Autoblog

Honda recalls 2012 Pilot, Acura MDX crossovers over possible fuel leak

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Acura, Honda

American Honda is recalling some 8,709 crossovers due to a possible fuel leak. The 2012 Honda Pilot and its upscale platform-mate, the Acura MDX, are affected by this recall, which is expected to begin in mid-March.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vent shut float valve cases in the fuel tank assemblies of these vehicles does not meet proper design specifications. Because of this, fuel could leak from the tank, increasing the risk of a fire.

Four other vehicles - the Honda Accord, Odyssey, Ridgeline and Acura ZDX - also share at least some of their underpinnings with the Pilot and MDX, but they are not affected by this recall.

Earlier this week, Honda issued a recall on the 2008 and 2009 model year Odyssey minivan due to liftgate struts with improper gas compression. Over 45,000 minivans are included in that recall, and according to Honda, two injuries have been reported as a result of the liftgate issue.

Follow the jump to read NHTSA's full report about the Pilot/MDX recall. Concerned owners can contact Honda directly at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

Continue reading Honda recalls 2012 Pilot, Acura MDX crossovers over possible fuel leak

Honda recalls 2012 Pilot, Acura MDX crossovers over possible fuel leak originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda extends 2006-2011 Civic Hybrid warranty over gas leak

Chris Shunk — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Honda

When we hear words like "gas leak," we're expecting to hear words like "recall" shortly thereafter. That's not the case for 80,000 Honda Civic Hybrid models from the 2006 to 2011 model years that may experience small gas leaks. The New York Times reports that Honda has instead opted to extend the warranty of those models to satiate customers who may experience the problem.

Honda spokesperson Chris Martin tells the NYT that the potential leak is located where the fuel filler meets the tank, adding that possible leaks are likely small, and they tend to appear nowhere near a likely ignition source. In the event that a leak is detected, Martin says that the fuel tank will be replaced. Owners of the models in question who smell gasoline vapors or who spot a small quantity of gas on the ground need to take the vehicle to a Honda dealership to determine if there is a gas leak. States with really hot weather are reportedly more likely to experience the leak. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't yet made any rulings regarding the fuel leak issue, but the NYT reports that the government agency is looking into the matter.

While the lack of a recall campaign may annoy some owners and safety advocates, we're guessing most owners will be thrilled with the extended warranty. Honda will cover the Civic Hybrid models in question with a 10-year/120,000 mile warranty. That's an expensive bit of coverage to give away for free, but keep in mind that a recall would likely be far more costly for the automaker. If Honda is forced to recall the models, every affected part will need to be repaired, and doing so will likely translate into quite a bit more coin than the extra coverage.

Honda extends 2006-2011 Civic Hybrid warranty over gas leak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Lexus recalls HS250h over risk of excessive fuel leakage

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus HS250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in the 1970s, the Ford Pinto was the focus of many headlines due to a fuel tank issue which caused excessive amounts of gasoline to leak during a rear-end collision. Now, three decades later, Lexus is having a similar problem with its HS250h hybrid, and has filed a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a voluntary recall of these vehicles. Up to 17,000 of the luxury hybrids are affected.

In the case of the HS, excessive fuel leakage occurred during rear-end collisions at speeds of 50 miles per hour. We don't need to remind you about the dangers of excessive fuel spillage, but let's just say that the end result can be very, very bad.

As of this writing, Lexus has not advised NHTSA about what steps will be taken to fix the defective HS models. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading BREAKING: Lexus recalls HS250h over risk of excessive fuel leakage

BREAKING: Lexus recalls HS250h over risk of excessive fuel leakage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

Chris Shunk — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Saturn

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt SS - Click above to view high-res image gallery

General Motors may have shed itself of much of its pre-bankruptcy problems, but the automaker still has to tend to its warranty and recall duties. As such, GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says could lead to a fire. The problem involves 2006 Cobalt and Ion model models sold or registered in Arizona and Nevada and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models sold or registered in Arizona, California, Texas, Florida and Nevada.

NHTSA says the plastic supply or return port on the cars' modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause cause decreased efficiency and performance. Worse, if that leaking gasoline comes into contact with an ignition source of any kind, you could be looking at a Delta platform car-b-que.

To fix the fuel leak problem, company dealers will replace the fuel pump module of affected vehicles free of charge. GM is also providing a special coverage for 2006 and 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion models in other warm weather states, and you can hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release to see if you live in a participating location. GM hasn't yet provided a time frame for owner notification, but if you have questions you can read the official press release after the jump or call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5).

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern

GM recalling 53,000 Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion, and Pontiac G5 models over fuel leak concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, GM, Holden

GM's Australian subsidiary Holden has recalled 86,000 rear-wheel-drive Zeta cars with the V6 engine to correct a potential fuel leak that could lead to fires. The CNN Money article says that the recall doesn't impact the Pontiac G8, GM's North American Zeta variant, because that car's underhood layout is different. We should also mention that the G8 is not even on sale yet, so there are none in customer hands to recall.

VE and WM Commodores in Australia and New Zealand, Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice models in the Middle East, as well as the Chevrolet Omega in Brazil are all affected. When a clip chafes on the fuel line, it can apparently cause a leak with nasty results if the gasoline ignites. The risk is low, says GM's John Lindsay, but they're calling the cars back, nearly all of the Zetas with V6 engines sold since the car's redesign, and fixing them free of charge just to be on the safe side.

[Source: CNN]

Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating fuel leak on Aztek and Rendezvous

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Pontiac

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is in the process of investigating close to 280k 2001 to 2004 Pontiac Aztec and Buick Rendezvous SUVs after consumers filed 213 complaints with the organization.

Apparently, a faulty weld on the fuel tanks' filler pipe is causing a leak, allowing either gasoline fumes or fuel itself to escape from the pipe.

The announcement by NHTSA is part of the second stage of the investigation, however, no recall has been issued thus far.

[Source: Detroit News]

NHTSA investigating fuel leak on Aztek and Rendezvous originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is your cat having bladder issues? Jag halts XJ sales

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 09:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Jaguar

Jaguar dealers throughout the world are being asked to cease sales of 2006 and 2007 XJ sedans, due to a fuel leak that has left many new owners with fuel-coated garage floors.

By most reports, the leak is from the fuel tank itself, not the filler pipe or fuel lines running to the engine. Although there is no estimate of how many sedans are currently on the road, dealers have been asked to suspend the sale of vehicles with VINs G49701 through H13209.

Tim Watson, Jaguar's spokesperson, was unable to elaborate on whether the problem is a manufacturer issue or a supplier issue, but as this is written, Jag is not ruling out a recall of the XJ.

[Source: Automotive News]

Is your cat having bladder issues? Jag halts XJ sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Sep 2006 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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