NHTSA announces three rubber-related recalls

WASHINGTON (March 13)—Three rubber-related auto recalls have been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The largest involves 99,000 1999 Dodge Durangos whose rear brake tubes can strike an underbody crossmember, wearing a hole and increasing stopping distances. Dodge dealers either will replace worn hoses or install a rubber isolator to prevent tube contact. Also, Ford Motor Co. will replace the windshields and liftgate glass on 1,475 2000 Ford Windstar minivans, because of a substandard urethane used to bond the glass to the vehicle. Kawasaki Motors Corp. will replace the fuel hose on 2,800 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 motorcycles because the original fuel hose can rub against the bottom of the fuel pump plate and develop a leak.