General Motors (GM) will be recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedans because the airbags may deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy at all. According to the recall report, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) could reset itself after an event of hard breaking. If this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver and then there is a rollover sensed, the roof rail airbags could deploy. The reset SDM could also impede the air bags and seat belt pretensioner from deploying during a severe crash. GM will be notifying customers starting in June, and dealers will reprogram the SDM to correct the problem. Owners wanting more information can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-263-3777 .
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Fire Investigation Adds 2012 Chevy Cruze
A recent investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles has been widened to include some 2012 models. The investigation was open last March after complaints of engine fires was reported in two 2011 Chevy Cruze vehicles, but additional reports of fires in some 2012 vehicles has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the newer models. According to the investigation reports, the probe is focusing on electrical wiring and the transmission control module. If the probe leads to a recall, over 370,000 vehicles could be involved.
Lexus GS350 Steering Problem
Toyota will be recalling a small number of 2013 Lexus GS350 cars manufactured between December 12, 2011 to February 7, 21012. The Problem is with the programming for the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system. If the engine is restarted immediately after the vehicle has been parked and the steering wheel is turned, the steering wheel could become off centered. Off centered steering will result in an unexpected maneuver which could result in a crash. Toyota will notify owners who can take in their vehicles to have the VGRS system updated. For more information about the problem, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
GM Cuts Its Advertising Spending
Last week GM announced that they will no longer be paying to advertise on Facebook, except for the pages that cost nothing to create. GM said that with the continuing rise of advertising costs, they question the effectiveness of certain media and are restructuring where the money is spent in order be more effective. Price concerns are not only confined to GM, with many large companies saying it is hard to know where is the best place to put their advertising money. The announcement came days before the highly anticipated Facebook stocks were to be publicly offered. The uncertainty in Facebook advertising has dampened enthusiasm for the stock as the shares for the social networking company tumble.
This week GM continues to cut its spending as they announce that they will not advertise in the next Super Bowl. According to GM’s global marketing chief, the Super Bowl advertising is effective but has become too expensive to justify the cost. Part of the GM advertising overhaul will include an emphasis on markets outside of the U.S., where GM hopes to expand into up-and-coming markets. Last year, GM spent almost $5 billion on ads.
Jeep Wrangler Fire Problem
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2010 Jeep Wranglers after receiving fourteen complaints of fires starting in the catalytic converter area. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were manufactured before July 2010 and have a skid plate to protect the automatic transmission during off road driving. Chrysler said that the skid plate can collect debris and the heat from the catalytic converter could lead to a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in May, and will replace the skid plate with a skid bar that doesn’t collect debris. The recall is the result of a Jeep Wrangler investigation started in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Acura TL Power Steering Leak
Honda will be recalling over 50,000 of its 2007-2008 Acura TL sport sedans because the power steering hose could leak. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is not the first time Honda has recalled these vehicles. In 2008 almost 275,000 2004-2008 Acura TLs owners were asked to bring in their vehicles for the same problem. High under hood temperatures are being blamed on the premature deterioration despite a design change to reduce the fluid temperatures. If the power steering hose starts to leak, the driver could experience loss of power steering assist and a potential engine fire. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Ferrari Crankshaft Manufacturing Error
Approximately one hundred 2011-2012 Ferrari 458 high performance sports cars will be recalled in the United States for a manufacturing problem that could lead to engine damage. The problem was found by Ferrari as they did a routine inspection of one of their fleet vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a programming error in the factory caused the crankshaft to be formed incorrectly. The error could lead to excessive engine vibration and eventually engine seizure. Ferrari will notify owners who will be given the option of having their engines repaired or replaced. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600.
Ford F150 Airbag Problem
Ford will be recalling certain 2012 F-150 trucks to replace the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). The OCSM is a system that classifies the size of the occupant in the passenger seat and deploys the airbag accordingly. In certain F-150 trucks, the incorrect software for the system may have been installed. The result would be the airbag not deploying properly increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Ford will notify owners of the problem and will replace the OCSM free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
