Owners of some Nissan trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation for transmission problems. Reports filed with the NHTSA alleged that an internal crack on the oil cooler tube in some Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras, could force coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure. Last October, Nissan extended the warranty on radiators of 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Exterras to eight years or 80, 000 miles, but under the extended warranty, Nissan did not have to cover vehicles bought used. Owners feel that Nissan extended the warranty on these vehicles, knowing they would surpass 80,000 miles before having problems with the transmission. They want Nissan to issue a recall to all owners and reimburse those who have already paid for transmission repairs.
Porsche Recalls Vehicles For Seat Belts
Porsche has announced a recall for certain 2011 and 2012 vehicles, because of a problem with the seat belts. In a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Porsche said there is a possibility that the mounting holes in the seat belt anchor plate are too small. The anchor plate may not rotate around the fastening bolt and may not give occupants the proper protection during a crash. Porsche dealers will inspect and replace defective seat belts free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S
- 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
- 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster
- 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4
- 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4S
- 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo
- 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S
- 2012 Porsche Boxster
- 2012 Porsche Boxster S
- 2012 Porsche Boxster Spyder
- 2012 Porsche Cayman
- 2012 Porsche Cayman R
- 2012 Porsche Cayman S
Maserati Recall For Steering Linkages
Maserati has announced a recall for certain 2009 Granturismo sports cars and 2009 Quattroporte luxury sedans. The problem is being blamed on incorrect machining of the rear suspension left and right tie rods. The rods could fail resulting in loss of vehicle control. In the recall, dealers will replace the affected tie rods, install a tie rod kit and perform a wheel alignment, free of charge to the customer. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.
Nissan Recalls Altima And NV
Nissan will be recalling certain 2012 Altima sedans and 2012 NV cargo vans for a problem with the air bag control unit (ACU). The ACU was not assembled correctly and may not operate correctly. In the event of an accident, the airbags may fail to inflate, increasing the risk of injury of the occupants. In the recall, Nissan will replace the airbags, free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Stop Adding Air To Your Tires
According to Goodyear, the days of manually adding air to under inflated tires could soon be a distant memory. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, with the help of a government grant from the United States Department of Energy, are developing a technology that will enable tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for external pumps or electronics. All components of Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) will be fully contained within the tire.
According to industry research, driving on under inflated tires can decrease your fuel mileage by as much as 3.3%. Properly inflated tires will not only save you money at the gas station, but will lower automobile emissions, give a longer tire life, and will enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Goodyear did not say when this technology would be available at tire retailers, but said the timetable would be accelerated due to recent government research grants in United States and European Union.
NHTSA Investigates Mazda CX 9 Brakes
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2009 Mazda CX-9 sport utility vehicles (SUV) after reports of a high number of warranty claims for servicing brakes. Reports found that the high number of warranty claims on brakes was due to an internal brake fluid leak from the master cylinder into the vacuum booster. Drivers reported reduced brake effectiveness and extended stopping distances. A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 40,000 vehicles could be affected.
Buick And Chevy Cars Recalled By GM
General Motors has announced a recall for certain 2012 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedans to reprogram the electronic brake control module. The problem is being blamed on a system calibration error that will not properly detect a sensor malfunction. The driver could experience wandering in the steering and an inability to maintain a constant speed. LaCrosse owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080.
General Motors has also announced a recall for some 2012 Chevrolet Impala vehicles to reroute the power steering hose. According to GM, the hose could be damaged by heat from the catalytic converter. In the presence of an ignition source, an engine fire could occur. Impala owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Audi R8 Spyder Recalled For Fuel Problem
Volkswagen has issued a recall for certain 2011-2012 Audi R8 Spyder sports cars. In the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the auto manufacturer said that a fuel supply line in the engine compartment could rub against the heat shield creating a leak in the line. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to vehicle fire. The vehicles included in the recall were built between May 18, 2010 through June 22, 2011. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.
