NHTSA Announces Land Rover Will Recall 17,000 2005 LR3 SUVs for Potentially Defective Fuel Tanks and Fire Hazard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that the Land Rover unit of the Ford Motor Company will recall 17,263 - LR3 Model SUVs (2005) under Recall Number 05V376000. The recall is expected to begin on October 14, 2005.
The notice states that some of these SUVs may have fuel tanks that contain an internal breather pipe that is not made to specification. This could result in excessive swelling and cracking of a grommet and subsequent detachment of the breather pipe from a connecter tube.
When the fuel level in the tank is above the level of the detached joint, fuel may then enter the breather pipe. The driver may notice a fuel odor, drivability concerns such as hesitation, misfire, stalling, rough running, or difficulty in starting and the “check engine” light may be illuminated.
“IF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL FLOWING INTO THE BREATHER PIPE REACHES THE VAPOR CANISTER AND EXCEEDS ITS CAPACITY, THE EXCESS FUEL MAY BE DISCHARGED ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.”
Dealers will replace the fuel tanks. Owners should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837 and refer to LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B016.