Weekly NHTSA defects investigations/watch outs

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Maxon wheelchair lifts:

NHTSA Action Number : EQ08005
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MAXON / WL-7 9999
MAXON / WL-7A 9999
Manufacturer : MAXON INDUSTRIES
Component : EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE
Date Investigation Opened : April 2, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
MAXON LIFT CORP. HAS FILED A REPORT STATING THAT CERTAIN EARLY MODEL WL-7 & & WL-7A WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 403 S6.4.7.3 INDICATING THE LIFTS MAY SEPARATE, FRACTURE, OR BREAK WHEN BEARING WEIGHT UP TO 1,600 LBS. IF A WHEELCHAIR LIFT WERE TO BREAK OR SEPARATE WHILE DEPLOYED, AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL, FROM A HEIGHT UP TO 4 FEET, AND EXPERIENCE SERIOUS, PERSONEL INJURY AND/OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. MAXON LIFT CORP. FILED A NONCOMPLIANCE REPORT WITH NHTSA ORIGINALLY ON 9/1/2006 AND NOTIFIED PURCHASERS IN MAY 2007. A TOTAL OF 58 UNITS WERE SOLD TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT COMPANIES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS INSTALLING THESE IN NEW MOTOR VEHICLES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS EQ IS TO CONTACT EACH PURCHASER, DIRECT ANY AFTERMARKET ALTERATION COMPANIES AND RE-SELLERS BACK TO MAXON FOR THE NEEDED REPAIR, AND TO ENSURE THE MOTOR VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS FILE THE APROPRIATE DEFECT REPORT AND NOTIFY THEIR RETAIL OWNERS ACCORDINGLY.

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2002-2003 Jeep Liberty: upper ball joint separation, front wheel collapse

NHTSA Action Number : EA08008
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
JEEP / LIBERTY 2002-2003

Manufacturer : DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Component : SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
Date Investigation Opened : April 15, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 22 COMPLAINTS OF UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION ON MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 JEEP LIBERTY 4X4 VEHICLES. THE SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT ON EITHER OF THE FRONT WHEELS CAN RESULT IN THE AFFECTED FRONT WHEEL COLLAPSING, RESULTING IN VEHICLE DISABLEMENT AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. MOST OF THE SEPARATION INCIDENTS DESCRIBED IN COMPLAINTS HAVE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEEDS (< 20 MPH). HOWEVER, ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 5 INCIDENTS THAT ARE ALLEGED TO HAVE OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH OR GREATER, INCLUDING ONE AT 75 MPH. IN ADDITION, 7 SEPARATIONS OCCURRED WHILE THE DRIVER WAS PULLING INTO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND 2 OTHERS OCCURRED WHEN THE DRIVER WAS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN ACROSS THE FLOW OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. ONE OF THESE COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED ALMOST BEING HIT BY AN ONCOMING TRUCK AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEING DISABLED IN THE FLOW OF CROSSING TRAFFIC. ANOTHER REPORTED THE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL WHEN MAKING A TURN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT INTO A DITCH, NARROWLY MISSING A TELEPHONE POLE. CHRYSLER IS CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED THE INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO CONTINUE TO ASSES THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2005 Honda Odyssey: liftgate unexpectedly closes

NHTSA Action Number : PE08026
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HONDA / ODYSSEY 2005
Manufacturer : HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)
Component : STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Date Investigation Opened : April 10, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF UNEXPECTED CLOSING OF THE POWER LIFTGATES IN CERTAIN TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES (EA06-020), ODI CONDUCTED A COMPARATIVE STUDY THAT INCLUDED COLLECTING THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS, INJURIES, AND WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO LIFTGATE STRUT FAILURES IN SEVERAL NON-TOYOTA MODEL MINIVANS, INCLUDING THE HONDA ODYSSEY. HONDA REPORTED 36 COMPLAINTS AND FIELD REPORTS ON MODEL YEAR 2005 HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER LIFTGATES, THREE OF WHICH INDICATED AN INJURY. IN THE SAME RESPONSE, HONDA ALSO REPORTED 1,413 WARRANTY CLAIMS INVOLVING LIFTGATE STRUT REPLACEMENT. AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO FURTHER STUDY THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT HONDA ODYSSEY VEHICLES.

