RV and RV-related recalls for Nov. 2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured November 3, 2014, to September 1, 2015, and equipped with a 6.8L engine and an optional trailer brake controller. In the affected vehicles, the trailer brake controller may not actuate the trailer brakes. If the trailer brakes are not activated when the towing vehicle is slowing down, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 15S32.

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 “Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles.” In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable. Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire. GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, 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 13365.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Fit LX-trim vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to July 02, 2015 and not equipped with a sunroof. In the affected vehicles, the rear grab handle brackets were not manufactured properly, and as a result, the brackets may puncture the side curtain air bags upon their deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, “Side Impact Protection” and number 226, “Ejection Mitigation”. If the side curtain air bags are punctured upon deployment, the outboard seat occupants may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear grab handle bracket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JV8.

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, “Electronic stability control systems”, number 135, “Light vehicle brake systems” and number 138, “Tire pressure monitoring systems”. If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at increased risk of a crash. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is JV7.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles manufactured January 18, 2014, to September 30, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may have insufficient strength, and as a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly. If the pinion gear separates, there would be a loss of steering which could increase the risk of a crash. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear. Dealers will also install a set bolt for additional reinforcement. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 22, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC125.

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2008 Tribute vehicles manufactured February 9, 2007 to April 22, 2008. The affected vehicles have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning. If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the “PARK” position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the “PARK” gear position. If the vehicle is not in the “PARK” position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission and if necessary tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 30, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda’s number for this recall is 8815J.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult. If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist. If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. Volkswagen will send owners an interim notification by December 22, 2015 and will send a second notification when a remedy plan has been finalized, currently expected to be in March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 23R1.

CANADA RECALLS:

Recreational Vehicles Only:

Recall Date 2015/11/25 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 93 Category Motorhome Recall Details Certain motorhomes may have been manufactured with a refrigerator equipped with a travel latch that could inadvertently activated without the users knowledge. If the latch accidently locked the door shut, there would be no means to open it from the inside which could potentially cause entrapment and/or injury to an individual. Correction: Dealers will install a new door latch that cannot be inadvertently locked and can only be activated from the exterior of the refrigerator after the door is closed. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected NEWMAR CANYON STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2013 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR CLASS A MOTORHOME 2012 2013 2014 NEWMAR ESSEX CLASS A MOTORHOME 2012 2013 2014 NEWMAR KING AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2008 2009 2011 2013 2014 NEWMAR LONDON AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2015 NEWMAR MOUNTAIN AIRE CLASS A MOTORHOME 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 NEWMAR VENTANA CLASS A MOTORHOME 2011 2012 2013

Recall Date 2015/11/25 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Other Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 176 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain vehicles equipped with an S-Series wheelchair lift, the platform could potentially crack due to bent knuckle link arms and/or defective bearing. Overtime, the platform could separate of the rear portion of the pivot plate making the lift inoperable and putting the lift operator at risk of injury. Correction: Owners will need to make an appointment with the local Ricon Dealer to have the lift inspected and repaired. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected ELKHART COACH ECI 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 ELKHART COACH ECII 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Recall Date 2015/11/24 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Engine Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 10 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain vehicles built on a Powerglide chassis, insufficient clearance exists between the exhaust pipe and the floor. This could cause the floor insulation to melt and make the floor area above the engine extremely hot, increasing the risk of personal injury or possibly resulting in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a revised exhaust configuration to increase clearance. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected TIFFIN PHAETON 2010 2011 2012

Recall Date 2015/11/24 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 7 Category Motorhome Recall Details On certain motorhomes, a high-amperage interior wiring harness may have loose electrical connections and/or the ground wire could be located incorrectly. This could result in the wiring overheating if under a high amperage load condition, which could increase the risk of a fire and increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will tighten all connections and relocate the wire harness ground wire to prevent feed of current in the event of the failure of the main ground wire. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected AIRSTREAM GRAND TOUR 2016 AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE EXTENDED 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/23 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number 15V771 Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 32 Category Motorhome, Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers and motorhomes, a defect in the on-demand hot water heater, manufactured by Atwood Mobile Products, could result in a risk of scalding injury due to excessive hot water temperature. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions from Atwood Mobile Products on how and where to have repairs completed. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER BERKSHIRE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER BROOKSTONE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER CHARLESTON 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER CONTINENTAL CARGO 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER DYNAMAX 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER LEGACY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER SHOCKWAVE 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER WORK AND PLAY 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 FOREST RIVER XLR 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Compliance Mfr System Label Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 11 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the certification, tire and loading information labels do not contain correct tire size information. The labels incorrectly indicate a tire size of ST225/75R15C, while the trailers are fitted with ST205/75R14C. As a result, oversized tires and rims may inadvertently be fitted, which may lead to poor vehicle handling characteristics and potentially result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Labels will be mailed to owners along with instructions for proper installation. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 4 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the power wire of the slide mechanism(s) and slide rooms may have been incorrectly connected during manufacturing. As a result, the wiring and motor do not have over-current protection. This could result in an increase in amperage draw, and could lead to melting of the power wire and increase the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the wiring of the slide mechanism(s), and re-wire as necessary. Anti-corrosion spray will also be applied to the electrical connections. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected FOREST RIVER SURVEYOR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Label Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 103 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the certification label on the towing hitch that indicates the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Tongue Weight for the trailer was omitted. This could lead to vehicle overloading, potentially causing damage to trailer and affecting vehicle handling, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Labels will be mailed to owners of affected vehicles, along with instructions for proper installation. Alternatively, owners can visit a Jayco dealer to have the new certification label applied. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected JAYCO EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Accessories Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 13 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the water heater could have been wired incorrectly. While the water heater will still function on propane (LP) gas power, it will not function on electric power, which would cause the “DSI FLT” warning light not to illuminate if the gas is on and did not ignite. If the warning light does not illuminate to notify the operator that the gas did not ignite, a buildup of propane gas may result, which in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire and/or an explosion causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will re-wire the water heater to ensure it will run properly on electric and that the warning light will work properly. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016 STARCRAFT TRAVEL STAR 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/19 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Structure Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 81 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers equipped with a “Happy Jack” bed, the brackets for the bed may have been incorrectly positioned. This could cause the bed to lift up too far, which could damage the bed’s brackets and motor. This could result in the brackets potentially breaking, and allowing the bed to possibly fall onto an occupant that may be under it, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reposition the bed’s brackets to ensure that it will not lift up too far. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016

Recall Date 2015/11/17 Notification Type Safety Mfr System Electrical Manufacturer Recall Number  Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 104 Category Travel Trailer Recall Details On certain travel trailers, the labels on the breaker box and 12 volt fuse panel may be incorrect. Incorrect labels may create a possibility of electrical shock hazard when working on the travel trailer, which could result in injury. Correction: Labels will be sent to current owners instructing them to replace the incorrect label on the breaker box and 12 volt fuse panel. MakeModelModel Year(s) Affected STARCRAFT AR-ONE 2016 STARCRAFT AR-ONE MAX 2016 STARCRAFT LAUNCH ULTRA LITE 2016 STARCRAFT TRAVEL STAR 2016

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. 

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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.