Autoblog Recalls http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Recalls http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Chris PaukertThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/honda-recalls-over-45-000-odyssey-minivans-over-liftgate-failure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/honda-recalls-over-45-000-odyssey-minivans-over-liftgate-failure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/honda-recalls-over-45-000-odyssey-minivans-over-liftgate-failure/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2008 Honda Odyssey minivan - rear three-quarter view

Honda is recalling some of its previous-generation Odyssey minivans due to potentially faulty gas-filled struts on vehicles equipped with a power rear liftgate. A total of 45,747 vehicles are affected by this recall, all of which are from the 2008 and 2009 model years.

According to the official release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the faulty struts in these vehicles are prone to early life failures due to a "manufacturing flaw" (that's as specific as it gets), an issue that can result in the leak of pressurized gas. These struts aid in opening and closing the power liftgate, and if there isn't enough pressurized gas in the strut, performance can be diminished and can lead to unexpected liftgate closure, potentially causing an injury.

Honda will notify its owners beginning in mid-March, and dealers will replace both gas struts free of charge. For the full details, follow the jump to read NHTSA's report.

Continue reading Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures

Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2008 honda odyssey2009 honda odysseyhondahonda recallliftgatenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaodysseyodyssey recallpower liftgaterecall Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20176945/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/honda-recalls-over-45-000-odyssey-minivans-over-liftgate-failure/20176945/article-detail.xml 20176945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/odyssey628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/odyssey628.jpg <![CDATA[University study shows recalls have hardly hurt Toyota]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/university-study-shows-recalls-have-hardly-hurt-toyota/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/university-study-shows-recalls-have-hardly-hurt-toyota/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/university-study-shows-recalls-have-hardly-hurt-toyota/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Toyota Camry Emblem

If you think Toyota is still reeling from negative opinions stirred up by the company's rash of recalls in 2009, North Carolina State University has some news for you. According to a new study conducted by researchers at the institution, the recalls had "little to no impact" on how buyers see the Japanese automaker. Robert Hammond, an assistant professor of economics at NCSU, says the research specifically looked at the used car market to negate the impact of outside factors like incentives, marketing campaigns and models not associated with the recall to begin with.

The idea was that examining average prices of models affected by recalls associated with sudden acceleration would give researchers an idea of how willing buyers were to pay for the vehicles. Overall, used cars covered by the recall campaigns saw their price decline by a mere two percent. The figure is within the statistical margin of error for the study.

So, what's behind the slow in Toyota sales? Despite an abundance of fleet sales last month that saw the company's figures swell by 7.5 percent over January 2011, Toyota still fell well behind the industry average. With production back on track after last year's earthquake tragedy, the company may have some explaining to do. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading University study shows recalls have hardly hurt Toyota

University study shows recalls have hardly hurt Toyota originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ncsunoth carolina state universitystudytoyotatoyota recalltoyota salesused carused cars Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20173215/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20173215/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/16/university-study-shows-recalls-have-hardly-hurt-toyota/20173215/article-detail.xml 20173215 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/toyota-camry-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/toyota-camry-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2012 Dodge Charger Pursuit police car - front three-quarter view

With the era of Ford's dominant Crown Victoria finally drawing to a close, automakers are working harder than ever to court law enforcement with more modern police cruisers. Key among their tactics? Facilitate easier fleet ordering by making common police equipment upgrades available from the car companies themselves instead of forcing precincts to seek out aftermarket specialists. Instead of sending their new cruisers off to third party vendors, those in charge of ordering new police cars can get them fitted with items like heavy-duty secondary batteries, special lighting, trunk coolers, laptop docking consoles and so on - all from the factory.

