Road Reality » recall

16,000 Ford F-Series Pickups Recalled over Transmission Concern

John Suit — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:07 +0000

Even the best-selling pickup truck in America can have a bad day, and this is the F-Series’ day. Ford is recalling a bit more than 16,000 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks. The issue is the switch that prevents a driver from shifting from Park into Neutral or Drive. Normally, it stops drivers from shifting out of Park unless the brake is pressed, but apparently some faulty switches were installed into the affected vehicles.

With the bad switch in place, a driver could inadvertently put their truck in Reverse or Drive, which the NHTSA is worried could lead to pedestrian injuries or vehicular accidents.

The following is the list of recalled trucks:

2011 F-150: Built between September 9th, 2011 and September 22nd, 2011
2012 F-250: Built between September 12th, 2011 and September 22nd, 2011
2012 F-350: Built between September 12th, 2011 and September 22nd, 2011
2012 F-450: Built between September 12th, 2011 and September 22nd, 2011
2012 F-550: Built between September 12th, 2011 and September 22nd, 2011

Ford will be inspecting the “Brake Shift Interlock Switch” and replacing it if necessary. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified soon, as the recall is supposed to begin on December 19th.

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

128,000 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans Recalled over Wheel Stud Issue

John Suit — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:11 +0000

2010 Mercury Milan

Last week, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Ford is recalling over 128,000 Ford Fusions and its sister car, the Mercury Milan, because of a problem with the wheel studs. The recall only effects Fusions and Milans with steel wheels, not alloy ones. Wheel studs are threaded bolts by which a vehicle’s wheels are attached. They run through the brake hub, and if enough of them break, the wheel could literally fall off of the car. Continue reading for more details and the NHTSA’s press release.

2011 Ford Fusion

While the cause of the defect is not known, it’s likely that it was either a problem with manufacture or lug nut tightening, but the result is the same: wheel vibration and/or separation from the vehicle, which can lead to a loss of control and possibly a crash. The recall includes an inspection of the brake hub, as well as the replacement of all wheel studs and lug nuts on the recalled sedans.

The recalled vehicles include Fusions and Milans built in April of 2009, as well as between December 1st, 2009 and November 13th of 2010. The latter grouping is almost, if not all of the 2011 model year, during which the Mercury brand was disbanded. While the recall sounds like a lot of cars, it’s somewhere closer to 1/6th of total production of Fusions and Milans.

Ford’s recall is expected to begin in late January, and owners of affected vehicles will be notified soon.

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

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

GM Recalls Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS for Misplaced Cables

John Suit — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:19 +0000

2011 Buick Lucerne

GM has another power steering fluid leak on its hands, this time on the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, affecting 2010-2011 model years for both vehicles. There are over 16,000 affected vehicles, all with V8 engines, and the issue can lead to loss of power steering or worse. Click past the jump for more details and the NHTSA’s press release.

2011 Cadillac DTS

On the affected vehicles, the “starter or alternator cable” can come into contact with a power steering fluid return line. Over time, this could wear through the return line, leading to a loss of power steering fluid, which of course means a loss of power steering. Beyond that, it could mean an engine fire similar to the one on the 2010 Cadillac SRX, which prompted a power steering leak recall earlier this year as well.

Perhaps some of GM’s engineers should take a more careful look at how things are routed underneath the hood of their cars.

Meanwhile, GM is sending out notices to affected owners and will be inspecting and then replacing or rerouting the lines as necessary.

Show Press Release

by John Suit

Source: NHTSA

Nissan Initiates big recalls of Frontier, Xterra and Sentra

John Suit — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:00:27 +0000

2004 Nissan Frontier

In a recent press release by Nissan, two recalls have been initiated. The first is for the Frontier truck and Xterra SUV, for faulty steering linkages. The second recall is for the Sentra, and involves the battery cables. All told, around 513,000 vehicles in the US will be recalled, starting this month. Click past the jump for details, press release, and model years affected.

2004 Nissan Xterra

For the Frontier and Xterra, model years 2002-2004 are affected, totaling over 500,000 vehicles in the US. The lower steering column joint can develop corrosion, which leads to limited movement of the joint, the final result being that the steering shaft breaks. This then leads to a loss of steering control, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Nissan will be replacing the steering joints and shafts free of charge on the recalled vehicles.

