Recent updates to OnStar’s privacy policy, has consumers asking the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the company for unfair trade practices. According to the new policy, vehicles with the OnStar service will continue to be monitored even after the customer has canceled their service. The policy changes allows OnStar the right to sell information gathered such as location, speed, odometer reading, and seat belt usage to third parties. OnStar has assured customers that privacy is very important to them and they do not sell any personalized information about their customers.
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Subaru Moonroof Detachment Problems
Subaru has announced a recall for certain 2011 Outback and 2011 Legacy vehicles for problems with the moonroof assembly. According to Subaru, the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and retainer was inadequately applied and could lead to the glass to become loose or detached. Subaru dealers will inspect the moonroof and apply additional adhesive if necessary. Owners wanting more information can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Electric Car Charging Station Apps
It seems inevitable that the electric car will be a part of our future. With fuel efficiency standards becoming tighter, automobile manufacturers will include electric vehicles (EV) in their line ups in order to meet them. Even though this technology has come a long way in the last decade, auto manufacturers are still looking for additional ways to help the consumer get the most out of their EV’s.
One of the biggest drawbacks of an electric vehicle is the need to charge the battery. Having a charging station at home and at work makes electric car commutes trouble free, but long trips can make drivers uneasy. A new smart phone app hopes to relieve this anxiety by allowing hybrid and electric car drivers to find charging stations wherever they go. The app will let drivers know where the stations are, if they are available and whether the station offers free or paid charging. Some of the apps will even allow you to reserve the charging station, leave comments about the stations, as well as give you a street views through Google Street View. Some of the newest applications being launched include ChargePoint, ECOtality, Recargo, and PlugShare.
Hyundai And Kia Report Airbag Problems
Hyundai is recalling some 2007-2008 Veracruz and 2007-2008 Santa Fe vehicles for a problem with the drivers side air bag. In the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai said that over time, the clock spring contact assembly in the system could develop a high resistance. The high resistance could result in the air bag not deploying properly or not deploying at all. Owners wanting more information can contact Hyundai customer connect center at 1-800-633-5151.
Kia has also reported problems with air bags in some 2007-2008 Sorento cars. The problem is being blamed on the programming of the occupant classification system (OCS). The system is set up to turn the air bags off when there is a child stitting in the seat. The OCS could misclassify the size of the occupant in the passenger seat, leaving them without air bag protection. Owners wanting more information can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
California Lemon Laws And Small Business Vehicles
A recently settled lemon law case in California is making it easier for small business owners to exercise their lemon law rights when it comes to vehicles used primarily for the business. Currently the law states that cars and small trucks purchased for personal use are covered under the law, but vehicles used primarily for business, weighing 10,000 pounds or more are not included. In the aforementioned case, the business owners trucks weight was under 7,000 pounds, but because the fully loaded weight was 10,000 pounds it did not qualify under the California lemon law. After a four year battle, courts finally sided with the business owner, saying that the vehicles actual weight and not the fully loaded weight, is what counts. This case will set the precedent for auto makers and future lemon law cases in California involving small business owners and their trucks used primarily for their business.
Volkswagen Jetta Recalled For Burn Hazard
Volkswagen will be recalling certain 2011-2012 Jetta Sedans for a potential burn hazard. The problem is being blamed on a stainless steel exhaust tip installed on the tail pipe. The pipe extends beyond the length of the factory exhaust pipes which could lead to inadvertent contact when accessing the trunk. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, any tail pipes that could be a hazard. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Honda Recalls Seat Belts
Honda will be recalling some 2009-2011 Pilot vehicles for seat belts that could detach from the anchor webbing. According to Honda, there is a possibility that the stitching securing the end of the driver and front passenger lap section may have missing or incomplete stitching. Honda dealers will inspect and replace defected belts free of charge to the customer. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
Chrysler Minivans Investigated For Headlight Failure
Chrysler is being investigated for headlight failure after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received over 1,500 consumer complaints. The investigation will cover over 600,000 minivans made by Chrysler, starting with the 2005 model line up. Divers complaints include headlights that turn off and remain off intermittently without any pattern. Two of the reports resulted in an accident, one of which reported minor injuries. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, there have also been an additional 14,000 warranty claims reported by Chrysler that could be related to the same problem.
