• 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.

mercedes c-classMercedes-Benz is recalling 85,000 2010 C-Class and 2010-2011 E-Class automobiles for problems with the steering. According to Mercedes, a fitting on the high pressure power steering line may have not been tightened enough which could lead to a leak. As a result, the driver may not be able to control the vehicle under circumstances that require maximum power steering.

Mercedes-Benz says Daimler AG will notify affected customers if their vehicle is recalled. The company says its dealers will check and properly tighten the connection between the line and the pump. The recall is expected to begin this month.

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.

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.

Toyota announced Thursday that they will be recalling 373,000, 2000-2004 Avalon sedans as well as 39,000 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 SUVs for two unrelated steering system defects.

The defect in the Avalon Sedan is being blamed on an improper casting in a component of the steering lock system. If the steering is turned hard to the right, the component may break, resulting in the steering locking up. There have been six reports of the problem in the U.S. Three resulting in accidents with no injuries.

In the Lexus LX479 SUV, the snap ring on the steering shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an impact to the front wheel, such as hitting a pothole. Over time, this may cause the steering shaft to disengage. Toyota was not aware of any accidents resulting from the Lexus steering-shaft problem.

In announcing the latest recall, Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s chief quality officer for North America, said the automaker was “continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles.”

2009 Passat – Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction because of a damaged capacitor. The vehicle may not respond as the driver intends it to. This defect only occurs immediately after starting up vehicle when the steering wheel is moved for the first time and at speeds less than 5 mph. Could lead to a crash without warning. Call your Volkswagen dealer immediately to schedule an appointment.

If you think the Volkswagen you are driving may be a lemon, call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates at 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666) for a Free consultation. They specialize in the California Lemon Law with over 21 years of experience.