Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2013 Lincoln MKT cars used as hearse or limousine vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with rear brake rotor bolts that are not fully seated allowing the head to protrude above the wheel mounting surface. The raised bolt could lead to torque loss in the wheel joint which could lead to wheel separation. Most vehicles have been quarantined at the coach builder’s facility and will be repaired before delivery and notices were sent out on May 24, 2012 to owners already receiving delivery of their vehicles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford Motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Tag Archives: auto safety
Ford F150 Airbag Problem
Ford will be recalling certain 2012 F-150 trucks to replace the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). The OCSM is a system that classifies the size of the occupant in the passenger seat and deploys the airbag accordingly. In certain F-150 trucks, the incorrect software for the system may have been installed. The result would be the airbag not deploying properly increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Ford will notify owners of the problem and will replace the OCSM free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
BMW 3 Series Head Restraint Safety
BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 3-Series vehicles because the head restraints fail to comply with the Federal motor vehicle safety standards. According to the recall report, when the head rest is in the highest position it exceeds the downward movement limitations of 25mm. The head restraint could move down during a crash, increasing the risk of neck injuries. BMW will be notifying owners in May and will correct the problem by attaching a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
VW Routan Rear Hub Assemblies
Volkswagen is recalling a small number of 2012 Routan minivans for a problem with the right hand rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to VW, the vehicles affected were built between November 15 to November 21, 2011, and were installed with a hub and bearing assembly that was not fully machined by the manufacturer. The assemblies could wear out prematurely, leading to wheel separation and an increased risk of an accident. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Last week, Chrysler issued a similar recall involving certain 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
Chevy And Jeep Investigated For Engine Fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened an investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Of the ten complaints received, two Chevy Cruze owners reported complete loss of their vehicle, and eight Jeep Wrangler owners stated that the fire started in the engine while driving. The investigation will have the NHTSA reviewing early warning report data to assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect. If the investigation lead to a recall, almost 180, 000 Cruze and 100,000 Wrangler vehicles could be involved.
Steering Problems In GMC Trucks
General Motors is recalling certain GMC and Chevrolet trucks because the steering gear pitman shaft may not have been manufactured properly. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the shaft may have not been allowed to harden properly and could fracture while driving. If this happens, the driver could experience complete loss of steering. GM will be notifying customers starting in April, and will inspect and replace the steering gear pitman shaft as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or go to the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. The vehicles involved in the recall include:
GM Replaces Charge Cord On Volts
Complaints from Chevrolet Volt owners about charging cords overheating and melting have been met with a GM customer satisfaction initiative that will have the 120V charging chords replaced. The initiative will cover all 2011 and certain 2012 version of the hybrid electric car. According to GM spokesman Randal Fox, the new cord will be a larger wire gauge making it more durable and able to withstand higher temperatures. The initiative is not a safety recall, but an effort by GM to offer a more consistent charging experience. GM will contact owners about the new cord in a few weeks.
This Chevrolet Volt cord replacement follows an announcement in January, that had owners bringing in their vehicles to have steel plates added around the Volt Battery. These plates are installed to spread the force of an impact over a larger surface area preventing the battery from being damaged. This battery upgrade came after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) experienced a battery fire three weeks after crash tests were done on a Volt.
Infiniti Fuel System Inaccuracies
Nissan is recalling certain 2003-2004 Infiniti M45 vehicles for an electrical problem that could leave drivers stranded. Because of a circuit board failure, the fuel gauge may read at a higher level than actually exists in the tank. Owners could run out of fuel without warning leaving them stranded and increasing the risk of an accident. For more information on the problem, contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
