April Recalls

Autocar is recalling 682 MY 2007 heavy-duty Class 8 WX, WXR and WXLL trucks. Some of the steering column support bracket fasteners may not be secured to the proper tightness. Excessive play in the steering could cause the driver to lose steering control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 21, 2007. 07V-184

BMW is recalling 225 MY 2007 6-Series passenger vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, 'Occupant Crash Protection.' The front passenger seat has a sensing system that detects if the seat is occupied. This sensing is programmed to detect if a small adult or certain child restraint seats occupy the seat. Placing certain child seats on the front passenger seat is designed to result in the automatic deactivation of the front seat passenger's air bag. In some cases, the sensing system may misinterpret a properly seated small adult as one of these specific child seats, resulting in deactivation of the front passenger air bag when the air bag might be beneficial for the adult, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will replace the front passenger seat sensor. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-178

BMW is recalling 305 MY 2006-2007 F650 GS and F650 GS Dakar motorcycles. The weld between the side stand and the frame bottom section was not positioned properly. The load bearing capability of the side stand is affected. As a result, the side stand could fail. If this occurred when the motorcycle was parked, the motorcycle could fall to the ground and injure a person sitting on the motorcycle or a person nearby. Dealers will install a new frame bottom section free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-151

DaimlerChrysler is recalling 38,447 MY 2005-2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser passenger vehicles. The rear quarter glass attaching fasteners may pull through their mounts and allow the glass to separate from the vehicle. If the glass separates while driving, it could strike another vehicle or injure a pedestrian. Dealers will replace the rear quarter glass. The recall began on April 30, 2007. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA07-004, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-149

Ducati is recalling 119 MY 2007 Model 1098 motorcycles. The horizontal cylinder head fitting to the thermostat produced a coolant leakage. Coolant leakage over the rear suspension and wheel could cause a crash. The thermostat hose and relative couplings have been replaced. All motorcycles were corrected before retail delivery to customers. 07V-175

Ducati is recalling 2 MY 2007 Model 1098 motorcycles. The horizontal and vertical cylinders mobile timing belt tensioner is dimensionally incorrect. The mobile tensioner can come into contact with the timing belt cover, which could cause the timing belt to fail and consequently stop the engine increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the existing mobile timing belt tensioner using updated components. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-176

Eton America is recalling 1,008 MY 2005 Beamer II and Beamer Matrix scooters. The rear wheel assembly can develop stress cracks in the area around where the brake drum is attached. If the wheel is not replaced the wheel could continue to crack until the brake drum detaches from the wheel or the wheel hub separates from the wheel rim, losing control or braking to the units rear wheel increasing the risk of a crash and personal injuries. Dealers will replace the entire rear wheel assembly free of charge. The recall began on March 25, 2007. 07V-162

Extreme Engineering is recalling 411 MY 2007 boat trailers. The castings holding the bolts on the hitch assembly for the swing-away tongue may break. This could cause the trailer coupler to detach from the trailer, which could result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Dealers will install an upgraded 'Stainless Steel 4 Plate Enhancement Assembly' free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-170

EZ Loader Custom Boat Trailers is recalling 3,600 MY 2006-2007 Glastron, Larson, Skeeter, Crestliner, Imar, Azzure, Progator, Charger, Starcraft, Seaswirls, Lund, Almacraft, Mariah, Kal Kustom, Legend, Regal, Shoal Runner, and Vectra boat trailers which utilize a "swing-tongue" assembly, in which the tongue of the trailer swings on a pivot to allow the trailer to be stored in a smaller area. A flat washer was omitted or the flat washer can fail, causing the pivot bolt assembly to fall through the swing tongue assembly. If the pivot bolt assembly fails, the tongue is likely to swing open and collapse. If this occurs while the trailer is underway, this could result in a crash without prior warning. Owners will be provided with a hardware kit and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 7, 2007. 07V-187

Ford is recalling 11 MY 2007 Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac vehicles. The two bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the frame may have been over-tightened. This condition could result in one or both of the bolts fracturing, causing the steering gear to become loose. This condition could cause a "clunking" noise when steering as well as decreased steering effectiveness potentially resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace both the steering gear assembly mounting bolts and nuts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 5, 2007. 07V-181

Ford is recalling 446,460 MY 2001-2004 Escape sport utility vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS). The ABS module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short. An electrical short might cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, and in some cases, the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is being operated. Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the ABS module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began on April 23, 2007. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-048, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-156

