1999 Neoplan An440l Recalls

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V033007
Manufacturer: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: February 1st, 1999
Manufactured End Date: December 31st, 2000
Date of Owner Notification: April 27th, 2001

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH VANNER 60 SERIES BATTERY EQUALIZERS. THE EQUALIZER COULD FAIL TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM.

Consequence Summary:
WITHOUT FUSING, THE EQUALIZER MAY MELT, BURN, OR SMOKE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE OR A SMOKE FILLED BUS, THUS NECESSITATING A PASSENGER EVACUATION OF THE BUS. THE FAILURE MODE CAN CAUSE OPERATOR DISTRACTION, AND/OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUSES FOR CERTAIN EQUALIZERS BY THE DATE CODE. THE AFFECTED EQUALIZERS WILL BE REPLACED BY VANNER. 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 VANNER AT 1-800-227-6937 OR NEOPLAN AT 1-719-336-3256.

Recall Notes:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V141002
Manufacturer: NEOPLAN USA CORPORATION
Manufactured Begin Date: June 1st, 1999
Manufactured End Date: December 31st, 1999

Defect Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRANSIT BUSES EQUIPPED WITH ARVINMERITOR AXLES BUILT WITH TRW TIE ROD BALL-SOCKET BEARINGS, PART NO. TRW 24 DL. THESE BEARINGS HAVE A BELOW SPECIFICATION CASE DEPTH AND/OR HARDNESS WHICH CAN LEAD TO PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF THE SOCKET IN SOME APPLICATIONS.

Consequence Summary:
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE PARTIAL CONTROL OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary:
ARVINMERITOR/TRW WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE TIE ROD ENDS. 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 ARVINMERITOR AT 517-647-0409 OR NEOPLAN AT 1-719-336-3256.

Recall Notes:
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).