An unintended consequence of this shift in strategy is that the police cruisers are now more complex than ever, particularly in the area of wiring. Just ask Chrysler, which is now facing the recall of nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cruisers from 2011 and 2012 model years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler will recall 9,688 cop specials because some vehicles could incur an overheated lighting harness connector that could cause the cruiser's low beams to fail. In addition, some Chargers may also suffer from an overheated power distribution center that could result in a loss of the vehicle's anti-lock braking and stability control systems. Just as they would with a car sold to the general public, Chrysler will notify owners covered in the recall and inspect and replace the affected parts free of charge.

Click through to the jump to read over NHTSA's official recall notice... and be safe out there.

Continue reading Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled

Nearly 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars recalled originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 dodge chargerchargercharger pursuitdodgelaw enforcementnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsapolice carpolice car recallrecall Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170047/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170047/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/nearly-10-000-dodge-charger-police-cars-recalled/20170047/article-detail.xml 20170047 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/01-dodge-charger-pursuit628opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW agrees to pay $3M fine for late reporting of recalls]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/bmw-agrees-to-pay-3m-fine-for-late-reporting-of-recalls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/bmw-agrees-to-pay-3m-fine-for-late-reporting-of-recalls/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/bmw-agrees-to-pay-3m-fine-for-late-reporting-of-recalls/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

BMW logoBMW is handing over $3 million in fines to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the way it has handled recalls. NHTSA began an investigation of BMW's practices in 2010, looking at 16 recalls that covered more than 300,000 of the company's cars and motorcycles going back in some cases to 2002.

In levying the fine, NHTSA found that "BMW appears to maintain a practice, by design or habit, in which it provides little information in its initial (recall) filings." Of the instances which garnered fines, however, BMW said all but one of them concerned its motorcycles, not its cars. The NHTSA said that BMW would eventually provide the information but only after what the NHTSA termed an "inordinate amount of time."

To address the issue, BMW is changing its methods for how it provides information to the government and how it deals with recalls.

BMW agrees to pay $3M fine for late reporting of recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw motorradbmw recallfinesNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsanhtsa finenhtsa fines Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169611/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169611/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/bmw-agrees-to-pay-3m-fine-for-late-reporting-of-recalls/20169611/article-detail.xml 20169611 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nhtsabmwfines_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/nhtsabmwfines.jpg <![CDATA[Feds investigating Toyota Camry and RAV4 over door fires]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/feds-investigating-toyota-camry-and-rav4-over-door-fires/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/feds-investigating-toyota-camry-and-rav4-over-door-fires/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/feds-investigating-toyota-camry-and-rav4-over-door-fires/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2007 Toyota Camry

According to a report from The Associated Press, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into possible driver-side door fires in 2007 Toyota Camry sedans and RAV4 crossovers. A total of 830,000 vehicles may be affected.

Six fires have been reported to NHTSA, all stemming from the door-mounted power window switch. Five of the fires are said to have been minor, with one resulting in the total loss of a Camry that burnt to a crisp before firefighters were able to respond.

It's important to note that this is not (yet) a recall. NHTSA opened an investigation on Monday, February 6, and a recall could potentially be announced depending on NHTSA's findings. Toyota has said in a statement that it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Feds investigating Toyota Camry and RAV4 over door fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> camrycamry firenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarav4rav4 firerecalltoyotatoyota fire Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169398/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/feds-investigating-toyota-camry-and-rav4-over-door-fires/20169398/article-detail.xml 20169398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2007-toyota-camry_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/2007-toyota-camry.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda recalls over 52,000 Tribute crossovers, warns owners to park outside]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/mazda-recalls-over-52-000-tribute-crossovers-warns-owners-to-pa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/mazda-recalls-over-52-000-tribute-crossovers-warns-owners-to-pa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/mazda-recalls-over-52-000-tribute-crossovers-warns-owners-to-pa/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2002 Mazda Tribute front three-quarter view

Mazda is recalling has issued a recall of the 2001- and 2002-model-year Mazda Tribute crossover for a possible brake fluid leak. It's been found that fluid leaking from the reservoir cap on the master cylinder might come into contact with the ABS wiring harness connector, leading to potential corrosion and/or fire.

