January 2012
Kia Motors Corp. has recently announced a recall of the 2006 - 2008 Kia Optima and 2007 - 2008 Kia Rondo due to faulty airbags which will affect 145.000 units of the Optima cars and Rondo crossovers. Kia says that the clock spring contact assembly on the driver's airbag supplemental restraint system might become damaged because of usage over time and if so, the airbag warning lamp on the instrument panel will become visible.

Mini is recalling 88,911 of its turbocharged Cooper models over concerns that the circuit board for the turbocharger’s water pump could overheat, potentially smoldering and causing a fire. Affected models were all manufactured from November 14, 2006 To January 18, 2011

Volkswagen is recalling 159,884 VW and Audi cars with diesel TDI engines in model years 2008 through 2011 for a possible fuel leak problem.

Ford is recalling 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey because the torque converter output shaft on these vehicles’ automatic transmissions could fail. If so, the vehicle would suddenly lose driving ability without warning, possibly causing a crash. Ford and NHTSA have received 227 reports of this issue from owners.

Ford is recalling 2001-2002 Ford Escapes because models equipped with ABS may leak brake fluid from the brake master-cylinder cap. If so, the fluid could cause corrosion in the ABS wiring harness, potentially causing a short circuit and fire. In 2007, Mazda recalled the mechanically similar 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute for the same issue.

 December2011
Nissan is recalling some 2010 and 2011 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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans.
The recall only affects cars with 17-inch wheels, which is about 128,616 cars. The cars affected were either made in April 2009 or December 2009 - Nov. 13, 2010.
The cars are being recalled due to wheel studs that may fracture, and it is possible the wheel could come off the car completely.

Subaru is recalling nearly 32,000 Legacy, Outback and Impreza models from the 2012 model year. A defective brake master cylinder could cause the brake pedal to travel farther than expected. Federal safety regulators say this could cause a driver to misjudge the amount of pressure needed to stop quickly.

Nissan is recalling 7,365 Rogue compact crossovers from the 2011 model year because the power-steering assist feature may stop functioning, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 November2011
General Motors is recalling certain Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans from the 2012 model year because the second stage of their dual-stage air bags will not inflate in a severe frontal impact.

Toyota said Wednesday it would recall 420,200 vehicles to repair misaligned crankshaft pulleys that could lead to steering problems. Toyota said failing to repair the problem could cause the belt on the power steering pump to detach, leading to "sudden increase in steering effort." The recall involves 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles with V6 engines. That includes the 2004 Avalon, the 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara, 2006 Highlander HV, 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330 and 2006 RX400h vehicles.


 October2011
Volkswagen has announced a recall of 168,275 Jetta TDI and Golf TDI models as well as certain Audi A3 TDI vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem stems from a fuel line failing, potentially leading to an engine fire. The recall covers certain 2010-2012 Volkswagen Golf TDI and Audi A3 TDI models as well as certain 2009-2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportwagen TDI models. Volkswagen will notify owners affected by the issue and work is expected to begin in November.


Sept 2011
Subaru is recalling an estimated 195,000 Legacy and Outback vehicles made for the 2010-11 model year related to a wiper motor that may overheat. In its recall notice, the NHTSA states that the problem is the result of  “components inside the wiper motor bottom cover” that may overheat. If this occurs, “the windshield wipers may become inoperable, reducing the operators visibility, which may increase the likelihood of a crash or a fire could result.”

Honda Motor Co. says it is recalling certain Pilot SUVs from the 2009 through 2011 model years to fix a potential defect in the way their safety belts are sewn together. The car maker says the recall includes 310,773 vehicles built from March 13, 2008, through Aug. 30, 2011.

Honda Motor Co. said today it would recall about 960,000 Fit subcompacts and other models globally to repair defects including malfunctioning power window switches. No accidents have been reported due to the defects, a Honda spokesman in Tokyo said.

August 2011
Honda Motor will recall 1.5 million cars and small SUVs in the United States to update the software that controls the automatic transmission.
The transmission in the affected vehicles could be damaged if the driver quickly shifted between gears. This could cause the engine to stall or make it difficult to put the car into park.

Nissan is recalling certain Altima sedans from the 2011 and 2012 model years to replace transverse link bolts that may not have been tightened to the proper specification. The 20,000 or so cars included in the recall were built from April 25 through June 10, 2011, at the company’s Canton, Miss., plant.

