The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain 2005-2006 Ford Taurus vehicles after receiving 14 reports of stuck throttles. Consumer complaints alleged vehicle engines could rev as high at 4,000 RMP after shifting into “park” or “neutral”, and difficulty stopping the vehicle has resulted in dangerous situations for drivers. According to these reports, the problem could be the result of a stuck throttle due to the cruise control cable detaching. If this preliminary investigation should lead to a vehicle recall, an estimated 360,000 vehicles could be affected.

Ford is recalling certain 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and 2004-2005 Mercury Monterey minivans for a problem with the transmission that could result in a sudden loss of power. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the torque converter output shaft could fail. The recall is expected to affect over 200,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the torque converter problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford is recalling some 2012 Ford Expedition and 2012 Lincoln Navigator SUVs because some vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for head restraints. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some vehicles may have inadequate welds on the head restraint support brackets for the second row, right hand seat. In the event of an accident, the passenger may not receive the proper head restraint protection increasing their chance of injury. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford is recalling certain 2001-2002 Escape SUVs for a problem with the brake system, that could lead to a fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the master cylinder reservoir cap could leak fluid onto an anti-lock brake system (ABS) wiring harness connector, causing it to corrode. The corroded connector could short, overheat, and eventually start a fire. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the ABS electrical system will be modified. Ford will be notifying customers starting the last week of January, but because of parts delays, instructions will be given to park vehicles outside until parts become available. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford will be notifying owners of some 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, to take their vehicles in to the nearest dealership to get the rear wheel studs replaced. According to a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the wheel studs may fracture and the wheel could separate from the vehicle. Under the recall, dealerships will inspect the rear brake disc surface for flatness, replace any worn disks, and will replace the wheel lugs on all four wheels. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford is recalling certain 2011-2012 F-Series pickup trucks, for a problem with the brake shift interlock switch. The interlock switch may allow the driver to shift out of “park” without pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle could lunge forward unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash and and injury to pedestrians and other vehicles nearby. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

Ford has announced a recall for certain 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles equipped with 17 inch steel wheels. The recall comes after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation in January, where customers complained of cracking wheel studs on their low mileage vehicles. Ford said drivers could experience vehicle vibration leading to the wheel separating from the vehicle completely. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

GM sales strong in ChinaThe end of 2011 looks promising for the auto industry as vehicle sales climb almost 14% in November. Analysts predict that lower gas prices and a wider availability of Japanese automobiles, could lead the industry reaching its highest December sales in two years. The Big Three automobile manufacturers showed the biggest increases with Chrysler sales up almost 50%, Ford up 13%, and General Motors up 7%.

According to Edmunds.com, “Many consumers who held off buying a new vehicle because of the uncertain economy, or because of inventory shortages that caused prices to jump, are now making a purchase. The result is a “mini-bubble” that will most likely end in early 2012.