Hyundai Motor Co. said it is recalling 205,233 Santa Fe and Veracruz sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. because front air bags may not deploy when needed.
Hyundai said the electrical parts used to deploy air bags may not conduct current properly, causing them to not work in the event of a crash. The automaker announced the recall today on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site.
Hyundai told the regulator in a Sept. 8 letter posted on the Web site that it has received about 7,800 warranty claims for air-bag defects in the vehicles and isn't aware of any accidents or injuries caused by it.
In the year model 2007-2008 SUVs being recalled, the clock spring contact assembly for drivers' front air bags may become damaged, leading the air bag's electrical circuit to experience high resistance and potentially causing it to not deploy, Hyundai told the regulator. If this happens, the air-bag warning light on the instrument panel will turn on.
"Hyundai is voluntarily initiating this action to ensure the safety and quality of vehicles and the continued satisfaction of our customers," Miles Johnson, a U.S.-based spokesman, said in an e-mail.
Showing posts with label Recall Notices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recall Notices. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
BMW Recall Notice FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr's Report Date: AUG 18, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V441000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,120
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR WARMING UP THE DIESEL FUEL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AT LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, COULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD CONDITION AND BECOME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED.
Consequence:
THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO 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: 11V441000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL: PRE-HEATER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,120
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 X5 XDRIVE35D VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DIESEL ENGINE AND MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH JUNE 12, 2009. THE FUEL FILTER HEATER, WHICH IS USED FOR WARMING UP THE DIESEL FUEL DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AT LOW OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES, COULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD CONDITION AND BECOME PERMANENTLY ACTIVATED.
Consequence:
THE FUEL FILTER HEATER COULD REMAIN ACTIVATED EVEN WHEN THE IGNITION IS OFF AND LEAD TO A DEAD BATTERY. THE UNIT COULD ALSO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER HEATER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO 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 .
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Hyundai dealers to inspect, repair Sonatas prone to wandering
Hyundai Motor America said its U.S. dealers will fix a steering problem found in some 2011 Sonata mid-sized sedans after more than 4,000 owners complained about the car's steering system.
Drivers have complained that the 2011 Sonata is prone to drifting or pulling to the left while being driven.
The company suspects that about 41,000 Sonatas with 18-inch wheels could be affected by the problem, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. He said the fix is a service campaign, not a recall.
Hyundai said it has received or tracked about 4,000 complaints -- representing about 3 percent of the nearly 150,000 Sonatas built from September 2010 through April 2011, Trainor said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 198 complaints about the 2011 Sonata's steering, many of which described vehicle tracking problems seemingly similar to the one being addressed in this campaign.
Consumers can set up an appointment with a dealer to inspect the Sonata's wheel alignment and tracking, Trainor said. If necessary, the dealer will install new front suspension struts and perform a wheel alignment, both for free.
Last year, Hyundai recalled about 138,000 2011 Sonatas for a different steering problem. The recall followed a probe by U.S. safety regulators into customer complaints that a steering shaft could potentially become detached from the steering wheel.
Drivers have complained that the 2011 Sonata is prone to drifting or pulling to the left while being driven.
The company suspects that about 41,000 Sonatas with 18-inch wheels could be affected by the problem, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. He said the fix is a service campaign, not a recall.
Hyundai said it has received or tracked about 4,000 complaints -- representing about 3 percent of the nearly 150,000 Sonatas built from September 2010 through April 2011, Trainor said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 198 complaints about the 2011 Sonata's steering, many of which described vehicle tracking problems seemingly similar to the one being addressed in this campaign.
Consumers can set up an appointment with a dealer to inspect the Sonata's wheel alignment and tracking, Trainor said. If necessary, the dealer will install new front suspension struts and perform a wheel alignment, both for free.
Last year, Hyundai recalled about 138,000 2011 Sonatas for a different steering problem. The recall followed a probe by U.S. safety regulators into customer complaints that a steering shaft could potentially become detached from the steering wheel.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Honda recalls 2.5 million vehicles globally for software issue
- Honda Motor Co. said today it will recall 2.49 million cars, small SUVs and minivans worldwide, including its popular Accord sedan, to repair a software problem that could damage the automatic transmission.
The recall includes 1.5 million vehicles in the United States, 760,000 in China and 135,142 in Canada, the automaker said in a statement.
Globally, the recall affects four-cylinder Accord sedans for the model years 2005 to 2010.
The company is also recalling vehicles in parts of Europe, the Middle East, South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The recall did not affect vehicles sold in Honda's home Japan market.
In the United States and Canada, the recall also includes the CR-V crossover for the model years 2007 to 2010 as well as the small SUV Element from 2005 to 2008.
In China, the recall also includes more than 160,000 Odyssey minivans from 2005 to 2009 and about 4,000 Spirior cars, which are based on the European version of the Accord, for the 2010 model year.
Without updating the software, the automatic transmission in these vehicles could be damaged if the driver quickly shifts between gears. That might cause the engine to stall or make it difficult to put the car into park.
This week, Consumer Reports said it was not recommending the 2012 Honda Civic. This has led some industry analysts to ask if that is a symptom of larger problems at the automaker, which ranks fifth in U.S. sales this year.
The company has said it disagreed with the influential U.S. consumer advocate's assessment.
Chris Martin, Honda spokesman at the company's U.S. headquarters in California, said today the recall was not a sign of deeper difficulties.
Martin said the current recall was the result of "extremely unusual circumstances. The far majority of our consumers would never really encounter this. It's software programing. It's not a weakness in the transmission per se."
No injuries or deaths have been reported from this problem, Martin said.
Honda said the problems might arise if the transmission were quickly shifted between the reverse, neutral and drive positions. A driver might do this in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle in mud or snow.
The automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing could be damaged in this scenario.
An update to transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears and reduce the possibility of damage.
