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Scion FR-S faces teething problems, owner's manual recall

The Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ triplets are being recalled due to an issue not with the car, but with the owner's manual: pages detailing the operation of the smart airbags contain a misprint. Although it's classified as a recall, owners don't need to take their cars to their dealers; Scion and Subaru will be sending the nearly 2,800 owners corrected pages that can be inserted in the manual. If you'd rather have your dealer do the Elmer's Glue work, they will have corrected pages that they can insesrt in the owner's manual for you.

Two separate issues seem to be affecting the FR-S only, even though it is built on the same line with the BRZ. Toyota issued "tech tips" to dealers to let them know that owners have reported that condensation has been forming inside the taillamp housings. According to an exchange on the FT86Club forum, the coupe's chief engineer declared that problem fixed after remedying a detail in the production process.

Another tech tip regarding body panel issues read, "Some 2013 Scion FR-S vehicles may exhibit a condition where body panel fitting may not meet customer expectations." It refers to complaints that panels were as much as a quarter-inch out of flush. It isn't clear how many cars are affected, nor how many owners have formally complainted, but according to a post on TundraHeadquarters.com, Toyota is "looking into it."

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/s...manual-recall/

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Jeep adds 137,000 Liberty models to previous recall

Chrysler has included an additional 137,000 vehicles in a previous Jeep Liberty recall, upping the total number of units covered to 356,900. The campaign initially included 2004 and 2005 Liberty models, but has been expanded to include units from model years 2006 and 2007 as well. The campaign is aimed at vehicles sold or registered in States with a high probability of rust, where the rear lower control arms may corrode at an accelerated rate and fracture. Such a failure could cause a loss of control, which could lead to an accident.

According to CNN Money, Jeep maintains there have been no reports of accidents or injuries, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the failures back in April after receiving nine reports of control arm fractures.

Chrysler will replace the control arms free of charge, and those owners who have already had the components replaced will be reimbursed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/j...evious-recall/

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Honda recalling 50,000 new Civic models over driveshaft fear

Honda has issued a voluntary recall of its 2012 Civic over a potential issue with the left driveshaft. There are 50,000 cars that might be affected by an improperly assembled part. The fault can lead to the shaft dislodging from the outer CV joint while the car is moving, resulting in a loss of power and the inability to prevent the car from rolling away in certain conditions when the car is parked.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/h...iveshaft-fear/

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NHTSA now probing over 5M Jeep models over fuel tanks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded an investigation into certain Jeep models to an engineering analysis, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. NHTSA began investigating certain Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Liberty models with fuel tanks positioned behind the rear axle in late 2010. Regulators say fires tied to rear-impact crashes may be responsible for 15 deaths and 46 injuries. The results of the engineering analysis will determine whether or not Chrysler is required to issue a recall for the defect. If that happens, the automaker could be looking at recalling 5.1 million vehicles, making the campaign one of the largest in U.S. automotive history.

Chrysler says it's uncertain how many of those models are still on the road today, though it is certain NHTSA will find the SUVs neither defective nor unsafe. Even so, that hasn't stopped some consumer advocacy groups from lambasting the vehicles. The Center for Auto Safety proclaims that the vehicles are a "modern day Pinto for soccer moms." Chrysler has analyzed crash data in Grand Cherokee models and says it has found no greater incident of post-accident fire than in vehicles produced by other manufacturers.

The investigation covers 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee, 1993-2001 Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/n...er-fuel-tanks/

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NHTSA expands Toyota fire probe to 1.4M cars and trucks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has grown its investigation into certain Toyota models to cover a full 1.4 million cars and trucks. Reuters reports the government safety agency has upgraded the investigation to a full-blown engineering analysis, which may eventually lead to a recall. NHTSA has received a number of complaints concerning fires tied to models built between September 2006 and August 2008 that use the same power window master switch design. All told, customers have reported nine injuries and 161 crashes or fires, though no deaths have been tied to the issue.

The analysis covers 2007-2009 Camry, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 and Yaris models as well as 2008 Highlander Hybrid crossover. Back in February, NHTSA opened an investigation into 830,000 Camry and RAV4 units, though today's announcement grows that number to over 1.4 million models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/n...rs-and-trucks/

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NHTSA opens door to expanded Chevy Trailblazer fire probe

The investigation into Trailblazer blazes has moved onto the next level, according to Reuters.

