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

BMW recall on the hot seat (12/28/04)

BMW AG will recall some 75,000 of its 5- and 7-series cars after problems were discovered with front-seat heating mats. Seat mats could overheat in certain circumstances, damaging the surrounding upholstery and possibly resulting in slight burns. The defect is limited to the seats and does not affect other parts of the automobile. About 69,750 sedans of the 5 series launched in mid-2003 are affected by the recall, of which more than 29,000 were sold in Germany. Of the 7 series, 5,550 cars were affected. The recall affects cars made between February 2003 and June 2004.

Ford to Recall More Compact SUVs (12/27/04)

Ford Motor Co. has expanded its recall of Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles because of problems with the rear liftgate, which if left unlocked could open during a crash. More than 310,000 vehicles from the 2001-2005 model years are involved in the latest recall. Ford owns one-third of Mazda Motor Corp.

VW recalls 369,284 cars in United States (12/23/04)

Volkswagen is recalling 369,284 cars for various defects, including leaking fuel pumps and defective hazard light switches. The automaker is recalling 300,000 Golf, GTI and Jetta cars from 2000-2002 model years because the hazard switch and flasher system function may degrade over time due to high electrical current load from turn-signal bulbs.
Volkswagen said it is checking up to 447,000 cars made between 2001 and 2003, including the Golf, GTI and Jetta models, for possible airbag problems after officials came up with 107 cases in which side-door airbags may have discharged improperly.

GM Recalling More Than 700,000 Minivans (12/23/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 717,302 minivans because passengers could injure their wrists or arms on the power sliding door. The vehicles affected are 1997-2005 model Chevrolet Venture, 1997-1999 Pontiac Transport/Montana, 2000-2005 Pontiac Montana and 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette. The defect involves the interior power sliding door handle on the passenger's side. A person's wrist or arm can be injured if the handle is held while the door is opening.

Ford Motor recalls costly GT supercar (12/21/04)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling its $140,000 Ford GT supercar to repair a defect that could cause loss of control. Nearly 450 vehicles - all Ford GTs built to date - are affected by a suspension component problem that originated with a supplier. The part can crack because of a casting error.

Hyundai recalls 120,000 Elantra cars in U.S. (12/17/04)

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling about 120,000 Elantra sedans sold in the United States because of a possible problem with deployment of their airbags. Affected vehicles are from the 2004 and 2005 model years. A software change will fix the potential problem with the airbags that was detected in recent frontal crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ford expands recall of compact SUVs to 600,000 (12/13/04)

Ford Motor Co. has expanded its recall of Escape and Mazda Tribute SUVs to nearly 600,000 vehicles. The small sport utility vehicles involved in the recall, first announced on Friday, include 474,000 Escapes and 121,000 Mazda Tributes from the 2002-2004 model years. Ford originally said it was recalling 474,000 vehicles because an accelerator cable may prevent their engines from returning to idle, increasing stopping distances and potentially resulting in a crash.

Volkswagen Recalls 290,000 Diesel Vehicles (12/10/04)

Volkswagen is recalling some 290,000 diesel vehicles worldwide to carry out checks on their fuel pumps. The automaker said it was contacting owners of vehicles with three- or four-cylinder diesel engines that were built between March and August of this year. The recall affects the Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands. Volkswagen said a defect during the manufacturing process of a bolt on the cover of the fuel pump could, "in isolated cases," lead to the bolt breaking -- possibly resulting in a leakage of diesel fuel.

Chrysler Recalls 98,000 Cars and SUVs (12/10/04)

Chrysler is recalling more than 98,000 cars and sport utility vehicles because of problems that could cause either engine compartment fires or crashes. Vehicles affected by the recalls included 71,763 Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2004 model year, which have battery cables that can abrade and potentially trigger a short circuit or underhood fire.
Chrysler is also recalling 26,354 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus mid-size cars from the 2005 model year, because their right steering knuckles can crack and separate from the control arm, possibly resulting in a crash.

Ford to Recall 474,000 SUVs Worldwide (12/10/04)

Ford is recalling about 474,000 Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles globally because the accelerator cable may prevent the engine from returning to the idle position, which could increase stopping distance and result in a crash. The vehicles involved in the recall are from the 2002-2004 model years and have a 3.0 liter engines.