Honda will begin informing U.S. consumers at the end of August. It did not disclose expected cost of the recall.
The software update will take about a half-hour, but customers may have to leave their cars at Honda dealerships for a longer period, Martin said.
The recall includes 1.5 million vehicles in the United States, 760,000 in China and 135,142 in Canada, the automaker said in a statement.
Globally, the recall affects four-cylinder Accord sedans for the model years 2005 to 2010.
The company is also recalling vehicles in parts of Europe, the Middle East, South America, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The recall did not affect vehicles sold in Honda's home Japan market.
In the United States and Canada, the recall also includes the CR-V crossover for the model years 2007 to 2010 as well as the small SUV Element from 2005 to 2008.
In China, the recall also includes more than 160,000 Odyssey minivans from 2005 to 2009 and about 4,000 Spirior cars, which are based on the European version of the Accord, for the 2010 model year.
Without updating the software, the automatic transmission in these vehicles could be damaged if the driver quickly shifts between gears. That might cause the engine to stall or make it difficult to put the car into park.
This week, Consumer Reports said it was not recommending the 2012 Honda Civic. This has led some industry analysts to ask if that is a symptom of larger problems at the automaker, which ranks fifth in U.S. sales this year.
The company has said it disagreed with the influential U.S. consumer advocate's assessment.
Chris Martin, Honda spokesman at the company's U.S. headquarters in California, said today the recall was not a sign of deeper difficulties.
Martin said the current recall was the result of "extremely unusual circumstances. The far majority of our consumers would never really encounter this. It's software programing. It's not a weakness in the transmission per se."
No injuries or deaths have been reported from this problem, Martin said.
Honda said the problems might arise if the transmission were quickly shifted between the reverse, neutral and drive positions. A driver might do this in an attempt to dislodge a vehicle in mud or snow.
The automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing could be damaged in this scenario.
An update to transmission control module software will ease the transition between gears and reduce the possibility of damage.
Honda will begin informing U.S. consumers at the end of August. It did not disclose expected cost of the recall.
The software update will take about a half-hour, but customers may have to leave their cars at Honda dealerships for a longer period, Martin said.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Ford to recall 1.1M pickup for gas tank problem
Ford to recall 1.1M pickup trucks with gas tanks that can fall off and cause fires
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that the metal straps holding the tanks can rust, allowing them to fall, rupture and catch fire.
The defect has been blamed for eight fires, three of which spread to the rest of the truck. One person was injured, suffering first- and second-degree burns, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said.
The recall affects certain 1997 through 2004 Ford F-150 models, as well as some 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 pickups. Also affected are Lincoln Blackwood pickups from the 2002 and 2003 model years. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. The salt corroded straps holding the tanks and they broke, NHTSA said.
The trucks were originally sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Sherwood said the company will notify owners in September to bring their trucks to dealers who will replace the straps with new ones that are coated to resist corrosion. Parts to fix the problem, he said, won't be widely available until then.
People with questions should contact their dealer, who can install a cable to hold the tanks in place until the replacement straps arrive, Sherwood said.
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that the metal straps holding the tanks can rust, allowing them to fall, rupture and catch fire.
The defect has been blamed for eight fires, three of which spread to the rest of the truck. One person was injured, suffering first- and second-degree burns, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said.
The recall affects certain 1997 through 2004 Ford F-150 models, as well as some 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 pickups. Also affected are Lincoln Blackwood pickups from the 2002 and 2003 model years. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. The salt corroded straps holding the tanks and they broke, NHTSA said.
The trucks were originally sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Sherwood said the company will notify owners in September to bring their trucks to dealers who will replace the straps with new ones that are coated to resist corrosion. Parts to fix the problem, he said, won't be widely available until then.
People with questions should contact their dealer, who can install a cable to hold the tanks in place until the replacement straps arrive, Sherwood said.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Motorists need better information on recalls, U.S. report says
The U.S. auto-safety regulator should better inform drivers of defects because only 70 percent of recall repairs on cars and trucks are completed within 18 months, the Government Accountability Office said in a report issued Wednesday.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should change what consumers must be told in recall notification letters, improve and publicize its auto-recall website and seek authority to notify used-car buyers, the GAO said in a report.
In 2010, automakers recalled a record 14.9 million vehicles.
"Many recalled vehicles are never fixed, posing a risk to vehicle operators, other drivers, and pedestrians," the GAO said in the report, which was requested by Representatives Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, and Edolphus Towns, a New York Democrat.
Toyota Motor Corp.'s record recalls last year for defects related to unintended acceleration were investigated by U.S. lawmakers.
"NHTSA is committed to ensuring consumers have the information they need to keep their families safe on the road and in their communities," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said. "We look forward to working with policymakers to continue to strengthen our efforts on these and other safety issues."
Consumers can sign up for e-mailed alerts about vehicle recalls from NHTSA at www.safercar.gov.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration should change what consumers must be told in recall notification letters, improve and publicize its auto-recall website and seek authority to notify used-car buyers, the GAO said in a report.
In 2010, automakers recalled a record 14.9 million vehicles.
"Many recalled vehicles are never fixed, posing a risk to vehicle operators, other drivers, and pedestrians," the GAO said in the report, which was requested by Representatives Elijah Cummings, a Maryland Democrat, and Edolphus Towns, a New York Democrat.
Toyota Motor Corp.'s record recalls last year for defects related to unintended acceleration were investigated by U.S. lawmakers.
"NHTSA is committed to ensuring consumers have the information they need to keep their families safe on the road and in their communities," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said. "We look forward to working with policymakers to continue to strengthen our efforts on these and other safety issues."
Consumers can sign up for e-mailed alerts about vehicle recalls from NHTSA at www.safercar.gov.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Honda expands U.S. airbag recall to include about 833,000 autos
Honda Motor Co. said it will again expand a U.S. recall of Honda and Acura brand models to fix flawed airbag components.
