Honda to Recall 1.35 Million Fit and Jazz Models Worldwide to Repair Headlamps

Honda said on Thursday it would recall around 1.35 million examples of its Fit / Jazz subcompact to fix a potential problem with the cars’ headlamps. The recall affects approximately 143,083 model year 2007 and 2008 Fit vehicles in the U.S., 385,000 units of the Jazz in Europe and 735,000 cars in Japan.

The Japanese automaker said the problem has been traced back to the routing of the wiring harness for the headlight control switch, as the plating on the wiring harness connectors for the low-beam circuit can become worn after repeated use.

“Worn plating on the connectors could result in corrosion and cause the connector to overheat and fail, resulting in a loss of low-beam headlight functionality,” said Honda in an press statement. According to the company, the high-beam headlight circuit and function are not affected by this problem, while Honda also added that no accidents or injuries have been reported in relation to this issue.

In the States, owners of model-year 2007 and 2008 Fit vehicles will receive a notification in early January to bring the vehicle to a Honda dealer for inspection. Honda said the dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the wiring harness terminal and secure the wiring harness connector. If there are any signs of damage in the connector, Honda said dealers will replace the headlight switch as well.

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe stung by same faulty caliper recall as Kia Sorento

Platform and part sharing is a good thing – it saves money for both the automaker and the consumer and allows engineers more time to develop and refine the individual assemblies that go into making an automobile. The unfortunate flipside, in the unlikely event of an incorrectly designed or manufactured part, is that more than one model tends to be affected.

Such is the case with the 2011 Hyundai Sante Fe, which shares the majority of its most important unseen bits and pieces with the 2011 Kia Sorento. As you may recall (*ahem*), certain 2011 Sorento models were fitted with rear brake calipers that were improperly machined. Same part, same problem, same explanation:

“As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.”

See the complete recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after the break.

Report: Honda to inspect 2011 Accord and CR-V models for possible oil leaks

Concerned about possible oil leaks in one of its popular K series engines, Honda is notifying 1,200 owners to visit their local dealer for an inspection. The affected engine is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder found under the hood of the 2011 Honda Accord (non-V6 models) and 2011 Honda CR-V (all models).

According to a service bulletin the automaker sent to its dealers on December 3, an engine part may have been cast improperly, thereby allowing engine oil to leak. All told, there are about 9,300 vehicles that may be subject to inspection. However, most of those 2011 models (5,000 Accords and 4,300 CR-Vs) are still unsold and in dealer inventory.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will issue a formal recall for items/failures it deems safety hazards – this does not fall under those guidelines. An oil leak of this nature is considered a repair, one that is covered under the automaker’s new car warranty (no charge to the customer). Honda will begin notifying customers before the end of the month.

Volkswagen recalling nearly 380,000 cars over fire risk

Volkswagen AG has just issued a recall of nearly 380,000 cars due to the potential for fuel leaks which could lead to a fire. According to The Detroit News, A total of 266,936 Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit models from the 2007 to 2009 model years are affected, as well as an additional 110,350 New Beetle models (both hardtop and convertible).

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an official recall bulletin, stating:

“The Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Golf and Rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The New Beetle and the New Beetle Convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.”

In both instances, chafing could result in a fuel leak, which in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

NHTSA states that dealerships will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir or, in the case of the New Beetles, inspect the position of the fastening clamp. Either way, the fix won’t cost owners a thing, and the recall is expected to ramp up by the end of January.

Chrysler recalling nearly 370,000 minivans over potential airbag flaw

Chrysler has put out a notice that it will be recalling 367,350 minivans in both Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan flavors. The reason? The airbags might go off when you don’t want them to. Water leaks in 2008 model year minivans may accidentally trigger a warning light and/or accidental airbag deployment.

The culprit is an HVAC hose grommet that was improperly installed. Moisture can then collect in the minivan’s carpet and drip into the airbag deployment module. Chrysler will begin notifying owners of the recall in February, and as always, the fix will come at no cost.

