Nissan, Chrysler Announce Recalls
Nissan Motor Co. has launched a recall of 161,000 late-model cars to repair an electrical part that could cause a short-circuit and possible fire, and Chrysler Group is recalling popular PT Cruisers to fix a child seat anchor and diesel-powered Dodge Ram pickups to repair a potentially faulty throttle part.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said a diode used in alternators on the 1997 Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 and Q45 sedans could have been damaged during production. If the diode fails, it could create a short-circuit and possibly a fire.
The safety agency said Chrysler will recall 97,000 of its 1997 Dodge Ram diesel pickups to fix a throttle part that can corrode and stick, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler also will recall 77,000 of its 2001 model Chrysler PT Cruisers to fix a child seat anchor that doesn’t conform to NHTSA standards.
In the fourth major recall already announced this month, Hyundai Motor Co. said it will recall 34,000 Accent hatchbacks to reinforce the passenger-side roof pillar, which failed to meet NHTSA’s standards for crashworthiness.
Recall Reminder List
Concerned that about 30% of motorists whose cars and trucks are involved in recalls don’t get the work done, the safety administration each month issues a list of recalls originally announced a few months earlier.
This month’s reminder list involves recalls launched in April and includes:
* DaimlerChrysler Corp.--2000-2002 model-year Jeep Wranglers, 2000 and ’01 Jeep Cherokees and 1999-’02 Jeep Grand Cherokees, a total of 1,115,322 vehicles built from June 1998 to March 2002. The models, all equipped with the 4.0-liter engine, have intake and exhaust manifolds that can collect debris, creating a potential fire hazard. Jeep dealers will install a manifold shield to prevent the accumulation of debris. Owner notification began May 13.
* Ford Motor Co.--Windstar minivans, 1995-1996 model years built from January 1994 to May 1996; 250,283 vehicles are involved, and none was sold or currently registered in California. Some have brake lines that were twisted when installed and could come into contact with and be abraded by the catalytic converter, wearing off corrosion protection and potentially leading to brake-line failure. Dealers will reposition uncorroded lines and replace those that show signs of corrosion. Owner notification began May 10.
* General Motors Corp.--2002 model Chevrolet Malibu sedans; 10,168 vehicles built in February. Some were built with a left low-beam headlamp that does not meet federal standards. Dealers will inspect the headlamp and replace it if it does not meet requirements. Owner notification began May 23.
* General Motors--2002 model-year Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada; 60,044 vehicles built from September to November 2001. A fuel filter fitting can become disconnected, pumping fuel onto the ground when the vehicle is being started or causing engine failure while in operation. Also creates a fire hazard. Dealers will replace the fuel filter’s connection retainers. Owner notification began May 20.
* Hyundai Motor America -- 2001 model-year XG300, 1999-’01 Sonata; 145,355 vehicles built from March 1998 to July 2001. Side impact air bag wiring harnesses can disconnect, preventing side air bags from deploying in an accident. Dealers will secure the side impact air bag wiring harnesses and connectors to the vehicle’s seat cushion frames. Owner notification began May 28.
* Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America--2002 model-year Diamante sedans; 3,885 vehicles built from August to November 2001. The main under-hood electrical wiring harness could come in contact with the exhaust heat shield, melting the harness insulation and resulting in erratic engine operation. Dealers will inspect the harness, reposition undamaged ones and repair those damaged. Owner notification began May 13.
* Volvo Cars of North America--1999 model-year S80 sedans; 25,876 vehicles made from April 1998 to May 1999. Electric cooling fans may be inadequate for some hot climates, resulting in overheated engine cooling fans and melting of electrical connections. A potential fire hazard. Dealers will replace the engine cooling fan. Owner notification began April 1.
