Automotive Recall

RECALL: BMW recalling 1.3 million 5 and 6 Series models worldwide

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:37:03 GMT

RECALL: BMW recalling 1.3 million 5 and 6 Series models worldwide

BMW has announced it is recalling a whopping 1.3 million 5 Series and 6 Series vehicles from the 2003 to 2010 model years. Of those, Reuters notes that some 368,000 examples were sold in the U.S. – most of them sedans like the one above.

It doesn't sound like too difficult of a problem to fix, but the automaker says the cars' battery cable covers could be incorrectly mounted. BMW says no accidents or injuries have occurred because of the issue, but there is the potential that affected models may fail to start, or worse, catch fire.

Owners will be receiving a letter soon and will be asked to visit a BMW dealer for about a 30-minute repair session.

A company spokesman tells The Wall Street Journal that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been notified. Just 9 months ago, BMW was penalized $3 million for failing to report safety defects to NHTSA quickly enough. It looks like they may have learned their lesson

PRESS RELEASE

BMW AG Quality Measure. Previous generation BMW 5 and 6 Series models built between 2003 and 2010.

In order to carry out a quality measure, the BMW AG is re-calling all BMW 5 and 6 Series models of the previous generation, built between 2003 and 2010 and still on the market for repair at authorised dealers.

In some remote cases, the battery cable cover inside the boot of these vehicles may be incorrectly mounted.

This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire.

We are not aware of any accidents or injury to persons resulting from this fault.

Vehicle owners will be notified in writing. Affected vehicles will remain at the respective BMW
Partner repair workshop for approximately 30 minutes, the service, of course, being free of charge to the customer.

Approximately 1.3 million vehicles worldwide are affected.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 2011 - 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:41:02 GMT

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 2011 - 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES

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.

12V042000
Vehicle Make / Model:
Model Year(s):

DODGE / CHARGER
2011-2012
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Mfr's Report Date: FEB 06, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V042000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 9,688

Summary:
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 and 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE VEHICLES. THE LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS OF SOME VEHICLES COULD FAIL DUE TO AN OVERHEATED BULB HARNESS CONNECTOR. OTHER VEHICLES MAY LOSE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUNCTION DUE TO AN OVERHEATED POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER.

Consequence:
THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF VISIBILITY AND/OR BRAKING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP JUMPER HARNESSES AND RELOCATE THE ABS/ESC SYSTEM FUSE WITHIN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes:
CHRYSLER'S RECALL NUMBER IS M01. 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 .

RECALL: Maserati recalls Granturismo over potential taillamp failures

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:50:59 GMT

RECALL: Maserati recalls Granturismo over potential taillamp failures

Maserati has announced a recall of certain 2008-2010 Granturismo models over faulty tail lamps. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the coupes may have been assembled with a defective rear lamp assembly. The lights could then fail to illuminated, potentially causing an accident. NHTSA says Maserati will replace the units free of charge once the campaign begins this month. The recall covers 1,768 Granturismo models.

THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S REPORT

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
Maserati / GRANTURISMO 2008-2010
Manufacturer: Maserati NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JAN 25, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V024000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,768
Summary:
Maserati IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 GRANTURISMO AND GRANTURISMO CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2008 TO MARCH 2010. DUE TO A FAULTY LAMP ASSEMBLY, THE REAR LIGHTS (BOTH TAIL AND BRAKE) MAY FAIL.
Consequence:
TAIL AND/OR BRAKE LAMP FAILURE COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VEHICLE VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
Maserati WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AFFECTED REAR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT Maserati AT 1-201-816-2600.
Notes:
Maserati'S SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 198. 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.

RECALL: Toyota recalling 550,000 vehicles worldwide

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:04:26 GMT

RECALL: Toyota recalling 550,000 vehicles worldwide

Toyota has announced that it is recalling more than 420,000 vehicles in the United States for a potentially faulty crank shaft pulley. A total of 283,200 Toyota vehicles as well as 137,000 Lexus vehicles may experience a pulley failure in which the inner and outer rings become misaligned. If that happens, owners may experience noise, vibration and a check engine light. If the problem is left untreated, the power steering belt may slip off of the crank shaft pulley, resulting in more steering effort. Toyota says that this could cause an accident, though no problems have been reported so far.

The recall covers the 2004 Toyota Avalon, 2004 and 2005 Toyota Camry, Highlander, Sienna and Solara as well as the 2006 Highlander HV, 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES 350 and RX 330. The 2006 Lexus RX 400h is also included in the recall, which covers a total of 550,000 vehicles worldwide. Toyota says that the company is currently in the process of acquiring the parts necessary to replace the faulty crank shaft pulley and that the company will inspect and replace the faulty piece free of charge

PRESS RELEASE

TORRANCE, Calif., November 9, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS), today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine.