The company will inspect model year 2001 to 2003 vehicles that may have had the original driver's air-bag module replaced with a flawed service part, Honda said today in an e-mailed statement.
As a result, the recall now includes an additional 833,000 vehicles, the company said. Honda "determined that a number of affected service part air bags were installed in these vehicles in the process of a collision repair or other vehicle service," according to the statement.
"Owners of all potentially affected vehicles are being notified because Honda has not been able to determine which specific vehicles received one of those parts."
The faulty airbag inflators are at risk of deploying too forcefully and causing the inflator's casing to rupture, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants, the company said.
Customer notification is to begin late this month. Vehicles covered by the action include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars; 2002 Odyssey minivans; 2002 and 2003 CR-V sport-utility vehicles; and some 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL sedans and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupes, the company said.
Honda last year recalled 437,763 Honda and Acura models to inspect for faulty airbag modules at risk of deploying too forcefully.
The company has said airbag systems were supplied by Japan's Takata Corp. Honda's U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.
The company will inspect model year 2001 to 2003 vehicles that may have had the original driver's air-bag module replaced with a flawed service part, Honda said today in an e-mailed statement.
As a result, the recall now includes an additional 833,000 vehicles, the company said. Honda "determined that a number of affected service part air bags were installed in these vehicles in the process of a collision repair or other vehicle service," according to the statement.
"Owners of all potentially affected vehicles are being notified because Honda has not been able to determine which specific vehicles received one of those parts."
The faulty airbag inflators are at risk of deploying too forcefully and causing the inflator's casing to rupture, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities for vehicle occupants, the company said.
Customer notification is to begin late this month. Vehicles covered by the action include some 2001 and 2002 Accord and Civic cars; 2002 Odyssey minivans; 2002 and 2003 CR-V sport-utility vehicles; and some 2002 and 2003 Acura 3.2 TL sedans and 2003 Acura 3.2 CL coupes, the company said.
Honda last year recalled 437,763 Honda and Acura models to inspect for faulty airbag modules at risk of deploying too forcefully.
The company has said airbag systems were supplied by Japan's Takata Corp. Honda's U.S. unit is based in Torrance, California.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Nissan, Chrysler and GM models face safety probe by U.S. regulators
U.S. safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into consumer complaints about vehicles made by Nissan Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and General Motors that could affect more than 700,000 cars.
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its probe into an estimated 440,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years concerned a possible leak in the brake master cylinder that could reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.
NHTSA said it had received 20 complaints from Altima drivers. Of these, two alleged a reduction in brake effectiveness while 18 reported only illumination of the brake warning light.
The agency said it was also investigating Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler from the 2007 and 2008 model years, potentially affecting 222,500 vehicles, over airbag light illumination indicating an airbag clockspring failure.
A clockspring is a coil under the steering wheel that maintains an electrical connection to the airbag on the driver's side. A broken circuit can mean the airbag will not inflate.
NHTSA said it had received 29 consumer complaints from Jeep drivers. Of these, 23 identified the clockspring wiring assembly as the source of the issue, while the other six only said the airbag light had been illuminated.
Of 14 owners contacted, six said they owned right-hand-drive versions typically used by postal carriers.
A third probe involves GM's 2007 Saturn Aura, potentially affecting 65,105 cars, over a transmission shift cable that could fail, causing the park gear not to fully engage.
The agency said it had received eight complaints alleging that the transmission shift cable had failed, causing the vehicle to roll away, move or accelerate with the shifter in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.
NHTSA did not disclose any crashes or injuries in connection with any of the reported problems.
Spokesmen for the three companies said the carmakers were cooperating fully with the investigations.
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its probe into an estimated 440,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years concerned a possible leak in the brake master cylinder that could reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.
NHTSA said it had received 20 complaints from Altima drivers. Of these, two alleged a reduction in brake effectiveness while 18 reported only illumination of the brake warning light.
The agency said it was also investigating Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler from the 2007 and 2008 model years, potentially affecting 222,500 vehicles, over airbag light illumination indicating an airbag clockspring failure.
A clockspring is a coil under the steering wheel that maintains an electrical connection to the airbag on the driver's side. A broken circuit can mean the airbag will not inflate.
NHTSA said it had received 29 consumer complaints from Jeep drivers. Of these, 23 identified the clockspring wiring assembly as the source of the issue, while the other six only said the airbag light had been illuminated.
Of 14 owners contacted, six said they owned right-hand-drive versions typically used by postal carriers.
A third probe involves GM's 2007 Saturn Aura, potentially affecting 65,105 cars, over a transmission shift cable that could fail, causing the park gear not to fully engage.
The agency said it had received eight complaints alleging that the transmission shift cable had failed, causing the vehicle to roll away, move or accelerate with the shifter in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.
NHTSA did not disclose any crashes or injuries in connection with any of the reported problems.
Spokesmen for the three companies said the carmakers were cooperating fully with the investigations.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Honda recalls some 2012 Civics, citing risk of fuel leak
Honda Motor Co. has recalled about 1,500 current model Civic compact cars in North America due to a fuel leak risk that could lead to a vehicle fire, the company and U.S. federal safety regulators said today.
The popular Civic is in short supply in North America because of the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake in Japan. Honda on Thursday said June is going to be the low point for dealer inventory of the venerable compact.
In the United States, 1,156 Civic were recalled. On Thursday, Honda Canada announced a recall of 377 Civic compacts.
The Civics recalled were assembled from April 21 to May 2.
Most of the affected vehicles have not yet been sold and will be repaired prior to sale. Honda said that 17 percent of Civics to be sold in the U.S. contain the defect.
Honda Canada said only two of the affected vehicles were sold to consumers. No similar figure was available for U.S. sales.
