NHTSA Recall 08V479000
Filed by MILES ELECTRIC VEHICLES. Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Reported 2008-09-22. An estimated 104 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
MILES ELECTRIC VEHICLES (MEV) IS RECALLING 104 MY 2008 XS40ST LOW SPEED TRUCKS. MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLY INCONSISTENCIES WITH THE BRAKE TEE AND ASSEMBLY UNDER-TORQUING OR OVER-TORQUING OF THE BLEEDER SCREWS HAVE PRODUCED INSTANCES OF VISIBLE BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE AT THE BRAKE TEE AND AT THE BLEEDER SCREWS.
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE REDUCED BRAKE PERFORMANCE WHEN APPLYING AND MAINTAINING FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND, OVER TIME, THE CAPACITY TO BRAKE WILL GRADUALLY DETERIORATE, FORCING THE DRIVER TO USE HIGHER THAN EXPECTED FORCES. CONTINUED LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID ABOVE CERTAIN AMOUNTS WOULD LEAD TO THE BRAKE BEING INOPERATIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPLACE THE BRAKE TEES. IF NECESSARY, WHEEL CALIPERS OR WHEEL CYLINDERS WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 8, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MEV AT 1-310-390-4890.
Notes
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.