Chrysler and Volkswagen Issue Massive Recalls on Separate Issues

Chrysler and Volkswagen have issued massive recalls, affecting a combined total of almost 600,000 vehicles. The American automaker is recalling 367,350-2008MY Chrysler Town and Country/Dodge Caravan MPVs, while Wolfsburg’s finest will notify 228,236 owners of Golf, Jetta sedan, Jetta Sportwagen, New Beetle and Rabbit models, manufactured between 2006 and 2010 that their vehicles are being called in.

According to the NHTSA report, certain variants of the Chrysler-built people carriers may experience a water leak at the heating and air conditioner drain grommet, which, eventually, can lead to inadvertently deployed airbags.

Chrysler dealers will replace the faulty part free of charge, starting from February 2011. Owners may contact the automaker at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf and Rabbit models may have a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against a fuel supply line. New Beetles equipped with the 2.5-liter engine may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose that may also chafe against a fuel supply line. The worst-case scenario is that the affected vehicles can catch on fire, due to a potential fuel leak.

Depending on the model, Volkswagen service personnel will either remove the plastic tab from the washer fluid reservoir or adjust the fastening clamp’s position.

The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 31, 2011. The German manufacturer can be contacted at 1-800-822-8987.

Honda to Recall 1.35 Million Fit and Jazz Models Worldwide to Repair Headlamps

Honda said on Thursday it would recall around 1.35 million examples of its Fit / Jazz subcompact to fix a potential problem with the cars' headlamps. The recall affects approximately 143,083 model year 2007 and 2008 Fit vehicles in the U.S., 385,000 units of the Jazz in Europe and 735,000 cars in Japan.

The Japanese automaker said the problem has been traced back to the routing of the wiring harness for the headlight control switch, as the plating on the wiring harness connectors for the low-beam circuit can become worn after repeated use.

"Worn plating on the connectors could result in corrosion and cause the connector to overheat and fail, resulting in a loss of low-beam headlight functionality," said Honda in an press statement. According to the company, the high-beam headlight circuit and function are not affected by this problem, while Honda also added that no accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to this issue.

In the States, owners of model-year 2007 and 2008 Fit vehicles will receive a notification in early January to bring the vehicle to a Honda dealer for inspection. Honda said the dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the wiring harness terminal and secure the wiring harness connector. If there are any signs of damage in the connector, Honda said dealers will replace the headlight switch as well.

Kia Optima Also Recalled Over Rust Problems

Same maker (aka the Hyundai Group), same problem (potentially excessive corrosion of the front sub-frame), different car. What initially started out in April 2008 as a recall for the 1999-2002MY Hyundai Sonata sedans over rust-related issues, has spread out to a number of models throughout the Hyundai and Kia range. In addition to the Hyundai Sonata '99-'02, XG300 and XG350 '01-'04, Elantra '01-'03, Coupe '03 and the Santa Fe '01-'03, the South Korean automaker has now issued a recall for a total of 36,538 MY2001-2004 Kia Optima sedans sold in the so-called 'Salt-Belt' states.

Again, the recall is centered around the internal corrosion of the front subframe caused by the winter application of salt on the roads. According to NHTSA, if the problem is not fixed, over time, the corrosion of the front subframe could lead to the detachment of the lower control arm. Owners of the affected cars can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for more detailed information on the recall.

Lotus Elise and Exige Recall Affects Most Tesla Roadster Models

As most of you may already know, the all-electric Tesla Roadster is based on the Lotus Elise with which its shares numerous parts including the rear hub flange bolts that have been deemed defective. According to the NHTSA, on some vehicles the bolts may be under-torqued and could become loose. The two companies issued separate notifications on the matter with Tesla saying that the recall affects 345 Roadster models manufactured between March 2008 and April 22, 2009 (out of a total of 400 cars sold until May 2009) while Lotus is recalling 27 Elise and Exige vehicles built from January 14 through May 5, 2009.

Both recalls are expected to begin in June. Tesla owners may contact the company at 1-877-888-3752 while Exige and Elise drivers can call Lotus at 1-800-245-6887.