Honda will notify affected Civic owners by the end of next week to bring their cars to Honda dealerships for inspection, and, if needed, will replace the fuel feed lines free of charge, the automaker said.
A fuel leak could occur if an O-ring that seals the fuel feed line is misaligned, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There have been no reports of fires, crashes or injuries. The issue was noticed on April 29 when a Honda production worker noticed a fuel smell on a new Civic, Honda told regulators.
The fuel line at issue was made by a Honda supplier, records show.
Civic was the No. 3 selling car in the U.S. in April, behind only the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Accord.
The popular Civic is in short supply in North America because of the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake in Japan. Honda on Thursday said June is going to be the low point for dealer inventory of the venerable compact.
In the United States, 1,156 Civic were recalled. On Thursday, Honda Canada announced a recall of 377 Civic compacts.
The Civics recalled were assembled from April 21 to May 2.
Most of the affected vehicles have not yet been sold and will be repaired prior to sale. Honda said that 17 percent of Civics to be sold in the U.S. contain the defect.
Honda Canada said only two of the affected vehicles were sold to consumers. No similar figure was available for U.S. sales.
Honda will notify affected Civic owners by the end of next week to bring their cars to Honda dealerships for inspection, and, if needed, will replace the fuel feed lines free of charge, the automaker said.
A fuel leak could occur if an O-ring that seals the fuel feed line is misaligned, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There have been no reports of fires, crashes or injuries. The issue was noticed on April 29 when a Honda production worker noticed a fuel smell on a new Civic, Honda told regulators.
The fuel line at issue was made by a Honda supplier, records show.
Civic was the No. 3 selling car in the U.S. in April, behind only the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Accord.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Toyota, Honda, Chrysler recalling nearly 80,000 vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC are recalling nearly 80,000 vehicles over safety concerns, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Toyota is recalling about 22,000 SUVs and pickups because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, U.S. regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from the 2008 through 2011 model years may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, NHTSA said in a report.
The affected vehicles were shipped from assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
Affected vehicles will be repaired at Toyota dealerships for free, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told NHTSA.
Honda, meanwhile, has called back 36,656 Civic hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years after complaints that a faulty voltage converter could interrupt electrical signals to the headlights and engine. The problem could cause the vehicles to stall and fail to restart, a report filed with NHTSA said.
Owners of affected vehicles can have the voltage converter replaced for free at dealerships. The recall notice is expected to go out on March 18.
Finally, Chrysler is recalling 20,459 Jeep Wranglers built in 2010 and 2011. Certain Wranglers manufactured from July 12, 2010, through Sept. 10, 2010, may experience loosened fasteners on the front and rear axle attachments to the chassis, a report filed with NHTSA said. This could result in excessive noise and ultimately impaired steering and handling, increasing the risk of a crash, the agency said.
Dealers will retorque all 19 fasteners for free. The recall is expected to begin in March.
Toyota is recalling about 22,000 SUVs and pickups because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, U.S. regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from the 2008 through 2011 model years may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, NHTSA said in a report.
The affected vehicles were shipped from assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
Affected vehicles will be repaired at Toyota dealerships for free, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told NHTSA.
Honda, meanwhile, has called back 36,656 Civic hybrids from the 2006 and 2007 model years after complaints that a faulty voltage converter could interrupt electrical signals to the headlights and engine. The problem could cause the vehicles to stall and fail to restart, a report filed with NHTSA said.
Owners of affected vehicles can have the voltage converter replaced for free at dealerships. The recall notice is expected to go out on March 18.
Finally, Chrysler is recalling 20,459 Jeep Wranglers built in 2010 and 2011. Certain Wranglers manufactured from July 12, 2010, through Sept. 10, 2010, may experience loosened fasteners on the front and rear axle attachments to the chassis, a report filed with NHTSA said. This could result in excessive noise and ultimately impaired steering and handling, increasing the risk of a crash, the agency said.
Dealers will retorque all 19 fasteners for free. The recall is expected to begin in March.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Toyota recalls 22,000 vehicles over tire monitors
DETROIT (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp on Saturday recalled about 22,000 sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks because of tire-deflation monitoring systems that may fail, regulators said.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from model years 2008-2011 may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.
The vehicles affected left their assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
The models affected will be repaired at Toyota dealerships at no cost, Toyota Motor Sales, the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told the NHTSA.
Toyota has been plagued by a series of recalls since late 2009 that now total 19 million vehicles worldwide. Two weeks ago, the automaker recalled 2.2 million vehicles for a defect that may cause gas pedals to stick, widening one of the recalls from late 2009.
The recalls have cut into Toyota sales, particularly in the United States, where most of the recalls have taken place.
Toyota Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles from model years 2008-2011 may have tire deflation monitoring systems that fail to warn drivers, raising the risk of a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report.
The vehicles affected left their assembly plants with working monitoring systems, but when accessory wheels were installed, the systems were not recalibrated and now lights to warn drivers of low tire pressure may fail, the report said.
The models affected will be repaired at Toyota dealerships at no cost, Toyota Motor Sales, the automaker's U.S. sales branch, told the NHTSA.
Toyota has been plagued by a series of recalls since late 2009 that now total 19 million vehicles worldwide. Two weeks ago, the automaker recalled 2.2 million vehicles for a defect that may cause gas pedals to stick, widening one of the recalls from late 2009.
The recalls have cut into Toyota sales, particularly in the United States, where most of the recalls have taken place.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mazda recalls 52,000 vehicles for spider web concerns
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 52,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009-2010 model years over concerns that spider webs in the emissions system could lead to fuel tank cracks and possible leaks.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Toyota recalls another 2.17 million U.S. vehicles
DETROIT -- Toyota Motor Corp. said today it will recall 2.17 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the United States to inspect and repair accelerator pedals that may get trapped in floor mats or carpeting.
