Road Reality » 2006

2005-2006 Ford F-150 Recalled over Airbag Issue

John Suit — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:00:10 +0000

The NHTSA has been looking into the many complaints it has received about the airbags on 2005-2006 Ford F-150 pickup trucks, 77 of which have led to injuries. It turns out that a wire in the steering wheel can cause the airbag located there to go off, which can easily cause injuries. More details after the jump.

The NHTSA had originally requested that Ford recall 1.3-million trucks, after 238 complaints have come in, but Ford found that only the first shift at its Norfolk, VA plant. The resulting recall only affects about 150,000 trucks.

What happens is that a wire in the steering wheel could be positioned improperly, leading to chafing and eventually a short, which causes the airbag light to illuminate, and after that, the airbag deploys.

The recall is expected to begin in early March, and owners will be notified at that time.

by John Suit

Source: AOL Autos

Welcome to 2011: Toyota announces recall of 245,000 Lexus vehicles

John Suit — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:00:07 +0000

2006 Lexus IS 350

How’s this to ring in the new year? 245,000 Lexus vehicles in the US are being recalled, due to faulty installation of the fuel pressure sensor. The recall includes a mix of 2006-2009 IS and GS models, detailed after the jump. No mention of fires, which usually accompany a recall of this sort, but fuel leakage is no laughing matter regardless of whether or not it leads to a fire.

Click past the jump for a better description of the problem, a table of recalled vehicles, Toyota’s press release and Customer FAQ.

The problem stems from a loose installation of the fuel pressure sensor, which over time, may loosen some more, leading to a fuel leak at the connection point between the sensor and the fuel line.

2006 Lexus GS 300

Toyota will be mailing out the recall notices to affected owners once they’ve gathered the needed parts. The inspection/fix will involve checking the connection, and if no leak is found, then the proper tightening will take place. If a leak is found, the gasket between the fuel line and the sensor will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened to the proper torque specification.

The fix will take between one and three hours, depending on if the gasket needs to be replaced, at no charge to Lexus customers.

The list of vehicles being recalled includes:

Model	Year
GS 300	2006, 2007
GS 350	2006, 2007
IS 250	2006, 2007, 2008, early 2009
IS 350	2006, 2007, early 2008

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006-2009 IS 250 and 2006-2008 IS 350 Vehicles to Inspect the Fuel Pressure Sensor Installation

Toyota Motor Corporation announces separate recall involving certain vehicles not sold in North America

TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2011 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation.

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the delivery pipe and through the threaded portion of the sensor.

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and if no leakage is found, will 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 possible gasket replacement will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner.

Owners of the involved vehicles will receive a safety recall notification by first class mail once the parts that may be needed have been obtained. Lexus will also post this information on its website. Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced a separate 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. TMC’s recall announcement does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Customer FAQ for Lexus IS and GS Fuel Pressure Sensor Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 245,000 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS 300/350, 2006 through early 2009 IS250 and 2006 through early 2008 IS350 vehicles sold in the U.S. No other vehicles are involved in this recall.

2. What is the condition?

Due to insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to an engine fuel delivery pipe, there is a possibility that the pressure sensor could loosen over time. If loosening occurs, fuel could leak past a gasket used in the connection between the sensor and the pipe.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?

There are no warnings that this condition will occur. However, if fuel is leaking from the fuel pressure sensor, in some instances a fuel odor may be noticed from the engine compartment.

4. What is Lexus going to do?

Lexus is currently preparing the parts that may be needed. Once the parts are ready, owners of the involved vehicles will receive a Safety Recall Notification by first class mail.

5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?

This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.

6. How long will it take for the dealer to inspect my vehicle?

The inspection and tightening of the fuel pressure sensor to the proper torque will take approximately one hour. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the replacement of the gasket and tightening the sensor to the proper torque will take approximately three hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.

7. What should owners do if they experience the condition, or have immediate concerns about their vehicle?

If an owner has any immediate concerns, he or she is requested to contact a local Lexus dealer for diagnosis, and if applicable, repair.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

Toyota Announces Repair Bulletin for 2004-2007 Prius, over Cooling

John Suit — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:00:59 +0000

The Toyota Prius has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the last year, seeing unintended acceleration and other recalls. Now, Toyota has announced a Repair Campaign. While not a safety recall, it’s still a fairly serious issue. From the press release, it looks like some 378,000 Priuses in the US can develop an issue with the hybrid drive’s cooling system. Click past the jump for more details and the press release.

Hybrid batteries require cooling to keep them in their optimal operating temperature, so any automaker who produces a hybrid car needs to add a second cooling system. On the 2004-2007 Prius, apparently a fault in the water pump for the hybrid cooling system can allow air bubbles to be introduced into the cooling fluid, which leads to hotter components and eventually the car goes into “fail safe” mode, which reduces engine power. The check engine light will illuminate as well, a secondary indication of a moderate to severe problem.

