Hoovey689

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Zero recalls 268 motorcycles for troubled brakes

Zero Motorcycles is recalling 268 of its electric motorcycles due a faulty mounting bolt on the front brake caliper, which is prone to corrosion. Were the bolts to fail or fracture, the caliper could come loose and that could stop the front wheels. This, of course, would be very bad news at anything more than a few miles per hour.

The recall covers 2011 and 2012 S and DS models. Zero will begin reaching out to owners in the next week or two to come in and have the faulty bolts replaced

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/11/z...rcycle-recall/

Hoovey689

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Ford Focus Electric and ST recalled over lighting issue

Ford is recalling 6,308 units of the 2012 and 2013 Focus Electric and 2013 Focus ST that were fitted with HID headlights because a "wiring incompatibility" could keep the front side marker lights from working. A bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall should begin in the middle of this month, after which owners can take their cars to dealers to have the wiring assembly repaired free of charge.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/12/f...ighting-issue/

Hoovey689

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Fiat 500e recalled over possible half shaft separation

The recently launched, all-electric Fiat 500e is already facing its first recall. According to The Detroit News, more than 270 of the EVs are being recalled to replace bolts that secure the vehicles' half shafts. The official number of affected vehicles has not been announced as of this writing, as Chrysler will not inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of this issue until it accounts for all problematic 500e models that are currently sitting on dealer lots.

Chrysler confirmed to the News that the problem is in no way related to the 500e's electric powertrain, simply the half shafts. The automaker launched an investigation into this problem after learning that a customer's vehicle experienced power loss. Engineers reportedly found that two assembly steps had not been completed, and that this could lead to half shaft separation.

No injuries or accidents related to this problem have been reported. Chrysler will contact owners of the affected 500e models, who will receive rental vehicles while their Fiats are being fixed. Of course, all repair work will be completed free of charge.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/14/fiat-500e-recalled/

Hoovey689

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NHTSA to provide VIN search database for recalled vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced new plans aimed at informing consumers of uncompleted recalls. From 2014 onwards, manufacturers will be required to provide vehicle owners with the ability to search for recall information by entering their car's vehicle identification number (VIN) in an online tool.

The new policy won't take effect until August 14, 2014, giving manufacturers a full year to set up their systems. According to NHTSA, several manufacturers already offer this free-of-charge service, while the new policy will make it mandatory. When the tool goes online, it'll be accessible via the government's safercar.gov website.

The present system allows consumers to search for recall information based on the vehicle's make and model, but can't determine if a specific vehicle has had its recall work done. The new policy will also apply to motorcycle manufacturers.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/14/n...arch-database/

Hoovey689

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Hyundai, Kia recall 270,000 cold-weather state vehicles over rust

Hyundai has announced plans to recall 240,000 Sonata and Azera models registered in the northern United States over corrosion caused by the use of road salt. Exposure to the salt can cause rust to form (we know, basic chemistry here), and that the corrosion can change the alignment of the rear wheels, according to Reuters.

Sonatas from the 2006 to 2010 model years, built between March 1, 2005 and January 21, 2010, and Azeras from the 2006 to 2011 model years, built between September 27, 2005 and November 22, 2010, are covered only if they were registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, DC. So basically, every state from the Midwest, to the central Atlantic coast, to New England. It is unclear exactly how many Sonatas or Azeras make up the 240,000 total number.

Hyundai is also recalling 20,300 of its 2013 Santa Fe Sports, while sister company Kia is recalling 9,345 2014 Sorentos. This second recall only covers Santa Fe Sport and Sorento models with the base, 2.4-liter engine and front-wheel drive. Apparently, the front axle driveshaft can develop cracks and separate.

No injuries, accidents or fatalities have been reported due to these recalls

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/15/h...orento-recall/

Hoovey689

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NHTSA still mulling crash tests for recalled Jeeps

Well, no one should ever accuse the government of not giving things plenty of thought. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still debating whether it will retest any of the 1.56 million 1992 to 1998 Grand Cherokees and 2002 to 2007 Libertys that were part of a recall regarding fires after rear-end collisions. And yes, this debate has been going on for over a month. In other news...

The recall dustup started in early June, when Chrysler took the unusual position of refusing a recall request from NHTSA regarding placement of the fuel tank on the effected vehicles. NHTSA said a collision could cause a fire, a position Chrysler took issue with. Extensive negotiations ensued, with Chrysler agreeing to fit certain Jeeps with trailer hitches, which it said would provide some protection to fuel tanks mounted behind the rear axle in the event of a collision.

