Toyota will be recalling certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrid vehicles for a problem that could lead to rear tire rod failure. (IMPORTANT: This recall supersedes Toyota and Lexus recall 12V-373.) All vehicles that have been inspected and remedied under the previous recall need to be re-inspected and have the appropriate remedy applied. Continue reading

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.

Ford Motor Co. has filed a law suit against automobile parts supplier Dana Holding Corp. over corrosion issues that forced Ford to recall over 425,000 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The original recall, issued in August 2010, affected rear axles that were susceptible to fractures after years of service in salt states. Continued complaints led to subsequent Windstar minivan investigations and recalls that affected the front lower control arms, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments.

In a seven page suit filed last Friday Ford stated that they have suffered substantial damages over the minivan issues and are asking the court to enforce a cost sharing agreement between the two companies. When asked about the lawsuit, Dana offered no comment, saying that the company does not discuss pending litigations. Ford and Dana continue to do business together as they work to resolve the issue.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into complaints of severe corrosion in the rear wheel wells of certain 2004 Ford Freestar and 2004 Mercury Monterey minivans. The anchor plate for the rear seats on these minivans is mounted on the rear wheel well and difficulty latching the seats is being blamed on the corrosion. There have also been complaints of the anchor mounts detaching from the vehicle completely. The upgraded investigation will include 2005-2007 Freestar and Monterey vans bought and registered in both salt belt and non salt belt states. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 83,000 vehicles could be affected.

Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 Focus vehicles because the passenger side motor could fail. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a seal in the wiring harness connector on the passenger side could be missing. Water and contaminant could accumulate in the connector resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper. Ford will inspect, clean, and properly seal the connector, or replace the wiper motor as necessary. Ford will be notifying owners starting May 21. For more information on the problem, contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.