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Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Toyota

Toyota has announced that it’s recalling 214,000 RAV4 models and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander HV models for side curtain airbag issues. The voluntary recall covers certain 2007 and 2008 models, all of which will need a new Curtain Shield Airbag Sensor Assembly.

The roll-sensing curtain shield airbag system contains two sensors that detects roll angle. In the event that one of the sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light illuminates. That means the side-curtain airbags won’t work in a roll-over, though the airbags would still be available in the event of a side collision. If both sensors fail “near simultaneously,” however, the seat belt pretensioner and, more importantly, the curtain shield airbag could inadvertantly be activated.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail in the next month. Once customers have been notified, they will be able to take their RAV4 or Highlander to the nearest Toyota dealer for a free repair. Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official announcement.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor

Toyota recalls 308,000 RAV4 and Highlander models over airbag sensor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing?

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Hyundai, Nissan

Nissan Versa 1.6 Base

As you’ve likely noticed, new cars aren’t getting cheaper. Pack enough options onto a new C-segment hatchback or sedan, and it’s not difficult to elevate the MSRP to $25,000 or more. At the same time, there are still plenty of B-segment and C-segment vehicles that can be had for $16,000 or less, and the base Nissan Versa can still be snagged for $9,990; albeit with zero options and no radio. The same goes for the cheapest Hyundai Accent, which starts at $9,985.

How much longer can Nissan continue to offer a new car for under $10,000? USA Today thinks those days are about over, as the 2012 Versa is set to bow at next week’s New York Auto Show. The new Versa appears to be better looking and more refined than the model it replaces, making a $10,000 price tag unlikely. The new Accent is another probable candidate to drop its $10K model. It’s also expected to make an appearance in New York, and should be markedly improved over the current car in all respects.

So, does the arrival of the next-generation Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent mean the end of the $10,000 vehicle? Does it even matter? While the ultra-cheap stripper models are handy marketing tools for their manufacturers, a shopper with $10,000 to spend can get a lot of car for that money on the used market. With a radio and A/C to boot.

[Source: USA Today]

Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reportedly recalling 136,000 M Class models over cruise control problem

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz is issuing a recall for its 2000-2002 M-Class and 2000-2004 M-Class AMG models after reports that hitting the brakes may not automatically turn off cruise control. The recall affects 136,751 vehicles built between August 1999 and June 2004.

The recall follows a preliminary investigation the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started in December, 2010. The root of the problem is reportedly a failed brake lamp switch, which can cause not only the cruise control issue, but also prevent the vehicle being shifted out of park and a failure of the brake lights.

Though the investigation by NHTSA is only a few months old, Daimler AG issued a technical service bulletin in May, 2005 to replace the faulty brake lamp switch. According to Daimler, the problem can be solved by pumping the brakes to disengage cruise, but the automaker admits that it may require an “unusually high” amount of pressure on the pedal.

Mercedes dealers will replace the switch for affected customers when the recall begins in September.

[Source: The Detroit News]

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Mercedes-Benz reportedly recalling 136,000 M Class models over cruise control problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds

Filed under: Performance, Truck, BMW

BMW M3 Pickup

BMW M3 Pickup – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s the First of April and the fun has officially begun here in Munich. BMW has officially taken the wraps off the M3 pickup after our spy shooters caught it running the ‘Ring late last month. And as we exclusively revealed, it’s the Bavarian’s idea of an April Fools prank.

However, that doesn’t mean that the uteified M3 isn’t a full-fledged performer. It’s packing the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 as its sedan, coupe and convertible brethren, but despite lopping off the back, BMW discovered during wind-tunnel testing that it’s coefficient of drag is close to that of the M3 coupe. It comes complete with a with a removable targa top, weighs some 110 pounds less than its drop-top sibling and topped out at the Nurburgring at 186 mph. Pop the removal roof and the M3 pickup sheds another 44 pounds, and in keeping with every automaker’s standard measurement of trunk capacity – the golf bag – the pickup can tote 20 bags of irons. Oh, and there’s a trailer hitch to boot.

Naturally, serial production isn’t going to happen, but the M3 pickup will serve as the workshop transport vehicle for BMW’s M division. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Gallery: BMW M3 Pickup – Live

Gallery: BMW M3 Pickup

Continue reading Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds

Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM recalling 2,000 laid-off workers

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

UAW President Bob King

According to the United Auto Workers, General Motors will recall another 2,000 of its laid-off workers by September. The UAW told The Detroit News that most of the recalls will affect southern Michigan, where the economic downturn and subsequent cutbacks hit hardest.

While the General hasn’t specified its timeline yet, UAW officials say the workers will be back building cars by September. With laid-off employees back at work, GM will be able to start hiring again, though the company didn’t provide a timeline for new hires.