Toyota is recalling certain Lexus RX 350 crossover SUVs from the 2011 model year to fix a brake problem that could keep the vehicles’ antilock-brake and stability-control systems from working properly.


July 2011
Volvo is recalling the 2007 model year cars, built between March 8, 2006, and May 16, 2007, to inspect a potential problem that could lead to a burst hose at the steering gear that would cause a sudden loss of power steering, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Ford Motor Company is issuing a recall for Ford Ranger trucks from the 2004 - 2011 model year. Also included in the recall are the 2002 - 2005 Ford Excursion and 2002 - 2007 models from the E-Series and F-Series lineups (E-250/F-250 and higher).
According to a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard, warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate."

Chrysler will recall 250,000 Ram trucks due to problems in the steering system. Federal officials said the left tie rod end can fracture and potentially cause car accidents. The recall covers Rams model years 2008 to 2011. Most of the fractures are occurring while turning at low rates of speed.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans from the 2007 model year to fix a fuel-tank problem that could lead to leaks and the possibility of a fire. The car maker says the recall affects 2,945 cars built from Sept. 5 to Sept. 11, 2006. The cars’ fuel tanks may not have consistent welds between the fuel tank and a part called the fuel filler neck spud, which can affect the strength of the joint where the filler tube connects with the fuel tank.


June 2011
Chrysler is recalling thousands of cars and minivans due to a manufacturing problem that can cause the steering to fail.
The recall affects eleven 2011 models, including the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and convertible, the Town and Country minivan, the Dodge Avengers midsize sedan, Caliber compact car, Caravan minivan, Journey crossover vehicle and Nitro SUV; and the Jeep Compass wagon and Patriot, Liberty and Wrangler SUVs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a missing or incorrectly installed rivet could cause a loss of steering.

Toyota is recalling 106,000 Prius vehicles due to nuts coming loose in the gear box. The problem could lead to difficulties with the power steering.  The recall includes 2001-2003 model year Prius cars, about 52,000 of which were sold in the United States. Toyota said repairs, offered free of charge, would take about 4 hours to complete.

May 2011
Honda will recall 1,156 Civic vehicles due to a seal in a gas line that may be misaligned, posing a fire hazard, regulators said Monday.
The recall involves 2012 model year two-door and four-door Civics made between April 21, 2011 and May 2, 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
In a statement, the NHTSA said, "There is a possibility that an O-ring, which seals a connection in the fuel feed line, is misaligned. If the O-ring is misaligned, a small fuel leak may occur."

April 2011
Kia Motors Corp. is recalling more than 58,000 Spectra compact cars registered in cold-weather states because the gas tanks could drop to the ground and cause a fire.
The recall affects Spectra LD models from the 2004 to 2007 model years in 20 states and Washington, D.C., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website Friday.
The cars, built from Nov. 7, 2003, through March 6, 2007, have straps that hold the gas tank to the frame. When exposed to road salt, the straps can rust and the tank can fall to the ground, causing a fuel leak and possibly a fire.

Toyota has recalled about 51,000 of its 2011 model year Tundra trucks because a part of the rear drive shaft can break, the company said. Toyota estimated that just 0.05% of the trucks -- roughly 26 trucks -- could have a slip yoke that was improperly cast at the foundry and could break.

Nissan recalled almost 200,000 Pathfinders and Infiniti QX4s because there`s a possibility that winter road salt could corrode part of the sport utility vehicle`s strut housing. This corrosion may lead to the steering column breaking.

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 1.2 million F-150 pickup trucks built between 2003 and 2006 after receiving a number of reports of unwanted airbag deployments associated with chafing wires. If chafing occurs, the company says, the airbag warning lamp will illuminate for a long time before there is any risk of deployment, so the chance of surprise airbag inflation is fairly low.

General Motors is recalling 2,100  2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles because the steering wheel could fall off.
GM says the steering wheel can detach from the steering column while driving. The automaker thinks the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened.
The National Transportation Safety Board says no crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to this recall.
Owners should take the car back to the dealership, where technicians will inspect the steering wheel free of charge.

