The problem
When the vehicle is being driven, the force of the wind against the hood can force the hood behind the bumper allowing the hood to drop. This reduces the tension on the two rubber hold-downs which then become loose.
The risk
If both tie downs come loose, the hood can separate during vehicle operation leading to a possible broken windshield and/or blocking of the driver's vision, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash..
The fix
Dealers will add a metal bracket and a second bumper above and behind the original bumper so that the hood cannot be pushed or slip behind the original (bottom) bumper.
Contacts
Owner notification began june 18, 1997. 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 utilimaster at 1-800-582-3454. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
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 Utilimaster dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 97V027000.
- 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.