Recalls

DaimlerChrysler Corporation is recalling 40,000 (1997-2000) Dodge Dakota light trucks
because some models built with 2.5-liter engines have been built with inadequate clearance
between the left-front brake tube and the power-steering hose. A puncture of the left-front
brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk
of a crash. Dealers will inspect the brake tube and the power-steering hose for wear. If
wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power-steering hose will be replaced. A
power-steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate
clearance between the brake tube and power-steering hose is maintained. [NHTSA Recall No.
00V193/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 870] DaimlerChrysler is also recalling 1,500 (2000) Jeep
Grand Cherokee SUVs, built during June 2000, because certain vehicles have been built with
fuel tanks having suspect vent-tube welds. Separation of the vent-tube weld could result in
a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Dealers will inspect the vehicle and if the bar code on the fuel tank indicates that the
tank was built during the suspect period, it will be replaced. [NHTSA Recall No.
00V195/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 887] DaimlerChrysler is also recalling 20,000 (2000)
Dodge Dakota light trucks. On certain trucks equipped with 4.7-liter engine and automatic
transmissions, the automatic transmission may expel fluid from the fill tube during
normal-temperature operation. The transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot
exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result. Dealers will shorten
the vent hose and assure adequate clearance. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V197/DaimlerChrysler
Recall No. 890] DaimlerChrysler is also recalling 437,000 (1997-2000) Dodge Dakota light
trucks. Certain trucks may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle
vent hose and the brake hose. Abrasion of the rear brake hose can result in a leak and a
loss of braking force at the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will
inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The
rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to ensure that
clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained. [NHTSA Recall No.
00V198/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 891] DaimlerChrysler is also recalling 92,000 (1997)
Dodge Dakota light trucks because certain trucks with a 131-inch wheelbase may have been
built with inadequate clearance between the fuel line and the cab underbody. This contact
can result in wear, and after extended contact, could cause a perforation in the fuel line,
resulting in leakage. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a
fire. Dealers will inspect the vehicles for proper clearance. Fuel lines that exhibit
inadequate clearance will be replaced with a redesigned fuel line that will ensure proper
clearance. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V199/DaimlerChrysler Recall No. 892] Ford Motor Company is
recalling 3,002 (2000) Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs. Certain four-door
sport-utility vehicles equipped with side air bags have a revised level side crash sensor
that could deploy the side air bag if the ignition key is in the “run” position and the
seatbelt webbing is forcibly extracted from a locked retractor with a jerking motion.
Inadvertent side air bag deployment could cause personal injury to the seat occupant.
Dealers will replace the side crash sensors with a revised design that will reduce the
likelihood of an unexpected side air bag deployment. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V179/Ford Recall
No. 00S17]