Hoovey689

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Toyota recalls 209,000 FJ Cruisers over seatbelt issue

Toyota has announced that it will be issuing a substantial recall of the FJ Cruiser for a problem that could cause the front seatbelt retractors to separate from the vehicle body. This recall will apply to all FJ Cruisers – from 2007 through 2013 – totaling around 209,000 units.

The problem stems from the FJ Cruiser's pillarless door opening design that has the front-occupant seatbelts attached to the rear doors. Toyota says that when the rear doors are "repeatedly and forcefully closed," the retractor could completely separate from the door frame.

While there is no information about this recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration yet, Toyota says that there have been no accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/t...eatbelt-issue/

Hoovey689

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2013 Dodge Challenger V6 recalled for fire risk, owners asked not to drive

Chrysler has issued a recall for the V6 version of the 2013 Dodge Challenger (as pictured above in 2012MY) over the possibility of a wiring harness that could short circuit and lead to a fire. Owners of these V6 Challengers built from November 2012 through January 2013 are being urged to contact dealers immediately and, in the meantime, not to drive their cars or park in or near any buildings.

Chrysler estimates around 2,500 potentially affected Challengers are in owners' hands, while another 1,900 are still sitting on dealer lots. The total number of recalled vehicles is 4,459.

So far, Chrysler says that seven fires have been reported – none resulting in injuries. The company is instructing vehicle owners to contact their dealer to find out if their vehicle is included in the recall, but owners can also find the build date information of their vehicle by checking the label in the driver's door jamb.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/2...-riskmodels-f/

Hoovey689

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GM recalling 2013 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX over transmission software

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued recalls for the 2013 Buick LaCrosse and 2013 Cadillac SRX due to a problem with the software for the transmission controller. On about 27,000 SRX and LaCrosse models, the transmission could accidentally be shifted to Sport mode, which would reduce the amount of engine braking drivers experience.

NHTSA says this could increase the risk of a crash, but, fortunately, the required fix is simply an update to the software.

While we're on the subject of General Motors vehicle recalls, a small number (48) of compressed natural gas versions of the 2011 Chevrolet Express are also being recalled for a potential risk of fire or explosion. Yikes.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/g...-transmission/

Hoovey689

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76,253 Acura TSXs Recalled for ECU-Related Issue

Acura is recalling 76,253 first-generation TSXs from the 2004-2008 model years for an issue that only affects vehicles sold in or currently registered in 22 cold-weather states and Washington D.C.
2004-2008 Acura TSX

The Problem: In states where corrosive materials are used for deicing, road salt and water from drivers’ shoes could saturate the carpet under the dashboard, which could damage the engine control unit (ECU) over time, potentially resulting in the TSX to stall.

The Fix: Acura will replace any damaged ECU and install waterproof covers onto the ECU. The recall is expected to begin on April 11. TSX owners can reach Acura by calling (800) 382-2238 and selecting option 4.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 76,253 TSXs originally sold in or currently registered in the following areas: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

As for the current-generation Acura TSX, the premium, compact entry may merge with the TL in the next couple years to form a new TLX model.

http://wot.motortrend.com/2004-2008-...#axzz2OJWSTDNn

Hoovey689

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Nissan recalls nearly 20,000 NV vans over gearshift issue

Nissan is recalling 18,800 NV vans built between December 20, 2010 and January 4, 2013. Certain 2012 and 2013 models equipped with a steering-column-mounted transmission shift levers may have been built with improperly installed shift mechanisms.

If the NV's gear selector plate lock clip wasn't installed correctly, normal road vibration could result in a gear position indicator that does not match the actual gear selection. As a result, when the driver selects 'park,' the transmission could still be in gear or in neutral, and roll away. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says this condition greatly increased the risk of accident and injury.

Nissan will inspect the gear selector lock clip and replace the part if necessary free of charge. Owners can expect to be notified once the recall campaign begins on April 8, 2013.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/n...arshift-issue/

Hoovey689

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Nissan adds 2013 Titan to gearshift recall

Nissan has added the 2013 Titan to the list of vehicles recalled over potential gearshift issues. Just a few days ago, the automaker recalled nearly 20,000 NV Vans for a problem with the shift lever assembly that could cause the gear selector to read inaccurately. Now Nissan is recalling certain 2013 Titan pickup trucks manufactured between December 17, 2012 and February 20, 2013 and equipped with column-mounted shift levers, though for a different fault. The pickups were built using certain chemicals that could cause the brake-shift interlock mechanism to fail over time. If that happens, the truck could be shifted out of Park without the driver's foot on the brake.

As a result, the truck could roll away and cause an accident or injury. Nissan says it will remedy the fault free of charge. Owners can expect to be notified once the campaign begins on or around April 8.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/n...rshift-recall/

Hoovey689

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Ford recalling select Taurus, Explorer and Lincoln MKS models over fuel tanks

Ford is recalling certain 2012 Taurus, 2013 Explorer and 2012 Lincoln MKS models over fuel tank concerns. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles built between July 19, 2011 and March 15, 2012 may have been built with fuel tanks that have a "marginally sealed seam" on the side. Those seams may not provide the strength necessary to protect the tank from rupture during a collision. They may also leak. The recall covers a total of 3,037 vehicles. NHTSA says that leaked fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could easily cause a fire.

