410-1187 – Furnace Exhaust is Improperly Vented – 2021 Palomino Columbus Recreational Trailers

June 26, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V375000

Furnace Exhaust is Improperly Vented

Exhaust fumes that enter the unit through the slide seals may result in carbon monoxide poisoning or death.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V375

Manufacturer Forest River, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected 9

 

Summary

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2021 Palomino Columbus recreational trailers, models CMF389FL, CMF389FLC and CMF389FLW. As built, the furnace vents under the rear slide out room, allowing exhaust fumes to re-enter the trailer through the slide-out room seals.

 

Remedy

Forest River will notify owners, and dealers will remedy the location of the furnace vent. This recall began July 28, 2020. Owners may contact Forest River customer service at 1-574-821-1487. Forest River’s number for this recall is 410-1187.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

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RECALL 20V375 REMEDY INSTRUCTIONS
Make(s): COLUMBUS Model(s): CMF389FL, CMF389FLC & CMF389FLW Model Year(s): 2021	Repair Code: RC-024-13-00-003642 Allotted Time: 2.00 HRS Inspection Code: N/A Allotted Time: N/A
Concern: The furnace exhaust vent is located under the rear ODS slide and does not meet the installation requirements.	Photo(s) Required: NO Prior Authorization Required: NO Part(s) Kit Number: F100208060 Part(s) Return: NO

 

Disconnect the vehicles’ battery Positive and Negative, disconnect any House battery(s) Positive and Negative, if equipped with a generator ensure it is off and lastly, ensure the vehicle is disconnected from shore power.  Turn off and disconnect the LPG from the LPG tanks. Block any tires/wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Failure to do so may result in electrocution, fire or other personal injury, property damage and/or death.

 

NOTE: (IF THIS IS A 1492 EDITION COLUMBUS SEE “1492 EDITION INSTRUCTIONS”)

 

REVIEW THE PARTS KIT TO ENSURE RECEIPT OF EVERYTHING REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REMEDY:

• 1 BAGGAGE DOOR, 8 ½” x 18 ¾”
• BAGGAGE DOOR SCREW COVER
• BUTYL, FOAM GASKET OR RUBBER “D” SEAL TO PUT AROUND DOOR FRAME
• 16 #8 X 1 QUAD PAN HEAD FASTENERS TO INSTALL THE BAGGAGE DOOR
• PANELING TO TRIM OFF THE OLD FURNACE LOCATION
• ¾” X ¾” STYLE – TOTAL OF 16 FEET
• 1 INTERIOR LOWER CABINET WHICH IS 7” IN DEPTH

 

STEP 1: LOCATE AND REMOVE THE FURNACE FROM THE CURRENT LOCATION;

 

NOTE:

THE LOWER CABINET INSERT IS 12” IN DEPTH. TO ALLOW FOR THE PROPER RELOCATION AND INSTALLATION OF THE FURNACE, A NEW CABINET NOW 7” IN DEPTH WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE KIT TO RELOCATE THE FURNACE.

 

STEP 2: LOCATE THE INTERIOR LOWER CABINET INSERT FROM FIGURE 1, REMOVE FROM VEHICLE;

 

STEP 3: REMOVE BOTH CABINET DOORS FROM THE CABINET INSERT, ENSURE TO KEEP ALL HINGE AND   HANDLES INSTALLED TO THE DOOR. REMOVE ANY DOOR RETAINER INSTALLED TO THE CABINET.   KEEP THESE ASIDE;

 

STEP 4: MAKE A JIG EXACTLY 8 ½” X 18 ¾”. THIS CAN BE SCRAP PANEL, CARDBOARD ETC.;

 

STEP 5: GAIN ACCESS BEHIND THE WATER HEATER BY NAVIGATING THROUGH THE NOW REMOVED LOWER  INSERT CABINET. MEASURE FROM THE LOWER FRONT CORNER OF THE WATER HEATER OPENING 3” FORWARD, AND 2 ½” DOWN. MEASURE 3” FORWARD AGAIN FROM THE TOP OF THE WATER HEATER OPENING AND MAKE ANOTHER MARK. USING THE JIG, ALIGN THE JIG WITH THE MARKS AND TRACE AROUND THE JIG. THE TRACE ON THE WALL SHOULD BE 2 ½” LOWER THAN THE WATER HEATER, 3” FORWARD OF THE WATER HEATER AND MEASURE 8 ½” WIDE X 18 ¾” HIGH. CUT THIS OPENING;

