VW Passat Ignition Coil Fire Problems Escalate

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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.

Will Fiat Recall Their Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Ralph Nader is encouraging Fiat to Recall their recently acquired 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee line because of a vulnerable fuel tank design. The Center for Auto Safety encouraged an investigation in October saying that the fuel tank on these vehicles are not only poorly designed, but are installed behind the rear axle below the bumper which puts them at an increased impact risk. It was also found that the routing of the fuel filler hose increases the possibility of it being pulled out of the tank in a crash. Nader went as far as calling the Grand Cherokee “a modern day Pinto for the soccer mom.”

According to Chrysler, the fuel tanks are not defective. They say that according to their internal studies, the tanks on the Grand Cherokee are no more susceptible to fires in rear impact crashes than any other similar models from other companies.

Toyota Lexus Recall For Fuel Leaks

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lexus recall for fuel leaksToyota has announced a Safety Recall involving approximately 245,000 Lexus vehicles to inspect the fuel pressure sensor installation. The problem is being blamed on insufficient tightening of the fuel pressure sensor connected to certain engine fuel delivery pipes (those with Nickel Phosphorus plating), As a result, the pressure sensor could loosen over time leading to a possible fuel leak. The vehicles involved in this recall are:

  • 2006 – 2007 Lexus GS300/350
  • 2006 – 2009 Lexus IS250
  • 2006 – 2008 Lexus IS350

Lexus dealers will inspect the vehicle for fuel leakage and tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque. If a fuel leak is confirmed, the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor will be tightened with the proper torque. The inspection and work performed will be conducted at no charge to the vehicle owner. Owners will receive a safety recall notice by first class mail once parts are available. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota Motor Corporation also announced another recall involving 1.3 million vehicles worldwide to remedy a different condition on a different fuel delivery pipe and a high pressure fuel pump check valve, but this recall does not involve vehicles sold in North America.

Ford Fusion Wheel Stud Fractures

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ford fusion wheel stud fracturesAfter four complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into 2010 Ford Fusion vehicles that allegedly had one or more wheel stud fractures. Three of the complaints came from a fleet of vehicles, but different drivers were assigned to each vehicle. All four of the complaints had low mileage and the wheels had never been serviced prior to the problem. All vehicles were equipped with steel wheels with decorative wheel covers and are attached on five wheel studs. If the wheel studs should fracture and break off, it could result in loss of wheel and vehicle control.

Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.

Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.

Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:

  • Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
  • General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
  • Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
  • Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
  • Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
  • Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
  • Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
  • BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
  • Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles

Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.

Saab Recalls Sedans For Stalling Engines

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Saab is recalling almost 4,500 passenger cars over fuel pumps that could seize, resulting in the engine stalling. The recall will affect some 2010-2011, 9-3 sedans built between June to October of 2010. The problem is being blamed on pump components that may have been manufactured with incorrect specification. Owners will be notified of the recall in February where dealers will replace the pump free of charge. Owners can contact Saab at (800) 955-9007 .

GM Expands Recall For Rear Axle Cross Pins

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A recent recall for improperly heat treated rear axle cross pins on some GM trucks and SUVs is being expanded to include another 25,000 vehicles. The original recall included:

  • 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  • 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2011 Chevrolet Silverado LD
  • 2011 GMC Sierra LD

GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it had expanded the recall because some faulty parts were used in production through to Jan. 3 of this year. The new recall includes:

  • 2011 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2011 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2011 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2011 GMC Canyon
  • 2011 GMC Sierra
  • 2011 GMC Yukon
  • 2011 GMC Yukon XL

GM said they know of one incident in which a driver experienced a loss of power to the axle, but are not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the condition. They are urging drivers not to use the vehicles until the problem is fixed.

Ford Recall For Fire Hazard

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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.