Toyota to Voluntarily Fix 378,000 Prius Hybrids for Overheating Problems

Toyota's US division has issued what it describes as a "limited service campaign" (and not a recall…) on approximately 378,000 U.S-spec Prius hybrids from the 2004 and 2007 model years to resolve a potential problem with the water-pump that can cause the cars to overheat.

“The water pump is part of a system designed to cool the hybrid powertrain components and is separate from the engine cooling system” said John Hanson, Toyota Motor Sales National Manager of Environmental, Quality and Safety Communications. “A fault in the water pump can cause air bubbles to build up and disrupt the flow of coolant, which can lead to overheating”.

The company said an “on” check engine light can signal the problem. If the car is driven further the temperature of the hybrid components can reach a critical level and the vehicle will enter “fail-safe mode” to prevent damage.

Oddly enough, the Japanese automaker pointed out in a press statement that the issue is being treated as a "customer support campaign" and not a "recall" as the company "determined it is not a safety issue” and it “has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition."

Owners will be notified by mail in early December and Toyota dealers will replace the water-pump for free, as long as customers arrange for service before November 30, 2013. Clients who have had their water-pumps replaced because of this condition are going to be reimbursed.

For detailed information customers can call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-888-270-9371.

Jaguar Recalling 6,475 XJ Sedans in the States Due to Faulty Windshield Wipers

When you're sitting behind the wheel of a new Jaguar XJ, it would appear that no rainy day could affect your mood. Well, except for those 6,475 U.S.-spec units manufactured between July 28, 2009 and November 3, 2010, on which the front wiper arms weren't sufficiently torqued during assembly. Consequently, Jaguar has issued a recall for the affected cars, according to a NHTSA press release.

The safety agency said on its website that during operation, the securing nuts could fail, resulting in a loss of synchronization and ultimately lead to a clash [sic] of the wiper arms. Furthermore, the wipers could detach from the car and leave the driver blind in the middle of the pouring rain. And that can't be good, especially at highway speeds.

So, dealers will check if the wipers arms are fitted correctly onto the spindle and the securing nuts will be tightened. As with most recalls, the fix will be carried out free of charge.

The recall is set to begin on or before December 13, 2010. For more information owners can call Jaguar at 800-637-6837 or the NHTSA hot line at 888-327-4236.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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GM Recalling 35,000 Pontiac G8s Over Minor Electronic Glitches

As many as 35,038 2008-2009 model year Pontiac G8 sport sedan owners will be receiving recall notices soon from GM to tackle two separate electronic glitches on their cars. The first problem concerns the brake pedal position switch that could be incorrectly programmed causing the brake lamps to be continually illuminated. General Motors also noticed that some cars may have incorrect values programmed into the tire pressure monitoring system meaning that drivers will not be notified about low tire pressure. GM's dealers will reprogram both the brake position sensor and the tire pressure monitoring system on the affected vehicles free of charge.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

VW Jetta 2.0 TFSI MY2006-2009 Recall Alert: Driveshaft Could Detach from Gearbox...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -NHSTA for short- has issued a recall of more than 25,500 fifth-generation Volkswagen Jetta cars from the 2006-2009 model year, equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine. According to the NHTSA, VW is concerned about the quality of the fastening screws on the driveshaft cover plate as they may not have been torqued properly during assembly and could loosen over time.

In fact, VW says that the screws could loosen to the point where the driveshaft detaches from the gearbox. The German firm's U.S. dealers will replace the screws on the affected models free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around mid-June.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

NHTSA Investigating Honda Accord Hybrid for Uncontrollable Acceleration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] has opened up a preliminary investigation to review a claim from an owner of a 2005MY Honda Accord Hybrid who said that in 2005, she was involved in an accident after the car lost braking power subsequent to crossing over rumble strips, then accelerated uncontrollably.

According to the report, the car crashed into oncoming traffic and killed her passenger. The driver of the vehicle alleges the crash left her disabled while the occupants of two other vehicles were also injured.

