Volkswagen (VW) has issued a recall for certain 2011 Jetta cars, built between March 2010 to March 2011, for problems with the electrical wiring. According to VW, a fuse shared between the anti-theft alarm and the converter box could short circuit causing the light and wipers to stop working. Under the recall, dealerships will reconfigure the wiring so that each system has their own fuse. Any Jetta owners wanting more information on this recall can contact VW customer service at 1-800-822-8987
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Hyundai Elantras Recalled For Airbag Sensors
Hyundai has announced two recalls for faulty airbag sensor systems that could lead to the airbags inflating with too much force or when they are not required causing injury to occupants.
- The first recall involves certain 2007-2009 Elantra vehicles manufactured between July 2006 to November 2008. Under certain circumstances the the connector for the front passenger weight sensor may become contaminated. This could lead to the airbag deploying during impacts that do not require the airbag, or deploying with too much force for the weight of the occupant. In order to fix the problem, dealerships will install a protective cover over the connector to prevent contamination.
- The second recall involves certain 2007-2008 Elantra vehicles manufactured between July 2006 to August 2007. The drivers seat has a track position sensor that determines how much pressure is used to deploy the airbags according to how close the driver is to the airbag. The air bag control module may receive an unstable signal that may lead to the the airbag deploying at a pressure that is too high or too low for the position of the seat. The recall will have dealers reprogramming the airbag control module to deploy at the proper pressure.
Some vehicles will be affected by both recalls. Hyundai will begin sending out recall notices to Elantra owners starting in April. Anyone wanting more information on these recalls can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.
Chrysler/Dodge Minivan Recall For Ignition Problem
Chrysler’s popular 2010 Town & Country minivan as well as the 2010 Dodge Journey and 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan will be recalled after receiving 32 complaints and 465 warranty claims of the engine shutting down without warning. An investigation initiated last September found that driving on rough roads could knock the ignition key into the accessory position, turning off the engine unexpectedly. Owners will be notified of the recall starting in April, where dealers will replace the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module, free of charge. Owners can get more information on the recall by contacting Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety hot line at at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153 ), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .
Suzuki Recalls Motorcycles For Regulators
Suzuki is recalling certain 2008-2010 motorcycles for regulator/rectifier assemblies that were produced with insufficient adhesion between the power module circuit board and the rectifier case heat sink. Without proper adhesion, the power module could overheat causing the circuit board to deform and lift from the case. As a result, there could be insufficient charge to the battery. The part numbers of the rectifier assemblies being recalled are: 32800-41F11, 32800-15H10, 32800-05H11, 32800-41G10, 32800-15H00, 32800-18H00, 32800-05G10, 32800-10G10, 32800-05H20, OR 32800-06G01. These rectifiers have been installed on:
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / AN400
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / DL1000
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSF1250
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX-R600
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX-R750
- 2008 – SUZUKI / GSX1300B
- 2008-2010 – SUZUKI / GSX1300R
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / GSX650F
- 2009-2010 – SUZUKI / SFV650
- 2008-2010 – SUZUKI / VL800
- 2008-2009 – SUZUKI / VLR1800
- 2009-2010 – SUZUKI / VZ1500
Suzuki will notify owners of the recall starting March 02, 2011. For more information contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040 or the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Investigation Leads To Ford F150 Recall
Investigations started by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last September has lead the government agency to urge a recall that could affect almost 140,000 F-150 trucks in the United States. The recall is over concerns that the air bags could deploy without warning. The NHTSA said that they have received almost 240 complaints of unwanted airbag deployment on 2004-2006 F-150 vehicles with almost 80 leading to injuries.
According to Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood, an improperly installed wire in the steering wheel may chaff, causing a short and an illuminated seat belt warning lamp. If it is not serviced, it could lead to deployment of the airbag. The recall will cover 2004-2006 Ford F-150 trucks, built in their Norfolk, Virginia assembly plant, for a relatively low risk of inadvertent air bag deployment. The NHTSA said they will review the recall and determine if it is sufficient.
VW Passat Ignition Coil Fire Problems Escalate
Last August, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing ignition coils in some Volkswagen vehicles, the automobile maker offered an emission service program to inspect and replace ignition coils installed in some 2001-2007 vehicles. The NHTSA has intensified their investigation because of possible fire problems that could affect almost half a million Volkswagen Passats with four cylinder turbo engines. Additional consumer complaints and records from Volkswagen show that the problem could involve a greater number of vehicles and may lead to a recall.
The NHTSA reported that they have received 14 complaints of fires and another 21 complaints of ignition coil failures that caused vehicles to suddenly lose power. Volkswagen reported another 199 complaints, although it is not clear how many of those involved fires.
Ford Recall For Fire Hazard
At the end of December, Ford announced a recall that will affect some 2011 model year F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. There have been no consumer reports of problems due to the defective part, but Ford experienced two vehicles fires at the assembly plant while the vehicles were being built. The problem is being blamed on a faulty Body Control Module (BCM). During a six day period, the module may have been installed in over 15,000 vehicles. Ford will notify customers of the recall beginning January. Owners wanting additional information about the recall can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.
Chrysler Recalls Dodge Ram Vehicles
Chrysler Group has announced three recalls that will have almost 145,000 Dodge Ram owners starting their new year by taking in their vehicles for repairs.
The first and largest of the recalls involves about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey SUV’s for wiring issues. According to a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler found that the front door wiring harness may wear and break making the side impact airbags inoperative. The problem is being blamed on the routing of the wire and poor wire quality used. Cold weather is also a contributing factor.
The second recall involves almost 57,000 2010 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In response to complaints from customers about a growling or grinding noise coming from the rear axle, Chrysler’s investigation found that the rear axle requires additional axle lube oil.
Finally, almost 23,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks built between 2008-2011 are being recalled for a faulty steering. The problem is being blamed on an improperly manufactured ball stud which may weaken and eventually break resulting in the loss of vehicle control.
Chrysler will begin informing customers of the recalls beginning in February. Owners with additional questions can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
