NHTSA Publishes List of January 2004 Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in January 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-DASH-2-DOT (11-888-327-4236), 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
January 2004

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES




Bayerische Motoren Werke

Models:	BMW K Series	Years: 2001-2004
	BMW R Series	Years: 2001-2004

Number Potentially Involved: 39,000
Dates of Manufacture: May 2000 – December 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, the O-ring in the fuel line quick-disconnect coupling could become damaged and lead to a fuel leak. There is also a problem involving crimp-type hose clamps, which can result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, adjust all crimp-type hose clamps. Also, all fuel line quick-disconnect couplings will be inspected. If a leak is detected, the quick-disconnect O-ring will be replaced. If damaged, the coupling will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification would begin during February 2004. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V028]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Durango Year:  2004
Number Potentially Involved: 21,053
Dates of Manufacture: April 2003 – January 2004
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7L and 4.7L engines, the throttle control cable may ingest water and freeze during extended cold temperature. This could cause the throttle to stick in the open position and result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the throttle control cable. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 19, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V020/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. D02]

DaimlerChrysler Corporation

Models:	Chrysler 300M	Year: 1999
	Chrysler Cirrus	Years: 1995-1999
	Chrysler Concorde	Years: 1993-1999
	Chrysler LHS	Years: 1993-1999
	Chrysler Sebring Convertible	Years: 1996-1999
	Dodge Intrepid	Years: 1993-1999
	Dodge Stratus	Years: 1995-1999
	Eagle Vision	Years: 1993-1997
	Plymouth Breeze	Years: 1996-1999

Number Potentially Involved: 2,315,768
Dates of Manufacture: April 1992 – July 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the floor shifter ignition-park interlock may fail and allow the shifter to be moved out of the Park position with the key removed. An inoperative interlock may also allow the key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the Park position. Either circumstance may result in the vehicle rolling away without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new load-limiting push rod into the floor shifter lever of the affected vehicles. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin on March 1, 2004. Owners may contact DaimlerChryslerat 1-800-853-1403.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V021/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. C45]

General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Ion Years:  2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 127,285
Dates of Manufacture: June 2002 – September 2003 
Defect: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.2L 4-cylinder (L61) engines were built with a fuel filter that could corrode prematurely on the exterior surface. If corrosion on the exterior surface of the fuel filter progresses to the point of creating a hole in the shell, fuel droplets could form and drop to the ground. If an ignition source is present, a fire could result.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel filter assembly. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on December 30, 2003. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000.


[NHTSA Recall No. 04V003/GM Recall No. 03068]

General Motors Corporation
Models: Saturn Ion Years:  2003-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 79,204
Dates of Manufacture: June 2002 – September 2003 
Noncompliance: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 118, "Power-operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems." The power windows and/or sunroof may be operable after the ignition has been turned to the "Off" position and the front passenger door is opened. If unsupervised children are left unattended in the vehicle and operate the power windows or sunroof, there is an increased risk of injury to the child.
Remedy: Dealers will upgrade the Body Control Module (BCM) calibration. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on Dec.ember 30, 2003. Owners may contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V004/GM Recall No. 03069]

Jaguar Cars Ltd.

Models:	Jaguar S-Type	Years: 2003-2004
	Jaguar XK	Years: 2003-2004
	Jaguar XJ	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved: 31,646
Dates of Manufacture:  January 2002 – June 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, with the forward drive gear selected and the vehicle stationary or in a forward motion, the gearbox could potentially select reverse gear, without indication. This failure could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control module. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification wais expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-201-818-8500.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V024/Jaguar Recall No. R513]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.


Models:	Kawasaki VN1500-E6	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-E7	Year: 2004
	Kawasaki VN800-A10	Year: 2004
	Kawasaki VN800-B8	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN800-B8L	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN800-B9	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved: 2,082
Defect: On certain motorcycles, accelerator pump diaphragms may be damaged from excessive assembly clamping pressure, which can allow fuel to leak from the pump actuating rod area. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the accelerator pump diaphragm. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification wais expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V008]

Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A.


Models:	Kawasaki VN1500-E6	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-L4	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-L4L	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-P2	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-P2L	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-R3	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-R3L	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1600-A1	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1600-A1L	Year: 2003
	Kawasaki VN1500-L5	Year: 2004
	Kawasaki VN1500-L5L	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved: 6,958
Dates of Manufacture: June 2002 – February 2003
Defect: On certain motorcycles, high oil pressure upon a cold start-up can deform the oil filter cartridge, allowing oil to leak past the O-ring. Oil leaking past the O-ring may cause a loss of traction and a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil filter. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-949-770-0400.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V023]

Land Rover
Models: Land Rover Discovery II Years:  1999-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 99,657
Dates of Manufacture:  May 1998 – December 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) modulator valve cover retaining bolts can crack due to stresses transmitted by the flexing valve covers. This can produce an unexpected increase in stopping distance, with the potential for total loss of service braking function, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will strengthen the ABS modulator assembly valve covers and replace the retaining bolts. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.