There is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. If this condition is not corrected, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley and the driver may notice a sudden increase in steering effort. There are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The vehicles involved are certain:

* 2004 Avalon
* 2004 and 2005 Camry, Highlander, Sienna, and Solara
* 2006 Highlander HV
* 2004 and 2005 ES330 and RX330
* And 2006 RX400h

No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles or these Toyota models with 4 cylinder engines are involved.

Toyota is currently working on obtaining the necessary replacement parts. Once the replacement parts have been produced in sufficient quantities, Toyota will send an owner notification by first class mail advising owners to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer to have the crankshaft pulley inspected and if necessary, replaced at no charge. The owner notifications will be mailed by first class mail beginning in January, 2012.

In the meantime, if an abnormal noise is heard coming from the engine compartment, the owner is asked to make an appointment with any Toyota or Lexus dealer to have the vehicle inspected for this condition.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800-331-4331) or www.lexus.com/recall and Lexus Customer Satisfaction (1 800-255-3987).

RECALL: Chevrolet Corvette recall over faulty hinges

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:10:06 GMT

RECALL: Chevrolet Corvette recall over faulty hinges

General Motors is recalling 5,755 2011-2012 Chevrolet Corvette coupes for potentially faulty hatch hinges that could break loose in a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear hatch hinges on Vettes built between January and September don't meet federal weight capacity requirements.

The recall was scheduled to start on Oct. 7. According to the recall, dealers will notify owners of the recall and inspect and replace both hinges for free as necessary

PRESS RELEASE

Report Date : October 9, 2011 at 12:45 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V491000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
Chevrolet / CORVETTE 2011-2012
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr's Report Date: OCT 03, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V491000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,755
Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 Chevrolet CORVETTE COUPE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 24, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS". THE REAR HATCH HINGES MAY NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD.
Consequence:
THE REAR HATCH COULD SEPARATE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy:
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR HATCH HINGES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT Chevrolet AT 1-800-630-2438 .
Notes:
GM'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11258. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

RECALL: Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:34:08 GMT

RECALL: Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue

Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 347,000 examples of its Pilot crossovers worldwide for a potential issue with the front seatbelts.

Honda says the recall, which affects 2009-2011 model year Pilot models built in Alabama, is "due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing." The affected seatbelts could disconnect from the anchor webbing in an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.

Honda will contact Pilot owners in early October and will inspect the stitching on front seatbelts of the recalled vehicles. Assemblies will be replaced free of charge if Honda deems them to be defective. Honda says almost 311,000 of the recalled Pilot models are registered in the U.S., 10,000 in Canada, 8,000 in Mexico and the rest in other countries. Fortunately, Honda says no injuries or deaths have been reported related to this issue

Source: [ Honda, Autoblog ]

PRESS RELEASE

Statement by American Honda Regarding Seat Belt Stitching Recall: 2009-2011 Honda Pilot

09/09/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda will voluntarily recall 310,773 Pilot vehicles from the 2009 through 2011 model years in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the driver's and/or front passenger's seat belt.

Honda initiated this voluntary recall due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing. In a crash, affected seat belts may become disconnected from the anchor webbing, increasing the risk of injury. No injuries or deaths have been reported related to this condition.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of affected vehicles to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification of this recall from Honda. The only way to concretely determine whether the seat belts in an affected vehicle were properly completed is through a specific inspection process conducted by an authorized dealer; the inspection (and any necessary seat belt replacement) will be conducted for free. Written notification to customers will begin in early October 2011.

When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling its obligation and responsibility to alert customers. To this end, in addition to contacting customers by mail, after early October, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicles require repair by going on-line to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

RECALL: Ford recalls 1.1 million vehicles, including F-150, for corrosion

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:12:01 GMT

RECALL: Ford recalls 1.1 million vehicles, including F-150, for corrosion

WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 1 million trucks, including the F-150, the top-selling U.S. vehicle, because straps that secure fuel tanks to the vehicles may corrode and cause the tanks to fall.

The defect has led to three fires and one injury, Ford spokesman Wesley Sherwood said in an e-mail. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the recall today on its Web site.

The recalls follow an investigation opened last year by the U.S. auto-safety regulator. They are being made in 21 U.S. states, and the District of Columbia, where de-icing chemicals used on roads in cold weather may cause corrosion of the metal straps.

