UTILIMASTER WALK-IN VAN 1996: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 97V027000
| Make | Model | Year |
|---|---|---|
| UTILIMASTER | WALK-IN VAN | 1996 |
| Date Owners Notified | Date Received by ODI | Date Added to Database |
| 1997-06-18 | 1997-02-22 | 1997-03-03 |
Production Dates: 1996-01-22 - 1996-11-30
Manufacturers Involved: Utilimaster Corporation
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 3132
Report Initiator: MFR MFR Report
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, THE FORCE OF THE WIND AGAINST THE HOOD CAN FORCE THE HOOD BEHIND THE BUMPER ALLOWING THE HOOD TO DROP. THIS REDUCES THE TENSION ON THE TWO RUBBER HOLD-DOWNS WHICH THEN BECOME LOOSE.
IF BOTH TIE DOWNS COME LOOSE, THE HOOD CAN SEPARATE DURING VEHICLE OPERATION LEADING TO A POSSIBLE BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND/OR BLOCKING OF THE DRIVER'S VISION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH..
DEALERS WILL ADD A METAL BRACKET AND A SECOND BUMPER ABOVE AND BEHIND THE ORIGINAL BUMPER SO THAT THE HOOD CANNOT BE PUSHED OR SLIP BEHIND THE ORIGINAL "BOTTOM" BUMPER.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT UTILIMASTER AT 1-800-582-3454.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
