Nissan will be recalling as many as 140,000 Infiniti G35 sedans built between 2005-2006 and G35 coupes from 2005-2007 because of faulty airbags. Though there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this problem, Nissan found that the wire harness for the airbags may become warn, preventing the bags from deploying during an accident. The automaker says Infiniti owners who see the red air bag light come on should get to a dealer right away. Recall notices will be mailed out next month to Infinity car owners.
Acura Recall For Power Steering Hose On TSX Models
Acura will be recalling almost 170,000 entry level TSX models from 2004-2008 in the United States with the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine. The recall is due to the premature deterioration of the power steering hose from prolonged exposure to high temperatures in the engine compartment. The hose could crack allowing power steering fluid to spray on hot engine parts which could lead to a fire. Acura has received one complaint which resulting in a fire.
Owners of affected vehicles will be informed by mail starting at the end of May. In addition, TSX owners can go to owners.acura.com/recalls or may call (800) 382-2238 for more information.
Dodge Calibers Experience Sticky Gas Pedals
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a sticky gas pedal problem in the 2007 Dodge Caliber sport utility vehicles. About 10,000 Caliber vehicles built between March and April of 2006 are the suspect of this investigation, but so far there has not been a recall issued. Only five complaints have been made, and no accidents have been reported. Chrysler said the Caliber is equipped with a safety system that would cut engine power if the brake and gas pedals are pressed at the same time.
Chrysler said the pedals on the vehicle were made by CTS Corp. of Elkhart, Indiana, the same company that manufactured pedals for Toyota. The automaker says the problem is mechanical and is not an electronic or design issue. Four of the Caliber drivers reported they found small parts of the gas pedal known as bushings on the driver side floor. Without the bushings, it is possible for the pedals to become stuck, according to NHTSA.
Anyone who owns a 2007 Caliber built from March through April of 2006 can visit their Dodge dealer for a free inspection or they can call 1-800-992-1997 for more information.
Moter Vehicle Safety Act of 2010
Legislation drafted by House committee representatives Henry Waxman and Bobby Rush is one of the biggest overhauls of federal motor vehicle safety regulations in over a decade. The bill, called the Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010, hopes to reshape auto safety regulations and significantly boost potential fines against automakers for violation of safety laws. The installation of black boxes (also known as event data recorders) and brake override systems are only a couple of the half a dozen new safety standard rules that will be included.
Removal of the existing $16.4 million cap on civil penalties, raising individual violation fines from $6,000 to $25,000, a $250 million fine for executive who knowingly provide false information, and a new tax of $9 per new vehicle after three years to help fund the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and some of the new requirements of the law, are sure to face opposition from automakers.
Beyond fines and taxes, the bill would dramatically overhaul the federal government’s ability to oversee rapidly advancing electronics technology by creating a center for vehicle electronics and emerging technologies.
The proposed law will be introduced in a hearing on May 6 by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on commerce, trade and consumer protection.
Texting While Driving
Despite several nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of texting while driving, a new survey by the Automobile Club of Southern California says that it has not kept drivers from doing it. The rates of texting while driving dropped off after the ban began in January 2009, but have since risen to nearly pre-ban levels.
Although the California Highway Patrol has issued about 11,600 hand-held cellphone citations each month over the last year, it has issued an average of only 150 citations per month for texting. Catching drivers who are texting is tricky since drivers who are texting often keep their phones hidden in their laps.
The fact that we’re seeing a statistically significant rise in texting despite state bans indicates that additional efforts are needed to help deal with the problem. People are naive to believe that texting while driving does not affect their driving and should take driving seriously if not for their safety, at least for the safety of everyone else on the road.
Toyota Recalls Sequoia SUV’s
Toyota has issued a recall for approximately 50,000, 2003 Sequoia sport SUV’s to fix a problem related to the unexpected slowing of the vehicle. Toyota said Wednesday that the recall would address the vehicle’s electronic stability control system, which helps maintain traction during turning. In some cases, the stability control could activate at low speed and prevent the SUV from accelerating as quickly as a driver expects. The company said that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries connected to the issue and about half of the vehicles had already been repaired under warranty.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been investigating the issue so Toyota decided to recall the vehicles to address the government’s concerns. “Toyota is committed to investigating customer complaints more aggressively and to responding quickly to issues we identify in our vehicles,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.
Toyota owners will receive letters about the recall in late May, and any owners who paid for the fix should mail a copy of their repair order to the company’s U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., for reimbursement. Owners can call (800) 331-4331 for more information.
Porsche Panamera Recalled For Seat Belts
Porsche and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have issued a recall for 3,176, 2010 Porsche Panamera for faulty seat belt mounts. This recall is a concern for short drivers, since the mounts could fail when the front seat is adjusted in an extreme forward position, where the locking mechanism could detach from the anchoring system. The front seat belts operate properly in normal crash conditions with the seats adjusted to a more average driving position.
Porsche has not sent out owner notifications yet, so if owners of a Porsche Panamera want to check on the status of this recall, they should contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.
Ford Recall For Faulty Seats
Ford Motor Co. will be recalling almost 33,500 of its 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans built from December 11-February 3 in Hermosilo, Mexico, and some 2010 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer SUV’s built from December 15-February 3 in Louisville, Kentucky. There have not been any reported injuries, but a potentially faulty front seat recliner mechanism could fail during a collision, which may lead to injuries.
The automaker said it expects to begin notifying owners of the recall by letter on April 30.