The automaker said more than half of the recalled vehicles -- 1.54 million units -- are being added to a giant 2009 recall to inspect and repair accelerator pedals that may get trapped in floor mats.
A 10-month investigation by NASA engineers determined that electronic flaws were not to blame for widespread consumer complaints of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus models, the U.S. Department of Transportation said this month.
The Japanese automaker has now recalled 19.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide and more than 13.7 million in the United States to address safety problems since the fall of 2009.
Toyota said 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 all-wheel-drive sedans will be recalled to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver's side floor carpet.
If the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced after service, Toyota said there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with operation of the accelerator pedal.
If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Toyota said it had received two complaints about the issue. Owners of the GS 300 and GS 350 vehicles will be notified in early March, Toyota said.
Driver's floor carpet cover
The automaker also is recalling 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 Lexus RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h units, and about 397,000 Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles sold from the 2004 through 2006 model years to replace the driver's side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips.
Toyota said if the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover -- located in front of the center console -- is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
If this occurs, Toyota said the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
RX and Highlander owners will be notified soon how to inspect the condition or how to contact a dealer to perform the inspection. Toyota said owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.
Expanded recall
Toyota also is expanding a recall announced in November 2009 to address possible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal.
The affected 1.5 million vehicles include about 603,000 Toyota 4Runner SUVs sold from the 2003 through 2009 model years; about 17,000 Lexus LX 570 SUVS sold from the 2008 through 2011 models years; and about 761,000 Toyota RAV4 vehicles sold from the 2006 through 2010 models years.
Toyota said owners of the 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will be notified soon, and receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.
Toyota and Lexus dealers will perform the recalls at no charge, Toyota said.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Two Voluntary Recalls and Amends Potential Floor Mat Interference Recall Announced in 2009
Driver's Side Floor Carpet Plastic Pad Modification on Lexus GS
Driver's Side Floor Carpet Cover Replacement on Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander
Models Added to the Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall
TORRANCE, Calif., [February 24], 2011 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver's side floor carpet. In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail beginning in early March 2011.
Toyota will also voluntarily recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver's side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Owners of the involved RX and Highlander vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, explaining how to inspect for this condition or that they may contact their local dealer to perform the inspection.
Owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.
Separately, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal. The models added include:
• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4
Owners of the involved 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, informing them of the condition. Owners will receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.
Toyota and Lexus dealers will implement the newly announced and amended recall remedies at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.
The automaker said more than half of the recalled vehicles -- 1.54 million units -- are being added to a giant 2009 recall to inspect and repair accelerator pedals that may get trapped in floor mats.
A 10-month investigation by NASA engineers determined that electronic flaws were not to blame for widespread consumer complaints of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus models, the U.S. Department of Transportation said this month.
The Japanese automaker has now recalled 19.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles worldwide and more than 13.7 million in the United States to address safety problems since the fall of 2009.
Toyota said 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350 all-wheel-drive sedans will be recalled to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver's side floor carpet.
If the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced after service, Toyota said there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with operation of the accelerator pedal.
If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Toyota said it had received two complaints about the issue. Owners of the GS 300 and GS 350 vehicles will be notified in early March, Toyota said.
Driver's floor carpet cover
The automaker also is recalling 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 Lexus RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h units, and about 397,000 Toyota Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles sold from the 2004 through 2006 model years to replace the driver's side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips.
Toyota said if the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover -- located in front of the center console -- is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
If this occurs, Toyota said the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
RX and Highlander owners will be notified soon how to inspect the condition or how to contact a dealer to perform the inspection. Toyota said owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.
Expanded recall
Toyota also is expanding a recall announced in November 2009 to address possible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal.
The affected 1.5 million vehicles include about 603,000 Toyota 4Runner SUVs sold from the 2003 through 2009 model years; about 17,000 Lexus LX 570 SUVS sold from the 2008 through 2011 models years; and about 761,000 Toyota RAV4 vehicles sold from the 2006 through 2010 models years.
Toyota said owners of the 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will be notified soon, and receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.
Toyota and Lexus dealers will perform the recalls at no charge, Toyota said.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Two Voluntary Recalls and Amends Potential Floor Mat Interference Recall Announced in 2009
Driver's Side Floor Carpet Plastic Pad Modification on Lexus GS
Driver's Side Floor Carpet Cover Replacement on Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander
Models Added to the Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal Recall
TORRANCE, Calif., [February 24], 2011 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 20,000 2006 and early 2007 Model Year GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles to modify the shape of the plastic pad embedded in the driver's side floor carpet. In the event that the floor carpet around the accelerator pedal is not properly replaced in the correct position after a service operation, there is a possibility that the plastic pad embedded into the floor carpet may interfere with the operation of the accelerator pedal. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Owners of the involved GS 300 and GS 350 All-Wheel Drive vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail beginning in early March 2011.
Toyota will also voluntarily recall approximately 372,000 2004 through 2006 and early 2007 RX 330, RX 350, and RX 400h vehicles, and approximately 397,000 2004 through 2006 Highlander and Highlander HV vehicles to replace the driver's side floor carpet cover and its two retention clips. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may become temporarily stuck in a partially depressed position rather than returning to the idle position.
Owners of the involved RX and Highlander vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, explaining how to inspect for this condition or that they may contact their local dealer to perform the inspection.
Owners will receive a second notification once the replacement covers are available.
Separately, Toyota has amended its recall from November 2009, adding three models to address the potential for unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal. The models added include:
• Approximately 603,000 2003 through 2009 4Runner
• Approximately 17,000 2008 through 2011 Lexus LX 570; and
• Approximately 761,000 2006 through 2010 RAV4
Owners of the involved 4Runner, LX 570, and RAV4 vehicles will receive an interim notification by first class mail beginning in the near future, informing them of the condition. Owners will receive a second notification once the recall preparations are complete.