Chrysler recalls 600K SUVs, pickups (12/10/04)

The Chrysler Group, a unit of DaimlerChrysler, said late Friday it will recall about 600,000 Dodge Durango 4x4 sports utility vehicles and Dodge Dakota pickup trucks to replace front suspension upper ball joints. The auto maker said the joints may be subject to corrosion and progressive wear. If the problem is not corrected, the company said it could lead to front end noise, tire wear and, in extreme cases, separation of the front suspension. The recall covers vehicles made from the beginning of 2000 through the first half of 2003.
In addition, the company said it will offer an extended 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on the suspension upper ball joints for an additional 400,000 Durango and Dakota 4x2 vehicles made during the same period.

Toyota Celica, GM Cobalt Recalls to Fix Lights (12/1/04)

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 92,577 of its Celica cars in the United States to fix a problem with their daytime running lamps. The recall, involving Celicas from the 2000 and 2001 model years, was ordered because the running lamps are too bright and fail to conform with federal motor vehicle safety standards.
A similar recall affects 1,378 all-new Cobalt compact cars from General Motor Corp.'s Chevrolet division. A bulb shield in the Cobalt's headlamps, which prevents them from causing excessive glare for oncoming drivers, can loosen or break due to vibration, increasing the risk of a crash.

Mitsubishi Fuso again recalls trucks (11/24/04)

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. will recall 116,500 trucks for defects in the rear wheel and 19,500 trucks for front-wheel defects and will stop selling models with problems until they're fixed. All of the vehicles being recalled were sold in Japan. Mitsubishi Fuso is looking into whether any others sold overseas have to be recalled.

Air bags prompt US recall of 257,616 Honda Accords (11/22/04)

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling 257,616 of its Accord sedans from the 2004 and 2005 model years because of potentially faulty air bags.

GM to recall 200,000 Saturn Ions in U.S., Canada (11/19/04)

General Motors Corp. will recall nearly 200,000 Saturn Ions in the United States and Canada to fix front lights and turn signals. The daytime running lights, which automatically operate during the day, and the front turn signals on the small Saturn car could fail due to a loss of contact between the light bulb and the socket.

GM recalls 1.5 million vehicles in North America (11/4/04)

General Motors Corp. has recalled nearly 1.5 million vehicles in North America, including 946,817 sport utility vehicles, to fix tail lights that could loosen and flicker.

Chrysler recalling 240,000 minivans (11/1/04)

Chrysler is recalling about 240,000 minivans because of an electrical short circuit caused by water intrusion into their radios. The problem has prompted nine reports of fires in the speaker systems of the car radios, the automaker said, adding that there had been no reports of fire-related injuries. Vehicles affected by the recall are Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2001-2002 model years.
Chrysler is also recalling about 11,100 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus cars from the 2005 model year to tighten the bolts that fasten the left and right rear passenger safety belts.

VW's Audi recalls 28,000 A6 cars in the U.S. (10/8/04)

Volkswagen AG is recalling 28,363 of its Audi A6 luxury cars after finding that in cold weather states, the throttle could stick due to ice build-up.

Toyota orders recalls (9/15/04)

Toyota will recall about 646,000 vehicles starting today to fix the brakes in four models. The recall affects Yaris Verso, Scion xB, Celica and MR-S models built between July 22, 1999, and July 5, 2000.

Volvo Recalls 150,000 Cars In North America (9/14/04)

Volvo is recalling 460,000 vehicles worldwide because a wiring problem could cause a fan to overheat and burn. The recall involves S80 and S60 sedans and XC70 and V70 wagons from the 1999 through 2001 model years. About 150,000 vehicles in North America are included in what the company says is the largest recall in its history. A defect in the main cooling fan -- which cools the engine -- can cause a short circuit and force the fan to keep running. If the fan's motor overheats, a fire could occur.

Ford Recalls Econoline Vans to Fix Brakes (9/9/04)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 234,208 Econoline vans in North America to fix a defect in the anti-lock brake unit that can spark fires even when the vehicles are parked. The electronic unit that controls the anti-lock brakes in the vehicles could electrically short-out, sparking fires. The automaker is notifying customers not to park the van inside an enclosed structure due to the fire risk. Vehicles affected by the recall are from the 2003 and 2004 model years.

Honda Motor to Recall 158,187 Vehicles (9/7/04)

Honda Motor Co. will recall 158,187 cars sold in Japan, the United States and some 39 other countries to fix problems with the vehicles' lights. Defective seals around the headlights on the vehicles' left side could allow water to seep in and keep them from turning on. Honda, Japan's third-largest automaker, said it would also fix faulty tape protecting electric circuits in the trunks of some vehicles. Repeated openings and closings of the trunk could snap a wire and cause rear lights and license plate lights to stop working. Affected by the recall are 31,102 Accord and Accord Wagon models sold in Japan and produced between October 2002 and June 2004.
The remaining 127,085 cars, produced between June 2002 and June 2004, were models for export. They were affected only by the defective tape. Those exported include 40,060 Acura TSX sedans shipped to the United States, 16,690 Accord sedans exported to Britain, 11,000 Accords shipped to Australia and about 6,000 Acura TSX sold in Canada.