2010 Nissan Sentra

For the Sentra, it’s model years 2010 and 2011, and involves a misshapen bolt or washer on the positive battery terminal. The misshapen bolt or washer can cause a gap which can lead to a loss of power either entering or leaving the battery, which can cause stalling and hard-to-start vehicles. If a vehicle stalls while in motion, the risk of a crash is increased, hence the safety issue and the recall.

Nissan’s press release cites 3 complaints in Canada and 6 in Brazil, quite low numbers to initiate such a big recall, but again, in this post-unintended acceleration world, automakers are skittish about any customer complaints that have anything to do with safety and accidents. It’s good to see the recall go on though. Nissan also says that no accidents or injuries have been reported for either issue, so it’s good that they have a solution in place before anything bad could happen to one of their customers.

Show Press Release

11.11.2010 , FRANKLIN, Tenn.

NISSAN ISSUES VOLUNTARY SAFETY RECALL ON FRONTIER, XTERRA AND SENTRA MODELS

Nissan North America (NNA) today announced a voluntary safety recall campaign to replace the lower steering column joint and shaft on Frontier and Xterra vehicles and the positive battery cable terminal on Sentra vehicles in several markets in North and South America and Africa. No accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue.

“At Nissan, we’re committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconveniences that our customers may experience as we address these issues,” said Kevin Martin, vice president of Total Customer Satisfaction for NNA.

The lower steering column joint and shaft will be replaced on approximately 303,000 Frontier and 283,000 Xterra vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and a number of other Latin American countries. The potentially affected Frontier and Xterra vehicles were manufactured at the Smyrna, Tenn., plant between July 2001 and January 2005 and at the Curitiba, Brazil plant between November 2001 and June 2008.

The positive battery cable terminal will be replaced on approximately 18,500 Sentra vehicles in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and a number of Latin American and African countries. The potentially affected Sentra vehicles were manufactured at the Aguascalientes, Mexico plant between May 22, 2010 and July 8, 2010.

REASON FOR THE RECALL
Nissan recently discovered that in certain rare instances, the lower steering column joint on the affected Frontier and Xterra vehicles can develop corrosion that limits the movement of the joint. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition it may, in an extreme case, lead to cracking of the steering shaft.

This issue was discovered through three field reports from Canada, and six from Brazil. There are no field reports of this issue in the United States or other affected markets.

On some of the affected Sentra vehicles an issue with the connector on the positive battery cable terminal could lead to difficulty starting the vehicle, and in rare cases, a possibility of stalling at low speeds.

No accidents or injuries have been associated with either of these issues.

VEHICLES INVOLVED

Model Year 2002 through 2004 Nissan Frontier vehicles manufactured from July 9, 2001 to October 20, 2004 in Smyrna, Tenn., for the North American markets
Model Year 2002 through 2004 Nissan Xterras manufactured from July 9, 2001 to January 6, 2005 in Smyrna, Tenn., for the North American markets
Nissan Frontier vehicles manufactured from November 30, 2001 to June 26, 2008 in Curitiba, Brazil for South and Central American markets
Nissan Xterra vehicles manufactured from February 17, 2003 to June 13, 2008 in Curitiba, Brazil for South and Central American markets
Nissan Sentra vehicles manufactured from May 15, 2010 to July 8, 2010 in Aguascalientes, Mexico for global markets

In the U.S. approximately 240,000 Frontier, 261,000 Xterra and 14,000 Sentra vehicles are included in this campaign. In Canada approximately 4,500 Frontier, 9,900 Xterra and 1,900 Sentra vehicles are included in the campaign.

WHAT OWNERS OF POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES SHOULD DO
Nissan plans to begin owner notification in early December once replacement parts are available. Owners will be asked to bring their vehicles to the dealer to have the new parts installed free of charge.

Customers in the U.S. with questions may contact Nissan Consumer Affairs at 1-800-NISSAN1 (1-800-647-7261). Customers in Canada may contact Nissan Canada Consumer Affairs at 1-800-387-0122. Customers may also contact their respective authorized Nissan dealers.

by John Suit

Source: Nissan

Make: FORD	Model: F-150
Model Year: 2011
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY	Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 05, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V582000	NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Summary: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Consequence: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .