Stay up-to-date with You Auto Know each week on the latest safety recalls. Below are stories that have been reported on You Auto Know, but for a comprehensive search to see if your vehicle is subject to a recall, check with your dealer or NHTSA for complete details on any recall that may affect your vehicle. The NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline is 1-888-327-4236 (toll free 8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday-Friday) and can be accessed on-line at www.nhtsa.gov

Nissan Sentra, Infiniti Buick and Volvo Recall (12/31/03)

• Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. will recall 276,000 Sentra cars to replace a faulty engine part. The recall covers Sentras built between January 2000 and March 2003. A piece of foam insulation in a box housing the engine computer can emit sulfur, possibly causing corrosion in the computer that can lead to rough running or stalling engines.
• Nissan will also recall 24,300 Infiniti FX sport utility vehicles to fix a brake caliper bolt that can come loose, leading to brake failure or even a flat tire. The recall covers FX35 and FX45 models built between November 2002 and July 2003.
• General Motors Corp. will recall 95,690 Buick Park Avenue sedans built between October 2001 and June 2002 to fix a fuel regulator that can leak, potentially causing a engine fire.
• Ford Motor Co.'s Volvo unit will recall 36,000 S40 and V40 cars built between May 1999 and May 2000 to fix a brake vacuum pump that could fail and lead to a crash.

Suzuki Grand Vitaras Recalls (12/16/03)

Suzuki Motor Corp. will recall 196,876 sport utility vehicles to fix an accelerator cable that can stick. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Suzuki will recall Grand Vitara SUVs built between the 1999 and 2004 model years, as well as XL-7 SUVs built between model years 2001 and 2004. NHTSA said the accelerator cable on the vehicles was protected by a plastic cap that could crack, causing the cable to fray and possibly stick. If that happened, NHTSA said, a driver could lose control of a vehicle's speed.
In addition to the accelerator cable, Suzuki will conduct another recall on 20,580 Grand Vitaras and XL-7s from the 2003 model year to fix an ignition wiring problem that could cause the engine to stall.

Ford Escape Recall (12/10/03)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 130,000 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles because of a defect that can cause the driver and front-seat passenger seat belts to fail to latch. The voluntary recall covers 2001-model Escapes. A plastic part in the seat belt latch can break and cause the belt either to fail to lock or to engage only partially.

Volvo Recall (11/29/03)

Volvo Cars, owned by Ford Motor Co, is asking 71,000 car owners to bring in their vehicles to check for petrol leaks into the engine compartment. Volvo is recalling all its 2003 and 2004 models of the V40 and S40 type, most of them sold in the United States, Sweden and Britain.

Ford Focus Recall (11/22/03)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 671,000 of its 2000- and 2001-model Focus small cars because a fuel filter can clog and cause the engine to stall.

Windstar Recall (11/7/03)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 257,119 Windstar minivans because the latches that connect the rear seats to the floor could release in an accident, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA discovered the problem during tests of the 2003 Windstar. Windstars from model years 2001-2003 are affected in the recall.

Jeep Liberty & Chrysler Pacifica Recall (11/7/03)

Chrysler Group is recalling 318,000 Jeep Liberties because of a problem with the suspension that could cause drivers to lose control. Chrysler said the lower ball joint seal in 2002 and some 2003 Jeep Liberties is wearing away, which could affect the vehicle's suspension. In addition to the 318,000 recalls, Chrysler plans to investigate 120,000 other 2003 Jeep Liberties to make sure they aren't affected.
The company also is recalling 10,000 2004 Chrysler Pacificas to repair loose fuel line connections.

Honda Recall (11/1/03)

Honda Motor Co. recalled about 652,000 cars, minivans and sport-utilities to fix an ignition- system flaw that may cause the vehicles to roll after they've been stopped and the keys removed. The recall affects 1997 to 1999 Acura sedans, 1998 and 1999 Accord sedans, 1999 Odyssey minivans and 2002 CR-V sport- utilities. Metal particles in the key cylinders may interfere with a device that's supposed to prevent the key from being removed if the vehicle isn't in "park,".

Nissan Recall (10/30/03)

Nissan is recalling more than 2.5 million cars worldwide, because of an engine defect. The safety recall affects the Primera, X-Trail, Almera and Almera Tino models, built since 1998. It follows reports of engines stalling and then failing to re-start. The fault has been traced to defective sensors in the engine management system, which will be replaced free of charge.

Britax Child Safety Seat Recall (10/21/03)

Britax Child Safety Inc. is recalling 2,689 child safety seats because they don't meet federal safety standards. Super Elite child seats with the model number E9031 are involved in the recall. NHTSA said tests showed the seats could allow a child's head to move forward too far in a crash. The seats were manufactured between April 25, 2001, and Feb. 15, 2002. Britax will mail a free repair kit to owners who have returned registration cards. Owners who haven't returned registration cards should call the company at 1-888-4BRITAX or visit the company's Web site. If they have no substitute safety seat, owners should continue to use the Super Elite until it's repaired because it offers better protection than an adult seat belt.

Recall of Microwave Ovens in RVs (10/8/03)

Samsung Electronics, in cooperation with the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), announced the recall of nearly 184,000 microwave ovens that were installed in recreational vehicles (RVs) sold in the US during the past 3 years. Samsung has determined that some of these microwave ovens may present a safety hazard due to a defective part that may cause them to begin operation unassisted and result in smoke or fire.

GM Recall (9/5/03)

General Motors Corp. will recall about 783,000 model year 2000 and 2001 Chevrolet Malibus, Oldsmobile Aleros and Pontiac Grand Ams to replace hazard-warning switches. The recall involves vehicles built between Feb. 1, 2000 and May 1, 2001. About 671,000 of the cars are in the United States and 88,000 are in Canada. The rest are outside the two countries. GM said the cars' hazard-warning switches may malfunction because of exposure to rapid temperature changes, which could cause the hazard and turn-signal lights to work intermittently or not at all.

Subaru Recall (8/26/03)

Subaru of America plans to recall certain 2004 model vehicles due to possible fuel leakage problems. About 7,800 of its Legacy and Outback branded cars were affected by a loose or out-of-position clamp on the fuel hose connecting the fuel filler pipe to the fuel tank. Vehicles affected were produced between June 3, 2003, and August 8, 2003. Subaru said no accidents were attributed to the problem.

Toyota Sienna Recall (8/17/03)

Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. is recalling more than 34,000 of its 2004 Sienna minivans to replace gasoline tanks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a tank leaked on a van during crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The institute's test is a 40-mph offset frontal impact. A Toyota spokesman says the company redesigned a part on the inside of the tank so that it will not cause a rupture of the outside surface in a crash.

Ford, Mercury Recall (8/8/03)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 30,000 Crown Victoria police cars and taxis because of a wheel defect. Ford is also recalling more than 1.5 million Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers made between 1998 and 2001 because a bolt could fracture in the seat backs. Ford also is recalling a smaller number of the same vehicles because of a problem with speed control cables. Certain 2003 Crown Victoria and Crown Victoria Police Interceptors that are equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim. The cracks could ultimately lead to rapid air loss from the tire. On Explorers and Mountaineers equipped with high-back seats, the bolt that attaches the seat recliner to the seat frame could fracture and the seat could fall back, increasing the risk of a driver losing control. Dealers will replace the bolt with a metal one.

Honda Recall (8/5/03)

Honda will recall about 247,000 CR-V sport utility vehicles to fix a part that could keep the transmission from shifting into park. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the recall covers 2002 and 2003 model-year CR-Vs.

GM, Mazda, Nissan Recall (8/4/03)

General Motors will recall 240,000 Saturn L-Series cars and 95,000 Buick Rendezvous sport utility vehicles for separate problems. NHTSA said GM would fix a faulty ignition control computer that could eventually trigger a fire on Saturn L-Series cars, model years 2000 through 2003. On the Rendezvous, GM will reinforce the support around the rear liftgate latch to keep the latch from failing in a crash. That recall covers model years 2002 and 2003. Other recalls announced:
-- Mazda will recall 64,000 Mazda6, Miata and MPV models built in model years 2001 through 2003 to fix a fog lamp socket that could come loose and set a bumper on fire.
-- Mazda also issued a separate recall for 45,600 Mazda6 sedans, which went into production last year, to fix an indicator in the brake fluid reservoir.
-- Nissan will recall 60,000 Infiniti G35 coupes and sedans sold as 2003 models to fix a brake lamp switch that can fail, causing the brake lights to stay off when the brakes are used.

Graco Extends Car Seat Recall (8/1/03)

Graco Children's Products is extending its voluntary recall of the SnugRide infant car seat, which was begun in March because some units may be missing hardware. A small number of SnugRide infant car seats may be missing hardware that helps attach the carrier to the base, the company said. A sudden stop or accident could cause the carrier to detach from the base, possibly causing serious injury or death.

Volkswagen, Honda Recalls (7/31/03)

Volkswagen is recalling 269,151 New Beetles because brake lamp switches in some of the vehicles may not work properly. If the switches fail, the brake lamps might not work or might stay lit when the vehicle is parked. The problem affects New Beetles made from the 1998-2001 model years.

Honda is recalling 247,019 CR-V sport utility vehicles because excessive corrosion could prevent the automatic transmission from shifting into park. A crash could occur if the driver can't safely park the vehicle, NHTSA said.

Toyota to recall 123,000 Tacoma pickups in U.S. (6/26/03)

Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 123,360 Tacoma pickups to fix a part that could cause a fuel leak in a crash, federal safety officials. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the recall of 2001 through 2003 Tacoma double-cab pickups was due to a problem uncovered during crash testing. A part of the double-cab body hit the hose that connects the fuel tank to the fuel filler pipe, damaging the hose. Toyota will install a fuel hose protector to fix the problem.

Saturn L-Series Recall (6/24/03)

General Motors Corp. is recalling about 254,000 model year 2000-03 Saturn L-Series cars to correct an engine problem that has led to fires. GM will replace the ignition module and spark plugs. The company plans to being notifying owners of the vehicles next month and instruct them to bring the cars to Saturn dealers. Also, on 2002-03 models, GM said mechanics will reprogram the powertrain control module. The repairs will be done at no charge to the customer.

Buick Rendezvous Recall (6/9/03)

General Motors is recalling about 107,000 of its Buick Rendezvous sport-utility vehicles to repair the rear liftgate, which could open in a severe crash. The recall includes all 2002 Rendezvous models and some 2003 models, with 95,000 of the vehicles in the United States and about 12,000 in Canada.

Mazda Recall (5/30/03)

Mazda Motor Corp. will recall 382,505 vehicles sold in the United States and other countries to repair faulty fog lamp parts. The recall involves Atenza sedans and station wagons, MPV minivans and Roadster sports cars. Improper installation of fog lamps could cause a light bulb and its socket holder to fall off their glass housing and possibly start a fire. The Atenza models may also need repairs for possible defects in a brake fluid leakage indicator.

Lincoln Continental and GM SUV Recall (5/16/03)

Ford Motor Co. will recall nearly 43,500 Lincoln Continentals from model years 1999-2000 because the air bags may deploy inadvertently. Federal regulators said air bags on some of the cars could be triggered by gravel or debris thrown from the wheels that strike the underbody of the car near sensors. Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensors. Ford began notifying owners March 31.

General Motors Corp. will recall 44,653 midsize sport utility vehicles from model year 2003 to replace a faulty brake pipe that could fracture and reduce front brake performance. The vehicles involved are the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada. GM will begin notifying owners May 29. Dealers will replace the left-front brake pipe.

Steeltex Tire Recall (5/15/03)

Bridgestone Corp. 5108.T recalls 42 Steeltex radial tires for the same type of defect that led to a massive recall of its Wilderness tires, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA announced the recall of Steelex tires manufactured between March 9 and March 15 because of potential tread separation defects that "can possibly lead to a vehicle crash, resulting in serious injury or death," it said on its Web site.

GM Light Truck Recall (5/5/03)

General Motors is recalling more than 500,000 light trucks so dealers can disable features that were not permitted in the vehicles under federal safety regulations. The trucks have devices, called mechanical overrides, which permit the key to be removed from the ignition with the shifter in a position other than park and allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.

Nissan Altima Recall (5/2/03)

Nissan North America Inc. is replacing passenger airbags in all 1994 and early 1995 Altima models. The replacement airbag will be less powerful than the original one when it inflates in a crash. Consumers reported 79 head or eye injuries as a result of passenger airbag inflation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Nissan. Nissan said 237,000 of the affected Altimas were sold in the United States and estimated that about 188,000 still are on the road.

GM Recall (5/1/03)

General Motors Corp. is recalling some 1.77 million 1994-97 pickups, sport utility vehicles and vans in the United States to replace front windshield wiper circuit boards and motor covers. The vehicles involved are 1994-97 Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra pickups and Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban/GMC Yukon and Suburban SUVs; 1995-97 Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vans and Chevrolet/GMC full-size crew cabs; and 1996-97 Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy SUVs and Chevrolet S10, GMC Sierra and Isuzu Hombre small pickups. The latest recall is an extension of a windshield wiper replacement program GM conducted in 1998 and earlier this year. Model year 1994-96 trucks that were repaired in a 1998 recall and 1994-97 trucks and vans repaired in a program conducted earlier this year are excluded from the recall. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified beginning this summer.

