VANAGON archives -- May 1994 (#194)

Date: Sun, 15 May 94 01:29:03 CDT Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com> From: Joel Walker <JWALKER@ua1vm.ua.edu> Subject: vanagons (all): recall info from NHTSA as of 05/06/94

well, i called the 800 number and asked the machine for ALL vanagons from 1980 to 1991 ... and they sent it! :) so, here's what i got from them. ******** everybody with 1985-1991 vanagons: pay particular attention to Campaign SF about the fuel line clamp in the engine compartment. i did NOT get any notice of this yet (but since i've already replaced all my fuel hoses AND clamps, i HOPE it won't affect me).

and speaking of notices, if anybody else has any copies of the recall notices that they've received, i'd appreciate getting a copy of it. thanks. .............................................................................. >From National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline 1-800-424-9393 ----------------------------------------- Information as of 06 May 1994 ----------------------------------------- 1980 Vanagon Built from 1979 Jul to 1979 Dec Campaign 79V270000 No. Recalled: 2,572 Campaign EN Notification Date: 800128 System: Suspension; Front Ball Joint Bolts Description of Defect: The bolts which attach each left and right side front ball joint to the upper wishbone, may not have been sufficiently tightened during assembly. This could cause the ball joint to separate from the wishbone. Consequence of Defect: Separation of the ball joint from the wishbone could cause loss of vehicle control and a vehicle accident. Corrective Action: The dealer will tighten the ball joints to the correct specifications at no cost to owner. ----------------------------------------- 1980 Vanagon Built from 1979 Jul to 1980 Feb Campaign 80V800000 No. Recalled: 2,287 Campaign ES Notification Date: 800729 System: Heating; Heater Exhaust Pipe Vehicle Description: Vans equipped with auxiliary heaters Description of Defect: The auxiliary heater's exhaust pipe is mounted in a downward position toward the ground. Consequence of Defect: In the event the vehicle is parked in an area with dry material (grass) beneath it, the downflow of exhaust could reach the material and possibly ignite it. A vehicle fire and personal injury could result. Corrective Action: Dealer will remove the existing pipe and install a modified pipe with a shield over the end, without charge to owner. ----------------------------------------- 1980 Vanagon and 1981 Vanagon Built from 1980 Apr to 1981 Apr Campaign 81V076000 No. Recalled: 92 Campaign Notification Date: 810422 System: Pop Top Vehicle Description: Campers (Van Conversion) Description of Defect: During vehicle operation, the pop top could loosen from its anchor due to wind pressure. It could open and separate entirely from the vehicle. Consequence of Defect: Sudden opening of the pop top could be a hazard to safe vehicle operation. Complete separation could cause an accident and personal injury to other drivers. NOTE: Until the problem is corrected, owner is advised to avoid excessive wind pressure against the pop top by driving at moderate speeds. Corrective Action: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, modify anchorages to make sure pop top will be secured under normal operating conditions. ----------------------------------------- 1981 Vanagon and 1982 Vanagon Built from to Campaign 84V084000 No. Recalled: 16,000 Campaign NC Notification Date: System: Door Latch. Vehicle Description: Camper and Multi-Purpose Passenger Vehicles. Description of Defect: Spring, which holds the latch on the front door locks, may break and door may open unexpectedly. Consequence of Defect: Door could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion; Occupants could be ejected from vehicle and suffer serious injury. Corrective Action: Springs will be replaced on all affected locks without charge. ----------------------------------------- 1983 Vanagon No recall information on above vehicle(s). ----------------------------------------- 1984 Vanagon No recall information on above vehicle(s). ----------------------------------------- 1985 Vanagon Built from 1984 Jul to 1985 May Campaign 85V152000 No. Recalled: 16,328 Campaign Notification Date: System: Door Look. Vehicle Description: Van-type Wagon and Campers. Description of Defect: The latch of the passenger sliding door may become damaged if excessive force is used to close the door. The damaged door lock mechanism will not properly engage and the door could open if vehicle is driven over bumpy roads. Consequence of Defect: If this occurs there is a possibility that a passenger could fall out causing injury or death. Corrective Action: Modify the sliding door lock assembly so door will properly engage. ----------------------------------------- 1985 Vanagon through 1991 Vanagon Built from 1985 Jul to 1992 Jun Campaign 92V058001 No. Recalled: 340,000 Campaign SF Notification Date: System: Fuel Lines. Vehicle Description: Passenger Cars. Description of Defect: The fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak. Consequence of Defect: Fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition. Corrective Action: Replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self- tightening clamp. NOTE: Volkswagen of America estimates the new self-tightening fuel hose clamps will be available in May of 1992. Supplement 92V058001 Information has been added to this campaign. ----------------------------------------- 1986 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1986 Jul Campaign 87V051000 No. Recalled: 339 Campaign PA Notification Date: 870414 System: Fuel Tank. Vehicle Description: Van Type Vehicles. Description