The recalls show that General Motors is making progress on its road to recovery after several dire years and the death of four of its brands. According to GM brass, they’re starting a third shift of 750 workers at the Flint, Michigan truck plant, 600 for a second shift to build Cadillacs in Lansing, and 1,550 to build small cars in Lake Orion, Michigan.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: GM recalling 2,000 laid-off workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Shelby Cobra 427 vs Ferrari 458 Italia teased ahead of $400,000 drag fight

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Ferrari

ferrari 458 italia verse shelby cobra drag race

Ferrari 458 Italia versus Shelby Cobra with $400K on the line – Click above to watch video after the jump

Take a moment and pretend you’re a wealthy man or woman. (If you’re already wealthy, take a moment to enjoy the warm green glow from your money… otherwise, time to get back to pretending.) Would you rather spend your money on a modern Italian sportscar or a classic American muscle car?

Let’s say you pick one and your wealthy friend picks the other… you’d probably want to take both to the track and see who bought the faster machine, right? That’s just what the two folks in the following video do with a Ferrari 458 Italia and Shelby Cobra.

Not content with a basic Gentleman’s Bet, the duo decide to put serious cash on the line. The winner of the race gets $400,000. The clip, which you can see after the jump, is just a teaser, but the full video is promised soon. Which car is going to make that quarter-mile trip in less time and have its owner walk away $400,000 richer, the Cobra or the Ferrari? Sound off in the comments.

[Source: YouTube via Zer Customs]

Continue reading Video: Shelby Cobra 427 vs Ferrari 458 Italia teased ahead of $400,000 drag fight

Video: Shelby Cobra 427 vs Ferrari 458 Italia teased ahead of $400,000 drag fight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Ford

2008 Ford F-250

Due to some apparently shoddy rubber, Continental and Ford are recalling 2008-2009 F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks equipped with certain tires. The issue lies with nearly 400,000 Continental tires that are susceptible to uneven wear and, in certain situations, can experience tread belt separation. If that occurs, the risk of an accident will rise substantially.

This recall affects trucks built from May 6th, 2007 through September 20th, 2008. Approximately 390,657 units are faulty and the specific tires in question are:

Continental Contitrac LT275/70R18 125/122S (outline white letters, black sidewall)
Continental Contitrac TR BSW LT275/70R18 125/122S (black sidewall)
Continental Contitrac TR OWL LT275/70R18 125/122S

Click past the jump to read the full NHTSA bulletin. And yes, we clearly are all reminded that this isn’t the first foray Ford has had with not-so-great tires…

[Source: NHTSA via Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups

Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Kia

2007 Kia Optima

According to The Detroit News, Kia is recalling 70,115 examples of its 2006-2008 Optima sedans over a weak shift cable that could break and cause the car to roll unexpectedly when parked. Kia first noticed the problem in 2007 and changed manufacturing processes to try and cure the issue. They also notified technicians to look for flaws in customers’ Optimas and address the issue if there was a problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation into the 2007 model in November after getting three reports of weak or broken shift cables in automatic transmission cars preventing owners from shifting between Park, Drive and Reverse. In one case, a broken cable caused a parked car to roll away.

In response to the NHTSA inquiry, Kia has done more testing and evaluation on the cars and decided that a recall was necessary. Despite the recall, Kia says the problem hasn’t resulted in any “real world safety incidents.”

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: AOL Autos]

Report: Kia recalling 70,000 Optima sedans over rollaway fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 10,000 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX models face faulty defroster recall

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, GM

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and General Motors have announced the recall of 10,000 vehicles. According to The Detroit News, certain 2011 Cadillac SRX and 2011 Buick Lacrosse models may have been built with a defect that can prevent the vehicle’s defroster from effectively clearing the windshield. NHTSA is concerned that the reduced visibility could lead to an accident.

The problem was discovered to during a production trial, in which one in 50 vehicles exhibited the defect.

At the moment, no crashes or incidents have been reported as a result of the programming error, though it’s worth noting that only a third of the 10,179 vehicles covered by the recall actually belong to customers. The rest are either unsold or are awaiting delivery.

GM dealers will reprogram the HVAC software to fix the bug free of charge.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac SRX

2011 Cadillac SRX

Gallery: 2011 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: 10,000 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX models face faulty defroster recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans racked up 3,000,000,000,000 miles traveled last year

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

American drivers logged 3 trillion miles traveled in 2010

The Department of Transportation has released data revealing that American drivers clocked over 2.9 trillion miles traveled in 2010. According to DOT, that’s a .7 percent, or 20.5 billion-mile) increase over 2009, and the highest rate since 2007.

The area between Texas and Kentucky saw the biggest increase in miles traveled at 1.4 percent, with motorists travelling 46.6 billion miles in that area in 2010. The area from Delaware to Florida saw a .4 percent decrease in miles traveled, shaving 214 million miles off that locale’s annual total.

Despite the increase in miles traveled, traffic fatalities in 2010 were at their lowest since 1950. We wouldn’t expect the same increase in miles driven for next year, as gas prices are expected to climb to $4 a gallon over the summer, but we’ll see… Americans love road trips, no?

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty]

Americans racked up 3,000,000,000,000 miles traveled last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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