NHTSA PUBLISHES LIST OF JUNE RECALLS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in June and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly. The 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, 70 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 (800) 424-9393, or (202) 366- 0123 in the Washington, D.C. area. The Hotline also can be used to report safety problems.

VEHICLES:

CARS, VANS, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES

American Honda Motor Company

Models:

Number Involved: 873
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V092002
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The left front brake lines were installed improperly at the assembly line, resulting in insufficient clearance between the brake line and an upper control arm of the suspension.
Consequence of Defect: The line can be damaged during vehicle operation and can result in brake fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and increased stopping distances.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the brake line and the upper control arm. If the clearance is not according to specifications, the brake line will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 29, 1997.
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 Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Chrysler Corporation

Models:

Number Involved: 219,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1996 - April 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V095 Chrysler Campaign No. 734
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The secondary hood latch spring can disengage from its retention hole if the hood is slammed shut.
Consequence of Defect: If this condition occurs simultaneously without engaging the primary latch, the hood would not be restrained increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the secondary hood latch spring with a longer end hook spring.
Owner Notification: Chrysler has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.
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

Models:

Number Involved: 100,000
Dates of Manufacture: November 1996 - March 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V097 Ford Campaign No. 97S75
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles and minivans.
Description of Defect: The low/intermediate servo cover can separate from the transaxle while the vehicle is being driven. If this occurs, transmission fluid will leak and contact the catalytic converter.
Consequence of Defect: The catalytic converter temperature may be hot enough to ignite the transmission fluid and cause a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the transmission and replace the servo cover.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 30, 1997.
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 Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 475,000
Dates of Manufacture: Not available
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V096 GM Campaign No. 97033
Vehicle Description: Extended cab pickup trucks equipped with 60/40 front bench seats and extended cab pickup trucks and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with manual locking recliner bucket seats.
Description of Defect: The outboard safety belt webbing on the driver's and/or passenger's seat can separate during a frontal impact.
Consequence of Defect: If a separation occurred and there were secondary crash events or vehicle rollover, there would be no belt restraint of the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace these safety belts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin in September 1997.
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.

General Motors Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 4,369
Dates of Manufacture: September 1996 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V104 GM Campaign No. 97031
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Noncompliance: The seat belts in these vehicles incorporate an energy management loop. This loop is inadequate to absorb the forces that can be exerted on it. Therefore, the vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, the energy management loop will not absorb enough energy, and injury to the seat occupant can occur.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the driver and passenger side seat belt retractor assemblies.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin in July 1997.
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.

General Motors Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 3,792
Dates of Manufacture: September 1996 - April 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V105 GM Campaign No. 97030
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: These vehicles have a torn fuel tank sending unit pump seal. This can cause fuel odor and/or leakage at the attachment location.
Consequence of Defect: Fuel leakage from a torn seal can result in a fire if an ignition source is present.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the left and right hand fuel tank assemblies (including fuel sending unit and pump).
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
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.

General Motors Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 652
Dates of Manufacture: April 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V106 GM Campaign No. 97029
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles. Description of Noncompliance: The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is under inflated, the bead can separate from the rim, causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." Consequence of Noncompliance: A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. Owners should not use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin in July 1997.
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 Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.

General Motors Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 16,099
Dates of Manufacture: January - April 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V107 GM Campaign No. 97035
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The fasteners that secure the passenger side air bag module to the instrument panel tie bar were omitted.
Consequence of Defect: If the air bag deploys, the module could separate from the instrument panel striking and injuring an occupant.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the air bag module for the presence of the fasteners and, if necessary, install any fasteners that were omitted.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
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.

Glaval Corporation

Model:

Number Involved: 84
Dates of Manufacture: December 1995 - June 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V098
Vehicle Description: Conversion vans equipped with Tipan 15- x 7-inch wheels.
Description of Defect: There is inadequate thread engagement on the wheels when installed on these vans.
Consequence of Defect: Improper tightening of these wheels can, over time, cause excessive loosening of the lug nuts, fracture of the lug studs and separation of the wheel from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: These wheels will be replaced with wheels having a deepened lug nut seat and appropriate lug nuts to ensure adequate thread engagement.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began July 1, 1997.
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 Glaval at 1-800-348-3708.