Ford Recalls About 40,000 Minivans and 1,700 F-150s (9/7/04)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 40,000 minivans because their wheel hubs may develop cracks. The recall affects 35,401 Ford Freestar minivans and 4,630 Mercury Montereys, both from the 2004 model year. Ford recalled about 24,000 Freestar and Monterey minivans from the same model year last November, due to defective power steering pressure lines.
Separately, Ford is also recalling about 1,700 of its 2004 model-year F-150 pickup trucks because of defective fuel tanks. The pickups are being recalled because of the possibility of a fuel leak through the seams of the tank. The trucks were built between March 4 and May 26, 2004. This is the second recall involving the 2004 model-year F-150s. Ford recalled about 400 vehicles in April citing the same defect.

GM recalling the troubled Aveo (8/21/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 32,301 of its new Aveo cars because the rear seat belt can lock and become unusable. All of the cars involved in the recall are from the 2004 model year. The seat belts in the rear seats can become twisted. If that happens, the seat belt retractor may lock into position and the seat belt can’t be used. GM plans to start notifying owners about the recall next month. Under the recall, GM dealers will install a guide in the belt to keep it from twisting.

GM Recalls Buick Regal, Century Sedans (8/12/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 199,793 Buick Regal and Century sedans, nearly five years after federal officials determined their headlights don't meet safety standards. Involved in the recall are Buick and Century sedans from the 1999 model year. Drivers could find it difficult to read overhead signs at night because the headlights don't shine at the proper angle. Owners will be notified of the recall starting next month. They will be able to get new headlight bulbs from dealers for free.

Britax Recalls 355,516 Child Seats (8/11/04)

Britax Child Safety Inc. is recalling 355,516 child seats because a harness can loosen and endanger the child. Britax is recalling all Marathon, Husky, Wizard and Snug Seat Traveler Plus seats. The seats were made between August 2002 and this July and have the model numbers E9L06, E9L30, E9L07 and E9L32.

Saturn recalls more than 246,000 VUE sport utility vehicles (8/5/04)

Saturn plans to voluntarily recall nearly all of its VUE sport utility vehicles to address concerns raised by federal regulators who said they were investigating the vehicle because its rear suspension failed during two government rollover tests. The recall affects 246,433 VUEs in the 2002-2004 model years, including 231,123 in the United States and 15,310 in Canada. Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the left-rear suspension failed on the four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive Saturn VUEs in June during a 45-mph test that includes a sharp turn. Both times a wheel collapsed beneath the vehicle. Saturn said the VUE did not roll over during the test, but said the rear suspension was damaged when a wheel struck the pavement. Saturn said it will make adjustments to strengthen the VUE’s suspension. Saturn retailers began calling VUE owners late Wednesday to alert them to the recall. VUE owners will be formally notified by a letter. They then will be advised when to bring in their VUEs so modifications can be made at no cost. The VUE, which was introduced in the 2002 model year, is produced at Saturn’s manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Chrysler Recalls 831,000 Minivans Because Of Fire Dangers (8/5/04)

Chrysler is recalling 831,000 minivans in the U.S. and Canada that may have weak power steering hoses and could be a fire danger. DaimlerChrysler will notify owners of the 2002-2004 minivans in September. The recall applies to V-6 models of the Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan and Chrysler's Voyager and Town & Country models. A Chrysler spokesman says 23 fires have been reported, mostly in Canada. But he says there have not been any injuries or accidents. The company is also recalling 2,000 Dodge Rams from 2004 with 4.7 liter engines. A Chrysler spokesman says those trucks have an alternator problem that also could cause a fire. No fires have been reported in the trucks.

Land Rover recalls 34,000 Freelander SUVs (7/26/04)

Land Rover is recalling all 34,000 Freelander sport utility vehicles sold in North America due to defective roof supports on either side of the windshield. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cited the likelihood of head injuries, in certain types of accidents, for the recall, which affects Freelanders from the 2002-2004 model years.

Toyota recalls 128,000 Camrys due to air bags (7/26/04)

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling more than 128,000 Camry sedans in the United States because of a potential problem with their side curtain air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem, stemming from improper factory assembly, could cause incomplete air bag deployment in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injuries or deaths. The 128,316 Camrys affected are from the 2002-2004 model years.

