Automotive News - February 4, 2008 - (Page 86) 86 • FEBRUARY 4, 2008 Faulty gearshift blocker prompts Dodge recall Harry Stoffer hstoffer@crain.com recalls WASHINGTON — Chrysler LLC is recalling about 386,000 light trucks built for the 2001-02 model years because of the danger they can roll away when parked. Dealers are to replace a component called a gearshift blocker in 2001-02 Dodge Durangos, Dakotas and Ram vans and in 2002 Dodge Ram pickups. The first signs of trouble appeared when the trucks were new, according to documents Chrysler filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Twice in 2002, the for- 2001 Dodge Dakotas are among the vehicles included in the recall. mer Chrysler group made changes in the gearshift blocker on vehicles being assembled to head off future trouble. But Chrysler wanted to see how the vehicles already on the road held up before notifying regulators and customers. A company report to the government shows the complaint rate was low through 2004 but began to rise in 2005. In mid-2006, the company began a study of the long-term durability of the component. Chrysler concluded that the blocker, when worn, can cause the ignition-park interlock to fail, creating a rollaway danger, the company told NHTSA. Recall notices started going to owners at the end of December. In an email message to reporters, Chrysler said it knows of nine incidents with injuries that may be related to the problem. Separately, about 6,000 Sprinter vans sold as Dodges and Freightliners in the 2007 model year are being recalled for replacement of crankshaft sensors. Failure of the sensors causes engines to lose power and stall. Fix: Install heat-resistant hose. Number of affected vehicles: 43,000. 2007-08 HONDA FIT, IN WINTRYWEATHER STATES Problem: Road salt from occupants’ shoes penetrates carpet, damaging airbag system wiring. Front passenger frontal- and side-impact airbags may not be properly suppressed in the presence of a child or out-of-position passenger. Fix: Replace airbag wiring. Number: 34,000. 1998-2007 HONDA CIVIC GX FUELED BY COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS Problem: In the event of a rear-seat fire, the compressed-gas tank behind the seat may heat unevenly, preventing the pressure relief system from working. The tank may explode. Fix: Add insulator to rear seatback. Number: 6,500. 2006-07 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA Problem: Malfunctioning shift lock arm allows transmission to shift out of park even with ignition key removed, creating danger of rollaway. Fix: Replace shift lock module. Number: 40,000. 2007-08 VOLVO XC90 Problem: Engine control module sends a false shutdown signal to climate control system. Defroster may not function when needed, increasing risk of crashes. Fix: Upgrade engine control module software. Number: 37,000. 2006 LEXUS GS, IS Problem: Two fuel lines in engine compartment crack and leak. Fix: Replace fuel lines. Number: 34,000. 2006-07 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR Problem: Right front lower seat belt anchor breaks away in a severe crash. Fix: Replace seat belt and bracket assembly. Number: 7,300. Import-brand fixes Other automakers reported these recalls to NHTSA: 2005-08 ACURA RL Problem: Power steering hose ages prematurely, may leak, creating fire hazard. THE MILES PROGRAM ® Congratulates 2007’s ® We Salute your Commitment to Excellence. Automax Hyundai Suzuki VW Killeen, Texas Budget Car Sales of Hinesville Hinesville, Georgia Select Auto Sales Hephzibah, Georgia These dealerships have shown great dedication to the MILES Program and to helping active duty Service Members purchase quality transportation. ® GM recalls General Motors notified NHTSA of a series of recalls: 2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX, PONTIAC TORRENT NOT EQUIPPED WITH ROOF RAIL AIRBAGS OR SUNROOF Problem: Vehicles fail to provide required protection for head impacts with interior surfaces. Fix: Add energy-absorbing foam to A-pillar trim assemblies. Number: 57,000. 2001 SATURN L-SERIES WITH 2.2LITER ENGINE Problem: Timing chain breaks, causing sudden engine stall. Fix: Replace timing chain. Number: 21,000. 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, GMC SIERRA, WITH 8.1-LITER ENGINE Problem: Crankshaft position sensor malfunctions, fails. Engine runs rough, stalls. Fix: Replace crankshaft position sensor. Number: 12,000. c Military Installment Loan & Educational Services (MILES ) is a leading © ® 2008 NADA Convention & Expo Booth #3448W Stop by our booth and register to win a $1,000 Best Buy Gift Card! MILES Program Strategic Partners: http://usmiles.com http://usmiles.com http://usmiles.com
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