Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Doh! GM recalls 857,735 vehicles for electrical issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/doh-gm-recalls-857-735-vehicles-for-electrical-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/doh-gm-recalls-857-735-vehicles-for-electrical-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/doh-gm-recalls-857-735-vehicles-for-electrical-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the ongoing quest to make our cars more user-friendly, automakers have been adding more and more techno-goodies to make our lives just a bit easier, as well. Unfortunately, these features occasionally do the exact opposite as electrical gremlins take control and make them malfunction. Such is the case with a 857,735 vehicles from General Motors built between 2006 and 2008 that are equipped with heated windshield washer fluid. Apparently, the system is liable to short out, causing it to stop working and even smoke, give off an odor, and make other on-board electronic systems go haywire. To remedy the problem, dealers will add a new wiring harness with an in-line fuse, which will short out before the problematic printed electrical circuit does the same. We've pasted a list of all the affected vehicles after the break.

[Source: NHTSA via Good Car Bad Car]

Continue reading Doh! GM recalls 857,735 vehicles for electrical issue

 

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]]>gm recallGmRecallheated windshield wipersHeatedWindshieldWipersrecall2008-08-29T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jaguar recalls some XFs for faulty seat belts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/jaguar-recalls-some-xfs-for-faulty-seat-belts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/jaguar-recalls-some-xfs-for-faulty-seat-belts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/jaguar-recalls-some-xfs-for-faulty-seat-belts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Jaguar XF

If you have a 2009 Jaguar XF, you should hop down to your dealer to have the rear safety belt assembly looked at. Jaguar is recalling 7,900 of the '09 cars because in an accident the rear occupants might not be properly restrained. To find out more you can call Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827, or make an appointment at your local Jaguar dealer.

Gallery: 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged


[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>jaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf recallJaguarXfJaguarXfRecallrecallrecallsxf recallXfRecall2008-08-29T07:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai recalls 65,000 Elantras for fuel pump problem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/hyundai-recalls-65-000-elantras-for-fuel-pump-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/hyundai-recalls-65-000-elantras-for-fuel-pump-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/hyundai-recalls-65-000-elantras-for-fuel-pump-problem/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Some 2008-model Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could lose pressure and decreasing engine performance. In Elantras with the 2.0-liter Beta engine, gasoline with ethanol added creates a buildup of film on the pump's electrical contacts. This can cause the engine to hesitate during starting or while running. The recall is voluntary, and if you have one of the affected cars, don't hesitate to contact your dealer.

[Source: Freep]

 

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]]>2008 elantra recall2008 hyundai elantra2008ElantraRecall2008HyundaiElantraelantra recallElantraRecallfuel pumpFuelPumphyundaihyundai elantrahyundai elantra recallHyundaiElantraHyundaiElantraRecallrecallrecalls2008-08-28T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Smart recalls ForTwo for bad paint, which could lead to loss of windshield or roof]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/smart-recalls-fortwo-for-bad-paint-which-could-lead-to-loss-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/smart-recalls-fortwo-for-bad-paint-which-could-lead-to-loss-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/smart-recalls-fortwo-for-bad-paint-which-could-lead-to-loss-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the smart fortwo

Of all the possible reasons that a vehicle could be recalled, a poor paint job doesn't at first seem all that newsworthy. After all, cars could theoretically be recalled for exploding gas tanks, runaway engines or any number of horror-inducing problems. Bad paint? No harm, no foul -- just take it back and have it repainted properly. Unless, of course, that paint problem could lead to the loss of your windshield or roof while driving. This is exactly the worry that the NHTSA has with 43 smart ForTwo's, all sold in 2008. It seems that some adhesive was laid over the problematic paint, and if the paint lets go... so does the glue. While it's never happened to us personally, we tend to agree with the NHTSA's assessment that the sudden loss of either the glass in front of you or the ceiling protecting your dome could potentially lead to a crash. Anybody who's concerned can contact their dealer, assuming that they haven't already been notified of the problem.

