1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The letter:
Dear David P. Westlake,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Saab Automobile AB has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in 1995 Saab 900 models. Our records indicate that you are the current owner or driver of such a Saab. Also, Federal Law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.
It has been found that the air bags may inadvertently deploy in high humidity conditions due to a build up of condensation within the air bag electronic control unit. The enclosed attachment contains a description of this problem and an explanation of the recall service that will be performed by your Saab dealer to correct it. It also explains the safety precautions that you should be aware of until you can bring your Saab to your dealer.
We urge you to make an appointment with your Saab dealer as soon as possible after April 14, 2003. That is the date Saab dealers will have recall service information .and an initial supply of parts. The work covered by this recall will be free of charge to you, regardless of whether or not your warranty has expired.
Saab appreciates your cooperation and understanding regarding this recall and we will do our best, along with your dealer, to minimize the inconvenience. If you no longer own this Saab, please return this letter to Saab Cars USA, Inc. with any information you might have on who now has the car.
Sincerely,
Abe Buchbinder
Director, Product Quality & Service Saab Cars USA, Inc.
The attachment:
Owner Information Attachment:
Saab Recall No. 15012
I. What is the defect?
Saab has found that in high humidity conditions with the air conditioner
operating, condensation can form within the air bag electronic control unit (ECU). If this occurs, the moisture may combine with the electrolyte from a leaking capacitor within the ECU. The combination of the moisture and the electrolyte can cause an electrical shorrGircuit to occur within the ECU. This short circuit may cause the ECU to trigger (inflate) the air bags and seat belt pretensioners. This can happen to either a moving or parked vehicle. Your Saab dealer will install a new ECU with an improved
capacitor, which will eliminate the chance of an inadvertent deployment of the air bags and seat bag pretensioners.
Until your dealer can install the new ECU, please be alert to the SRS
("Supplemental Restraint System"- see your Owner's Manual for location)
warning light in the instrument panel. In some, but not all cases, this light has illuminated prior to the inadvertent air bag deployment. If the SRS warning light comes on, please come to a safe stop and call your dealer. You can further protect yourself from the effects of an nadvertent air bag deployment by always wearing your seat belts and always having children ride in the back seat.
II. What are the safety risks?
If the passenger air bags were to deploy unexpectedly, someone sitting out of position could be injured. If the air bag were to deploy while the
vehicle was in motion, the driver could be startled and lose control of the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing serious injury and/or death.
III. What is Saab going to do?
Saab Cars USA, Inc. has made arrangements with its authorized Saab dealers to install the improved air bag ECU beginning April 14, 2003. While it will only take about 45 minutes to install the ECU, the dealership may need to keep your car for a longer time because of the flow of work in and out of their service department. We urge you to make an appointment with your Saab dealer as soon as possible after April 14, 2003. Please bring this letter with you on the day of your appointment.
There is no charge for this recall or for any assistance in completing this work from either Saab or Saab dealers.
If you have paid to have this recall condition corrected, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement. To obtain information on reimbursement, please contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center toll free at 1-800-955-9007 (1-866-612-0380 for the hearing or speech impaired)*.
* Utilizes Telecom~tion Devices for the Deaf/Text Telephones (TDD/TVY)
IV. What if you have a problem or question regarding this recall?
The Saab Customer Assistance Center is available to assist you in resolving any questions and may be contacted toll free at 1-800-955-
9007. If, after contacting the Saab Customer Assistance Center or your Saab dealer, you are still not satisfied that we have done our best to remedy this condition within 60 days after you receive this notice, you may also submit a complaint to the Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh St.
SW, Washington, DC 20590 or call the toll free Auto Safety Hotline at 1- 888-327-4236.
posted by 68.118.18...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.