 

STEP 6: IF THERE IS A “PLATFORM” THAT THE FURNACE SAT ON IN THE OLD LOCATION, REMOVE THAT PLATFORM AND INSTALL IT IN THE NEW LOCATION USING THE SAME FASTENERS AND ORIENTATION TO THE OPENING;

 

STEP 7: MOVE THE 12V FURNACE WIRING, ALONG WITH ANY THERMOSTAT WIRING, DUCT HOSE(S), AND LPG   LINE TO THE NEW COMPARTMENT (IF REQUIRED, DRILL A NEW HOLE THROUGH THE FLOOR FOR THE   LPG LINE, ENSURE THE LPG LINE DOES NOT ENTER THE VEHICLE UNDER THE FURNACE OR WATER HEATER. IF RELOCATION IS NOT NECESSARY, COIL AND FASTEN THE HOSE WITH P-CLAMPS TO THE    FLOOR IN THE NEW LOCATION SO IT IS SECURE. ENSURE ENOUGH HOSE IS FREE TO HOOK UP TO   THE FURNACE;

 

STEP 8: INSTALL THE FURNACE IN THE REVERSE ORDER IN THAT IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE OPENING. HOOK UP FURNACE 12V, ANY THERMOSTAT WIRING, DUCT HOSE(S) AND FINALLY HOOKUP AND TIGHTEN THE LPG LINE. ENSURE ANY FASTENERS AND BRACKETS ARE REQUIRED TO SECURE THE  FURNACE;

 

STEP 9: INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT CABINET INTO THE OLD LOCATION. INSTALL THE CABINET DOORS   USING THE SAME HARDWARE AND ANY DOOR RETAINER REMOVED FROM THE OLD CABINET;

 

STEP 10: REMOVE ANY FOREIGN DEBRIS FROM AROUND THE OLD FURNACE LOCATION OPENING AND FROM THE CAVITY. INSTALL THE PANELING INCLUDED WITH THE RELOCATION KIT. THIS WILL MAKE A STORAGE COMPARTMENT NOW;

 

STEP 11: INSTALL THE NEW BAGGAGE DOOR INCLUDED IN THE RELOCATION KIT, WITH THE DOOR     FASTENERS INCLUDED. THE BAGGAGE DOOR FASTENERS NEED TO BE INSTALLED IN THE SAME     MANOR AS THE OTHER BAGGAGE DOOR FASTENERS. INSPECT AND REVIEW OTHER BAGGAGE DOORS TO FAMILIARIZE THIS INSTALLATION. BE SURE THE DOOR HAS A SEAL EITHER PRE-INSTALLED OR INSTALL THE SEAL TO THE DOOR. CAP SEAL THE BAGGAGE DOOR;

 

STEP 12: CLEAN ALL SURFACES AND ENSURE THE FURNACE IS SECURE;

 

STEP 13: RE-CONNECT LPG AT THE LPG TANKS; SPRAY A LEAK-DETECTION SOLUTION ONTO THE LPG LINE CONNECTING TO THE FURNACE AND INSPECT FOR LEAKS, FIX AS NEEDED. THE PERFORM A LPG BURN OFF AT THE RANGE IN THE VEHICLE;

 

STEP 14: CLAIM THE REPAIR CODE LISTED.

 

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RECALL 20V375 REMEDY INSTRUCTIONS
Make(s): COLUMBUS Model(s): CMF389FL, CMF389FLC & CMF389FLW Model Year(s): 2021	Repair Code: RC-024-13-00-003642 Allotted Time: 2.00 HRS Inspection Code: N/A Allotted Time: N/A
Concern: The furnace exhaust vent is located under the rear ODS slide and does not meet the installation requirements.	Photo(s) Required: NO Prior Authorization Required: NO Part(s) Kit Number: F100208061 Part(s) Return: NO

 

Disconnect the vehicles’ battery Positive and Negative, disconnect any House battery(s) Positive and Negative, if equipped with a generator ensure it is off and lastly, ensure the vehicle is disconnected from shore power.  Turn off and disconnect the LPG from the LPG tanks. Block any tires/wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Failure to do so may result in electrocution, fire or other personal injury, property damage and/or death.