Gallery: smart fortwo


[Source: Next Autos]

 

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]]>bad paintBadPaintfortwo recallFortwoRecallsmart fortwosmart fortwo recallsmart recallSmartFortwoSmartFortwoRecallSmartRecall2008-08-23T13:54:00+00:00<![CDATA[Small recall for big suspension issue on 2008 Honda Element]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/small-recall-for-big-issue-with-suspension-of-2008-honda-element/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/small-recall-for-big-issue-with-suspension-of-2008-honda-element/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/small-recall-for-big-issue-with-suspension-of-2008-honda-element/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

All owners of 2008 Honda Elements are being asked to stop driving their cars until they have had them inspected at their local Honda dealer. According to a recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been improperly welded. If it fails, it could separate from the trailing arm causing the suspension to release part of the wheel hub, thus leading to a loss of control or crash. Although only 241 Elements are potentially affected (there are specific VIN number ranges during certain production dates), Honda is notifying all owners immediately and will inspect and replace defective parts at no charge. Rather than taking a risk, err on the side of safety and call your Honda dealer if you've got the keys to a 2008 Element in your pocket.

UPDATE: According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin all the affected owners were already notified before this story was published. Approximately half of the affected vehicles were unsold and sitting on dealer lots. Those have already been repaired. If you haven't already heard from Honda than you should be fine.

[Source: NHTSA via Carscoop]

 

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]]>20082008 honda element recall2008HondaElementRecallbrokenbushing bracketBushingBracketElementHondaRecallSuspensiontrailing armTrailingArmweld2008-08-19T14:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW recalls 200,000 vehicles over issue with front passenger air bag]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/bmw-recalls-200-000-vehicles-over-issue-with-front-passenger-air/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/bmw-recalls-200-000-vehicles-over-issue-with-front-passenger-air/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/bmw-recalls-200-000-vehicles-over-issue-with-front-passenger-air/#commentsFiled under: , ,



BMW is recalling 200,000 units of its 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 SUVs to repair potentially faulty air bag sensors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website says the recall campaign covers 2004-2006 5 Series, 2004-2006 X3 and 2006 3 Series vehicles, though only those equipped with sport seats.

Apparently the problem is with the front passenger sport seat that, over time, develops cracks in its covering. An air bag sensor beneath the area can then be damaged so that the car no longer senses the weight of a passenger. That means, of course, the passenger airbag might not be deployed in an accident.

BMW is doing the right thing by quickly addressing the issue even though no accidents or incidents have been reported in relation to the problem. Also, according to NHTSA, the company will extend the warranties of several of BMW models to cover the issue for 10 years with no mileage restriction. A summary of the recall No. 08V384000 is available here from NHTSA.

[Source: Associated Press via CNN]

 

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]]>3 series recall3SeriesRecall5 series recall5SeriesRecallbmwbmw recallbmw safetyBmwRecallBmwSafetynhtsa recallNhtsaRecallx3 recallX3Recall2008-08-13T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volvo recalls 1,000 C1 platform cars for steering fault]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/volvo-recalls-1-000-c1-platform-cars-for-steering-fault/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/volvo-recalls-1-000-c1-platform-cars-for-steering-fault/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/volvo-recalls-1-000-c1-platform-cars-for-steering-fault/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not a large recall, but the effort will correct a potentially serious problem. Slightly more than 1,000 C1 platform cars -- C30, S40, V50, and C70 -- are in need of a replacement power steering return line. The hose isn't up to spec and could rupture, leading to a rapid loss of fluid and with it, power assistance, making steering dangerously difficult. Some drivers would welcome a blissfully simple and surgically accurate manual rack in their cars, but jettisoning power steering while underway might not be what they had in mind. Contact your Volvo dealer to see if your car is one of the roughly 1,020 affected, the fix is free of charge.

[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>volvo c1 platform recallvolvo c30 recallvolvo c70 recallVolvo recallvolvo s40 recallvolvo steering recallvolvo v50 recallVolvoC1PlatformRecallVolvoC30RecallVolvoC70RecallVolvoRecallVolvoS40RecallVolvoSteeringRecallVolvoV50Recall2008-07-29T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[NHTSA investigating 2.7 million GM vehicles over engine fires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/nhtsa-investigating-2-7-million-gm-vehicles-over-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/nhtsa-investigating-2-7-million-gm-vehicles-over-engine-fires/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/18/nhtsa-investigating-2-7-million-gm-vehicles-over-engine-fires/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Way back in February, the NHTSA began investigating certain full-size trucks and SUVs from General Motors for the possibility of their engines spontaneously combusting, even when the ignition key is in the 'off' position. At that time, the investigation covered some 423,000 vehicles, and GM seemed pretty confident that the issue would not be widespread. Yeah, it appears as if the General was a little off in that assessment. The engine fire issue may now affect about 2.7 million vehicles, including all of the latest Chevrolet, GMC and HUMMER full-size models.

