Hyundai is recalling some 2007-2008 Veracruz and 2007-2008 Santa Fe vehicles for a problem with the drivers side air bag. In the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai said that over time, the clock spring contact assembly in the system could develop a high resistance. The high resistance could result in the air bag not deploying properly or not deploying at all. Owners wanting more information can contact Hyundai customer connect center at 1-800-633-5151.

Kia has also reported problems with air bags in some 2007-2008 Sorento cars. The problem is being blamed on the programming of the occupant classification system (OCS). The system is set up to turn the air bags off when there is a child stitting in the seat. The OCS could misclassify the size of the occupant in the passenger seat, leaving them without air bag protection. Owners wanting more information can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Hyundai is recalling their 2010 Tucson crossover utility vehicles (CUV) manufactured between February 2010 to April 2010 because the rear reflector assemblies fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The reduced visibility from the rear of the vehicle could increase the risk of a rear end collision. The recall will begin in June, where dealers will replace the rear reflector assemblies free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

kia sorento and hyundai Santa Fe power train recallKia has announced a recall for certain 2011 Sorento 2WD vehicles with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from the start of production through to May 22, 2010. Because Hyundai uses the same parts in their Santa Fe, the same recall is being made on the 2010 Santa Fe 2WD vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines manufactured from October 2009 to March 2010.

The problem is being blamed on a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear. This misalignment will accelerate wear in the shaft and lead to excessive noise and eventually to a damaged automatic transmission. Dealers will replace the right side output gear and the intermediate shaft beginning this month. Kia owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Hyundai owners can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

hyundai elantra airbag sensor recallHyundai has announced two recalls for faulty airbag sensor systems that could lead to the airbags inflating with too much force or when they are not required causing injury to occupants.

  • The first recall involves certain 2007-2009 Elantra vehicles manufactured between July 2006 to November 2008. Under certain circumstances the the connector for the front passenger weight sensor may become contaminated. This could lead to the airbag deploying during impacts that do not require the airbag, or deploying with too much force for the weight of the occupant. In order to fix the problem, dealerships will install a protective cover over the connector to prevent contamination.
  • The second recall involves certain 2007-2008 Elantra vehicles manufactured between July 2006 to August 2007. The drivers seat has a track position sensor that determines how much pressure is used to deploy the airbags according to how close the driver is to the airbag. The air bag control module may receive an unstable signal that may lead to the the airbag deploying at a pressure that is too high or too low for the position of the seat. The recall will have dealers reprogramming the airbag control module to deploy at the proper pressure.

Some vehicles will be affected by both recalls. Hyundai will begin sending out recall notices to Elantra owners starting in April. Anyone wanting more information on these recalls can contact Hyundai’s customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.

A recent recall by Mazda for their Mazda6 vehicles have owners bringing in their cars for spiders that spin a web in a fuel line causing a blockage in the line. Reports released by Honda and Hyundai also warn dealers to keep an eye out for the problematic spiders. Honda said they have known about the spiders since issuing a Technical Service Bulletin back in July of 2009. The spiders have been crawling into a vent pipes createing blockages, but the only symptom Honda drivers have seen is the check engine light coming on.

The yellow sac spider is indigenous to most northern states in the U.S. and accounts for a large percentage of spider bites in America. For most people the bites are only an irritation, although in some cases they cause a more severe reaction.

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with their annual list of top safety picks for the 2011 model year vehicles. This year they recognized 66 vehicles, more than double that of last year. Hyundai and their affiliate Kia as well as Volkswagen and their affiliate Audi lead the insurance industry’s list with nine vehicles on the safest new vehicles list. Below are some of the automobile manufactures and their vehicles that made the list.

  • Audi – A3 sedan, A4 sedans, Q5 SUV
  • BMW – 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
  • Buick – LaCrosse, Regal
  • Cadillac – CTS, SRX
  • Chevrolet – Malibu, Cruze, Equinox
  • Chrysler – 200 4-door
  • Dodge – Avenger, Journey
  • Ford – Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010, Explorer, Flex
  • GMC – Terrain
  • Honda – Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control, Element
  • Hyundai – Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize, Santa Fe, Tucson
  • Infinite – M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
  • Jeep – Grand Cherokee, Patriot with optional side torso airbags
  • Kia – Optima, Forte, Soul, Sorento built after March 2010, Sportage
  • Lexus – RX
  • Lincoln – MKS, MKZ, MKT
  • Mercedes – C class, E class coupe, E class sedan, GLK
  • Mitsubishi – Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
  • Nissan – Cube
  • Scion – tC, xB
  • Subaru – Legacy, Outback, Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX), Tribeca, Forester
  • Toyota – Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander, Venza
  • Volkswagen – Jetta sedan, Jetta SportWagen, Golf 4-door, GTI 4-door , Touareg, Tiguan
  • Volvo – C30, S80, XC60, XC90

Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.

Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.

    Family Sedan

    Nissan Altima:

    The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.

    Small Sedan

    Hyundai Elantra SE:

    Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.

    Sporty Car

    Volkswagen GTI:

    The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.

    Small SUV

    Subaru Forester:

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    The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.

    Best Overall Car

    Lexus LS 460L:

    Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.

    Family SUV

    Chevrolet Traverse:

    Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.

    Sports Sedan

    Infiniti G37:

    The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.

    Family Hauler

    Mazda5:

    The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.

    Green Car

    Toyota Prius:

    The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.

    Pickup Truck

    Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

    This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.

Hyundai Santa Fe Kia Sorento recallHyundai has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011 Santa Fe vehicles built between September 28, 2010 to November 25, 2010 for rear brake calipers that may have not been properly machined. The problem may lead to a brake fluid leak, an illuminated brake light warning on the dashboard, soft or spongy brakes, and a potential loss of brakes. Dealers will inspect the calipers and replace problematic ones free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-243-7766, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov .

Kia, a subsidiary of Hyundai, has also issued a recall for the same problem. Almost 8,000 2011 Sorento vehicles built between September 14, 2010 and October 4, 2010 will be recalled..