Ford is recalling 630 MY 2007 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "Passenger Car Brake Systems." The front and rear right side brake lines may be reversed at theABS hydraulic control unit. The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake line connections and the hydraulic control unit and reposition them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 3, 2007. 07V-183

Freightliner is recalling 200 MY 2006-2007 Business Class M2, Century, and Columbia trucks built with front axles assembled by ArvinMeritor. The front spindle nut may be over-tightened causing preload on the front wheel bearings, which could lead to premature bearing wear. If rapid bearing wear is allowed to progress, the front wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the front hub installation for correct bearing adjustment. If the bearing adjustment is incorrect, the front wheel bearings will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin on or about May 18, 2007. 07V-169

Gem State is recalling 900 MY 2005-2006 T-10-UT and T-12-UT double-axle utility trailers. There may be a defect in the axle end components. This defect could result in a wheel end separation, where the trailer wheel and hub physically separate from the trailer, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and either repair or replace the affected trailer parts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-177

GM is recalling 67 MY 2007 Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick trucks. The rear drive axle housing was manufactured with steel below the specified thickness and, as a result, it could develop a crack. If a crack develops and is not detected and repaired, the outboard end of the housing could eventually separate, allowing the hub, axle shaft, or wheel and brake assembly to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the axle free of charge. The recall began on April 12, 2007. 07V-154

Harley-Davidson is recalling 52,240 MY 2007 FLSTC, FLSTC Shrine, FLSTF, FLSTF Shrine, FLSTN, FLSTSC, FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FXSTD, and FXSTSEE Softail motorcycles. These motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. This may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines. This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider. Dealers will install a battery caddy that will protect the cable and ensure proper cable routing. This recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-173

International is recalling 700 MY 2007-2008 7600, 8600, 9200I, 9400I, 9900I and ProStar trucks equipped with Davco Fuel Pro 382 heated fuel filters. When the key is in the 'ON' position, the pre-heater, located in the fuel filter base, is energized. If this pre-heater is energized while maintenance is being performed on the fuel filter, diesel fuel could ignite within the filter housing. A fire within the fuel filter housing may spread possibly resulting in property damage or personal injury. Dealers will inspect the fuel filters and fuel heaters and, if necessary, will replace the fuel heater. The recall is expected to begin on or about June 7, 2007. 07V-180

International is recalling 1,172 MY 2007-2008 4200, 4300, 4400, 7300, 7400, 7500, 8500, 8600, 9200I, 9400I, 9900I, and ProStar trucks. One or both rear axle housings may contain thinner material than what is necessary for normal vehicle operation. Over time, this thinner material may result in a fatigue failure of the rear axle housing, possibly in the location of the brake flange. A crack in the brake flange location of the rear axle housing may result in a wheel end lockup or wheel separation possibly resulting in property damage, personal injury, or death. Dealers will inspect the vehicle's rear axles and, if necessary, replace the axle housings. The recall is expected to begin on or about June 7, 2007. 07V-179

Jayco is recalling 375 MY 2007 Designer, Eagle and Recon fifth wheel travel trailers for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, 'Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars.' The Federal identification label contains the incorrect tire load range and inflation pressures. This standard specifies tire and rim selection requirements and rim marking requirements. The incorrect label will be removed and a new correct label will be installed. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-185

Keystone RV is recalling 150 MY 2007 Montana fifth wheel trailers. The tail light sockets may not maintain contact with the bulb. The taillights may not function reliably. Failure to remedy this situation may result in an increased risk of a rear end collision while driving due to other drivers not being warned on stopping or turning. Dealers will inspect the tail light sockets and replace them free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-164

KIA is recalling 35,090 MY 2002 Sportage vehicles. The heat generated by the engine causes repeated bending deformation of the polypropylene cooling fan including its retaining ring, which stresses the polypropylene thereby initiating cracking of the blades. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the blades can cause the cracks to propagate until complete separation occurs. Separation of the fan blade(s) can create a risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the engine-cooling fan with a fan made of improved material. The recall is expected to begin during June 2007. This recall was the subject of an Engineering Analysis, EA07-001, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-161

Mack is recalling 9,102 MY 2007 CH, CHN, CX, and CXN trucks that were previously recalled for the installation of sleeves on the fuel injection line as required by safety recall SC0317 (NHTSA Recall No. 06V392). There is a possibility that the new sleeves may chafe the fuel injection line. There is the possibility that the new sleeves may chafe the fuel injection line. This could compromise the fuel injection line over time which could possibly result in an engine fire. Dealers will remove the protective sleeves on all fuel injection lines free of charge. This recall began on April 19, 2007. 07V-159

