Auto-Tech HQ » Recalls

GM Recalls 1.3 million Cars For Power Steering Problem

administrator — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:16:20 +0000

General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Reportedly, overtime the motors can fail and lead to a loss of power steering.

When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.

Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Model:

·2005 – 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 – 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 – 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)

DETROIT — General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.

“After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty,” said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. “Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers’ peace of mind.

“While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle,” Hresko said. “When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a ‘Power Steering’ message will be displayed.”

Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.

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Volvo Recalls Over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 Vehicles

administrator — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:13:14 +0000

Two different recalls have been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Both recalls are due to the fuel system problems that could effect more than 140,000 vehicles.

The first recall is for 2001-2005 S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks when exposed to hot temperatures, causing a flange to leak fuel which in turn may result in a vehicle fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with new flange at no charge.

The second recall is for 2010 XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged line may leak, which may result in vehicle fire. Owners of these models should bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge.

The recalls are scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Owners may contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information or visit or call their local dealer. For more detailed information please read the announcement below.

Announcement:

Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S60 2001-2004
VOLVO / S80 2002-2005
VOLVO / V70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC70 2001-2004
VOLVO / XC90 2003-2005

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 17, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V483000 PE09039
NHTSA Action Number: PE09039

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 136100

Summary:

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY.

Consequence:

IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND, IF IT IS THE DEFECTIVE PUMP, REPLACE IT WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE CAMPAIGN IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 866-637-3774.

Notes:

VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R220. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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Vehicle Make / Model / Model Years(s):

VOLVO / XC60 2010

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 09, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V477000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Potential Number of Units Affected: 5253

Summary:

VOLVO IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE RAIL COVER THAT PROTECTS THE FUEL LINES UNDER THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED EXPOSING THE FUEL LINES TO DAMAGE.

Consequence:

DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINES MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL LINE RAIL COVER FOR PROPER ATTACHMENT AND REATTACH IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes:

VOLVO RECALL R218. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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Mitsubishi Recalls Almost 30k 2008-2009 Lancer and Lancer EVO Models

administrator — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:38:28 +0000

NHTSA has announced that Mitsubishi is recalling up to 29,353 2008-2009 Lancer and Lancer Evolution models over a potential corrosion of the front impact airbag sensor problem. The concern is that long-term exposure to a mixture of melted snow and salt on the road may cause the wintery mixture to adhere to the front impact sensor and lead to corrosion over time. In the event of an accident or collision, a damaged sensor may short-circuit and delay airbag deployment possibly causing driver or passenger injury. The recall right now is limited to states where heavy road salt is used in the winter.

Mitsubishi dealers have been instructed to replace the airbag sensors with a redesigned model with improved corrosion resistance. The safety recall is scheduled to begin November 27, 2009, but owners may contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations at 888-648-7820 for more information

Please read a complete press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: 2008-2009
Model Year(s): MITSUBISHI / LANCER
MITSUBISHI / LANCER EVOLUTION

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V435000

Summary:

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.

Consequence:

THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OR THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLES CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 888-648-7820.

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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GM Recalling 53,000 Chevy, Saturn, and Pontiac Models

administrator — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:11:47 +0000

GM is recalling 53,000 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion models for a potential fuel leak problem, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. 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.

The plastic supply or return line on the cars’ modular reservoir assembly may crack, potentially leading to a fuel leak that could cause fire. Dealers will replace the fuel pump module on the affected vehicles for free. If you have questions and concerns, you can call 1-800-630-2438 (Cobalt), 1-800-972-8876 (Ion) or 1-800-620-7668 (G5). Read the official press release below.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CHEVROLET / COBALT 2006-2007
PONTIAC / G5 2007
SATURN / ION 2006-2007
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: OCT 22, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V419000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 52937

Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA AND NEVADA; AND MODEL YEAR 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT, PONTIAC G5 AND SATURN ION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, NEVADA AND TEXAS. THE PLASTIC SUPPLY OR RETURN PORT ON THE MODULAR RESERVOIR ASSEMBLY MAY CRACK. IF EITHER OF THESE PORTS DEVELOPS A CRACK, FUEL WILL LEAK FROM THE AREA. IF THE CRACK BECOMES LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY BE OBSERVED DRIPPING ONTO THE GROUND AND VEHICLE PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED.

