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VEHICLE SAFETY DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE NOTICES RECEIVED DURING DECEMBER 2007

Cottrell is recalling 68 MY 2002-2007 C-8ENC enclosed car haul trailers that are equipped with roofs that raise and lower. The roofs are attached to a raising/lowering mechanism by round tubes that are welded to the roof. There are 4 tubes welded to each roof and 2 roofs per each complete piece of equipment. The base material around the welded connection may experience a fatigue failure during high mileage operation. Should failure occur on all four lift points, the roof might separate from the trailer increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will add an additional weld pass around the roof lift tube, install an inner and outer gusset tying the roof into the roof lift tube. The recall began on November 21, 2007. All owners have been contacted. 07V-548

Honda is recalling 34,300 MY 2007-2008 Fit vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The wire harness for the occupant detection system (ODS) and the occupant position detection system (OPDS) is routed underneath the carpet on the driver’s side floorboard. In areas where road salt is used, salt from the snow on the driver’s shoes will melt and may penetrate the carpet and leak into the wire harness. If the harness is exposed to salt brine, corrosion may occur and the wire may break causing the SRS indicator light to illuminate. A failure of the ODS and OPDS may not detect the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger and deployment of both the front seat passenger’s frontal and side air bags will not be suppressed. In the event of a crash, a deploying front passenger air bag or front passenger’s side air bag will increase the risk of injury to small or out-of-position occupants. Dealers will inspect and replace the wire harness. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-549

Maserati is recalling 56 MY 2008 Granturismo vehicles equipped with the advanced passenger seat air bag weight sensor system. A malfunction can occur in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ECU) software when the battery is not fully charged. In the event of a crash, the passenger side air bag and passenger seat belt pre-tensioner may not deploy increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will replace the SRS ECU units as necessary. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-550
Honda is recalling 43,200 MY 2005-2008 Acura RL passenger vehicles. Prolonged high under-hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely causing the hose to crack and leak power steering fluid. Power steering fluid leaking onto a hot catalytic converter will generate smoke and possibly lead to an under-hood fire. Dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose. The recall is expected to begin during January 17, 2007. 07V-551

Blue Bird is recalling 1,747 MY 2001-2007 Micro Bird school buses mounted on Ford diesel chassis produced with an optional battery compartment. A fusible link provided on Ford chassis PDU power cable was removed when the cable was shortened to accommodate an optional battery compartment. A vehicle fire can occur. Blue Bird will notify owners and repair the buses by installing a fusible link in the PDU power cable circuit and will also provide protective loom to be used as temporary protection around any sections of the power cable that the owner identifies as being damaged or chafed. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-552

Ford is recalling 1,176,000 MY 1997-2003 F-Super Duty, E-Series and Excursion vehicles equipped with 7.3L diesel engines. The camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall. In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning. Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-553

Suzuki is recalling 40,424 MY 2006-2007 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, “Theft Protection.” The automatic transmission selector lever “park” lock function may be inoperative due to a sticking shift lock arm. The shift lever may be able to be shifted out of “park” with the key removed and without depressing the brake pedal. This can give rise to increased incidents of crashes resulting from the roll away of parked vehicles as a result of inadvertently moving the shift lever from the “park” position when the parking brake is not fully engaged. Dealers will replace the shift lock module. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-554

Chrysler is recalling 576,418 MY 2001-2002 Dakota, Durango, Ram van and MY 2002 Ram pick-up trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. The ignition/park shift interlock system may become inoperative. This can allow the shifter to be moved out of the “park” position with the ignition key removed (or in the “lock” position). This can also allow the ignition key to be removed when the shifter has not been placed in the “park” position. Either of these conditions could allow the vehicle to roll away causing a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the gearshift blocker and bracket assembly. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-555

