Certain model year 2014 Mazda3 and 2014-2015 Mazda6 vehicles equipped with 2.5L engines and a regenerative braking system, could experience a problem that results in an engine stall. Mazda will be contacting approximately 5,700 owners in the United States to take their vehicles in for repairs. (Mazda’s recall number is 7314D and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-173.) Continue reading

General Motors recall for ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off, has resulted in the company facing multiple investigations into why the automobile manufacturer did not attempt to fix the problem sooner. The recall began in February with the announcement of issues in certain Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 compact cars and was later expanded to include a total of 2.6 million newer vehicles, including Pontiac Pursuit & Solstice, Saturn Ions & Sky, and the Chevrolet HHR. According to reports, GM knew about the problem in 2002. Continue reading

Drivers of certain Toyota and Pontiac vehicles could experience an airbag safety defect that could result in the airbag becoming inoperable. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the steering column in these vehicles contain a spiral cable assembly which contains the electrical connections to the driver’s airbag module. When the steering wheel is turned, the cable could contact a small point of the retainer and become damaged. The airbag could become deactivated causing it not to deploy during an accident. Drivers of vehicles experiencing this problem will be alerted with an air bag warning lamp. Continue reading

In November 2013, Ford experienced a small number of warranty reports associated with seat recliners in certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles. A review of the seat supplier manufacturing information identified certain production conditions that could result in sub-standard seat recliner welds. Ford will be asking owners to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved dealership to have the problem corrected. Continue reading

General Motors has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L turbo engines. The interconnecting tubular bar on the front right axle half shaft could fracture and separate. If this occurs while driving, steering and braking control will be maintained, but the vehicle will lose power to the wheels. If a vehicle with a fractured shaft is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away. Continue reading