2004 Audi A4 & A4 Cabriolet: fuel pump failure

NHTSA Action Number : PE08027
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
AUDI / A4 2004
AUDI / A4 CABRIOLET 2004

Manufacturer : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Component : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Date Investigation Opened : April 14, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED SEVEN REPORTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE STALL DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP ON MODEL YEAR 2004 AUDI A4 VEHICLES. FOUR OF THE FAILURES ALLEGEDLY OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR HIGHER. ANOTHER REPORTEDLY OCCURRED DURING A LEFT TURN ACROSS THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, STRANDING THE VEHICLE IN THE INTERSECTION. ALL SEVEN OF THE ALLEGED FAILURES REPORTED BEING UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLES. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2004 Toyota Sienna: trim panel traps accelerator pedal

NHTSA Action Number : PE08025
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TOYOTA / SIENNA 2004

Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Component : VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Date Investigation Opened : April 10, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) REPORT ALLEGING UNWANTED ACCELERATION ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE. THE COMPLAINANT REPORTED THAT HE APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AND EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACCELERATION UPON RELEASE. FIELD DATA COLLECTED BY ODI INDICATES THAT WHEN A RETAINER PIN IS MISSING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE CENTER STACK/CONSOLE TRIM PANEL, THE PANEL CAN DETACH FROM THE CONSOLE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN BECOME ENTRAPPED UNDER THE TRIM PANEL CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATION. FIELD DATA ALSO INDICATES THAT THE SUSPECT TRIM PANEL COMPONENT, WHICH WAS APPARENTLY USED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 2003, WAS SUPERSEDED BY A COMPONENT THAT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE THROTTLE SHOULD THE RETAINER FAIL OR BECOME DISLODGED. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

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1999-2002 Hyundai Sonata: severe subframe corrosion, resulting in control arm detachment, wheel collapse/separation, half shaft detachment

NHTSA Action Number : PE08029
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years: HYUNDAI / SONATA 1999-2002

Manufacturer : HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Component :
SUSPENSION
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SUSPENSION:FRONT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Date Investigation Opened : April 22, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING FRONT SUBFRAME CORROSION IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 THROUGH 2002 HYUNDAI SONATA VEHICLES. COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT THE CORROSION IS SEVERE ("FIST" SIZED HOLES IN THE FRAME) AND CAN RESULT IN COMPLETE OR PARTIAL CONTROL ARM DETACHMENT, WHEEL COLLAPSE/SEPARATION, HALF-SHAFT DETACHMENT RESULTING IN SUDDEN VEHICLE DISABLEMENT (LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER TO DRIVE WHEELS) AND/OR STEERING ANOMALIES (E.G., "PULL" OR "SWERVING"). THERE ARE 19 COMPLAINTS FOR MY 1999 VEHICLES, 16 FOR MY 2000, 3 FOR MY 2001 AND 2 FOR MY 2002. THE RIGHT SIDE IS CITED IN EACH OF THE COMPLAINTS THAT GIVE A LOCATION (19). ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS WERE IDENTIFIED IN FIELD REPORTS REVIEW BY ODI, WHICH REFER TO THE COMPONENT AS THE FRONT SUBFRAME, ENGINE CRADLE OR FRONT CROSS-MEMBER. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ASSEMBLY IDENTIFY THE RIGHT REAR CORNER, NEAR THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION MOUNTS, AS THE AREA OF CONCERN. THERE APPEARS TO BE AN INCREASING TREND IN FAILURES, WITH 10 REPORTED SO FAR IN 2008, 19 IN 2007, 11 IN 2006 AND 1 IN 2005. THIRTY-FIVE COMPLAINTS ARE FROM HIGH-CORROSION "SALT-BELT" STATES (NOTE: FOR PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION THE "SALT-BELT" OR CORROSION STATES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING 20 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN). FAILURE MILEAGES RANGE FROM 58,500 TO 143,000 MILES, WITH A MEDIAN OF 92,713 MILES. SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED DURING AN INSPECTION OR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (E.G., OIL CHANGE) BUT MOST ALLEGE THAT THE CORROSION WASN'T DETECTED UNTIL IT RESULTED IN A SUSPENSION FAILURE, PARTIAL OR COMPLETE WHEEL DETACHMENT, STEERING ANOMALY, AND/OR SUDDEN VEHICLE DISABLEMENT (E.G., HALF-SHAFT DETACHMENT). INCIDENT SPEEDS RANGE FROM 5 TO 65 MPH. ONE INCIDENT ALLEGEDLY RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BECOMING DISABLED IN THE TRAFFIC LANES OF A PARKWAY AT NIGHT WITH THE DRIVER AND CHILD PASSENGERS STUCK IN THE CAR WHILE PASSING TRAFFIC SWERVED AROUND THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEEDS. ANOTHER COMPLAINT ALLEGED THE FAILURE RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE BECOMING "STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION." A THIRD COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE CARRIER DUE TO DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME, CAUSING THE HALF-SHAFT TO DETACH FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL HOUSING AND QUARTER PANEL FROM THE PARTIALLY DETACHED WHEEL. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

