BMW will be notifying certain 3-Series drivers of an electrical malfunction recall that could leave motorists without tail, brake or signal lights. The problem is being blamed on an increased resistance in the electrical contacts of the lighting system within the vehicles body panels. Non working or intermittent working tail, brake, or signal lights will increase a drivers chance of getting into an accident. BMW will begin notifying customers of the recall starting in October. Owners wanting more information can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in the recall will include:
August Car Sales Up In August
The slowing economy has left consumers wary about making big item purchases, but according to a recent auto data report, automobile sales in August rose almost 8% from a year ago and 1.2% from last month. All of the large automakers have showed sales gains for the year to date, except for Honda and Toyota, whose dealers have struggled to keep inventory since the earthquake and tsunami in Japan early this year. Shortages of small, fuel-efficient cars, like the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus, have also lead to increased prices on both new and used hybrid, electric and compact cars.
G.M. said it remains confident that industry sales will top 13 million vehicles this year, back to 2008 levels, when 13.2 million were sold in the United States. They intend to step up production by adding overtime shifts to plants that build the Chevy Cruze, in an attempt to fill the compact car void plaguing the auto industry. Ford said it hopes to increase its overall production by 9% in the fourth quarter from what is was in 2010.
But analysts feel the automakers are “playing chicken” with the economy. Stockpiling extra inventory while consumer confidence declines could lead to too much inventory and price reductions that could end up hurting the industry in the long run.
Triumph Tiger Motorcycles Recalled
Triumph has announced a recall for certain 2011 and 2012 Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC motorcycles, manufactured between September 2010 to June 2011. The problem is being blamed on a glitch with the engine management software (EMS). According to the report file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the old EMS could lead to low RPMs and a potential stall when decelerating. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Triumph customer service department at 1-678-539-8782.
Transmission Problems For Nissan
Owners of some Nissan trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation for transmission problems. Reports filed with the NHTSA alleged that an internal crack on the oil cooler tube in some Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras, could force coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure. Last October, Nissan extended the warranty on radiators of 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Exterras to eight years or 80, 000 miles, but under the extended warranty, Nissan did not have to cover vehicles bought used. Owners feel that Nissan extended the warranty on these vehicles, knowing they would surpass 80,000 miles before having problems with the transmission. They want Nissan to issue a recall to all owners and reimburse those who have already paid for transmission repairs.
Porsche Recalls Vehicles For Seat Belts
Porsche has announced a recall for certain 2011 and 2012 vehicles, because of a problem with the seat belts. In a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Porsche said there is a possibility that the mounting holes in the seat belt anchor plate are too small. The anchor plate may not rotate around the fastening bolt and may not give occupants the proper protection during a crash. Porsche dealers will inspect and replace defective seat belts free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
- 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S
- 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
- 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster
- 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4
- 2012 Porsche 911 Targa 4S
- 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo
- 2012 Porsche 911 Turbo S
- 2012 Porsche Boxster
- 2012 Porsche Boxster S
- 2012 Porsche Boxster Spyder
- 2012 Porsche Cayman
- 2012 Porsche Cayman R
- 2012 Porsche Cayman S
Maserati Recall For Steering Linkages
Maserati has announced a recall for certain 2009 Granturismo sports cars and 2009 Quattroporte luxury sedans. The problem is being blamed on incorrect machining of the rear suspension left and right tie rods. The rods could fail resulting in loss of vehicle control. In the recall, dealers will replace the affected tie rods, install a tie rod kit and perform a wheel alignment, free of charge to the customer. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Maserati at 1-201-816-2600.
Nissan Recalls Altima And NV
Nissan will be recalling certain 2012 Altima sedans and 2012 NV cargo vans for a problem with the air bag control unit (ACU). The ACU was not assembled correctly and may not operate correctly. In the event of an accident, the airbags may fail to inflate, increasing the risk of injury of the occupants. In the recall, Nissan will replace the airbags, free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Stop Adding Air To Your Tires
According to Goodyear, the days of manually adding air to under inflated tires could soon be a distant memory. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, with the help of a government grant from the United States Department of Energy, are developing a technology that will enable tires to remain inflated at the optimum pressure without the need for external pumps or electronics. All components of Goodyear’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) will be fully contained within the tire.
According to industry research, driving on under inflated tires can decrease your fuel mileage by as much as 3.3%. Properly inflated tires will not only save you money at the gas station, but will lower automobile emissions, give a longer tire life, and will enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Goodyear did not say when this technology would be available at tire retailers, but said the timetable would be accelerated due to recent government research grants in United States and European Union.
