Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
2008 Infiniti QX56
What is it with braking systems on vehicles these days? Have automakers lost their minds? I believe it to be a combination of trying to save money and the mainstream application of “drive by wire” systems, where computers and sensors replace traditional hydraulics and cables. Nissan is the latest automaker to initiate a recall for its brakes, as well as faulty fuel gauges.
Continue reading ‘Nissan to recall 539,864 vehicles for brake pins, fuel gauges’
Toyota Avalon
Last year, Toyota released a “Limited Service Campaign” (LSC) for some of its V6-equipped vehicles. An LSC shouldn’t be confused with a recall, because recalls are for safety issues and the LSCs are for “customer satisfaction,” according to Toyota. This campaign is for a defective oil line for the affected engines. Over time, a rubber portion of the line may degrade, causing oil to leak out, the engine to make odd noises, and the oil pressure light to illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard.
Continue reading ‘Toyota expands Oil Leak Fix to new models’
2010 Toyota Corolla S
When it rains, it pours. In Toyota’s case, make that a monsoon. Automotive News is reporting that the NHTSA is considering an investigation into concerns over Toyota’s bread-and-butter small car, the Corolla. So far, 83 owners in the United States have complained about steering issues with their cars, a feeling similar to hydroplaning or being buffeted by the wind. Some 73 of the reports have occurred at speeds of 40mph and greater, and the consensus from owners is that it takes a tight 2-handed grip on the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight when this problem occurs.
Continue reading ‘PedalGate: Now SteeringGate? Toyota Corolla Steering issues’
From the “grass isn’t always greener” department, the Chevrolet Cobalt is under investigation by the federal government for power steering-related safety issues. There have been 1,132 complaints, with 11 crashes, 1 injury and no deaths. There are 905,000 vehicles which may be involved. The complaints center around a loss of power steering functionality. This leads to hard-to-control vehicles, mostly when changing lanes, presumably to pull over and stop the car.
The Cobalt will be replaced later this year by the 2011 Chevy Cruze.
by John Suit
Source: Automotive News
As if Chrysler doesn’t have enough trouble selling cars, it’s been revealed that they are recalling about 24,000 vehicles of the 2009 and 2010 model years. It seems that a retaining clip can deform or come off completely, leading to complete brake failure, which is never a good thing. If you’ve got one of the vehicles listed below, contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Continue reading for the model listing.
Continue reading ‘Recall: 2009-2010 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeeps being recalled over Brake failure?’
Welcome to the end of 2009. Thank you very much for visiting the site and checking out all the new posts. Without readers, there wouldn’t be a reason to do this, so thanks! Also, as I’ve said before, if you know any of the managers or owners of any DC-area car dealerships, please drop me a line. We need access to more dealerships and their cars, for review purposes. If you like the site, let your friends know, and let’s make 2010 a year to remember! Read on for what I think of 2009, and where we’re headed in 2010.
Continue reading ‘The Year in Cars, 2009′
