FindLaw | Find a Lawyer. Find Answers.
Are you a legal Professional?
| Featured Legal Services | |
|
1-866-728-9656
|
|
NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF FEBRUARY RECALLS
February 1996
VEHICLES
Blue Bird Body Company
Model(s):
| Blue Bird All American | Year(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.
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 Neon | Year(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 Explorer | Year(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, SW2 | Year(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 S10 | Year(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 Navajo | Year(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 Pathfinder | Year(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 Pathfinder | Year(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 505 | Year(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 Camry | Year(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 Cabriolet | Year(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 Suncruiser | Year: 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.
New Flyer Industries
Model(s):
| New Flyer D40lF | Year(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:
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.
Models:
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:
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.
Models:
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.
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 ACL Year: 1995 WhiteGMC FE Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WAH Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WCA Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WG Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WHL Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WHR Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WIA Year: 1995 WhiteGMC WX Year: 1995
Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corp.
Volvo ACL Year: 1996 Volvo FE Year: 1996 Volvo WCA Year: 1996 Volvo WG Year: 1996 Volvo WHL Year: 1996 Volvo WIA Year: 1996
Western Star Conventional Year: 1995
Western Star Trucks, Inc.
Western Star Conventional
Years: 1988 - 1995
American Honda Motor Co.
Model(s):
| Honda CBR1000F | Year(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 YZF600RGC | Year: 1995 |
| Yamaha YZF600RH | Year: 1996 |
| Yamaha YZF600RHC | Year: 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.
FAQs
- I was injured because of a brake defect in a used car I bought. May I recover from the dealer?
- May the law help me if I bought a product on credit that is defective or not provided, or if there is a billing error or if the merchant has breached a contract with me?
- Our neighbors have a vicious watchdog. We are scared to death that the dog will bite one of our children, who often wander into the neighbor's yard. What can we do?
- We live near a site where a gasoline company stores its flammable liquids. Would we be able to recover damages if an accident were to occur?
- A disclaimer that came with the lawn mower said the manufacturer did not warranty it in any way. Will that defeat our claim?
| Featured Legal Services | |
|
1-800-233-4086
|
|
Free, easy & confidential LegalConnection.
Fast and friendly legal document service from LegalZoom, the #1 online legal document service
Download more than 50,000 state-specific legal forms. Real estate documents, power of attorney forms, wills, employment contracts, divorce and separation agreements and much more.
Legal Ace.com offers turn key legal documents at affordable prices for business law, incorporations, trademarks, copyrights, wills, divorce and more.