Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

Dodge Ram 4500

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Heavy Duty trucks. The culprit is apparently the left ball stud on the tie rod that could weaken and potentially fracture, which could result in a loss of steering control.

As NHTSA plainly states, “loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.” And that’s a bad thing. Directions on contacting Chrysler or NHTSA can be found after the break, and, of course, the automaker will be fixing affected models free of charge.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss

Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Ray LaHood complaints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got a wee bit busier this year. As of December 14th, the agency reported that it had received over 64,000 complaints. Edmunds’ calculations, which remove duplicates, pegs the figure at more than 40,000 complaints – thanks in no small part to the spate of massive recalls from Toyota.

In fact, NHTSA reports that it received 87 complaints for every 100,000 vehicles sold by Toyota in 2010, more than double the Japanese automaker’s performance from the previous year and the highest percentage of any company selling cars in the United States.

Not that other automakers fared that much better. Nissan came in with the second highest ratio at 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and Volkswagen nabbed third place with 58. The industry average of 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles was up from fewer than 30 in 2009. For what it’s worth, Ford and Honda had the lowest ratios of complaints, and there was little difference between American and Japanese manufacturers.

These complaints are a good thing, says NHTSA, as the agency can then determine if a customer’s problem is singular or part of a larger issue that affects multiple vehicles, possibly prompting an inspection or safety recall. So don’t quit yer’ complaining!

[Source: LA Times | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Ray LaHood complaints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got a wee bit busier this year. As of December 14th, the agency reported that it had received over 64,000 complaints. Edmunds’ calculations, which remove duplicates, pegs the figure at more than 40,000 complaints – thanks in no small part to the spate of massive recalls from Toyota.

In fact, NHTSA reports that it received 87 complaints for every 100,000 vehicles sold by Toyota in 2010, more than double the Japanese automaker’s performance from the previous year and the highest percentage of any company selling cars in the United States.

Not that other automakers fared that much better. Nissan came in with the second highest ratio at 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and Volkswagen nabbed third place with 58. The industry average of 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles was up from fewer than 30 in 2009. For what it’s worth, Ford and Honda had the lowest ratios of complaints, and there was little difference between American and Japanese manufacturers.

These complaints are a good thing, says NHTSA, as the agency can then determine if a customer’s problem is singular or part of a larger issue that affects multiple vehicles, possibly prompting an inspection or safety recall. So don’t quit yer’ complaining!

[Source: LA Times | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:59:00 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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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]

Continue reading Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

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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Camry crash in Utah puts attention back on Toyota recalls

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Toyota

Crashed Toyota Camry

Paul Vanalfen’s crashed Toyota Camry – Click above for high-res image gallery

A new incident involving a 2008 Toyota Camry is raising concerns about unintended acceleration once again. On November 5, 66-year-old Paul Vanalfen was exiting Interstate 80 in Utah when his vehicle drove through a stop sign and struck a rock embankment, killing Vanalfen and his son’s 38 year-old fiance Charlene Lloyd at the same time. Vanalfen’s son and wife were also injured in the accident. Early reports indicate that the Camry may have continued to accelerate, even as Vanalfen did his best to stop the vehicle. Skid marks at the scene indicate that this isn’t a case of pedal misapplication, leaving investigators to conclude that a malfunction may have caused the incident.

Vanalfen’s Camry was the subject of a total of three recalls, and at this point, it’s unclear whether or not the Toyota had undergone the repairs.

Toyota, meanwhile, says that it’s too early to draw any conclusions about the cause of the incident, and that it’s assisting Utah Highway Patrol investigators any way it can. Click past the jump to read the company’s statement.

Gallery: Paul Vanalfen’s crashed Toyota Camry

Paul Vanalfen's crashed Toyota CamryPaul Vanalfen's crashed Toyota Camry

[Sources: AP via MSNBC, Toyota | Image: AP/Utah Highway Patrol]

Continue reading Camry crash in Utah puts attention back on Toyota recalls

Camry crash in Utah puts attention back on Toyota recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalls 470K vehicles after Toyota, both used same supplier

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Acura, Honda

Honda has announced that it’s recalling a total of 470,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to the same failing master cylinder problem that caused Toyota to recall 1.66 million vehicles worldwide this week.

According to The Detroit News, the two automakers used the same supplier for the part, and when owners use a type of brake fluid other than what’s used at the factory, a seal within the master cylinder may fail, causing a leak that could eventually lead to loss of braking power altogether. Honda says that a warning light would illuminate before this happened, however.

The Honda recall covers 2005-2007 Acura RL models and 2005-2007 Honda Odyssey minivans, while the Toyota recall includes the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), and 2006 Lexus GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

Honda says that at this point, it doesn’t know how many of its vehicles have suffered a master cylinder failure nor how many have leaked. The company says it will replace the faulty seal and, if leaking has occurred, the brake booster will be replaced as well.
There’s no set schedule for fixing those vehicles that are impacted by the recall, but owners should expect to hear something soon.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Honda recalls 470K vehicles after Toyota, both used same supplier originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler, Volvo announce new recalls

Filed under: Recalls, Chrysler, Volvo

Both Chrysler and Volvo have announced fairly sizeable recalls. Chrysler is bringing a total of 26,397 cars, trucks and vans back to dealers to replace a faulty power steering line the company says could cause an engine fire. The hoses have been found to separate from the crimped end thanks to a change in the type of materials used in the hose’s manufacturing process. The Detroit News reports that as of right now, Chrysler isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries that have arisen as a result of the problem. The recall covers the 2010 Chrysler Sebring and 300 as well as the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Avenger and Journey as well as the 2011 Ram.

Meanwhile, Volvo is recalling 9,746 vehicles due to faulty airbags. Certain 2010-2011 S80, XC60, XC70 and V70 models have been found to have faulty wiring connectors attached to the clock spring in the driver side steering wheel. That fault may cause the vehicle’s airbag to fail to deploy properly. Workers will repair the problem with a metal shim.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler, Volvo announce new recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Chevrolet, GM

2009 Chevrolet Impala SS

General Motors has issued a recall for 392,409 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Impalas. The issue at hand lies with front seatbelt anchors. A number of Impalas may have front belts that were not properly secured to the anchor pretensioner mounted nearest to the door. In a crash, this could cause the seatbelt anchor to separate and not act very much like a safety feature.

There have been no reported injuries to date and GM is ready to fix this free of charge at your nearest Chevy dealer. Both front anchors will be inspected and, if need be, replaced. Impala owners will be notified of this recall by mail, on or around October 25th, 2010. For more information, take a look at the press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts

GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS

2008 Aston Martin DBS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn’t.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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