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NHTSA Publishes List of April 2004 Recalls


American Government

NHTSA Publishes List of April 2004 Recalls

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
May 27, 2004

NHTSA 24-04
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in April 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 at 1-888-327-4236 or by accessing NHTSA on the Internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.



SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS
April 2004

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Models:   Acura MDX Years:     2001-2002
  Honda Odyssey Years:     2002-2004
  Honda Pilot Years:     2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  600,000
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2000 - January 2004
Defect:  On some minivans and sport utility vehicles, certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or gear breakage. Gear failure could result in transmission lockup, increasing the risk of a crash.   
Remedy:  On vehicles with 15,000 miles or less, the dealer will update the transmission with a simple revision to the oil cooler return line to increase lubrication to the second gear.  On vehicles with more than 15,000 miles, the dealer will inspect the transmission to identify gears that have already experienced discoloration due to overheating. If discoloration exists, the transmission will be replaced. If discoloration is not present, the dealer will install the change to the oil cooler return line. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on May 12, 2004. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V176/Honda Recall No. P30/Acura Recall No. P31]

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:     BMW Z4                   Years:      2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  13,769
Dates of Manufacture:  February - October 2003
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, under certain environmental conditions, a vapor lock in the fuel pump could occur causing the engine to stall. If this were to happen, the engine would not be able to be restarted for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. If stalling were to occur, the driver would be unable to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy:  Dealers will install a resistor in the electrical line powering the fuel pump in order to prevent an occurrence of vapor lock. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V182]

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:     BMW 5 Series                   Years:      1996-1997
Number Potentially Involved:  25,270
Dates of Manufacture:  February 1996 - January 1997
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, due to long exposures to certain environmental and operating conditions, the material structure of the front spring strut plate could be affected. In some cases, the strut plate could begin to crack, and eventually it could break. If this were to ccur, the plate could contact the tire. This, in turn, could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure or tire failure.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a retaining clip to the underside of the front spring strut plates. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V183]

Big Dog Motorcycles, LLC

Models:   Big Dog Boxer Year:     2004
  Big Dog Bulldog Year:     2004
  Big Dog Chopper Year:     2004
  Big Dog Mastiff Year:     2004
  Big Dog Pitbull Year:     2004
  Big Dog Ridgeback Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  2,098
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2003 - March 2004 Defect:  On certain motorcycles, a screw may become loose in the handlebar control due to the lack of a lock washer and loctite. This could cause the throttle or front brake control to bind, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a lock washer and loctite. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 12, 2004. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-267-9121.     
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V164]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:     Dodge Ram                   Years:      1998-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  44,588
Dates of Manufacture:  July 1997 - June 2003
Defect:  On some van and wagon model vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise the sealing integrity of the connector. This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification for this campaign. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V185/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D20]

Ford Motor Company
Models:     Ford Escape                   Years:      2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  321,903
Dates of Manufacture:  January 2000 - September 2002
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines, during decelerations at vehicle speeds below 40 mph, the engine could stall due to excessively rich fuel-air mixtures being sent to the engine. This could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 21, 2004. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V165/Ford Recall No. 04S13]

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Cadillac Eldorado Years:     1995-1997
  Cadillac Seville Years:     1995-1997
  Cadillac Deville Years:     1995-1997
Number Potentially Involved:  389,905
Dates of Manufacture:  September 1993 - June 1997 
Defect:  Certain passenger vehicles equipped with V8 LD8 and L37 engines have a condition in which the nylon tubing used in the fuel rail construction may degrade and crack. Cracking of the fuel rail or return line tubing can result in a fuel leak into the engine compartment. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new fuel rail assembly made of stainless steel. Dealers will also install a revised chassis fuel return line.  The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V110/GM Recall No. 04014]

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Chevrolet Venture Year:     2004
  Pontiac Montana Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  31,301
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2003 - March 2004 
Noncompliance:  Certain minivans do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."  These vehicles do not have text and formatting on the warning label attached to the available second-row integral child restraint as specified by amendments to the standard.
Remedy:  Owners will be provided with replacement labels and installation instructions. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V177/GM Recall No. 04022]

General Motors Corporation
Models:     Chevrolet Malibu                   Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  84,474
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2003 - May 2004 
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, analysis of a side impact crash test conducted by NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) indicated that the outboard anchorage of the driver's seat belt could disconnect because of contact between the seat trim and the anchorage connector when the seat was adjusted to its lowest position. If this were to occur in a crash, the driver could receive greater injuries.
Remedy:  Dealers will install the retainer on both the driver's and passenger's belt anchorages. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during June 2004. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V188/GM Recall No. 04027]

