The problem
Vehicle description: certain heavy duty trucks fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 121, "Air brake systems." A secondary brake line that connects the foot valve with the spring brake valve may not have been installed.
The risk
If there is failure in the primary system and the secondary brake line has not been installed, only the front brakes would actuate, with rear spring brake actuation. This would result in an extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and correct incomplete air line installations. Owner notification began october 9, 2001. 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 international at 1-800-448-7825.
Contacts
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized International Harvester dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 01V299000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.