Volkswagen has announced a recall involving certain 2012 Passat vehicles built between January 2011 through to June 2011. According to the recall report submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain vehicles may have been built with a diesel fuel filter element that does not seal correctly. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to an engine fire. Owner will be notified of the problem starting in May, and dealers will replace the element with a serviceable one. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
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VW Routan Rear Hub Assemblies
Volkswagen is recalling a small number of 2012 Routan minivans for a problem with the right hand rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to VW, the vehicles affected were built between November 15 to November 21, 2011, and were installed with a hub and bearing assembly that was not fully machined by the manufacturer. The assemblies could wear out prematurely, leading to wheel separation and an increased risk of an accident. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Last week, Chrysler issued a similar recall involving certain 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
BMW Turbo Engine Fire Problem
BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain vehicles equipped with 8 or 12 cylinder turbocharged engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump could overheat and smolder, and could eventually lead to a fire in the engine compartment. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
The End Of The Chevy Avalanche
After nearly a decade of production, General Motors has announced that 2013 will be the last year that they will be manufacturing the Chevrolet Avalanche. The vehicle has been labeled as starting the boom toward crew cab pickups due to its innovative design and unique features. Not only does it offer the passenger comfort of a SUV, but doubles as a work truck by allowing drivers to extend the length of the cargo area from five to eight feet by removing its “midgate”. The truck has sold over 580,000 units since being released in 2001, but sales tapered off as buyers gravitated toward standard pickups which became available with four doors and a broad range of car like features.
GM said it will end production of the vehicle with a 2013 special edition model called the Black Diamond. This special edition Avalanche will feature body-colored bed surrounds, unique badging, and additional features like rear cameras, and park assist standard on LS and LT models. Chevrolet said that the Black Diamond Avalanche edition will get an $2,500 price cut across the entire lineup.
NHTSA Mandatory Brake Override
A year after safety regulators closed an investigation into unintended acceleration by Toyota vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing that all automakers be required to install brake override systems in all their cars and light trucks. Also known as a “smart pedals”, these systems recognize when the gas pedal and brake pedal are being pressed simultaneously and uses the car computer to slow it down. The technology was first used in the late 1980’s in the BMW 750, as a performance enhancement for heel-and-toe race-style driving , and every BMW built since 2001 have brake override. As of early 2010, car makers like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler, have been using brake-override systems in the majority of their vehicles. As automakers use more and more integrated electronic systems, it’s likely that more models will come standard with advanced safety systems like brake override.
Opposition to the proposal should be minimal. Most automobile manufacturers already have the technology standard on most of their vehicles, and the cost is minimal for those that don’t. If the proposal is voted in, automakers would have two years to comply.
Honda CR-V And Pilot Headlight Problem
Honda has announced a recall for certain 2002-2004 CR-V and 2003 Pilot vehicles because of a manufacturing problem that could lead to loss of low beam headlights. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tension on the switch wiring harness could lead to excessive wear of the terminal, increasing the electrical resistance. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without low beam headlights. Honda will repair or replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Wheel Separation On Chrysler And Dodge Minivans
Chrysler will be recalling a small number of 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because of a manufacturing error with the right rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the assembly may have not been fully machined which could lead to premature wear. The wheel could separate from the vehicle resulting in loss of control for the driver. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in April, and will replace the right rear hub an bearing assembly free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Ford Windshield Wiper Failure
Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 Focus vehicles because the passenger side motor could fail. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a seal in the wiring harness connector on the passenger side could be missing. Water and contaminant could accumulate in the connector resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper. Ford will inspect, clean, and properly seal the connector, or replace the wiper motor as necessary. Ford will be notifying owners starting May 21. For more information on the problem, contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
