Mercedes-Benz Recalling... Recalled 1998-2003 M-Class SUVs

If not a first, Mercedes-Benz’s action to issue a second recall on the same vehicle because the earlier repair performed on the specific model may not have been sufficient, is something definitely out of the ordinary. In particular, Merc will ask 102,954 owners of MY 1998-2003 M-Class models in the U.S. to bring their SUVs to the company’s dealers to repair a clamp used to secure the power steering fluid cooling hose to the power steering fluid cooler. -Continued

According to information posted on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official web site, the clamp may not provide enough force for this connection leading to the loss of power steering fluid which in turn could result in diminished power steering over time. To put it simple, you’ll need a professional weightlifter’s muscles to turn the steering wheel with ease.

The agency said that all M-Class vehicles repaired prior to November 15, 2003, will be repaired again with the new recall expected to begin during October 2008. If you happen to have any questions, you can contact Mercedes Benz directly at 1-800-367-6372.

Nissan Recalling MY’09 Altimas over faulty Alloy Wheels

Nissan has issued a recall for more than 3,400 MY’09 Altima vehicles equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some of the alloy wheels may not have been manufactured to the correct specification, something that could lead to one or more of the five lug nuts attaching the wheel to the vehicle to become loose. Nissan dealers will inspect the vehicles and if necessary, replace the faulty alloy wheels new ones. Owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

5 Million Ford Owners Urged to Fix Hazardous Vehicles

Sometimes consumers are just asking for trouble. Take Ford’s humongous safety recall that affected about 12 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars over a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire (and has in more than 60 cases from August through February) at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 12 million vehicles involved in the recall, nearly five million have not yet been brought to Ford for repair, despite the multiple safety defect recall notifications from the automaker and the agency itself which issued its latest warning back in February! If you happen to own one of the affected cars/trucks mentioned in the list after the jump, we’d strongly advise you to take NHTSA’s warning seriously and bring your vehicle to a local dealership for a corrective repair. -Continued

Affected Vehicles

• 1993–2004 Ford F150
• 1993–1999 Ford F250 (gasoline engine)
• 1993–1996 Ford Bronco
• 1994–1996 Ford Econoline
• 1997–2002 Ford Expedition
• 1998–2002 Lincoln Navigator
• 1998–2002 Ford Ranger
• 1992–1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis & Lincoln Town Car
• 1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
• 1993–1995 Ford Taurus SHO with automatic transmission
• 1994–Mercury Capri
• 1998–2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
• 2001–2002 Ford Explorer Sport and Explorer Sport Trac
• 1992–1993 and 1997–2003 Ford E-150-350 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
• 2002 Ford E-550 gasoline engine vehicles
• 1996–2003 Ford E-450 gasoline or natural gas vehicles
• 1994–2002 Ford F-250 through F-550 super Duty trucks (gasoline engine)
• 2000–2002 Ford Excursion (gasoline engine)
• 2003 F250 – F550 Super Duty, Ford Excursion
• 1995–2002 Ford F53 Motor home chassis
• 2002–2003 Lincoln Blackwood

Audi Recalling 13,900 A8 Sedans over Transmission Issue

A faulty automatic transmission locking cable is to blame for the recall of 13,900 MY 1996-2003 Audi A8 vehicles equipped with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. According to NHTSA, the locking cable may move out of position over time therefore allowing the shifter to be moved out of the "PARK" position even if the ignition key is not in the ignition lock. Audi said that its dealers will modify the automatic transmission locking cable by installing an adjusting piece securing the locking cable in place. The recall is expected to begin this month (September 2008). For more detailed information, owners can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

GM Recalling Nearly 1 Million Vehicles Worldwide on Electrical Issue

General Motors will be sending letters to more than 944,000 owners worldwide, 857,735 of which are located in the U.S., due to voluntary recall that affects 16 cars and SUVs from 2006 to 2008. The huge recall involves vehicles fitted with a heated washer fluid system that could short circuit causing other electrical features to malfunction and lead to smoke or even fire. According to GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson, up until now, there have been three reported fires related to the problem. GM said that its dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. See the affected models after the jump. -Continued

