***Official Recall Thread***
12-18-12, 07:24 PM
#241
Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall
This summer, we brought you news that Lexus was recalling over 150,000 RX and RX hybrid crossovers tied to its massive pedal entrapment issue. An update to that story included word from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was considering launching a federal investigation into potential delays by the automaker in notifying owners about the problem. Now comes news that parent company Toyota will pay a hefty $17.35 million in fines for delaying its recall of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. According to The Detroit News, the Japanese automaker is being forced to pay the maximum fine for delaying recalls – and this isn't the first time. In fact, this is the fourth time since 2010 that Toyota has been required to do so, including paying $48.8M in civil penalties in 2010 for failing to recall vehicles in a timely manner – in three separate campaigns.
In addition to the fines, Toyota has agreed to restructure the way it handles quality control and review "safety-related issues." Though the Japanese automaker has not admitted any wrongdoing, Toyota has agreed to meet with NHTSA for six months on the matter and may extend the meetings another six months.
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he is counting on Toyota to improve its ability to address such safety issues: "With today's announcement, I expect Toyota to rigorously reinforce its commitment to adhering to the United States safety regulations," he said in a statement.
According to the report, Toyota has recalled more vehicles than any other automaker so far this year – 5.3 million in 13 separate campaigns – putting it about two million units ahead of second-place Honda.
This latest fine is a drop in the bucket compared to Toyota's expected global profits of $9.7 billion by the end of March, 2013. That said, Congress has already agreed to a new fine that will push the maximum penalty for delayed recalls up to $35 million. This increase will take effect in 2013.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/t...xus-rx-recall/
Of course, all at the same time when Toyota shares are record high and articles came out how they will be again #1?
12-19-12, 11:57 PM
#242
Hyundai recalling 2012 Veloster over shattering sunroofs, parking brake
Hyundai recalling 2012 Veloster over shattering sunroofs, parking brake
A spate of not-great news for Hyundai Veloster owners today, as the plucky hatchback is the subject of not one, but two recall notices from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The first recall is about an issue with the 2012 Veloster's sunroof assembly that we first reported on last October. A NHTSA probe into shattering panoramic glass has resulted in a recall affecting some 13,500 units that may have glass panels that were weakened during installation at the factory. Said glass may break while the vehicle is in motion.
The second recall specifies a problem with the parking brake in 4,490 manual-transmission cars, also from the 2012 model year. The parking brakes in these cars may pick up moisture and road grime, which could, in turn, cause the brake components to bind and not fully engage.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/h...nroofs-parkin/
12-20-12, 04:28 PM
#243
GM recalling 118K Colorado, Canyon pickups over missing hood latches
GM recalling 118K Colorado, Canyon pickups over missing hood latches
General Motors has announced a recall of 118,800 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to the possibility of secondary hood latches not being installed at the time of manufacture. The affected vehicles are from the 2010, 2011 and 2012 model years, all of which were built between November 9, 2009 and August 28, 2012.
According to the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, these trucks fail to "comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, 'Hood Latch System.' The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch." In other words, owners of these trucks could find their vehicles' hoods opening unexpectedly while driving.
The official recall campaign is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Dealers will inspect the affected pickups and if a secondary hood latch is not present, one will be installed free of charge.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/g...sing-hood-lat/
12-29-12, 09:28 PM
#244
Suzuki recalling 2,800 XL7 models over faulty fuel pump
Suzuki recalling 2,800 XL7 models over faulty fuel pump
A recall has been issued for the 2007 Suzuki XL7, but only those vehicles either bought or registered in four states: Texas, Arizona, California and Nevada. Potentially 2,380 of the SUVs manufactured from June 13, 2006 to December 22, 2006 could have an issue with their fuel pump modules: The plastic supply or return port could crack. If that happens, it could lead to a fuel leak and then to a fire.
Suzuki hasn't said when the recall will begin. Once it does, owners will be notified and can have their dealers make the necessary repairs free of charge.
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/s...lty-fuel-pump/
01-03-13, 10:21 AM
#245
Subaru recalling almost 634,000* CUVs, sedans for possible puddle light short
Subaru recalling almost 634,000* CUVs, sedans for possible puddle light short
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a massive recall campaign today for some of the more popular Subaru models due to defective puddle lights that could short out and possibly lead to smoke and/or fire.
