NHTSA recall 03E004000 · Equipment
Equipment
Reported Jan 30, 200317,398 vehicles affectedBELL AUTOMOTIVE
The defect
Bell automotive safety hammers identified as "life-saving escape and rescue tool." these hammers were intended to be used as an instrument to shatter automotive safety glass in the event of an emergency. however, the plastic handle was not designed to withstand the force required to shatter automotive glass.
The risk
As a result, the plastic ribs, which hold the safety hammer's metal heads, can break upon use, rendering the hammer no longer able to perform as intended.
The remedy
Bell will reimburse customers who have purchased the safety hammer. notification began february 20, 2003. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bell at 480-991-5055.