WASHINGTON: Here is our monthly summary of RV recalls for April 2016 and related equipment we feel are of interest to our readers. This information has been gleaned from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. This is NOT a complete list of all vehicles and related equipment recalled.
UNITED STATES RECALLS
RECREATION VEHICLES
Cruiser RV (Cruiser) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Stryker travel trailers, models ST3316, STG3112 and STG3212, manufactured December 11, 2015, to March 10, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700 lbs instead of being rated equal to, or greater than, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer. In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Cruiser will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200 lb rating, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of April 2016. Owners may contact Cruiser customer service at 1-260-562-3500.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cherokee Grey Wolf recreational trailers manufactured from March 23, 2015, through March 9, 2016. The Federal Placard incorrectly indicates the tire and rim size as ST205/75R15/C Tire(s) with 15X5.0JJ rims. However, the trailer is equipped with ST205/75R14/C Tire(s) with 14X5.5JJ rims. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.” Incorrect information on the Federal Placard may lead to the operator overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a tire blowout and the possibility of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and will send them a corrected Federal Placard, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-541-995-3447 extension 4013. Forest River’s recall number for this campaign is 64-03112016-0147.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Puma recreational trailers, models T12RBC, T15UDC, T17QBC, and T18FBC, manufactured from January 1, 2013, through March 1, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River’s recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050SA.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Georgetown recreational vehicles, model GTA369XLF, manufactured from December 8, 2014, through March 22, 2016. A vented window was installed in the rear wall of the vehicle instead of a secondary egress window. Without a secondary egress window, occupants may be trapped in the event of an emergency, increasing the risk of injury or death. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remove the vented window and install an egress window, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-206-7600. Forest River’s number for this recall is 15-03232016-0151.
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2008-2016 Puma recreational trailers and toy haulers, models PT20RDC, PT21FBC, PT22RBC, PT26RLC, PT26FBSC, PT21TUC, PT25FBC, PT22RB, PTH21TFU, PTH24THS, PTH25TFS, PTH27SBU, PTH27RLSS, PTH25TFQ, and PTH21TFB, manufactured from June 25, 2007, through March 23, 2016. When the trailer hits a bump, the tire(s) may contact the floor or wheel well and result in tire damage. A damaged tire could deflate and cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will install a lift kit to add additional clearance to the vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-642-0607. Forest River’s recall number for this campaign is 420-06092015-0050.
Heartland Recreational Vehicles, LLC (Heartland) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Torque travel trailers, models T31 and T32, manufactured December 15, 2015, to March 16, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with safety chains on the A-frame that are rated for 11,700 lbs instead of being rated equal to, or greater than, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the travel trailer In the event the main trailer connection fails, the weight of the trailer can break the safety chains if the chains are not strong enough, allowing the trailer to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Heartland will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing safety chains with chains that have a 16,200 pound rating, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin by the end of April 2016. Owners may contact Heartland customer service at 1-877-262-8032 or by email at parts@heartlandrvs.com.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2016 Octane travel trailers, model 222(V2), manufactured March 23, 2016, to March 30, 2016. The turn signal wires on the affected trailers may be crossed, activating the opposite turn signal of the one intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment.” Crossed turn signal wires may confuse other drivers by incorrectly indicating the intended direction and thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Jayco will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the wiring, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 30, 2016. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901293.
Jayco, Inc. (Jayco) is recalling certain model year 2016 White Hawk travel trailers, model 25BHS, manufactured on March 3, 2016. The affected trailers were incorrectly built on axles rated for 3000 lbs., when they should have been built with axles that have a capacity of 3500 lbs. If the trailer is loaded to the capacity listed on the label, trailer handling may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash. All of the affected trailers have been quarantined at Jayco dealers prior to their sale and thus no owner notification letters will be sent. Dealers will install the correct axles, free of charge. Owners may contact Jayco customer service at 1-800-283-8267. Jayco’s number for this recall is 9901291.
Lakota Corporation (Lakota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Bighorn and Charger recreational vehicles manufactured from March 5, 2015, through March 20, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the screws that attach the expanding room to the sliding mechanism cable may fail allowing the room to extend unintentionally while the vehicle is in motion. If the room extends while vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash. Lakota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2016. Owners may contact Lakota customer service at 1-574-848-1636.
Starcraft RV (Starcraft) is recalling certain model year 2016 Launch Ultra Lite trailers, model 31BHT, manufactured June 23, 2015, to September 29, 2015. The entry steps may have been installed without using the proper bolts, possibly resulting in the steps loosening or separating from the trailer. Loose steps or steps that drop when weight is applied may cause the user to fall, increasing their risk of injury. Starcraft will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the step installation, correcting the mounting as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 29, 2016. Owners may contact Starcraft customer service at 1-800-945-4787. Starcraft’s number for this recall is 9902292.