We've been waiting on this action for the better part of a month, as its mechanical twin, the Ford Escape, was the subject of a similar NHTSA recall announced on January 11. The Blue Oval recall covered some 244,000 units for the same problem.

There are 52,390 Tributes affected in total, and Mazda is taking the unusual step of advising that if you have one, you should park it outside until a dealer has made the necessary repairs. You can find a release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the matter after the jump.

Continue reading Mazda recalls over 52,000 Tribute crossovers, warns owners to park outside

Mazda recalls over 52,000 Tribute crossovers, warns owners to park outside originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2001 mazda tribute2002 mazda tributemazda recallmazda tributemazda tribute recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecalltributetribute recall Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159112/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159112/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/mazda-recalls-over-52-000-tribute-crossovers-warns-owners-to-pa/20159112/article-detail.xml 20159112 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2001mazdatributerecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2001mazdatributerecall.jpg <![CDATA[Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/kia-recalls-145k-rondo-optima-models-over-airbag-issues/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/kia-recalls-145k-rondo-optima-models-over-airbag-issues/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/kia-recalls-145k-rondo-optima-models-over-airbag-issues/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2007 Kia Rondo in motion

Kia has announced that it is recalling 145,000 vehicles to address faulty airbags. A total of 95,569 Optima sedans built between 2006 and 2008 and 50,186 Rondo MPVs built between 2007 and 2008 are included in the recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles may have been built with a clock spring in the steering column that may fatigue and break over time. As a result, the vehicles may illuminate the airbag warning light on the dash and the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident. The automaker says that while it has received some warranty claims for the problem, no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of the default.

Kia plans to notify affected Optima and Rondo owners in March. Those vehicles that currently have their airbag lights illuminated will be fixed first. Click past the jump for the full recall notification.

Continue reading Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues

Kia recalls 145K Rondo, Optima models over airbag issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> kiakia airbag recallkia optimakia recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaoptimaoptima recallrecallrondorondo recall Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153011/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153011/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/kia-recalls-145k-rondo-optima-models-over-airbag-issues/20153011/article-detail.xml 20153011 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2007-kia-rondo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/2007-kia-rondo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2008 Mini Cooper S - front three-quarter view

Back in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating certain turbocharged Mini models for vehicle fires. The investigation came after reports of at least 12 vehicles lighting up, and now the investigation has officially lead to a recall.

NHTSA has announced on its website that Mini will recall 88,911 turbocharged models built between November 2006 and January 2011 for a water pump problem that could result in a fire. The government agency says on its website that "the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat." If that happens, the board could smolder and result in a vehicle fire.

Affected models include the 2007-2011 Cooper S, the 2008-2011 Clubman S, the 2009-2011 Cooper S Convertible, the 2011 Countryman S and John Cooper Works models from 2009 to 2011.

Owners of recalled vehicles will be asked to bring their Mini model to the nearest dealer for a free water pump replacement. Hit the jump to read over the official NHTSA release.

Continue reading Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump

Mini recalling certain Cooper S and JCW models over water pump originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cooper sjohn cooper worksmininhtsarecallturbowater pump Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148983/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148983/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/16/mini-recalling-certain-cooper-s-and-jcw-models-over-water-pump/20148983/article-detail.xml 20148983 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2008-mini-cooper-s-jcw.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2001 Ford Escape front three-quarter view

Ford is recalling nearly half a million vehicles in two separate actions announced today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Just over 244,000 Ford Escape crossovers from model year 2001 and 2002 are being recalled for potentially leaky brake master cylinder reservoir caps, while nearly 206,000 2004 and 2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans may have defective torque converter output shafts.

NHTSA says that in the case of the Escape, leaking brake fluid could cause corrosion on an electrical connector in the antilock brake system wiring harness, leading to "melting, smoke or a fire." Ford will begin notifying owners the week of Jan. 23, although a parts delay is expected to postpone repairs. "Ford will instruct owners to park their vehicles outside until such time as parts become available," says NHTSA.