A preliminary examination of the electric systems throughout these vehicles is being conducted at this time. Depending on the results of the NHTSA's 'Engineering Analysis', a recall could follow. So far, there exists 41 reported cases of non-crash-related underhood fires, with 16 of those supposedly with the ignition turned off. Check after the jump for a complete list of all the possibly affected vehicles.

[Source: Consumer Affairs]

Continue reading NHTSA investigating 2.7 million GM vehicles over engine fires

 

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]]>chevychevy firesChevyFiresengine fireengine firesEngineFireEngineFiresfirefiresgmgm firesgmc firegmc firesGmcFireGmcFiresGmFireshummer firehummer firesHummerFireHummerFiresnhtsarecall2008-06-18T17:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volkswagen recalls 2009 Tiguan, 2008 Passat and Wagon for "Engine Surge"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/volkswagen-recalls-2009-tiguan-2008-passat-and-wagon-for-engin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/volkswagen-recalls-2009-tiguan-2008-passat-and-wagon-for-engin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/volkswagen-recalls-2009-tiguan-2008-passat-and-wagon-for-engin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen is recalling 4,000 2008 Passats and 2009 Tiguans for an "engine surging" issue. The problem is an engine control module that may not control engine idle when the air conditioning is turned on. In rare cases, the ECM can trigger an unexpected jump in engine RPM, which could obviously lead to an accident. NHTSA has informed VW that since the recall is a safety concern, dealers cannot sell the vehicles until the problem has been fixed. Owners of potentially affected vehicles are being told not to operate the air conditioning until a VW dealer has serviced the ECM, which is less than terrific news considering it's June and temperatures are around 90 degrees in many parts of the country. While it's disheartening that the brand new Tiguan is already getting its first recall, at least the problem was discovered early and there's a fix readily available.

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan


[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>ECMNHTSArecalltiguan recallTiguanRecallVW TiguanVwTiguan2008-06-11T13:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/mazda-extends-rotary-warranty-on-rx-8-to-100k-miles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/mazda-extends-rotary-warranty-on-rx-8-to-100k-miles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/05/mazda-extends-rotary-warranty-on-rx-8-to-100k-miles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

You've got to hand it to Mazda for its perseverance with the Wankel rotary engine design. Ever since it's engineers managed to make it semi-reliable, the turbine-like smoothness of the quick-spinning lump has seen duty in numerous Mazda-branded vehicles, and even a few others as well. Still, despite constant engineering work and updates to the basic rotary engine design, there is a lingering question about the reliability of the design. Most owners seem happy with the engines in their RX, that is, until a seal blows or they forget to keep the oil supply topped up and it fails to restart. Or it floods in the winter, needing a tow. Alright... so there may be a few problems.

To ease the minds of RX-8 owners and owners-to-be, Mazda has reportedly decided to extend the warranty coverage for the 2004-2008 Renesis rotary engine for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles. Mazda even goes so far as to offer reimbursement to those who've spent money on engine repairs before 100,000 miles. This seems like a nice measure made in good faith on Mazda's part. After all, most educated owners of the rotary-powered cars knew what they were getting when these purchases were made, and the engine was already covered under the same basic warranty that comes standard with all Mazda vehicles. Nice work, Mazda.

