Japanese auto manufacturing plants will remain closed today in order to assess the damage from Friday’s earthquake and Tsunami. Being outside the hardest hit areas, the factories are still operational, but rolling power blackouts and damaged infrastructure could prevent automobile shipments from leaving ports for a considerable amount of time. The three major Japanese automobile manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, supply most American consumers through factories in the U.S., but Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and smaller fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius and Yaris, and the Honda Fit are built in Japan. In America, consumers have been turning to these small fuel efficient cars as gas prices increase. Some dealerships in North Palm Beach say that they have already sold out of these efficient cars, and they don’t know if any will be getting to their dealerships anytime soon.
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Kia Recalls 2006-2008 Optima Vehicles
Kia has announced a recall that will have almost 70,000 Optima owners taking their vehicles in for repairs. The recall is over concerns that some of the shift cables were not assembled properly, allowing them to detach from the shift assembly dowel pin. The detached cable will prevent the transmission from being put in “park” even though the shift lever is in the “park” position. As a result, the vehicle could roll away causing damage and injury.
The vehicles involved in this recall are the 2006-2008 Optima vehicles built between September 2005 to June 2007. Kia will start notifying owners middle of March, where Dealers will inspect and reinstall the shift cable if necessary. Owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for more information.
Spiders Causing Problems In Automobiles
A recent recall by Mazda for their Mazda6 vehicles have owners bringing in their cars for spiders that spin a web in a fuel line causing a blockage in the line. Reports released by Honda and Hyundai also warn dealers to keep an eye out for the problematic spiders. Honda said they have known about the spiders since issuing a Technical Service Bulletin back in July of 2009. The spiders have been crawling into a vent pipes createing blockages, but the only symptom Honda drivers have seen is the check engine light coming on.
The yellow sac spider is indigenous to most northern states in the U.S. and accounts for a large percentage of spider bites in America. For most people the bites are only an irritation, although in some cases they cause a more severe reaction.
GMC Recalls Buick And Cadillac Vehicles
General Motors has announced a recall for some 2011 Buick Lacross and 2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a problem with the windshield defrosting and defogging systems. The problem is being blamed on a bug with the Electronic Climate Control (ECC) module that may disable the ability for the driver to adjust the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The lack of ability to defrost the windows may decrease the drivers visibility and could result in an accident.
Recall notices will be sent out starting middle of March, which will have dealers reprogramming the defrost system free of charge to the customer. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, or go to the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Toyota Recalls Vehicles For Tire Pressure Monitors
Toyota will be recalling certain 2008-2011 truck’s and SUV’s for tire pressure monitoring and regulating systems that do not comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. The lack of proper calibration of the system may lead to the low tire pressure warning light not illuminating untill well below the minimum activation pressure. Operating the vehicle with low tire pressure will lead to improper wear of the tires and ultimately tire failure. The vehicles covered in this recall are:
Once owners have been notified of the recall, they can bring their vehicles to their dealership to have the tire pressure monitoring system re-initialized and calibrated. Anyone wanting more information can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Chrysler/Dodge Minivan Recall For Ignition Problem
Chrysler’s popular 2010 Town & Country minivan as well as the 2010 Dodge Journey and 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan will be recalled after receiving 32 complaints and 465 warranty claims of the engine shutting down without warning. An investigation initiated last September found that driving on rough roads could knock the ignition key into the accessory position, turning off the engine unexpectedly. Owners will be notified of the recall starting in April, where dealers will replace the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module, free of charge. Owners can get more information on the recall by contacting Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety hot line at at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153 ), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
Easier Credit Boosts Auto Sales
The headlines in the news would suggest the automobile industry is back. Sales of new automobiles rose about eleven percent in 2010, and the first two month of 2011 are off to an even stronger start. Some say it is due to an improvement in the economy while others say that the increase in gas prices have prompted consumers to purchase more efficient automobiles. Whatever it is, those who are in the market for a new automobile will find it financially easier as well.
The increase of credit in almost every aspect of the economy is an important sign that the American economy is returning to health. Wall street loan packaging has allowed automakers to open up their wallets and start to give consumers loans more aggressively. Even car buyers with bad credit histories are getting financing, some without having to make a down payment. While nobody is suggesting that we are back to the days of the housing boom, the increase in credit is a sign that the American economy is gaining some health from the times where auto makers looked to the government for aid.
Third Recall For Think City Electric Vehicles
In it’s third recall in just over a month, Think North America will be recalling certain 2011 Think City electric vehicles for a gear shift selector lever and transmission park mechanism that may not be properly adjusted. The improper adjustment may result in the vehicle not being in park when the gear shift is in the park position, allowing it to roll freely. An owner notification schedule has not been released yet, but owner can contact Think’s authorized toll free service line at 855-698-4465 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