The minivan recall is scheduled for the second quarter of 2012, and will result in dealers inspecting and replacing the torque converter in affected vehicles.

Read the full NHTSA recall reports after the jump.

Continue reading Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans

Ford recalling 244k Escape models, 200,000+ Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2001 ford escape2002 ford escapeescapeescape recallfordford escapeford freestarfreestarfreestar recallmercurymercury montereymontereymonterey recallnhtsarecall Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146152/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146152/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/11/ford-recalling-244k-escape-models-200-000-freestar-and-mercury/20146152/article-detail.xml 20146152 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fordescape09hr-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Airbag recall forces Honda past Toyota in total recalls for 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/airbag-recall-forces-honda-past-toyota-in-total-recalls-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/airbag-recall-forces-honda-past-toyota-in-total-recalls-for-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/10/airbag-recall-forces-honda-past-toyota-in-total-recalls-for-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2001 Honda Civic

Honda has surpassed Toyota for the largest number of recalled vehicles in 2011. Wards Auto reports that Honda expanded an airbag recall to encompass a total of 2.5 million million vehicles last year, pushing the total number of recalled units to 3.9 million vehicles over 17 campaigns. Previous estimates put Toyota at the head of the recall pile with 13 campaigns covering 3.5 million vehicles.

The airbag recall covers some of the most popular Honda models, including Civic, Civic Hybrid and Accord sedans manufactured between 2001 and 2004, as well as the CR-V and Pilot. The Acura CL and TL were also included.

Toyota, meanwhile, found itself correcting issues with accelerator pedals and floor mats associated with the company's unintended acceleration woes. Toyota had found itself leading the largest number of recalled vehicles for two consecutive years prior to 2011.

Airbag recall forces Honda past Toyota in total recalls for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 recallsairbag recallhondahonda airbag recallhonda recalltoyotatoyota recall Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145183/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20145183/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/10/airbag-recall-forces-honda-past-toyota-in-total-recalls-for-2012/20145183/article-detail.xml 20145183 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/honda-civic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/honda-civic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



We report on a lot of recalls, and most are seemingly innocuous defects that require the solar system to perfectly align before anything catastrophic could happen. Then there are recalls like this one for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic that appear to be much more dangerous than they probably are.

It turns out that Chevrolet let a few Sonics built between June 2 and November 21 leave its factory in Orion Township, Michigan minus a brake pad. General Motors claims that of the 4,873 Sonics built during that time, some 20 to 30 may be missing either an inner or outer front brake pad. The company says 4,296 of the potentially shoe-less Sonics were sent to the U.S., while 577 migrated north to Canadian customers.

A car minus just one inner or outer brake pad doesn't lose its ability to stop, but its braking performance will suffer and there is the possibility that other elements of the braking system, like the caliper or rotor, could be damaged as a result of their omission.

GM vows to notify all potentially affected Sonic owners and install any missing pads and, if necessary, replace any calipers or rotors free of charge.

Continue reading Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall

Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chevrolet sonic2012 chevy sonicbrake padbrakeschevroletchevysonicsonic recall Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137835/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137835/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/20137835/article-detail.xml 20137835 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/13-2012-chevrolet-sonic-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/13-2012-chevrolet-sonic-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota tops recall list again in 2011, overall number of U.S. recalls down *UPDATE]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/toyota-tops-recall-list-again-in-2011-overall-number-of-u-s-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/toyota-tops-recall-list-again-in-2011-overall-number-of-u-s-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/toyota-tops-recall-list-again-in-2011-overall-number-of-u-s-re/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Toyota Emblem

Toyota launched a total of 13 recall campaigns in 2011 covering over 3.5 million vehicles. Those figures put the Japanese automaker at the top of the most-recalled list for the third year in a row, according to Ward's Auto. Between 2009 and 2010, Toyota recalled nearly 11.5 million vehicles in North America for a variety of reasons, including troublesome floor mats and sticky accelerators tied to the company's unintended acceleration woes. The company says that around 85 percent of vehicles involved in the pedal recall have been fixed, with lower volume models continuing to trickle into dealers.