In the interest of full disclosure, this particular blogger bought an RX-8 new in 2004, though it was sold two years later.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3


[Source: RX8Club.com]

 

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]]>mazda rotarymazda rx-8mazda rx-8 rotary en...mazda rx8mazda rx8 hydrogen reMazdaRotaryMazdaRx-8MazdaRx-8RotaryEn...MazdaRx8MazdaRx8HydrogenRerenesisrotaryrx-8rx-8 warrantyRx-8Warrantyrx8rx8 warrantyRx8Warrantywankel2008-06-05T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Bentley recalls over 13,000 Continentals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/bentley-recalls-over-13-000-continentals/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/bentley-recalls-over-13-000-continentals/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/bentley-recalls-over-13-000-continentals/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The fact that there's 13,000 Bentley Continentals out there takes us a little by surprise. The last time Bentley issued a recall, fewer than 600 cars were involved. We know the Continental has been hugely popular for Bentley, but with those types of numbers, it must be one of the most popular Bentley vehicles ever. Unfortunately, owners of 2004-2008 Continental GT, GT Speed, Flying Spur, and GTC should pay the dealer a visit for a recall campaign. Road salt can potentially eat through the fuel filter housing, allowing fuel spray, and potentially leading to fire. Fail to heed the warnings, and you should at least consider packing the glovebox with marshmallows to roast once the inferno breaks out. Thanks for the tip, Rick

[Source: usrecallnews]

 

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]]>bentley continentalbentley continental ...bentley continental gtbentley continental recallbentley recallBentleyContinentalBentleyContinental...BentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalRecallBentleyRecallcontinental recallContinentalRecall2008-06-04T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari recalls 612 Scaglietti with F1 transmission]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/ferrari-recalls-612-scaglietti-with-f1-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/ferrari-recalls-612-scaglietti-with-f1-transmission/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/ferrari-recalls-612-scaglietti-with-f1-transmission/#commentsFiled under: ,


2008 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti shown for illustrative purposes

If you are lucky enough to be driving a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, you probably have the company's automated manual F1 gearbox helping you swap the cogs. With its faster-than-Schumacher shifts, the F1 tranny can make just about anyone feel like a pro. Unfortunately, it can also leave you stranded if heat build-up triggers the clutch sensor. Thus, Ferrari has instituted an official recall of all 612 Scagliettis that could be affected by this finnicky F1 gearbox. Altogether, 366 of the vehicles are being recalled to replace this sensor as well as a related cable holder and magnet that might cause difficult shifting or even complete inoperation. Only model year 2005-2007 612s are affected. If you have one of these in your garage, then you will probably be hearing from your dealer shortly. You can check out the official recall notice from the NHTSA after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari recalls 612 Scaglietti with F1 transmission

 

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]]>ferrariferrari 612ferrari 612 scagliettiferrari612ferrari612scaglietti2008-06-03T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Doh! Battery leakage hurts GM hybrid production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/doh-battery-leakage-hurts-gm-hybrid-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/doh-battery-leakage-hurts-gm-hybrid-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/03/doh-battery-leakage-hurts-gm-hybrid-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



As much as General Motors would like to sell more hybrids, we'd imagine it would be pretty tough to do so without having the batteries on hand. It turns out that since December of last year, GM has had to recall some nine-thousand battery packs produced by its supplier, Cobasys, which were due for installation in mild hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Vue and Saturn Aura. The culprit was reportedly an internal leak in the pack which caused the entire unit to be inoperable. This setback hurts even more in the face of record gasoline prices and the resultant record sales of hybrid vehicles.

Chevrolet plans to begin production of the 2009 Malibu hybrid on June 23. Cobasys says that it has resolved the leaky battery problem and that current units are shipping without defects. Unfortunately, some damage has already been done, especially for the Saturn brand, as sales of the hybrid version of the Vue have gone down from 2,683 units by this time last year to just 326 units thus far this year to go along with just 69 retail sales of the Aura hybrid.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>aura hybridAuraHybridcobasysgm hybridGmHybridmalibu hybridMalibuHybridmild hybridMildHybridvue hybridVueHybrid2008-06-03T08:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/14/ford-recalling-605-000-full-size-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ford Motor Company is recalling a whole herd of trucks to see the team doctors over concerns about a hose in the braking system that could adversely effect the vehicles' braking power. According to the NHTSA, about 605,000 2005 and 2006 model year Ford F150 and Lincoln Mark LT trucks equipped with the 3-valve 5.4-liter V8 will receive a hose replacement free of charge. The problem hose supplies the brake booster with engine vacuum, and could swell over time and eventually become disconnected. While the hydraulic braking system will function without the power assist, pedal effort will be significantly increased, and if drivers are taken off-guard by the problem an accident could occur. Ford will start notifying owners in June, and the recall campaign will kick off in July. According to FoMoCo, there have been 11 minor accidents related to the issue. Check out more details from the NHTSA after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]