Back in February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started investigating 2006-2007 model year Chevrolet Trailblazers after receiving a dozen complaints about fires breaking out in door panels. Now the federal agency will be conducting an engineering analysis into some 341,786 vehicles, according to the report.

NHTSA has reportedly received 83 complaints over the issue, with 28 of those concerning actual fires. No injuries have been reported, and General Motors told Reuters that it is cooperating with the investigation, including examining the Trailblazer's platform-mates, the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/n...er-fire-probe/

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BMW recalls X5, X6 over leaking power steering fluid

Due to a potential manufacturing glitch, 2,642 examples of the 2012 and 2013 BMW X5 and 2013 BMW X6 are being recalled. The steering gear surface on said models might have been improperly machined, which could cause power steering fluid to leak onto the hot exhaust and cause a fire in the engine compartment.

BMW will begin notifying owners in July, at which time they can take their crossovers to dealers to repaired free of charge.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/b...teering-fluid/

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NHTSA opens investigations on Chrysler 200 and Ford Explorer

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened new investigations concerning the Chrysler 200 and Ford Explorer. All of the vehicles in question are from the 2011 model year, with 87,000 200s and 83,000 Explorers being investigated.

NHTSA's Chrysler investigation concerns possible stalling problems, with the organization stating that it has received 15 complaints of the 200's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 stalling. "All 15 incidents reported stalling without warning during low-speed decelerations such as braking for a stop sign or traffic light," NHTSA's official release states. This investigation does involve both the sedan and convertible models.


Moving to the Explorer, NHTSA is investigating reports of power steering failure with the electric power-assisted system. In some instances, owners have complained that the system completely stops working, while other drivers simply noted greater effort being needed to turn the wheel. NHTSA writes:
"Some of the complaints indicated observing a power steering warning message when the failure occurred. In some cases, the condition was corrected by turning the vehicle off and restarting. However, some reports indicate the condition returned after restart."

No accidents have been linked to either the Ford or Chrysler issues.

Keep in mind, these investigations are not recalls – merely a way for NHTSA to probe a certain model and determine if an official recall is actually necessary.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/n...ford-explorer/

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No, General Motors is not recalling the Chevrolet Cruze because DVD copies of Steven Seagal's seminal 1997 hit Fire Down Below were left in the trunk of every car that's been sold. If wishing made it so. Rather, the Cruze has been recalled to modify the engine shield that's located under the vehicle. The worry is that any fluids that might leak from above could potentially collect on top of the shield and then ignite and start a fire.

You may recall that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the Cruze in April over engine fires and then last month expanded its investigation to include 370,000 vehicles spanning two model years. The official recall announced today affects 413,418 Cruzes for the 2011 and 2012 model years that were built in the United States through May 2012. That includes every Cruze built so far at the company's Lordstown, OH assembly plant through the end of last month.

GM is also simultaneously executing a second, smaller recall on up to 249 Cruzes that may have partially completed welds in their trunks.

This is not the first time that nearly every Cruze sold to the public has been recalled. In May 2011, GM recalled the Cruze to inspect each unit's intermediate steering shaft covers to ensure they were properly installed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/c...re-down-below/

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Mercedes-Benz recalling 2007-09 E350 Wagon for rear suspension issue

Uh oh. If you're the owner of a 2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon, prepare for a recall notice from Mercedes. While it won't be coming until later in the summer, know that if your car was built between July 1, 2006, and April 30, 2009, its load-leveling suspension may be faulty.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, a connecting rod in the rear suspension could fail, which may cause "reduced vehicle control," leading to a crash. NHTSA did not specify whether any actual cases involving loss of control have been reported.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/25/m...-suspension-i/

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2012 Audi Q5 models recalled over shattering sunroofs

Audi is recalling certain 2012 Q5 models for sunroof panels that may break in extremely cold temperatures. All told, 13,172 units manufactured between June 21, 2011 and December 9, 2011 are included in the campaign. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the breaking glass could injure the vehicle's occupants, increasing driver distraction and potentially causing an accident. It's unclear whether the defect has caused any injuries or crashes at this point.

NHTSA says Audi will replace the defective sunroof glass free of charge once the recall gets underway early next month

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/2...ring-sunroofs/

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Chevrolet recalls 2012 Captiva fleet model over parking brake

That's no Saturn Vue – that's the brand-new (sort of) Chevrolet Captiva Sport, only available to most Americans through the magic of the rental car lot. And while we haven't heard much about the General Motors fleet-only crossover since its debut a little over one year ago, it's making headlines now because of a potentially faulty parking brake.

