Volvo is recalling some 2007 S80 vehicles for a problem with the power steering. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the power steering reservoir return hose may have been incorrectly routed resulting in an increased pressure in the system. The pressure could become so high that the hose could burst resulting in loss of power steering. Volvo dealers will inspect the routing of the power steering reservoir return hose and reroute it if necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.
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LA City Council Votes against Red Light Cameras
In an unanimous vote on Wednesday, Los Angeles City Council has decided to terminate the city’s controversial red light camera program. According to council members, loop holes in the laws governing the program resulted in only about 60% of the tickets being paid, failing to generate enough income to keep the program going. Both the Police Commission and the Los Angeles Superior Court felt the program could not be enforced and should be canceled. Critics of the program felt that the city was using the program only for revenue and accused them of putting up the cameras at intersections that would generate the most income and did little to improve safety on the roads. Camera programs have been canceled by many cities and towns across the country and the viability of programs still in affect are being questioned.
NHTSA Investigates 2005-2006 Lotus Elise
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation that could lead to over 4,000 2005-2006 Lotus Elise vehicles being recalled. Reports filed with the NHTSA stated that while driving, the oil cooler line failed, resulting in a spray of oil in the engine compartment. Driver complaints consist of smoke developing in the interior of the vehicle, loss of vehicle control because of oil leakage on a tire, and one complaint was reported to have resulted in an engine fire. The NHTSA is not aware of any injuries related to this problem.
Ford Recalls Trucks For Brake Lights
Ford will be recalling over 26,000 trucks for a component in the brake light switch that does not comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards. The multifunction switch shipped with a sub-component (slider) could become deformed resulting in the loss of turn signals, tail lights, hazard warning flashers and brake lights. Loss of any of these lights could increase the chances of an accident. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
Honda Recalls ST1300 Motorcycles
Honda is recalling certain ST1300 motorcycles because they could experience a loss of brakes. When the rear suspension of the motorcycle is repeatedly bottomed out, the rear brake reservoir hose may become damaged leading to a brake fluid leak. The rider will experience a loss of rear brake performance and could eventually lose braking power completely. The motorcycles involved in this recall include:
- 2008-2010 ST1300 motorcycles built between November 2007 to May 2010
- 2008-2010 ST1300A motorcycles built between November 2007 to April 2010
- 2009 ST1300PA Police motorcycles built between November 2008 toDecember 2009
Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Ford Recalls Sedans For Fuel Tanks
Ford has announced a recall that will involve certain 2007 Ford Five Hundred and 2007 Mercury Montego Sedans built between September 5th -11th, 2006, for problems with the fuel tanks. The welds between the fuel tank and the filler neck were not done properly which could affect the strength of the joint. In the event of a rear impact, the welds could break allowing fuel to leak out and possibly cause a fire if there is an ignition source. Owners can expect to start receiving their recall notice starting August 15, where dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. Anyone wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 .
Dodge Ram Trucks Recalled For Steering
Chrysler has announced a recall for some Dodge Ram pickup trucks because the left tie rod ball stud could fracture. The problem has been reported to occur during low speed maneuvers during tight turns. If the stud should break while driving, a loss of directional stability will be noticed in the left hand front wheel. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 4×4
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2
- 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4
- 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 that may have received the defective part during normal service
Dealers will inspect and replace the left outer tie rod and perform a front end toe alignment as required. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, but owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Automakers Industry Goals Optimistic
The auto industry has taken a substantial hit the last couple of years, and although it has continued on a steady pace of recovery, it is predicted that sales won’t return to pre-recession levels until at least 2016. Nissan’s chief executive predicts that by 2016, sales will increase by 82% globally while Ford and Volkswagen predict less growth of around 50%. Aside from believing the American market will recover, auto manufacturers believe that their growth will will be due to emerging markets overseas. According to auto market analysts, if the rest of the industry is as confident as these manufacturers, there will be over 20 million more cars on the market than what is expected to be sold. They predict that a consolidation of companies as well as OEM suppliers will be the only way to ensure survival.
Automotive innovations, especially in terms of next generation electric and hybrid vehicles, will be the biggest factor, but the question of whether consumers will embrace the technology will be determined by whether the infrastructure can support them. Other technological hurdles include vehicle connectivity increasing the safety of automobiles.