General Motors Corporation

Models:   Chevrolet TrailBlazer Year:     2002
  GMC Envoy Year:     2002
  Oldsmobile Bravada Year:     2002
Number Potentially Involved:  337,000
Noncompliance:  Certain sport utility vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."  One of the two sensors in the driver's and front passenger's seat belt retractor could be inoperative. The seat belt retractors will lock when the belt webbing is extracted during a crash; however, the mechanism that locks the seat belt retractor when the vehicle decelerates quickly, such as heavy braking, may not operate as intended. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies to determine proper vehicle sensor function. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during July 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. 04V201/GM Recall No. 04037]

Hyundai Motor Company

Models:   Hyundai Elantra Years:     2002-2003
  Hyundai Sonata Years:     2002-2003
  Hyundai Tiburon Years:     2002-2003
  Hyundai XG350 Years:     2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  263,968
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 - November 2002 
Defect:  Some passenger vehicles contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel may spill. Spilled fuel in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May or June 2004. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V178/Hyundai Recall No. 066]

Isuzu Motors Limited
Models:     Isuzu Trooper                   Years:      1992-1995
Number Potentially Involved:  72,905
Dates of Manufacture:  February 1991 - February 1995
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable can stick so that the engine speed will not immediately decrease upon release of the accelerator pedal. This can cause the accelerator throttle cable to delay rpm and vehicle speed reduction for several seconds after the accelerator pedal is released, which in turn, can lead to a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the throttle cable rubber boot. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V199]

Kia Motors America, Inc.

Models:   Kia Rio Years:     2001-2004
  Kia Rio Cinco Years:     2001-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  187,790
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2000 - May 2004
Defect:  On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel intake nipple on the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling securing the main fuel tube assembly to the fuel intake nipple, or when force is accidentally applied to the intake nipple during the vehicle assembly process or during engine compartment repairs. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel distributor and main fuel tube assemblies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during June 2004. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V179/Kia Recall No. SC036]

Kia Motors America, Inc.
Models:     Kia Optima                   Years:      2002-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  25,803
Dates of Manufacture:  October 2001 - November 2002
Defect:  Some passenger vehicles might contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel may spill. Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V180/Kia Recall No. SC038]

Land Rover

Models:   Land Rover Discovery I Years:     1994-1997
  Range Rover Classic Years:     1993-1995
Number Potentially Involved:  45,267
Dates of Manufacture:  December 1993 - November 1996
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic fuel tanks can develop stress cracks. Fuel tank cracks can result in fuel leakage from the underside of the vehicle when filling the tank, particularly if overfilling is attempted. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during October 2004. Owners may contact Land Rover at 1-866-352-4827.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V203/Land Rover Recall No. R156]

Mazda North American Operations
Models:     Mazda Tribute                   Years:      2001-2003
Number Potentially Involved:  106,000
Dates of Manufacture:  April 2000 - September 2002
Defect:  On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 Duratec engines, during deceleration at vehicle speeds below 40 mph, the engine may stall, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on May 3, 2004. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V175/Mazda Recall No. 1904D]

Nissan North America, Inc.
Models:     Nissan Quest                    Year:      2004
Number Potentially Involved:  26,000
Dates of Manufacture:  March - December 2003
Defect:  On certain minivans equipped with power sliding doors, at an ambient temperature below approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the actuator for the power sliding doors may bind due to an out-of-specification condition. In order to open, close or reverse a power sliding door, the shift selector lever must be in "Park."  If the actuator is experiencing binding and the driver shifts the vehicle out of "Park" while a power sliding door is still closing, the door latches may not engage. This can result in the door coming open unexpectedly upon rapid acceleration and an occupant could fall out of the door and be injured.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the actuator for the power sliding doors. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V186]

Polaris Industries, Inc.

