Norcold 1200LR, 1200LRIM, 1201LRIM Refrigerators in Recreational Vehicles

Make / Models :		Model/Build Years:
NORCOLD / 1200LR		9999
NORCOLD / 1200LRIM		9999
NORCOLD / 1201LRIM		9999
Manufacturer : NORCOLD INC.		Mfr’s Report Date : MAR 25, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08E030000		N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EQUIPMENT

Potential Number Of Units Affected :

Summary: NORCOLD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REFRIGERATORS, MODELS 1200LR, 1200LRIM, AND 1201LRIM, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1, 1999 TO FEBRUARY 28, 2001, WITH COOLING UNITS SERIAL NUMBERS BETWEEN 1008701 AND 1273700. THE UNITS WERE INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT IN VARIOUS RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE SECTION OF THE COOLING UNIT WHICH CONTAINS THE REFRIGERANT COULD ALLOW THE LIQUID SOLUTION TO SLOWLY LEAK. IF A LEAK OCCURS AND THE REFRIGERATOR CONTINUES TO BE OPERATED AFTER SOLUTION CIRCULATION HAS CEASED THE HEAT SOURCE COULD GENERATE VERY HIGH TEMPERATURES. AT SUCH HIGH TEMPERATURES, THE STEEL MATERIAL OF THE COOLING UNIT COULD SOFTEN AND RUPTURE. NORCOLD IS WORKING TO IDENTIFY THE NUMBER OF REFRIGERATORS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITH THIS CONDITION.

Consequence: IF REFRIGERANT GAS IS STILL IN PLACE WHEN THE RUPTURE OCCURS, HYDROGEN GAS MAY BE EXPELLED AND COULD BE IGNITED BY THE HIGH TEMPERATURE, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE.

Remedy: NORCOLD IS WORKING WITH THE RV MANUFACTURERS TO NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE COOLING UNITS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY OF 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NORCOLD AT 800-767-9101.

Notes: THIS RECALL IS AN EXPANSION OF 02E-045. 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.