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Monday, Sep. 8, 2008

NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF FEBRUARY RECALLS


Safety Recall Campaigns
February 1996




VEHICLES


SCHOOL BUSES

Blue Bird Body Company

Model(s):
Blue Bird All AmericanYear(s): 1995
Blue Bird CSRE Year(s): 1995
Blue Bird SBCV Year(s): 1995
Blue Bird TC-2000 Year(s): 1995

Manufactured Dates: May 1995-November 1995

No. of Vehicles 117

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V023000

Blue Bird Recall Number: R96BB

System: Visual; glass; manual window cranks; FMVSS No. 217.

Vehicle Description: School and transit bus, forward and rear engine vehicles, equipped with rear center emergency window options 0177-00 and 3387-00.

Description of Noncompliance: These vehicles could have a latch which scrapes an aluminum trim piece increasing the force required to open. This does not comply with FMVSS No. 217, "Bus Window Retention and Release."

Consequence of Noncompliance: In the case of an emergency, an occupant may not be able to open the window to use as an emergency exit.

Corrective Action: Blue Bird has not provided a description of the remedy.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive a free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Blue Bird at 1-912-825-2021.




CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS


Chrysler Corporation

Model(s):
Dodge Ram Year(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: July 1995-September 1995

No. of Vehicles 2,500

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V027000 Chrysler Recall Number: 675

System: Equipment; certification label.

Vehicle Description: Light duty trucks and vans, 6800 and 9000 lb. GVW only.

Description of Noncompliance: The involved vehicles have tire/wheel specification information on the vehicle certification label which indicates a smaller size tire than required.

Consequence of Noncompliance: The smaller tires would not have sufficient load capacity for the vehicle's specified gross weight rating, increasing the potential for a premature tire failure and an accident.

Corrective Action: Owners will be mailed an overlay label with the correct tire/wheel certification information and instructions for installing the label on their vehicles. If owners prefer, their dealer can install the label for them.

Note: If you do not receive a new label within a reasonable time, contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.




Chrysler Corporation

Model(s):
Dodge Neon Year(s): 1996
Plymouth NeonYear(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: July 1995-November 1995

No. of Vehicles 15,000

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V026000 Chrysler Recall Number: 676

System: Electrical; wiring; harness.

Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles built at the Toluca, Mexico, assembly plant.

Description of Defect: An engine wiring harness can short circuit due to contact with the exhaust gas recirculation tube.

Consequence of Defect: Shorting of the wiring harness can cause various electrical malfunctions, including engine stalling.

Corrective Action: Dealers will reroute the engine wiring harness properly and any wire that has been damaged will be replaced.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.




Ford Motor Company

Model(s):
Ford ExplorerYear(s): 1991 - 1994
Ford Ranger Year(s): 1991 - 1994

Manufactured Dates: March 1991-November 1993

No. of Vehicles 108,000

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V024001 Ford Recall Number: 96S35

System: Brakes; power assist; primary; booster.

Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose vehicles and light duty trucks originally sold or currently registered in the southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Imperial, and Kern.

Description of Defect: The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in these southern California locations.

Consequence of Defect: If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating, thus increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.




General Motors Corp.

Model(s):
Saturn SW1, SW2Year(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: September 1995-December 1995

No. of Vehicles 691

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V029000

General Motors Recall Number: 96C01

System: Structure; body roof.

Vehicle Description: Passenger station wagons.

Description of Defect: Some of the welds between the roof and roof side internal reinforcement panels do not meet the manufacturers specifications.

Consequence of Defect: In a crash, there is a possibility of a partial separation of the roof panel flange sides, exposing an occupant to an increased risk of injury.

Corrective Action: Dealers will reinforce the roof flange with structural fasteners.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000.




General Motors Corp.

Model(s):
Chevrolet S10Year(s): 1996
GMC S15 Year(s): 1996
GMC Sonoma Year(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: August 1995-January 1996

No. of Vehicles 24,906

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V035000

General Motors Recall Number: 96C20

System: Power train; transmission; 5 speed.

Vehicle Description: 2-wheel drive pickup trucks equipped with 2.2-liter engines and 5-speed manual transmissions.

Description of Defect: Some of these trucks were built with transmissions containing parts which were not machined to GM's specifications.