Isuzu Motor, Limited

Models:

Number Involved: 6,667
Dates of Manufacture: February - June 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V092001
Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The left front brake lines were installed improperly at the assembly line, resulting in insufficient clearance between the brake line and an upper control arm of the suspension.
Consequence of Defect: The line can be damaged during vehicle operation and can result in brake fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and increased stopping distances.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the brake line and the upper control arm. If the clearance is not according to specifications, the brake line will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 29, 1997.
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 Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Suzuki Motor Corporation

Models:

Number Involved: 2,935
Dates of Manufacture: June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V093
Vehicle Description: Motorcycles.
Description of Defect: Front wheel movement and rapid side-to-side handlebar movement can occur when the front wheel is lightly loaded and hits a bump.
Consequence of Defect: This movement can reduce the driver's ability to control the motorcycle, resulting in a loss of control and a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a steering damper kit on these vehicles, which is designed to reduce front wheel oscillation and eliminate side-to-side handlebar movement.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 9, 1997.
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 Suzuki at 1-800-255-2550.

SCHOOL BUSES, HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS, TRAILERS, AND MOTOR HOMES

HPA Monon Trailer, Inc.

Models:

Number Involved: 39
Dates of Manufacture: May - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V101
Vehicle Description: Trailer converter dollies.
Description of Defect: An air line was connected to an incorrect port in the air valve, causing the parking brake to be inoperative.
Consequence of Defect: The parking brake on the converter dolly and the parking brake on the trailer being towed will be inoperative, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install the air line and correct the air line connection if necessary.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 12, 1997.
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 HPA Monon at 1-800-231- 6413.

Monaco Coach Corporation

Models:

Number Involved: 1,329
Dates of Manufacture: July 1992 - September 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V094
Vehicle Description: Class A motor homes.
Description of Defect: The two front frame towers, used to mount the front axle control arms to the vehicle, can develop fatigue cracks or fractures.
Consequence of Defect: A complete fracture of a frame tower can cause a loss of steering control and potentially result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the welds on both frame towers and repair if necessary. A gusset reinforcement will be added to strengthen the maximum stress point of each frame tower.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 20, 1997.
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 Monaco at 1-800-283-0869.

New Flyer Industries, Inc.

Models:

Number Involved: 218
Dates of Manufacture: January - June 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V103
Vehicle Description: Transit buses.
Description of Defect: The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) module can overheat and shut down after as little as 45 minutes of high beam use. This will cause total headlamp failure of both high and low beams.
Consequence of Defect: If the DRL module overheats and the headlamps go out, there is an increased risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Owners will be provided with detailed repair instructions and new DRL modules.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during June 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free detailed repair instructions and new modules within a reasonable time should contact New Flyer at 1-204-224-1251, ext. 351.

Prevost Car, Incorporated

Models:

Number Involved: 577
Dates of Manufacture: July 1996 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V102 Prevost Campaign No. 97-14
Vehicle Description: Transit buses.
Description of Defect: The emergency exit windows have been built without the locking mechanism of the upper hinge.
Consequence of Defect: The windows can separate from the vehicle when opened to a 90-degree angle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install stopper blocks so the windows can not be opened to a 90 degree angle.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 2, 1997.
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 Prevost at 1-418-883-3391.

Prevost Car, Incorporated

Models:

Number Involved: 1,245
Dates of Manufacture: Not available.
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V100 Prevost Campaign No. 97-08
Vehicle Description: Transit buses.
Description of Defect: The rear suspension forward radius rod support needs reinforcement, and the radius rod retaining bolts could become loose.
Consequence of Defect: If the rod supports fractured, separation could occur, increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action: Dealers will add additional reinforcement plates and check the bolts for tightness, and, if necessary, retighten these bolts.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began May 16, 1997.
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 Prevost at 1-418-883-3391.

Thomas Built Buses, Inc.