According to Toyota, the repair campaign will begin in early December, 2010. Owners who bring their vehicles in will have their water pumps replaced with a newly-designed one, free of charge, so long as they schedule that appointment before November 30th, 2013. As a side note, no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the water pump issue.

This is another fault with a Toyota product, and isn’t going to do any good for their already tarnished reputation. I would expect more hybrid buyers to consider the offerings from Ford, Nissan and others, as an alternative to the immensely-popular Prius.

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

UPDATE: And the Hits keep on Coming: Nissan Recalls 2.1 million vehicles worldwide

John Suit — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:00:54 +0000

2005 Nissan Titan

It seems every automaker is getting caught by the recall bug these days, and Nissan isn’t immune. According to reports, the automaker is recalling 2.1 million vehicles worldwide, with around 762,000 of them in North America. The recall involves a wide range of vehicles, from the Cube to the Titan, and centers around a faulty ignition switch, which can cause the engine to stall and/or not restart. Click past the jump for more details and a list of affected models.

Update 11/1/2010: We now have a list of the affected models and their model years, as well as the NHTSA’s press release. Continue reading for the updates.

2005 Nissan Pathfinder

According to Automotive News, “the breakdown of the recalled U.S. models is: Titan 227,313 units, Pathfinder 143,471 units, Frontier 123,037 units, Armada 106,003 units, Xterra 101,483 units, Infiniti QX56 36,969 units.”

The recall affects models built between 2003 and 2006, and owners should expect to be notified in the coming weeks.

UPDATE: Affected models and model years are listed below:

Affected Model	Model Years	# of Vehicles
INFINITI / QX56	2004-2006	36,969
NISSAN / ARMADA	2004-2006	106,003
NISSAN / FRONTIER	2005-2006	123,037
NISSAN / PATHFINDER	2005-2006	143,471
NISSAN / TITAN	2004-2006	227,313
NISSAN / XTERRA	2005-2006	101,483

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: Automotive News, NHTSA

Honda Recalls Odyssey, Acura RL because of Shared Supplier

John Suit — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:00:26 +0000

2007 Honda Odyssey

Last week, Toyota recalled a total of 740,000 vehicles. This week, because it uses the same supplier for some of its brake components, Honda is recalling almost 472,000 vehicles for the same issue – leaking brake fluid can cause loss of pedal pressure and result in more effort required to stop an affected vehicle. Interestingly, the only vehicles mentioned in the recall are the Acura RL and Honda Odyssey, which nobody would suspect of sharing braking components. Click past the jump for the press release and details.

Even if they couldn’t be more different – a flagship luxury sedan and a people-mover, the RL and Odyssey must share brake master cylinders, the components in your braking system that amplifies your pedal effort to stop your car.

2006 Acura RL

The recall affects 2005-2007 Acura RLs and Honda Odysseys, so if you own one, expect to get a recall notice from Honda in the near future.

Honda gets a nod for their quickness in identifying the supplier and issuing a recall on this matter, but seriously, it seems like it’s Recall Month on Road Reality!

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

Toyota’s Problems Continue: New Brake System Recall

John Suit — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:00:16 +0000

2005 Toyota Avalon

If Toyota were a person, he or she would need some anti-depressants at this point. After a multitude of recalls earlier this year, another big one is hitting the airwaves. This time, it’s for the brake master cylinder, which amplifies the pressure you put on the brake pedal, making it easier for you to stop your car. In certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles, however, a seal is going bad, leaking out the brake fluid, which leads to the “brake warning lamp” illuminating on your dash. Click past the jump for the affected model list and full press release.

The total number is listed at 740,000 vehicles, and includes the following models:

2005-2006 Toyota Avalon
2004-2006 Toyota Highlander (non Hybrid)
2004-2006 Lexus RX330
2006 Lexus GS300
2006 Lexus IS250
2006 Lexus IS350

From Toyota’s press release, it looks like they’re laying the blame on using non-Toyota brake fluid, which allows the internal seal to dry out because of lubricants missing in the replacement fluid.

Over time, with the dried-out seal, this small leak can lead to a soft or spongy brake pedal, and reduced braking.

If you’ve got one of the above-listed vehicles, and have more questions, go to www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

Show Press Release

Toyota Announces Intent to Voluntarily Recall Certain Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 Vehicles to Replace a Brake Master Cylinder Seal

TORRANCE, Calif., October 20, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall involving approximately 740,000 – 2005 through 2006 Avalon, 2004 through 2006 Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350 vehicles sold in the United States to address the possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

This action follows an announcement made by Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan on October 21, 2010 (Japan).

The Toyota genuine brake fluid used during vehicle assembly for vehicles sold in the United States contains polymers. The polymers act as lubricants for certain brake system components. If during vehicle maintenance, brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers or only small amounts, a part of the internal rubber seal (brake master cylinder cup) located at the end of the brake master cylinder piston may become dry and may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline.

Owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning in early November 2010. Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one at no charge to the vehicle owners.

Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall or www.lexus.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota