Hoovey689

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Feds decide against investigating Tesla Model S fire

Despite earlier reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced it will not be filing a formal investigation into the fire that engulfed a Tesla Model S earlier this month, as the agency says there was no evidence to suggest the fire was due to a manufacturer defect or that the car was in violation of government-mandated safety standards, according to Automotive News.

The NHTSA's decision whether to investigate was delayed, as the fire happened on the first day of the US government shutdown. AN reports that as of October 22, the administration was still "gathering data," according to a statement by Administrator David Strickland.

The October 1 fire that torched the critically acclaimed EV was started after an impact with a "large metallic object," according to multiple sources including the driver/owner. As we reported on October 3, despite the car-destroying blaze, Tesla maintained that the battery pack acted exactly as designed, by containing the blaze to just one of the battery pack's 16 modules, rather than sending the whole lithium-ion unit up in flames.

Following the fire, Tesla went on a PR offensive with CEO Elon Musk claiming, "You are five times more likely to experience a fire in a conventional gasoline car than a Tesla!" In a report just days after the incident, the company said the fire was started by "a highly unlikely occurrence." The owner of the cooked Model S (and an investor in the company), meanwhile, said he remains a fan of the car.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/25/f...-model-s-fire/

Hoovey689

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Audi recalls 2013-2014 S6 and S7 models over fuel line leak

If you've been driving a late model Audi S6 or S7, first of all, good for you. Secondly, you should be expecting a call from your local dealer as the Volkswagen Group and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a recall.

The problem apparently involves a potential leak in the fuel line, which, as any mechanic or McGuyver fan could tell you, is not such a good thing. As NHTSA points out, it "may result in a fire."

The recall involves 3,594 vehicles in these United States, specifically model-year 2013 and 2014 Audi S6 and S7 models equipped with the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. (It does not, however, seem to affect the S8 or any of the Bentleys that are powered by the same engine.) Owners of said cars can expect to be contacted regarding how the problem will be fixed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/28/recall-audi-s6-s7/

Hoovey689

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Feds investigating Kia Sorento over shattered sunroofs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 64,000 Kia Sorento crossovers due to complaints from owners that the sunroof can shatter unexpectedly. This probe affects Sorento models from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 model years.

According to The Detroit News, NHTSA has received 15 complaints from Sorento owners citing sunroofs that shattered, 13 of which reportedly happened while the vehicle was in motion. No crashes have been reported from this problem, but one complaint did cite minor injuries – cuts from the shattered glass.

The automaker told The Detroit News that it "has been evaluating the performance of its panoramic sunroof as part of ongoing vehicle monitoring activities conducted as a standard practice on all Kia models." Kia's corporate cousin, Hyundai, recently had similar sunroof problems with its Veloster hatchback.

Kia will continue to research this issue and share results of its findings with NHTSA. This is not yet an official recall, but one may be warranted depending on the results of the government agency's investigation.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/27/k...ered-sunroofs/

chele

I just had this issue my vehicle would not start up and then my battery drained completely right after since it locked up and wouldn't let me shut it off. Toyota techs claim that this wouldn't cause my battery to drain as it did. It just happened at the same time. If anyone knows how the system works, I would greatly appreciate your input. Because clearly my hybrid ran fine until it displayed the noticed disabling the system and not letting me shut the system down therefore drained the battery and over heated the positive wire- which both had to be replaced at my expense and the towing and diagnostic service. They stated that it was recalled and effected but the rest wasn't due to recall. PLEASE explain their reasoning if known. Thank you.

Hoovey689

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Audi also calling in A8, S8 over sunroof issue

The S6 and S7 (apparently prone to potential fuel leaks) aren't the only Audis being recalled currently, as a separate recall notice has been issued for its flagship A8 luxury sedan and its high-performance counterpart, the S8.

The problem apparently revolves around the glass sunroof, which is fitted as standard and which is reportedly prone to break. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that not only could the falling shards themselves end up injuring the vehicle's occupants, but could also distract the driver enough to cause a crash. As a result, Audi's American wing is bringing in all 2013 and 2014 model year A8s and S8s – 1,120 units in all – to have their glass sunroofs replaced free of charge.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/29/a...sunroof-issue/

Hoovey689

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Jeep Liberty under investigation for door fires

The Jeep Liberty has already had plenty of attention for possible fires thanks to the first-gen model's fuel tank, but now the midsize Jeep is under the microscope of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for another fire-related concern. NHTSA has opened an investigation for the 2012 Liberty after receiving two reports of electrical fires in the driver's door.

According to the investigation summary, around 80,000 vehicles could potentially be affected by this problem. In both reported fires, the drivers noticed smoke and then flames from the master power window switch, and they had to pull to a stop and exit through the passenger side of the SUV. According to Autoguide, there was one injury to a motorist who suffered burned fingers while trying to open the driver's door.

Interestingly, the Dodge Nitro is not yet involved in this investigation, even though it was still around for the 2012 model year; the Nitro ended production in 2011 about a year before the final Liberty rolled off the line for the 2013 model year.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/29/j...on-door-fires/

Hoovey689

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Lamborghini, Bentley recalling models with carbon-ceramic brakes

An issue involving carbon-ceramic brakes has prompted Lamborghini and Bentley to recall certain models so equipped. The problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revolves around the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors, which are prone to corrosion when exposed to salty conditions.

The recall affects 2007-2009 Lamborghini Gallardo coupes and Spyders, 2006-2010 Murcielago coupes and Roadsters and 2007-2011 Bentley Continental GTs, GTCs and Flying Spurs. All in all, some 1,136 vehicles are subject to the recall in the United States, including 263 Gallardos, 404 Murcielagos and 469 Continentals. The fix seems simple enough, with local Lamborghini and Bentley dealers replacing the problematic screws with new ones. The recall follows two notices recently issued for Audis as well.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/30/l...brakes-recall/

Hoovey689

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Chevy recalling 2013-14 Camaro models over airbag stickers that don't

According to Edmunds, Chevrolet is recalling 18,941 Camaro models in the United States due to airbag warning stickers on the sun visors that may peel off. This might not seem like a big deal, but, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts it, "If the airbag warning label detaches from the visor, the driver and front seat passenger may not be warned of the risks of airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash."

The affected Camaro models are from the 2013 and 2014 model years, built between July 9 and September 6, 2013. General Motors reportedly issued a "stop delivery" order to dealers on September 19. Chevy dealers will inspect these Camaros and, if the stickers on the visors have started to peel, the visors will be replaced altogether.

GM will notify customers of the problem and will urge them to check the cars themselves. "Because this inspection can easily be performed by the customer, and to reduce inconvenience, an inspection procedure will be provided with the customer letter," GM said in a statement, according to Edmunds. That said, if customers are not comfortable checking this on their own for whatever reason, or if the sticker has either fallen off or started to peel, the car should be brought right to the dealer.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/01/c...ticker-recall/

Hoovey689

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Ford Focus EV recalled, again, this time with ambulances

When we saw a note about a recall for the Ford Focus Electric, our first reaction was, "is that a new one? Because it's getting hard to tell." This year, we've already seen the Blue Oval's all-electric hatch recalled for non-working door chimes and a "wiring incompatibility" in the headlights. The car is also reportedly under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the "Stop Safely Now" issue.

The new recall, according to The New York Times, can result in a loss of power in the front wheels cause by a "software issue" in the powertrain control module. No accidents have been reported and Ford has been aware of and investigating the problem since August. The numbers of Focus EV owners who complained to Ford about the problem is under two dozen, but Ford will recall about 2,500 Focus EVs from the 2012-14 model years. We think that still fits into the "small recall" space, something that is becoming more and more likely. From what we have heard, Ford's Safety Recall Notice for the "Powertrain Control Module Reprogram" is #13S09.

In an unrelated recall, Ford is bringing 3,100 2011-2012 model year Super Duty ambulances to fix an exhaust-gas temperature sensor in the diesel engine. The faulty sensor can shut the 6.7-liter turbocharged V8 powerplant down and force it to remain off for an hour. Not exactly the kind of reliability anyone wants in an emergency vehicle.

http://green.autoblog.com/2013/11/01...th-ambulances/

Joeb427

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Honda to recall 344,000 minivans in U.S. due to braking glitch

October 30, 2013. REUTERS/Issei Kato

DETROIT | Fri Nov 1, 2013 8:17pm EDT
(Reuters) - Honda Motor Co said on Friday that it will recall about 344,000 Odyssey minivans in the United States to fix a software defect that may lead the vehicle to suddenly and harshly brake without the driver pressing the brake pedal.

But Honda will not be able to make the necessary fix until next spring when the required part, called a yaw rate sensor, is available.

The Japanese automaker said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this problem, which affects minivans built for the 2007 and 2008 model years.