Consequence of Defect: These transmissions could seize and lock the rear drive wheels while the truck is being driven, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the transmission main shaft output torque using a special tool. If the output torque does not meet specifications, the transmission will be replaced.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.




Mazda (North America), Inc.

Model(s):
Mazda B2300 Year(s): 1994
Mazda B3000 Year(s): 1994
Mazda B4000 Year(s): 1994
Mazda NavajoYear(s): 1991- 1994

Manufactured Dates: March 1991-November 1993

No. of Vehicles 2,500

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V024002

Mazda Recall Number: 64603

System: Brakes; power assist; primary; booster.

Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose vehicles and light duty trucks originally sold or currently registered in the southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Imperial, and Kern.

Description of Defect: The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in these southern California locations.

Consequence of Defect: If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from fully activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.




Nissan Motors Corporation

Model(s):
Nissan PathfinderYear(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: August 1995-January 1996

No. of Vehicles 1,775

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V034000

System: Steering; gear box.

Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles.

Description of Defect: Due to the type of lubricant used in the steering transfer gear assembly, the effort required to turn the steering wheel at low ambient temperatures (Less than -30 C) could increase to the point where some drivers would have difficulty in turning the wheel.

Consequence of Defect: This condition could result in the inability to change the direction of the vehicle while attempting to turn the wheel, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers are replacing the steering transfer gear assembly with a new assembly having different lubricant.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.




Nissan Motors Corporation

Model(s):
Nissan PathfinderYear(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: August 1995-January 1996

No. of Vehicles 1,775

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V031000

Nissan Recall Number: NTB96-025

System: Brakes; hydraulic system; pedals and linkages.

Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles.

Description of Defect: Due to the thickness of the carpet padding on the transmission tunnel, the space between the brake pedal and the transmission tunnel could catch a driver's right foot under the brake pedal.

Consequence of Defect: This condition could inhibit a driver from applying the brakes, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will remove the carpet padding on the transmission tunnel adjacent to the accelerator pedal.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.




Peugeot, Inc.

Model(s):
Peugeot 505Year(s): 1988 - 1992

Manufactured Dates: February 1987-July 1991

No. of Vehicles 3,561

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V028000

System: Fuel; fuel tank assembly.

Vehicle Description: Station wagons and SW8 vehicles.

Description of Defect: The corrosion protection of the fuel tank mounting deteriorates allowing water and foreign material to corrode the tank mounting flange directly.

Consequence of Defect: Over an extended period of time, this corrosion can weaken the flange causing it to break and allowing the fuel tank to drop and contact the surface of the ground. The tank could then rupture and result in an under-vehicle fire.

Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the fuel tank mounting flange cradle.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Peugeot at 1-800-345-5549.




Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Model(s):
Toyota CamryYear(s): 1996

Manufactured Dates: January 1996

No. of Vehicles 756

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V037000

System: Lighting; lamp or socket; tail lights.

Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.

Description of Defect: The plastic material of the bulb holders of the rear tail light assembly does not have sufficient heat resistance. When the bulb is illuminated, the resulting high temperature can cause the bulb holder to deform.

Consequence of Defect: As the bulb holder deforms, the bulb can lose electrical contact, resulting in an inoperative lamp, increasing therisk of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the rear combination lamp bulb holder to see if it is composed of the defective material. The defective bulb holder together with the wiring harness will be replaced with a correct bulb holder and harness.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.




Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Model(s):
Audi 100 Year(s): 1994-1996
Audi 90 Year(s): 1994-1996
Audi A6 Year(s): 1994-1996
Audi CabrioletYear(s): 1994-1996
Audi S4 Year(s): 1994-1996
Audi S6 Year(s): 1994-1996

Manufactured Dates: January 1994-December 1995

No. of Vehicles 24,000

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V017000

Volkswagen Recall Number: KB

System: Electrical: ignition: switch.

Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.

Description of Defect: The ignition switches were improperly manufactured and can cause some electrical accessories to malfunction.

Consequence of Defect: Some electrical accessories, such as turn signals, windshield wipers, lamps, power windows and air conditioners, can malfunction when the car is started.

Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

Note: Owners who take their vehicle to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not received the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.




Winnebago Ind., Inc.

Models:
Itasca SuncruiserYear: 1995

Manufactured Dates: August 1994-April 1995

No. of Vehicles: 424

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V036000

System: Equipment; other pieces.