Ford recalls nearly 900,000 cars (7/16/04)

Ford Motor Co. has recalled 899,060 Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans registered in cold-weather states due to defective front springs that can break and puncture a tire. The recall affects 1999, 2000 and 2001 model-year Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans.

Ford recalls 170,500 vehicles for various defects (7/7/04)

2003 model-year pickup trucks and Excursion SUVs equipped with diesel engines have problems with battery connectors, which could affect the performance of the engine, cause it not to start and potentially melt other vehicle parts due to the high voltage. Both the vehicles were built from December 1, 2002, through March 31, 2003, in Ford's Kentucky truck plant.
Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town cars have defective axles that could cause wheels to squeak or the vehicles to come to a stop.
Ford also recalled 25,000 2004 model-year Taurus, Mercury Sable and Thunderbird cars due to problems with the front seats, which could rattle or come loose. Dealers have been asked to stop selling and demonstrating the Taurus and Sable models with driver side power seats built from Nov. 17, 2003, through Jan. 15, 2004. The Thunderbirds with driver-side power seats built from Dec. 15, 2003, through Jan. 20, 2004, are involved in the recall.

Chrysler recalls 300 sedan citing safety issues (7/2/04)

Chrysler is recalling more than 20,000 vehicles, including its all-new Chrysler 300 flagship sedan, because of potential safety issues. The recall affects 12,211 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Magnum sport wagons, hot-selling vehicles that both recently went on sale. It said problems included a potential need for tightening of front seat safety belt attachments, and battery cable connections that may need either tightening or repair. Some Chrysler Sebring and Jeep Liberty vehicles were also included in the recall, which affects 20,060 vehicles overall.

Honda expands U.S. auto recall for transmission flaw (7/1/04)

Honda Motor Co. is widening a recall of vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to 1.14 million units, among its largest, covering Accord and Acura cars that have the same transmission fault that triggered a light-truck recall this year. Japan’s third-largest automaker is voluntarily recalling 536,950 vehicles, with V-6 engines and 5-speed automatic transmissions, in addition to those already announced in April.

Mitsubishi Truck Co. Recalls 450,000 Autos (6/14/04)

In this bizarre story, there is no mention of models affected yet.

Honda Recalls More Than 150,000 Vehicles in U.S. (6/9/04)

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling more than 150,000 vehicles due to problems with air bags and interior lights, federal safety regulators said on Wednesday. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said potentially incorrect inflation rates in the driver's side front air bag prompted Honda to recall 130,617 compact CR-V sport utility vehicles from the 2002-2004 model years.
Separately, it said Honda was recalling 19,572 Accord sedans because the dimmer control for their instrument panel lights can fail due to heat buildup. If the condition occurs drivers of the Accords affected, from the 2000-2001 model years, may be unable to see instrument panel gauges, such as the speedometer at night.

Subaru Recall of 2005 Legacy Sedans and Outback Sedans (6/4/04)

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced a voluntary recall on 2005 Legacy Sedan and Outback Sedan models to address a side curtain airbag problem. This recall involves all 2005 model-year Subaru Legacy Sedan and Outback Sedan models. The affected vehicles were produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. between October 2, 2003 and June 1, 2004. While approximately 1,960 vehicles are affected, only 130 vehicles have been retailed. The affected vehicles comply with the current side impact requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 201P and 214D. However, the newly designed side curtain airbags on the affected vehicles were not built to proper Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. specifications, which provide added occupant head protection, and therefore may not offer proper head protection in side impact crashes. There have been no accidents or injuries attributed to this problem.

DaimlerChrysler Recalling PT Cruisers (6/4/04)

DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 438,391 PT Cruisers because of a flaw that could cause a fire under the hood. There have been nine reports of fires but no injuries or deaths. The recall covers PT Cruisers from model years 2001 to 2005. A high-pressure power steering hose can loosen and come into contact with other parts of the vehicle. If the hose is punctured and power steering fuel leaks out, a fire can start.

Mitsubishi Motors Announces More Recalls (6/3/04)

A day after acknowledging it had hidden defects from authorities for years, struggling Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors recalled more than 116,000 vehicles Thursday in its ninth recall this year and said another 220,000 of its cars in Europe may have defects with the turn signals. Thursday's recall was for defective rear and front turn-signal systems, an axle shaft and other defective parts for 10 models made from 1996 through 2004, the company said in a report to the government. There were no accidents involving the defects.

Porsche, Volkswagen Recall SUVs (5/25/04)

Porsche is recalling more than 40,000 Cayenne sport utility vehicles worldwide and rival Volkswagen recalled some 60,000 of its Touareg SUVs to check for potential faults in rear seat belts. The German automakers jointly developed the Cayenne and Touareg models, and the vehicles share some parts. The recall is to check for bolts anchoring the seat belts to the frame that were improperly welded and could come loose.

