Door Handle Issue Prompts Recall of 281,000 Ford F-150s

A recall has been put out for certain 2009-2010 model year Ford F-150s built from January 18, 2008, through November 30, 2009, because of a potential problem with the interior door handles. More specifically, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] said that the interior door handle spring may fracture during normal usage resulting in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully stowed position.

"In the event of a side impact crash, the door handle spring can fail causing the door latch to open," the government safety agency said in a filling. Ford said that as of January 21, 2011, there are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Owners of the affected F-150 models will be notified about the recall that is expected to on or about February 14, 2011.

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NHTSA Investigates 490,000 Volkswagen Passat Models Over Engine Compartment Fires

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] has upgraded an ongoing investigation into the Volkswagen Passat with 4-cylinder turbo powerplants over reports of engine fires to include all sedans from the 2001-2007 model years and Wagons from the 2006-2007 model years. Last summer, the government agency had opened a preliminary examination into the 2002-2003 model year Passat amid concerns on fires caused by failing ignition coils. The upgraded investigation now covers some 490,000 VW Passats.

According to a document filed on the safety agency's web site, the Office of Defects Investigation [ODI] has received 14 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 21 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire. Volkswagen said it has received another 199 complaints for problems related to coil failures.

The reports received by the NHTSA state that the "vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated", and that "the vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s) while some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once".

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NHTSA Probes 2010 Ford Fusion Over Wheel Stud Fractures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] today announced that it has opened a preliminary investigation to assess a possible safety concern on certain 2010 Ford Fusion models, following four complaints that allege wheel stud fractures.

Three of the four Fusion’s exhibiting the claimed defect belong to the same 22-vehicle strong fleet and were assigned to different drivers who experienced the alleged flaw on three different occasions. The safety agency said at least one complaint alleges wheel stud fractures on multiple wheels.

All four cars clocked up between 5,000 and 11,000 miles and were originally fitted with steel wheels and decorative wheel covers. According to the report, each wheel was attached using five lug nuts and wheel studs and has never been serviced prior to the incidents.

The agency said the wheel stud fractures could potentially result in wheel separation and loss of vehicle control.

The probe covers an estimated 281,250 vehicles from the 2010 model year.

By Csaba Daradics

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Saab Recalling 2010-2011MY 9-3 Models Due to Faulty Fuel Pumps

Saab is recalling 4,400 passenger cars from the 2010-2011MY 9-3 series manufactured from June 2010 through October 2010 to fix fuel pumps that can seize and cause the engine to stall. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of these fuel pumps may have internal components with incorrect specifications.

The Swedish automaker said it will notify all owners of the affected cars and replace the fuel pumps free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about February 18, 2011.

Owners may contact the automaker directly at 1-800-955-9007 or the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

By Csaba Daradics

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GM Recalling More than 26,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and Trucks

General Motors is expanding a previous recall concerning a faulty rear-axle cross pin to include another 26,751 SUVs and trucks from the 2011 model year. The first recall was issued in late December and concerned approximately 1,260 Cadillac Escalades, Chevrolet Avalanche and Silverado 1500s, and GMC Sierra 1500s, all from the 2011MY.

The updated recall now covers certain 2011MY Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; and GMC Canyon, Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles.

The Detroit automaker said the rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle.

"Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock. The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning," said GM in a statement on NHTSA's website.

As expected, GM's dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge, with the safety recall to begin before the end of the month

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Honda Recalling 2010MY Accord and CR-V Models in the States for Engine Stalling Problems

Honda has issued a new recall for certain 4-cylinder Accords and CR-Vs from the 2010 model year to check a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector, as it may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.

"The wire harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly, which can lead to engine stalling over time," the Japanese automaker said in a statement, adding that it identified this problem through warranty repairs, and that no related accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 2,277 vehicles in the States.

Under the recall, the firm's dealers will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. Notification to customers is expected to begin in early February, 2011.

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Ford Recalling F-Series Trucks, Edge and Lincoln MKX Over Fire Hazard

Nearly 15,000 Ford trucks and crossovers are being recalled in the States because of problems with electrical systems that can short and create a fire. The recall concerns certain 2011MY Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.

"During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that may have the potential for an internal short," Ford said in a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] website, adding that if a short occurs, it can result in an "unattended vehicle fire".

The Detroit-based automakers said that dealers will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before January 10, 2011.

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Triple Recall for Dodge Affects Over 144,000 Journey and Ram Vehicles

The Chrysler Group is recalling certain Dodge Journey crossovers and Ram trucks in three separate actions to repair defective steering wheels, airbags and noisy rear axles.

The largest of Chrysler's recalls involves 65,180 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2007, through September 7, 2008. According to a posting on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], the wires within the front door wire harnesses may fatigue and break. If this happens, the side-impact sensors may not work resulting in inoperative side airbags. Chrysler said it will replace the left and right door wiring harnesses free of charge.

The second recall affects a total of 22,274 Model Year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks to address a problem with the steering system. NHSTA said these vehicles may experience a weakening and fracture of the left ball stud on the tie rod resulting in the potential loss of steering. The Detroit automaker will fix the aforementioned issue by replacing the left outer tie rod free of charge.

Finally, the Chrysler Group is recalling 56,611 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from September 2009 through December 2010 to fix components within the rear axle. "Some vehicles may experience a noise (growl, grind) coming from the rear axle bearing which could eventually seize," said the NHTSA posting.

All three recalls are expected to begin in February 2011.

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