Weekly NHTSA defects investigations/watch outs

[notyard]

I'm starting a new thread for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defects investigations for automobiles and automobile related products. I will post at the end of the week, so the entire week's worth of investigations end up grouped together for ease of finding them. Some of the defects investigations lead to new recalls, expanded recalls, or turn out not to be a widespread defect at all--they serve as a heads up on potential problems. But, if you find an item you've had a similar problem with a vehicle, part, or car seat on the list, file a complaint with the manufacturer and with the NHTSA.

To file a complaint with the NHTSA concerning automobiles, automobile parts, tires, wheels, and child seats, start at this page on their website:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Moderators, could you please sticky this thread? Thanks.

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Nothing for ordinary vehicles, car seats, tires, but an investigation for Kenworth semi trucks:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08011
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KENWORTH / C500 2006
KENWORTH / T2000 2006
KENWORTH / T300 2006
KENWORTH / T600 2006
KENWORTH / T800 2006
KENWORTH / W900 2006
Manufacturer : PACCAR INCORPORATED
Component : TRAILER HITCHES:FIFTH WHEEL ASSEMBLY
Date Investigation Opened : February 8, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
MY 2006 KENWORTH C500, K100, T200-800, W900 TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE 5TH WHEEL APPLICATION FOR PULLING TRAILERS HAVE A TRAILER LIGHT CABLE PLUG THAT ALLOWS THE UMBILICAL CORD CONNECTION FROM THE TRAILER TO BE PLUGGED IN. IF THIS PLUG BECOMES LOOSE OR DETACHES, THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF TRAILER LIGHTS. PER KENWORTH'S TRUCK BULLETIN #34-31, A SUPPORT BRACKET HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE UNDER A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE TRAILER LIGHT CABLE PLUG AND PREVENT DISCONNECTIONS. A LOSS OF TRAILER LIGHTING MAY HAVE AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON THE TRAILER'S VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AT NIGHT. OF PARTICULAR CONCERN WOULD BE THE RESULTING LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHTS. ODI INTENDS TO EXAMINE THIS MATTER AND TO DETERMINE ANY REPORTED FIELD SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS

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2004 and 2005 Chevrolet Aveo:

NHTSA Action Number : EA08005
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years: CHEVROLET / AVEO 2004-2005
Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Component : VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Date Investigation Opened : February 14, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ON OCTOBER 19, 2007, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE07-051) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STUCK THROTTLE INCIDENTS DUE TO ICE FORMATION WITHIN THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE TRACT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2005 CHEVROLET AVEO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR SALE OR LEASE IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS INVESTIGATION WAS PROMPTED BY A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (05F-069) CONDUCTED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) INVOLVING SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FOR SALE OR LEASE IN CANADA. AT THAT TIME, GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #05-06-04-065) TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IN U.S. VEHICLES. GM SUBSEQUENTLY REVISED THE CANADIAN RECALL CAMPAIGN TO INCLUDE MORE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AFTER IT DISCOVERED CERTAIN VEHICLES WERE NOT PROPERLY SERVICED UNDER THE ORIGINAL RECALL CAMPAIGN. GM REVISED THE CANADIAN RECALL CAMPAIGN A SECOND TIME TO INCLUDE MORE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE BODY, INTAKE MANIFOLD, POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS TO FURTHER REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ICING WITHIN THE ENGINE AIR INTAKE TRACT. AGAIN, GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB #08-06-04-009) TO ADDRESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IN U.S. VEHICLES USING THE REVISED PROCEDURE. ODI IS AWARE OF 28 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS/FIELD REPORTS AND 46 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT AFFECTING 63 UNIQUE SUBJECT VEHICLES. THE ALLEGED DEFECT CONDITION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING. HOWEVER, THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN GM'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 2, 2007, DOES NOT CAPTURE EVENTS THAT MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING THE MOST RECENT WINTER MONTHS. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2003 and 2004 Volkwagen Beetle and New Beetle:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08012N/A
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
VOLKSWAGEN / BEETLE 2003-2004
VOLKSWAGEN / NEW BEETLE 2003-2004
Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Component : AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Date Investigation Opened : February 15, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
IN CERTAIN MODEL YEARS 2003 THROUGH 2004 VW NEW BEETLE VEHICLES, THE FRONTAL CRASH SENSOR MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAN REDUCE THE CRASH SENSING ABILITY IN FRONTAL CRASHES. AS A RESULT, FRONTAL PROTECTION MAY BE COMPROMISED IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS. ODI HAS RECEIVED FIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS IDENTIFYING THE CRASH SENSOR AS THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION. VW ALSO HAS PROVIDED EARLY WARNING DATA TO THE AGENCY REGARDING WARRANTY CLAIMS AND FIELD REPORTS ON THE CRASH SENSOR WITHIN THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE) HAS BEEN OPEN TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.

