Toyota is recalling certain 2011 RAV4 vehicles for airbags that may not deploy properly during an accident. According to the recall filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), propellant with the incorrect specification may have been used in the initiator inflator, causing one or both curtain shield airbags to not deploy. Toyota will be notifying customers and will inspect and replace the curtain shield assemblies as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. The recall is expected to begin in early March 2012.
Honda Replaces Side Curtain Airbags
Honda is recalling certain 2012 Accord and 2012 Crosstour vehicles, because the side curtain airbag inflator may not have been manufactured to the correct specifications. In an accident, the side curtain airbag may fail to inflate, increasing the risk of injury to occupants The safety recall will begin February 10, 2012, where dealers will inspect and replace the driver’s and/or passenger’s side curtain airbag as required. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Automobile Sales Strong In New Year
New car automobile sales continue to climb in January, as car makers and analysts predict that 2012 could be the best year auto manufacturers have seen since 2007. The industry’s annual selling rate rose to 14.18 million as sales increased over 11% from January 2011. The strongest sales were seen in small cars, which rose to almost 20%, while truck sales increased less than 4%. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Isuzu all posted modest gains despite inventory shortages from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan at the end of March and Thailand floods in October. Chrysler had an impressive monthly sales increase of 44%, with Volkswagen close behind reporting a 40% gain. General Motors saw a drop of almost 6% mostly due to inflated sales in 2011 from big discounts, and Chevrolet Volt sales suffered in December after a government investigation into battery fires.
Companies Fined Over Auto Harness Price Fixing
A two year investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, has found evidence that a small group of automotive harness suppliers were working together to control prices for wiring harnesses and other crucial components. It was found that as many as a dozen companies globally, had secret agreements to fix prices and controlled the allocation of parts to automakers. In addition to a $470 million fine, several company executives will be serving prison terms of up to two years. These penalties follow a separate $200 million fine imposed by the Justice Department on Furukawa Electric Co. in November.
Over 45 suits have been filed in federal court against the companies involved. American suppliers, as well as auto dealers and consumers who believe they have paid higher prices because of the price fixing, have begun taking legal action separate from the Justice Department probe. The ongoing investigation is the largest the Antitrust Division has ever pursued.
Mazda Tribute Brake Fluid Leaks
Mazda is recalling certain 2001-2002 Tribute compact SUV automobiles because the brake master cylinder reservoir cap could leak brake fluid. The leaking fluid could come in contact with the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and could get into the module wiring harness connector. The connector could corrode and short out, creating a potential fire hazard. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside until Mazda can replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and modify the ABS system wiring. For more information on the recall, contact Mazda at 1-248-393-5990.
NHTSA Upgrades Jeep Liberty Airbag Investigation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into almost 400,000 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV’s, for complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment. Almost 90 complaints have been received to date, 50 of which alleged injuries including burns, cuts and bruises. Chrysler and the NHTSA are suspecting a voltage spike in the electronic circuit that controls the airbag deployment, and are working with the safety administration for confirmation. There have been no complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment in vehicles manufactured after March 19, 2003.
Mercedes Benz Investigated For Fuel Smell
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2003-2006 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG sedans and wagons for potential gas leaks. The NHTSA has received over 20 reports from owners who complained about the smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle. In some cases, a visible fuel leak was noticed from the fuel sending unit at the top of the fuel tank, underneath the cushion in the rear seat. Several reports suggest the leakage may be related to a March, 2008 emissions recall conducted by Mercedes Benz (Emissions Recall Campaign # 2008-020001) which involved potential cracking of the fuel filter module in vehicles exposed to high ambient temperatures. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 8,000 vehicles could be affected.
BMW Transmission Problems
BMW has issued a recall for certain 2012 X5 XDrive 35i sports activity vehicles manufactured between December 19-21, 2011. Because of a manufacturing error, the transmission parking lock may not engage even when park is being displayed. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away increasing the risk of crash or injury. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