Subaru Recall (4/29/03)

This recall involves Subaru Legacy, Outback, and very early production Baja vehicles. Model years include 2000 through 2001, some 2002 models, and approximately 45 very early production 2003 vehicles. The vehicles were produced between May 1, 1999 and April 30, 2002. Approximately 170,000 vehicles are potentially affected in the "salt belt" region. This recall will include vehicles originally sold and/or currently registered in the states of CT, DE, DC, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV, and WI. Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced by a supplier with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, may result in rusting of the component and eventual breakage of the subframe. If such breakage would occur while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected.

• Nissan Motor Co. will recall 268,000 vehicles to fix an engine part that could cause a fire, and was working to fix another problem that could also lead to a fire. The recall covers 2002 and 2003 Nissan Altima and Sentra cars sold with 2.5 liter four-cylinder engines. A pin on the exhaust pipe hanger can catch road debris, which could catch fire from the heat of the engine. Dealers will remove the protruding part of the pin.
• Ford will replace the windshields on 67,894 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans that don't meet federal standards. Ford spokesman Glenn Ray said NHTSA found a problem with the windshields on some 2002 and 2003 models, which Ford traced to an assembly problem.
• GM will recall about 52,000 of its Cadillac CTS luxury sedans to fix a bolt on the steering shaft which could loosen, potentially causing the driver to lose control. The automaker said it was aware of two instances where the bolt loosened, but no crashes resulted. Cadillac dealers will inspect the steering shaft and ensure that the bolt is tightened, GM said.
• Chrysler will recall 287,725 2002 Dodge Ram pickups to fix a wiring problem that could cause the heater fan to shut off.
• BMW will recall 5,110 of its Mini Cooper cars to fix a screw on the rear suspension struts that could break.

GM Fire Hazard Recall (4/25/03)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 570,000 Chevrolet and GMC pickups, vans and SUVs to repair a mirror control switch in the driver's door that could cause a fire. The recall covers 1997-98 Chevrolet and GMC Suburbans, 1997 Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy midsize sport utility vehicles, 1998 Chevrolet C/K and GMC Sierra pickups and 1998 Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari midsize vans equipped with remote power adjustable mirrors. In some of the vehicles, a short circuit could allow continuous current flow through the switch, producing enough heat to possibly start an electrical fire in the door.

Nissan Altimas Airbags Recall (4/24/03)

Nissan will replace the airbags in 248,638 1994 and early 1995 Altima sedans. NHTSA's investigators found 79 cases of face or eye injury from the bags, of which 22 were moderate and 15 involved severe injuries. In a letter dated April 11, Nissan told NHTSA it would replace the airbags in all the affected vehicles and the agency closed its investigation, which covered passenger-side airbags. Nissan said owner notification letters will be mailed starting next week and will continue over the next several months. Altima owners can also call 1-800-NISSAN-1 or talk to local dealers for information.

GM recalls 1997 Blazer, Jimmy, Bravada SUVs (4/2/03)

General Motors Corp. recalled 341,000 sport utility vehicles to replace a driver seat belt buckle assembly. The recall covers model year 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs. The buckle design includes an ''energy-absorbing'' loop with stitching that expands too much in certain rollover accidents, reducing driver restraint. Owners can take the vehicles in for a free buckle assembly replacement.

Nissan Altima, Xterra Recall (3/27/03)

Nissan North America Inc. is recalling about 65,000 Altimas and Xterras from the 2002 model year because the driver's front airbag may not deploy in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem occurs when an electrical connector from the steering wheel hub's clock spring to the airbag module comes loose. The airbag warning light flashes intermittently when the connector is loose. Dealers are to install a retaining clip on the connector.

Cadillac CTS Recall (3/21/03)

General Motors Corp. announced a recall of about 51,000 model year 2003 Cadillac CTS cars to inspect the steering shaft for a loose bolt. The problem can be fixed by merely tightening the bolt. GM began mailing notices about the recall to owners on Thursday. If owners are concerned about driving to a Cadillac dealer, they can call the dealers to request assistance.

BMW, Mitsubishi, Other Recalls (3/14/03)

• 84,000 MBW X5s built between August 1999 and April 2002 may have a faulty front brake line that could loosen, creating friction against the tire that could eventually create a leak.
  
• 5,734 Chevrolet Avalanche pickups, Suburbans and GM Yukon XLs require the installation of a fuel tank shield. GM said in some head-on crashes, a piece of the frame could break, creating a dangerous edge that may puncture the fuel tank.
  
