Ford Motor Company
Models:
Ford Contour Year: 1998
Mercury Mystique Year: 1998
Number Involved: 280,000
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - August 1998
Defect: The air bag sensor wiring insulation can become brittle and crack over time due to environmental stress cracking of the insulation. In some cases, it can cause the air bag warning light to illuminate and disable the air bag supplemental restraint system.
Remedy: Dealers will install air bag sensors with revised wiring insulation. In addition, vehicles which have the air bag warning light illuminated will have a new air bag diagnostic monitor installed. Owner notification began Sept. 27, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V243/Ford Recall No. 99S23]
*September

General Motors Corporation
Models:
Saturn SC Year: 2000
Saturn SW Year: 2000
Saturn SL Year: 2000
Number Involved: 2,409
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1999
Noncompliance: These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Some of these vehicles were manufactured with welds in the instrument panel carrier assembly that were not strong enough to allow the vehicles to meet the sled test performance requirements. A front seat occupant, particularly an unbelted occupant, may have an increased risk of injury in a frontal crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the vehicle's instrument panel carrier assembly. Owner notification began in late August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, prompt 3.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V230/GM Recall No. 99051/00-C-04]
*August

Volvo Cars of North America, Inc.
Models:
Volvo S70 Year: 1998
Volvo V70 Year: 1998
Volvo C70 Year: 1998
Number Involved: 124,381
Dates of Manufacture: January 1997 - August 1999
Defect: The frontal passenger air bag may be overly sensitive to certain electrostatic discharges. This could possibly cause an inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will install an additional ground wire in the passenger side to assure sufficient grounding. Owner notification began in late August 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V236/Volvo Recall No. 96]
*August

DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Models:
Chrysler Town & Country Years: 1993-1995
Dodge Caravan Years: 1993-1995
Dodge Grand Caravan Years: 1993-1995
Plymouth Voyager Years: 1993-1995
Plymouth Grand Voyager Years: 1993-1995
Number Involved: 860,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1993 - March 1995
Defect: On certain minivans, an intermittent short circuit in the air bag initiator wire can occur shortly after vehicle startup and could lead to an inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired. Owner notification was expected to begin during June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V113/Chrysler Recall No. 818]
*May

Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models: Saab 9000 Years: 1992-1994
Number Involved: 26,116
Dates of Manufacture: June 1991 - July 1994
Defect: Moisture can enter the inflatable restraint electronic control module (ECM) and cause corrosion on portions of the ECM printer circuit boards. This corrosion can possibly create open connections in circuits which control the restraint deployment, possibly causing inadvertent air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the exterior of the ECM. If there is no indication of moisture, a cover will be installed over the ECM. If there is indication of moisture, the dealer will replace the ECM and install a cover over the new ECM. Owner notification is expected to begin during late-June 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V109/Saab Recall No. 708]
*May

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:
BMW 323i Year: 1999
BMW 328i Year: 1999
Number Involved: 32,500
Dates of Manufacture: June 1998 - March 1999
Defect: These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (rear door air bags are optional), a head protection system (HPS) for front occupants, a central electronic sensor and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. This system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed. This could cause the side air bag and HPS to deploy without an actual side crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V063]
*March

Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Plymouth Neon Year: 2000
Dodge Neon Year: 2000
Number Involved: 380
Dates of Manufacture: November 1998 - January 1999
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, some frontal (passenger side) air bags may not inflate properly. In the event of a crash, the passenger may not be adequately protected, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module on the passenger side. Owner notification was to begin during April 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V043/Chrysler Recall No. 821]
*March

Chrysler Corporation
Models: Dodge Ram Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 263,000
Dates of Manufacture: August 1994 - August 1997
Defect: On certain van and wagon model vehicles, if water or road salt gets on the interior floor of the vehicle in the proximity of the air bag electronic control module (AECM), the AECM can corrode. The resulting corrosion can cause the driver side air bag to deploy inadvertently. Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the AECM with an AECM that is sealed from moisture intrusion. Owner notification is expected to begin during March 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V023/Chrysler Recall No. 815]
*February

Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Dodge Ram Van Year: 1998
Number Involved: 30,400 Dates of Manufacture: November 1997 - June 1998
Defect: On certain vans and vans used for conversion, if a heavy object strikes the metal casing of the air bag electronic control module (AECM) located under the driver's seat, the module could inadvertently deploy the air bags. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the AECM with a module that incorporates revised hardware and software on all affected vehicles. Owner notification began Feb. 15, 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
[NHTSA Recall No. 99V002/Chrysler Recall No. 816]
*January

Subaru of America, Inc.
Models: Subaru Impreza Years: 1994-1995
Legacy Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 95,693
Dates of Manufacture: February 1994 - July 1995
Defect: Inadvertent air bag deployment on certain passenger vehicles can occur after undercarriage contact of the tow hooks with curbs, dips, speed bumps, potholes, etc. Unexpected air bag deployment could result in personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the front tow hooks. Owner notification was to begin during January 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V315]
*December

Mazda (North America), Inc.
Models: Mazda 626 Years: 1995-1997
Mazda MX6 Years: 1995-1996
Number Involved: 213,000
Dates of Manufacture: June 1994 - September 1996
Defect: These vehicles can experience air bag deployments in minor undercarriage impacts. Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the air bag sensor unit to reduce the probability of unnecessary deployments in low speed undercarriage impacts. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. [NHTSA Recall No. 98V249]
*October

Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.
Models: Mercedes Benz E-Class Year: 1999
Number Involved: 4,163
Dates of Manufacture: July - August 1998
Defect: A wrong clamp may have been installed on the window air bag units. The window air bag may not fully deploy in a side-impact collision, not providing adequate protection to the vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the window air bag units and, if the wrong or incorrectly installed clamp is found, the entire unit will be replaced. Owner notification was to begin Nov. 30, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-FOR-MERCedes (1-800-367-6372).
[NHTSA Recall No. 98V256/Mercedes-Benz Recall No. 1998090002]
*October

Ford Motor Company
Models: Air Bag Switch
Number Involved: 470
Dates of Manufacture: Prior to May 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98E020
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Aftermarket air bag control switch kits, Part Numbers F8DB - 14385, with the following suffixes: EA, FA, LA, MA, VA, and TA, can break if cycled frequently. These kits are specified for installation on Taurus, Sable, Windstar, Explorer, Mountaineer, Expedition, Navigator, and Ranger vehicles equipped with either driver or driver and front passenger air bags.
Remedy: Dealers will replace these switches with a revised switch.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was expected to begin Aug. 24, 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
*July

General Motors Corporation
Models:
Chevrolet Cavalier Years: 1996-1997
Pontiac Sunfire Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 675,302
Dates of Manufacture: April 1995 - May 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V146
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sending and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan. Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module. Owner notification is expected to begin during August 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
*June

Saab Cars USA, Inc.
Models:
Saab 900 Years: 1997-1998
Saab 9000 Years: 1997-1998
Saab 9-3 Years: 1999
Saab 9-5 Years: 1999
Number Involved: 39,313
Dates of Manufacture: February 1997 - June 1998
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V139
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: The air bag alert label on the driver's side visor was omitted. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." The vehicle occupant may not properly understand the operation of the air bag system and the need to use seat belts.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an alert label to be installed on the visible side of the driver's sun visor. If an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them. Owner notification is expected to begin Aug. 30, 1998.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.
*June

General Motors Corporation
Models:
Cadillac Eldorado Years: 1995
Cadillac Deville Years: 1995
Cadillac Seville Years: 1995
Cadillac Concours Years: 1995
Number Involved: 102,627
Dates of Manufacture: April 1994 - February 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V115
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Inadvertent deployment of the air bag can occur because of water intrusion into the Sensing and Diagnostics Module (SDM) located below the driver's seat. Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Dealers will seal the SDM with waterproof sealant.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during June 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.
*May

Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Models:
Porsche 911 Carrera Years: 1996
Number Involved: Not yet available
Dates of Manufacture: Not yet available
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V089
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: Inadvertent deployment of the air bag can occur. Deployment of the air bag without warning could cause a driver to lose vehicle control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash and personal injury.
Remedy: Porsche has not yet provided a remedy and owner notification schedule for this recall.
Owner Notification: Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
*April

Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Jeep Wrangler Years: 1996-1997
Number Involved: 1,600
Dates of Manufacture: January 1996 - July 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 98V046
Vehicle Description:
Description of Defect: In manual steering Wrangler vehicles, the driver's side air bag "clock spring" wiring harness can break when turned to the "full lock" turn position. Then, in the event of a vehicle crash, the air bag would not deploy, increasing the risk of serious injury to the occupant.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clock spring harness in these air bags.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin during April 1998. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
*March

American Honda Motor Company
Models:
Honda Civic Years: 1997-1998
Number Involved: 9,558
Dates of Manufacture: June - August 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V193
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Some of the front passenger air bag modules have been improperly assembled. The cloth flaps covering the folded air bag may have been tucked in too far.
Consequence of Defect: This condition could prevent proper deployment of the air bag. In a crash, an improper air bag deployment could increase the risk of injury to a front seat passenger.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair the front passenger's air bag module to prevent this problem from occurring.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during October 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
*November

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
Audi 80 Years: 1989-1993
Audi 90 Years: 1989-1993
Audi 100 Years: 1989-1993
Audi 200 Years: 1989-1993
Audi V8 Years: 1989-1993
Audi Coupe Years: 1989-1993
Audi S4 Years: 1989-1993
Number Involved: 54,800
Dates of Manufacture: September 1988 - July 1993
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V172 Volkswagen Campaign No. KF
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: Some air bag sensors do not comply with Audi's durability standards over the lifetime of the vehicle.
Consequence of Defect: In the event the sensor should malfunction, the air bag restraint system can inadvertently deploy. Deployment of the air bag restraint system without warning could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the air bag sensor control module.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 13, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
*October

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Models:
Audi 90 Years: 1995-1997
Audi Cabriolet Years: 1995-1997
Audi A4 Years: 1995-1997
Audi A6 Years: 1995-1997
Audi A8 Years: 1995-1997
Number Involved: 39,300
Dates of Manufacture: July 1994 - September 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V175 Volkswagen Campaign No. KG
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The discharge of static electricity under low humidity conditions can activate the driver side air bag when the driver enters or exits the vehicle and forms an electrical circuit by touching certain areas of the steering wheel.
Consequence of Defect: Activation of the air bag under these conditions can cause personal injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a ground wire on the driver side air bag.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began Oct. 13, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
*October

General Motors Corporation
Model:
Chevrolet Malibu Year: 1997
Number Involved: 16,099
Dates of Manufacture: January - April 1997
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V107 GM Campaign No. 97035
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The fasteners that secure the passenger side air bag module to the instrument panel tie bar were omitted.
Consequence of Defect: If the air bag deploys, the module could separate from the instrument panel striking and injuring an occupant.
Corrective Action: Dealers will inspect the air bag module for the presence of the fasteners and, if necessary, install any fasteners that were omitted.
Owner Notification: Owner notification was to begin during July 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222- 1020.
*June

Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Jeep Grand Cherokee Year: 1997
Jeep Wrangler Year: 1997
Dodge Dakota Truck Year: 1997
Dodge Neon Year: 1997
Plymouth Neon Year: 1997
Dodge Viper Year: 1997
Number Involved: 125,000
Dates of Manufacture: July - September 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V080
Chrysler Campaign No. 731
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles and light duty trucks.
Description of Defect: The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment when the vehicle's ignition is turned off.
Consequence of Defect: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Owner Notification: Chrysler has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
*May

General Motors Corporation
Model:
Geo Prizm Year: 1997
Number Involved: 17,094
Dates of Manufacture: August - November 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V043.002 GM Campaign No. 97017
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: If the air bag computer in a subject vehicle experiences a mechanical shock within a very short time after the engine is started, e.g., rapidly moving the front seat back against the stops or a sudden release of the parking brake, the air bag can deploy inadvertently.
Consequence of Defect: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair the air bag computer.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began April 30, 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet/Geo at 1-800-222-1020.
*March

