Recall Up Date: 2011 Lexus RX350

Toyota is recalling 32 2011 Lexus RX350 crossovers due to Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) systems that are not calibrated properly.

The Problem: The affected VDIM systems may cause the right front wheel to work improperly during situations when the anti-lock brakes (ABS) or vehicle stability control (VSC) systems are engaged. Vehicles may crash due to increased stopping distances or decreased skid correction.

The Fix: Lexus dealers will replace the VDIM system free of charge. The recall will begin in August 2011.

Number of Vehicles Affected: 32 vehicles manufactured from August 30, 2010 to May 18, 2011.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2007 Volvo S80

Volvo is recalling 2007 model-year S80 sedans for issues stemming from a hose in the power steering system.

The Problem: According to Volvo, the affected sedans have power steering reservoir hoses that are incorrectly routed, which could lead to increased pressure in the system. Due to the added pressure, the hose may burst near the steering gear and cause a loss in power steering fluid. The driver may lose power steering assistance making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle.

The Fix: Volvo will inspect and replace the hose as needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to start sometime in August 2011.

Number of Vehicles Affected: 8406 S60 sedans manufactured from March 8, 2006 to May 16, 2007.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 2011 - 2012 Nissan Altima

Nissan is recalling model year 2011 and 2012 Nissan Altima sedans and coupes for an issue related to the suspension.

The Problem: Nissan states that the transverse link bolt, which is part of the suspension system, may not have been tightened to the proper specification at the factory. The bolt could eventual loosen and cause noise and vibrations. Drivers may also have a hard time controlling the car, resulting in a crash.

The Fix: The recall starts today. Nissan will replace the transverse link bolt and nut free of charge. Owners can call Nissan with any questions at 1-800-647-7261

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: An estimated 20,000 vehicles manufactured at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant from April 25 to June 10, 2011.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Recall Up Date: 1997 - 2004 Ford F-Series & 2002 - 2003 Lincoln Blackwood

The Problem: The sprays used to deice roads can corrode the straps that hold the truck’s fuel tank in place. Eventually, one or both of the straps can break. If one strap breaks, fuel tanks will be pulled out of the tank; if both break, the tank will fall onto the roadway. In either case, gasoline could leak and cause a fire.

The Fix: Ford dealers will inspect affected trucks and replace the fuel-tank straps with new ones with better corrosion protection. If replacement straps aren’t yet available at a dealership, engineers will install a cable support as a temporary fix. Ford will contact owners of trucks registered in the following states: 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 the District Of Columbia.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 1.1 million 1997-2004 Ford F-150, 1997-1999 Ford F-250, 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood trucks.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Spied: 2012 Toyota Camry

Each successive generation of Toyota Camry seems to take one or two minor styling risks that generate some conversation without jeopardizing the model’s staggering sales figures. These spy photos showing the car running bare in the desert indicate that will be the case again when the car launches in the coming months.

Last time around, the car had a touch of BMW’s overstyled “Bangle butt,” and the rear should remain a talking point. The new taillight design falls somewhere between those of the current Subaru Legacy and Volvo S60, both of which, interestingly enough, represented dramatic stylistic overhauls of two historically conservative cars. Compared to those cars, the Camry’s red lenses come to more fang-like points down at the bottom and come to sharper points on the rear quarters. While we’re talking about styling inspiration, the linear cut of the C-pillar reminds us a bit of a Cadillac’s.

It’s really only when our eyes meet the front end that the new Camry starts looking like itself. There’s no direct outside inspiration for the new nose, and it looks modern and bold, but also a bit generic. There’s no egg-tooth overbite for the corporate “T” logo, though, which automatically makes the front better looking than the last Camry’s.

This is a rare instance, however, where conservative design might actually be risky for Toyota. The Hyundai Sonata and the Kia Optima have delivered dramatic styling in their latest incarnations, and the 2013 Chevy Malibu is on its way with a touch of Camaro showing through its new skin. In the end, though, we’re thinking Toyota’s traditional buyers will appreciate the Camry’s very simple shape.

Under the hood, we expect Toyota will again offer four- and six-cylinder engines, and the car shown here clearly displays hybrid badges, so the third and most-fuel-efficient model in the range will return. With the Ford Fusion hybrid serving as an efficiency benchmark—it returns 41 mpg city and 36 highway—expect Toyota to improve on the previous gas-electric Camry’s 31/35 ratings. The traditional gas-engine models likely will swill less juice, too. If the above comes to pass, it likely will mean business as usual—make that big business as usual—for the sales king.

Thanks to: Car and Driver

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.

GM wants solar chargers at 500 Chevy stores by '13

General Motors aims to have solar-powered charging stations for plug-in vehicles at as many as 500 Chevrolet stores by the end of 2012.



GM said last week that it had invested $7.5 million in Sunlogics, which makes solar canopies that can charge up to 12 Chevrolet Volts or other plug-in vehicles at a time. The systems have been installed in nine Chevrolet stores so far.



Through GM's program with Sunlogics, dubbed Green Zone, dealers pay $10,000 a year for 10 years for a 12-station system. Dealers also can install a six-vehicle station for $8,500 per year.The GM venture owns and maintains the stations.



Excess energy generated by the solar panels can be used by the dealership, potentially knocking $6,000 a year, on average, off the annual energy bill.



Stores in sunny states will generate more, potentially offsetting the entire annual cost of the charging system, said Mary Alice Kurtz, a GM manager who is handling the installation of the systems at dealerships.



"It's a minimal investment for the dealer with no upfront capital," Kurtz said. "And they don't have to manage any of it because we do that for them. Let them sell cars."



Joe Serra, dealer principal at Serra Automotive Inc., says the 12-space charging station already in place at his Chevrolet store in Grand Blanc, Mich., serves as a billboard to advertise that he's a green business.



Says Serra: "The question isn't whether to install a solar canopy. It's where -- and how many."