But Toyota wasn't the only automaker with recall woes in 2011. Ford found itself in second place for the number of vehicles recalled this year with 10 campaigns covering 3.2 million vehicles. For its part, General Motors issued a total of 21 recalls, but the fixes involved far fewer vehicles: 455,901. All told, Ward's says automakers issued 130 recalls in 2011, down from 136 campaigns in the U.S. last year.

*Update: The expanded Honda airbag recall pushed the automaker past Toyota for the greatest number of recalled vehicles in 2011. Head to our followup post for more information.

Toyota tops recall list again in 2011, overall number of U.S. recalls down *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 recallsfordgmrecallrecallstoyot recalltoyota Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137255/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/toyota-tops-recall-list-again-in-2011-overall-number-of-u-s-re/20137255/article-detail.xml 20137255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/toyota-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2003 Chevrolet Express

'Tis the season... for road salt. And with that, comes rust. And what does rust bring? Well, for Ford and General Motors, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is looking into potential recalls issues with Chevrolet Express vans and Ford Freestar minivans.

The feds have received five complaints that rust has caused leaking fuel filler pipes on 2003 Express vans. Separately, seven complaints have been filed over excessive rust in the rear wheel wells of 2004 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. The Freestar and Monterey went out of production in 2007. Neither issue has resulted in any crashes or injuries, according to the report.

Feds open investigation into Chevy Express, Ford Freestar rust issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2003 chevrolet express2004 ford freestar2004 mercury montereychevroletchevyexpressfordfreestarmercurymontereynational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsarust Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136381/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/feds-open-investigation-into-chevy-express-ford-freestar-rust-i/20136381/article-detail.xml 20136381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-chevrolet-express-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2003-chevrolet-express-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tata recalling all pre-2012 Nano models over bad starter]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/tata-recalling-all-pre-2012-nano-models-over-bad-starter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/tata-recalling-all-pre-2012-nano-models-over-bad-starter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/28/tata-recalling-all-pre-2012-nano-models-over-bad-starter/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Tata Nano

Tata Motors has issued a recall for all Nano models manufactured between July 2009 and October 2011. The company will replace the vehicles' starter motors free of charge. And while the Indian automaker has declined to say just how many vehicles will be affected by the recall, local news reports have said as many as 145,000 Nano vehicles will receive a new starter. Tata says the recall has been underway for some time, noting it has already replaced somewhere around 50,000 starters to date. The entire recall program is expected to cost Tata around $20.8 million at current conversion rates.

The automaker has released an updated version of the Nano called the Nano 2012. The revised model is not included in the recall.

Tata hasn't seen the sort of sales success the company had hoped for with the world's least expensive new car. From labor unrest to perception issues to a wave of fires and safety upgrades, the Nano has had a hard row to hoe since birth.

Tata recalling all pre-2012 Nano models over bad starter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nanonano recalltatatata motorstata nanotata nano recall Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20135798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20135798/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/28/tata-recalling-all-pre-2012-nano-models-over-bad-starter/20135798/article-detail.xml 20135798 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/tata-nano-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/tata-nano-628.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA investigating 2003-04 Infiniti M45 over inaccurate fuel readings]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/nhtsa-investigating-2003-04-infiniti-m45-over-inaccurate-fuel-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/nhtsa-investigating-2003-04-infiniti-m45-over-inaccurate-fuel-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/25/nhtsa-investigating-2003-04-infiniti-m45-over-inaccurate-fuel-re/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation concerning Infiniti M45 sedans from the 2003 and 2004 model year. The government organization has reportedly received 43 complaints about inaccurate fuel gauge readings, and in 26 of these cases, the improperly calibrated fuel gauges have led to instances of engine stalling.