Dealers will inspect the tanks and replace them as need be free of charge. Owners can expect to be notified once the campaign begins on or around April 22, 2013.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/f...mks-models-ov/

Hoovey689

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NHTSA launching investigation into 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata rust

The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating almost 400,000 Hyundai Sonata models over rust complaints. So far, NHTSA has received six complaints that Sonata models, built between 2006 and 2008, have allegedly suffered rear control arm failures due to subframe rust. Three of those occurred at highway speeds, and two resulted in the actuation of the vehicle's stability control system, though no one was injured. An investigation is typically the first step toward determining whether or not a safety recall is necessary.

This isn't the first recall for the Sonata. Last year saw Hyundai recall certain 2012 and 2013 models for side-curtain air bags that could deploy inadvertently, and the automaker issued a campaign to recall 139,500 Sonata sedans for steering issues back in 2010.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/n...i-sonata-rust/

Hoovey689

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Hyundai and Kia recalling 1.6M more models for faulty brake switch

In what is likely the largest recall campaign for Hyundai and Kia, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of more than 1.6 million models due to a faulty brake switch. This is in addition to almost 700,000 Hyundai and Kia models recalled for the same problem back in 2009.

In more than 620,000 Kia models and 1 million Hyundai products for the 2007 through 2011 model years, the brake switch could malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate, which could lead to accident. Other possible issues with a faulty switch include the cruise control not cancelling with the brake pedal, the push-button starter not working properly and the shift interlock not disengaging causing the transmission to be stuck in Park. To fix the problem, the brake lights switch will be replaced.

Due to the large number of units being recalled, both automakers are issuing a notice by next month with parts not expected to be ready until June. The full list of affected vehicles are below.

2011 Kia Optima
2007-2010 Kia Rondo
2007 Kia Sedona
2007-2011 Kia Sorento
2010-2011 Kia Soul
2007-2010 Kia Sportage
2011 Hyundai Sonata
2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra
2010-2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2007-2011 Hyundai Santa Fe
2007-2009 Hyundai Tucson
2008-2009 Hyundai Veracruz

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/h...-brake-switch/

Hoovey689

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Small number of 2013 Buick Encore models recalled for loose steering wheel

General Motors has issued a recall and a stop sale for the 2013 Buick Encore due to an issue that could result in the steering wheel falling off on certain models. In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM says that 144 Encores equipped with heated steering wheels could have been incorrectly retrofitted due to a parts shortage.

Needless to say, a loose or separated steering wheel would likely cause an accident if it happened while the vehicle was in motion. The recall doesn't go into effect until April 12.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/s...or-loose-stee/

Hoovey689

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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalled over brake lamps

Mitsubishi is recalling certain 2013 Outlander Sport models for a couple of brake-related reasons. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the brake lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. On top of that, the NHTSA report states that the vehicle's shift lever could be moved out of the Park position without depressing the brake pedal.

A total of 4,539 Outlander Sport models are being recalled for these issues. All of the affected vehicles were built between June 11 and September 11, 2012.

Obviously, both of these issues can be hazardous. If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly, other vehicles may not realize that the car is stopping. And if the shift lever can be moved from Park without touching the brake pedal, the vehicle could roll away unexpectedly.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/2...r-brake-lamps/

Hoovey689

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GM warning 800,000 owners that their cars may need oil changes more frequently than they say

The days of changing your engine oil every 3,000 miles are long gone thanks to most cars having automatic oil monitoring systems, but about 800,000 General Motors vehicles apparently have incorrect monitoring software that is leading to premature engine component wear. According to Autoweek, certain 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models equipped with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines could be going too long in between oil changes resulting in a higher-than-normal number of warranty claims for the engine's balance chain. The balance chain links the balance shaft to the crankshaft, and a worn one can produce higher noise levels.

As a fix, GM dealers will be reprogramming the software for the monitors in an effort to reduce the interval between oil changes, which varies based on driving habits and conditions. Through February 2015, the software update will be done at no cost to vehicle owners, but since this is not a recall, after that point, it will be up to the discretion of dealers as to whether or not they will charge for the service. What isn't immediately clear is whether GM plans on giving assistance to out-of-warranty customers who are experiencing engine issues from the worn chain.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/g...oil-changes-m/

Hoovey689

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Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.

The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month – all three notices are posted below.

In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/c...ss-its-brands/

Hoovey689

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Hyundai recalling 186k Elantras due to possible headliner detachment

Following at least one reported incident of a man who claimed his ear was sliced in half following the deployment of his side airbag, Hyundai has announced a recall for certain model year 2011 through 2013 Elantras; specifically those manufactured from November 12, 2010 through March 5, 2013. In these Elantra models, a support bracket that is attached to the car's headliner may become dislodged when the side curtain airbag deploys. If that should happen, occupants may be in danger of a laceration injury by way of the flying bracket.

Hyundai will notify owners of affected vehicles, while dealers will service the dangerous bracket by applying adhesive strips. (Feel free to insert your own duct tape joke here.) The service will be performed free of charge, starting in May of this year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/h...dliner-detach/

mmarshall

...............And the industry is worried about potential liability problems with steer-by-wire systems?