March 27, 2003

Vehicle recalls announced

Washington, D.C. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a list of auto safety recalls announced in February, 2003.

The most serious of these involves approximately 4,500 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek vehicles, model year 2003, which may have a steering column shaft that is too small, resulting in possible loss of steering control.

Plymouth Prowlers, model years 1997 to 2002, have a lower control arm ball joint that may separate from the steering knuckle causing a loss of steering control. 11,698 vehicles are affected.

Approximately one million Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler 300M, and Chrysler LHS models, ranging from 1998 to 2002 model years, have a seat back recliner bolt that could break, resulting in the seat suddently reclining, a situation that could result in a loss of control while driving.

Dodge Ram heavy duty pickup trucks, model year 2003, equipped with a Cummins diesel engine and manual transmission may experience higher idling speeds after extended use of cruise control which could result in unintended acceleration.

Over 64,000 Nissan Xterra SUV's, model year 2002, are being recalled because the driver airbag may not deploy in a crash.

Approximately 5,400 Mazda MPV minivans, model years 2002 and 2003, equipped with front fog lights have a wiring harness that may separate from the housing. If this happens, the heat from the fog light could cause a fire.

A number of vehicles are being recalled for seatbelt problems. BMW Z4 and X5 models, years 2003 and 2002 respectively, have a seatbelt connection that may detach in a severe collision. About 18,000 Chevrolet Express vans, model year 2003, have front safety belt buckles that may be faulty. And 500 Subaru Foresters, model year 2003, have front seat belt latches which might unlatch in a collision.

Full details of these recalls can be found at www.nhtsa.com.

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