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2007 Chrysler Pacifica & Chrysler Pacifica AWD:

NHTSA Action Number : EA08006
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
CHRYSLER / PACIFICA 2007
CHRYSLER / PACIFICA AWD 2007
Manufacturer : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Component : STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
Date Investigation Opened : February 21, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN CHRYSLER'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S NOVEMBER 2, 2007 INFORMATION REQUEST, CHRYSLER ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OCCURS ONLY IN THE 4.0L ENGINES AND THE CONSUMER WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID OR A NOISY POWER STEERING PUMP BEFORE SEEING ANY EVIDENCE OF SMOKE OR FIRE. CHRYSLER ALSO STATES THAT "A TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CROSS THREADED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AND DID NOT ALLOW PROPER SEALING OF THE O-RING." THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN THE 4.0L ENGINE IS ASSEMBLED AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT. THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE 3.8L ENGINES ARRIVES AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT PRE-ASSEMBLED. CHRYSLER FOUND THAT IN THE 4.0L ENGINE, "IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CROSS-THREAD THE TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE DURING ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING GEAR, THUS CREATING AN IMPROPER SEAL." CHRYSLER IMPLEMENTED ASSEMBLY PLANT PROCESS CHANGES TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING, AND APPLIED ADDITIONAL QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES TO DETECT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS. CHRYSLER STATED THAT "WARRANTY AND FIELD DATA SUGGESTS THAT THESE PROCESS CHANGES HAVE MINIMIZED THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING." WITH REGARD TO THE VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO THE PRODUCTION CHANGE, A REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT DECLINED WITH RESPECT TO THIS POPULATION. ODI IS OPENING THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE ISSUE.

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Cosco 2005 through 2007 Scenera child seat (model 22120):

NHTSA Action Number : PE08013
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
COSCO / 22120 (SCENERA) 2005-2007
Manufacturer : DOREL JUVENILE GROUP
Component : CHILD SEAT: HARNESS
Date Investigation Opened : February 27, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 3 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF DAMAGE TO THE HARNESS WEBBING DUE TO INTERACTION WITH THE SEAT SHELL/FRAME. TWO COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT TWO SHARP RIBS OR EDGES ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT SHELL HAVE ABRADED THE WEBBING. THE OTHER REPORT COMPLAINED THAT THE WEBBING WAS CATCHING ON THE RIBS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT CAUSING THE WEBBING TO STRETCH. THE PROTECTION THE SEAT AFFORDS OCCUPANTS IN A CRASH MAY BE DIMINISHED IF THE WEBBING'S STRENGTH IS REDUCED BY THE DAMAGE

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2000 through 2002 ST models of Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Envoy, GMC Jimmy, Oldsmobile Bravada:

NHTSA Action Number : RQ08001
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
CHEVROLET / BLAZER 2000-2002
GMC / ENVOY 2000-2002
GMC / JIMMY 2000-2002
OLDSMOBILE / BRAVADA 2000-2002
Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Component :
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:UNIT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
Date Investigation Opened : February 28, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2001, GENERAL MOTORS NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL ON 506,377 "ST" VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 1999 TO AUGUST 2001 (NHTSA RECALL NO. 01V-364) TO CORRECT A DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE LOSS OF STOP LAMP AND REAR HAZARD LAMP FUNCTION. THE RECALLED "ST" VEHICLES ARE MY 2000-2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY AND ENVOY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA. ODI HAS RECEIVED 44 COMPLAINTS STATING THAT EITHER THEIR VEHICLES WERE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL SCOPE OF THE RECALL OR THAT THEY HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS COMPLETED ON THEIR VEHICLES BUT THAT THE BRAKE AND HAZARD LAMPS ARE STILL INOPERATIVE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.