Part of the issue rests with the amount of data that needs to be processed, according to The Detroit News. NHTSA administrator David Strickland said during a Washington Auto Press Association meeting, "There's a lot of data and Chrysler is being very cooperative in giving us more data." Until that information has been sorted, it looks like re-testing will still be up for debate.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/15/n...rokee-liberty/

Hoovey689

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Jaguar recalling XK Convertible and XF 2.0T sedan for unrelated issues

Jaguar has announced that it will be recalling 1,989 XK Convertibles produced between October 1, 2010 and August 1, 2013. Model years ranging from 2011 to 2014 are part of the recall.

The issue has to do with one of the switches the switch that controls the opening and closing of the convertible top. The switch also has to do with the operation of the power windows. According to the Feds, the switch doesn't move down to close the power windows, meaning that the window could accidentally close on the finger or arm of an inattentive person.

In related news, Jaguar is also recalling 940 2013 XF sedans powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a hose that can detach underhood, which could cause the engine to stall or could leave the driver without power steering or brakes.

There have been no reports of injuries for either of these recalls as of this writing. Jaguar will start recalling vehicles on September 27, 2013.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/16/j...ible-xf-sedan/

Hoovey689

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Chevy recalling 293k Cruze models over potential brake failure

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, General Motors is getting ready to recall around 293,000 Chevrolet Cruze models due to an issue with the power-assisted brakes. On 2011 and 2012 model year Cruze models equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the six-speed automatic transmission (a combination that excludes the Cruze Eco), the brake booster can fail, making it harder for drivers to stop, requiring more braking effort than expected.

The article says that GM has reported 27 crashes from this problem but no injuries, and the fix for the issue seems to be a new power brake vacuum pipe. GM has not announced the recall and there is no official notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website as of this writing, but doing a quick check of customer complaints shows plenty of instances where Cruze drivers lost braking power.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/16/c...-brake-recall/

Hoovey689

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BMW recalls diesel X5 models over fuel filter heater

BMW has announced that it is recalling 1,540 examples of its 2009 and 2010 X5 xDrive35d crossovers produced between June 13, 2009 and November 9, 2009.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the model's fuel filter heater, which warms up the diesel fuel at low outside temperatures, can experience an electrical overload condition that may cause it to become permanently activated. This means the fuel filter heater could remain activated even when the ignition is off, which could lead to a dead battery. It could also lead to overheating, possibly resulting in a fire.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/19/b...filter-heater/

Hoovey689

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Kia recalls 9,700 new Sorento models for potential front axle failures

Kia has announced a recall on the 2014 Sorento due to an issue that could lead to a broken right front driveshaft on certain models. Only models equipped with the 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive are affected by the campaign.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that Sorento models built between January 7 through March 12 of this year may experience broken axle shafts that could lead to loss of power or cause the vehicle to roll if parked. According to the Detroit Free Press, a total of close to 9,700 units are being recalled, but that number is closer to 9,300 for customers in the US.

Kia says that it has had one incident with an internal vehicle that experienced a separated axle shaft in addition to 10 related warranty claims, but it says no accidents or injuries have been reported. The recall campaign will begin next month.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/21/2...-axle-failure/

Hoovey689

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Jeep Grand Cherokee in headliner fire probe

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is launching an investigation into 146,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from the 2012 model year, The Detroit News reports. This comes as the result of the government safety agency receiving three complaints from owners who cited fires inside the Jeep's cabin.

According to the report, NHTSA says:

"The customers reported a burning odor and visible smoke coming from the headliner while the vehicle was being driven. This was followed by flames from the headliner itself. Customers lowered the windows in an effort to clear the smoke but this increased the fire's intensity. All three vehicles had to be extinguished with a fire extinguisher or by the fire department as they continued to burn after the vehicle was turned off."

And it gets worse. In one incident, the fire apparently caused the sunroof to shatter, and in another, the fire spread to the passenger seat because the burning sun visor fell from the headliner. A Chrysler spokesperson tells The Detroit News that the automaker will be fully cooperating with NHTSA's investigation of these Grand Cherokee models. Chrysler is reportedly investigating this problem itself, as well.