 

NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE ONLY FOR THE 1492 SERIES COLUMBUS

 

REVIEW THE PARTS KIT TO ENSURE RECEIPT OF EVERYTHING REQUIRED TO PERFORM THIS REMEDY:

• 1 BAGGAGE DOOR, 8 ½” x 18 ¾”
• BAGGAGE DOOR SCREW COVER
• BUTYL, FOAM GASKET OR RUBBER “D” SEAL TO PUT AROUND DOOR FRAME
• 16 #8 X 1 QUAD PAN HEAD FASTENERS TO INSTALL THE BAGGAGE DOOR
• PANELING TO TRIM OFF THE OLD FURNACE LOCATION
• ¾” X ¾” STYLE – TOTAL OF 16 FEET
• NEW LPG LINE FOR FURNACE

 

STEP 1: LOCATE AND REMOVE THE FURNACE FROM THE CURRENT LOCATION;

 

STEP 2: MAKE A JIG EXACTLY 8 ½” X 18 ¾”. THIS CAN BE SCRAP PANEL, CARDBOARD ETC.;

 

STEP 3: GAIN ACCESS THROUGH THE FRONT TRUNK AREA ON THE OFF DOOR SIDE WALL. REMOVE THE   PANEL THAT IS ON THE REAR-SIDE OF THE OPENING AND SET ASIDE. MEASURE 4 1/8” FROM THE INSIDE FRAMEWORK OF THE TRUNK DOOR REARWARD AND 1 ½” UP FROM THE FLOOR THEN MARK THIS CORNER. MEASURE 12 ½” FROM THE INSIDE FRAMEWORK OF THE TRUNK DOOR AND 1 ½” UP, MAKE ANOTHER MARK. MEASURE 12” UP FROM THE FLOOR AND 4 1/8” REARWARD AND MAKE ANOTHER MARK. USE THE JIG FROM STEP 4 TO TRACE THIS OPENING USING THE MARKED LOCATIONS. THIS OPENING SHOULD BE FRAMED WITH ALUMINUM TUBES ALREADY, HOWEVER OUT OF CAUTION, USE THE JIG TO TRACE AND CUT;

 

STEP 4: DRILL A NEW HOLE FOR THE NEW LPG LINE TO COME UP THROUGH THE FLOOR. DRILL THIS HOLE 9” IN FROM THE SIDEWALL, AND 38” FROM THE FRONT OF THE FRONT TRUNK COMPARTMENT. THIS   WILL LAND THE HOLE OUTSIDE OF THE I-BEAM;

 

STEP 5: DISCONNECT THE INSTALLED LPG LINE FROM THE MANIFOLD AND REPLACE WITH THE INCLUDED LPG LINE IN THE KIT. ROUT THE NEW LPG LINE TO THE NEW FURNACE LOCATION;

 

STEP 6: IF THERE IS A “PLATFORM” THAT THE FURNACE SAT ON IN THE OLD LOCATION, REMOVE THAT PLATFORM AND INSTALL IT IN THE NEW LOCATION USING THE SAME FASTENERS AND ORIENTATION TO THE OPENING;

 

STEP 7: USING BELL CAPS, CONNECT TO EXISTING 12V AND THERMOSTAT WIRES FROM EXISTING FURNACE LOCATION TO THE NEW LOCATION IN THE FRONT TRUNK AREA. ROUT THESE WIRES IN LOOM/SNAKESKIN ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE I-BEAM BEHIND THE SKIRT METAL OR THROUGH THE  UNDERBELLY TO GET PAST THE KITCHEN SLIDEOUT. REWORK THE DUCTING AT THE NEW FURNACE AREA TO CONNECT TO THE DUCTS THAT WERE BEING FED FROM THE EXISTING FURNACE AREA, THIS WILL NOW BLOW THE AIR TO THE BACK OF THE COACH FROM THESE DUCTS. RECONNECT DUCTING AS NEEDED AT EXISTING FURNACE AREA;

 