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Baby Trend Flex-Loc child seats:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08015
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years: BABY TREND / FLEX-LOC 9999
Manufacturer : BABY TREND INC.,
Component : CHILD SEAT: HARNESS
Date Investigation Opened : March 5, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS RECEIVED TWO REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS ALLEGING MALFUNCTION OF THE HARNESS ADJUSTER MECHANISM IN THEIR BABY TREND FLEX-LOC REAR FACING INFANT SEATS. ONE CONSUMER REPORTS THAT THE HARNESS RELEASE BUTTON FALLS OFF AND THE HARNESS STRAPS DO NOT LOCK IN PLACE. BOTH CONSUMERS HAVE ADVISED ODI THAT THE INTERNAL SPRINGS OF THE HARNESS ADJUSTER MECHANISM HAVE COME OUT OF THE ADJUSTER.

Automobile window glass from Hangzhou Safety Glass/Safelite Fulfillment:

NHTSA Action Number : EQ08004
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HANGZHOU / REPLACEMENT GLASS 9999
Manufacturer : SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC.
Component : VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Date Investigation Opened : March 4, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
SAFELITE FULFILLMENT, INC. SUBMITTED A 573 DEFECT AND NONCOMPLIANCE INFORMATION REPORT ON 11/19/2007 REGARDING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT REAR WINDOW GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS CO., LTD. SAFELITE DISCOVERED THAT THREE DOT 430 PART NUMBERS DIFFERED IN COLOR AND OTHER NON-STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS WHICH COULD CAUSE THE TEMPERED GLASS TO BREAK INTO LARGER PIECES THAN CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE. LARGE SHARDS OF GLASS POSE A SAFETY RISK TO OCCUPANTS INSIDE A MOTOR VEHICLE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING OPENED TO ASSES WHY THE MANUFACTURER, HANGHOU SAFETY GLASS CO., AND THE REGISTERED IMPORTER, WHOLESALE GLASS AUTOMOTIVE, HAVE FAILED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS REPLACEMENT GLASS. RMD WILL CONTACT THESE PARTIES TO REQUEST A LIST OF PURCHASERS AND LEARN THE MANUFACTURER'S/IMPORTER'S DETERMINATION REGARDING A SAFETY RISK.

2002 and 2003 Mitsubishi Galant:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08014
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years: MITSUBISHI / GALANT 2002-2003
Manufacturer : MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VISIBILITY
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Date Investigation Opened : March 4, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE MELTED THE DOOR PANEL, THE POWER DOOR LOCK AND THE POWER WINDOW CONTROLS. THE WINDOWS AND THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED DURING THE FIRE. ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGED SECOND DEGREE BURNS ON THE RIGHT LEG AND A SPRAINED ANKLE SUSTAINED WHILE TRYING TO BREAK OUT THE WINDOW TO EXIT THE BURNING VEHICLE. THE AGENCY HAS RECEIVED FIVE REPORTS INVOLVING FOUR UNIQUE INCIDENTS (ONE INCIDENT REPORTED TWICE) ALLEGING A FIRE, AND SOME EARLY WARNING REPORTING (EWR) DATA. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

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2008 Pontiac Solstice and 2008 Saturn Sky:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08016
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
PONTIAC / SOLSTICE 2008
SATURN / SKY 2008

Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Component :
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
Date Investigation Opened : March 6, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary: THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INADEQUATE BRAKE POWER ASSIST IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE AND SATURN SKY VEHICLES WITH 2.0L TURBO ENGINES. THE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON INITIAL APPLICATIONS FOLLOWING A COLD START, TYPICALLY IN A DRIVEWAY OR PARKING LOT. ODI IS AWARE OF ONE CRASH THAT MAY HAVE RESULTED FROM THE ALLEGED DEFECT. THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES USES THE STABILITY CONTROL MODULE PUMP TO BOOST HYDRAULIC PRESSURE AT THE WHEELS DURING CONDITIONS OF LOW BOOSTER VACUUM, SUCH AS DURING THE ENGINE WARM UP PERIOD. GM ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (#07-05-25-007) IN DECEMBER 2007 RELEASING A REVISED CALIBRATION FOR THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE TO ADDRESS COMPLAINTS OF EXTRA EFFORT TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2001 to 2003 Hyundai Elantra:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08017
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HYUNDAI / ELANTRA 2001-2003

