Steering: steering wheel/handle barRecall 96V-014 · Spartan vehicles
SPARTAN MOTORS, INC. recall 96V-014 covers 358 Spartan vehicles for a steering: steering wheel/handle bar problem, reported to NHTSA on January 23, 1996.
Source: NHTSA recall 96V014000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
INTERMITTENT DISRUPTION OF THE FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER TOUCH PAD CAN OCCUR CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY. THIS DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 104, "WINDHSIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS;" AND NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE FUNCTIONS CONTROLLED BY THE TOUCH PAD. THE FUNCTION (1) FAILS TO OPERATE; (2) OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY; OR (3) OPERATES UNEXPECTEDLY, I.E. A FUNCTION COMES ON WITHOUT BEING SWITCHED ON. ANY OF THESE COULD DISTRACT A DRIVER INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE STEERING WHEEL CENTER CONTROL ASSEMBLIES TO ELIMINATE THE ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
SYSTEM: STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN; FMVSS NOS. 104 AND 108. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CLASS A MOTOR HOME CHASSIS, GVWR 23,000 TO 31,000 POUNDS, EQUIPPED WITH A "VIP" STEERING WHEEL WITH CENTER CONTROLS (ALSO CALLED THE "SMARTWHEEL" OR "INTELLIWHEEL").NOTE: 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 SPARTAN AT 1-800-722-3025. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from January 1, 1995 to October 1, 1995. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.