Models:   Victory Vegas Year:     2004
  Victory ANSS Vegas Year:     2004
  Victory Kingpin Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  3,230
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2003 - April 2004
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the hose that connects the rear brake fluid reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder may have become damaged during shipment and may leak brake fluid, which can cause a loss of rear braking capability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect the rear brake reservoir hose and. if the hose is damaged, replace it. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on April 26, 2004. Owners may contact Polaris/Victory at 1-763-417-8650.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V187/Polaris/Victory Recall No. V-04-01A]

Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Models:     Toyota Highlander                   Years:      2001-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  366,572
Dates of Manufacture:  November 2000 - January 2004
Remedy:  Dealers will modify the CPL lever. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May or June 2004. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V181/Toyota Recall No. SSC 40B]

Triumph Motorcycles (America) Ltd.

Models:   Triumph Daytona 955 Years:     1997-2004
  Triumph Daytona T595 Years:     1997-2004
  Triumph Speed Triple Years:     1997-2004
  Triumph Speed Four Years:     2002-2004
  Triumph Sprint RS Years:     2000-2004
  Triumph Sprint ST Years:     1999-2004
  Triumph Tiger Years:     1999-2004
  Triumph TT600 Years:     2000-2003
  Triumph Daytona 600 Year:       2004
Number Potentially Involved:  18,998
Dates of Manufacture:  June 1996 - September 2003
Defect:  On certain motorcycles, the fuel connector linking each of the feed and return fuel hoses to the fuel pump mounting plate may fracture following in-service handling. Fuel could escape from the fractured body of the connector onto the engine or side of the bike. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the connector. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during May 2004. Owners may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V156]

MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES


Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc.

Models:   Hino NA6J Year:     2005
  Hino NB6J Year:     20052005
  Hino NC6J Year:     20052005
  Hino ND8J Year:     20052005
  Hino NE8J Year:     20052005
  Hino NV8J Year:     20052005
Number Potentially Involved:  810
Defect:   On certain trucks, the pinch bolt nut of the yoke connecting the steering gearbox and the steering wheel shaft can back out, causing the yoke and shaft to separate. This could result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will inspect and re-torque the pinch bolt nut as necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on May 7, 2004. Owners may contact Hino at 1-845-365-1400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V202/Hino Recall No. A3370]

International Truck & Engine Corporation

Models:   International 4200 Year:     2004
  International 4300 Year:     2004
  International 7300 Year:     2004
  International 7400 Year:     2004
  International 7500 Year:     2004
  International 7600 Year:     2004
  International 8500 Year:     2004
  International 8600 Year:     2004
Number Potentially Involved:  1,687
Dates of Manufacture:  March - April 2004
Noncompliance:  Certain trucks fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."  The seat belt latch can disengage without warning in a vehicle crash or during episodes of high seat belt loading.
Remedy:  Dealers will replace the seat belt assemblies. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during June 2004. Owners may contact International at 1-800-448-7825.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V193/International Recall No. 04506]

Paccar Incorporated
Models:     Kenworth T300                   Years:      2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved:  2,586
Dates of Manufacture:  September 2002 - February 2004
Defect:  On certain trucks equipped with Caterpillar C7 or 3126E engines and Horton fan hubs, the hub mounting bolts can fail, resulting in the hub and fan assembly separating from the engine and increasing the risk of equipment damage and/or personal injury.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new bracket. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on May 5, 2004. Owners may contact Kenworth at 1-425-828-5418.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V169/Kenworth Recall No. 03KW9]

EQUIPMENT:


MTD Consumer Group, Inc.
Models:     Arnold Quick Ramps
Number Potentially Involved:  7,854
Defect:  On certain portable loading ramps, Part Numbers 490-150-005, 490-150-008, 490-150-009, 490-150-010, and 490-150-015, the crimp that holds the retaining cable and hook together were improperly built and can fail while in use, allowing the ramp to fall to the ground. People could be injured if the cable failed and the ramp falls.
Remedy:  MTD, through Arnold, will provide owners with nylon or polypropylene anchor straps for the cables. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Arnold at 1-866-864-2949.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04E029]

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Models:     Samsung Microwave
Number Potentially Involved:  117,157
Dates of Manufacture:  May 2000 - September 2003
Defect:   Certain microwave ovens installed in recreational vehicles, Models MR1031WB, MR1032BB, MR1033SB, MR1352BB, and MR1351WB, were produced with a defective membrane panel. 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. In the meantime, consumers should unplug their microwave, if possible. If the consumer is unable to unplug the microwave, they should leave the microwave oven door ajar until the membrane 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 is expected to begin during May or June 2004. Owners may contact Samsung at 1-800-932-3837.    

[NHTSA Recall No. 04E031]

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