Manufacturer : HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Component :
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Date Investigation Opened : March 10, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary: ODI HAS RECEIVED 35 CONSUMER REPORTS OF AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 THROUGH 2003 ELANTRA VEHICLES. TEN OF THE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE AND/OR MAIN CONNECTOR WERE SOAKED OR CORRODED FROM LIQUID SPILLS. FIVE REPORTS ALLEGE LOOSE WIRING DUE TO SEAT MOVEMENT. THE REMAINING 20 REPORTS ALLEGE THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNED ON, BUT THOSE REPORTS DID NOT PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING A POSSIBLE CAUSE. OF THE 35 REPORTS, THREE ALLEGE THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON AND THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT A CRASH EVENT. THE TWO MY 2001 ELANTRA FATAL CRASHES WERE THE SUBJECT OF AN ON-SITE CRASH ANALYSIS CONDUCTED BY NHTSA'S OFFICE OF SPECIAL CRASH INVESTIGATIONS (SCI). BOTH VEHICLES EXPERIENCED SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. POST INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS INDICATE THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE CRASH ON BOTH VEHICLES. THE CENTER CONSOLE COVERING THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS REMOVED IN CASE #CA08-003 AND THE MODULE AND THE MAIN CONNECTOR WERE COVERED WITH A STICKY BROWN SUBSTANCE, POSSIBLY SPILLED LIQUID SINCE THE CUP HOLDERS ARE POSITIONED ABOVE THE CONTROL MODULE. THE RECOVERED FAULT CODES INDICATE A PRIOR SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION THAT MOST LIKELY WOULD SHUT DOWN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. IN THE OTHER SCI CASE, #CA03-046, THE SPOUSE OF THE DECEASED REPORTED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED PERIODICALLY ONE TO TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH.

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2005-2007 Yamaha YP400:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08018
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
YAMAHA / YP400 2005-2007
Manufacturer : YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA
Component : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date Investigation Opened : March 18, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
OWNERS REPORT CHRONIC STALLING SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE PURCHASE.

2005-2007 Ford F-250, F-250 SD, F-250 Superduty, F-350, F-350SD, F-350 Superduty trucks:

NHTSA Action Number : EA08007
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FORD / F-250 2005-2007
FORD / F-250 SD 2005-2007
FORD / F-250 SUPERDUTY 2005
FORD / F-350 2005-2007
FORD / F-350 SD 2005-2007
FORD / F-350 SUPERDUTY 2005
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Component : SUSPENSION:FRONT
Date Investigation Opened : March 14, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER. THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY. FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS. IN ONE CASE, THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA. ADDITIONAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS, SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONS AND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS "SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP". AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) IS WARRANTED TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.

2006-2007 Aprilia Mille, Mille R, and Tuono Motorcycles:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08019
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
APRILIA / MILLE 2007
APRILIA / MILLE R 2006
APRILIA / TUONO 2006-2007
Manufacturer : APRILIA USA, INC.
Component : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Date Investigation Opened : March 18, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
ODI RECEIVED A VOQ ALLEGING THAT A MY 2007 APRILIA "MILLE" MODEL MOTORCYCLE STALLED WHEN THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP AND DOWNSTREAM FUEL DELIVERY HOSE DISCONNECTED. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO THE SUBJECT OF NUMEROUS POST ON A WEB FORUM. OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH DEALERS INDICATES OTHER SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. RECENTLY DUCATI CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM (07V-017). TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, WE ARE OPENING THIS PE.

2007 Moto Guzzi Norge 1200:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08020
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MOTO GUZZI / NORGE 1200 2007
Manufacturer : MOTO GUZZI NORTH AMERICA
Component : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Date Investigation Opened : March 20, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
AN OWNER COMPLAINT AND WEB-BASED FORUM DISCUSSION POINTS TO ENGINE STALLING ON THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED NORGE 1200 MODEL. IT IS ALLEGED THAT THE MAIN FUSE BLOWS DUE TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT WIRING.