March 2011
Volkswagen of America announced a voluntary safety recall affecting its flagship sedans. A wiring issue could cause the car to turn off if the horn is activated, the company said.
Approximately 71,043 Jettas--manufactured from March 2010 through March 2011--are affected by a bizarre issue caused by a fault in the wiring layout, according to VW.

Hyundai is recalling 188,697 Elantra cars from the 2007 through 2009 model years because their front passenger airbags may not work properly. Hyundai said an electrical connector which is located under the center console, between the front seats, can become contaminated by seepage from fluids spilled in the cup holders. This can cause a malfunction that results in the airbag deploying regardless of the passenger’s weight, and increasing the risk of injury.

Honda Motor Co. is recalling new models of the Civic compact car for possible leaking fuel tanks and Odyssey minivan over faulty windshield wiper rods. The recall covers about 18,000 Civics and 33,000 Odysseys from the 2011 model year.

Mazda  will recall more than 65,000 cars in the US for Yellow sac spiders infesting Mazda6 cars. Yellow sac spiders have been found spinning webs in Mazda6 cars built between 2008 and 2010 that could cause fuel tank pressure and possibly fire.

February 2011
Toyota is recalling another 2.2 million vehicles in the U.S. because of floor mat issues. This recall covers vehicles dating back to 2003 that weren’t already covered under previous callbacks. Some of the affected models include the Lexus RX and GS range as well as the Toyota Highlander.

January 2011
Toyota Motor Corp. announced Jan. 26, 2011 it was recalling nearly 1.7 million vehicles worldwide because of varying defects that may cause fuel leakage.
Issues range from a faulty fuel pipe to problems with a sensor that measures the car's fuel pressure.
The problem affects 255,000 Lexus cars sold in North America and 10,000 sold in Europe. The other 1.3 million of the cars in question are in Japan, making this the country's second-largest recall in history.
Lexus GS 300/350 models sold between 2006 and 2007, early 2009 models of the Lexus IS250, and early 2008 IS Lexus 350 sold in the U.S. are all affected by the recall.


December 2010
Chrysler initiated a safety-related recall of 367,350 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, all
from the 2008 model year, for an issue with improper water drainage off the heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system in these vehicles.
The issue, which is caused by an "improperly assembled HVAC drain grommet," allows moisture to potentially drip onto the floor in the cabin—a problem that wasn't initially seen as a safety issue.
The reason it's now a safety concern on 2008 Dodge Caravan and Town & Country models isn't that damp carpet so much as that the dampness will get to a critical airbag switch, "which can lead to illumination of airbag warning light and a potential inadvertent airbag deployment," according to the NHTSA recall notice.

General Motors has announced that the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX crossover utility vehicles may have seatbelts that may not function properly in accidents, raising the risk of injury.
The recall affects 111,136 vehicles, and the automaker says it will notify customers by January 18.
The technical problem in the car seatbelts includes a cracked buckle anchor that may cause a fracture in the buckle in certain conditions such as a collision.

Honda Motor Co. says it will recall about 143,083 Fit subcompact cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years to fix a problem that could cause the cars’ low-beam headlights to stop working.

Honda has announced that it will recall nearly 36,000 Passport utility vehicles in the U.S. market, for a potentially serious safety issue due to rusting at brackets for the rear suspension.
If these brackets corrode to an extreme, it could lead to the lower-link bracket to separate from the frame, affecting vehicle handling, according to Honda, and increasing the risk of a crash.


Volkswagen has issued a huge recall involving five of its models that were manufactured during a five-year period from 2006 to 2010. The problem appears to be a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that could chafe against the car’s fuel supply line. The models affected by this problem include the Volkswagen Jetta, the Jetta Sportwagen, the Golf, and the Rabbit.
Another model – the New Beetle – has it’s own set of problems involving a fastening clamp on its hydraulic hose that could also chafe against the car’s fuel supply line.

Toyota is recalling more than 110 thousand Sienna cars from 2011 model year in the U.S. market. According to official sources, the reason for recall was the defect in the brake light switch. It is reported that the light of stop signal may or may not turn off, or does not light up at all. The recall concerns the cars that were manufactured before November 2010.


 November 2010
Mazda Motor is recalling more than 72,000 cars at home and overseas due to a fuel pump defect that may cause their engines to stall. This recall affects the Mazda 5 in the US.