MAKE / MODEL - YEAR

• BUICK / ENCLAVE -2008
• BUICK / LUCERNE - 2006-2008
• CADILLAC / DTS - 2006-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE - 2007-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE ESV - 2007-2008
• CADILLAC / ESCALADE EXT - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / AVALANCHE - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / SILVERADO - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / SUBURBAN - 2007-2008
• CHEVROLET / TAHOE - 2007-2008
• GMC / ACADIA - 2007-2008
• GMC / SIERRA - 2007-2008
• GMC / YUKON - 2007-2008
• GMC / YUKON XL -2007-2008
• HUMMER / H2 - 2006-2008
• SATURN / OUTLOOK - 2007-2008

Jaguar Recalling 7,918 XF vehicles due to Safety-Belt Issue

Today, Jaguar announced that it is recalling more than 7,900 MY2009 XF sedans in the United States for a defect in the rear safety belt assembly. Although Jaguar says there have been no accidents or injuries reported due to the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that in the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained thus increasing the risk of personal injury. Jaguar’s dealers will inspect the rear safety belt assembly and make the necessary repairs. Concerned owners may contact jaguar at 1-800-452-4827

Volvo Recalling MY '08-'09 S40, V50, C30 & C70

More than 1,000 Volvo MY 2008-2009 S40, V50, C30, C70 vehicles are being recalled in the U.S. because of a faulty power steering house that may rupture. If this happens, it could lead to a rapid drainage of the power steering fluid in the system and a complete loss of power assistance, something that could increase the risk of a crash. Volvo dealers will inspect and replace the steering return line hose assembly free of charge. For more information, owners can contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Nissan Recalling 169,202 MY 2007-2008 Sentras Due to Brake Problems

Nissan has issued a recall on 169,202 MY 2007-2008 Sentra sedans to address a problem with the brake cylinders. According to Nissan, due to the machining irregularity by the supplier, the internal seal groove in the body of some brake master cylinders may allow for a gap in the groove contact area of the seal resulting to a leak of the brake fluid from the master cylinder into the brake booster assembly. If left unaddressed, the leakage could lead to a brake failure. Nissan said that dealers will inspect the master cylinder/brake booster assembly and if brake fluid leakage is detected, the master cylinder will be replaced with a new one. For more information owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Honda Recalling MY2008 Element

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of 241 MY 2008 Honda Element vehicles due to a problem in the rear suspension. In particular, the front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been improperly welded and could separate from the trailing arm. If this occurs, then the bushing bracket could cause the suspension to release the lower portion of the wheel hub, causing a loss of control and damage to the brake system which could potentially lead to a crash.

Honda said that it will notify owners and advise them to stop driving their cars until they have taken their vehicle to a dealer where it will be inspected and if necessary, have the left-rear trailing arm replaced. If you’re not sure if your vehicle has been affected by this recall you may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

BMW Recalling 200,000 Vehicles in the U.S. Over Airbag Problem

Today, NHSTA announced that BMW is recalling 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. over concerns that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in the even of a crash due to a sensor problem. The models affected from the recall include the 2006 MY 3-Series, the 2004-2005 MY 5-Series and the 2004-2006 MY X3 SUV. According to NHTSA, depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks could develop in a seat detection mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags (with the exception of the head protection system) will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated. -Continued

BMW said that its dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall is expected to begin during late September 2008. The German carmaker also announced that it will extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit.

Mercedes Recalling 52,740 ML & GL-Class Over Trailer Hitch… Glitch

More than 52,000 MY 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML and GL-Class vehicles are being recalled no thanks to a faulty trailer hitch. According to the German carmaker, some of the weld seams connecting the trailer hitch receiver to the attachment bar used to secure the trailer hitch to the body frame do not meet performance specifications.

To put it simple, there’s a chance that the trailer hitch receiver could separate from the attachment bar, and that’s something you wouldn’t want to see happening. Mercedes-Benz warns the owners of the affected SUVs not to use the trailer hitch for any purpose until it has been repaired. If you have any questions, you can call Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

Nissan Recalling MY 2005-2006 Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56

The first recall of the month concerns 180,664 MY 2005-2006 Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56 vehicles manufactured after March 17, 2005, that are equipped with a Visteon air conditioning condenser fan motor. According to the recall note, the fan motor may not be properly sealed allowing excessive water intrusion and insufficient drainage of moisture which could cause corrosion in the motor leading possibly to overheating and a fire. Nissan/Infiniti dealers will test the AC condenser fan motor and replace it if needed. The recall is expected to begin near the end of July 2008.