• Mitsubishi has recalled 65,000 Outlander SUVs because of an engine computer that needs to be reprogrammed. The computer’s faulty configurations allow for ice to build up around the throttle.
  
• 2003 Honda Odyssey minivans for fuel tank inspection that may have leaks.
  
• More than 25,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs that have engine electronic flaws.
  
• Nearly 50,000 Jaguar X-Type sedans from model years 2002 and 2003 to repair a turn signal.
  
• Kia recalls 9,787 2002 Sedona minivans to replace seat belt anchor bolts that do not fulfill federal standards.
  
• Saab recalls 70,726 Saab 9-5 cars from model years 1999 to 2003 to repair corrosion flaws on cars that alternate between steel wheels in winter and alloy wheels in summer.
  

Car-Seat Tether Anchors Recalled (2/21/03)

NHTSA is recalling tether kits for Snug Seat Inc., child safety seats. The recall involves 1,146 tether anchor kits for the Gorilla child safety seat, model number 200-1000, and Spelcast child safety seat, model number 600-1000, manufactured between July 26, 2002, and Jan. 15, 2003. The safety seats were sold only through Durable Medical Equipment Dealers for use by children with special needs. The part number of the tether anchor kit is FW-50250-12-ZY. Snug Seat will automatically mail free metal ring kits and repair instructions to registered customers. Customers can also contact Snug Seat at (800) 336-7684 to request a free repair kit. Customers should continue using their seats pending receipt of the replacement parts, the NHTSA said.

Ford Escort, Tracer Recall (2/19/03)

Ford recalled 441,422 of its 1997 model Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer small cars for a defect that may cause airbags to deploy accidentally or start a fire. Airbag monitors in the cars can malfunction if they come in contact with water condensation or fluid. Ford dealers will fix the defect in 375,010 Escorts and 66,412 Tracers by installing a shield over the monitor.

Chrysler Recall (2/14/03)

** Chrysler is recalling some 1.2 million of its Chrysler LHS, 300M and Concorde models as well as the Dodge Intrepid to install stronger bolts on the driver's seat. The model years involved are 1998 to 2002. A company investigation determined the seat-recliner bolts attached to the seat frame may loosen because of premature wear. Chrysler will replace the existing bolts. For 1998-2000 vehicles with power seats, a replacement flex-shaft also will be installed.
** Twenty-three thousand 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with diesel engines and manual transmissions will be recalled to reprogram the engine control software. The company determined an increased idle speed could occur following extended use of cruise control.
** Chrysler also will recall 11,655 1997 to 2002 Chrysler and Plymouth Prowlers to replace the lower ball joint on the front suspension to prevent it from potentially separating from the control arm due to corrosion.
** The automaker also said that after a full investigation by its own inspectors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the government has closed the 1993 to 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee investigation into inadvertent backward movement of the vehicles. Chrysler said NHTSA determined there was no defect, though the company last year recalled some 1.6 million of the vehicles to install a device in the shifter assembly.

Volkswagen, Audi Recall (2/4/03)

Volkswagen and Audi are recalling about 530,000 vehicles because of faulty ignition coils. The ignition coils provide electricity to the engine's spark plugs during operation. When the coils fail, the check engine light/malfunction indicator lamp blinks, vehicle performance can become rough, and the engine can lose some power. The automakers plan to replace the coils on all 2001 and 2002 model year cars equipped with certain engines. Affected cars are equipped with 1.8 liter engines, including the Audi TT and A4 and the Volkswagen Golf/GTI, Jetta, New Beetle and Passat. The recall also includes vehicles equipped with the Passat W8 engine, and all Volkswagens equipped with the 2.8 liter VR6 and the Audi 3.0 liter V6 engine, early production 2003 models also are affected.

BMW X-5 Recall (1/31/03)

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the second-biggest maker of luxury cars, recalled 164,000 X5 sport- utility vehicles worldwide because of a fault with brakes. There is a risk that a hose used in the braking system could loosen, leading to scraping of the brake drum, he said. No accidents have been associated with the problem.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1-888-327-4236 (toll free)

This federal agency provides extensive information on recalls and safety issues on a wide range of automobiles, trucks, buses and safety devices you rely on.

NHTSA Service Bulletins Database

See what technical service bulletins have been issued for your vehicle direct from NHTSA. Please note that documents, which are summarized for free on these database searches, may be ordered from NHTSA Technical Information Services. Fees are involved in providing these documents.