The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2008-2009 Mercecdes Benz C-Class vehicles after receiving 21 complaints from owners who say they experienced a loss of one or more rear lamp assemblies as well as overheated electrical connector that resulted in melting connectors, smoke, and fires from the rear lamp connector in the trunk. Continue reading

General Motors have announced a recall for over 38,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans equipped with its “eAssist” mild hybrid system. According to GM overheating of the circuit boards in the Generator Control Module (GCM) could result in loss of battery charge, the illumination of the engine malfunction indicator light, and in extreme cases, a fire in the trunk. Two trunk fires have already been reported as a result of the issue. Continue reading

Toyota will be notifying approximately 2.5 million owners of certain 2007-2009 model vehicles of a problem with the power window switch in the drivers side door. According to Toyota, an incorrect window switch lubricant was used which could result in the switch components to wear unevenly. Drivers may notice the switch feeling “sticky”, and if they try to use a commercial lubricant to fix the problem, the switch could melt, possibly causing a fire. Dealerships will require about one hour to inspect the switch and apply a special fluorine grease. Owners wanting more information about the problem can call Toyota’s customer service center at 800-331-4331. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2007-2008 Yaris
  • 2007-2009 RAV4
  • 2007-2009 Tundra
  • 2007-2009 Camry
  • 2007-2009 Camry Hybrid
  • 2008-2009 Scion XD
  • 2008-2009 Scion XA
  • 2008-2009 Sequoia
  • 2008 Highlander
  • 2008 Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009 Corolla
  • 2009 Matrix

Honda will be contacting owners of certain 2002-2006 Honda CR-V crossover SUV’s because of a problem with the driver side power window switch. Honda said that moisture getting in to the drivers door could cause damage to the master power switch causing it to overheat and possibly ignite. There have not been any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but five inside door fires have already been reported. Honda is asking owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem is fixed, because a fire could start even when the ignition is off. Owners wanting more information may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding an investigation into defective power window switches in some Toyota and GM vehicles. Both investigation began in February after vehicle owners reported intermittent power windows, the smell of smoke, and in rare occasions fires. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 1.4 million Toyota and 342,000 GM vehicles could be involved. The vehicles under investigation includes:

  • 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
  • 2007-2009 Toyota Yaris
  • 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs
  • 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs

The NHTSA said that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include:

  • Buick Rainier
  • GMC Envoy
  • Isuzu Ascender
  • Saab 9-7X SUVs