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Shattering Windows In Ford SUVs

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A preliminary investigation into shattering rear windows for 2010-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner sport utility vehicles (SUV) has been opened after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 18 complaints that the rear lift-gate window shattered while opening or closing the lift-gate. Many of the incidents were reported to have happened during cold weather conditions and one alleged cut injuries to a 10 year old boy.

In 2004, Ford issued a recall for certain 2001-2005 SUV’s because the rear lift-gate latching system did not meet the inertia load requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standards. There were over 150 reports of minor injuries when the door hinges failed allowing the glass to break.

Owners wanting more information about Ford vehicle recalls can contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Kia And Hyundai Recalls Power Train

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kia sorento and hyundai Santa Fe power train recallKia has announced a recall for certain 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from the start of production through to May 22, 2010. Because Hyundai uses the same parts in their Santa Fe, the same recall is being made on the 2010 Santa Fe 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from October 2009 to March 2010.

The problem is being blamed on a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. This misalignment will accelerate wear in the shaft and lead to excessive noise and eventually to a damaged automatic transmission. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and the intermediate shaft beginning this month. Kia owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Hyundai owners can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

Small Cars Profitable For Auto Dealers

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During April, the sales of small fuel efficient cars made up almost 20% of the automotive sales market, that equates to a 19% increase from a year ago. Governments incentives to have more environmentally friendly vehicles on the road as well as rising fuel prices, has led consumers to re-think the buying of big trucks and SUV’s. Some of the big sellers include the new Ford Focus and the Chevrolet Cruze.

The overall industry is expected to report slightly higher sales, as the market continues to recover from the recession. Automobile and automobile part shortages as well as the lack of discounts will be a big factor in consumers decision to purchase new vehicles. Consumers may decide to keep driving their old vehicles until the deals return.

Honda CR-V Vehicles Experience Headlight Problems

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened up an investigation into Honda’s 2002-2004 CR-V models. There have been 12 reports from consumers alleging that the low beam head lights stopped working at the same time. Several of the complaints reported that the headlight switch and its wiring harness connector needed to be replaced due to overheating damage.

Last September, the NHTSA opened up an investigation for similar problems with Honda’s 2007-2008 Fit vehicles. In December, the investigation lead to a recall. The problem was blamed on an error during installation where the wires were pulled tighter than indended. After repeated use of the headlight switch, a terminal on the switch could become worn leading to the oxidation and low conductivity.

GM Investigates Faulty Fuel Gauges On SUVs

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has started an investigation into over 850,000 General Motors SUV’s after receiving complaints of inaccurate fuel gauges. Of the 668 complaints received, 58 said that their vehicle ran out of fuel even though the fuel gauge said there was still fuel in the tank. The vehicles involved in this investigation include:

  • 2005-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
  • 2005-2007 G.M.C. Envoy
  • 2005-2007 Buick Rainier
  • 2005-2007 Saab 9-7x

Chrysler To Pay Back Government Loans

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It’s been a slow recovery, but on Thursday, Chrysler announced that they expect to pay back the $7.5 billion in Government loans by the end of next month. Although the details are still being negotiated, Chrysler hopes to sell new bonds to investors and use that money to help pay back the loans. This will allow Chrysler to strengthen its alliance with Fiat and revamp its operations to gain market shares.

According to Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with the research firm IHS Global Insight, “Tuning up their balance sheet and reducing debt will help Chrysler direct more money towards product development.” First on the list is to add more fuel efficient cars to its truck heavy lineup. The integration of Fiat and Chrysler will speed up the arrival of new Fiat based models to be sold to the American market. Without the psychological and financial drag of the loans Chrysler can start to slowly rebuild its company.

Toyota Recalls 2011 Tundra Trucks

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Toyota announced Tuesday that they will be recalling over 50,000 2011 Tundra trucks to inspect the rear drive shaft. The Japanese automaker estimated that about 0.05% of the trucks made may have been fitted with a slip yoke that was improperly cast during the foundry process. There has been one complaint of drive shaft slip yoke failure, but no accidents or injuries have been reported

The owners with recalled vehicles will start receiving notifications starting May, where dealers will inspect the production lot number to see if it has been installed with the problem component. Additional information can be found at www.toyota.com/recall or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Fiat Increases Ownership Of Chrysler

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On Monday, Fiat announced they will be increasing ownership of Chrysler by 16% for a total 46% of the company. Once the auto manufacturers government loans have been paid, Fiat hopes to take a 51% majority stake in Chrysler as early as by the end of this year.

Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of both auto makers, says that this is an important step towards the integration of Fiat and Chrysler, started under two years ago. The result will be the creation of a global auto maker. They have chosen to speed up the pace to bring about the birth of a single group capable of international activities. Fiat outlined its plans after reaching an agreement with Chrysler’s shareholders, which include the U.S. Treasury Department, the United Auto Workers’ health trust fund and the Canadian government. The move shows that there is confidence in Chrysler turning around and becoming a profitable auto manufacturer. It does not mean Chrysler is fixed, it does show that Marchionne believes it is on track.