Mazda is recalling 95,300 MY 2001-2004 Tribute vehicles equipped with antilock brakes (ABS). The ABS module connector may have missing or dislodged wire seals. This condition could allow contamination to enter the module connector, creating a potential for an electrical short. An electrical short might cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, and in some cases, the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition could occur either when the vehicle ignition switch is in the off position or while the vehicle is being operated. Dealers will inspect the wire harness connector to the ABS module for missing or dislodged wire seals, and repair or replace the harness connector as appropriate. The dealer will also inspect the connector on the ABS module and replace it if it is found to be corroded or damaged. The recall began on April 30, 2007. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-048, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation.
07V-157

NABI is recalling 846 MY 1993-1996 Model 416 and 436 transit buses equipped with Lift-U wheelchair lifts. It is possible for a person to wedge their feet under the solid bar barrier linkage. While sitting in a wheelchair, a person with no shoes who does not have control of their feet could twist their feet and get them forced under the linkage which could result in an injury. Lift-U is conducting this recall (please see 06E-093). Owners will receive a free repair kit along with installation instructions free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2007. 07V-172

Nissan is recalling 35,775 MY 2004 Titan crew cab trucks. The seat back shape, unique to the crew cab model, may be such that there may not be sufficient webbing on the retractor spool for the rear center seat belt to release from the automatic locking mode (ALR) after it is engaged and the seat belt is retracted. If this occurs, there may be difficulty in pulling the seat belt out of the retractor thus preventing its usage. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury. Dealers will replace the rear center seat belt with a new one free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 11, 2007. 07V-150

Paccar is recalling 306 MY 2007-2008 Kenworth T600, T800, W900, and Peterbilt Models 365, 367, 379, and 386 trucks. If the ignition switch is turned on prior to initial startup in the manufacturing plant or during the filter replacement in the field, a small flame will ignite when the fuel is added to prime the system. The possibility exists for the flame to spread resulting in possible equipment damage or physical injury. Dealers will inspect the filter for the date codes of the suspect filters and replace those heating elements free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-153

Paccar is recalling 302 MY 2008 Kenworth T800 and W900 trucks. Certain trucks were built with Behr hood safety cables that were installed incorrectly and are too long. The cables can cause the hood to fall too far, potentially injuring someone working in the engine compartment. Dealers will inspect and replace any cables that are long free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-165

Polar is recalling 96 MY 2002-2005 APX9-1000 and APX9-1200 pneumatic trailers equipped with optional aluminum front-end frames. A crack can develop near a weld in the front-end frame. Over time, the crack can propagate through one of the front frame rails eventually causing failure of the rail, which would result in excessive deflection of the front frame, and possibly result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and repair the cracked frames or replace the frame if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-158

Saleen is recalling 163 MY 2007 S331 3V and S331 SC extended cab, 5-passenger sport trucks fitted with a brake upgrade. The wheel bearing C-clip may have been improperly installed. The wheel hub can become loose in the spindle and will force the rotor to contact the brake pad. The bracket holding on the brake caliper could potentially fail, resulting in the rotating assembly (wheel, tire, hub and rotor) to separate from the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. There will be two repair options available to dealers and customers: (1) Saleen will supply a pair of new replacement front wheel hubs with bearing assemblies, including hardware, complete installation instructions and technical support. The replacements will be completed by authorized Ford dealers; or, (2) Saleen will send a technician out to a dealership to inspect all affected vehicles on the lot at that time. The technician will inspect both hubs and perform one of three remedies: (a) inspect and verify the C-clips are installed correctly; (b) rework the hubs to meet the revised tolerance; or (c) after inspecting hubs and determining they cannot be reworked, replace the hubs with new hubs. The recall began on May 2, 2007. 07V-188

Suzuki is recalling 12,331 MY 2006-2007 VZR1800 motorcycles. The fuel hose that connects the two metal fuel delivery pipes mounted on the throttle body may have been clamped at a location on the pipes that is not completely round, which could allow fuel leakage to occur. In the presence of an ignition source, leaked fuel can cause a fire, presenting the risk of injury or death. Dealers will replace the fuel delivery pipe assembly free of charge. The recall began on April 6, 2007. 07V-148