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2007 Mercedes Benz ML350 & ML500: electric seat warmers burn through upholstery

NHTSA Action Number : PE08030A
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MERCEDES BENZ / ML350 2007
MERCEDES BENZ / ML500 2007

Manufacturer : MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Component : SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Date Investigation Opened : April 25, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM TWO CONSUMERS WHO ALLEGE THAT THE ELECTRIC SEAT WARMER BURNED THROUGH THE FABRIC OF THE SEAT COVER AND PRODUCED A BURN HOLE OF APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE INCHES IN DIAMETER. IN EACH CASE THE DAMAGE OCCURRED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK/BOLSTER AREA. SMOLDERING OF THE SEAT PAD AND UPHOLSTERY WAS REPORTED IN BOTH CASES AND ONE MINOR BURN INJURY WAS REPORTED. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE MATTER.

2007 BMW 335I: high pressure fuel pump failures

NHTSA Action Number : PE08032
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years: BMW / 335I 2007

Manufacturer : BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Component : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Date Investigation Opened : April 28, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
THE 2007 BMW 335I VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A HIGH PRECISION FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ALLOW PRECISE METERING OF THE FUEL MIXTURE AND HIGHER ENGINE COMPRESSION TO INCREASE ENGINE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE SYSTEM INCLUDES A STANDARD IN-TANK FUEL PUMP TO DELIVER FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND A HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DRIVEN BY THE OIL PUMP CHAIN DRIVE ASSEMBLY, WHICH CAN ACHIEVE A MAXIMUM PROGRAMMED FUEL PRESSURE OF 200 BAR. ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE OWNER COMPLAINTS OF STALLING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. ADDITIONALLY, ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF VEHICLES UNEXPECTEDLY GOING INTO A LIMP MODE BECAUSE OF HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURES. A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2002-2004 Kia Sedona & Sedona EX: steering shaft binding and lock up

NHTSA Action Number : PE08033
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
KIA / SEDONA 2002-2004
KIA / SEDONA EX 2002-2004
KIA MOTOR / SEDONA 2002-2004

Manufacturer : HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC Component : STEERING
Date Investigation Opened : April 28, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED FIVE OWNER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT BINDING OR LOCK-UP DURING TURNS. ONE COMPLAINANT (ODI#10223568) ALLEGED THAT THE BINDING RESULTED IN A CRASH AT LOW SPEED (10 MPH). ANOTHER COMPLAINT (ODI#10223110) ALLEGED THAT A MOMENTARY LOCK-UP OF THE STEERING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. ODI ALSO IDENTIFIED FIELD REPORTS RELATED TO STEERING BINDING IN EARLY WARNING DATA SUBMITTED BY KIA. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