[NHTSA Recall No. 04V005/Land Rover Recall No. B148]

Land Rover
Models: Land Rover Discovery II Years:  2000-2003
Number Potentially Involved: 8,117
Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 – June 2003
Defect: On certain sport utility vehicles, the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint. The fluid from the pump joint can ignite, resulting in an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for leakage. If no leakage is evident, the bolt will be re-tightened. If leakage is evident, the bolt and washers will be replaced. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V006/Land Rover Recall No. B149]

Maserati North America, Inc.


Models:	Maserati Coupe	Year: 2004
	Maserati Spyder	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved: 1,982
Dates of Manufacture: September 2001 – November 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel hoses may become soft and possibly disconnect from the metal fittings, which can cause a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two existing metal and rubber fuel lines with new nylon fuel lines. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2651.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V027/Maserati Recall No. 104]

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models: Audi TT 3.2 Year:  2004
Number Potentially Involved: 145
Dates of Manufacture: July – October 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a Direct Shift Gearbox, during the production of the gearbox, a seam at the clutch was not welded to specifications. This could lead to degraded performance of the clutch inside the gearbox. The clutch could lose its ability to provide input torque to the transmission without prior warning, which could allow the vehicle to roll, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.


[NHTSA Recall No. 04V007]

Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.

Models:	Volvo S60	Year: 2004
	Volvo S80	Year: 2004
	Volvo V70	Year: 2004

Number Potentially Involved: 29,986
Dates of Manufacture: March  - October 2003
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the front control arms may not have been manufactured correctly and, as a result, the stud and nut that secure the arm to the spindle may lose their initial axial tension. Under certain driving conditions, the steering may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play. This driving condition could eventually lead to separation between the front control arm and the spindle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:  Dealers will install a new type of nut. The manufacturer has not yet provided NHTSA with an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V029/Volvo Recall No. R133]



MEDIUM/HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, SCHOOL BUSES AND MOTOR HOMES




Dutchmen Manufacturing, Inc.
Models: Dutchmen Trailer Years:  2001-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 6,172
Dates of Manufacture: June 2000 – November 2003
Defect: On certain travel trailers equipped with Suburban furnaces, the furnace exhaust vent may not be present. When the furnace is in use, carbon monoxide fumes could vent into the trailer, which could result in serious injury or death to the occupants.
Remedy: Owners and dealers will inspect for the presence of the exhaust vent and for hot exhaust air escaping from the furnace exhaust. If the vent is missing, the dealers will install a vent. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Dutchmen at 1-219-534-1224.

[NHTSA Recall No. 04V015]

IC Corporation
Models: AmTran FE Years:  1992-2004
Number Potentially Involved: 7,321
Dates of Manufacture: October 1991 – November 2003
Defect: On certain school buses, a gap between the modesty panel and the wheel well located behind the driver’s seat can occur if the panel is bent out of position. Under the panel, the edges are sharp and jagged. Should someone reach under the panel, they could cut their hands, fingers, or toes on the jagged edges.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the panel. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began on January 20, 2004. Owners may contact IC at 1-800-993-7686.


[NHTSA Recall No. 04V010/IC Recall No. 03306]

International Truck & Engine Corporation
Models: International IC Year:  2003
Number Potentially Involved: 2,546
Dates of Manufacture: March – October 2003
Defect: An incorrect brake pedal was installed on certain school buses, leading to misalignment. Misalignment, in conjunction with a force-actuated brake switch, can cause delayed brake light activation during light braking applications. In some light braking situations, the vehicle can come to a complete stop without activation of the brake lights. If the brake lights do not activate properly under normal driving conditions, it could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the incorrect brake pedal with the correct version. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact International at 1-800-448-7825.


[NHTSA Recall No. 04V011/International Recall No. 03518]

Monaco Corporation

Models:	Holiday Rambler Ambassador	Years: 2002-2004
	Holiday Rambler Neptune	Years: 2002-2003
	Monaco Knight	Years: 2002-2004
	Safari Cheetah	Years: 2003-2004
	Monaco Socialite	Years: 2002
	Safari Sahara	Year: 2004
	Number Potentially Involved: 2,099

Defect: On certain motor homes, the I-beam leaf imitator in the front axle suspension could crack and break due to inadequate welding. The I-beams on the front axle and the bracket on the rear axle could also crack and break. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the original I-beam and weld stiffeners from the bracket to the center differential of the rear axle housing. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification was expected to begin during February 2004. Owners may contact Monaco at 1-877-466-6226.
[NHTSA Recall No. 04V038/Monaco Recall No. R03024]

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