Lamborghini is notifying customers to bring their 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and 2004-2006 Spyder vehicles to their nearest dealership to update the power steering system. In certain driving conditions, the high pressure steering pipes near the steering assist hydraulic pump could leak. If fluid should come in contact with a hot surface or ignition source a fire could result. According to Lamborghini, the problem was discovered during hard driving condition testing, and could affect almost 1,500 vehicles. For more information on the problem, owners can contact Lamborghini at 1-703-364-7042.
Tag Archives: Automobile Safety
Automobile TSBs Can Save You Money
Most consumers know that automobile manufacturers are required to issue recalls on vehicles with problems that affect the safety, value and use of the models they manufacture. We have blogged about rental companies and consumers failing to repair recalls, and have encouraged everyone to check our recall list to make sure the problem has been repaired.
Many consumers don’t realize, however, that automobile manufactures also release Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s). TSB’s are issued after several complaints of unanticipated vehicle problems are received. The manufacturer is not required to issue a recall, do the repairs, or even notify consumers of the problem. It is important for drivers to know if a TSB exists on their vehicle because the information on the reports can save technicians troubleshooting time, provide organized, itemized repair procedures, and standardize the repair process. This can enhance the quality of the maintenance and can save the vehicle owner money by allowing the technician to repair the problem quickly.
If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle and are taking it in to have repairs done, it is in your best interest to research TSB’s related to your problem. If you find one that could be related, let the service manager know that it exists and make sure it is noted on the repair order.
GM Issues Service Campaign For OnStar Vehicles
General Motors (GM) has asked dealerships to stop selling approximately sixty thousand 2012 and 2013 vehicles because of a software problem with the OnStar communication system. According to GM spokesman, Alan Adler, the problem was discovered during rear end crash testing where the airbags are not suppose to deploy. The “sensing diagnostic module,” still senses when to inflate airbags, but when the airbags are not suppose to inflate, certain models may not always receive a call from an OnStar operator to check to see if the occupants are injured. The problem does not require a recall and GM has already repaired many vehicles through a remote upgrade. Owners with vehicles that cannot be repaired remotely will be notified through a GM customer service campaign and will be asked to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership to have the problem fixed. The vehicles involved in the service campaign include:
- 2013 Buick Verano
- 2013 Cadillac ATS
- 2012 Cadillac SRX
- 2013 Cadillac XTS
- 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2013 Chevrolet Volt
- 2013 GMC Terrain
Ford Escape Coolant Line Problem
Drivers of certain 2013 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles (SUV) with 1.6L engines, are being notified to bring in their vehicles to their nearest dealership to correct a problem that could lead to an engine compartment fire. According to Ford, certain vehicles built between October 5, 2011 to August 31, 2012, may have a cylinder head cup plug, also known as a freeze plug, that could become dislodged resulting in a coolant leak. If the coolant evaporates on a hot surface, the glycol could ignite and catch fire. Ford will be notifying owners of the problem this month and can take in there vehicles to have the plug sealed and a secondary plug cover added. For more information about the problem, contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Volvo Tire Pressure Monitoring Problem
Volvo will be asking drivers of certain 2013 Volvo S80 sedans and 2013 Volvo XC70 station wagons to bring in their vehicles for a problem that could lead to premature wear of the tires. A software error within the Central Electronic Module (CEM) may cause the system to fail to warn the driver that the air in their tires is low. Driving on low tires can result in overloading and overheating and could lead to a blowout. Owners receiving a notification will be asked to bring in their vehicles to have the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) reprogrammed, free of charge. For more information about the problem, contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Chevy Sonic Windshield Washer Problem
General Motors (GM) is warning drivers of certain 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured between May 2011- February 2012, that their vehicles may not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for the windshield wiping and washing systems. According to GM, the washer hose could separate from the washer fluid reservoir making it impossible for the driver to clean the windshield while driving. A buildup of dirt could eventually obstruct the drivers vision increasing the chance of an accident. GM will be sending out notices to Sonic owners asking them to take their vehicles in to their Chevrolet dealership to have the hose secured to prevent separation. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Infiniti JX35 Fuel Reading Inaccuracies
Nissan is warning drivers of certain 2013 Infiniti JX35 crossover utility vehicles that they could be left stranded due to a problem that could lead to fuel reading inaccuracies. According to Nissan, The fuel line transfer tube may have been miss-routed in the fuel tank during manufacturing. The float may be restricted from moving as fuel is consumed, giving the driver higher fuel reading than there actually is. Nissan will inspect and reroute the fuel transfer tube as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Automobile Recalls For July 2010
Below are some of the automobile recalls for July 2010
- Chrysler is recalling some 2010 left hand drive Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Ram 1500 trucks and right and left hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles that may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit brake tube assembly end flare. This could lead to a loss of brake fluid resulting to reduced braking. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler toll-free at 1-800-853-1403.
- Ducati is recalling some 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles for several problems. The throttle cables may come in contact with the upper edge of the radiator, the center stand mounting screws may come loose during operation, and an incorrect screw may have been installed in the steering head. Dealers will correct these problems free of charge. Owners may contact Ducati at 1-800-231-6696.
- Ford is recalling certain 2010 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2008 to May 31, 2010. The headliner retention push pin located on the headliner above the b-pillar trim on both the left and right side of the vehicles needs to be replaced because it exceeds the head injury criteria requirement standards. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company at 1-866-436-7332.
- Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2010 FXDF motorcycles with fork leg assemblies (LH P/N 48622-08, RH P/N 48623-08) manufactured from January 29 through February 9, 2010. The wrong springs used in these fork leg assemblies may reduce suspension effectiveness which may result in reduced traction and possibly affect parking stability. Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.
- Jaguar is recalling some 2010-2011 XK and 2010 XF V8 5.0L gasoline engine vehicles which may experience fuel starvation due to an incorrectly activated fuel pump relay. Dealers will download revised software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before August 30, 2010. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827.
- Kawasaki is recalling certain 2009 EX650C9F/FL and 2010 EX650CAF/FL Ninja 650 motorcycles for cowlings that can interfere with the operator’s foot while braking. This could reduce the operator’s control over braking or distract the operator, creating the potential for a crash. Dealers will install an updated footrest guard and fairing bracket free of charge. Owners may contact Kawasaki Consumer Services Department at 1-866-802-9381.
- Nissan is recalling certain model year 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles manufactured from August 24, 2001 through August 28, 2001. Due to an improper installation, the inflator housing may rupture, producing loose metal fragments that could injure the front passenger. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module assembly with a new one free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin August. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.
- Subaru is recalling some 2010 and 2011 Outback and Legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from April 28 to June 23, 2010. An omitted lubrication hole prevents the transmission gears from being lubricated, which will lead to the gears eventually breaking. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- Yamaha is recalling certain 2009 VMX17 motorcycles manufactured from June 2008 to March 2009. Excessive electrical resistance in the accelerator position sensors and throttle position sensors ground wire could lead to a dangerous unstable idle speed. Yamaha will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.