Vehicle Description: Motorhomes equipped with slide-out rooms. Also see Campaign No. 96E003, Carefree of Colorado, the supplier of the awning.

Description of Defect: The awning attached for the slide-out room can unfurl or unroll during transit causing the bracket to rip free of the sidewall.

Consequence of Defect: The awning could break loose while the vehicle is in motion resulting in a vehicle accident and personal injury.

Corrective Action: Dealers will install arm locks, anti-billow studs and brackets as well as wind deflectors on these awnings.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Winnebago at 1-515-582-3535 or Carefree at 1-800-621-2617.




HEAVY TRUCKS AND BUSES

New Flyer Industries

Model(s):
New Flyer D40lFYear(s): 1993 - 1996

Manufactured Dates: April 1993-February 1996

No. of Vehicles 100

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V039000

System: Equipment; certification label; FMVSS No. 120.

Vehicle Description: Urban transit buses.

Description of Noncompliance: The front and rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) specified on the certification label could be greater than the maximum load rating of the axle assembly. This fails to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars."

Consequence of Noncompliance: These vehicles could be overloaded, causing the increased potential of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Owners of the affected buses will be provided with new certification labels and installation instructions. If the owner desires, New Flyer will install the label for them.

Note: Owners who do not receive a new label within a reasonable time, should contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-1251.




Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.

Models:
Volvo ACL Year: 1995
Volvo FE Year: 1995
Volvo WAH Year: 1995
Volvo WCA Year: 1995
Volvo WG Year: 1995
Volvo WHL Year: 1995
Volvo WHR Year: 1995
Volvo WIA Year: 1995
Volvo WX Year: 1995
WhiteGMC ACLYear: 1995
WhiteGMC FE Year: 1995
WhiteGMC WAHYear: 1995
WhiteGMC WCAYear: 1995
WhiteGMC WG Year: 1995
WhiteGMC WHLYear: 1995
WhiteGMC WHRYear: 1995
WhiteGMC WIAYear: 1995
WhiteGMC WX Year: 1995

Manufactured Dates: June 1995-December 1995

No. of Vehicles: 6,034

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V032000

Volvo Recall Number: RVWX9601

System: Suspension; single axle; rear; air suspension.

Vehicle Description: Heavy duty Class 8 vehicles.

Description of Defect: The rear suspension axle retention plate can break under normal use, affecting axle alignment.

Consequence of Defect: This condition could result in loss of rear axle stability affecting vehicle directional control and increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action: Dealers will remove and replace the axle retention clip plates on affected vehicles.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Volvo GM Heavy Truck at 1-800-528-6586.




Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.

Models:
Volvo ACLYear: 1996
Volvo FE Year: 1996
Volvo WCAYear: 1996
Volvo WG Year: 1996
Volvo WHLYear: 1996
Volvo WIAYear: 1996

Manufactured Date: August 1995-February 1996

No. of Vehicles: 1,303

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V038000

Volvo Recall Number: RVXX9602

System: Steering; linkages.

Vehicle Description: Heavy duty Class 8 vehicles built with a Volvo 5.7 (12,500 lbs) front steer axle.

Description of Defect: Due to hydrogen embrittlement, the front steering axle king pins could have broken during assembly. Continued operation of a vehicle with a broken king pin could allow the pin to work loose.

Consequence of Defect: This condition can cause erratic steering resulting in loss of steering control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for a broken king pin and replace the king pins if broken.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation at 1-800-528-6586.




Western Star Trucks, Inc.

Models:
Western Star ConventionalYear: 1995

Manufactured Dates: April 1995-November 1995

No. of Vehicles: 490

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V025000

Western Star Recall Number: W-9602

System: Fuel; throttle linkages and control return spring.

Vehicle Description: Heavy duty trucks and truck/tractors equipped with Caterpillar 3306 and 3406 mechanically fuel injected engines.

Description of Defect: The throttle return springs can fail.

Consequence of Defect: If both springs fail, the engine is not likely to return to idle when the accelerator is released, causing loss of vehicle speed control and suddenly increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: Replacement throttle return springs will be mailed directly to owners. If the owners prefer, their dealers can install the springs for them.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Western Star at 1-604-860-3319.




Western Star Trucks, Inc.

