Chrysler is recalling a small number of 2012 Dodge Journey crossover and 2012 Fiat 500 subcompact cars for a possible contamination of the vehicles’ brake system. A report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that approximately 350 vehicles built between October 24 to October 26, may have power steering fluid in their brake systems. The improper fluid could degrade seals throughout the system, eventually causing the system to fail. Owners wanting more information on the contamination problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Tag Archives: auto safety
Intermittent Seatbelt Warning in GM Trucks
General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for some 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and 2012 GMC Canyon trucks for a problem with the driver safety belt buckle electrical connector. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the connectors terminals may not fit snugly with the connector pins. The intermittent connection could leave the driver with no visual or audible warning to fasten their seat belt. This failure to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
GM Experiences More Airbag Problems
GM has issued a recall for certain 2012 Chevrolet Express and 2012 GMC Savanna vehicles because the airbags may not properly deploy. The recall states that the second stage of the dual stage air bag may not inflate during a severe frontal impact. GM said that they will install a new front passenger air bag free of charge to the customer. Earlier this month GM issued a similar recall for certain Pontiac G8 vehicles, which requires that the airbags to be reprogrammed. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.
Nissan Power Window Problem
Nissan is recalling some 2011-2012 Infiniti G37 Coupe and 2011 Nissan 370Z vehicles for a problem with the power windows. According to the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the power window switch controller may be manufactured out of specification making the auto reverse feature inaccurate. If a body part should become trapped by a closing window, a pinch injury could result before the window reverses. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1800-647-7261 or Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
California Says Hands Free Even At A Stop Sign
According to a court ruling on Monday, drivers in California who use their non hands free cellphones while stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam will be ticketed if caught. This ruling comes after Richmond driver, Carl Nelson, received a ticket from an officer who saw him using his phone at a stop light in December of 2009. He argued he was not driving because the car was stopped while he made the call. Nelson referred to a 1991 Supreme Court ruling that said the term “drive” requires proof of “volitional movements”. In this case, a man suspected of drunk driving, was found asleep behind his running vehicle while parked on a residential street. Court threw out the case saying that there was no “volitional movement.”
In a 3-0 ruling, judges said that even though Nelson was paused at the time, he was driving on the road in the midst of other moving traffic, and distractions in this situation could create hazards to other drivers on the road. Nelson’s attorney said he plans to appeal to the state’s high court.
Shifting Problems With GM Cars
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into GMC’s 2007-2008 Saturn Aura has been extended to include the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 and the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shifter lever to the transmission can become damaged from regular use. The cables could corrode and eventually weaken giving drivers inaccurate transmission readings. There have been seven reports of crashes caused by the problem, with one involving injuries. According to GM the problem affects mainly models with four-speed transmissions, the Malibu and G6 have similar shift systems as the Saturn Aura, but the problem happens far less frequently on those cars.
2012 Cadillac CTS Braking Problems
General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac CTS vehicles after discovering that some vehicles could experience loss of braking. According to GM, the power vacuum brake boost push rod retention nut may not have been tightened properly and could loosen. If the pushrod separates from the brake pedal, the driver will experience loss of breaking. The recall will cover over 670,00 units, but the majority of the vehicles are still on dealership lots or on their way to dealerships. GM will inspect and tighten the retention nut if necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Toyota To Replace Crankshaft Pulley
Toyota will be recalling over 400,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with V6 engines, to replace the crankshaft pulley. In a report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota said that there is a possibility that the outer ring of the crankshaft pulley may become misaligned with the inner ring. If the problem is not fixed, the power steering pump may become detached making it difficult for the driver to steer. Notifications will be sent out starting in January, but if drivers start hearing abnormal noises from the engine compartment or experience illumination of the discharge warning light, they should immediately have their vehicle inspected by a Toyota or Lexus dealer. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2004 Toyota Avalon
- 2004-2005 Toyota Camry
- 2004-2005 Toyota Highlander
- 2004-2005 Toyota Sienna
- 2004-2005 Toyota Solara
- 2004-2005 Lexus ES330
- 2004-2005 Lexus RX330
- 2006 Toyota Highlander HV
- 2006 Lexus RX400H
For more information on the recall, Toyota owners can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Lexus owners can go to www.lexus.com/recall or call the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Center at 1 800-255-3987.