Toyota and Lexus dealers will implement the newly announced and amended recall remedies at no charge to the vehicle owners.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Nader urges Fiat to recall 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees
Consumer activist Ralph Nader has called on Fiat to recall 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees made by Chrysler because of what he calls their vulnerability to fiery rear-end crashes.
U.S. safety regulators have been conducting an investigation and considering a recall of 3 million Grand Cherokees.
Nader said today that the Grand Cherokee from these years “is a modern-day Pinto for soccer moms” because the fuel tank is behind the rear axle below the rear bumper.
“Now that Fiat has purchased Chrysler, it has the moral obligation to remedy the deadly fuel tank design in the Jeep Grand Cherokee before more innocent victims are burned today, not only in the United States, but also in Europe,” Nader said in a speech in Milan after receiving an award from Quattroruote auto magazine.
In addition, the 1993-98 Grand Cherokees are flawed because the filler hose goes through the frame rail and is pulled out of the fuel tank, he said.
Case closed?
Chrysler said today that the fuel tanks on the Grand Cherokees aren't defective and do not pose an unreasonable risk.
The automaker conducted a study that compared 21,000 rear impacts in the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees with similar models from other companies found that fires are no more common in Grand Cherokees than in other vehicles, said Chrysler spokesman Michael Palese.
"Rear impacts resulting in a fire are extremely rare," Palese said. "Chrysler believes this investigation should be closed."
In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation after its preliminary review found that the fuel tank may have been linked to 22 crashes and 14 deaths.
NHTSA said at the time that its preliminary review did not find the Grand Cherokee has a disproportionate number of fire-related accidents compared with similar models of other automakers.
The Nader-founded Center for Auto Safety, whose research spurred the NHTSA probe, has come up with different findings.
It said the fuel tank has exploded into flames in 44 crashes and rollovers causing 64 deaths -- twice as many fire-related accidents and four times as many deaths identified by regulators.
When DaimlerChrysler owned the Jeep brand, it moved and shielded the fuel tank, starting with 2005 models.
Fiat acquired control of Chrysler in 2009 as part of a deal arranged by the Obama administration after Chrysler had filed for bankruptcy reorganization. You can reach Neil Roland at nroland@crain.com.
U.S. safety regulators have been conducting an investigation and considering a recall of 3 million Grand Cherokees.
Nader said today that the Grand Cherokee from these years “is a modern-day Pinto for soccer moms” because the fuel tank is behind the rear axle below the rear bumper.
“Now that Fiat has purchased Chrysler, it has the moral obligation to remedy the deadly fuel tank design in the Jeep Grand Cherokee before more innocent victims are burned today, not only in the United States, but also in Europe,” Nader said in a speech in Milan after receiving an award from Quattroruote auto magazine.
In addition, the 1993-98 Grand Cherokees are flawed because the filler hose goes through the frame rail and is pulled out of the fuel tank, he said.
Case closed?
Chrysler said today that the fuel tanks on the Grand Cherokees aren't defective and do not pose an unreasonable risk.
The automaker conducted a study that compared 21,000 rear impacts in the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees with similar models from other companies found that fires are no more common in Grand Cherokees than in other vehicles, said Chrysler spokesman Michael Palese.
"Rear impacts resulting in a fire are extremely rare," Palese said. "Chrysler believes this investigation should be closed."
In August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation after its preliminary review found that the fuel tank may have been linked to 22 crashes and 14 deaths.
NHTSA said at the time that its preliminary review did not find the Grand Cherokee has a disproportionate number of fire-related accidents compared with similar models of other automakers.
The Nader-founded Center for Auto Safety, whose research spurred the NHTSA probe, has come up with different findings.
It said the fuel tank has exploded into flames in 44 crashes and rollovers causing 64 deaths -- twice as many fire-related accidents and four times as many deaths identified by regulators.
When DaimlerChrysler owned the Jeep brand, it moved and shielded the fuel tank, starting with 2005 models.
Fiat acquired control of Chrysler in 2009 as part of a deal arranged by the Obama administration after Chrysler had filed for bankruptcy reorganization. You can reach Neil Roland at nroland@crain.com.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Ford recalls 281,000 F-150 trucks in U.S.
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 281,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the United States because of a potential problem with the door handles not working properly, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported today.
Model years 2009 and 2010 F-150 trucks produced from January 2008 to November 2009 are being recalled because in the event of a crash, "the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open," NHTSA said in a filing.
As of Jan. 21, there had been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue, Ford told NHTSA.
Ford said that customers will initially be asked to bring their F-150s to dealerships if any door handle is loose or fails to return to a stowed position.
Later, once replacement parts are available, owners will be asked to bring in their trucks for inspection at Ford or Lincoln dealerships, the filing said.
The F-150 is the primary model of the F-series of pickup trucks that have been for 34 straight years the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market.
Model years 2009 and 2010 F-150 trucks produced from January 2008 to November 2009 are being recalled because in the event of a crash, "the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open," NHTSA said in a filing.
As of Jan. 21, there had been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue, Ford told NHTSA.
Ford said that customers will initially be asked to bring their F-150s to dealerships if any door handle is loose or fails to return to a stowed position.
Later, once replacement parts are available, owners will be asked to bring in their trucks for inspection at Ford or Lincoln dealerships, the filing said.
The F-150 is the primary model of the F-series of pickup trucks that have been for 34 straight years the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
2005 Honda CR-V vibration on sharp turns
Customer complained about a noise and or shuttering when turning into a tight parking spot. The shudder is there everytime but only on sharp turns at slow speeds. The CR-V only has 52,000 miles on it.
SHop:
test drove and could duplicate the exact issue as described by the customer. Pulled into shop and put up on rack for further inspection. The vibration is in fact coming from the rear differential. With the engine off and holding one tire still and turning the other tire slowly you can reproduce the vibration and watch the rear differential jump around.