M'bishi Fuso to recall 190,000 trucks, buses (5/20/04)

The truck-making affiliate of Japan's troubled Mitsubishi Motors Corp. said Thursday it plans to recall nearly 200,000 more trucks and buses, after an investigation revealed that faulty parts may have caused several accidents, including one that killed a driver. Coming two months after a similar truck recall for wheel-hub defects, the announcement was another setback for Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp. and its owners, Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Motors and German-American automaker DaimlerChrysler AG.

Hyundai, Kia recall 478,000 passenger cars in U.S. (5/14/04)

Hyundai Motor Co. and affiliate Kia Motors Corp. are voluntarily recalling a total of 478,000 passenger cars in the United States due to problems with a valve used to prevent fuel leakage. Hyundai Motor Co. issued recalls for 264,000 Sonata and Elantra models, while Kia recalled 214,000 of its Optima and sub-compact Rio models.

Maserati recalling vehicles (5/11/04)

Maserati North America is recalling all 2002 and 2003 and some 2004 Coupes and Spyders to repair a faulty steering assembly installation. Maserati told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it discovered the problem after six customers complained of a “knocking noise” in the steering assembly. Analysis revealed two of four securing bolts might have been installed before locking compound was applied to the threads. Maserati’s filing says, “The affected bolts may loosen slightly if the vehicle is driven aggressively over an extended period of time, and in certain situations the driver could lose steering control and crash.” Maserati reports no accidents as a result of the defect. About 2000 vehicles are affected. For more information contact Maserati at (201) 816-2651.

DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes recalls 680,000 E-, SL-class models (5/11/04)

Mercedes-Benz is recalling some 680,000 E- and SL-class vehicles worldwide to examine potential problems with a brake control system. Mercedes said it is asking owners of the vehicles to visit their local service centers for a precautionary check of the so-called Sensotronic Brake Control system. The company said it was aware of a "very small number" of complaints, but that braking was assured by the system's additional hydraulic function. The recall applies to E-class Limousines built after March 2002, T model cars built after March 2003 and SL-class vehicles made after October 2001. The recall affects about 680,000 vehicles worldwide, 225,000 of them in Germany.

Chrysler Recalls More Than 326,000 Pickups, SUVs (5/11/04)

DaimlerChrysler is recalling more than 326,000 pickup trucks and Durango sport utility vehicles because of two potential safety problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the largest of the two recalls involved 320,188 Durangos and Dakota pickups with front windshield wiper units that are susceptible to water intrusion, corrosion and eventual failure. Vehicles affected include Durango SUVs from the 2002-2003 model years and 2002-2004 Dakotas.
Separately, Chrysler is recalling 6,183 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups because some were sold with erroneous vehicle certification labels. The labels include "incorrect tire, wheel and recommended inflation pressure information" and fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards, NHTSA said.

870,000 Passat, Audi models recalled (4/29/04)

Volkswagen AG is recalling 870,000 Passat and Audi models to check for damage to axles. Passat models built between 1996 and 1999, Audi A4 and A8 cars built between 1994 and 1999 and Audi A6 cars built between 1997 and 1999 are affected by the recall. Customers can take the vehicles to get checked free of charge, VW said. About half the vehicles are in Germany. Damage to the rubber protecting part of the front axle can lead to abrasion and in some cases loss of steering, the company said. VW earlier this month recalled 30,000 T5 commercial vans sold in Europe to repair a steering -system fault.

Isuzu recalls Trooper SUVs to fix accelerators (4/28/04)

Japan's Isuzu Motors Ltd. is recalling 72,905 Trooper sport utility vehicles because their accelerators can get stuck for several seconds after the gas pedal is released. An advisory on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Troopers from the 1992-1995 model years were affected by the recall. "The accelerator cable can stick so that the engine speed will not immediately decrease upon release of the accelerator pedal," NHTSA said. "This can cause the accelerator throttle cable to delay RPM and vehicle speed reduction for several seconds after the accelerator pedal is released, which in turn, can lead to a crash."

Jaguar recalls 67,798 cars for transmission fix (4/21/04)

Jaguar is recalling 67,798 cars because of a defect that can inadvertently slip them into reverse gear. Models covered by the global recall, which affects nearly 33,500 vehicles in North America and others mostly in Europe and Japan, are the 2003 S-Type and XK and the 2004 XJ, Jaguar's flagship sedan. All are equipped with six-speed ZF automatic transmissions and the problem involved an electronic module that controls the gearbox.