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Kawasaki 2006 ZX1400A6F, 2007 ZX1400A7F & ZX1400A7FA motorcycles:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08021
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KAWASAKI / ZX1400A6F 2006
KAWASAKI / ZX1400A7F 2007
KAWASAKI / ZX1400A7FA 2007
Manufacturer : KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.
Component : STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Date Investigation Opened : March 24, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
OWNER COMPLAINTS, EWR FIELD REPORTS, AND WEB FORUM DISCUSSIONS INDICATE THAT CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-07 ZX14 HIGH PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLES HAVE HAD THE REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE WHEN A CROSSMEMBER SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR TO THE HONDA GL1800 ISSUE (PE03-039 / RECALL 03V-350). ODI WILL OPEN AN INVESTIGATION TO UNDERSTAND THE SEVERITY OF THE ALLEGED PROBLEM.

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Ricon wheelchair lifts, twenty models:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08022N/A
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
RICON / 1200 9999
RICON / 2000 9999
RICON / 5500 9999
RICON / K1200 9999
RICON / K2003 9999
RICON / K2005 9999
RICON / K2010 9999
RICON / K5503 9999
RICON / K5505 9999
RICON / K5510 9999
RICON / KLEARVUE (K SERIES) 9999
RICON / KLEARVUE (S SERIES) 9999
RICON / S1200 9999
RICON / S2003 9999
RICON / S2005 9999
RICON / S2010 9999
RICON / S5503 9999
RICON / S5505 9999
RICON / S5510 9999
RICON / WHEELCHAIR LIFT 9999

Manufacturer : VANTAGE MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Component : EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
Date Investigation Opened : March 26, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED ONE FLEET COMPLAINT IDENTIFYING 33 ALLEGED FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THE ALLEGED FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON SCHOOL BUSES IN TWO ALASKAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THESE ALLEGATIONS DESCRIBE CRACKS DEVELOPING ON THE LIFT'S VERTICAL SUPPORT ARMS AT A PINNED JOINT WHERE A HORIZONTAL ARM INTERFACES WITH THE VERTICAL ARM. THE LIFTS ARE USED TO RAISE WHEELCHAIRS FROM THE STREET LEVEL TO ALLOW ENTRY INTO THE SCHOOL BUS. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2004-2006 Van Hool buses, models C2045, T2140, and T2145:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08023
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
VAN HOOL / C2045 2004-2006
VAN HOOL / T2140 2004-2006
VAN HOOL / T2145 2004-2006

Manufacturer : VAN HOOL, N.V. (*)
Component : VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Date Investigation Opened : March 26, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
A JANUARY 2008 SERVICE BULLETIN SUGGESTS THAT CERTAIN MODEL BUSES SHOULD UPGRADE TO A "HIGH TORQUE" WIPER MOTOR. THE TSB ALSO ALLUDES TO WIPER MOTOR FAILURES. THIS INVESTIGATION IS OPENED TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE MODE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE SINCE THE WIPER SYSTEM IS CONSIDERED TO BE A CRITICAL ITEM OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND ITS PERFORMANCE IS MANDATED BY A FEDERAL STANDARD.

United Motors of America (UM) 2007-2008 V2C & V2S 650 motorcycles:

NHTSA Action Number : PE08024
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
UM / V2C-650S 2007-2008
UM / V2C-650T 2007-2008
UM / V2S-650 2007-2008
UM / V2S-650R 2007-2008
UM / V2S-650S 2007-2008
Manufacturer : UNITED MOTORS OF AMERICA, INC
Component :
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Date Investigation Opened : March 31, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open
Summary:
MOTORCYCLES IDENTICAL TO THOSE IN 07V-071 (CONDUCTED BY HYOSUNG MOTORS AMERICA, INC) HAVE BEEN IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. BY ANOTHER COMPANY (UNITED MOTORS OF AMERICA, INC (UM)). THESE MOTORCYCLES HAVE BEEN RE-BADGED AS "UM" V2C AND V2S MODELS. WE ARE OPENING THIS PE TO FIND WHETHER THE UM MODELS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS WELL.