Blue Bird is recalling 451 MY 2006-2007 All American, Conventional, and Micro Bird school buses equipped with Model 900 Series wheelchair lifts manufactured by the Braun Corporation. The threshold warning system may not activate as designed which fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 404, “Platform Lift Installations for Motor Vehicles.” Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured. Owners will be notified by Blue Bird instructing them to contact Braun for a free repair. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-556

Porsche is recalling 37 MY 2008 911 GT3 and GT3RS 2-door coupe vehicles. The switch console for the Porsche active suspension management (PASM) and the traction control (TC-OFF) switches was inappropriately installed. The LEDs in the switches can signal a functional change in the PASM mode or the deactivation of traction control even though the switches are not actuated. If the traction control or active stability management system are inadvertently disabled, and the subsequent warning lamp illumination in the instrument panel onboard computer is unnoticed by the driver, the safety benefits of these systems would be unavailable to the driver which could increase the possibility of a crash during aggressive driving maneuvers. Dealers will replace the switch console. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-557

Genie is recalling 78 MY 2007 TZ-34 and TZ-50 trailer mounted aerial work platform booms. The turntable bearing bolts may not be tightened to specifications. Bolts that are under-torqued can come loose over time. This could cause the turntable lift structure to separate from the chassis resulting in the platform falling increasing the risk of injury or a crash. Repair instructions will be mailed to owners advising them to torque the turntable bearing bolts to specifications. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-558

Weekend Warrior is recalling 6,243 MY 1989-1991 2400, 2805, MY 1989-1990 2800, MY 1989-1994 3205, MY 1989-1996 3605, 4005, MY 1994-2000 RHSL, MY 1997-2002 SE, MY 1998-2004 FB Pull Trailer, MY 1994-1999 RH, MY 1992-2000 FW, MY 1994-1999 SL Pull Trailer, MY 1995-1998 SL, MY 1997-2004 SLC, MY 1998-2004 FK, MY 2000-2004 FS, MY 2000-2004 LE, MY 2001-2004 FT, MY 2002-2004 FBD and CL pull, fifth wheel and toy hauler recreational trailers equipped with a two-door refrigerator manufactured by the Dometic Corporation. The refrigerator may have a defect in the boiler tube. Pressurized coolant solution could be released into an area where an ignition source (gas flame) is present. Release of coolant under certain conditions could ignite and result in a fire. Weekend Warrior will be working with Dometic in order to repair these refrigerators (please see 06E076). Dometic will repair these refrigerators by installing a secondary burn housing, a thermal fuse, and a melt fuse. Dometic has retained Stericycle Inc. to manage this campaign. Stericycle will assist the owner in locating dealerships or service centers and will provide assistance with scheduling of appointments. 07V-559

Weekend Warrior is recalling 289 MY 2007 CL, CR, FB, FS, FSC, and LE toy hauler recreational trailers equipped with Great Plains Industries (GPI) fuel transfer pumps. Due to insufficient epoxy adhesive applied at the time of installation at the factory, a fuel leak can occur at the pump’s inlet valve. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire can occur. GPI has replaced all the fuel pumps involved in the recall. 07V-560

BRP is recalling 476 MY 2008 Can-Am Spyder Roadster passenger vehicles. There is a presence of an abnormal quantity of air in the hydraulic circuit of the front brake. The brake pedal may go almost to the floor when depressed. A driver may be unable to stop the vehicle as expected increasing the risk of a crash. BRP has notified each owner informing them of this problem and scheduling a pick-up time to retrieve the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and perform a bleeding of the brake system if needed. The recall began on November 21, 2007. 07V-561

Triumph is recalling 3,698 MY 2005-2008 Sprint ST 1050 and MY 2004-2008 Tiger 1050 motorcycles equipped with an optional accessory luggage rack. Undersized washers were used which prevents the sliding carriage from moving as intended. Reduced stability can occur if the motorcycle is ridden with the fitted accessory, exceeded maximum weight, and at speeds far in excess of the 80 mph limit warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the accessory racks for lateral movement. Those racks not displaying any movement will be repaired. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-562