General Motors says it will recall certain Cadillac and Buick cars to fix possible routing problems affecting starter and alternator cables, and a power-steering line. The car maker says the recall affects 14,245 Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne cars with V8 engines from the 2010 and 2011 model years.

The cars’ starter or alternator cables may rub against the power-steering return line and eventually cause steering fluid to leak. Such contact could also wear away the cable’s protective covering, which may cause battery drain or even sparks that could melt a hole in the steering line. Power steering fluid could also fall onto a hot engine and cause a fire.

 Nissan is recalling 2.14 million vehicles worldwide for an ignition problem that may stall the engine – its third-largest recall ever.
A problem was found in an ignition-system part called the relay for vehicles produced from August 2003 through July 2006, including small cars like the March, Cube and Note, and about a dozen other models, such as the Tiida sedan, Titan pickup and Infiniti QX56 luxury model.
In extreme cases, the engine will stall and won't be able to start.


 October 2010
Honda Motor Co. announced a recall of nearly half a million vehicles to replace a seal in the brake master cylinder.
The U.S. division said it was recalling 471,820 model year 2005 to 2007 Acura RL and model year 2005 to early 2007 Honda Odyssey vehicles.

Toyota is recalling approximately 740,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of a potential brake fluid leak caused by wear of a rubber seal. This recall effects 2005 and 2006 Avalons, 2004-2006 non-Hybrid Highlanders, 2004-2006 Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350.

General Motors announced a recall on more than 300,000 of its 2009 – 2010 four-door sedan, Chevrolet Impala’s due to a problem with the seat belts. According to the NTSA, the front seat belts may not be properly anchored and are likely to fail to restrain people during a crash.

Chrysler is recalling approximately 26,000 cars and pick-up trucks because the power steering hose assembly can separate and leak fluid onto a hot engine, potentially causing a fire. The recall includes 2010 Chrysler 300’s and Sebring’s, the Dodge Avenger, Challenger, and Journey, and some 2011 Dodge Ram pick-up trucks. The 2010 Dodge Ram and Ram HD are also under recall. The recall is due to incorrect information publicized about the tire pressure for certain weight or seating capacity. If followed, it could lead to safety issues as a result of improperly loaded trucks.


 September 2010
Toyota announced a recall involving millions Corolla and Matrix cars sold in the U.S. and Canada, produced between 2005 and 2008. The models recalled are having potential faulty engine control systems.
It is absolutely a serious blow to the Japanese carmaker. There are 14 recalls in 2010, with 10 millions cars recalled in the past 12 months.
The models involve potential problem of faulty engine control system, which Toyota said there are three unconfirmed accidents ”alleged to be related” to the problem. One of the accidents resulted in a ”minor injury”.
According to the company, the problem reported to be results in crack in solder points or on some electronic componentry. When there are cracks, the engine of the models may not start or, “in limited instances, the engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven”, as the carmaker said.

  August 2010
Honda announced the recall of 427,000 US and Canadian vehicles because of an ignition problem that could allow drivers to remove their key when the vehicle was not in park.

General Motors announced a recall of nearly a quarter of a million Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook vehicles in the US, Canada, Mexico, China and Saudi Arabia over a seat belt issue.

Mazda recalled 320,000 2007-2008 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 vehicles in North America over a potentially deadly power steering malfunction.


  July 2010
Toyota Motor Corp. says it will recall about 412,000 vehicles in the U.S. to fix problems with their steering mechanisms.
The car maker says the recalls include 373,000 Toyota Avalon sedans from the 2000 to 2004 model years. The cars could have flawed steering locks.
The company also says its Lexus luxury division will recall about 39,000 LX 470 SUVs from the 2003 to 2007 model years to fix steering shafts that could disengage in certain conditions.
Toyota says that because of improper casting of the steering lock bar, small cracks can form in the Avalon’s steering lock bar. Over time the cracks can grow and eventually result in the bar breaking after repeated locking and unlocking. If that happens, the locking system could be difficult to unlock when the vehicle is stationary. There is also a chance that the broken bar could cause the steering wheel to lock while the car is being driven, increasing the chance of a crash.
In the LX 470’s case, a sharp impact to the front wheels, such as hitting a large pothole, can loosen parts of the steering mechanism and eventually cause the steering shaft to disengage, potentially causing a loss of control.
The car maker says it will notify owners in mid to late August to bring their vehicles to their local dealership for repairs.