Models:
Western Star Conventional Years: 1988 - 1995

Manufactured Dates: January 1988-October 1995

No. of Vehicles: 21

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V022000

Western Star Recall Number: W-9601

System: Exhaust; muffler.

Vehicle Description: Trucks and truck/tractors.

Description of Defect: These heavy trucks were equipped with exhaust mufflers without heat shielding.

Consequence of Defect: Someone working behind the cab could contact the hot muffler causing personal injury. Also some of these vehicles were equipped with deck plates with no grab handles for access.

Corrective Action: Dealers will install muffler shields and, where necessary, grab handles.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Western Star at 1-604-860-3319.




MOTORCYCLES


American Honda Motor Co.

Model(s):
Honda CBR1000FYear(s): 1994 - 1996

Manufactured Dates: June 1993-November 1995

No. of Vehicles 3,308

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V030000

System: Equipment; owners manual information.

Description of Defect: Certain motorcycles were supplied with an owner's manual containing an improper procedure for replacing the front wheel.

Consequence of Defect: Following the improper procedure could lead toa temporary reduction of braking efficiency.

Corrective Action: An adhesive-backed page for the owner's manual will be distributed to owners.

Note: Owners who do not receive a revision page within a reasonable time, or experience a problem applying it to the owner's manual, should contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000.




Yamaha International Corp.

Models:
Yamaha YZF600RG Year: 1995
Yamaha YZF600RGCYear: 1995
Yamaha YZF600RH Year: 1996
Yamaha YZF600RHCYear: 1996

Manufactured Dates: February 1994-May 1995

No. of Vehicles: 4,348

NHTSA Recall Number: 96V033000

System: Suspension; motorcycle only.

Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.

Description of Defect: The damper shaft of the rear shock can bend or break.

Consequence of Defect: The shaft could fracture without warning causing a loss of control resulting in a vehicle crash.

Corrective Action: Dealers will install a new style shock absorber assembly kit.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.




EQUIPMENT


AlliedSignal, Inc.

Brands:
AlliedSignal ATR Traction Relay

No. of Units: 1,123

Manufactured Dates: August 1994-February 1996

NHTSA Recall Number: 96E004000

System: Brakes; air systems. Equipment Description: ATR traction relay valves supplied to Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation for use on air braked vehicles equipped with traction control.

Description of Defect: The traction solenoid exhaust can be obstructed due to inadequate drainage and a build-up of road contamination between the mounting bracket and the solenoid housing. The obstructed exhaust prevents the relay valve control air pressure from venting after a differential braking traction event.

Consequence of Defect: This condition would keep the rear axle service brakes applied without any brake pedal movement by the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Corrective Action: AlliedSignal and Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation have not finalized the remedy for this campaign.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive a free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact AlliedSignal at 1-216-329-9000 or Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation at 1-800-528-6586.




Carefree of Colorado

Brands:
Carefree Awning

Manufactured Dates: January 1993-April 1995

No. of Units: 2,808

NHTSA Recall Number: 96E003000

System: Equipment; other pieces.

Equipment Description: Awning used on slide-out rooms on recreational vehicles. See also Campaign No. 96V036, Winnebago.

Description of Defect: The awning for the slide-out room of recreational vehicles can unfurl or unroll during transit causing the bracket to rip free of the sidewall of the vehicle.

Consequence of Defect: The awning could break loose while the vehicle is in motion resulting in a vehicle accident and personal injury.

Corrective Action: Dealers will install arm locks,anti-billow studs and brackets as well as wind deflectors on these awnings.

Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Carefree at 1-800-621-2617.




CHILD SAFETY SEATS


Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Co.

Brands:

Manufactured Dates: November 1995-January 1996

No. of Units: 10,423

NHTSA Recall Number: 96E002000

System: Equipment; child seat; independent; Trooper-Adjustable Shield, convertible child seats Models 219140, 219164, 219180, 219186, and 219188; FMVSS No. 213.

Description of Noncompliance: Due to a printing error, the fold-out instruction pamphlet providing information on toddler use was incorrectly labeled for infant use.

Consequence of Noncompliance: This misprint may cause some consumers to believe that infants less than 20 pounds can ride forward-facing. These seats are intended to be used rear-facing with children under 20 pounds. A new pamphlet will be sent to consumers.

Note: Consumers can call Evenflo at 1-800-837-4002 or write to 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, Ohio 45356, to obtain a new instruction pamphlet.