2007 Mini Cooper S: exhaust burns while removing cargo from hatch

NHTSA Action Number : PE08031
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years: MINI / COOPER S 2007

Manufacturer : BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
Component : ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Date Investigation Opened : April 28, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEY WERE BURNED ON THEIR LEGS WHILE REMOVING CARGO FROM THE REAR HATCH AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Mercedes Benz 2001 CL55 AMG, 1999-2002 M Class, 1999-2001 ML430, 2002 ML500, 2001-2002 ML55, with V-8 engines: fuel line chafes brake line, loss of braking

NHTSA Action Number : EA08009
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MERCEDES BENZ / CL55 AMG 2001
MERCEDES BENZ / M CLASS 1999-2002
MERCEDES BENZ / ML430 1999-2001
MERCEDES BENZ / ML500 2002
MERCEDES BENZ / ML55 2001-2002

Manufacturer : MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC.
Component : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Date Investigation Opened : April 28, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
MERCEDES-BENZ'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE08-002 INDICATED THAT THE SUBJECT FUEL/BRAKE LINE BUNDLE (PART NO. A1634201526) WAS USED WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGE FROM MODEL YEAR 1998 THROUGH 2002 ON ALL M-CLASS LIGHT TRUCK VEHICLES. MERCEDES FURTHER INDICATED THAT IN 2002 A PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED IN PRODUCTION THAT COULD CAUSE UNWANTED CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES. IN MAY 2002, A PRODUCTION ACTION WAS AUTHORIZED AS A RESULT OF POST-PRODUCTION INSPECTIONS OF VEHICLES EXHIBITING CONTACT BETWEEN THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES. THE ACTION AUTHORIZED THE USE OF ADDITIONAL PLASTIC SPACER CLIPS TO ELIMINATE SUCH CONTACT. MERCEDES HAS INDICATED THAT CONTACT BETWEEN THE LINES IS MORE LIKELY IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V-8 ENGINES DUE TO LESS FREE SPACE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE COMPLAINT FROM THE OWNER OF A MY2001 ML430 THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH BECAUSE OF SUDDEN LOSE OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH SHOWED THAT THE LOSS OF BRAKING WAS THE DIRECT RESULT OF CHAFFING OF THE FUEL LINE ON THE BRAKE LINE THAT CAUSED THE SUDDEN LOSE OF BRAKE LINE PRESSURE WHEN COMING TO A NORMAL TRAFFIC STOP. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND POTENTIAL SAFETY CONSEQUENCES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RUPTURE OF THE FUEL LINE/BRAKE LINE BECAUSE OF CHAFFING IN ALL MERCEDES M-CLASS VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V-8 ENGINES.

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Nothing for non-commercial vehicles

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1995 to 2003 Ford Windstar: engine compartment fires

NHTSA Action Number : PE08035
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years: FORD / WINDSTAR 1995-2003
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Component : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Date Investigation Opened : May 13, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI HAS RECEIVED 130 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES. THIRTY SIX OF THE INCIDENTS WERE REPORTED TO ODI WITHIN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. TWO OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME. OF THE 130 COMPLAINTS, 33 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 71 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT. FURTHER REVIEW OF THE COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 65 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS) CAUSED THE FIRE AND IN FOUR OF THOSE IT IS ALLEGED THAT THE SCDS LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON TO THE ABS MODULE RESULTING IN THE FIRE. THERE WERE 56 THAT DID NOT IDENTIFY A CAUSE AND 9 THAT IDENTIFIED MISCELLANEOUS OTHER CAUSES. ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS ( NOT COUNTED IN THIS RESUME) ALLEGING THAT THE SCDS DEVELOPED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. SEVEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS SAY THAT THE LEAK AT THE SCDS RESULTED IN BRAKE FLUID REACHING THE ABS MODULE. IN ADDITION, ODI HAS RECEIVED 5 COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE THE ABS MODULE FAILED. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRES AND ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