GM Recalls 108,000 Chevrolet Malibus (4/19/04)

General Motors Corp. has recalled 108,000 of its 2004 Chevrolet Malibu sedans to reprogram an anti-lock brake system and fix a seat belt anchor that could detach. During a side-impact crash test conducted by U.S. authorities earlier this year, the end of the driver-side seat belt detached. GM determined that a retainer inserted near the seat belt anchor will help protect the belt from detaching in the event of a severe side impact. There have been no reports of incidents or injuries related to the seat belt detaching.
While fixing the seat belt, GM will also reprogram the anti-lock braking system in about 73,000 of these vehicles. While conducting tests on the Malibus in February, GM noticed that the stopping distance increased during braking during low speeds of about 3 miles per hour (5 km per hour).

Mazda to recall sport utility vehicles (4/15/04)

Mazda is recalling 106,000 Tribute sport utility vehicles because they can stall without warning. Involved in the Mazda recall are Tributes from the 2001-2003 model years with 3-liter, V6 engines. The Tribute is similar to the Ford Escape, which was recalled earlier this week for the same defect. Ford said engine stalling in the Escape had caused eight minor accidents.

Honda recalls 600,000 vehicles for transmission defect (4/14/04)

American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 600,000 minivans and sport utility vehicles in the United States and Canada because their transmissions can fail. Honda said it has received no reports of deaths or injuries due to the defect. Involved in the recall are 2002-2004 Honda Odyssey minivans, 2003-2004 Honda Pilot SUVs and 2001-2002 Acura MDX SUVs. Insufficient lubrication can lead to heat build-up and broken gears in the transmission. Owners may notice noises coming from the transmission if the gears break. In rare instances, gear breakage could lock up the vehicle’s transmission. Honda said it has confirmed 10 cases in which the transmission failed. All were vehicles with high mileage.

GM to recall mid-size SUVs to fix seatbelts (4/14/04)

General Motors Corp. will recall some of its 2001 and 2002 mid-size sport utility vehicles after federal safety regulators determined a need to fix some seat belts that were damaged in transit. An undetermined number of seat belts in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs were damaged, impacting the retractors.

Ford Recalls 322,000 Escape SUVs for Engine Stall (4/13/04)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 322,000 of its compact Escape sport utility vehicles to fix what the automaker described on Tuesday as an intermittent engine stalling problem. Vehicles affected by the recall are from the 2001, 2002 and early 2003 model years and equipped with 3.0 liter V-6 engines.

Mitsubishi Fuso to recall truck, bus hubs (4/13/04)

Mitsubishi Fuso will recall many of the large vehicles made by its predecessor for defects that cause wheels to fall off. The company had previously denied any defects and attributed reported accidents to improper maintenance. Since 1992, there have been about 50 reported cases where hubs produced by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. were broken and caused tires to fall off their axles.

Cadillac SRX dogged by brake recall (4/2/04)

Cadillac plans to recall more than 12,000 of its SRX model, one of its newest vehicles that is designed to capture the high-end market sport-utility vehicle market, because the brakes malfunctioned at low speed.

GM Recalls Buick SUVs (4/2/04)

GM will recall about 119,000 Buick Rendezvous's, about 104,000 in the United States, to reinforce a nylon cable that keeps the rear liftgate in place in the event of a rear-end collision During testing, GM discovered that the braided nylon webbing could tear in a crash, allowing the liftgate to possibly open, and unbelted occupants could be thrown from the vehicle.

Recall Round-Up (3/30/04)

Many of the following recalls have been reported here, but there some additions.

Audi Recalling Vehicles for Wiring and Harley-Davidson Recalls Motorcycles (3/23/04)

Audi is recalling 172,866 vehicles because a wiring problem could cause a fire in the dashboard. The recall affects A6, S6 and Allroad Quattro vehicles made between 1998 and 2004. Audi said there have been no injuries related to the defect.
Harley-Davidson Inc. is recalling 73,678 of its FL touring motorcycles from model years 2001 through 2003. NHTSA said the circuit breaker can open unexpectedly and cut off electrical power to the motorcycle.

Ford's Land Rover, Jaguar Hit by Recalls (3/19/04)

Larry Rosinski, a spokesman at the U.S. headquarters of Premier Automotive in Irvine, California, said the Land Rover recall involved 100,116 Discovery Series II sport utility vehicles sold in the United States and Canada between September 1998 and December 2003. "The problem involves a deterioration in brake performance," Rosinki told Reuters. He said no major accidents and no injuries had been linked to the problem, caused by a malfunctioning component of the anti-lock braking system.
Ford is conducting a global recall of more than 79,000 Jaguars. The vehicles affected are the Jaguar XJ8, from the 1996-1999 model years, and Jaguar XK8s from the 1997-1999 model years. The Jaguar problem also involves a sticking throttle. But unlike the problem with the Discovery II, the accelerator is prone to sticking in the closed position, effectively stalling the engine.