STEP 8: INSTALL THE FURNACE IN THE REVERSE ORDER IN THAT IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE OPENING.  HOOK UP FURNACE 12V, ANY THERMOSTAT WIRING, DUCT HOSE(S) AND FINALLY HOOKUP AND TIGHTEN THE NEW LPG LINE. ENSURE ANY FASTENERS AND BRACKETS ARE REQUIRED TO SECURE THE FURNACE;

 

STEP 9: REMOVE ANY FOREIGN DEBRIS FROM AROUND THE OLD FURNACE LOCATION OPENING AND FROM THE CAVITY. INSTALL THE PANELING INCLUDED WITH THE RELOCATION KIT. THIS WILL MAKE A STORAGE COMPARTMENT NOW;

 

STEP 10: INSTALL THE NEW BAGGAGE DOOR INCLUDED IN THE RELOCATION KIT, WITH THE DOOR FASTENERS INCLUDED. THE BAGGAGE DOOR FASTENERS NEED TO BE INSTALLED IN THE SAME MANOR AS THE OTHER BAGGAGE DOOR FASTENERS. INSPECT AND REVIEW OTHER BAGGAGE DOORS TO FAMILIARIZE THIS INSTALLATION. BE SURE THE DOOR HAS A SEAL EITHER PRE-INSTALLED OR INSTALL THE SEAL TO THE DOOR. CAP SEAL THE BAGGAGE DOOR;

 

STEP 11: CLEAN ALL SURFACES AND ENSURE THE FURNACE IS SECURE;

 

STEP 12: RE-CONNECT LPG AT THE LPG TANKS; SPRAY A LEAK-DETECTION SOLUTION ONTO THE LPG LINE CONNECTING TO THE FURNACE AND INSPECT FOR LEAKS, FIX AS NEEDED. THE PERFORM A LPG BURN OFF AT THE RANGE IN THE VEHICLE;

 

STEP 13: CLAIM THE REPAIR CODE LISTED.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

NHTSA RECALL: 20V375
CANADA RECALL: N/A
FR ID: 410-1187

<<VIN>>
<<OWNER NAME/DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>

 

07/28/2020

 

This Notice applies to your vehicle VIN listed above.

 

Dear Forest River Customer:

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This notice is also sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a defect, which relates to the motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.

 

WHAT IS THE DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE? 

The furnace exhaust vent is located under the rear ODS slide and does not meet the installation requirements.

 

EVALUATION OF THE RISK TO THE VEHICLE AND OPERATOR(S) RELATED TO THE RECALL.

Potential of exhaust fumes entering the unit through the slide seals, which could lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning or possibly death.

 

WHAT IS FOREST RIVER AND OUR DEALERSHIPS GOING TO DO?

Forest River is notifying dealerships of the recall. You may have the recall corrected at any Forest River dealership. However, it is preferable if you have your selling dealership perform the remedy. Forest River completely covers your cost for the remedy; you will not receive any bill of sale for anything covered under the above recall number.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Please contact your dealer immediately and request a service appointment to schedule the free remedy to relocate the furnace vent. The vehicle Owner is responsible for arranging to have the work completed.  Please state you have been notified by Forest River of having a recall in process for your vehicle and provide the recall number for the dealership.  It is also helpful to the dealership to have a copy of this letter when you take your vehicle in for the recall remedy.

 

You may also visit www.forestriverinc.com for dealer locations.

 

HOW LONG WILL THE REMEDY PROCESS TAKE?

The estimated time of repair is 2.0 hours.  However, the dealership may need to keep your vehicle or schedule an appointment with you for a later date to fit into their regular service schedule.

 

WHAT IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR REPAIRS TO YOUR VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR CONDITION?

If you have already paid for a repair that is within the scope of this defect under recall, you still need to have this recall inspected and/or performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were utilized.

 

Additionally, you may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs. Refunds will only be provided for within the scope of this defect under recall.

 

Please send the service invoice to the following address:

Columbus
Forest River, Inc.
Attn: WARRANTY MANAGER
105 14^th Ave
Middlebury, IN 46543

 

What if you no longer own this vehicle?

If you no longer own this vehicle and have the address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner within 10 working days after the day in which the notice is received. You have received this letter because government regulations require that a notification is sent to the last known owner of record. Our records indicate that you are the current owner.

