The NHTSA is ending an investigation into allegations of electronic throttle failure in Ford and Mercury vehicles. Instead, Ford will be conducting a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) in which they will be contacting owners to take their vehicles to a manufacturer approved dealership to update the power-train calibration software to improve vehicle performance. Ford will also extend their power-train warranty coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles. Continue reading

General Motors is expanding a recent recall of certain 2003-2007 model year vehicles to correct a condition with the ignition switch that may allow the key to unintentionally move or switch to the “accessory” or “off” position, turning off the engine and most of the electrical components on the vehicle. Continue reading

You may have recently received a letter from the manufacturer of your car or truck offering you a trade-in of your vehicle for one of the manufacturer’s new vehicles. While this may at first glance look like a good deal, if you look closely you’ll see the manufacturer is probably only offering you the opportunity to trade up to a newer model. Under this trade in offer you would have to pay off the balance of your existing loan or lease, plus pay the mileage deduction allowed under the California law. Continue reading

A recall of certain 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles has raised safety concerns on whether General Motors should have included four more models. In October 2006, GM sent dealers a technical service bulletin (TSB) warning about an ignition problem that could prevent the airbags from deploying. (NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin Number: 050235007) Continue reading