GM announces recall of 4 million 2000-04 full-size pickups (3/18/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling about four million 2000-04 full-size pickups worldwide to replace tailgate support cables that may corrode and fracture. If the cables corrode, they may fracture when loads are applied to the tailgate. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would open an additional 10 degrees, resting on the top surface of the rear bumper. The tailgate would drop to a lower position only if the owner had previously removed the rear bumper.

Subaru recalls cars in U.S. due to cruise control (3/17/04)

Subaru of America, Inc. issued a voluntary recall on certain 2001-2004 six cylinder Outback models, and 2002-2004 Impreza WRX 2.0L models to address a possible cruise control cable problem. This recall involves certain 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 model year Subaru Outback H-6 3.0L and Impreza WRX 2.0L turbo vehicles. The potentially affected Outback vehicles were produced at Subaru Indiana Automotive, Inc. between March 15, 2000 and February 19, 2004, and the Impreza WRX vehicles were produced at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. between September 5, 2000 and February 12, 2004. Approximately 127,580 vehicles are potentially affected. It is possible for the cruise control cable to come out of its track on the cruise control throttle lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and instead remain in an open position. This condition could occur at any time without prior notice and control of the vehicle could be affected.

GM Recalls Oldsmobile Auroras, DaimlerChrysler recalls Pacifica and Jeep Grand Cherokees (3/12/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 93,572 Oldsmobile Aurora sedans because fuel can leak into the engine and start a fire. The recall affects Auroras from the 1995-1997 model years. DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling 34,561 Pacifica sport utility vehicles and 14,621 Jeep Grand Cherokees because their engines could stall without warning and cause a crash. Vehicles from the 2004 model year are affected in those recalls.

Ford recalls more than 1 million Taurus and Sable sedans (3/10/04)

Ford Motor Co. will recall more than 1 million Taurus and Mercury Sable sedans to repair brake lights and the engine cooling system. The recall includes 1.03 million Taurus and Sable sedans from the 2000 through 2003 model years to fix brake lights that may fail. An additional 300,000 Taurus and Sable vehicles from the 2003 model year are being recalled to repair the air filter, which can catch fire. A total of 118,000 Taurus and Sable sedans from the 2003 model year have both defects. Ford is investigating one report of a minor injury connected with the air filter malfunction, and two accidents that are linked to the stop lamp failure.

Subaru Of America Recalls Vehicles Subject To Coolant Leaks (3/4/04)

Subaru of America Inc. recalled for 376,000 vehicles that may be susceptible to coolant leaks at the engine cylinder head gasket. The recall involves certain of its Legacy and Outback models with 2.5-liter engines from the years 2000 through 2002, as well as certain 2.5-liter Impreza and Forester models from 1999 through 2002. The coolant leaks may result from normal expansion and contraction of engine components, and potentially affected vehicles will have a conditioner added to their cooling systems by Subaru dealers at no cost. Notification of owners began in mid-February and will run through early May 2004.

Nissan recalls Quest minivans due to air bags (3/4/04)

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling nearly 14,000 of its all-new Quest minivans because of potential inadvertent deployment of the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied by a small child. NHTSA testing had revealed a possible problem with the front passenger seat occupant detection system on the Quest and its automatic air bag suppressor. Tests conducted internally by the automaker, revealed that the passenger seat failed to detect the weight of an average six-year-old child. A total of 13,757 Quests, built by Nissan at its assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, are affected by the recall. Although Nissan is fixing the problem, which involves 2004 models of the Quest built from March 26 until Sept. 2 last year, a Nissan spokesman said young children should not travel in the front passenger seat for any number of safety reasons.

Honda recalling 440,000 Civics, Insights (3/2/04)

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. is recalling about 440,000 of its Civic and Insight small cars after discovering they are prone to sudden low-beam headlight failures. 2001-2002 model year Civics and 2000-2002 Insights were subject to the recall, which was prompted by overheating in the headlight switch.

Bridgestone to replace 297,000 Steeltex tires (2/26/04)

The voluntary recall involves 297,000 Steeltex tires made in Quebec between March 1999 and December 2002. The tires were fitted on all Ford Motor Co. Excursion SUVs in the model years 2000 through 2002, and some in early 2003.

