Last August, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing ignition coils in some Volkswagen vehicles, the automobile maker offered an emission service program to inspect and replace ignition coils installed in some 2001-2007 vehicles. The NHTSA has intensified their investigation because of possible fire problems that could affect almost half a million Volkswagen Passats with four cylinder turbo engines. Additional consumer complaints and records from Volkswagen show that the problem could involve a greater number of vehicles and may lead to a recall.
The NHTSA reported that they have received 14 complaints of fires and another 21 complaints of ignition coil failures that caused vehicles to suddenly lose power. Volkswagen reported another 199 complaints, although it is not clear how many of those involved fires.
Ralph Nader is encouraging Fiat to Recall their recently acquired 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee line because of a vulnerable fuel tank design. The Center for Auto Safety encouraged an investigation in October saying that the fuel tank on these vehicles are not only poorly designed, but are installed behind the rear axle below the bumper which puts them at an increased impact risk. It was also found that the routing of the fuel filler hose increases the possibility of it being pulled out of the tank in a crash. Nader went as far as calling the Grand Cherokee “a modern day Pinto for the soccer mom.”
According to Chrysler, the fuel tanks are not defective. They say that according to their internal studies, the tanks on the Grand Cherokee are no more susceptible to fires in rear impact crashes than any other similar models from other companies.
Toyota has announced a Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 Lexus vehicles to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation. The problem is being blamed on insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), As a result, the pressure sensor could loosen over time leading to a possible fuel leak. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
2006 – 2007 Lexus GS300/350
2006 – 2009 Lexus IS250
2006 – 2008 Lexus IS350
Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and work performed will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner. Owners will receive a safety recall notice by first class mail once parts are available. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota Motor Corporation also announced another recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve, but this recall does not involve vehicles sold in North America.
After four complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles that allegedly had one or more wheel stud fractures. Three of the complaints came from a fleet of vehicles, but different drivers were assigned to each vehicle. All four of the complaints had low mileage and the wheels had never been serviced prior to the problem. All vehicles were equipped with steel wheels with decorative wheel covers and are attached on five wheel studs. If the wheel studs should fracture and break off, it could result in loss of wheel and vehicle control.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
Saab is recalling almost 4,500 passenger cars over fuel pumps that could seize, resulting in the engine stalling. The recall will affect some 2010-2011, 9-3 sedans built between June to October of 2010. The problem is being blamed on pump components that may have been manufactured with incorrect specification. Owners will be notified of the recall in February where dealers will replace the pump free of charge. Owners can contact Saab at (800) 955-9007 .
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it had expanded the recall because some faulty parts were used in production through to Jan. 3 of this year. The new recall includes:
2011 Cadillac Escalade
2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2011 Chevrolet Colorado
2011 Chevrolet Silverado
2011 Chevrolet Suburban
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
2011 GMC Canyon
2011 GMC Sierra
2011 GMC Yukon
2011 GMC Yukon XL
GM said they know of one incident in which a driver experienced a loss of power to the axle, but are not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition. They are urging drivers not to use the vehicles until the problem is fixed.
At the end of December, Ford announced a recall that will affect some 2011 model year F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. There have been no consumer reports of problems due to the defective part, but Ford experienced two vehicles fires at the assembly plant while the vehicles were being built. The problem is being blamed on a faulty Body Control Module (BCM). During a six day period, the module may have been installed in over 15,000 vehicles. Ford will notify customers of the recall beginning January. Owners wanting additional information about the recall can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with their annual list of top safety picks for the 2011 model year vehicles. This year they recognized 66 vehicles, more than double that of last year. Hyundai and their affiliate Kia as well as Volkswagen and their affiliate Audi lead the insurance industry’s list with nine vehicles on the safest new vehicles list. Below are some of the automobile manufactures and their vehicles that made the list.
Audi – A3 sedan, A4 sedans, Q5 SUV
BMW – 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
Buick – LaCrosse, Regal
Cadillac – CTS, SRX
Chevrolet – Malibu, Cruze, Equinox
Chrysler – 200 4-door
Dodge – Avenger, Journey
Ford – Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010, Explorer, Flex
GMC – Terrain
Honda – Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control, Element
Hyundai – Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize, Santa Fe, Tucson
Infinite – M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
Jeep – Grand Cherokee, Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia – Optima, Forte, Soul, Sorento built after March 2010, Sportage
Lexus – RX
Lincoln – MKS, MKZ, MKT
Mercedes – C class, E class coupe, E class sedan, GLK
Mitsubishi – Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
Nissan – Cube
Scion – tC, xB
Subaru – Legacy, Outback, Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX), Tribeca, Forester
Toyota – Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander, Venza
Detroit’s showcase of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of North America’s most prestigious auto exhibitions. Besides being home to the “Big Three” (the three major American automotive companies: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler ), the show serves as a locale for international automakers to show off their most innovative designs and give consumers the experience of North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase. This year’s show is expected to see over 30 all new reveals of the 500 vehicles on display.
Toyota plans to capitalize on their green image as they launch three new Prius models in an attempt to shift public attention to their innovative new products. There will be many other electric and hybrid vehicles as consumers move toward more efficient and zero emission modes of transportation. Ford will introduce their new Focus electric vehicle as well as their Ford Explorer, North American truck of the year. GM’s Chevrolet Volt, named North American car of the year will also be there.
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2011 North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center . Doors will be open to the general public: Saturday, January 15 to Saturday January 22, 9 am – 10 pm and on Sunday, January 23, 9 am to 7 pm.
Last August, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing ignition coils in some Volkswagen vehicles, the automobile maker offered an emission service program to inspect and replace ignition coils installed in some 2001-2007 vehicles. The NHTSA has intensified their investigation because of possible fire problems that could affect almost half a million Volkswagen Passats with four cylinder turbo engines. Additional consumer complaints and records from Volkswagen show that the problem could involve a greater number of vehicles and may lead to a recall.
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