2003-2007 IC CE school buses: control module fuse overheating & burning, engine stall/no start

NHTSA Action Number : PE08034
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years: IC / CE 2003-2007
Manufacturer : IC CORPORATION
Component : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Date Investigation Opened : May 9, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ODI IS AWARE OF 7 EVENTS ON SCHOOL BUSES WHERE THE FUSE FOR THE ECM HAS OVERHEATED AND BURNED THE FUSE HOLDER AND/OR FUSE HOLDER TERMINALS. ONCE OVERHEATING OF THE FUSE HOLDER OCCURS, THE FUSE BLADES MAY NO LONGER BE SECURED IN THE PLASTIC HOLDER. THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN EITHER A NO-START, HARD START, ERRATIC ENGINE PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING. OF THE 7 KNOWN EVENTS, ODI IS AWARE OF 3 REPORTS WHERE THE BUS WOULD NOT START AND FOUR REPORTS OF THE BUS STALLING. ON MAY 2, 2008, IC PUBLISHED A SPECIAL FIELD NOTIFICATION ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. THIS PE IS BEING OPEN TO EXAMINE THE SAFETY SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS PROBLEM AND TO UNDERSTAND WHETHER THE CURRENT ACTION (SPECIAL FIELD NOTIFICATION) IS ADEQUATE FOR SCHOOL BUSES.

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30 million Dill-ACP TR-413, TR-414, TR-418 Topseal tire valves: surface cracks, fatal rollover crash lawsuit

NHTSA Action Number : PE08036
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
DILL-ACP / TR-413 (TIRE VALVE) 9999
DILL-ACP / TR-414 (TIRE VALVE) 9999
DILL-ACP / TR-418 (TIRE VALVE) 9999

Manufacturer : DILL AIR CONTROLS PRODUCTS
Component: TIRES:VALVE
Date Investigation Opened : May 15, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ON APRIL 30, 2008, DILL AIR CONTROL PRODUCTS (DILL) MET WITH ODI TO DISCUSS A POTENTIAL DEFECT IN SOME OF THE SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES MANUFACTURED FOR DILL BY TOPSEAL, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION. DILL DESCRIBED A PROBLEM WITH VALVES LEAKING FROM CRACKS DUE TO APPARENT OZONE EXPOSURE AND INDICATED THAT EARLY INVESTIGATION HAD TRACED THE CONCERN TO A FIVE MONTH MANUFACTURING PERIOD IN 2006. DILL ALSO INDICATED THAT IT HAD RECENTLY BEEN SERVED WITH A LAWSUIT ALLEGING THAT AIR LEAKAGE FROM A CRACKED VALVE INSTALLED IN SEPTEMBER 2006 IN THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL OF A MODEL YEAR 1998 FORD EXPLORER RESULTED IN A FATAL ROLLOVER CRASH IN NOVEMBER 2007. ON MAY 2, 2008, DILL ISSUED AN ADVISORY TO IT'S NORTH AMERICAN CUSTOMERS IN THE TIRE RETAIL INDUSTRY DESCRIBING POTENTIAL CONCERNS WITH OZONE RESISTANCE IN TR 413, TR 413 CHROME, TR 414 AND TR 418 DILL ACP VALVE STEMS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2006. DILL INDICATED THAT THE SUSPECT VALVES WERE SHIPPED TO NORTH AMERICAN CUSTOMERS FROM AUGUST 2006 TO FEBRUARY 2007. ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN, DILL'S ANALYSIS OF TIRE VALVES RETURNED FROM THE FIELD IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS WITH SURFACE CRACKS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE RUBBER NEAR THE RIM HOLE AND THAT INITIAL INVESTIGATION CENTERED ON OZONE EXPOSURE. DILL HAS ADVISED ODI THAT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILLION VALVES WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THE SUSPECT MANUFACTURING RANGE. DILL'S BULLETIN REQUESTS THAT ITS CUSTOMERS INSPECT LOT NUMBERS OF STOCK AT ALL LEVELS OF DISTRIBUTION AND RETURN ALL PRODUCT MANUFACTURED IN 2006 (LOT NUMBERS STARTING IN 06). THE BULLETIN ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT RETAILERS INSPECT ALL VALVE STEMS INSTALLED FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 THROUGH JUNE 2007 AS CUSTOMERS RETURN TO TIRE STORES FOR REGULAR SERVICE. A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

