Interpretation ID: aiam1708
Vehicle Safety Coordinator
Mack Trucks
Incorporated
P. O. Box 1791
Allentown
PA 18105;
Dear Mr. Lucas: This is in reference to your defect notification campaign (NHTSA No 74-0120) concerning some trucks with Rockwell FL-901 front axle assemblies with possibly defective steering arms.; The letter which you have sent to the owners of the subject vehicle does not completely meet the requirements of Part 577 (49 CFR), the Defect Notification regulation. Since your company is notifying the owners regarding a defect in certain Mack trucks, the second sentence of your letter should have stated that Mack Trucks, Inc., has determined that a defect exists in those vehicles. The reference to item of motor vehicle equipment in Part 577.4(b) only applies to campaigns being conducted by equipment manufacturers.; Your letter also does not give an estimate of the day by which dealer will be supplied with parts and instructions for correcting the defect as required by Part 577.4(e). Although it will not be necessary to renotify owners in this instance, it is expected that all future defect notifications fully comply with all applicable regulations. A copy of Part 577 is enclosed.; Sincerely, Andrew G. Detrick, Acting Director, Office of Defect Investigation, Motor Vehicle Programs;