(*)While the recall notice lists a total of 633,842 Forester, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca models from various model years, Automotive News is reporting that there are only 53,999 units actually equipped with the defective lights, but Subaru is having to make the massive recall since it is unable identify which vehicles have the lights.
The problem with the 2009 through 2012 Forester, 2006 through 2012 Tribeca and the 2010 through 2011 Legacy and Outback is that the puddle lights mounted under the door mirrors can collect water or moisture, which can lead to the short. To fix the problem, Subaru is adding an extra fuse to the wiring harness as a part of the recall that will go into effect next month. For Forester owners, this is the second major recall in less than a year following the 275,000 units that were afflicted with faulty rear seatbelts.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/03/s...ssible-puddle/
01-07-13, 04:56 PM
#246
GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism
GM recalls full-size truck, SUVs and vans over faulty shifter mechanism
Twelve different General Motors vehicles from the 2013 model year, up to 54,686 units in total, are being recalled over two potential issues with their steering columns. The models in question, all full-size trucks, SUVs or vans, are the: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL.
The affected vehicles were built with a fractured parking lock cable or "a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly." As a consequence, they could shift out of park without the brake pedal being applied or with the key removed or in the off position.
A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the recall should begin on January 17.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/g...y-shifter-mec/
01-09-13, 05:05 PM
#247
NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey
NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey
The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed its investigations into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models. The separate probes found no issues that pose safety concerns. NHTSA began investigating certain Grand Cherokee SUVs over complaints that power steering hoses could detach during operation, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Of the 24 reports of failure, none alleged smoke or fire in the engine bay, and Chrysler has since modified the power steering cooler assembly to reduce the likelihood of the failure.
Meanwhile, certain Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles garnered a government probe after receiving complaints that the models were equipped with faulty scissor jacks. The agency had received six reports of the jacks failing or causing injuries, including one incident that resulted in a fatality. But NHTSA says the jack failure rate is similar to those found in other vehicles. In those six cases, the government agency found the jacks were being used for something other than changing a tire, and investigators could not determine whether the emergency brake was set or the rear tires were properly chocked.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/n...eestar-and-me/
01-10-13, 10:29 AM
#248
Polaris recalling GEM electric runabouts over parking brake fears
Polaris recalling GEM electric runabouts over parking brake fears
Polaris is recalling 4,394 GEM electric vehicles due to faulty parking brakes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the mechanism may prematurely wear, leaving the brake inoperable. If the brake fails and the driver exits the vehicle, the EV could roll away and cause a crash. The recall only applies to models built between January 14, 2010 and November 23, 2012.
As you may recall, Polaris purchased GEM from Chrysler in 2011 and promptly shifted production from Fargo, North Dakota to Minnesota and Iowa.
Owners can expect Polaris to replace the parking brake lever assembly free of charge once the recall campaign gets under way on February 4.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/p...ng-brake-fear/
01-18-13, 06:07 PM
#249
Honda recalling 748k Odyssey and Pilot models over airbag concern
Honda recalling 748k Odyssey and Pilot models over airbag concern
American Honda today announced a recall of approximately 748,000 Odyssey and Pilot models due to faulty airbag concerns. The vehicles in question are Odyssey minivans from the 2011 to 2013 model years and Pilot crossovers from the 2009 to 2013 model years.
According to a statement from Honda, driver's side airbags in the affected vehicles were potentially assembled without some of the rivets that secure the bag's plastic cover. Because of this, the airbag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, leading to further occupant injury. As of this writing, no injuries have been reported in conjunction with this issue.
Honda will begin officially notifying owners via mail in mid-February.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/18/h...airbag-concer/
01-21-13, 10:07 AM
#250
GM recalls Chevy Express, GMC Savana over rollaway concern
GM recalls Chevy Express, GMC Savana over rollaway concern
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall notice for a small number of General Motors fullsize vans due to possible rollaway concerns. On certain 2013 Chevrolet Express and 2013 GMC Savana models, it is possible to remove the key from the ignition without the shifter being in park.