of Defect: Fuel tank filler neck pipe may not seat properly in the fuel tank opening. Also, the sending unit cover may be deformed. Consequence of Defect: Fuel could escape, creating the potential for a fire. Corrective Action: Install a redesigned filler neck pipe and replace the sending unit gasket. ----------------------------------------- 1986 Vanagon through 1991 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1991 Jun Campaign 93V175000 No. Recalled: 29,500 Campaign SU Notification Date: System: Air Conditioner hose; Duct; Air. Vehicle Description: Vans equipped with factory air conditioning. Description of Defect: The plastic material of the center air flow duct, which is fastened by two mounting screws to the ceiling of the passenger compartment, can crack and eventually break. Consequence of Defect: If the plastic breaks where it is held at the two mounting screws, the center air flow duct can separate from its supports and cause injury to the passengers sitting in the center seat of the vehicle. Corrective Action: Dealers will install a reinforcement plate at the connections of both the center and rear air flow ducts. ----------------------------------------- 1986 Vanagon and 1987 Vanagon Built from 1985 Oct to 1986 Oct Campaign 88V038000 No. Recalled: 12,000 Campaign Notification Date: System: Fuel in line filter. Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles. Description of Defect: In line fuel filter located between the fuel tank and fuel pump could seep fuel at the seam of the plastic casing. Consequence of Defect: Should seepage occur, leaking fuel can cause a risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source. Corrective Action: The in line fuel filter will be replaced with a straight fuel hose. ----------------------------------------- 1986 Vanagon and 1987 Vanagon Built from 1985 Aug to 1987 Jan Campaign 87V052000 No. Recalled: 15,500 Campaign PB Notification Date: 870414 System: Fuel tank. Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles. Description of Defect: Usage of fuel with Reid pressure up to 14 psi could, under high engine load and high ambient temperatures, lead to stalling. Consequence of Defect: Fuel flow could become restricted and cause the engine to stall. Corrective Action: Instll a new fuel tank, containing a redesigned fuel filter, as well as modified control units. ----------------------------------------- 1987 Vanagon and 1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Apr to 1987 Nov Campaign 88V076000 No. Recalled: 130 Campaign Notification Date: System: Wheels/Tires. Vehicle Description: Van and Camper type vehicles. Description of Defect: Due to improper mounting process, Semperit tires 205/70R14 mounted on alloy wheels size 6Jx14 could experience tiny cracks in the bead area. Consequence of Defect: Tires could lose air, creating potential for loss of vehicle control. Corrective Action: Replace tires as necessary. ----------------------------------------- 1987 Vanagon through 1989 Vanagon Built from 1987 Aug to 1988 Dec Campaign 89V067000 No. Recalled: 300 Campaign Notification Date: System: Cruise Control. Vehicle Description: Van Camper type vehicle. Description of Defect: When using the cruise control, the accelerator cable tension may allow the cable to sag and become entangled with the water pipe bracket impeding its return to idle position. Consequence of Defect: Failure to return to idle position could lead to an accident. Corrective Action: The present accelerator cable bracket will be replaced. ----------------------------------------- 1987 Vanagon Built from 1986 Aug to 1987 Mar Campaign 87V085000 No. Recalled: 1,600 Campaign PG Notification Date: 870608 System: Shift locking pawl. Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles with automatic transmissions. Description of Defect: Pin in shift locking pawl may not be properly welded to the pawl. Consequence of Defect: If pin separates from pawl, driver would be able to move the shift lever during driving into any position without pressing safety release button. Corrective Action: Replace shift locking pawl. ----------------------------------------- 1987 Vanagon Built from 1986 Aug to 1987 Feb Campaign 87V083000 No. Recalled: 2,397 Campaign PF Notification Date: 870608 System: Rearward passenger seat. Vehicle Description: Van type vehicles. Description of Defect: Seat brackets which anchor rearward passenger seats may not engage properly. Consequence of Defect: Seat could break loose during acceleration and cause injury to the seat occupant. Corrective Action: Assure that seat brackets are properly engaged. ----------------------------------------- 1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Jul to 1988 Mar Campaign 88V056000 No. Recalled: 600 System: Additional equipment. Vehicle Description: Van Description of Defect: Improper jack furnished with vehicles Consequence of Defect: The jack may not reach far enough into the jackets provided on both sided of the vehicle. If the improper jack is used, it could slip and possibly injure a person standing too close to the vehicle. Corrective Action: Replace jack with the proper type for vehicle. ----------------------------------------- 1988 Vanagon Built from 1987 Apr to 1987 Nov Campaign 88V076000 No. Recalled: 130 System: Wheels/tires Vehicle Description: Van camper type vehicles. Description of Defect: Due to improper mounting process, semperit tires 20570R14 mounted on alloy wheels size 6J x 14 could experience tiny cracks in the bead area. Consequence of Defect: Tires could lose air, creating potential for loss of vehicle control. Corrective Action: Replace tires as necessary.

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