According to the NHTSA report, "The complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most received within the past year." This investigation will encompass approximately 8,100 M45 models.

Speaking to Inside Line, an Infiniti spokesperson says that the automaker is aware of the NHTSA investigation and will "work to address any issues that arise from it." Hit the jump to read the official NHTSA statement.

Continue reading NHTSA investigating 2003-04 Infiniti M45 over inaccurate fuel readings

NHTSA investigating 2003-04 Infiniti M45 over inaccurate fuel readings originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2003 infiniti m452004 infiniti m45fuel gaugeinfinitim45recallsafety Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134533/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134533/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/25/nhtsa-investigating-2003-04-infiniti-m45-over-inaccurate-fuel-re/20134533/article-detail.xml 20134533 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2004-infiniti-m45628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2004-infiniti-m45628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan initiates multi-vehicle recall over faulty bolts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/nissan-initiates-multi-vehicle-recall-over-faulty-bolts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/nissan-initiates-multi-vehicle-recall-over-faulty-bolts/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/24/nissan-initiates-multi-vehicle-recall-over-faulty-bolts/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



Nissan is recalling just over 14,700 vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years over faulty bolts in the engine. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "bolts that connect the engine oil cooler and the engine oil filter to the engine in these vehicles may have been manufactured to below specification strength."

Affected Nissan vehicles include the 2011-12 Pathfinder, 2011-12 Xterra, 2012 NV and 2012 Frontier. Additionally, the 2011 Infiniti FX and 2012 Infiniti M are being recalled for this issue.

The NHTSA report states that if there is an engine oil leak, pressure would drop and the engine could possibly seize. Bad news all around.

The recall is expected to kick off in mid-January, and Nissan dealers will replace the connector bolts free of charge. To read the full NHTSA report, follow the jump.

Continue reading Nissan initiates multi-vehicle recall over faulty bolts

Nissan initiates multi-vehicle recall over faulty bolts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> frontierfxinfinitimnissannvpathfinderrecallsafetyxterra Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134101/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134101/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/24/nissan-initiates-multi-vehicle-recall-over-faulty-bolts/20134101/article-detail.xml 20134101 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-nissan-infiniti-recall628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-nissan-infiniti-recall628.jpg <![CDATA[Over 8,700 Cadillac SRX models recalled for faulty transmission cables]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/over-8-700-cadillac-srx-models-recalled-for-faulty-transmission/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/over-8-700-cadillac-srx-models-recalled-for-faulty-transmission/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/22/over-8-700-cadillac-srx-models-recalled-for-faulty-transmission/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Owners of 2010 and 2011 model year Cadillac SRX utility vehicles, lend me your ears: Your luxury crossover may be facing a recall. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some 8,789 affected units could have an improperly fitted transmission shift cable.

According to the government agency's notice, the faulty installation could result in the cable popping out of the transmission bracket. If that happens, NHTSA says the transmission may not shift at all, rendering the vehicle immobile. The gearbox could also appear to be in Park when it isn't, resulting in a potential rollaway.

Cadillac will begin notifying owners of vehicles covered in the recall next month, and dealers will be tasked with inspecting the cable and making sure it's properly routed and secured. For more details, check out the official notice after the jump.

Continue reading Over 8,700 Cadillac SRX models recalled for faulty transmission cables

Over 8,700 Cadillac SRX models recalled for faulty transmission cables originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 cadillac srx2011 cadillac srxcadillacrecallsrxsrx recall Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20133733/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/22/over-8-700-cadillac-srx-models-recalled-for-faulty-transmission/20133733/article-detail.xml 20133733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-cadillac-srx-005-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2011-cadillac-srx-005-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan recalling 2010-2011 Sentra over stall fears]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-recalling-2010-2011-sentra-over-stall-fears/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-recalling-2010-2011-sentra-over-stall-fears/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/nissan-recalling-2010-2011-sentra-over-stall-fears/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2010 Nissan Sentra

In another incidence of little things meaning a lot, Nissan is recalling some 2010- and 2011-model-year Sentra models over the zinc coating on positive battery terminals. Certain Sentras with MR20 engines had too much zinc applied to the stud bolt, which can cause a drop in voltage severe enough to cut power to the engine when trying to start the car and when running.

