Honda is recalling certain ST1300 motorcycles because they could experience a loss of brakes. When the rear suspension of the motorcycle is repeatedly bottomed out, the rear brake reservoir hose may become damaged leading to a brake fluid leak. The rider will experience a loss of rear brake performance and could eventually lose braking power completely. The motorcycles involved in this recall include:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating brake problems with the 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, after receiving twenty complaints of loss of braking power. Altima drivers complained that the “brake warning” light would come on intermittently while driving, and after taking in the vehicle for service, were told that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed replacement. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 440,000 2007-2008 Altimas could be affected.

In 2008-2009, Nissan recalled over 160,000 2007-2008 Sentra vehicles for the same problems.

General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Chevrolet Express and 2011 GMC Savanna minivans due to a problem that could lead to a loss of brake power. During manufacturing, the right rear brake hose may have been installed too close to the tire. If the hose should repeatedly contact the tire or rim, it could lead to a loss of brake fluid and eventually reduced or complete loss of brakes. Owners receiving recall notices can take their vehicles to their local dealers, where technicians will inspect and secure the hose for sufficient clearance. For more information on the recall, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.

Mercedes Benz is recalling< almost 140,000 of their popular M-class sport utility vehicles for complaints involving the cruise control system. The recall covers the 2000-2002 M-class sport utility as well as the 2000-2004 M-class high performance models. According to the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a problem with the brake lamp switch will not allow the cruise control to be disengaged when the brakes are applied.

Mercedes says it began looking into the problem in September after some customer complaints. Then in December the safety agency began its own investigation after receiving reports from consumers that there was a problem with the cruise control.

Mercedes will also be recalling some 2011 E-Class sedans and wagons because of a lack of adhesive between the vibration damper and a mass damper ring in the power train. The separation of these parts during operation could lead to serious injuries.

Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that they will be recalling almost 80,000 diesel Dodge Ram pickup trucks over a defective brake system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that the recall will affect 2010-2011 Dodge Ram diesel trucks built between March 2009-October 2010. These vehicles have a hydroboost brake systems and could have a power steering reservoir cap that could allow excessive vent pressure levels. The excessive levels may lead to brake pedals that are slow to return and an illuminated brake light. Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers will replace the steering reservoir cap free of charge. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 if they have more questions about the recall.

Toyota has announced a recall for almost 95,000 2011 Sienna minivans to replace the brake light switch bracket. Toyota informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that Sienna vehicles built between December 2009 and November 2010 could experience a deformed brake light switch bracket due to the close proximity of the parking brake to the bracket. When the parking brake is engaged, the driver’s foot may come in contact and deform the stop lamp switch bracket. The deformation could result in brake drag and reduced braking. 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.

Owners will be notified of the problem by mail starting mid January. This notification will instruct owners on what to do if they experience the problem and how to minimize it. A secondary recall notice will be issued in February once replacement parts become available. For more information customers can go to www.toyota.com/recall or call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) is recalling BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls Royce models to fix a potential problem with the braking power assist system. A leak in the system can result in a loss of vacuum pressure, reducing the amount of brake assistance given to the driver. BMW said the mechanical brakes will still function and be able to slow and stop the car, but more driver effort is required to press the pedal.

The recall includes cars built between 2002-2010 with 8 and 12 cylinder engines. The vehicles affected by this recall are:

  • 2002-08 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li, and 760i/Li
  • 2007-08 BMW Alpina B7v
  • 2004-10 BMW 645i and 650i
  • 2004-10 BMW 545i and 550i
  • 2003-2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom models

The company says it will notify owners by first-class mail in the next few weeks. Drivers who experience reduced power braking assistance should immediately schedule a service appointment with an authorized BMW service center.

  • BMW and Rolls-Royce are recalling vehicles for a leak in a check valve of the brake vacuum pump that could lead to the loss of Power assisted braking. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
    • 2004-2010 5-Series
    • 2004-2010 6-Series
    • 2002-2008 7-Series
    • 2003-2010 Phantom
    • 2007-2010 Phantom Drophead coupe
    • 2008-2010 Phantom coupe

    Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417, for more information.

  • Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles built between December 2009 to September 2010. Some of these vehicles may have an improperly assembled steering columns that could lead in loss or reduction of steering. Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
  • Mercedes Benz is recalling some 2010 C-class, E-class and 2010-2011 E-class vehicles for a problem with the power steering. The problem is being blamed on connections that have been improperly torqued during manufacturing. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 for more information.
  • Chrysler is recalling some 2010 Sebring, 300, Charger (LX), Dodge Challenger (LC), Avenger (JS), Journey (JC), and 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (DS) vehicles for power steering problems. The crimp on the power steering pressure hose assembly may leak fluid on the engine creating a fire hazard. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for additional information.
  • GM is recalling 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impalas for front safety belt webbing that may have not been properly secured to the seat. Dealers will inspect and repair recalled vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.