Tag Archives: electrical problem

Engine Failure Recall For Nissan Sentra

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Nissan has announced that they will be recalling almost 14,000 2010-2011 Sentras for a problem that could lead to engine failure. The problem is being blamed on the positive terminal of the battery not making good contact with the battery cable. The problem could lead to the engine stalling, difficulty starting, and could cause damage to the engine control unit (ECU).

The vehicles recalled were built between May and July of 2010. Owners can contact Nissan at (800) 647-7261 for further information.

Tata Motors To Repair Nanos For Fire Hazard

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While Tata Motors insists that it is not a recall, they are asking owners of the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, to bring in their vehicles for a free upgrade in safety equipment. The upgrade is in response to reports of mysterious circumstances which led to six cars catching fire since the car was first introduced last year. Tata Motors Group CEO and managing director Carl-Peter Forster said, “The Nano car is a very reliable and safe vehicle. The company has undertaken a second check and found that the vehicle has a safe design. After a thorough investigation by a team of internal and international experts, it was found that the fire hazard problem was specific to the cars which had the incidents.”

The company has taken up several corrective measures. They will now offer a cover on the catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire, as well an add a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short circuits. For any Nano cars produced before January 2010, they will also be replacing the starter motor. The company will contact owners of the Nano and perform the upgrades free of charge.

Volvo Recall For Airbag Problem

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Swedish automaker, Volvo, is recalling almost 10,000 vehicles in the United States for a software problem related to drivers side airbag inflation. According to a Volvo spokesperson, the problem was discovered by a European automotive testing agency who found that the airbag deployed too late in some circumstances. The vehicles affected by the recall are:

  • 2010-2011 S80
  • 2010-2011 XC70
  • 2011 XC60
  • 2010 V70

According to Volvo, there have been about 140 complaints related to this issue. Volvo dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s air bag clockspring wiring connector in order to remedy the problem. For any recall related questions, owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Mitsubishi Recalls Endeavor SUVs

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Mitsubishi is recalling almost 20,000 2006-2008 Endeavor SUV’s for an electrical software problem that could affect heat and air conditioning functions. Some vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning have experienced failures that can cause the heater door to stick. The window defrost may not work properly reducing the drivers visibility.

The company will start notifying customers beginning December. Mitsubishi will reprogram the software and replace the controller to correct the problem, and will replace the mode door shaft if damaged. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Nissan Recall For Stalling Problems

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Today Nissan announced that they will be recalling almost 750,000 vehicles for an electrical problem that could lead to stalling engines. According to the auto manufacturer, the electrical relay that supplies voltage to the Engine Control Module may develop silicon vapor inside which could lead to the development of oxidation on the electrical contacts. The result could be engine performance issues such as stalling. The vehicles being recalled are:

  • 2004-6 Nissan Armadas
  • 2004-6 Titans
  • 2004-6 Infiniti QX56s
  • 2005-6 Nissan Frontiers
  • 2005-6 Pathfinders
  • 2005-6 Xterras

There have been no reported accidents related to the problem. The company says it will notifying owners in early December. Customers with questions should contact the Nissan’s consumer affairs department at 1-800-647-7261 for Nissan vehicles, or 1-800-662-6200 for Infiniti vehicles.

BMW Finally Recalls Defective Fuel Pumps

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After years of complaints and online petitions from consumers, BMW is finally recalling about 130,000 vehicles for a fuel pump defect. The German car manufacturer said that some models may experience a high pressure fuel pump failure which could lead to a stalling engine. If the engine stalls, the driver will lose power assist for steering and brakes, but both will remain operational. The vehicles involved are equipped with twin turbo inline six cylinder engines that feature BMW’s High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. The models affected by this recall are:

  • 2007-2010 335i series
  • 2008-2010 135i
  • 2008-2010 535i
  • 2008-2010 X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
  • 2009-2010 Z4 Roadster35i

Symptoms of the faulty pump include long crank engine starting with “Service Engine Soon” warning or reduced engine performance accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the “Engine Malfunction” light. Complaints of vibration and loss of power while driving have also been noted.

In a separate recall, BMW will also be recalling about 21,000 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally aspirated inline six cylinder engines to replace the low pressure fuel pump. These vehicles could also experience a stalling engine which could lead to loss of power assist for the steering and brakes.

The recall will be sent out as first class mail requesting the scheduling of a service appointment at an authorized BMW dealership. If customers have and questions they can contact their authorized BMW Center, call 1-800-563-4269 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Posted in BMW.

NHTSA Issues Reminder Recall For Fords

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a reminder recall for consumers with Ford vehicles that still have faulty cruise control systems. This recall was first issued as far back as the beginning of 1999 and has been reissued several times since then. The vehicles recalled are at risk of having the cruise control overheat and catch fire, even if they are turned off, parked and unattended.