Depending on the results of the investigation, a recall may be issued to prevent future fires from occurring in other Grand Cherokees. If that happens, hopefully it won't create as much controversy as the last time NHTSA requested that Jeep vehicles be recalled.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/23/2...e-nhtsa-probe/

Hoovey689

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NHTSA upgrades Corvette headlight investigation

It's looking more and more likely that we'll be seeing a recall of certain sixth-generation Corvettes, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its initial investigation to an engineering analysis, the final stage before the Feds can request a full-on recall. The problems, which we first reported on back in May, had to do with headlights that would randomly cut out for some 2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Corvette models. NHTSA has received 95 complaints from owners of random headlight failures, while The Detroit News states that there have also been four reports from owners of 2008 Vettes.

The issue, which affects 103,374 cars, is believed to be caused by a fuse block in the engine bay. Located in a high-heat area, it can short out when exposed to increased temperatures, leading to the headlight failure. It's not entirely clear if the issues extend to the Corvette's Z06 and ZR1 variants.

General Motors is cooperating with NHTSA throughout the investigation, a spokesperson told The News.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/27/n...investigation/

Hoovey689

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Ford recalling 370,000 Crown Vic, Grand Marquis and Town Car models

The Detroit News is reporting that Ford will recall some 370,000 Crown Victoria (pictured), Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car vehicles from model years 2005 through 2011, for an issue regarding the lower intermediate steering shaft. 355,000 of the vehicles in question were sold in the US, with the other 15,000 sold in Canada.

The report indicates that corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft could cause a "loss of steering," presumably because of a partial or complete failure of the part. The report points out the dealers will inspect and replace the offending steering component for recalled cars, and may also secure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft as needed. The company is unaware of any reports of the faulty part causing any accidents or injuries.

Ford helpfully lists states in which corrosion is more likely to have taken place, mostly in the Snow Belt, as you might guess. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia are listed.

The Detroit News also quotes a Ford spokeswoman saying, "Customers located in other states who routinely operate their vehicles in one of these areas, or customers who have concerns regarding their steering, will also be able to have their vehicles inspected and repaired if necessary."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/30/f...-town-car-mod/

bitkahuna

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Toyota recalls 369,000 vehicles (worldwide)


Toyota announced two recalls Wednesday to fix problems with some of its Highlander Hybrid SUVs and Lexus IS 350 models.

The recalls cover a total of 369,000 Toyota (TM) vehicles worldwide, including about 235,000 in the U.S. Some 74,000 will be recalled in Japan and 37,500 in Europe.
A spokesperson for the Japanese automaker said no accidents or injuries had been reported as a consequence of the faults.
The larger recall includes Highlander Hybrid models produced between 2006 and 2010 and Lexus RX 400h vehicles manufactured from 2006 to 2008.
In those SUVs, transistors in the hybrid system can overheat, triggering a warning that in some cases can result in the vehicle unexpectedly stopping while in operation.
The second recall includes Lexus IS 350, IS 350C and GS 350 vehicles made between 2006 and 2011. These cars can also stop while on the road, this time due to bolts in the variable valve timing control device coming loose.

Owners of affected autos who reside in the United States will be notified via mail, Toyota said in a statement.
For Toyota, the recall is another blow to its carefully cultivated reputation for quality. In June, it said it was recalling nearly a quarter of a million Prius and Lexus hybrids because of a braking problem.

The company announced last October a recall of 7.43 million cars due to a power window problem that posed a fire risk. In April, the automaker recalled around 1.7 million cars due to airbag defects.
Toyota's largest recall came in 2009 and 2010, when more than 8 million units were brought in for a potential problem involving sticky accelerator pedals. In that case, dealers were told to suspend sales of eight models, and production of those models stopped temporarily.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/09/04/auto...html?hpt=hp_t2

Hoovey689

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Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti JX in transmission safety probe

Nissan may be forced to recall 110,000 Pathfinder and Infiniti JX35 crossovers, due to a number of customer complaints. Consumers report suddenly losing power, with repair facilities blaming the issue on faulty transmission cooler line connections. Both the Pathfinder and JX35 use a continuously variable transmission. As of right now, the only vehicles being investigated are from model year 2013.

Nissan has been cooperating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to a report from Reuters, and it has developed a fix for the affected vehicles. It's not clear whether this will develop into a full-blown recall, as there have been no known cases of injuries or crashes. But with a potential 110,000 vehicles prone to sudden power loss, a recall seems to be a likely outcome.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/05/n...-safety-probe/