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Model:
Toyota Corolla Year: 1997
Number Involved: 61,202
Dates of Manufacture: August - November 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V043.001 Toyota Campaign No. SSC V01
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: If the air bag computer in a subject vehicle experiences a mechanical shock within a very short time after the engine is started, e.g., rapidly moving the front seat back against the stops or a sudden release of the parking brake, the air bag can deploy inadvertently.
Consequence of Defect: Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Corrective Action: Dealers will repair the air bag computer.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during March 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
*March

Rolls-Royce Motors, Inc.
Model:
Bentley Continental Years: 1997
Number Involved: 10
Dates of Manufacture: May - December 1996
NHTSA Recall No.: 97V049
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles
Description of Defect: The aluminum facia trim panel on the passenger air bag door can detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence of Defect: If this occurs during a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupants could be injured.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the air bag doors with a new door using a different adhesive to attach the panel.
Owner Notification: Owner notification began during April 1997.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Rolls-Royce at 1-201-967-9100.
*March

Bayerische Motoren Werke
Models:
BMW 318i Year: 1992
BMW 318iS Year: 1992
BMW 325i Year: 1992
BMW 325iS Year: 1992
BMW 525i Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW 525iT Year: 1992
BMW 535i Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW 735i Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW 735iL Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW 750iL Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW 850i Years: 1991 - 1992
BMW M5 Years: 1991 - 1992
Number Involved: 75,000
Dates of Manufacture: July 1990 - March 1992
NHTSA Recall No.: 96V110000
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Consequence of Defect: If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (SRS or air bag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin Aug. 5, 1996.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
*July

Ford Motor Company ********The mechanism itself works, this is a warning problem.****************
Model:
Ford Probe Year: 1996
Number Involved: 2,740
Dates of Manufacture: November 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 96V090000 Ford Campaign No.: 96S41
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Noncompliance: The supplementary inflatable restraint caution label located on the driver side sun visor does not contain the statement, "do not install rearward facing child seats in any front passenger seat position." This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No.208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence of Noncompliance: Operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
Corrective Action: A new caution label, with installation instructions, will be sent directly to owners. Owners can install the label or, if they wish, can have their dealer install the label for them.
Owner Notification: Owner notification is expected to begin on or before July 17, 1996.
Note: Owners who do not receive the new caution label within a reasonable time without charge can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
*June

Toyota Motor Company, Ltd.
Models:
Geo Prizm Years: 1993 - 1995
Toyota Corolla Years: 1993 - 1995
Number Involved: 627,858
Dates of Manufacture: June 1992-January 1995
NHTSA Recall No.: 96V107000
Vehicle Description: Passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: If liquid is spilled in the console box area, the air bag warning light can illuminate during normal driving conditions and cause the air bag to malfunction.
Consequence of Defect: This leakage condition could cause the air bag to inadvertently deploy.
Corrective Action: Dealers will install a protective cover over the air bag sensor to prevent possible malfunction caused by the spilling of liquid substances on the sensor. Air bag sensors damaged by previous liquid spillage will be replaced.
Owner Notification: Owners have already been notified of this campaign.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
*June

Chrysler Corporation
Models:
Jeep Wrangler Year: 1997
Dates of Manufacture: January 1996-February 1996
Number of Vehicles: 700
NHTSA Recall Number: 96V060000 Chrysler Campaign Number: 683
Vehicle Description: Multi-purpose passenger vehicles.
Description of Defect: The air bag electronic control module software contains an error which can delay the air bag deployment in certain crash situations.
Consequence of Defect: Delayed deployment can cause increased injury to front seat vehicle occupants in a collision.
Corrective Action: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module on these vehicles.
Owner Notification Date: Notification to consumers began in late April 1996.
Note: Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
*April

Number of Recalls for 1999 – 9
Number of Recalls for 1998 – 9
Number of Recalls for 1997 – 8
Number of Recalls for 1996 – 4