Toyota has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011 Venza crossover and 2011 Sienna minivans manufactured between March 07, 2011 to March 10, 2011. These vehicles may have been installed with a front right drive shaft that was not properly heat treated. The improperly manufactured shaft could break while driving leaving the driver stranded and increasing the chance of an accident. Toyota will begin notifying affected customers starting mid June. For more information contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The recall is expected to have effected only about 38 vehicles sold in the United States and Canada.
Category Archives: Lemon Alert
Toyota Recalls 2011 Tundra Trucks
Toyota announced Tuesday that they will be recalling over 50,000 2011 Tundra trucks to inspect the rear drive shaft. The Japanese automaker estimated that about 0.05% of the trucks made may have been fitted with a slip yoke that was improperly cast during the foundry process. There has been one complaint of drive shaft slip yoke failure, but no accidents or injuries have been reported
The owners with recalled vehicles will start receiving notifications starting May, where dealers will inspect the production lot number to see if it has been installed with the problem component. Additional information can be found at www.toyota.com/recall or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Recalls RAV4 And Highlanders Over Airbags
Toyota has announced a recall on over 300,000 sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) for issues with the airbag sensors that could lead to an unexpected airbag deployment. The problem is being blamed on the two airbag sensors that detect a vehicles roll angle. If both airbags fail after an airbag system check, the airbags and seat belt pretensioners could be triggered. A Toyota spokesman said that there have been reports of injury when the airbag deployed unexpectedly.
The recall involves about 200,000 2007-2008 RAV4 and almost 100,000 2008 Highlander and Highlander HV SUV’s sold in the United States. Owners will receive a recall notice starting in May, where Toyota dealers will replace the sensors free of charge.
Algae Growing In Diesel Fuel Tanks
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With rising fuel costs, many consumers are turning to diesel vehicles for their better fuel economy. Most people who operate and maintain diesel engines are familiar with a black material seen in fuel filters or at the bottom of the tank, but many don’t realize that it is a growing “algae”. This organism inside the tank will lead to poor combustion, carbon buildup, and could end up costing the owner of the vehicle large amounts of money.
The algae is the result old fuel, and while the problem is often found in boat engines, automobiles are not immune. So what can be done to prevent the problem? There are additives you can use, but if it is not caught soon enough, it can still end up being costly to the consumer. Your best line of defense is being educated about the problem, and keeping up with regular maintenance.
Mercedes Benz Recalls M Class SUVs
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.
VW Recalls 2011 Jetta For Wiring Problems
Volkswagen (VW) has issued a recall for certain 2011 Jetta cars, built between March 2010 to March 2011, for problems with the electrical wiring. According to VW, a fuse shared between the anti-theft alarm and the converter box could short circuit causing the light and wipers to stop working. Under the recall, dealerships will reconfigure the wiring so that each system has their own fuse. Any Jetta owners wanting more information on this recall can contact VW customer service at 1-800-822-8987
Volvo Recalls 2011 S40
Volvo has issued a recall for certain 2011 S40 passenger cars for a problem that could affect the front structure of the vehicle. According to Volvo, a crack on the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment may have developed during the forming process. In an accident, the crash performance of the vehicle could be reduced, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Dealers will inspect the S40 front structure for cracks and the vehicle will be taken out of service if a problem is found. A new replacement vehicle of equal specifications will be provided by Volvo. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Volvo customer care center at 1-800-458-1552.
Kia Recalls 2006-2008 Optima Vehicles
Kia has announced a recall that will have almost 70,000 Optima owners taking their vehicles in for repairs. The recall is over concerns that some of the shift cables were not assembled properly, allowing them to detach from the shift assembly dowel pin. The detached cable will prevent the transmission from being put in “park” even though the shift lever is in the “park” position. As a result, the vehicle could roll away causing damage and injury.
The vehicles involved in this recall are the 2006-2008 Optima vehicles built between September 2005 to June 2007. Kia will start notifying owners middle of March, where Dealers will inspect and reinstall the shift cable if necessary. Owners can contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542 for more information.
