Manufacturers Issue Recalls(2)

Airstream is recalling 157 model year 2006-2008 Base Camp travel trailers for failing to
conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, “Tire
Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles.” The tire inflation pressure label on the roadside
front of the vehicle has incorrect air pressure information. In addition, the tire, rim and
tire pressure information in the owner’s manual is incorrect. An over-inflated tire could
blow out, causing the trailer to sway uncontrollably increasing the risk of a crash.
Airstream will mail a corrected tire inflation pressure label and a label with correct tire
information to be placed in the owner’s manual over the incorrect information, along with
installation instructions to the owners. If an owner is uncomfortable installing either
label, they can take their trailer to a dealer to have the labels installed. The
manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V339 * * * * *
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Chrysler is recalling approximately 72,333 2008 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans
because of a potential problem with a cable connected to the front door latches in the
vehicles. Jeep is recalling 296,550 sport-utility vehicles for the brake-related problem.
The vehicles affected include Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander SUVs for the 2006 and
2007 model years, and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro. Chrysler said a problem in an
electronic control unit could cause a delay in braking when the vehicles are driving
uphill. The automaker has had about 20 reports of such problems and was aware of one
accident that could have been caused by the problem. Repair work will be done at no charge.
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Fleetwood is recalling 56 model year 2007 Prowler, Wilderness and Terry travel trailers for
failing to comply with the requirements of Part 567, “Certification.” The information
provided on the certification and tire information labels denoting the tire pressure is
incorrect. Driving with under-inflated tires can cause or contribute to premature tire
failure that could result in a loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a
crash. Owners will be sent correct federal certification and trailer-weight information
tags and installation instructions. An owner can have these tags installed at their
dealership, if they do not want to install the tags themselves. The recall began on August
15, 2007. 07V352 * * * * * * * * *
GM is recalling 10,113 model year 2007 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna vans for failing
to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps,
Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” When the brakes are applied, the stop lamps
will illuminate. When the brake pedal is released, the stop lamps are no longer illuminated
but the rear brakes may still be applied. The brake may release after a few seconds or
after the next firm brake pedal application. If the rear brakes are still applied after
release of the brake pedal, the driver may notice a substantial drag when driving and may
need to depress the gas pedal further than usual to continue vehicle movement. A vehicle
driven with the brakes applied can cause overheating of the brakes, resulting in increased
stopping distance which could result in a crash. Dealers will reprogram the anti-lock brake
system module. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for
this campaign. 07V342 * * * * * * * * *
Starcraft is recalling 70 model year 2007 11RT, 13RT, and 14RT camping trailers equipped
with Dexter chassis frames. The frames were “notched” to accommodate the fitting of the
coupler. It is believed that the frames could be weakened in this area which may allow them
to crack. The frame can begin to bow downward increasing the risk of a crash. Starcraft is
working with Dexter to repair these trailer frames. Dexter will weld a steel reinforcement
underneath the coupler and over the notched area of frame, thus making this area stronger
and completing the welding process. The recall began during June 2007. 07V337
National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration — Recalls, Defects and Complaints
Databases: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov