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.
Tag Archives: Brake Problems
Toyota Recall For Brakes In 2011 Sienna
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.
BMW Rolls Royce Recall for Braking Problems
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.
Automobile Recalls For October 2010
- 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.
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.
Toyota And Lexus Recall For Brakes
Toyota has announced it will be recalling almost 750,000 vehicles in the United States because of leaky brake fluid lines that could lead to loss of stopping power. Toyota suspects that the brake fluid used during maintenance may have not had enough polymers as “Toyota genuine brake fluid”, which may have lead to the seals drying out. That leakage will cause the brake warning light to illuminate.
The models affected by this recall are:
- 2005–6 Avalon
- 2004–6 Highlander (non hybrid)
- Lexus RX 330
- 2006 Lexus GS 300
- IS 250
- IS 350
Toyota will begin sending out letters to owners urging them to schedule an appointment with a local dealer who will replace the seal at no charge to the owner. Owners wanting more information can call Toyota at (800-331-4331) or Lexus at (800-255-3987).
BMW and Rolls-Royce Recall For Brake Problem
BMW has announced a world wide recall on almost 350,000 BMW 5, 6, and 7 series models built since 2002. The German car maker announced that some high mileage vehicles with 8 or 12 cylinder engines may experience brake fluid leakage into the hydraulics, preventing pressure from building up. The brakes will continue to work, but the driver will notice that more pressure is required on the brake pedal. A spokesman for BMW’s luxury brand Rolls-Royce said that they have not had any complaints regarding their Phantom models, but will ask Phantom customers to bring in their vehicles for inspection as well.