Nissan is recalling 2009 and 2010 model year 46,000 Cube hatchbacks built between January 30, 2009 and July 30, 2010 for fuel leakage resulting from rear-end collisions.

Chrysler is recalling about 22,000 sport utility vehicles and trucks to fix brake tubes that could lead to the loss of brake fluid.

Chrysler says its recall affects certain 2010 Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wranglers that could have defective brake tubes. The problem could lead to the loss of brake fluid, making it difficult to brake and posing the  threat of a crash.    Chrysler says owners should be notified in August.

Toyota is recalling almost 138,000 Lexus cars due to engine related problems that could also lead to stalling in some cases. It has also informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to file an official Defect Information Report to initiate a recall of the cars affected with this problem.

Toyota also revealed that it is also investigating engine problems that affect 270,000 cars across the world. It claims that these have been caused due to usage of low-quality metal which could lead to cracks which can stop the engines from working in some cases. The Company warned that car owners facing these problems are also likely to experience rough idling part from an abnormal increase in the engine noise.

All the cars affected with this problem include Lexus cars with V8 or V6 engines. The models which are expected to be recalled include model year 2007 and 2008 GS 350 and 450h, 2008 GS 460, 2006 to 2008 IS 350, 2007 and 2008 LS 460 and LS 460L and the 2008 LS 600hL.

Toyota confirmed that owners of these vehicles will be receiving the notification for recall through mail. People will be instructed to visit a Lexus dealership if their car needs a repair. The repair would be carried out for free by Toyota

The defect is in the engine valve spring which produces an unusual sound, results in engine malfunction and in the worst cases stalls the engine while the car is moving.

In its recall notice the automaker said it will replace the defective valve springs with reinforced springs to fix the problem.

  June 2010
GM is recalling about 1.5 million pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles, and passenger cars equipped with heated windshield wiper systems. The systems can overheat and cause fires.
General Motors vehicles affected by the recall include:

The 2006-09 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, and Hummer H2
The 2007-09 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Saturn Outlook
The 2008-09 model year Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS
The 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse

Chrysler is recalling the Dodge Caliber and its sister vehicle, the Jeep Compass because of sticky accelerator pedals. Surprisingly, the parts were built by CTS Automotive, the same company that supplied Toyota with pedal assemblies, but these have a different problem.

Acura is recalling almost 1,900 ZDX crossovers because the passenger-side airbag may not deploy in a crash.

Cadillac is calling back nearly 600 SRX crossovers with the 2.8-liter turbocharged engine. It seems that if a driver puts regular fuel in it and not premium like specified in the owner’s manual AND on the filler door, the engine can start knocking. So what, you say? If the car’s driven aggressively it can break a piston or connecting rod.

Ford is recalling more than 33,000 vehicles for bad seat recliners. In a crash, the seatbacks can fall backward increasing the risk of injury.

May 2010
Chrysler has recalled more than 40,000 cars to fix a problem related to the ignition.
The recall involves 2010 models of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Charger and Ram, and Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee.
The cars use a wireless ignition node that sits in a cradle to start the car. A defect may cause it to come out before it is placed in park and cause the car to unintentionally move.
The recall is expected to begin in July and Chrysler will provide a free fix. For more information contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  April 2010

Mitsubishis calling back twenty-ten models of its Endeavor SUV and Galant sedan. The Endeavor is having trouble with its seat-mounted side-airbags. It seems the brackets that hold them in place may not have been properly welded to the seat frame which can cause the airbags to deploy incorrectly in a crash. That’s not something you want. Mitsubishi Galants are being recalled because the automatic transmission cooler pipe can corrode and leak, which is a fire hazard.

Honda is calling back 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Elements in the U.S. for issues with their Vehicle Stability Assist modulators. Owners of the affected 2007 and 2008 models have been complaining of soft brake pedals. Honda says a tiny amount of air can enter the brake system leading to the problem.

Subaru is recalling 2010 model-year Tribeca crossovers because the latch cables inside the front doors are improperly positioned. This can cause the cable to snag on the window regulator when the glass goes up or down which could unlatch the door.