Model:

Number Involved: Not yet available
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995 - June 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V099
Vehicle Description: School and transit buses equipped with Cummins 6B engines and Delco alternators.
Description of Defect: The battery cable routing allows the cable to contact the exhaust manifold.
Consequence of Defect: If the cable contacts the exhaust manifold, the engine could stall and an electrical short could cause a vehicle fire.
Corrective Action: Thomas Built will provide owners with repair parts and detailed repair procedures.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free repair parts and detailed repair procedure within a reasonable time should contact Thomas Built at 1-910-889-4871.

EQUIPMENT

Am-Safe, Incorporated
Brands:

Number Involved: 2,256
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E018 Equipment Description: Type 2 safety belts used on Class A motor homes.
Description of Defect: The front seat belt retractor located next to the driver and passenger seats will not allow the belt to be extended so that it can be used.
Consequence of Defect: Occupants cannot use their seat belts. In the event of a vehicle crash, they would not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install new seat belt assemblies in these vehicles.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free replacement seat belts within a reasonable time should contact Am-Safe at 1-219-266-8330.

Boyds Wheels
Brands:

Number Involved: 1,051
Dates of Manufacture: January - October 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E016 Equipment Description: Omega Series Dualie Aluminum wheel, an aftermarket wheel for use on Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet dual wheel pickup trucks.
Description of Defect: These wheels can crack where the bolt pattern meets the center bore.
Consequence of Defect: This condition can result in loss of vehicle control.
Corrective Action: Boyds Wheels will offer a full refund for these wheels, including any costs associated with the installation, labor, mounting, and balancing of the replacement wheels and vehicle towing.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began May 19, 1997.
Note: Owners who return these wheels and do not receive the free replacement wheels within a reasonable time should contact Boyds Wheels at 1-714-952-4038.

Webb Wheel Products, Incorporated
Brands:

Number Involved: 4,982
Dates of Manufacture: January 1982 - November 1984
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E021 Equipment Description: Steering axle hubs for use on trucks and tractors, Part Numbers Webb 1530, Volvo 90402-0006, or Eaton F1960.
Description of Defect: These hubs were sold to, and installed on, new vehicles manufactured by Volvo GM Heavy Truck Corporation. The steering axle hub flange can fracture and separate from the barrel portion of the hub.
Consequence of Defect: Loss of steering can occur and the wheel can separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or property damage.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the hub for cracks on the outside or inside of the hub flange and replace these hubs.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began June 30, 1997.
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 Webb Wheel at 1-800-633- 3256.CHILD SAFETY SEATS

Evenflo Company, Incorporated
Brands:

Number Involved: 150,195
Dates of Manufacture: October 1996 - February 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E019 Equipment Description: Child restraint seats, model numbers beginning with 219, 224, 225, and 229 manufactured from Oct. 14, 1996, through Feb. 6, 1997. Description of Noncompliance: These seats do not comply with FMVSS No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems," which limits head excursion due to slippage of the restraining harness. Consequence of Noncompliance: Slippage of the harness webbing can occur which can result in loosening of the harness straps during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective Action: Evenflo will provide a harness adjuster retrofit kit and detailed instructions to owners.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free retrofit kit within a reasonable time should contact Evenflo at 1-800-490-7497.

Evenflo Company, Incorporated
Brands:

Number Involved: 21,677
Dates of Manufacture: April 1996 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97E020 Equipment Description: Sidekick child booster seats, model numbers beginning with 244, manufactured from April 23, 1996, through May 20, 1997. Description of Noncompliance: These seats do not comply with FMVSS No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems," which limits head injury criteria. In recent tests on some of these booster seats, the head injury criteria result, which shows potential for head injury, was more than allowed by this standard. Consequence of Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, there is a risk of injury to the seat occupant.
Corrective Action: Evenflo will provide a replacement shield and detailed replacement instructions to owners. In the meantime, owners should use the Sidekick booster seat without its front shield if the child is between 40-60 pounds and only in vehicles equipped with a three point lap/shoulder seat belt system.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
Note: Owners who do not receive the free retrofit kit within a reasonable time should contact Evenflo at 1-800-490-7497.