Only 980 total units are being affected by this recall, and GM is fixing the issue by replacing the ignition cylinder and associated keys. Affected Chevy vans were built during most of November and December while its GMC counterpart was only built for a week in November.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/21/g...laway-concern/
01-28-13, 05:48 PM
#251
Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect
Toyota recalls slew of models for possible airbag calibration defect
Toyota is recalling sixteen models from the 2009 to 2013 model years over a potential issue with passenger seat airbag calibration. In spite of the large number of different Toyotas covered by the recall, just 3,235 units are included. These were vehicles installed with accessories like leather seat covers and headrest DVD systems by Southeast Toyota Distributors, and during the modifications the passenger seat occupant sensor system might not have been calibration tested. If the sensors aren't set up properly, the passenger airbag might not work as it should.
Affected models include: Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Prius, Prius V, Rav4, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma, Tundra and Venza. Scroll down for the relevant model years for each.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/t...alibration-de/
01-30-13, 10:54 AM
#252
Toyota announces two recalls affecting 1M Corolla, Matrix and Lexus IS models
Toyota announces two recalls affecting 1M Corolla, Matrix and Lexus IS models
The recall bug strikes Toyota again. The automaker has issued a voluntary recall of three models that, in total, represent more than one million units. Around 752,000 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models are being recalled for airbag concerns, while a windshield wiper issue is causing the recall for close to 270,000 Lexus IS sedans from the 2006-2012 model years.
Completely unrelated to the small airbag-related recall issued earlier in the week, the Corolla and Matrix recall is caused by a faulty airbag control module that could potentially short circuit, which could lead to the front airbags or seat belt pretensioners deploying. The Lexus recall is due to a wiper arm nut that wasn't tightened properly, which can cause the wipers to not work when trying to clear heavy buildup such as snow.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/t...matrix-and-le/
01-30-13, 02:07 PM
#253
BMW recalling 1 Series ActiveE over bad drivetrain housing
BMW recalling 1 Series ActiveE over bad drivetrain housing
There are always growing pains when automakers introduce new technologies. BMW is learning this with the electric powetrain used on the 2011 BMW ActiveE. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about half of the all-electric 1 Series coupes currently in the hands of the public are being recalled for a potential problem that could leave the cars stranded.
With 700 ActiveE models running around the US, 360 of these cars have insufficient sealing between the electric motor and transmission, which could lead to premature wear to the connection between the two, which in turn could result in a loss of propulsion. BMW started notifying affected owners by phone earlier this month.
While no automaker wants a recall on its hands, it's much better for BMW to learn such a lesson now on the low-production, lease-only ActiveE ahead of the car's successor, the BMW i3, which is expected to be a much higher-volume EV.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/b...train-housing/
01-31-13, 01:01 PM
#254
GM recalling nearly 4,000 vehicles over airbag concerns
GM recalling nearly 4,000 vehicles over airbag concerns
Four different General Motors vehicles from the 2012 model year are being recalled over a potential airbag issue. The driver's side airbag shorting bar in the 2012 Buick Verano and 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic might make contact with the airbag terminals, even during a crash. If so, the airbag won't deploy when it should, possibly increasing injury to the driver.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/g...rbag-concerns/
02-04-13, 12:05 PM
#255
GM recalls 8,500 Chevrolet Malibu models for rear suspension glitch
GM recalls 8,500 Chevrolet Malibu models for rear suspension glitch
According to a letter from General Motors to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, flaws in the build process of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu have led to the recall of 8,519 cars. Units built between December 6, 2011 and January 15, 2013 may have been assembled with rear suspension cradles that had insufficient torque applied to certain bolts. That out-of-spec assembly could lead to issues ranging from slight noises to a loss of vehicle control.
The problem was first noticed in December of last year by a GM test fleet driver and eventually tracked back to the improperly torqued bolts on the suspension cradle assembled through July 2012 by a supplier located not too far from the Malibu's Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly Plant. Since an official NHTSA recall notice has not been issued yet, it isn't clear whether or not Detroit-built Malibus were the only ones affected (the 2013 Malibu is also built at GM's Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas). Dealers will fix the problem by inspecting vehicles for proper torque specs, retightening if not within specs and, in some cases, perform a rear-wheel alignment.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/g...uspension-gli/