Some warning signs that your vehicle may still have the cruise control issue are: a cruise control system that can’t be activated or stops working; brake lights that stop working; low brake fluid, ABS and brake warning lights on the dashboard that are illuminated; or the inability to get a vehicle out of park.

Owners of the affected automobiles are being urged to make sure their vehicles have been fixed. Ford offers a website service where you can enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), to see whether your vehicle has been recalled and whether the repair has been made. The vehicle’s VIN can be found on the dashboard and on the certification label on the door latch post next to the driver’s seat, NHTSA said. The vehicles affected by this recall include:

  • 1993-1996 Ford Bronco
  • 1992-1998 Ford Crown Victoria
  • 1992-2003 Ford Econoline E-150/250/350
  • 1996-2003 Ford Econoline E450
  • 2002-2003 Ford Econoline E550
  • 2000-2003 Ford Excursion Diesels
  • 1997-2002 Ford Expedition
  • 1995-2002 Ford Explorer
  • 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
  • 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  • 1993-2003 Ford F-series (F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550)
  • 1993-2003 Ford F-Super Duty Diesels (excluding 1998)
  • 2003-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning
  • 1994-2002 Ford F-53 Motorhome
  • 1995-2003 Ford Ranger
  • 1993-1995 Ford Taurus SHO (automatic transmission)
  • 1995-2003 Ford Windstars
  • 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood
  • 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
  • 1998-2002 Lincoln Navigator
  • 1992-1998 Lincoln Town Car
  • 1994 Mercury Capri
  • 1992-1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
  • 1991-2001 Mercury Mountaineer
  • 1995-2002 Mercury Mountaineers

Automobile Recalls For September 2010

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  • Bentley is recalling some 2007-2009 Arnager, Arnaget, Arnage RL, Brooklands, and Azure vehicles because the retractable hood ornament could become corroded resulting in increased injury during a pedestrian strike. Dealers will replace the retractable mechanism free of charge. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
  • Ferrari is recalling its 458 Italia super cars after reports of fire. The problem is being blamed on the rear wheel housing and heat shield assemblies becoming deformed from heat from the engine. The shield ends up too close to the exhaust system which has the potential to start a fire. The problem may occur when the vehicle is operation at particularly high temperatures. To fix the problem, dealers will replace the old heat shields with a new design that attaches with rivets instead of glue. For those owners who had their cars damaged by fire, Ferrari will replace the car with a new model.
  • Ford is recalling some 2008-2009 F-650 and F-750 trucks with Caterpillar C7 engines. Two fuel lines have the potential to crack at a fastening point causing a leak. Ford is working with Caterpillar to notify owners and repairs will be performed by authorized Caterpillar dealers free of charge. Owners may contact Caterpillar toll-free at 1-800-447-4986 or Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
  • GM is recalling some 2009-2010 Cadillac STS all wheel drive and CTS-V vehicles. In an accident, the passenger may be at an increased risk of injury from the glove compartment assembly. Dealers will replace the assembly and, in some vehicles, modify the instrument panel structure. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
  • Honda is recalling some 2010 Accord Crosstour vehicles for a front airbag that was not assembled properly. If the bag should deploy, the front seat passenger could be injured. Dealers will inspect and replace the passenger airbag module free of charge. Owners may contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles for a steering column that may have been improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. This could lead to the driver experiencing a reduction or loss of steering capability. Dealers will inspect the steering column for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151.
  • Isuzu and Honda is recalling some 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo, 2002 Isuzu Axiom, and 1998-2002 Honda Passport vehicles. These vehicles, when exposed to corrosive materials used in road deicing, may experience excessive corrosion, resulting in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, if the vehicle is brought in to an Isuzu or Honda service facility within 12 months of notification. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
  • Keystone RV is recalling some 2009-2010 Sprinter Select 25RB travel trailers built between February 11, 2009 to November 19, 2009 for a battery wire that may have been pinched between the floor and the frame. The wire could short out, causing a fire. Keystone RV will notify owners and will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Keystone Customer Service at 1-866-425-4369.
  • Nissan is recalling certain vehicles equipped with a Garmin Nuvi 750, 760, and 765 navigation system for batteries that can overheat and cause a fire. Nissan will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. Owners may contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Suzuki is recalling some 2008-2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara, and 2009-2010 Equator vehicles equipped with a Garmin nuvi model 750, 760, and 765 navigation systems. The batteries in these GPS’s have the potential to overheat and cause a fire. Suzuki will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery. Owners may contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985. Owners may also visit Garmin’s website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.
  • Winnebago is recalling some 2011 Vista and Itasca Sunstar motor homes manufactured from March 16, 2010 to August 12, 2010, because the cable that powers the slide out room could come in contact with the drive shaft when retracted. If the cable wears through, the chassis could become electrified. Dealers will install a drive shaft closeout panel between the chassis frame rails to protect and support the wire harness. This service will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Winnebago at 1-800-537-1885.