.
Remedy:   Beams Industries, Inc., will notify its customers and replace the affected seat belts free of charge. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners should contact Beams at 1-888-343-9266.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03E046]

Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd.
Models:     Microwave Oven
Number Potentially Involved:   183,897
Dates of Manufacture:   January 1999 – September 2003
Defect:   Certain microwave ovens, Models MR5491G, MR5491G01, MR5492W, MR5494W01, MR5493G, MR5493G01, MR5494W, MR7491G, MR7491G01, MR7492W, MR7492W01, MR7493G, MR7493G01, MR6698WB, MR6699GB, AND MR6699SB, were produced with a defective membrane panel. These ovens have the one-touch instant cook function, for example, for popcorn, potato, etc. An electrical short can occur causing the oven to activate without pressing any key pads. This could result in excessive heat, smoke, or possibly a fire.
Remedy:    Samsung will notify its customers and repair the panel free of charge. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the door ajar until the panel is replaced. Consumers should never use the microwave oven for storage or leave any towels, paper, cloth or other products in the microwave after use. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during October 2003. Owners should contact Samsung at 1-800-932-3837.


[NHTSA Recall No. 03E044]

 

EQUIPMENT:




Britax Child Safety, Inc.
Models:   Britax Super Elite
Number Potentially Involved:   2,689
Dates of Manufacture:   April 2001 – February 2002
Noncompliance:  Certain youth restraints, Model No. E9031, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." Vehicle crash forces could cause the child’s head to move further forward than allowed by the standard. This additional head movement could allow a child's head to strike something in the vehicle, causing injury.
Remedy:    Owners will receive a free replacement harness system along with instructions including TPE pads (also known as Hugs – Harness Ultra-Guard System). All consumers who returned a registration card to Britax will automatically receive the free replacement.
The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2003. Owners should contact Britax's at 1-888-427-4829.

[NHTSA Recall No. 03C008]

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