General Motors has announced a recall for certain 2011 Cadillac SRX crossover vehicles for failing to meet the requirements of the vehicle safety standards for occupant crash protection. The problem is being blamed on a programing error that turns off the right side roof rail airbag if the passenger sensing system does not sense that the front passenger seat is occupied. Safety standards state that in the event of an accident, the front passenger seat airbag should deploy to protect the rear occupant. Cadillac SRX owners receiving the recall can bring in their vehicles to dealers who will reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module free of charge. For more information contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or go to the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
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Volvo Recalls S60 For Fuel Issues
Volvo has announced a recall that will affect some 2012 S60 passenger cars manufactured between November 2010 to May 2011. The fuel pump software may not be compatible with the installed fuel pump resulting in insufficient fuel transfer in the pump unit. Volvo S60 owners may notice engine hesitation and possible stalling under certain driving conditions. Owner wanting more information about this recall can contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.
In 2009 Volvo has issued recalls for their 2010 XC60, 2009-2010 XC70, and 2008-2010 S80 models for similar problem with the fuel pump and the fuel pump software.
Toyota Sienna And Venza Vehicles Recalled
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.
NHTSA Investigates Jeep Wranglers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into some 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles after receiving almost 30 complaints of illuminated airbag warning lights. The investigation has lead the NHTSA to a defective clock spring wiring assembly that may prevent the airbag from deploying during an accident. The problem seems to be more prevalent in right hand drive Wranglers, but the NHTSA wants to investigate the problem further before issuing a recall. If the investigation should lead to a recall, about 220,000 Jeep Wranglers could be affected.
Toyota Recalls Prius Hybrid Vehicles
The Toyota Motor Company has announced a recall for almost 52,000 2001-2003 Prius Hybrid vehicles in the United States to replace the electric power steering pinion shaft attachment nuts. The nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose when the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full lock position. Eventually, the driver will notice that the steering wheel will become harder to turn when making a left hand turns. Owners receiving recall notices will be able to take their vehicle to their local dealership where technicians will replace the attachment nuts with an improved nut. For more information, Prius owners can contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall.
Nissan Investigated For Brake Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating brake problems with the 2007-2008 Nissan Altima, after receiving twenty complaints of loss of braking power. Altima drivers complained that the “brake warning” light would come on intermittently while driving, and after taking in the vehicle for service, were told that the brake master cylinder was leaking and needed replacement. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 440,000 2007-2008 Altimas could be affected.
In 2008-2009, Nissan recalled over 160,000 2007-2008 Sentra vehicles for the same problems.
NHTSA To Make EDRs Mandatory On Vehicles
According to announcements made by the U.S. government, next month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be making an official announcement to make Event Data Recorders (EDR’s) mandatory on vehicles. The bill was proposed by Senator Tom Udall last year, after problems of unintended acceleration on Toyota vehicles.
The information stored by the EDR’s will record a short period of data starting from just before the accident to just shortly after. It will be used by state authorities to determine the cause of the crash, by the NHTSA to compile real world statistics and by American automobile manufacturers to help them understand crashes and how they take place.
Not everyone agrees with mandatory EDR’s. Critics say that the boxes will make the purchase of vehicles more expensive for consumers, while privacy experts question how the information will be used. They say that small modification to the EDR’s could allow your driving to be monitored all the time. Police would be able to issue speeding tickets without actually being at the scene, or insurance companies to judge your driving before they determine your rates. Some feel that the information could go as far as to be used to track a drivers every move.
Volvo Recalls XC90 Crossover Vehicles
Volvo has announced the recall of certain 2010-2011 XC90 Crossover Vehicles manufactured between January 2010 to August 2010. In a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), complaints of sudden loss of power steering is the result of a pipe that was manufactured out of specification. According to Volvo, the power steering fluid leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing will eventually lead to an increase in noise and a gradual loss of power steering. In the recall, expected to begin on May 31, the dealer will replace the oil pipe on the power steering rack. Owners wanting more information can contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