Continue reading Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks

 

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]]>20052005 f1502005 mark lt2005F1502005MarkLt20062006 f1502006 mark lt2006F1502006MarkLtbrake boosterBrakeBoosterford brake booster recallford f-150ford f150 recallford pickupford recallford recallsford truckFordBrakeBoosterRecallFordF-150FordF150RecallFordPickupFordRecallFordRecallsFordTrucklincoln mark ltlincoln pickuplincoln truckLincolnMarkLtLincolnPickupLincolnTruckmark ltmark lt recallMarkLtMarkLtRecallnhtsarecall2008-05-14T14:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota halts 2008 Highlander sales as part of recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/toyota-halts-2008-highlander-sales-as-part-of-recall/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Slightly more than 90,000 Toyota Highlanders are being recalled for a seatbelt problem in the third row. The recalled crossovers are all 2008 models built between May of 2007 and March of this year. The stock belts could prevent secure mounting of a rear-facing child seat in the third row, and dealers will install a redesigned part on affected Highlanders. The problem with the third row belts hasn't spawned any complaints or injuries, and owners will be notified starting in June. Still, Toyota has put the brakes on Highlander sales until current stock is retrofitted and assembly lines are resupplied with the new part.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport


[Source: AP via WCVB]

 

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]]>highlander recallhighlander seatbeltHighlanderRecallHighlanderSeatbeltseatbelt recallSeatbeltRecalltoyota highlandertoyota highlander hy...toyota highlander recalltoyota highlanderstoyota recalltoyota seatbelttoyota seatbelt recallToyotaHighlanderToyotaHighlanderHy...ToyotaHighlanderRecallToyotaHighlandersToyotaRecallToyotaSeatbeltToyotaSeatbeltRecall2008-05-03T10:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda issues TSB for third-gear issue, fix is free]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/honda-issues-tsb-for-third-gear-issue-fix-is-free/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/honda-issues-tsb-for-third-gear-issue-fix-is-free/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/honda-issues-tsb-for-third-gear-issue-fix-is-free/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Honda has finally issued a TSB on the third gear issue that's been plaguing everything from the Civic Si to the Acura TL. According to affected owners, when the manual transmission was in third gear, it would occasionally pop into neutral and occasionally grind into place. Honda originally didn't recognize the problem and still isn't issuing a recall, but they have put out a TSB and are offering to correct the problem free of charge to owners who take their vehicle into a dealership. The documentation for Honda and Acura is now available (PDF warning) and you can hit the jump to see which vehicles are included in the TSB.

[Source: AutomotiveArticles via KickingTires]

Continue reading Honda issues TSB for third-gear issue, fix is free

 

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]]>3 gear3Gear3rd3rd gear3rdGearacurahondahonda civic si third gearHondaCivicSiThirdGearrecallthird gearThirdGeartsb2008-05-01T18:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai recalling nearly 400,000 Sonatas to check seat sensor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/hyundai-recalling-nearly-400-000-sonatas-to-check-seat-sensor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/hyundai-recalling-nearly-400-000-sonatas-to-check-seat-sensor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/16/hyundai-recalling-nearly-400-000-sonatas-to-check-seat-sensor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Front seat cushions are under a lot of pressure these days. It is a strenuous job, as they are tasked with determining how heavy the derrière sitting on them actually is. According to Hyundai, passenger seat sensors in the cushions of some 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonatas may not be up to the task of distinguishing between a child and an adult, so they are sending out recall notices to 394,000 Sonata owners. Weight sensors in the passenger seats of most late-model vehicles are designed to disable the passenger-side airbag when a child is riding up front. However, Hyundai told the NHTSA that an error with some of its sensors may keep the passenger airbags off when small adults are occupying the seats, as well.