All research points to changing the differential fluid and Making certain to use Honda Dual Pump Fluid Only! According to the operaters manual the differential fluid is due to be changed at 60,000 miles. Unit holds 1.3 qts of fluid.
FIX:
Drained and replaced fluid with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, that I got at my local auto parts store, and test Drove. Problem solved.
SHop:
test drove and could duplicate the exact issue as described by the customer. Pulled into shop and put up on rack for further inspection. The vibration is in fact coming from the rear differential. With the engine off and holding one tire still and turning the other tire slowly you can reproduce the vibration and watch the rear differential jump around.
All research points to changing the differential fluid and Making certain to use Honda Dual Pump Fluid Only! According to the operaters manual the differential fluid is due to be changed at 60,000 miles. Unit holds 1.3 qts of fluid.
FIX:
Drained and replaced fluid with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II, that I got at my local auto parts store, and test Drove. Problem solved.
Toyota recalls 1.7 million cars globally, including 245,000 Lexus sedans in U.S.
TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp., struggling to restore its reputation for top quality, today recalled nearly 1.7 million vehicles globally for a variety of fuel system related problems, including 245,000 Lexus IS and Lexus GS sedans in the United States.
The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.
Lexus dealers in the United States will inspect vehicles for fuel leaks. If none is found, they will tighten the sensor. If leaks are confirmed, the gasket will be replaced and the sensor tightened.
The move affects the following vehicles in the United States: 2006-2007 model year Lexus GS300/350; 2006-early 2009 Lexus IS250; and 2006-early 2008 Lexus IS350.
Today's actions bring the total number of Toyota recalls since fall of 2009 to 18 million vehicles.
“After Toyota's recalls last year, the company is more sensitive to recall issues and conducting them as early as possible,” Satoru Takada, a Tokyo-based analyst at TIW Inc., told Bloomberg.
The move covering the fuel-pressure sensor covers 354,524 vehicles worldwide, including the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans in Japan.
Also today, Toyota conducted a global recall targeting faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves. That action affects 1.34 million vehicles, but none in North America.
Toyota said there have been no accidents related to any of the recall-related problems.
About 1.2 million of the vehicles in the second recall were sold in Japan, including the RAV4 SUV and the Voxy and Noah minivans. About 135,000 vehicles are in Europe, mostly the Avensis sedan and wagon manufactured at Toyota's plant in Britain.
A design flaw in those vehicles means that fuel pipes may develop cracks and leak. Some of the vehicles also have faulty check valves meant to prevent the reverse flow of fuel.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation Click here for Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Re
Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America.
TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC's recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
The North American vehicles are being called back to inspect for possibly faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. In cases where the sensor is not fastened tightly enough, fuel can leak between the gasket that connects the sensor to the fuel delivery pipes, Toyota said.
Lexus dealers in the United States will inspect vehicles for fuel leaks. If none is found, they will tighten the sensor. If leaks are confirmed, the gasket will be replaced and the sensor tightened.
The move affects the following vehicles in the United States: 2006-2007 model year Lexus GS300/350; 2006-early 2009 Lexus IS250; and 2006-early 2008 Lexus IS350.
Today's actions bring the total number of Toyota recalls since fall of 2009 to 18 million vehicles.
“After Toyota's recalls last year, the company is more sensitive to recall issues and conducting them as early as possible,” Satoru Takada, a Tokyo-based analyst at TIW Inc., told Bloomberg.
The move covering the fuel-pressure sensor covers 354,524 vehicles worldwide, including the Toyota Crown and Mark X sedans in Japan.
Also today, Toyota conducted a global recall targeting faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves. That action affects 1.34 million vehicles, but none in North America.
Toyota said there have been no accidents related to any of the recall-related problems.
About 1.2 million of the vehicles in the second recall were sold in Japan, including the RAV4 SUV and the Voxy and Noah minivans. About 135,000 vehicles are in Europe, mostly the Avensis sedan and wagon manufactured at Toyota's plant in Britain.
A design flaw in those vehicles means that fuel pipes may develop cracks and leak. Some of the vehicles also have faulty check valves meant to prevent the reverse flow of fuel.
PRESS RELEASE: Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation Click here for Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Re
Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America.
TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.
Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve. TMC's recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ford recalls F-series pickups, Edge, Lincoln MKX
DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co is recalling about 20,000 new vehicles in North America, mainly its heavy duty pickup trucks, due to the chance that an electrical short could cause a fire, Ford and U.S. federal regulators said on Thursday.
Ford will inform owners of its F-series pickups and small sports utility vehicles Edge and Lincoln MKX of the potential problem by January 10, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 15,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States, and most of the rest in Canada, said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.
Sherwood said the automaker is not aware of any injuries, crashes or fires resulting from the issue.
Body control modules made by Lear Corp at a plant in Mexico produced over a six-day period may cause an electrical short, Ford told NHTSA in a filing.
The same filing said that Lear "found that a newly hired operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts" over six days in late October.
Sherwood said the suspect vehicles were assembled at Ford plants between late October and mid-November.
"If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur" and result in a vehicle fire, the NHTSA filing said.
Ford discovered the problem when two F-150 pickups had fires in mid-November and early December at a Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant before being shipped, it told NHTSA.
"Ford is not aware of any reports for related fires on vehicles in service," the automaker told NHTSA.
Of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected, 13,200 are Super Duty F-Series trucks, which are the F-250, the F-350 and the F-450 models.
Some 476 F-150 pickup trucks were affected. That model is the biggest selling vehicle in North America.
About 6,200 Edge and MKX models are affected, Sherwood said.
Edge and MKX are also known as crossover vehicles because they are built on a car platform rather than a truck platform as are larger SUVs.