 

PLEASE NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ANY VEHICLE LESSOR RECEIVING THIS RECALL NOTICE MUST FORWARD A COPY OF THIS NOTICE TO THE LESSEE WITHIN TEN DAYS.

 

MAY FOREST RIVER ASSIST YOU FURTHER?

If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired, please contact your Forest River Representative listed below:

CONTACT	PHONE
Customer Service	574-821-1487

 

If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle/towable repaired in a reasonable amount of time or without change, you may write to the following address:

 

For US Owners Please Contact:

Administrator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20590

Or you may call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).

Or visit www.safercar.gov and search;
Recall ID: 20V375

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

NHTSA RECALL: 20V375
CANADA RECALL: N/A
FR ID: 410-1187

<<DEALERNAME>>
<<ADDRESS>>
<<CITY>>, <<ST>> <<ZIP-XXX>>

 

<<DATE>>

 

Pursuant to USC49CFR §577.13 – Notification to Dealerships and Distributors – Paragraph B

“It is a violation of Federal Law for a dealer to deliver a new motor vehicle or any new or used item of motor vehicle equipment (including a tire) covered by the notification under a sale or lease until the defect or noncompliance is remedied. Substantial civil penalties apply to violations of this law.”

–Forest River motorized and towable products are contained in this section-

 

CANADA: Pursuant to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act, section 5

Companies who sell new non-complying vehicles may be in violation of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Substantial penalties apply to violations of this law. This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This is to inform you that your vehicle may contain a defect that could affect the safety of a person.

 

Forest River – Office of Corporate Compliance (“OCC”) has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles. Forest River is recalling the defect model(s) to ensure the safety of our future retail consumers and your dealership. Forest River apologizes for any inconvenience this action may cause your dealership; however, safety continued satisfaction and our commitment to building great products are of the utmost importance to Forest River.

 

The identified VIN referenced in the attached document(s).

The designated Date range of production is 03/18/2020 through 06/19/2020

 

DEFECT/NONCOMPLIANCE:

The furnace exhaust vent is located under the rear ODS slide and does not meet the installation requirements.

 

EVALUATION OF RISK:

Potential of exhaust fumes entering the unit through the slide seals, which could lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE:

Dealership Service Department Service procedures for addressing the incorrect furnace vent location is located on Dealer Connect

 

DEALER REPAIR CODES: Dealer Connect

UNITED STATES	CANADA	REPAIR CODE	DESCRIPTION	ALLOWABLE HOUR(S)
20V375	N/A	RC-024-13-00-003642	RELOCATE THE FURNACE	2.0

 

HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION:

CONTACT	PHONE
Customer Service	(574) 821-1487

 

The Recall shall be considered the utmost priority to remedy the 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles in question. The retail consumer shall not be charged any amount of monies for remedy to their 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles listed under this Recall.

 

If your dealership has already performed the remedy to 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s).  If the remedy needs to be performed on an out of warranty 2021 Columbus CMF389FL, CMF389FLC, and CMF389FLW fifth wheel recreational vehicles in which the VIN falls under as stated in the identified VIN listing, your dealership is entitled to the reimbursement as stated above by filing a claim using the indicated repair code(s).

 

Notice:

In no manner shall a Forest River Product Owner or Coachmen Product Owner be charged any fee(s) for scheduling, conduction or completion of the recall.  Additionally, all dealership(s) that are Forest River and/or Coachmen dealership(s) are Federally Mandated to perform the recall once presented with this recall whether by the Owner or Dealership receipt of this letter, without denial of service to the Owner.  Lastly, denial of a remedy for this recall is a Federal Violation punishable by law resulting substantial fines and/or civil penalties.

 

Federal Regulation requires that any lessor receiving this Recall must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.  If your dealership no longer owns this vehicle, please inform the Warranty Manager of the product listed above of the change of ownership.

 

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
PALOMINO	COLUMBUS	2021

 

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9 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V375-6670.pdf 244.8KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V375-6853.PDF 213.928KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V375-9176.PDF 211.13KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V375-3328.PDF 211.227KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V375-2619.pdf 208.611KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V375-1839.pdf 161.002KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-20V375-0072.pdf 169.571KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-20V375-3204.pdf 217.294KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V375-5831.PDF 211.31KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V375&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2026-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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