An investigation into transmission control problems in some BMW 7-series luxury cars has been upgraded to an engineering analysis after U.S. safety regulators found seventeen crashes, five of which resulted in injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began their investigation last August after receiving almost fifty complaints related to the push button start and electronic transmission controls on these vehicles. The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to “park” under a variety of conditions, including after the driver has pressed the ignition button to turn off the engine. In several cases, owners thought their vehicles were in park when they were still in neutral, and their vehicles rolled away unexpectedly and crashed. The investigation covers nearly 122,000 BMWs from the 2002 through 2008 model years.
California Lemon Law Basics
Common California lemon law misconceptions have prevented thousands of lemon owners from trying to get rid of their vehicle and get their money back. The requirements of the lemon laws are technical, differ from state to state, and different manufacturers may interpret their obligations differently. It is important to get an attorney who is experienced in the lemon law of the state you live in. If you live in California and think you have a lemon, contact the lemon law firm of Delsack & Associates at 1-888-395-3666, for a free consultation or go to LemonLawSpecialitsts.com, and GET RID OF YOUR LEMON TODAY!
Fuel Leaks In VW Passat
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.
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.
