Tag Archives: automobile problems

Honda Accord Sub Frame Rusting

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The Center for Auto Safety is urging Honda to issue a recall on certain 1999-2002 Honda Accords after an exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation exposed a potential safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have been 11 complaints since 2009 of sub frame rust that have left owners with vehicles that are unsafe to drive. The complaints allege that water from the air conditioning drain hose dips down onto the passenger side sub frame rusting it so badly that the frame can separate from the vehicle. The above video shows that while the passenger side disintegrated from rust, the driver side is often rust free.

A spokesperson for Honda confirmed that the company has also received similar complaints, but said they do not believe the defect warrants a safety bulletin or recall. In 2003 Honda changed the location of the drain hose, but said that the design change is unrelated to the problem. If the investigation should lead to a recall, approximately 1.5 million vehicles could be affected.

Honda Headlight Problem Expanded

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A recall of certain Honda vehicles has been expanded to cover over one million automobiles, including certain 2002-2003 Honda Civic and 2004-2005 Honda Pilots. In April of this year, Honda announced that they had found a problem in certain 2002-2004 CRV and 2003 Pilots, where tension on the headlight wiring harness could cause excessive wear on the terminals of the high/low beam headlight switch increasing the electrical resistance of the terminals. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without headlights. Honda said that they will inspect and replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Dodge Truck Rear Axle Could Seize

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Chrysler will be contacting owners of certain 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2009-2010 Dodge Dakota trucks about a problem with the rear axle pinion nut. Because of a lack of adhesive, the nut could loosen resulting in the rear axle locking up. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven the driver will experience a loss of control, increasing the chance of an accident. Chrysler will be contacting owners starting in November and dealers will secure the nut by installing a pinion nut retainer. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Mercedes Benz Potential Engine Fires

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According to Mercedes-Benz, in house testing to replicate a worst case scenario frontal crash, has uncovered a problem that could result in an engine fire. Testing of certain 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012, showed that if the air conditioner refrigerant line should rupture, the gaseous mixture released into the engine compartment could ignite and quickly spread. Mercedes will be asking owners of these vehicles to bring them in to have the refrigerant and all associated lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

BMW Possible Engine Failure

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BMW will be contacting drivers of certain 2013 BMW M5 and 2013 BMW M6 coupe and convertibles high performance vehicles with twin turbocharged V8 engines. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles may be equipped with an oil pump that may fail because of a problem with the manufacturing process. The oil pump drive shaft could separate from the rotor starving the engine of oil. If the vehicle is not pulled over immediately, the engine will overheat and eventually seize. BMW will be notifying customers of the the problem starting this month, and will replace the oil pump free of charge. Owners wanting more information may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Posted in BMW.

Nissan And Suzuki Suspension Problem

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Nissan and Suzuki are contacting owners of certain vehicles manufactured between June 19, 2012 to July 12, 2012, because they may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that do not meed the required design hardness specifications. The hub could wear prematurely and could break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. The vehicles affected by this recall include:

Toyota Driver Window Switch Problem

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Toyota will be notifying approximately 2.5 million owners of certain 2007-2009 model vehicles of a problem with the power window switch in the drivers side door. According to Toyota, an incorrect window switch lubricant was used which could result in the switch components to wear unevenly. Drivers may notice the switch feeling “sticky”, and if they try to use a commercial lubricant to fix the problem, the switch could melt, possibly causing a fire. Dealerships will require about one hour to inspect the switch and apply a special fluorine grease. Owners wanting more information about the problem can call Toyota’s customer service center at 800-331-4331. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2007-2008 Yaris
  • 2007-2009 RAV4
  • 2007-2009 Tundra
  • 2007-2009 Camry
  • 2007-2009 Camry Hybrid
  • 2008-2009 Scion XD
  • 2008-2009 Scion XA
  • 2008-2009 Sequoia
  • 2008 Highlander
  • 2008 Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009 Corolla
  • 2009 Matrix

Honda CR-V Door Switch Fire Hazard

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Honda will be contacting owners of certain 2002-2006 Honda CR-V crossover SUV’s because of a problem with the driver side power window switch. Honda said that moisture getting in to the drivers door could cause damage to the master power switch causing it to overheat and possibly ignite. There have not been any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but five inside door fires have already been reported. Honda is asking owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem is fixed, because a fire could start even when the ignition is off. Owners wanting more information may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.