The trucks being recalled are "older, higher-mileage" vehicles and have fuel-tank straps that "can corrode after operation for extended periods of time in high-corrosion areas," Sherwood said.

Ford said the recall covers 1.1 million pickup trucks, including F-150s from model years 1997 to 2004; F-250s from model years 1997 to 1999; and Lincoln Blackwoods from model years 2002 to 2003.

The company said it will notify owners of affected vehicles in mid-September and make repairs at no cost.

Ford earlier this year recalled more than 1 million F-150s for air-bag defects after a push by U.S. regulators. Air bags in trucks from model years 2004 to 2006 may not deploy when needed

NHTSA upgrades probe of 317,000 Ford, Mercury cars

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:29:25 GMT

NHTSA upgrades probe of 317,000 Ford, Mercury cars

DETROIT (Reuters) -- U.S. safety regulators have upgraded an investigation into consumer complaints that 2010 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan cars may suffer from wheel stud fractures that could cause a wheel to come off.

The preliminary investigation of 317,315 Ford Motor Co. mid-sized sedans was upgraded to an engineering analysis, according to information posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.

Regulators said Ford's investigation of the root cause of the alleged defect is ongoing, so it upgraded its probe to further study the potential problem.

"We'll fully cooperate with the government as they review this matter," Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said. "We are not aware at this point of any allegations of injuries related to this matter."

There were 29 complaints and 128 warranty claims related to complaints of fractures in one or more wheel mounting studs on the cars, according to NHTSA, which said it is aware of four reported incidents in which a wheel separated from a car related to the alleged defect.

An engineering analysis typically follows a preliminary investigation, as safety regulators look into a potential problem. These types of probes can, but do not always, lead to recalls should NHTSA determine a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.

RECALL: FORD Recalls The Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:32:44 GMT

RECALL: Ford Recalls The Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego

Ford has announced through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling nearly 3,000 examples of its Five Hundred and Mercury Montego (pictured) sedans from the 2007 model year.

The action, which affects 2,945 vehicles, is due to potentially defective welds between the filler neck and the fuel tank, a condition that could result in a fuel leak or the smell of gasoline reaching the occupants. In the worst-case scenario, a leak could cause a fire. Cars with the affected fuel tank problem could see an illuminated dashboard warning light as a result of the evaporative emissions leak being detected.

Ford will inspect and replace the fuel tank at no cost to owners (those who have already had the procedure done at-cost can apply for reimbursement), and the Dearborn automaker will begin notifying Five Hundred and Montego owners beginning August 15. Report Date : July 17, 2011 at 09:53 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V355000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
Ford / FIVE HUNDRED 2007
MERCURY / MONTEGO 2007

Manufacturer:
Ford MOTOR COMPANY Mfr's Report Date: JUL 07, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V355000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,945

Summary:
Ford IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 Ford FIVE HUNDRED AND MERCURY MONTEGO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. THE FUEL TANKS MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT WELDS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL FILLER NECK SPUD WHICH CAN AFFECT THE STRENGTH OF THE JOINT. SOME FUEL TANK SPUD WELDS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE EXPECTED STRENGTH IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE REAR IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. AN IMPROPER WELD CAN RESULT IN A CRACK IN THE JOINT WHICH COULD ILLUMINATE THE EMISSIONS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT, CAUSE A FUEL ODOR, OR ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK OUT.

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

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT Ford MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332 .

Notes:
Ford'S SAFETY RECALL NO. 11S20. 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 .

RECALL: Chrysler recalls 243,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:12:32 GMT

RECALL: Chrysler recalls 243,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Chrysler Group will recall more than 243,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because of potential problems with tie rod assemblies that may increase the risk of a crash, the automaker and U.S. safety regulators said.

To be recalled are 2008-2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 models, 2008-2011 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4x2 models, 2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 models, and 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 models, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

About 243,000 of the recalled trucks are in the United States. Of those, about 74,000 have already received service on the tie rod assembly, the NHTSA filing said.

Also, about 35,000 pickups in Canada will be recalled as well as some 2,750 in Mexico and 5,700 in other countries.

A Chrysler spokesman said there have been a few crashes and at least one minor injury as a result of the issue.The trucks "may experience a fracture of the left tie rod stud,"

Chrysler told NHTSA. "This condition tends to occur during low speed parking lot type maneuvers when the (driver) is making a left turn."

This may result in the "loss of directional stability" in the left front wheel, increasing the risk of a crash, Chrysler said.

Chrysler said that the risk is highest when making a sharp, 90-degree turn.

The automaker has not yet determined when customers will receive letters alerting them to the recall.