Volkswagen is recalling Audi model vehicles for a problem with the fuel system that could lead to a fuel leak and a potential vehicle fire. The problem is being blamed on aging plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve. Stress from the ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple could lead to cracking of the nipple resulting in a fuel leak. The vehicles involved in this recall are equipped with 4.2L engines and include:

Owners receiving the recall notice can take their vehicles into their local dealer to have the rollover valve nipple replaced or reinforced. For more information, contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

When the first mainstream electric cars, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, hit the market, they were advertised as being easy on the pocketbook and good for the environment. Because of their size and weight, may consumers had concerns that safety may have been compromised in order to meet the promised fuel efficiency. Recent crash tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have shown that this just isn’t true. In fact, both cars have received “Top Safety Ratings” receiving the highest possible ratings for front, side, rear, and rollover crash protection. According to Joe Nolan, the IIHS chief administrative officer, Eco-minded drivers keen on switching to an electric vehicle should not think twice about buying a Leaf or Volt for highway driving. General Motors and Nissan have shown that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fuel economy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into Ford Motor’s Freestyle crossover SUV after receiving almost 240 complaints of unintended lunging. Reports filed with the NHTSA say that the vehicles lunged forward at low speeds when the driver’s foot was not on the accelerator pedal. 18 of the reports claimed to have resulted in an accident, including one with minor injuries. Owner said that the problem seemed to have worsened when the vehicles’ air conditioning was turned on or the steering was turned sharply. Spokesperson for the Michigan based automaker said that, Ford will fully cooperate with the NHTSA in an attempt to rectify the problem. The investigation will include about 170,000 Ford Freestyle SUV’s, of the 2005 to 2007 model years.

General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.

With millions of recalls issued every year, it is not surprising that an estimated 25% are never fixed. Even though new car dealerships are forbidden from selling vehicles with open recalls, there’s no similar requirements for used car dealerships. According to Clarence Dithlow, the executive director for the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, “Every safety defect is serious and should be fixed, and better regulation is needed to ensure that they are.”

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADE) opposes any legal mandate that would prohibit a dealer from selling a vehicle with open recalls, because forcing used car dealerships will impose major costs and burdens on used car commerce. They say that it is the responsibilities of owners of pre-owned vehicles to investigate if a recall has been issued for their vehicle.

An investigation into fuel tank problems could have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalling Ford F-150 pickup trucks. The investigation was started a year ago after 32 complaints of fuel tanks falling off. Today over 240 complaints have been received, with 95% of the reported incidents resulting in fuel spillage. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost three million 1997-2001 F-150 trucks could be recalled. Ford is cooperating with the NHTSA and encourages owners to contact their local dealer if they have any questions about the investigation.

If you have received a recall to check the steering shafts on your new 2011 Chevy Cruze, you may want to get the transmission shift linkages inspected while you are there. The automobile maker announced that within the group of vehicles to be checked for steering, they plan to inspect over 120,000 vehicles with automatic transmissions to make sure the shift linkages are installed properly. Improperly installed linkages may lead the driver to think they are in a certain gear when they are not. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Hyundai is recalling their 2010 Tucson crossover utility vehicles (CUV) manufactured between February 2010 to April 2010 because the rear reflector assemblies fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The reduced visibility from the rear of the vehicle could increase the risk of a rear end collision. The recall will begin in June, where dealers will replace the rear reflector assemblies free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.