Teton Homes is recalling 7 MY 2007 Laramie Tradition and Denver III Prestige fifth wheel trailers equipped with Hickory Springs "Big Easy Triple Steps." An improper engagement of the bottom step pivot arm with the formed stop edge of the middle step support bracket can result in the bottom step rotating to an unsafe downward angle. A person could be injured should the step give way while being used to enter or exit the trailer. Dealers will inspect the trailers for the manufacturing date sticker to verify the date of production of the step and, if necessary, will weld stock to each side of the lower (triple) step stop edges. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-171

Tiffin is recalling 95 MY 2007 Allegro motor homes. The television (TV) is not secured sufficiently and could fall out when the motor home is moving, increasing the risk of personal injury to vehicle occupants. Dealers will screw the TV into the cabinet securely free of charge. The recall began on April 2, 2007. 07V-160

TL Industries is recalling 653 MY 1999-2003 travel trailers equipped with two-door refrigerators manufactured by the Dometic Corporation. These refrigerators may have a defect in certain tubing in the refrigerator, which could allow pressurized flammable coolant solution to be released into an area where an ignition source (gas flame) is present. This could result in a fire. TL Industries will be working with Dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (please see 06E076). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing secondary burner housing and protective thermal fuses free of charge. Dometic has retained Stericycle Inc. to manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist owners in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. 07V-166

U.S. Bus is recalling 106 MY 2000-2006 Sturdibus, Sturdivan, and Universe school buses for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." The wall and floor mounting bolts can pull through the supporting steel in the event of a crash failing to retain the seat, allowing the passenger to be thrown forward causing personal injuries. U.S. Bus will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2007. This recall was the subject of an investigation, PE-222-070329, conducted by the Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance. 07V-155

U.S. Bus is recalling 25 MY 2006 Sturdibus and Universe school buses equipped with Ricon 2000 and 5000 Series wheel chair lifts for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 404, "Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles." The interlock switch system in the lift may not detect the presence of a passenger (either wheelchair or standee) on the Ricon wheelchair platform lift. In the event this condition occurs during passenger operations it may be possible for the wheelchair to tip backwards onto the platform when the platform was lowered. This could result in injury to the wheelchair's occupant. Also, anyone standing on the platform could lose his or her balance and fall, resulting in injury. U.S. Bus is working with Ricon to repair the buses free of charge (please see 06E101). The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-167

Van Hool is recalling 450 MY 2004-2007 T2145 and C2045 motor coaches equipped with ZF/Arens AS Tronic shift selectors. A cell phone placed in the proximity of the shifter touch pad could cause the display to change from "R" (reverse) to "D" (drive) should the phone receive a call. This interference can cause improper shifting of the transmission, as forward gear can be engaged from neutral only, if the vehicle has been stopped, and if the brake pedal has been depressed. If the malfunction occurs while 'R' (reverse) is being selected, the shifter may possibly change to 'D' (drive), increasing the risk of a crash. Van Hool is working with ZF/Arens to develop a more effective remedy for this campaign. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-186

Vantage Mobility International is recalling 742 MY 2004-2006 Ford Freestar Conversion and Summit minivans. The brake lines may have been routed incorrectly. The brake lines can make contact and chafe on the stabilizer bar. If this happens, the lines could wear through causing partial or full loss of braking ability due to a loss of brake fluid, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake lines to make sure the routing is correct. If no chafing is found, the brake lines will be secured to the vehicle chassis. If the brake lines are worn, the lines will be replaced. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. 07V-168

Volvo is recalling 1,681 MY 2001-2002 S60 passenger vehicles, originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Arizona and Nevada. Due to the combination of fuel quality and climate conditions, the fuel pump may, in certain cases, experience a reduced functionality. The most common symptoms would be fuel odor. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2007. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-063, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-152

Winnebago is recalling 1,582 MY 2006 View and Itasca Navion motor homes. The exterior slideout storage drawer can inadvertently slide out during normal highway operation. This could impact nearby persons or objects resulting in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage. Dealers will install a secondary catch on these motor homes. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. This recall was the subject of a Preliminary Evaluation, PE06-058, conducted by the Office of Defects Investigation. 07V-163

Yamaha is recalling 8,500 MY 2006 XV19 motorcycles equipped with a windshield. The throttle cable can kink at the guide bracket located at the steering head when the handlebar is turned all the way to the left. In this position, a kinked cable can cause the throttle to stick or bind, possibly failing to return to idle. A stuck throttle would result in unexpected engine power, which could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the guide bracket with a new one that has an additional guide to prevent the throttle cables from kinking. The recall began on April 19, 2007. 07V-147