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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Honda recalling 700,000 Fit models over engine fears – 97k in U.S.

Filed under: Budget, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Honda

2009 Honda Fit Sport

2009 Honda Fit Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has announced that the company is recalling around 700,000 vehicles globally for faulty lost motion springs in the valve train. The springs may fatigue and break over time, causing the engine to stall as a result. The recall covers certain 2009-2010 Fit, Freed and City models, and so far the company has received a total of 72 complaints of the issue in Japan and 29 complaints from elsewhere in the world.

No injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of the problem.

A total of 176,000 vehicles are being recalled in Japan, while another 156,000 are being brought in for inspection in China. A full 233,000 models are being recalled through the rest of Asia, and North America should see 122,000 cars head back to the dealership – over 97,000 of which are from the States. Hit the jump for Honda’s official press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2009 Honda Fit Sport

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc /AOL

[Sources: Honda, BBC]

Continue reading Honda recalling 700,000 Fit models over engine fears – 97k in U.S.

Honda recalling 700,000 Fit models over engine fears – 97k in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan

2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into certain late model Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs over corrosion of the driver’s side front strut tower. Affected Queue-By-Fours are from the 1997 to 2003 model years, while the Pathfinders are from 1996 to 2004.

According to NHTSA’s summary, the government organization has received 35 reports of corrosion instances, with 18 citing that this problem caused the vehicle’s steering to suffer. What’s more, five of these reports stated that the steering “shaft” or “column” broke, resulting in a complete loss of steering.

This investigation was opened on January 28, and pending NHTSA’s findings, an official recall should be announced in the near future. For the full summary, follow the jump for NHTSA’s release.

Gallery: 2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX42003 Infiniti QX4

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

2011 GMC Sierra

2011 GMC Sierra – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors is recalling a handful light-duty GMT900 pickups from the 2011 model year due to faulty rear axle cross pins. Both the Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500 are effected, as are the Cadillac Escalade EXT and GMC Sierra 1500 – a total of 1,262 vehicles in all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cites that these rear axle cross pins were not manufactured up to proper specification and that the pin could “fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.” NHTSA further details the consequences of a displaced pin, saying:

“The driver may hear a banging noise coming from the axle. If the pin shifts out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without prior warning.”

GM will begin notifying owners about this problem in January, and dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin without any cost to the customer. NHTSA’s official statement is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra

2011 GMC Sierra2011 GMC Sierra2011 GMC Sierra2011 GMC Sierra2011 GMC Sierra

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears

GM recalls select 2011 model year pickup and SUV models over axle fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Nano retrofitted with four-year warranty to assuage quality fears

Filed under: Safety, Tata

2010 Tata Nano

2011 Tata Nano – click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Nano sales may have started out strong, but a number of price increases and several reports of electrical or exhaust fires have resulted in a huge sales plunge for the world’s most affordable vehicle. Last month, Tata sold just 509 copies of the micro mini – a far cry from the massive waiting list for the Nano back in 2009.

Automotive News reports that the Indian automaker is looking to once again win over perspective buyers by introducing a four-year factory warranty. What’s more, Tata will extend the warranty to all 70,000 owners already in the books. The automaker has attempted to fix the vehicle fire issue as well, offering all 70,000 owners the option of installing “additional safety protection in the exhaust system and the electrical system.” Tata claims that foreign contaminants in and around the electrical system and exhaust system could be responsible for the fires.

Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin

Photos copyright (C)2010 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Tata Nano retrofitted with four-year warranty to assuage quality fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Volvo

2011 Volvo S60 at the beach

Volvo fuel shutoff recall models – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced that the Swedish automaker will recall some 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to a possible flaw in the engine control module. According to NHTSA, a fuel shut-off parameter in the software is too sensitive, and under certain conditions, the engine may stall. Volvo is concerned that the problem may lead to an accident. A total of four models are covered in the recall, including the 2011 S60 and S80 sedans along with the XC60 and XC70 softroaders.

Volvo is scheduled to begin the recall on or before December 10, and owners will have their vehicle’s software updated free of charge to fix the problem. Concerned drivers may contact Volvo directly at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Gallery: Volvo Fuel Cut-Off Recall

[Source: NHTSA]

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Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota president assuages fears that he’s closing all Japanese factories

Filed under: Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota President Akio Toyoda caused something of an uproar in the automaker’s home market of Japan when he suggested that “logically, it doesn’t make sense to manufacture in Japan.” Why? The surging value of the Yen, currently at a 15-year high, compared to the U.S. Dollar.

Considering that the vast majority of vehicles Toyota builds in Japan are intended for export and that the American market is still the automaker’s most important, the value of the Yen is a major stumbling block standing in the way of profits. Still, Toyoda has confirmed that his eponymous company has no intention of entirely halting production in Japan.

What that assurance doesn’t mean, however, is that Toyota won’t continue to shift production overseas in an effort to retain profitability. While none of the Japanese plants will be completely closed, they may see a good portion of their output transferred to facilities in other markets… notably North America.

[Source: Just-Auto]

Report: Toyota president assuages fears that he’s closing all Japanese factories originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche reportedly blocking employees from Facebook over industrial espionage fears

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Porsche

Facebook logoWell, we can forget about seeing any clandestine shots of future Porsche products crop up via Facebook – at least from employees of the German automaker. According to Bloomberg, the company has come down hard on the use of social network sites while workers are on the clock. The reason? The company is worried that “foreign intelligence services” could be peeking in on confidential messages sent between employees using the service. We couldn’t make this stuff up if we tried. Of course, we’re guessing that the higher-ups are also concerned about loose lips sinking the corporate ship using the miracle of the internet.

The company says that work stations throughout the company have been barred from a number of other sites as well, including Xing and eBay. Who knows? Maybe a few German bosses were simply seeing productivity slip and decided to nix everyone’s favorite outlets for procrastination.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Porsche reportedly blocking employees from Facebook over industrial espionage fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

toyota corolla

2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix – Click above for high-res image gallery

toyota matrixToyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn’t confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota’s official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn’t forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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