Volvo is recalling 37,000 MY 2007-2008 XC90 sport utility vehicles. Under certain conditions, the climate control module (CCM) may receive a ’shut-down signal’ from the engine control module (ECM) after ignition key insertion. If this condition occurs, the climate control functions will not be available (including the defroster) during that driving cycle. Inoperative defrosters under inclement weather conditions could cause impaired visibility which has the potential to result in personal injury and/or vehicle and property damage. The ECM software will be upgraded. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-563

Girardin is recalling 33 MY 2003, 2005, and 2006 MB II and MB IV school and commercial buses on Ford and GM chassis with 6.6L engines equipped with Braun Lift Models NL916, NL917, and NL919. The threshold warning system may not activate as designed which fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 404, “Platform Lift Installations for Motor Vehicles.” Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured. Owners will be notified by Girardin instructing them to contact Braun for a free repair. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-565

Volvo is recalling 1,695 MY 2008 XC70 sport utility vehicles for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 120, “Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles Other Than Passenger Cars.” The wheel information label located on the rear driver’s side door pillar was printed missing the wheel size (rim) information. The purpose of this standard is to provide safe operational performance by ensuring that vehicles to which it applies are equipped with tires of adequate size and load rating and with rims of appropriate size and type designation. Owners will be provided with a correct certification label and installation instructions. If the owner prefers, a dealer can install the label for them. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-566

Champion Bus is recalling 375 MY 2005-2007 Champion, Challenger, Crusader, CTS, Defender and General Coach Corporal and M1235 buses for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 403, “Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles.” A passenger can approach the exposed lift doorway without the audible alarm alerting them of their proximity to the threshold. Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured. Champion Bus is working with Braun to have the doorway lift fixed (please see 07E094). 07V-567

Forest River is recalling 84 MY 2007 All American XLR fifth wheel trailers. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) label located on the front of the hitch pin box of the unit contains an improper listing of the GVWR This label is giving conflicting GVWR information. The GVWR of the trailer is 18,000 lbs. and the hitch label reads 15,500 lbs. Owners were mailed a corrected label as well as installation instructions. The customer will have the option for dealers to install this label if they prefer. The recall began on October 1, 2007. 07V-568

Wheeled Coach is recalling 1,006 MY 2004-2007 Ford E-350 vans, E-350 and E-450 cutaway ambulances originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Corrosion may occur on the ANL 400 amp fuse due to exposure to calcium chloride elements that are used in the “salt states” during the winter season. The deterioration of the fuse can cause a disruption of power resulting in loss of service in the patient compartment. Retrofit kits and installation instructions will be mailed to customers. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-569

Freightliner is recalling 10,053 MY 2005-2006 XC motor home chassis built using inline power steering filters, Part No. 14-16829-000. The filter can plug due to failure of the screen adhesion to the filter housing causing a rise in return line pressure. This can lead to hose separation from the filter or steering gear fitting resulting in a sudden loss of steering fluid and power assist. Sudden loss of steering assist without warning involving a motor home could be a problem for certain drivers increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the affected filters with a larger filter. The recall is expected to begin on or about February 1, 2008. 07V-570

Freightliner is recalling 31 MY 2005-2007 4900 and 6900 heavy duty trucks built with SISU FR2P-21, SISU FR2P-26, SISU FR3P-33, or SISU FR3P-48 rear axles. A counter-bore machined in both ends of the worm wheel opening of the slack adjuster housing reduces material thickness between the worm wheel opening and the worm shaft opening. Under normal service a crack may develop in this area rendering the slack adjuster inoperable and reducing brake effectiveness. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash. Dealers will inspect the slack adjusters, and replace the adjuster if found defective. The recall is expected to begin on or about February 2, 2008. 07V-571