In those models, the vehicle stability assist system can malfunction if the minivan is driven in a certain way, Honda said. The VSA system can suddenly apply the brakes without illuminating the brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

"An updated yaw sensor will be installed in affected Odyssey vehicles to remedy the error in the VSA software," Honda said in a press release. "However, the yaw sensor will not be available until spring of 2014."

As a stop-gap measure Honda will send letters to vehicle owners describing the steps needed to ensure the VSA system is properly calibrated when the vehicle is restarted.

Honda will send a second letter to owners once the sensors are available next year.

(Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman; editing by Jackie Frank)

Hoovey689

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Jeep recalls 92k Grand Cherokee SUVs over electrical issue

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling 91,559 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from the 2014 model year due to some serious electrical issues. All of the affected models were built between January 8 and August 20, 2013.

The NHTSA report states that, "Due to a disruption of computer communications and loose alternator ground wires, the affected vehicles may experience random illumination of multiple instrument cluster warning lights, loss of cluster illumination and loss of anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) function." The loss of ABS or ESC would greatly reduce a driver's ability to control the vehicle if things get squirrely, and since these failures would not be illuminated on the dashboard display, drivers would not be warned of the issue, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall is expected to kick off sometime this month.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/07/j...-issue-recall/

Hoovey689

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Toyota recalls 4,000 Tacoma pickups over valve springs

When you build as many cars and trucks as Toyota does, you're bound to run into the occasional recall. In the past month alone, the Japanese auto giant has recalled over 800,000 Camry, Avalon and Venza models over problems with the air-conditioning units, and 10,000 more before that over windshield wiper issues. Now Toyota has issued another recall notice, but this time for far fewer vehicles.

The recall revolves around the engine valve springs in the 2013 and 2014 Tacoma, specifically those fitted with the standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and not the optional 4.0-liter V6. The issue is that the valve springs are prone to cracking and breaking over time, and results from improper maintenance of the manufacturing equipment used by one of the two suppliers that outfit Toyota with the components in question.

All told, some 4,000 vehicles will be subject to the voluntary recall, the owners of which will receive notice by mail.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/07/t...valve-springs/

Hoovey689

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HTSA probing 61,000 VW Tiguan CUVs over loss of lighting

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating certain Volkswagen Tiguan models after receiving more than two dozen reports of vehicles experiencing a loss of exterior lighting – brake lights, headlights, turn signals, etc. So far, 26 people have reported this problem to NHTSA, but it could possibly affect an estimated 61,000 Tiguans between the 2009 and 2011 model years.

Of the Tiguan models that had a partial or complete loss of exterior lighting, some were found to have an overheated or melted fuse. The NHTSA investigation notice, which is posted below, doesn't mention whether or not the driver was warned when the lights failed, but it would probably be a good idea for potentially affected Tiguan owners to keep an eye on the lights and even the fuse until the investigation is concluded. Fortunately, there have been no accidents or injuries reported.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/10/v...terior-lights/

Hoovey689

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Chrysler recalls 1.2 million Ram pickup trucks

Chrysler has announced that it will issue three separate recalls that will cover as many as 1.2 million Ram pickup trucks for "steering-system tie rods that may have been misaligned during assembly or steering-system service." The vast majority of these trucks were sold in the United States, though some trucks in Mexico, Canada or overseas will be called in, as well.

The largest of the three recalls covers an estimated 842,400 model-year 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. Two smaller campaigns will bring 294,000 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, chassis cabs and 2008 Ram 1500 4x4 Mega Cabs; plus 43,500 model-year 2008-2012 Ram 4500 and 5500 4x4 chassis cabs into the dealer to be checked and repaired if necessary.

This is a very large recall, and Chrysler says it is "casting the net wider than necessary to identify those vehicles that require repair." The automaker estimates that "as many as 726,000 may not need repair."

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/09/r...call-tie-rods/

Hoovey689

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Hyundai Genesis sedan recall swells to 43,500

Hyundai is expanding a recall we reported on a few weeks back regarding some 2009 to 2012 Genesis Sedans. In our earlier post we mentioned some 40,000 units were affected, but that only 27,500 were covered under the original, voluntary recall.

Now, the recall has grown, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with Hyundai asking the owners of 43,500 affected vehicles to report in for service. The issue relates to brake fluid that doesn't prevent corrosion of the hydraulic electronic control unit, a problem that has led to 23 complains, a documented crash for one owner and another owner losing control of their vehicle.

Owners of the affected sedans are being notified by Hyundai and asked to report to dealers to have the brake fluid replaced.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/11/09/h...-recall-43500/