Lemon Law Center

on certain minivans equipped with child restraint anchorages (tether anchorages) for use in conjunction with child restraints installed in the three rearmost seating positions, the "safety first" portion of the owner's manual delivered with these vehicles incorrectly instructs owners to guide the tether strap underneath the seat's head restraint and to raise the head restraint slightly, if necessary.

Corrective Action

if the owner follows these instructions, the head restraint could accidentally separate from the seat in the event of a crash and cause injury to any child occupant seated in the tethered child seat.

Recall Notes

owners will be sent a new "safety first" booklet that will contain corrected use instructions. owner notification began november 30, 2002. owners who do not receive the free booklet within a reasonable time should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

1997 Volkswagen Eurovan

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

during the installation of the camper equipment, an improperly adjusted power tool drill bit punctured the fuel tank vapor container.

Corrective Action

fuel vapors can escape which could cause a vehicle fire.

Recall Notes

volkswagen dealers, on behalf of winnebago, will check the fuel vapor container for the defect and if a defect is present, the fuel vapor container, will be replaced.

1993 Volkswagen Eurovan

Component

Parking Brake:Conventional:Mechanical

Consequence of Defect

the handle of the emergency brake contains a torsion spring which is designed to ensure that the locking mechanism remains firmly engaged upon application of the emergency brake. some of these springs may have been improperly installed.

Corrective Action

an improperly installed spring can cause the emergencybrake to release. if the vehicle is not properly secured, it could set itselfin motion and cause an accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a longer tension spring to provide sufficient tension.

1993 Volkswagen Eurovan

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: mini vans. the connecting ends of the fuel feed and return hoses in the engine compartment can "settle" over time which could cause the fastening clamps to lose their tight fit and permit fuel to seep out at the hose connection.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the fuel feed and return hoses.

1993 Volkswagen Eurovan

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

these steering wheels and include a universal joint which is attached to steering shafts and secured by locking bolts. the universal joint's upper locking bolt was not sufficiently torqued during manufacture, and can eventually loosen.

Corrective Action

if the upper locking bolt holding the steering assembly's universal joint loosens, it can render the steering system inoperative and cause an accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the present universal upper locking bolt, install a new one, and torque it to specifications.