Ford dealers are to inspect recalled vehicles and if necessary replace body control modules at no consumer cost. Sherwood said the repair time is relatively short, but he did not specify how long each repair will take or how much repairs will cost the automaker
Ford will inform owners of its F-series pickups and small sports utility vehicles Edge and Lincoln MKX of the potential problem by January 10, according to a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About 15,000 of the affected vehicles were sold in the United States, and most of the rest in Canada, said Wes Sherwood, Ford spokesman.
Sherwood said the automaker is not aware of any injuries, crashes or fires resulting from the issue.
Body control modules made by Lear Corp at a plant in Mexico produced over a six-day period may cause an electrical short, Ford told NHTSA in a filing.
The same filing said that Lear "found that a newly hired operator failed to properly clean a soldering machine during four production shifts" over six days in late October.
Sherwood said the suspect vehicles were assembled at Ford plants between late October and mid-November.
"If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur" and result in a vehicle fire, the NHTSA filing said.
Ford discovered the problem when two F-150 pickups had fires in mid-November and early December at a Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant before being shipped, it told NHTSA.
"Ford is not aware of any reports for related fires on vehicles in service," the automaker told NHTSA.
Of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected, 13,200 are Super Duty F-Series trucks, which are the F-250, the F-350 and the F-450 models.
Some 476 F-150 pickup trucks were affected. That model is the biggest selling vehicle in North America.
About 6,200 Edge and MKX models are affected, Sherwood said.
Edge and MKX are also known as crossover vehicles because they are built on a car platform rather than a truck platform as are larger SUVs.
Ford dealers are to inspect recalled vehicles and if necessary replace body control modules at no consumer cost. Sherwood said the repair time is relatively short, but he did not specify how long each repair will take or how much repairs will cost the automaker
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Chrysler recalling 76K Dodge Ram trucks
WASHINGTON – Chrysler is recalling about 76,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks to fix a power steering issue that could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return after the driver applies them.
The recall affects certain 2010-2011 model year Dodge Ram trucks built from March 2009 through October 2010.
Chrysler said some trucks with diesel engines and a hydroboost brake system could be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels.
The excessive levels could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return and make the brake lights remain on, potentially causing a crash.
Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers will replace the steering reservoir cap free of charge.
Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.
The recall affects certain 2010-2011 model year Dodge Ram trucks built from March 2009 through October 2010.
Chrysler said some trucks with diesel engines and a hydroboost brake system could be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels.
The excessive levels could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return and make the brake lights remain on, potentially causing a crash.
Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers will replace the steering reservoir cap free of charge.
Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Recalled Ford Windstars stack up on dealer lots, awaiting parts
There are about 575,000 Windstars that could have cracked or damaged axles.
DETROIT -- Used Windstar minivans are stacking up on some Ford dealerships’ lots as dealers await parts to repair the vehicles.
And as they do, Ford’s costs for this recall are mounting as well.
Ford Motor Co. says new axles to replace any broken Windstar axles, on 1998 through 2003 models, will not arrive until early next year. Some other parts related to the axle problem arrive within two months, said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.
There are about 575,000 Windstars that could have cracked or damaged axles. Most require small repairs that can be completed this year, Sherwood said.
Most of the Windstars affected are in the Rust Belt region, where winter road salt accelerated axle erosion, dealers say.
Windstars with cracked axles are unsafe to drive, so dealers have to store them while Ford reimburses dealers for the expense of renting Windstar customers a vehicle, Sherwood said.
Sherwood said he did not know how many Windstars are being stored by dealers.
Dealers estimate Ford is paying about $38 a day to provide rental vehicles to effected Windstar owners. That could amount to about $2,000 or more per customer by the time the parts are in, costing Ford millions.
“I have about 50 Windstars sitting on my lot,” said a dealer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Ford called me and asked me if I needed assistance with storage. I said no. I have them out back -- hidden -- because it’s a sad looking gang.”
In rare cases, Ford will offer to buy back the vehicle at the top-end of the Kelley Blue Book value. It also offers a $2,500 incentive toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle or $500 toward a used vehicle.
Ford’s Sherwood declined to estimate Ford’s cost of this recall. He added: “Our goal is to make sure we limit the inconvenience and all of our customers are satisfied.”
DETROIT -- Used Windstar minivans are stacking up on some Ford dealerships’ lots as dealers await parts to repair the vehicles.
And as they do, Ford’s costs for this recall are mounting as well.
Ford Motor Co. says new axles to replace any broken Windstar axles, on 1998 through 2003 models, will not arrive until early next year. Some other parts related to the axle problem arrive within two months, said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood.
There are about 575,000 Windstars that could have cracked or damaged axles. Most require small repairs that can be completed this year, Sherwood said.
Most of the Windstars affected are in the Rust Belt region, where winter road salt accelerated axle erosion, dealers say.
Windstars with cracked axles are unsafe to drive, so dealers have to store them while Ford reimburses dealers for the expense of renting Windstar customers a vehicle, Sherwood said.
Sherwood said he did not know how many Windstars are being stored by dealers.
Dealers estimate Ford is paying about $38 a day to provide rental vehicles to effected Windstar owners. That could amount to about $2,000 or more per customer by the time the parts are in, costing Ford millions.
“I have about 50 Windstars sitting on my lot,” said a dealer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Ford called me and asked me if I needed assistance with storage. I said no. I have them out back -- hidden -- because it’s a sad looking gang.”
In rare cases, Ford will offer to buy back the vehicle at the top-end of the Kelley Blue Book value. It also offers a $2,500 incentive toward the purchase of a new Ford vehicle or $500 toward a used vehicle.
Ford’s Sherwood declined to estimate Ford’s cost of this recall. He added: “Our goal is to make sure we limit the inconvenience and all of our customers are satisfied.”
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