Consequence:
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. A SPECIAL COVERAGE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME FOR MODEL YEAR 2006 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE AND TEXAS AND MODEL YEAR 2007 VEHICLES REGISTERED IN: ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA AND TENNESSEE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes:
GM RECALL NO. 090226. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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Nissan recalls 163,000+ 2008-2009 Rogue Vehicles

administrator — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:18:46 +0000

Yesterday we have reported that Nissan has recalled 2009-2010 Altimas, and today, we bring you more news from Nissam on an even larger safety problem that impacting its Rogue vehicles. Nissan is recalling 163,659 2008 and 2009 model year Rogue crossovers due to a very serious issue involving the steering gear housing cover. The NHTS Administration is reporting that a screw could loosen, potentially causing a very big issue with steering response, which in turn can result in total loss of steering.

Rogue owners will be contacted by Nissan to have the repair scheduled at the local Nissan dealer. The dealers will re-tighten the screw and install a cover plate to prevent the screw from loosening in the future. If you dont hear anything from nissan by Mid November, and are currently experiencing steering issues you should stop by the local dealer as soon as possible.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
NISSAN / ROGUE 2008-2009

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Mfr’s Report Date: OCT 14, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V411000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Potential Number of Units Affected: 163659

Summary:
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 ROGUE VEHICLES. A SCREW IN THE STEERING GEAR HOUSING COVER MAY LOOSEN OVER TIME AND COULD FALL OUT. AS IT LOOSENS, THE STEERING RESPONSE OF THE VEHICLE MAY BE COMPROMISED BUT THE DRIVER WILL RETAIN STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence:
THE SCREW MAY EVENTUALLY COME OUT OF THE STEERING GEAR COVER. IF LARGE STEERING INPUTS ARE MADE WITH THE COVER SCREW MISSING THE PINION SHAFT MAY COME OUT OF THE STEERING GEAR RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT WHETHER THE STEERING GEAR COVER SCREW IS LOOSE AND WILL BE RETIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL A COVER PLATE TO PREVENT THE SCREW FROM POSSIBLY COMING OUT OF THE STEERING GEAR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV

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Nissan Recalls 26,000+ 2009-2010 Altima and Maxima Models

administrator — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:30:57 +0000

Nissan is recalling 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima and Maxima over a suspension issue. The problem is the upper front strut insulators on some cars may crack. Nissan is notifying all the owners this month and the mentiones taht all the repairs will be taken care of by the dealers. If you have a car that fits this specification and have not recieved a nitice yet, contact your dealer to get your car inspected and repaired.

PRESS RELEASE

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
NISSAN / ALTIMA 2009-2010
NISSAN / MAXIMA 2009-2010

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 10, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V358000

Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26398

Summary:
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.

Consequence:
IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV

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Ford Recalls 4.5 million Vehicles

administrator — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:30 +0000

Ford has been having the issue with leaking cruise control switches in certain vehicles for years. As of 2008, it had recalled some 9.6 million vehicles to repair a faulty TI (Texas Instruments) cruise-control deactivation switch, and after an NHTSA investigation, 4.5 million more Ford and Mercury vehicles have been added to the recall.

The latest recall covers these vehicles:

1992-2003 Ford Econoline
2000-2003 Ford Excursion
1995-2002 Ford Explorer
1993-1997, 1999-2003 Ford F-Series Super Duty
1994 Ford F-53 chassis
1995-1997, 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
1995-2003 Ford Windstar
1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineer

According to NHTSA, the switch can leak and overheat, which can lead to smoking and, in some cases, fire. The Detroit News notes that the switches have been faulted in more than 550 fires, some of which led to fatalities. A Ford statement declared, “Aside from the Windstar, the additional vehicles addressed in this action have different system parameters and do not pose an unreasonable risk to safety. Ford is taking this action on all of these vehicles to address possible customer waries.