Winnebago Towable (Winnebago) is recalling certain model year 2016 Winnie Drop recreational trailers manufactured from September 10, 2015, through March 8, 2016. The refrigerator compartment may not be completely sealed and thus may allow carbon monoxide to enter the main cabin. If carbon monoxide were to enter the main cabin, it can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, or possible death. The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Winnebago customer service at 1-574-825-5250.
OTHER VEHICLES
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material. A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S16.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015. Contamination on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit board may cause a short and result in the loss of power steering assist. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S19.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 F-650 and F-750 trucks manufactured January 28, 2015, to November 30, 2015. The clip that connects the hand operated parking brake actuator cable to the intermediate parking brake cable may fail. If the parking brake cable connector clip fails, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable connector clip, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S15.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Transit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to March 18, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the side curtain air bag may not deploy with the proper trajectory due to being folded and packaged incorrectly. A side curtain air bag that does not deploy as intended may increase the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and re-orient the side curtain air bag assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S13.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in. Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall is expected to begin May 16, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it. This movement may result in the fatigue and separation of the cable. If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent the tensioner from being damaged. Any tensioner that has already been damaged will be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 15822.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana incomplete vehicles equipped with a 159 inch wheel base manufactured August 2, 2013, to January 30, 2016. The affected vehicles were shipped to final stage manufacturers without a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, “Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.” Without a TPMS, the driver would not be alerted if one or more tires became under inflated. Driving with under inflated tires increases the risk of a crash. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install the hardware and software necessary to equip the vehicles with a TPMS, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 15819.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 Accord vehicles manufactured October 1, 2003, to August 17, 2007. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with an incorrect passenger frontal air bag module that does not comply with the advanced air bag requirements. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” An air bag module does not meet the advanced air bag requirements can increase the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 5, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda’s number for this recall is JZ3
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles manufactured May 26, 2015 to January 15, 2016 and equipped with an accessory trailer hitch harness either included with the accessory trailer hitch or sold as a service part. In the affected vehicles, when the vehicle’s engine is running and the brake lights are illuminated, if the turn signal is activated, the trailer turn signal lights will either turn off or remain continuously illuminated (not flash). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108, ” Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Failure to illuminate the trailer’s turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver’s intent, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 142.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist. With a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 143.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016 Frontier V6 vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to March 7, 2016. The starter motor wire harness may have been installed in an incorrect position, allowing the starter harness terminal to contact the heat shield and result in an electrical short. An electrical short increases the risk of a fire. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and reposition the starter wire harness, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016 and equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The ABS actuator may have a damaged O-ring that may result in a lack of brake fluid pressure. Insufficient brake fluid pressure may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by June 4, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTA-62.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, “Electronic Stability Control Systems.” Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 5, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is G0I, GLC.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Sienna vehicles manufactured February 15, 2016, to February 19, 2016. In the affected vehicles, incorrect front seat belt height adjusters may have been installed. During a crash, this incorrect height adjuster may contact the B-pillar and tear or separate. Failure and detachment of seat belt height adjuster would result in the occupant not being properly restrained in a crash, increasing their risk of injury. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt height adjusters, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 30, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is G0H.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Passat vehicles equipped with TDI engines. Due to improperly assembled wire seals in a connector for an underbody sensor, water may enter and corrode the electrical connectors of the sensor, causing an electrical short. An electrical short can cause the electrical connectors of the sensor to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 23T3.
TIRES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 Amera-Lite cargo trailers manufactured November 2, 2005, to July 21, 2011; 2007-2013 Cargo Mate cargo trailers manufactured December 1, 2006, to February 27, 2013; 2005-2016 Continental Cargo cargo trailers manufactured January 27, 2005, to November 11, 2015; and 2007-2012 US Cargo cargo trailers manufactured January 30, 2007, to July 12, 2011. The tire pressure specification for the 5.30″ x 12″ Load Range C Tire is listed as 50 PSI instead of the correct tire pressure specification of 80 PSI. As a result, the subject vehicles have incorrectly stated Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the Federal Placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.” Using the trailers to the loading specifications on the label while the tires are underinflated may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash. Forest River will notify owners and will provide Federal placard stickers with the correct PSI, GAWR, and GVWR, free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2016. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-266-7539. Forest River’s number for this campaign is 51-02292016-0141.
Please note: This is only a list of recalls we feel may be of interest to the RVing community. There may be other recalls which may affect you — please make it a point to visit appropriate government sources for more information.
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America’s roadways.
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