Toyota Issues Voluntary Recall on 94,000 2011MY Sienna Minivans

Toyota said on Monday it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of some 94,000 units of its new 2011MY Sienna minivan (built before early November 2010) because of a potential problem with the brake light switch bracket. According to the Japanese automaker, due to the proximity with the parking brake, the stop lamp switch bracket could be deformed by the driver’s foot during parking brake operation.

The company said that depending how deformed the bracket becomes, the brake lights may remain on or, if the deformation is significant, the brakes could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light.

“No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved in this recall, and Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition,” the Japanese carmaker said in a statement.

Owners of the affected Sienna models will be notified about the recall in mid-January 2011, but the fix won’t take place before late February due to the lack of parts.

“Owners will receive a second notice by first class mail in approximately late February, once replacement parts become available, and asked to make an appointment with any Toyota dealer to have the remedy performed at no charge,” Toyota said.

From Toyota Press Release:

Customer FAQ for Sienna Stop Lamp Switch Bracket Recall

1. Which models are involved in the recall?

Toyota is recalling approximately 94,000 2011 Model Year Sienna vehicles produced before early November 2010. No other vehicles are affected by this recall.

2. What is the condition that prompted Toyota to take this action?

Due to the proximity of the stop lamp (brake light) switch bracket to the parking brake pedal when the parking brake is fully applied, the bracket could, in limited circumstances, be deformed by the driver’s food during parking brake operation.

Depending on the amount of bracket deformation, this condition could cause the brake lights to remain on. If the deformation is significant, the brakes could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light. If this condition is not noticed and the vehicle continues to be driven, braking effectiveness could be reduced.

3. Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?

Depending on the amount of stop lamp switch bracket deformation, drivers may notice the rear brake lights remaining “ON” and/or the brakes remaining slightly applied, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light.

4. What is Toyota going to do to remedy this condition?

As part of this recall, Toyota dealers will replace the bracket assembly, which includes the stop lamp switch bracket, with a new one that has been redesigned to take into account the proximity of the component to the parking brake pedal.  

5. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will I have to pay any money out of pocket for this repair?

This repair will be performed at no charge to the customer.

6. What should I do if my brake warning lamp is currently illuminated?

If a customer’s the brake warning lamp has illuminated, he/she is asked to please make an appointment with a local Toyota or Lexus dealership for diagnosis. If the condition is confirmed, the dealer will temporarily move the stop lamp switch bracket back to its designed position. The customer will be requested to return to the dealership when the remedy parts become available, as directed by their recall notice.

7. Does Toyota have any record of accidents or injuries related to this defect?

Toyota is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this defect.

8. What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?

If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Prius Recall Over Water Pump Issues Affects 650,000 Cars World Wide

 

November 30th, 2010

 

Toyota is set to make a recall of 650,000 Toyota Prius units built between 2004 and 2007 in order to change their water pumps. The recall will start soon, globally.

Toyota organizes a new recall, this time to fix the water pump of the Prius model. Toyota Prius recall affects 650,000 units world wide, for the models built between 2004 and 2007. The most units affected by the water pump recall are in the United States of America – 378,000 units. The faulty fuel pump has the role to circulate the cooling fluid in the hybrid system for cooling it and enhance its performances. Until now, the guys of Toyota have not received any complaints about the cooling system of Prius or about the respective water pump.

The faulty water pump of Toyota Prius allows air bubbles enter the cooling system, leading to reduced performances of the system and slowing the circulation of the cooling fluid. In case of overheating, a dashboard LED lights up, and in extreme situations the model enters in the safety mode, reducing the engine’s power. Once power is reduced, the driver will have to push the throttle harder, leading to an increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency.

Starting 2007, Toyota changed the water pump used for Toyota Prius and installed a new type of pump. The reparations will be made free of charge, as Toyota will pay for all the fixings. The labor for costs over $100 in US services – where 378,000 Toyota Prius need this intervention. In 12 months time, Toyota recalled bout 14 million cars world wide.

Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Report Date : November 29, 2010 at 03:27 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V579000

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S60 2011
VOLVO / S80 2011
VOLVO / XC60 2011
VOLVO / XC70 2011

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. Mfr’s Report Date: NOV 17, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V579000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6046

Summary:
VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, S80, S60, XC70 AND XC60 VEHICLES. THE SOFTWARE CALIBRATION FOR THE FUEL CUT-OFF FUNCTIONALITY IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) IS TOO SENSITIVE.

Consequence:
SUDDEN ENGINE STALL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE ECM AND TCM WITH NEW SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552 OR AT CUSTOMERCARE@VOLVOFORLIFE.COM.

Notes:
VOLVO SAFETY RECALL NO. R234. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION‘S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

.NHTSA opens investigations into Honda, Kia vehicles

 

Washington — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations into electrical issues on the 2006 Honda CR-V and shifting issues with the 2007 Kia Optima.

The probes — both opened after just three complaints — are the latest examples of how federal safety regulators are opening more investigations into potential safety issues than in recent years and moving faster than in the past.

In the first, NHTSA is investigating 150,000 2006 Honda CR-V models after reports of melting or burning of the master power window switch and related electrical system wiring components. All three complaints alleged fires in the driver’s door related to the driver’s master power window switch.

Honda spokesman Chris Naughton said Honda will fully cooperate. He declined to say if Honda has received any additional reports of fires.

Separately, NHTSA is also probing 41,000 2007 Kia Optima models over complaints that the automatic transmission shift cable may detach from the shifter assembly. If this occurs, the transmission gear shifter becomes inoperative.

NHTSA said it had received three complaints concerning automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to engage the gears (park, drive and reverse) in model year 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. “One of the complaints also reported is a rollaway incident after parking the vehicle,” NHTSA said.

In 2007, Kia Motors issued a technical service bulletin concerning incorrectly installed automatic transmission shift cables in certain model year 2006 and 2007 Kia Optima vehicles. The bulletin said that over time these cables can detach from the shifter assemblies’ dowel pins resulting in the inability to select or engage drive gears. NHTSA noted that difficulty engaging park may also occur.

Honda and Kia didn’t immediately return calls seeking comment.

NHTSA came under harsh criticism from Congress earlier this year in the wake of Toyota Motor Corp.‘s sudden acceleration issues and the disclosure that NHTSA had not done more to force Toyota to make fixes in response to complaints.

dshepardson@detnews.com

NHTSA Investigating Honda Accord Hybrid for Uncontrollable Acceleration

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA] has opened up a preliminary investigation to review a claim from an owner of a 2005MY Honda Accord Hybrid who said that in 2005, she was involved in an accident after the car lost braking power subsequent to crossing over rumble strips, then accelerated uncontrollably.

According to the report, the car crashed into oncoming traffic and killed her passenger. The driver of the vehicle alleges the crash left her disabled while the occupants of two other vehicles were also injured.

The safety agency added that the petition identified 22 other complaints involving Honda Accord and Civic hybrids that the driver felt represented similar incidents where the braking performance was inadequate under conditions of braking while driving over uneven road surfaces.

The NHTSA said it will investigate the case and decided whether or not to issue a recall for the affected Honda Accords. Scroll down to read the full report from the safety agency.

NHTSA Release

A defect petition letter was received by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) requesting a formal investigation and recall of MY 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles for a possible safety defect related to braking performance. The petitioner (with assistance from another consumer due to her injuries) filed a complaint with ODI under Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) 10329383.

In the complaint the petitioner described being involved in a crash on July 23, 2005 while driving a subject vehicle. Summarily, the complaint alleges while traversing rumble strips along side of the highway and simultaneously attempting to the brake, the brakes were ineffective and the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably.

This began a chain of events where the vehicle eventually crossed over into traffic flowing in the opposite direction. The end result was the death of her passenger and injuries to the occupants of two other vehicles. The petitioner also alleges the crash left her disabled.

Subsequent to the incident on July 23, 2005, the petitioner did a search of ODI’s complaint database and identified 22 additional complaints involving other Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles that the petitioner felt represented similar incidents where the braking performance was inadequate under conditions of braking while driving over uneven road surfaces. ODI will evaluate the petition for a grant of deny decision.