Airstream Inc. has announced NHTSA recall 11V349000, which affects 2009 through 2012 model-year Interstate Type B motorhomes manufactured from September 18, 2008, through June 24, 2011. The potential number of motorhomes involved is 281.
On the affected motorhomes, it was found that during the vehicle assembly process the driver’s seat belt buckle wire was rerouted and its travel limited in the driver’s seat base. The driver’s seat belt buckle wire could be damaged or severed when the driver’s seat is adjusted fore and aft or swiveled. The driver’s seat belt wire allows communication between the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM) indicating whether the driver’s seat is occupied and the seat belt is buckled. In the event of a crash, the ECM signals the seat belt tensioner to retract, pulling the driver back into the seat and allowing proper operation of the SRS. If the driver’s seat belt wire is damaged or severed, this feature will be disabled, which could result in personal injury to the driver during a crash.
An Airstream dealer will inspect the vehicle and replace the wire if it is damaged or severed. The wire will be returned to its original routing and the proper clearance given to allow the wire to properly travel within the seat pedestal during seat movement of any kind. The repair is expected to take approximately 60 minutes. However, because of service scheduling times, the service department may need the vehicle for a longer time period.
For more information, contact Airstream at (937) 538-1268. Owner notification was expected to begin in July 2011.