Tesla has announced that it will be recalling all Roadster 2.0 vehicles built between July 2009-June 2010 as well as all Roadster 2.5 models built between July 2010-September 2010. This comes after a complaint from a customer who reported a fire behind the right front corner of the vehicle. The problem is being blamed on a low voltage auxiliary cable chafing against a panel causing a short. This issue is limited to the 12V low voltage auxiliary cable and does not involve the main battery pack or main power system.

In the recall, Tesla technicians will check the routing of the cable and install a protective sleeve to prevent further chaffing. Tesla has started notifying customers via email and has initiated a mailing campaign. The repair will be done at the customers’ homes or offices and will take approximately one hour.

The U.S. Transportation Department has announced their new 5 star safety rating system that will be used to rate the new 2011 automobile models. The safety rating program was first introduced in 1979, but changes were needed since almost 90% of vehicles tested under the old system received a five star rating. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, “Through new tests, better crash data and higher standards, we are making the safety ratings tougher and more meaningful for consumers.” “The new rating system will encourage auto makers to install crash avoidance technologies and will help shoppers buy a safer vehicle.”

The ‘Stars on Cars’ system uses an overall score rating. Different size test dummies are used and crash prevention technologies are included in the score. A new test that simulates a car striking a pole or a tree has also been added. The overall score combines the results of front, side and rollover tests and compares those results with average risk of injury and the potential for vehicle rollover. So far, of the 34 vehicles tested under the new program only two have received the top grade of five stars. BMW AG’s 2011 5 Series and a version of the 2011 Sonata from Hyundai Motor Co.

There will be a bit of confusion for consumers, when trying to compare safety of a 2010 model with a 2011 model, but automobile manufacturers expect consumers will embrace the new changes. The window sticker attached to vehicles in dealership lots will need to be redesigned and won’t include the overall score until the 2012 model year. Vehicles that haven’t been tested will be listed as “not rated”.

BMW has announced a world wide recall on almost 350,000 BMW 5, 6, and 7 series models built since 2002. The German car maker announced that some high mileage vehicles with 8 or 12 cylinder engines may experience brake fluid leakage into the hydraulics, preventing pressure from building up. The brakes will continue to work, but the driver will notice that more pressure is required on the brake pedal. A spokesman for BMW’s luxury brand Rolls-Royce said that they have not had any complaints regarding their Phantom models, but will ask Phantom customers to bring in their vehicles for inspection as well.

After eight complaints, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation into Honda’s Fit for low beam headlights that stop working. Many of the drivers who have complained of the problem say that they had wiring harnesses, connectors and headlight switches replaced as a repair. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 130,000 2007-2008 Honda Fit cars could be affected. There have been no reported traffic accidents because of the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling almost 140,000 Hyundai 2011 new generation Sonata’s. The complaint is that the vehicles can sustain a separation in the steering shaft assembly that results in loss of steering. Regulators are blaming the problem on a bolt in the steering system which was not tightened or not assembled properly. The vehicles involved were manufactured during the same month at the Hyundai factory in Alabama and each had fewer than 600 miles at the time of the alleged incident.

Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said the automaker has seen only two reports of the steering problem. There have been no reported injuries or accidents linked to the complaints. Owners of affected vehicles can go to their dealers for inspection and repairs. Dealers also will update the power steering software. Owners may also call NHTSA at (888) 327-4236 for more information.

Chevrolet and OnStar unveiled the first working smartphone application that will allow owners 24/7 connection and control of vehicle functions and OnStar features remotely. The first to receive this new technology will be the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle which is scheduled to hit the show rooms later this year.

The Chevrolet Volt OnStar smartphone application is designed to enhance the Volt ownership experience with interaction and control never offered before.

  • With this application, owners will be able to remotely monitor and charge their vehicle and can be sent an e-mail informing them of the status.
  • Traditional OnStar features such as door lock, unlock and remote horn and lights – which have typically been accessible only through a call into the OnStar call center – will now be available via the application.
  • Volt drivers can also view and manage vehicle systems and commands from the vehicle, the internet or through a monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics e-mail.
  • The new services, including the ability to read text messages aloud, play music from the Internet-based provider Pandora and post updates to Facebook, won’t be available for a few months, but these and other apps are in the testing phase.
  • Additional upgrades that OnStar is planning include hardware to turn the cars into roving Wi-Fi hotspots. This will allow passengers to share the wireless Internet connection using other devices, like laptops and tablet computers, in the car. The Wi-Fi option won’t appear in 2011 models, but they could be upgraded with U.S.B. attached Wi-Fi routers in the future.

Chris Preuss, president of OnStar said that OnStar is taking a measured approach and is sensitive to the issue of driver distractions. “There’s the issue of what you can do, and then there’s the issue of what you should do,” he said. “We are going to be extremely vigilant on this issue. Just because something is possible, doesn’t always mean we should do it.”

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Below are some of the automobile recalls for August 2010

  • Honda is recalling some 2010 Elements with automatic transmission manufactured between April 01, 2010 through June 25, 2010. The cable that connects the shift lever to the transmission was not set correctly during assembly which could result in the key getting stuck in the ignition or the inability to shift into or out of park or reverse. While some Element owners have been contacted by phone about the problem, most owners will be notified through mail. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Honda is recalling some 2003 Accord and 2003-2004 Element vehicles for ignition interlock levers which could deform allowing the key to be removed from the ignition when the vehicle is not in park. Dealers will replace the levers with a new design free of charge. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
  • Mazda is recalling some 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured form April 02, 2007 to November 30, 2008. These vehicle may experience sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Due to a shortage of parts, the recall will be carried out in two phases. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Armada vehicles manufactured between June 07, 2010 to June 11, 2010 for second row center seat hinge assemblies that were manufactured out of specification. The seat may not lock in the upright position which could lead to injuries during an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace defective assemblies. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
  • Nissan is recalling some 2010 Frontier king cab vehicles manufactured between June 10, 2010 and June 26, 2010. The weld between the tether anchor and the seat bracket is out of specification which could result in the tether anchor separating from the seat. The seat gusset will be replaced with a new one free of charge. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.