According to an official notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "The park brake cable may not be fully seated in its connector and may separate from the connector." Should that happen, the parking brake won't hold the car in place.

A total of 2,070 Captiva models are affected, all of which were built between April 26 and May 17 of this year.

The recall is expected to begin in mid-July, and Chevrolet dealers will inspect and repair the parking brake cables free of charge. Given how recall-related repairs have been a hot button topic for America's rental car agencies as of late, it will be interesting to see how quickly these Captivas get fixed.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/05/c...parking-brake/

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Volvo hit with $1.5M NHTSA fine for delayed recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fined Volvo $1.5 million for delaying safety recalls, according to The New York Times. The Swedish automaker settled with NHTSA after the government agency alleged delays with a total of seven recalls for a range of different models. Those actions included incorrect tire pressure labels, faulty air bags and stalling vehicles. Volvo has agreed to pay the fine but refused to admit any wrongdoing, saying instead it has since improved its internal review process for quality and safety issues.

NHTSA gives automakers five days from the time they discover a safety issue to inform the government agency of a recall plan. If a manufacturer misses that window, it can face civil penalties like the one Volvo has agreed to pay. The fine covers all seven recalls. The most NHTSA can charge an automaker is $17.35 million, a figure some have criticized as being laughably low.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/v...layed-recalls/

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Isuzu recalls cold state Amigo and Rodeo Sport SUVs over suspension corrosion

Here's a blast from the past: The lovable Isuzu Amigo is being recalled. That's right, despite Isuzu having entirely departed the U.S. market two-and-a-half years ago, the company is still responsible for warranty and recall service on its vehicles. This one is complicated but potentially lucrative for owners, so if you're still rolling around in an Amigo, you might want to scroll down to read the full report. Even if you're not, scroll down to check out one of our favorite car commercials of all time for the second-generation Amigo.

The recall covers 1998-2001 Isuzu Amigos and Rodeo Sports originally sold or currently registered in the cold-weather states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Kentucky. The trucks are being recalled because rear suspension parts may detach from the frame on vehicles that have developed excessive corrosion, which of course, could lead to a crash. Four-door Isuzu Rodeos and their Honda Passport twins are not part of this recall campaign, but were covered by a different recall in 2010.

While we wonder just how many of the 11,221 Amigos and Rodeo Sports covered under this recall are still on the road, Isuzu service centers will be offering free repairs later this month. Note that for models that are over 10 years old, owners have 12 months from notification to present their truck at a dealer.

Now here's the kicker: If your Amigo or Rodeo Sport is so rusty that Isuzu can't fix the area with an anti-corrosive compound or a reinforcement bracket, they'll buy your vehicle back. The price is based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" value, which would range from $3,000-$5,500 if the vehicle was in good shape. We assume, however, that vehicles with such large amounts of rust that they can't be repaired aren't going to fetch nearly that much. A 1999 Amigo with 130,000 miles in "Fair" condition, for instance, is only worth $1,951, according to KBB. Another potential hitch to the buyback scheme is that KBB does not provide values for vehicles in "Poor" condition.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/i...-over-suspens/

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Ford Escape under fire for problems caused by recall repairs

Seven years ago, Ford recalled about 470,000 Escape crossovers from its 2002-2004 model years to fix a troublesome accelerator cable. But the Center for Auto Safety says those repairs may have caused another problem.

The original recall was to implement a fix that prevented the accelerator cable from getting caught on the pedal. The defect could keep the engine from idling. But CARS says the recommended repairs could easily damage the vehicle's cruise control cable which could lead to unintended acceleration.

CARS says the new problem can be linked to at least one fatal accident and documents several other complaints from owners. Ford says it's conducting an investigation into the complaints.

The Center, though, says Ford knew of the problem early on in the recall and points to a memo to Ford dealers as evidence. The bulletin contained updated illustrations and a "warning regarding the correct procedures to follow when replacing the accelerator cable." The update specifically notes cruise control cables could be damaged during the recall repairs.

Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director of the Center, reportedly intends to tell Ford CEO Alan Mulally to dispense with the investigation and "to get it over with now."

In an email to The New York Times, Ford expressed its sympathies to the family of the teenager who died and said, "We are in the midst of our investigation, and we have not reached any conclusions. We will work closely with NHTSA to determine the cause of the crash and will take appropriate action if warranted by the outcome of the investigation."

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/f...ecall-repairs/