The Zap Xebra. Wow. There's a vehicle we haven't written about in a long, long while. Don't get your hopes up Zap fans (by which we mean Zapp Brannigan, of course), because even though we're doing so now, the news isn't good. Almost 700 units, all produced during the 2008 model year, are being recalled – again – by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for brake issues. In 2009, 738 units of the 2008 model year Xebras were recalled for not being able to brake in a short enough distance.
The important thing to remember is that the three-wheeled Xebra is technically motorcycle, for regulation purposes. Thus, the new recall for the 691 electric Xebras is because they, "do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, 'Motorcycle Brake Systems.'" The problem is that the Xebras do not have, "a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device" and, NHTSA said, that's why, "fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash." As we said, the news isn't good.
QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd. manufactured the Xebras for Zap, which is now part of Zap Jonway. Zap will now notify owners either install a remedy kit or send one to each owner. If you're affected by this recall, you can find a phone number for Zap and NHTSA below.
The important thing to remember is that the three-wheeled Xebra is technically motorcycle, for regulation purposes. Thus, the new recall for the 691 electric Xebras is because they, "do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, 'Motorcycle Brake Systems.'" The problem is that the Xebras do not have, "a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device" and, NHTSA said, that's why, "fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash." As we said, the news isn't good.
QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd. manufactured the Xebras for Zap, which is now part of Zap Jonway. Zap will now notify owners either install a remedy kit or send one to each owner. If you're affected by this recall, you can find a phone number for Zap and NHTSA below.
Report Date : August 8, 2012 at 11:14 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 12V363000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
ZAP / XEBRA 2008
Manufacturer: QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD Mfr's Report Date: JUL 18, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V363000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 691
Summary:
QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd., through its designated agent ZAP, is recalling all model year 2008 ZAP Xebra motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems." The motorcycles were produced without a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device.
Consequence:
Without a separate reservoir for each brake, having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device, fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
ZAP will notify owners and ZAP will install or send each owner a remedy kit to bring the vehicles into compliance. ZAP has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ZAP Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555.
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.
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 12V363000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
ZAP / XEBRA 2008
Manufacturer: QINGQI GROUP MOTORCYCLE CO., LTD Mfr's Report Date: JUL 18, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V363000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 691
Summary:
QingQi Group Motorcycle Co. Ltd., through its designated agent ZAP, is recalling all model year 2008 ZAP Xebra motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008. These motorcycles do not conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake Systems." The motorcycles were produced without a separate brake fluid reservoir for each brake circuit, with each reservoir filler opening having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device.
Consequence:
Without a separate reservoir for each brake, having its own cover, seal, and cover retention device, fluid for one brake circuit may move to the other. If this happens, both reservoirs could lose fluid as a result of a fluid leak in one brake circuit and compromise the stopping ability of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
ZAP will notify owners and ZAP will install or send each owner a remedy kit to bring the vehicles into compliance. ZAP has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact ZAP Customer Service at 1-800-251-4555.
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.
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