Kalmar Industries is recalling 915 MY 2006-2007 Ottawa 30, 50, 60T, 4×2 DOT/EPA, and 6×4 DOT/EPA terminal tractors. The heater/air-conditioning (AC) duct under the dash was not properly routed or secured. Chaffing may occur exposing the steel spiral reinforcement. If this reinforcement is contacted with an electrical power connector, such as the power stud on the firewall, it may cause an electrical short resulting in a spark and potential fire. Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect their vehicle for the presence of the defective heater/AC hose duct. If after inspection, the vehicle is determined to have an improper heater/AC hose, Kalmar will send a replacement heater/AC hose. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-572

Volvo Trucks is recalling 104,845 MY 2003-2008 VHD, VNL, VNM, and MY 2005-2008 VT heavy duty trucks. The circuit protection (i.e. automatic circuit breakers) used to protect the vehicle lighting system may not provide adequate protection. If a short circuit occurs and is left untreated, components and wiring may be subject to overheating which could possibly result in a vehicle fire. Dealers will replace the circuit breakers with fuses. The recall is expected to begin on or about February 25, 2008. 07V-573

Girardin Minibus is recalling 640 MY 2004-2008 MB II and MB IV school and commercial minibuses built on Ford E350 and E450 diesel chassis. The affected buses are equipped with option BBX (battery box). The protection from abrasion on the battery cables that cross in the battery box is inadequate. It may create a short circuit if the abrasion between the cables is excessive. This short circuit could result in a fire. Girardin will notify owners and repair the buses by adding protective tubes. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-574

Winnebago is recalling 4 MY 2005-2006 Special Purpose Commercial coaches equipped With Braun platform lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 403, “Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles.” A passenger can approach the exposed lift doorway without the audible alarm alerting them of their proximity to the threshold. Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured. Winnebago is working with Braun to have the doorway lift fixed (please see 07E094). 07V-575

Honda is recalling 25,422 MY 2006-2007 CBR1000RR motorcycles. These motorcycles have an improper welded vent pipe in the bottom of the fuel tank. Due to vibration, the improperly welded tanks may crack and drip fuel. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-576

Winnebago is recalling 1,972 MY 2004-2008 Vecta and Itasca Horizon motor home chassis equipped with ZF Model 8018 steering gears. These steering gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering. The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash. Winnebago is working with Freightliner and ZF to replace the steering gear (please see 07V343 and 07E049). 07V-577

Truck Equipment is recalling 112 MY 1997-2008 Cornhusker 800R 3-axle trailers with 16′ dump boxes. Cracks can develop in the welds which hold the ‘nose’ of the frame to the main chassis. The 16′ box mount causes a steel frame plate to be shortened causing a reduction in strength. The chassis and box can separate from the drawbar causing a loss of control which could result in a crash. Trailer owners will inspect the welds where the sloped frame ‘nose’ welds to the horizontal main frame rails. If cracks are found, a frame update kit will be sent to the owners to have the repairs performed locally. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-578

Toyota is recalling 15,616 MY 2007 Tundra 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Due to the improper heat treatment of the slip yokes that had been reworked during the manufacturing process, the hardness of the slip yoke may be insufficient. In this condition, there is a possibility that the yoke may break causing the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface or the fuel tank which could result in a loss of vehicle control or a fuel leak. Dealers will inspect the slip yoke and replace the propeller shaft if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-579

Big Dog is recalling 8,061 MY 2005-2008 Mastiff, MY 2005-2007 Chopper, MY 2006-2008 K-9, MY 2005, 2007 Bulldog, and MY 2008 Mutt motorcycles. The rear fender strut attaching bolts can fail allowing the rear fender to detach from the motorcycle. This could occur without prior warning and could result in an injury or a crash. Dealers will remove existing strut bolts and replace with higher tensile strength attaching bolts and updated washers. Higher torque values will be observed when installing the replacement fasteners. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-580

