NHTSA Complaint #10284177 — 2001 WESTERN ALPINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WESTERN ALPINE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. HE STATED THAT THERE WAS ABNORMAL HEAT GENERATION AT THE END OF THE WHEEL THAT CAUSED THE BRAKE TO DRAG. THE TEMPERATURE INCREASED AT THE WHEEL END WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS IT COULD EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCE AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT HIS MODEL TYPE WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE BRAND NAME OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS BOSCH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102000. UPDATED 2/22/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE MANUALLY DOWNSHIFTED ON A DOWN HILL TO 2ND TO SLOW THE RV DOWN, THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP. UPON INSPECTION, A LOT OF SMOKE AND A BURNING SMELL WAS PRESENT. UPDATED 05/13/10. *JB