Japanese auto manufacturing plants will remain closed today in order to assess the damage from Friday’s earthquake and Tsunami. Being outside the hardest hit areas, the factories are still operational, but rolling power blackouts and damaged infrastructure could prevent automobile shipments from leaving ports for a considerable amount of time. The three major Japanese automobile manufacturers, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, supply most American consumers through factories in the U.S., but Lexus, Mazda, Suzuki and smaller fuel efficient cars like the Toyota Prius and Yaris, and the Honda Fit are built in Japan. In America, consumers have been turning to these small fuel efficient cars as gas prices increase. Some dealerships in North Palm Beach say that they have already sold out of these efficient cars, and they don’t know if any will be getting to their dealerships anytime soon.
Category Archives: Honda
Spiders Causing Problems In Automobiles
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.
Honda Recalls Fit For Engine Problems
Honda has announced a recall that will affect about 100,000 2009-2010 Fit vehicles in the United States and almost 700,000 Honda vehicles world wide. The problem is being blamed on a spring in the engine that can break over time causing engine noises, stalling and potential engine damage. Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by the manufacturer starting early March. You can find out if the recall applies to your vehicle by going online to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 and selecting option 4.
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
Honda Transmission Problems
Despite a recall in 2004 and a class action settlement in 2006, Honda and Acura drivers continue to have problems with their automatic transmissions. Over 3,000 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the last two years, with a spike in complaints in the last six months.
The 2004 recall covered the 2003-2004 Honda Accord, 2002–2003 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2004 Honda Pilot, 2000-2001 Acura MDX, 1999-2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2001-2002 Acura 3.2 CL. The class-action suit that was settled in 2006 claimed that Honda had misled consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Honda denied those claims but settled the case without admitting a defect. Owners got their vehicles repaired, or received an extension on their transmission warranties. But now owners continue to have complaints because they continue to experience problems, even after the extended warranties are up. While 2003 model vehicles seem to experience the most problems, complaints have been noted in:
- 2003-2004 Honda Accord
- 2002-2007 Honda Odyssey
- 2002-2008 Honda Civic
- 2003-2004 Honda Pilot
- 2000-2002 Acura MDX
- 1999-2004 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2001–2003 Acura 3.2 CL
If you have had repeated substantial problems, and if your vehicle is still not repaired, you should call 1-888-EX-LEMON for a free consultation with one of our experts to learn whether your vehicle qualifies or, if not, whether there are other legal alternatives.
If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
- California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
- California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
- California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
- California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
- California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
- California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
NHTSA Investigates Honda Unintended Acceleration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reviewing a request for an investigation into unintended acceleration in Honda’s 2005 Accord hybrid. This request comes after a July 2005 crash that killed one and permanently injured another. The driver alleges that the vehicles brakes were ineffective and the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably.
Twenty two other similar complaints involving Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles were found in NHTSA’s database. In each incident, there were complaints of inadequate braking performance while driving over bumpy road surfaces.
The auto supplier, Indiana-based CTS Corp., is the supplier of Honda’s pedal assemblies and is the same company that supplies Toyota’s assemblies. Other customers include Ford and Nissan. CTS has pointed out that their units, while used by many different auto manufacturers, all have different designs and specifications.
Honda Recall For Braking Problems
Honda will be recalling some 2005-2007 Odyssey minivans, Element trucks, and Acura RL sedans because of a problem with the braking system. According to Honda, the problem was found in the electronic stability control system. When the “vehicle stability assist modulator” tests itself, a small amount of air is allowed into the hydraulic brake lines. Over time, an air bubble can develop causing a loss of braking.
“Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly,” Honda said in a statement. Customers are asked to wait for the recall letter before making an appointment since parts are not available yet. If you are already experiencing problems with the brakes, take it to your dealer immediately so the problem can be temporarily fixed until parts arrive. After April 19, owners can determine if their vehicles are being recalled by going to www.recalls.honda.com or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option number four.
Automobile Recalls For September 2010
- Bentley is recalling some 2007-2009 Arnager, Arnaget, Arnage RL, Brooklands, and Azure vehicles because the retractable hood ornament could become corroded resulting in increased injury during a pedestrian strike. Dealers will replace the retractable mechanism free of charge. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
- Ferrari is recalling its 458 Italia super cars after reports of fire. The problem is being blamed on the rear wheel housing and heat shield assemblies becoming deformed from heat from the engine. The shield ends up too close to the exhaust system which has the potential to start a fire. The problem may occur when the vehicle is operation at particularly high temperatures. To fix the problem, dealers will replace the old heat shields with a new design that attaches with rivets instead of glue. For those owners who had their cars damaged by fire, Ferrari will replace the car with a new model.
- Ford is recalling some 2008-2009 F-650 and F-750 trucks with Caterpillar C7 engines. Two fuel lines have the potential to crack at a fastening point causing a leak. Ford is working with Caterpillar to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized Caterpillar dealers free of charge. Owners may contact Caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
- GM is recalling some 2009-2010 Cadillac STS all wheel drive and CTS-V vehicles. In an accident, the passenger may be at an increased risk of injury from the glove compartment assembly. Dealers will replace the assembly and, in some vehicles, modify the instrument panel structure. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
- Honda is recalling some 2010 Accord Crosstour vehicles for a front airbag that was not assembled properly. If the bag should deploy, the front seat passenger could be injured. Dealers will inspect and replace the passenger airbag module free of charge. Owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009.
- Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles for a steering column that may have been improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. This could lead to the driver experiencing a reduction or loss of steering capability. Dealers will inspect the steering column for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.
- Isuzu and Honda is recalling some 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo, 2002 Isuzu Axiom, and 1998-2002 Honda Passport vehicles. These vehicles, when exposed to corrosive materials used in road deicing, may experience excessive corrosion, resulting in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, if the vehicle is brought in to an Isuzu or Honda service facility within 12 months of notification. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
- Keystone RV is recalling some 2009-2010 Sprinter Select 25RB travel trailers built between February 11, 2009 to November 19, 2009 for a battery wire that may have been pinched between the floor and the frame. The wire could short out, causing a fire. Keystone RV will notify owners and will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Keystone Customer Service at 1-866-425-4369.
- Nissan is recalling certain vehicles equipped with a Garmin Nuvi 750, 760, and 765 navigation system for batteries that can overheat and cause a fire. Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. Owners may contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
- Suzuki is recalling some 2008-2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara, and 2009-2010 Equator vehicles equipped with a Garmin nuvi model 750, 760, and 765 navigation systems. The batteries in these GPS’s have the potential to overheat and cause a fire. Suzuki will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery. Owners may contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985. Owners may also visit Garmin’s website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
- Winnebago is recalling some 2011 Vista and Itasca Sunstar motor homes manufactured from March 16, 2010 to August 12, 2010, because the cable that powers the slide out room could come in contact with the drive shaft when retracted. If the cable wears through, the chassis could become electrified. Dealers will install a drive shaft closeout panel between the chassis frame rails to protect and support the wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.