Mack is recalling 126 MY 2008 LEU trucks. An incorrect switch may have been used. This could possibly result in the cruise control not deactivating when the brake pedal is pressed, which may result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect the switch and replace it if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-581

Monaco Coach is recalling 107 MY 2007-2008 Holiday Rambler Arista and Safari Passage Class A motor homes built on Ford chassis. The front run panel has an exposed terminal post on its side which allows the oil dipstick to potentially make contact when checking the oil level. The location of the exposed terminal post is under the front engine access hood. When the oil level is checked, it may be possible for the dipstick to contact the exposed wire terminal stud and, if the other end of the dipstick is grounded, could result in an electrical shock or a spark which could create a fire. Dealers will remove the wire from the terminal and install boot covers, then reinstall the wire and slip cover over the connection. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-582

Fleetwood is recalling 238 MY 2004-2005 American Eagle and American Tradition Class A motor homes built on Freightliner chassis and equipped with ZF Model 8018 steering gears. These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering. The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash. Fleetwood is working with Freightliner and ZF to replace the steering gear (please see 07V343 and 07E049). 07V-583

Four Winds is recalling 1,174 MY 2004-2008 Mandalay motor homes built on Freightliner chassis and equipped with ZF Model 8018 steering gears. These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering. The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash. Four Winds is working with Freightliner and ZF to replace the steering gear (please see 07V343 and 07E049). 07V-584

Hi-Lo is recalling 114 MY 2007-2008 25′ and 28′ Classic, and 24′ and 27′ Tow Lite travel trailers equipped with a power winch unit, Model P55000, built by Carefree of Colorado. An incorrect material was used in the manufacture of the cable shafts on some of these power winch units. Under certain circumstances while the folding camping trailer top is being lifted, if the winch is placed into a stall condition, the cable shaft may break prior to the fuse or circuit breaker tripping. Should the cable shaft break, the trailer top could then free-fall into the lower position, possibly resulting in injuries. Hi-Lo is working with Carefree of Colorado to have new cable shafts installed (please see 07E077). The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-587

Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3 MY 2007 SLR McLaren vehicles. The windshields were not installed correctly. Either the primer or activator was missing at the time of installation. The manufacturer has not yet provided a consequence for this campaign. Dealers will remove the windshields, clean and reinstall them correctly with primer and activator. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-588

GM is recalling 275,936 MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky passenger vehicles. The rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008. 07V-589

Monaco is recalling 96 MY 2008 Dynasty, Executive, Signature, Holiday Rambler Imperial, Navigator, Beaver Marquis and Patriot Class A motor homes equipped with TRW steering gears, Models TAS85 and RCS85. These steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition. This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash. Monaco is working with TRW to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07E101). The recall is expected to begin during January 2008. 07V-590

Paccar is recalling 559 MY 2008 Kenworth C500, T2000, T660, T800 and Peterbilt 320, 365, 467, 384, 386, 387, 388, 389, and 389K heavy duty trucks equipped with TAS85 TRW steering gears. The inner surface of the outer sector shaft teeth of the steering gears may have an incorrect involute profile, which may lead to chipping and damage of the gearing system. This type of damage may cause a “bind/stick” condition in the vehicle steering during a turn increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will repair and replace any suspect TAS85 steering gear assemblies. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. 07V-591

Keystone RV is recalling 223 MY 2007-2008 Challenger and Everest fifth wheel travel trailers. A liquid propane (LP) line for the slide room may be too close to the tire. This could cause an increased risk of property damage and possible fire. Dealers will reroute the LP line away from the tire. The recall is expected to begin during January 2008.
07V-585

Blue Bird is recalling 58 MY Wanderlodge 450LXi motor homes equipped with ArvinMeritor and TRW tie rod ends. The front axle curb weight may exceed the specified 16,000 pound weight rating. Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications or a misprinted label could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the left and right hand front tie rod ends along with a certification label stating the correct weight limits. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-586