The safety agency added that the petition identified 22 other complaints involving Honda Accord and Civic hybrids that the driver felt represented similar incidents where the braking performance was inadequate under conditions of braking while driving over uneven road surfaces.

The NHTSA said it will investigate the case and decided whether or not to issue a recall for the affected Honda Accords. Scroll down to read the full report from the safety agency.

NHTSA Release

A defect petition letter was received by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) requesting a formal investigation and recall of MY 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles for a possible safety defect related to braking performance. The petitioner (with assistance from another consumer due to her injuries) filed a complaint with ODI under Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) 10329383.

In the complaint the petitioner described being involved in a crash on July 23, 2005 while driving a subject vehicle. Summarily, the complaint alleges while traversing rumble strips along side of the highway and simultaneously attempting to the brake, the brakes were ineffective and the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably.

This began a chain of events where the vehicle eventually crossed over into traffic flowing in the opposite direction. The end result was the death of her passenger and injuries to the occupants of two other vehicles. The petitioner also alleges the crash left her disabled.

Subsequent to the incident on July 23, 2005, the petitioner did a search of ODI's complaint database and identified 22 additional complaints involving other Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles that the petitioner felt represented similar incidents where the braking performance was inadequate under conditions of braking while driving over uneven road surfaces. ODI will evaluate the petition for a grant of deny decision.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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First Recall for the 2010 Chevy Camaro

The new Camaro has only just gone on sale in the U.S., but General Motors has already issued the first recall on the retro-styled pony car. The recall concerns 1,243 V8-powered Camaros over an issue with the battery cable. Turns out that the positive battery cable has been positioned too close to the starter motor housing. According to GM, the cable may come in contact with the starter motor, wearing the insulation and potentially causing the vehicle to stall without the ability to restart, or even result in an engine compartment fire, though no such case has been reported.

General Motors said that its dealers will reroute the positive battery cable to ensure adequate clearance. If you happen to own a new Camaro with the new V8 engine, you can call Chevy at 1-800-630-2438 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-630-2438 end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more detailed information.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

NHTSA Investigates '04-'05 MINI Cooper Over Power Steering Issue

After having received 54 complaints from owners of the 2004-2005MY Mini Cooper over an alleged loss of power steering, the National National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided to take action and open a preliminary investigation into the matter.

Here's what the safety agency said on its website:

"The Office of Defect Investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. When the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle. Some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle. The reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure."

If the government agency's investigation reveals there is indeed a problem with the power steering, then up to 80,000 2004 and 2005 model year Mini Coopers may be affected.

We'll follow up the story and keep you posted as soon as we learn more.

Hyundai to Recall Nearly 140,000 2011MY Sonata Sedans

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai is recalling certain 2011MY Sonata sedans over a potential issue with the steering system that could result in a total loss or reduction in steering capability. The recall affects all Sonatas manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 10, 2010.

Here's how the government safety agency describes the problem with the Sonata's steering system:

"On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash."

Hyundai said dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque, adding that the company will also update the power steering software free of charge.

The safety recall for the 2011 Sonata is expected to start in early October 2010. For more information, owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glove box compartment. NHTSA's tests showed in the event of a frontal crash, if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the risk of leg injury is higher than permitted under Federal law. It goes without saying that despite the NHTSA's findings, passengers should wear their seatbelts at all times.

Being a manufacturer recall, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.

The Detroit automaker said the safety recall is expected to begin on or before October 20, 2010. For more information, owners of the affected CTS and CTS-V models may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339.

Honda's Accord Crosstour Recalled in the US Over Front Airbag Problem

More than 3,300 units of the 2010MY Honda Accord Crosstour are being recalled in the States because of a potential issue with the front passenger airbag.

The Japanese automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the airbag " may not have been assembled according to correct specifications" and that in the event of a crash, "it may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy." No incidents or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Honda said its dealers will inspect and replace the passenger airbag module if necessary free of charge on the affected Accord Crosstour models. According to NHTSA, the safety recall is expected to begin on or before September 22, 2010.

Owners seeking more information can contact Honda's customer service directly at 1-800-999-1009.