GM is recalling the company’ heavy-duty full-size vans, the Chevy Express and GMC Savannah. They are having alternator problems that can lead to fires. Owners are advised to stop driving the vehicles, park them away from buildings and disconnect the battery cables. Light-duty vans are NOT affected by the recall. Also, the Feds are looking into some 6.2 million GM pickups and SUVs for brake-line corrosion. It seems over time the lines can rupture, leading to stopping problems. NHTSA has received 110 complaints over the issue.

 March 2, 2010

Nissan is recalling 540,000 vehicles with faulty break pedals and fuel gauges, The Associated Press reports.

Those recalled include pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs. The majority are the in U.S.

The brake pedal problem affects some 2008 to 2010 Nissan Titan pickups, Infiniti QX56 and Nissan Armada SUVs and 2008 and 2009 Nissan Quest minivans. A pin in the pedals can become loose, lessening brake force.

  March 2, 2010
Washington -- General Motors will recall 1.3 million compact vehicles to correct a power steering problem, the company announced late Monday.

GM plans to replace defective power steering motors that are prone to failure, but an exact fix for the affected cars isn't yet ready; customers will be notified when one is, and company officials say the cars can be safely driven until a fix is prepared.

"While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, these vehicles are safe to drive because the customer can still steer the vehicle," Jamie Hresko, GM's vice president of quality, said in a statement.

"When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a 'Power Steering' message will be displayed."

  February 17, 2010
A Toyota official acknowledged Wednesday that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had received dozens of complaints about power steering problems in its hot-selling Corolla subcompact and that the auto giant would "take action" if necessary.

"If we find out that this issue involves the safety of the driver then we will consider a recall," Vice President Shinichi Sasaki said, but added the company hasn't heard anything from the NHTSA beyond that complaints have been lodged.

Sasaki said drivers may feel as though they were losing control over the steering, but it was unclear why. He mentioned problems with the braking system or tires as possible underlying causes of the steering problem.

  February 10, 2010

Honda adds 437,000 cars to global air bag recall
Honda Motor Co. is adding 437,000 vehicles to its 15-month old global recall for faulty airbags in the latest quality problem to hit a Japanese automaker.

The company will replace the driver's side air bag inflator in the cars because they can deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator to rupture and injure or kill the driver.

Japan's No. 2 automaker originally announced the recall to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November 2008 and the total of number vehicles recalled since then is approaching 1 million.

The latest expansion of the airbag recall includes 378,000 cars in the U.S., some 41,000 cars in Canada and 17,000 cars in Japan, Australia and elsewhere in Asia. The North American recall was announced Tuesday and followed Wednesday by the recall in Asia.

The recall now affects 952,118 vehicles, including certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.

Honda said it is aware of 12 incidents linked to the problem — one death in May 2009 and 11 injuries. The company said it is not aware of any problems happening after July 2009.

  February 9, 2010

Toyota recalled more than 400,000 Priuses worldwide today and added the Lexus HS250h and Sai hybrid to the list. The Sai is a version of the HS250h that is only sold in Japan.

  January 29, 2010

Honda Motor Co. (HMC) announced a voluntary worldwide recall of 646,000 compact cars so that it can examine window switches that can overheat if exposed to liquid, causing smoke or melting or even catch fire.
Only about 10% of the Fit hatchbacks recalled will need replacement switches, with the remainder requiring the fitment of waterproof skirts to prevent water seeping in.

“Under some severe operating conditions, water, rain, or other liquid may enter the driver’s window and reach the master power window switch, resulting in impaired function of the switch,” the Japanese car maker said in a statement. “If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the liquid intrusion, it may result in failure of the switch and overheating.

“An overheating switch may cause smoke, melting or, potentially, fire,” it added.

The recall affects models built in Japan, China, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia and India. Of the vehicles being recalled, 171,372 are in the U.K., where the model is known as the Jazz, 141,140 are in the U.S. and 229,000 are in Latin America.

January 21, 2010 

Toyota announced that it’s voluntarily recalling 2.3-million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals. This action is SEPARATE from the ongoing 4.2-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles called back for pedal entrapment.

Next, Ford is looking into pickups built between 2004 and 2006 for a potential airbag issue. Up to 1.6 million trucks could be affected by a defect that causes the airbags to go off without warning. The company believes the trouble could be caused by an electrical short.

Chrysler is in hot water over brake-rod clips on certain 2009 and 2010 models. The brake rod could separate from the pedal assembly resulting in stopping problems.

Toyota's included on recalls