Recalls Of The Day, November 2, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is back in business and has survived Superstorm Sandy. Welcome back!

They have issued two recalls.  The first recall addresses wheels that could come off.  The second recall addresses egress windows that may not open in an emergency.  Both recalls obviously could cause injury or worse.  

Equipment Brand Name / Part No. or Model No.: Production Dates: TIMKEN / FRONT WHEEL HUB Information not Available Manufacturer: TIMKEN CORPORATION Report Receipt Date: OCT 22, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12E047000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

Potential Number of Units Affected: 892

Summary: Timken is recalling certain non-formed, front wheel hubs, part number HA599467, which were sold to retail and automotive distributors in the automobile aftermarket as front wheel hub replacements designed only for use on certain 2002 through 2005, 4X4, non-ABS, Jeep Liberty vehicles. These front wheel hub units can be mistakenly sold to owners and installed on 4X2 versions of the Jeep vehicles.

Consequence: If the non-formed hub unit is installed on a Jeep Liberty 4x2 model (which does not use an axle nut for hub retention), the vehicle wheel will not be secure and a front wheel separation may occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Timken has notified retail stores that have received the subject parts. The front wheel hubs will be replaced free of charge. Owners who may have purchased the affected units should contact Timken at 1-330-471-3693 for more information. This recall is being conducted by Timken, not Chrysler/Jeep.

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): ELDORADO / AXESS 2011 ELDORADO / E-Z RIDER II MAX 2011 Manufacturer: Eldorado National- California, Inc. Report Receipt Date: OCT 19, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V513000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 9 Summary: Eldorado National is recalling certain model year 2011 Axess and EZ Rider II Max buses, manufactured between October 1, 2010 and October 31, 2010 and equipped with Ricon 3-Minute Urban Transit Bus egress window sets. The composition of the material used to cast the handle that opens the egress window is incorrect, resulting in a reduction in material strength. The handle(s) on the emergency egress passenger windows may break before the window latch is released. Consequence: In the event that the egress window handle fails during an actual emergency situation, passengers may be trapped in the vehicle placing them at risk of injury. Remedy: Eldorado National will notify owners, and dealers will replace the defective handles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2012. Owners may contact Eldorado National at 1-937-596-7965 for more information. 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.