Freightliner is recalling 220 MY 208 Argosy, Business Class M2, Cascadia, Century ST, Classic, Classic XL, Columbia, Coronado, FLD (glider), FLD SD, Sterling A-Line, L-Line, and Western Star 4900 trucks equipped with TRW steering gears, Models TAS85 and RCS85. These steering gears contain potentially defective sector shafts with an incorrect gear tooth which may interfere with the rack-piston teeth, resulting in a stick or bind condition. This condition has the potential to cause the steering gear to stall and restrict the steering turning angle of the vehicle which could result in a vehicle crash. Freightliner is working with TRW to replace the defective steering gear (please see 07E101). The recall is expected to begin on or about February 8, 2008. 07V-592

Eldorado is recalling 25 MY 2006 Transmark, Escort RE, MST and MST II buses equipped with Braun platform lifts for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 403, “Platform Lift Systems for Motor Vehicles.” A passenger can approach the exposed lift doorway without the audible alarm alerting them of their proximity to the threshold. Should the threshold warning system fail to operate, the lift user can fall from the vehicle and be seriously injured. Eldorado is working with Braun to have the doorway lift fixed (please see 06E094). 07V-593

Sprinter is recalling 6,101 MY 2007 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 utility vans. The crankshaft sensor in certain diesel engines could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor. When this happens, the vehicles may lose power rather than enter a limp-home mode. In addition, the vehicle cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensors. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008. 07V-594

Host is recalling 73 MY 2007-2008 Bachelor, Rainier, Tahoe, Yellowstone, Yukon and Everest truck campers and MY 2007-2008 270 and 330 Class C motor homes equipped with Suburban glass top, sealed burner ranges and cook tops with serial numbers included in a range beginning with 063413053 and ending with 064704399, P/NOS. 2950A, 2951A, 2952A, and 2953A. A threaded connector on the tube between the burner valve and the burner may not have been fully tightened during the manufacturing process. If the threaded connector is not properly tightened, it is possible for the gas to leak from the connection when the burner is turned on. Liquid propane (LP) gas is heavier than air and any leaked gas could accumulate in an enclosed or low area in the recreational vehicle. A sufficient quantity of accumulated gas, if ignited, could cause a fire or explosion. Host is working with Suburban to repair these cooking appliances. 07V-595

Farber Specialty Vehicles is recalling 32 MY 2002-2007 specialty vehicles such as bookmobiles, medical, dental, display and command buses built on Freightliner chassis and equipped with ZF Model 8018 steering gears. These gears may have been assembled with the incorrect recirculating ball spacer. This could potentially allow the recirculation balls to escape from the recirculation ball circuit resulting in a loss of steering. The operator may notice higher required steering wheel inputs, or the need for more steering wheel adjustments while driving in a straight line in combination with metallic cracking noises prior to a loss of steering. Loss of steering could result in a vehicle crash. Farber is working with Freightliner and ZF to replace the steering gear (please see 07V343 and 07E049). 07V-596

Ducati is recalling 865 MY 2006-2007 Hypermotard motorcycles. The license number plate holder support bracket posts can crack. The license plate can fall off the motorcycle. Dealers will install a redesigned bracket. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-597
Freightliner is recalling 250 MY 2008 Columbia and Century ST trucks equipped with Caterpillar EPA07 C155 engines. The extension pipes attached to the after-treatment regeneration device may develop a crack or hole and heat or flame may escape during a regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. A vehicle fire can occur. Caterpillar is conducting this recall (please see 07E100). 07V-598

Nissan is recalling 114 MY 2007-2008 Altima passenger vehicles. If the body control module (BCM) was replaced during service at a dealership, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may have been inadvertently deactivated due to an issue with the dealer service software. If the TPMS is turned off, it would not alert the driver to a decrease in the tire pressure as designed. Driving on under-inflated tires is unsafe and could result in a crash. Dealers will check the TPMS function and reactivate it if necessary. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. 07V-599