Nissan is notifying owners of the cars in question, and dealers will swap out the positive terminal at no cost. Follow the jump for the full release from NHTSA.

Continue reading Nissan recalling 2010-2011 Sentra over stall fears

Nissan recalling 2010-2011 Sentra over stall fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 nissan sentra2011 nissan sentraNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsanissannissan sentra recallrecallsafetysentrasentra recall Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130305/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/nissan-recalling-2010-2011-sentra-over-stall-fears/20130305/article-detail.xml 20130305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nissansentrarecall2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/nissansentrarecall2010.jpg <![CDATA[Ford recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/ford-recalls-16-000-f-series-pickups-over-transmission-concern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/ford-recalls-16-000-f-series-pickups-over-transmission-concern/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/ford-recalls-16-000-f-series-pickups-over-transmission-concern/#comments Filed under: , ,



Ford is recalling thousands of F-Series pickup trucks from the 2011 and 2012 model years over a transmission problem that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "fails to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 114, theft protection." NHTSA reports that the transmissions in these defective trucks can be shifted out of the park position without pressing the brake pedal due to a problem with the brake shift interlock switch.

Affected models include 2011 F-150s built between September 9 and September 22, 2011, as well as F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 Heavy Duty trucks built between September 12 and September 22, 2011. A total of 16,091 trucks are included in this recall.

Ford dealers will inspect - and if necessary, replace - the brake shift interlock switch on these affected vehicles, free of charge. The official recall is expected to kick off in the coming days. Hit the jump for NHTSA's official release.

Continue reading Ford recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern

Ford recalls 16,000 F-Series pickups over transmission concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f-150f-250f-350f-450f-550f-seriesfordnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallsafety Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128991/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128991/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/16/ford-recalls-16-000-f-series-pickups-over-transmission-concern/20128991/article-detail.xml 20128991 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2011-ford-f-150-harley-davidson_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2011-ford-f-150-harley-davidson.jpg <![CDATA[Senate committee passes overhaul of auto safety laws, includes hefty recall fines]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/senate-committee-passes-overhaul-of-auto-safety-laws-includes-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/senate-committee-passes-overhaul-of-auto-safety-laws-includes-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/senate-committee-passes-overhaul-of-auto-safety-laws-includes-h/#comments Filed under: , ,

Driving up Capitol Hill

Congress is gearing up for a comprehensive overhaul of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, implementing some significant safety measures for automobiles along the way. The campaign, encouraged by safety advocates for over a year now, has gained significant ground as the Senate Commerce Committee endorsed a series of measures which it will seek to incorporate into a highway reauthorization bill due for approval early in the new year.

According to The Detroit News, measures approved by the committee include significantly stiffer fines for automakers delaying necessary recalls. Currently the maximum fine that can be imposed in such instances is $17.35 million, but the new regulations would up that to a whopping $250 million. Naturally, many automakers are opposing this particular measure, but they are, however, backing an additional regulation that would equip all new vehicles with 'black box' data recorders.

Automakers aren't the only ones targeted by the new measures, however, as the new regulations would also increase fines for using electronic devices (like mobile phones) while behind the wheel, and up the penalty tenfold for fraudulently rolling back a car's odometer.

The bill, sponsored by two Democrat senators, would take at least a year to be put into effect should it be voted into law.

Senate committee passes overhaul of auto safety laws, includes hefty recall fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> black boxcommerce committeecongressdata recordernational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallrecall finerecallssenatesenate commerce committee Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128803/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20128803/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/senate-committee-passes-overhaul-of-auto-safety-laws-includes-h/20128803/article-detail.xml 20128803 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/driving-capitol_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/driving-capitol.jpg -1 2