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Nothing for non-commercial vehicles

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2005-2006 Nissan Armada and Nissan Titan: engine compartment fires

NHTSA Action Number : PE08037
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NISSAN / ARMADA 2005-2006
NISSAN / TITAN 2005-2006

Manufacturer : NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Component :
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Date Investigation Opened : May 30, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE CONDENSER, THE FAN MOTOR, NEARBY HARNESSES AND/OR THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE AGENCY HAS RECEIVED THREE REPORTS ALLEGING SMOKE AND/OR 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.

Norcold RV refrigerators, models 1200LR, 1200LRIM, and 1201LRIM: refrigerant leaks

NHTSA Action Number : EQ08009
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
NORCOLD / 1200LR 9999
NORCOLD / 1200LRIM 9999
NORCOLD / 1201LRIM 9999

Manufacturer : NORCOLD INC.
Component : EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Date Investigation Opened : May 30, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
ON 03/25/08 NORCOLD FILED A DEFECT REPORT STATING CERTAIN ABSORPTION REFRIGERATORS MAY EXPERIENCE A REFRIGERANT LEAK. IF A REFRIGERATOR CONTINUES TO OPERATE WITHOUT REFRIGERANT LIQUID, VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES CAN OCCUR POSSIBLY LEADING TO A FIRE. AS MANY OF THESE REFRIGERATORS ARE INSTALLED IN RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, A FIRE CAN CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND EXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS RECALL IS A FOLLOW-UP TO NORCOLD'S RECALL IN 2002 (02E-045) AND EXPANDS THE POPULATION ORIGINALLY RECALLED. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING OPENED IN ORDER TO NOTIFY ANY VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS THAT RECEIVED THIS EQUIPMENT AND REMIND THEM OF THEIR DUTIES TO PROVIDE SAFETY DEFECT NOTIFICATION TO THIS OFFICE AND ANY CUSTOMERS THAT MAY HAVE RECEIVED THIS RECALLED EQUIPMENT.

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2007-2008 Blue Bird Vision buses: hydraulic/brake lines cut/crushed by sharp body edges

NHTSA Action Number : PE08038
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A

Make / Models : Model/Build Years: BLUE BIRD / VISION 2007-2008

Manufacturer : BLUE BIRD BODY COMPANY
Component : SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Date Investigation Opened : June 4, 2008
Date Investigation Closed : Open

Summary:
IN APRIL, 2008, ODI RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL ALLEGING THAT THEIR FIELD INSPECTOR'S ARE FINDING HYDRAULIC BRAKE HOSES THAT ARE BEING CUT OR CRUSHED BY THE SHARP EDGES OF THE BUS BODY. THEY ALSO SUPPLIED INFORMATION ON ONE BUS THAT EXPERIENCED TOTAL BRAKE LOSS DUE TO THE BRAKE HOSE BEING CUT. FURTHER FIELD WORK CONDUCTED BY ODI HAS SUPPLEMENTED THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS TO A TOTAL OF EIGHT. BLUE BIRD CONDUCTED A SURVEY AND ONLY IDENTIFIED MEDIUM AND HEAVY CHAFING OF THE BRAKE HOSES ON THE SCHOOL BUSES THEY EXAMINED. THEY FOUND NO LEAKING BRAKE HOSES. THUS, THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. THIS INVESTIGATION IS BEING OPENED TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF BLUEBIRD'S RATIONALE AND FULLY ASSESS THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM IN THE FIELD.