Recalls Of The Day, October 18, 2012

Yesterday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was silent.  Today, they have come alive by announcing three recalls.

One is for inadequate helmet protection.  Another is for a trailer separating from a tow vehicle-WATCH OUT!  The last is over tire issues.

All of these address possible injury or worse.

Equipment Brand Name / Part No. or Model No.: Production Dates: BILTWELL / EL FUERTE HELMET JUL 01, 2012 - JUL 31, 2012 Manufacturer: Biltwell Inc. Report Receipt Date: OCT 12, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12E042000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EQUIPMENT:MOTORCYCLE:HELMETS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 3,480

Summary: Biltwell Inc. is recalling certain motorcycle helmets, model El Fuerte, sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, manufactured in July 2012, for failing to conform to the impact attenuation, retention, and labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets."

Consequence: By wearing a non compliant helmet, the user may not be adequately protected in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: Biltwell will notify owners and repurchase the helmets including return shipping costs. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, October 20, 2012. Owners may contact Biltwell at 1-951-699-1500 ext 803 or send an email to Recall@Biltwell.com.

Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): ALUMADUMP / ALUMINUM TRAILER AL6096 2012 Manufacturer: Super Test Corporation Report Receipt Date: OCT 03, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V497000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: TRAILER HITCHES Potential Number of Units Affected: 175 Summary: Super Test Corporation (Super Test) is recalling certain model year 2012 Alumadump aluminum trailers, model AL6096, manufactured from September 2011 through April 2012, sold exclusively through the Home Depot. The weld that connects the tongue to the trailer frame can fail under stress. Consequence: A trailer that separates from the towing vehicle while in use may be a significant road hazard, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy: Super Test will notify owners and will offer a full refund for each of the affected trailers. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 2012. Owners may contact Super Test at 1-815-623-8400. Owners should not contact the Home Depot. Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): MASERATI / GRANTURISMO 2012 MASERATI / QUATTROPORTE 2012 Manufacturer: MASERATI NORTH AMERICA, INC. Report Receipt Date: OCT 09, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V489000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS Potential Number of Units Affected: 485 Summary: Maserati is recalling certain model year 2012 Quattroporte, Granturismo, Granturismo Convertible, and Granturismo MC vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may malfunction due to a software error, preventing the driver from being notified of a low tire pressure situation. Consequence: If the driver continues to operate the vehicle with a tire that has low air pressure, the tire may fail, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TPMS control unit free of charge. The campaign is expected to begin in early November 2012. Owners may contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600. Notes: Maserati's recall campaign number is 202. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.