General Motors (GM) has issued a recall on some 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles that may have been manufactured without the front brake inner or outer brake pads. The missing pads will significantly reduce brake performance increasing the chances of a crash. GM will inspect and install missing inner or outer pads, a new brake caliper and new rotors as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Cadillac SRX Transmission Problems
General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for certain 2010-2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a transmission shift cable that may have been improperly installed. The cable could become detached from the transmission bracket leaving the driver unable to shift gears, or the driver may be given an inaccurate indication that the transmission is in park. GM will be notifying customers of the recall starting this month, and dealerships will inspect the cable for proper installation. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Ford Wheel Lug Fractures
Ford will be notifying owners of some 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, to take their vehicles in to the nearest dealership to get the rear wheel studs replaced. According to a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the wheel studs may fracture and the wheel could separate from the vehicle. Under the recall, dealerships will inspect the rear brake disc surface for flatness, replace any worn disks, and will replace the wheel lugs on all four wheels. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
GM Still Covering Saab Warranties
A rescue plan to save Saab has hit another road block as General Motors decides to stop supplying Saab 9-4X vehicles as well as automobile technology to Saab’s Chinese owners. According to GM, Saab’s third quarter results showed that it is not in the best interest of GM shareholders to continue investing time and money into the company. While Saab Cars North America has suspended warranty coverage on vehicles, GM says they will continue to cover any warranty remaining on Saab vehicles sold under GM ownership. This includes any 2009 and earlier model vehicles sold in the US and Canada.
Saab Cars North America has told owners of newer vehicles to keep receipts of all related warranty work or services performed until further notice. They said they are suspending the processing and payment of all claims, including recalls, towing, certified pre-owned coverage and no-charge maintenance until further direction from Saab Automobile AB, and that any unsold vehicles still sitting on dealers lots will be sold “as is”.
Saab has not filed for either Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would lead to the liquidation of the company, or for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would result in the reorganization of the company under court supervision and protection from creditors.
Nissan Sentra Stalling Problems
Nissan is recalling certain 2010-2011 Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the zinc coating applied to the battery terminal stud bolt may be too thick. The poor connection could result in a voltage drop causing the vehicle to stall, make the vehicle difficult to start, and could damage the engine control module (EMC). Nissan dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan Juke Recalled For Stalling
Nissan will be recalling certain 2011 Juke crossover vehicles for a defective weld on the turbocharger boost sensor bracket. If the sensor separates from the air inlet tube, the vehicle could stall without warning, increasing the risk of an accident. Nissan will be contacting customers starting in the beginning of January. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Ford Shift Interlock Switch Problem
Ford is recalling certain 2011-2012 F-Series pickup trucks, for a problem with the brake shift interlock switch. The interlock switch may allow the driver to shift out of “park” without pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle could lunge forward unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash and and injury to pedestrians and other vehicles nearby. 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 the recall include:
- 2011-2012 F-150
- 2012 F-250
- 2012 F-350
- 2012 F-450
- 2012 F-550 Heavy Duty
Honda Civic Hybrid Experiences Gas Leak
Honda has announced that they will be offering extended warranty on some 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, due to small cracks that could develop in the gas tanks. According to Honda, the cracks are not a safety problem because the potential fuel leak is very small, and comes from the top area of the tank, by the fuel filler, where there is no ignition source nearby. The driver may smell gas vapors and in rare instances may see a small amount of fuel spilled on the ground. The problem is more likely to occur in states known for very hot weather.
In order to promote consumer confidence, the automaker sent a letter to owners informing them of the extended warranty of 10 years or 120,000 miles from the time the vehicle was new. Honda has also reported the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where it is being reviewed.
