Ford has issued a recall for certain 2010 Ranger trucks manufactured from October 15, 2009 to May 19 2010 for a problem that could lead to an engine fire. A fuel line in the area of the throttle body shield may not have a protective cover installed properly The edge of the shield may contact the fuel line and chafe through resulting in a fuel leak. Dealers will inspect for fuel line and trim the shield back to give proper clearance.

Ford will also be recalling certain vehicles manufactured between October 25, 2010 to November 20, 2010 for body control modules (BCM) that could develop an electrical short which could lead to a fire. The vehicles recalled for this problem includes:

  • 2011 FORD F-150
  • 2011 FORD F-250
  • 2011 FORD F-350
  • 2011 FORD F-450
  • 2011 FORD F-550
  • 2011 FORD EDGE
  • 2011 LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS

Owners wanting more information may contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332, 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.

Suzuki is recalling certain 2008-2010 motorcycles for regulator/rectifier assemblies that were produced with insufficient adhesion between the power module circuit board and the rectifier case heat sink. Without proper adhesion, the power module could overheat causing the circuit board to deform and lift from the case. As a result, there could be insufficient charge to the battery. The part numbers of the rectifier assemblies being recalled are: 32800-41F11, 32800-15H10, 32800-05H11, 32800-41G10, 32800-15H00, 32800-18H00, 32800-05G10, 32800-10G10, 32800-05H20, OR 32800-06G01. These rectifiers have been installed on:

  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / AN400
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / DL1000
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSF1250
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX-R600
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX-R750
  • 2008 – SUZUKI / GSX1300B
  • 2008-2010 – SUZUKI / GSX1300R
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX650F
  • 2009-2010 – SUZUKI / SFV650
  • 2008-2010 – SUZUKI / VL800
  • 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / VLR1800
  • 2009-2010 – SUZUKI / VZ1500

Suzuki will notify owners of the recall starting March 02, 2011. For more information contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040 or the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

ford f150 airbag recallInvestigations started by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last September has lead the government agency to urge a recall that could affect almost 140,000 F-150 trucks in the United States. The recall is over concerns that the air bags could deploy without warning. The NHTSA said that they have received almost 240 complaints of unwanted airbag deployment on 2004-2006 F-150 vehicles with almost 80 leading to injuries.

According to Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood, an improperly installed wire in the steering wheel may chaff, causing a short and an illuminated seat belt warning lamp. If it is not serviced, it could lead to deployment of the airbag. The recall will cover 2004-2006 Ford F-150 trucks, built in their Norfolk, Virginia assembly plant, for a relatively low risk of inadvertent air bag deployment. The NHTSA said they will review the recall and determine if it is sufficient.

Chevy MyLink infotainment systemRivalry to the Ford Sync and the Kia UVO, the Chey Mylink will be featured on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and the extended range electric Volt. The new infotainment system will offer many features similar to the popular Ford Sync, such as voice activated music and remote car control functions. The system will work with OnStar, allowing users to download maps and directions to the touch screen. GM hopes to eventually expand MyLink to its entire global lineup with Buick, Cadillac and GMC expected later this year, according to Micky Bly, executive director of electrical systems, hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries for GM.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened up a defect investigation into 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) after receiving 32 complaints of stalling engines. None of the incidents resulted in an accident, but many complained that the vehicle could not be restarted and had to be towed to the dealership. The NHTSA have carried out several investigations into stalling engines of different vehicles and manufacturers over the years, many of which have led to recalls.

Honda Fit Recalled for Engine ProblemsHonda has announced a recall that will affect about 100,000 2009-2010 Fit vehicles in the United States and almost 700,000 Honda vehicles world wide. The problem is being blamed on a spring in the engine that can break over time causing engine noises, stalling and potential engine damage. Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by the manufacturer starting early March. You can find out if the recall applies to your vehicle by going online to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 and selecting option 4.

General Motors Cadillac CTS recall rear suspensionGeneral Motors is recalling some 2009-2010 Cadillac CTS vehicles for a problem that could significantly change the handling of the vehicle, increasing the chance of an accident. GM suspects that some of the vehicles may have a condition where the wax coating on the rear suspension toe link jam nuts may allow the nuts to loosen. The driver may hear a metallic clanking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, eventually leading to the toe link separating and allowing the wheel to turn inboard or outboard.

Dealers will clean the wax residue from the rear suspension toe link and install two new jam nuts, and if necessary replace the rear suspension toe link. GM has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, but owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or go to www.gmownercenter.com for more information.

California is known as one of the largest automobile markets in the United States. They also have some of the strictest government environment regulations which has made them one of the leading markets for hybrid vehicles. Because of this, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor feel that the demand for plug-in and electric cars will follow a similar pattern.

California was the first state were the Chevy Volt, Nissan leaf and the Ford Focus Electric was released, and where fuel cell vehicles are leased in small numbers. According to the CAR report the demand for cleaner technologies is fed by incentives such as tax credits, priority parking spaces for environmentally friendly vehicles, and because California has invested into infrastructure to accommodate the electric vehicle.