GM Will Recall Some Chevrolet Corvettes (2/10/04)

General Motors Corp. will recall about 127,000 Chevrolet Corvettes that can continue to operate even when the car's steering column fails to unlock. The recall will occur during the second quarter. It will affect specific models made between 1997 and 2004 and sold in North America, Europe, Canada and other export countries. Ordinarily, both automatic and manual transmission Corvettes shutoff the fuel supply to the engine if the vehicle starts to move when the steering column is still locked. The shutoff mechanism doesn't work properly in the recalled Corvettes.

Volvo recalls 105,000 cars with steering defect (2/10/04)

Volvo is recalling more than 105,000 cars with a steering defect. Volvo press officer Peter Ganjbar said the recall affected Volvo S60, S80 and V70 models built between March 31 and October 12 last year. The defect concerned "the ball-joint nuts in the front-control arms... This may cause the steering wheel to go out of alignment," he said.

GM recalls 636,000 SUVs (2/9/04)

GM said there had been two reports of crashes related to electronics that could short-circuit when water leaks into a wiper module. No injuries or fatalities were reported from those two crashes. The recall includes certain model year 2002 and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy and Envoy XL, and Oldsmobile Bravada SUV models, as well as some Isuzu Motors Ltd. Ascenders, which GM builds.

GM recalls 1.8 millions cars (2/6/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 1.8 million cars to repair potential problems with the ignition switch that may cause a fire. The models involved are certain 1998-2001 Chevrolet Cavaliers and Pontiac Sunfires built between March 1997 and April 2001. In addition, some 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Buick Skylark cars built between March 1997 and January 1998 are being recalled. The vehicles are to be serviced to prevent high electrical current flow through the ignition switch that may cause a fire in the steering column.

Britax Announces Voluntary Recall of Husky Child Restraints (1/16/04)

Britax Child Safety, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall on Husky child restraints. It was determined that certain uses of the restraints may not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 compliance for head excursion. No other products are involved. Affected restraints are Husky restraints installed with lap belt only installation as described in the current users manual for a long/serpentine belt path. When installed in this manner, in the event of a crash in the motor vehicle, head excursions higher than allowed by Standard 213 could result. All Husky owners who returned a registration card are automatically receiving labels and instructions for placement of the new labels over the corresponding instructions in the current users guide and restraint cover label. Owners should be receiving this information within the week (by January 21). These labels and instructions will advise consumers using the lap belt only installation to reroute the lap belt to use an alternative, short belt path. This reinstallation will reduce loads to assure Standard 213 compliance. The affected seats should not be returned to the Britax retailer. The retailers do not have access to the labels and instructions. After January 21, all consumers who did not return a registration card, but own a Husky child restraint should contact Britax at 1-888-4BRITAX (1-888-427-4829). In order to receive the label and instructions, owners will need to provide Britax with the following information: Name, Address, Daytime Telephone Number, Manufacturing Date, and Batch of the Husky. This information can be obtained from the label affixed to the back of the restraint.

Chrysler Recalls Cars to Fix Shifter (1/13/04)

Chrysler is recalling 2.7 million cars to fix a potential problem with the floor-mounted gear shift. Vehicles affected by the recall include the 1995-1999 Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze, 1996-1999 Sebring convertibles and 1993-1999 Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision cars.

General Motors Corp. recalls more than 800,000 cars for power steering repairs (1/12/04)

General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 800,000 cars because of a power steering defect that has led to at least eight injuries. About 750,000 cars in the United States and about 55,000 in Canada are involved. All were made between Jan. 1, 1996, and Oct. 31, 1997. The models are the 1996 Buick Regal, 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo, Malibu and 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue cars. Also, some 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and 1997-98 Buick Regal cars are being recalled. Drivers have experienced intermittent losses of power steering when making left turns, especially at low speeds. Some drivers could experience higher resistance when turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. Eight injuries have been reported that may be related to the defect, the automaker said. No deaths were reported. General Motors will begin instructing car owners in February to bring the affected vehicles to dealers for repairs.

DaimlerChrysler recalls 33,000 Mercedes-Benz cars (1/9/04)

Mercedes-Benz, a division of DaimlerChrysler AG, said Friday it is recalling about 33,000 of its luxury cars worldwide to check for possible malfunctions in seat belt buckles. The company will notify owners of all C, CLK and E Class models built between August and October 2003 that they will be eligible for a precautionary check of the belt buckles after possible faults were discovered during routine checks, the company said. “During routine quality checks several isolated cases were identified in which the seat belt did not click into place properly,” the company said. Most of the affected vehicles were sold in Germany, Japan and the United States.