The recall begins on October 26. Anyone with an affected vehicle can take it to a Ford dealer and have the switch repaired with a fused harness. Owners can get more information directly from NHTSA by calling the government agency’s hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Source: The Detroit News

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Toyota to Recall 3.8M Vehicles Over Accelerator Pedal Clearance

administrator — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:45:33 +0000

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has issued a safety alert to Toyota and Lexus owners particularly on the following models:

2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2007-2010 ES 350
2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

A full recall of approximately 3.8 million vehicles will soon be made. The issue involves a problem with floor mats in certain models that have caused the accelerator pedal to get stuck in an open throttle position. There seem to be clearance issues with these floor mats and the accelerator pedals, as well as issues required to shut off vehicles with keyless ignitions. Toyota and NHTSA is warning owners to remove the mats immediately and not replace them with mats from Toyota or any other brand!

This will be the Toyota’s largest ever recall in the U.S. as soon as they figure out the solution. In the mean time, if you own one of the above mentioned vehicles, be smart and remove the driver-side floor mat.

PRESS RELEASE

TOYOTA OWNERS ARE CAUTIONED ABOUT FLOOR MATS AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL INTERFERENCE

Toyota to Launch a Safety Recall on Specific Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today alerted Lexus and Toyota owners about conditions that could cause the accelerator to get stuck open under certain conditions. The agency strongly recommends taking out removable floor mats on the driver’s side in certain models and not to replace them with any other mat, either from Toyota or any other brand.

“This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly urge owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration.”

NHTSA notes that there continue to be reports of accelerator pedal clearance issues which provide the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position. A stuck accelerator may result in very high vehicle speeds and a crash, which could cause serious injury or death.

NHTSA said that Toyota has announced that it will soon launch a safety recall of various model year vehicles to redress the problem. However the safety agency warned owners to remove all driver-side floor mats from the models listed below immediately as an interim safety measure in advance of the recall.

Toyota and Lexus vehicles affected by this consumer alert are:

2007-2010 Camry
2005-2010 Avalon
2004-2009 Prius
2005-2010 Tacoma
2007-2010 Tundra
2007-2010 ES 350
2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

In September 2007, Toyota recalled an accessory all-weather floor mat sold for use in some 2007 and 2008 model year Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry vehicles because of similar problems.

Today’s advisory was precipitated by continued reports of vehicles accelerating rapidly after release of the accelerator pedal. The incidents appear to be related to factors including the use of a variety of unsecured mats, the particular configuration of the accelerator pedals in these vehicles, and the unique steps needed to shut off the engines in some of these vehicles with keyless ignition.

For more information, consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Hotline at 888-327-4236 or the Toyota Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987. Information from Toyota is also posted at http://www.toyota.com and http://www.lexus.com

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Nissan Recalling 26,000 2009-2010 Altimas and Maximas

administrator — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:15:52 +0000

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima and Maxima models to correct the problem with faulty suspension components that may contribute to an accident. This recall involves up to 26,398 vehicles. The component that may cause this issue has been identified as the upper front strut insulators. The poor design insulators may crack; allowing the struts to move and get miss positioned which in turn can cause vehicle instability and potentially lead to a crash.

Nissan dealerships will rectify this problem at no charge to the customers. Theofficial recall campaign begins October 5, but consumers may contact Nissan at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261), or the NHTSA’s Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) for further information.

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

NISSAN / ALTIMA 2009-2010

NISSAN / MAXIMA 2009-2010

Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 10, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V358000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26398

Summary:

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 ALTIMA AND MAXIMA PASSENGER CARS. THE UPPER FRONT STRUT INSULATORS MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION RESULTING IN A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT INSULATOR TO CRACK.

Consequence:

IF THE STRUT INSULATOR IS CRACKED, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE STRUT ROD TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION, WHICH COULD AFFECT VEHICLE STABILITY AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE FRONT STRUT INSULATORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261).

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK

administrator — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:51:35 +0000

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has issued a recall on 6,903 Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged engines that are made between model year 2008 - 2009. According to the report, that operating the engine at certain speeds over a period of time may cause vibrations that could lead to a stress crack in the fuel pipe that could result in fuel leakage that could cause a fire.

Dealers will be instructed to replace the fuel pipe with a new component and add two new additional attachment brackets to decrease the vibration effect. All of this work will be performed free of charge. Owners of the recalled Mitsubishi vehicles may contact the manufacturer at 1-888-648-7820, or contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Source: NHTSA

Vehicle Make / Model: MITSUBISHI LANCER

Model Year(s): 2008-2009

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Mfr’s Report Date: SEP 08, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V349000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 6903

Summary:

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.

Consequence:

IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy:

THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

Notes:

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV

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