Notified Sonata owners are being asked to check whether or not the airbag is activated when the seat is occupied by an adult. If their vehicle is among the estimated 1 percent of vehicles that have "confused" airbag sensors, the seat cushions will be removed and sent to the West Coast for reprogramming. Owners will receive a rental car while their cushions are in California getting reprogrammed -- and some R&R, of course.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

 

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]]>AirbagHyundaiRecallReprogrammingSensorSonata2008-04-16T13:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Recall Watch: Toyota, GM recalling 660,000 vehicles for window defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/recall-watch-toyota-gm-recalling-660-000-vehicles-for-window-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/recall-watch-toyota-gm-recalling-660-000-vehicles-for-window-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/09/recall-watch-toyota-gm-recalling-660-000-vehicles-for-window-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Joint manufacturing ventures allow both automakers to share resources and platforms, but unfortunately, it also means they share problems. Such is the case with GM and Toyota, whose NUMMI plant in Fremont, California, put out 540,000 Toyota Matrixes, Corollas and 123,00 Pontiac Vibes with faulty bolts that hold in the glass on the two front doors. The 660,000 2003-2004 vehicles equipped with power windows are being recalled after 500 complaints, 36 claimed injuries and one crash (?!) were reported. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling for both automakers to recall the affected vehicles and replace the faulty bolts at no charge.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>corollageneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmatrixpontiacpontiac vibepontiac vibe recallPontiacVibePontiacVibeRecallrecalltoyotatoyota corolla recallToyotaCorollaRecallvibe2008-04-09T17:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota paying big bucks for bad Tacos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/toyota-paying-big-bucks-for-bad-tacos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/toyota-paying-big-bucks-for-bad-tacos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/08/toyota-paying-big-bucks-for-bad-tacos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've already recently covered Toyota's efforts to ease the pain of some Tacoma owners. Here's a refresher: some Tacomas from 1995 through 2000 received insufficient rustproofing and are now experiencing frame failures. In an effort to mitigate customer pain and suffering, Toyota is extending the warranty on rust-through for vehicles with frames that have not yet perforated, and will repair or repurchase Tacomas with extensive enough corrosion. It is not a recall, not even a silent one, repeat that strenuously to your reflection.

That's all old news, but we keep receiving reports of the buy-back program offering phenomenal amounts for old trucks. Many message boards are alight with tales of payouts equaling 140 - 150% of the offending Taco's value, and Toyota itself pledges to consider any buy-back candidate an "excellent condition" specimen, regardless of how horribly it's been abused. The reasoning behind these happenings is likely manifold. Upon discovery of extensive corrosion, it could be a liability to allow the driver to continue using the vehicle. Also, making people extremely happy with make-goods likely improves the odds that they'll take the short walk from service to sales and drive away with a new Toyota. The program may be costly, but if enough people jump up and exclaim "Oh, What a Feeling!" it will be a priceless goodwill coup. Thanks to all who tipped.

[Source: CarSpace]

 

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]]>tacoma frametacoma recallTacomaFrameTacomaRecalltoyota buy-backtoyota frametoyota tacomatoyota tacoma frameToyotaBuy-backToyotaFrameToyotaTacomaToyotaTacomaFrame2008-04-08T10:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[VW recalling all 410,000 Passats sold between 1999 and 2005]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/05/vw-recalling-all-410-000-passats-sold-between-1999-and-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/05/vw-recalling-all-410-000-passats-sold-between-1999-and-2005/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/05/vw-recalling-all-410-000-passats-sold-between-1999-and-2005/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you are one of the nearly half-million Americans driving a 1999-2005 Volkswagen Passat, your dealer will be expecting a visit. Every gasoline-powered Passat (the list includes the 1.8-liter I4, 2.0-liter I4, 2.8-liter V6, and 4.0-liter W8) is being recalled for a heat shield issue. Apparently, the shield near the catalytic converter on some automatic-equipped cars may be damaged, so VW wants the dealers to check them out and add additional shielding if necessary.

While it has your attention, Volkswagen has also found some faulty fuel lines on cars with the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, and some of the all-wheel-drive equipped cars may have damaged fuel tank ventilation valves. Thankfully, no accidents or injuries have been reported from any of the problems. VW will begin notifying owners on May 30.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

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