Nissan is recalling certain 2012 Versa vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. According to the recall report filed by Nissan, because of interference between the shifter rod and the shift knob, the vehicles may be shifted out of “park” without depressing the brake pedal. If the driver should inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle could unexpectedly lurch forward increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob and/or the shifter assembly as needed. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Tag Archives: Safety
Maserati Granturismo Tail Light Failure
Maserati is recalling certain Granturismo and Granturismo convertible sports cars manufactured between June 2008 to March 2010. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), faulty lap assemblies could lead to the rear tail and brake lights failing. The visibility of the vehicle will be reduced increasing the chance of an accident. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.
NHTSA Investigates Toyota Fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into possible fire hazards in some 2007 Camry, Camry Solara and Rav4 vehicles. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, owners experienced a burning odor, and eventually flames coming from inside the doors. The problem is suspected to be caused by a malfunctioning power window master switch control. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 830,000 vehicles could be affected.
Toyota RAV4 Airbags May Not Deploy
Toyota is recalling certain 2011 RAV4 vehicles for airbags that may not deploy properly during an accident. According to the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), propellant with the incorrect specification may have been used in the initiator inflator, causing one or both curtain shield airbags to not deploy. Toyota will be notifying customers and will inspect and replace the curtain shield assemblies as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2012.
Mazda Tribute Brake Fluid Leaks
Mazda is recalling certain 2001-2002 Tribute compact SUV automobiles because the brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid. The leaking fluid could come in contact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and could get into the module wiring harness connector. The connector could corrode and short out, creating a potential fire hazard. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside until Mazda can replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS system wiring. For more information on the recall, contact Mazda at 1-248-393-5990.
Mercedes Benz Investigated For Fuel Smell
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2003-2006 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG sedans and wagons for potential gas leaks. The NHTSA has received over 20 reports from owners who complained about the smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle. In some cases, a visible fuel leak was noticed from the fuel sending unit at the top of the fuel tank, underneath the cushion in the rear seat. Several reports suggest the leakage may be related to a March, 2008 emissions recall conducted by Mercedes Benz (Emissions Recall Campaign # 2008-020001) which involved potential cracking of the fuel filter module in vehicles exposed to high ambient temperatures. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 8,000 vehicles could be affected.
BMW Transmission Problems
BMW has issued a recall for certain 2012 X5 XDrive 35i sports activity vehicles manufactured between December 19-21, 2011. Because of a manufacturing error, the transmission parking lock may not engage even when park is being displayed. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away increasing the risk of crash or injury. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Accused Of Chevy Volt Cover Up
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is being accused of trying to keep the Chevrolet Volt battery fire a secret in an attempt to protect the government’s investment in the car company. Members of the House Committee for Government Reform released a report that states that the bailout of GM, creates business and political reasons for the government to sacrifice public safety. They criticize the time it took for the investigation to begin and the conclusion that the vehicle was safe, just two weeks into the investigation.
The NHTSA defends their position on the Chevy Volt investigation, saying that the agency is still developing protocols for dealing with battery powered vehicles. In the case of the Volt, they do not see the fire as a highway hazard because the problem could only be reproduced after impaling the battery with a steel rod. Still, it took at least a week for the fire to start. They added that GM was quick in responding to the problem, and developed protocols to drain the battery after a Volt has been in an accident.
