Honda recalls 167,255 Acura TSX cars in the U.S.
Automotive News
April 30, 2010 - 9:01 am EST
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Honda Motor Co. today said it would recall 167,255 Acura TSX sedans sold in the U.S. market to address the risk that power steering fluid could leak and cause an under-the-hood fire.
The recall, covering 2004-2008 model year Acura TSX vehicles with 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engines, comes after one fire was reported due to leaking fluid.
Honda and U.S. safety regulators said that over time power steering hoses may crack and leak.
U.S. safety regulators in a statement issued today said power steering fluid "leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire."
Honda will notify U.S. Acura TSX owners and its dealers will repair the Acuras for free, beginning on May 28, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a report.
The repair, Honda said, involves installation of a new power steering hose, O-ring gasket and fluid.
Honda officials in Canada said that cars in Canada were not subject to the recall.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Walker Automotive Blog Recognized in National Magazine
The May 2010 edition of Auto Dealer Monthly magazine has recognized Walker Automotive's Blog as one of the "Great Dealer Blogs." In an article about internet marketing techniques, the magazine singled out several automobile dealers across the country for their social media effectiveness. For instance, dealers were recognized as having great fan pages on Facebook, or for the number of followers on Twitter. When it came to blogs, Walker's blog at http://walkerwill.blogspot.com was named in the top six blogs in the country. Congratulations to all of the employees of Walker Automotive who contribute to the blog on a regular basis. For more information about products, services, parts or accessories offered at Walker automotive visit the web site at www.walkerautomotive.com.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Another Toyota Recall
Toyota to recall Sequoia SUVs to repair stability control units
Automotive News
April 28, 2010 - 11:41 am EST
UPDATED: 4/28/10 4:51 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., which recalled Lexus GX sport-utility vehicles this month because stability controls failed to engage fast enough, is recalling Sequoia SUVs to adjust a control system that drivers say is too aggressive.
Toyota, the world's largest carmaker, told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today 50,000 of the 2003 Sequoias are covered in the recall. The agency has been investigating the defect since 2008. About half those vehicles had the control unit adjusted after a technical service bulletin was sent to dealers, said John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman.
“We have customer complaints dating back to 2003” that vehicle stability control “kicked in at times it shouldn't have, maybe too early,” said Hanson, based at Toyota's U.S. sales unit in Torrance, Calif.
Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide in the past year for defects that may cause unintended acceleration in its cars and trucks. The company on April 19 said it would recall the Lexus GX 460 SUV after Consumer Reports magazine rated it a “safety risk” because the model can roll over in certain driving conditions.
“Toyota is cooperating with NHTSA's request to issue a safety recall of the 2003 Sequoia,” said Julia Piscitelli, an agency spokeswoman. “NHTSA has been investigating electronic stability control malfunctions which have turned up 163 safety- related failure incidents” reported to the agency or Toyota.
The VSC system can help control a loss of traction in turns as a result of front or rear tire slippage during cornering. In vehicles without the upgrade, the VSC system could, in limited situations, activate at low speed (approximately 9 mph) for a few seconds after acceleration from a stopped position and, as a result, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects. There have been no reported injuries or accidents as a result of this condition.
Toyota instituted a running production change during the 2003 model year and published a Technical Service Bulletin to address this issue when it was first identified in fall 2003. Since that time, Toyota has been responding to individual owner concerns by replacing the Skid Control Engine Control Unit (ECU) in Sequoias impacted by this condition. Of the approximately 50,000 vehicles included in this recall, approximately half have already been serviced under warranty.
Starting in late May, Toyota will begin mailing letters to all 2003 Model-Year Sequoia owners included in this recall, including owners of vehicles that have been previously serviced. If a customer has previously paid to replace the Skid Control ECU for this specific condition prior to receiving a letter, the customer should mail a copy of their repair order, to the following address for reimbursement consideration: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Toyota Customer Experience, WC 10, 19001 South Western Avenue, Torrance, CA 90509.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Automotive News
April 28, 2010 - 11:41 am EST
UPDATED: 4/28/10 4:51 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., which recalled Lexus GX sport-utility vehicles this month because stability controls failed to engage fast enough, is recalling Sequoia SUVs to adjust a control system that drivers say is too aggressive.
Toyota, the world's largest carmaker, told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today 50,000 of the 2003 Sequoias are covered in the recall. The agency has been investigating the defect since 2008. About half those vehicles had the control unit adjusted after a technical service bulletin was sent to dealers, said John Hanson, a Toyota spokesman.
“We have customer complaints dating back to 2003” that vehicle stability control “kicked in at times it shouldn't have, maybe too early,” said Hanson, based at Toyota's U.S. sales unit in Torrance, Calif.
Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide in the past year for defects that may cause unintended acceleration in its cars and trucks. The company on April 19 said it would recall the Lexus GX 460 SUV after Consumer Reports magazine rated it a “safety risk” because the model can roll over in certain driving conditions.
“Toyota is cooperating with NHTSA's request to issue a safety recall of the 2003 Sequoia,” said Julia Piscitelli, an agency spokeswoman. “NHTSA has been investigating electronic stability control malfunctions which have turned up 163 safety- related failure incidents” reported to the agency or Toyota.
The VSC system can help control a loss of traction in turns as a result of front or rear tire slippage during cornering. In vehicles without the upgrade, the VSC system could, in limited situations, activate at low speed (approximately 9 mph) for a few seconds after acceleration from a stopped position and, as a result, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects. There have been no reported injuries or accidents as a result of this condition.
Toyota instituted a running production change during the 2003 model year and published a Technical Service Bulletin to address this issue when it was first identified in fall 2003. Since that time, Toyota has been responding to individual owner concerns by replacing the Skid Control Engine Control Unit (ECU) in Sequoias impacted by this condition. Of the approximately 50,000 vehicles included in this recall, approximately half have already been serviced under warranty.
Starting in late May, Toyota will begin mailing letters to all 2003 Model-Year Sequoia owners included in this recall, including owners of vehicles that have been previously serviced. If a customer has previously paid to replace the Skid Control ECU for this specific condition prior to receiving a letter, the customer should mail a copy of their repair order, to the following address for reimbursement consideration: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., Toyota Customer Experience, WC 10, 19001 South Western Avenue, Torrance, CA 90509.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Honda Has Best Used Cars According to Consumer Reports
Many people are aware that a new car depreciates the minute it is driven off of the lot. In fact, the average new car loses almost half of its value in the first three years of ownership. For many purchasers, the choice is to buy a quality pre-owned vehicle to avoid taking the hit on depreciation. The problem, though, is finding one that is considered reliable. There are many tools to help consumers find the most reliable used vehicle but the authority on the matter is probably Consumer Reports.
Each year Consumer Report Magazine ranks the most reliable models. Each winner in a category indicates that owners of those vehicles have experienced relatively few problems over time with the winning make and model. This year, Honda models dominated the winners circle. Toyota suffered several losses on the list because of their continued troubles with recalled models. In all, Honda won the top spot in six out of the nine categories. Here is how the list shaped up:
Category: Small Cars
Winner: Honda Civic
Consumer Reports says: “The Civic is reliable, economical, and fun to drive. In 2003 the Hybrid model arrived, and 2006 brought standard antilock brakes and curtain air bags. But electronic stability control is available only on later high-end models. The Honda Fit hatchback is smaller than the Civic. “
Category: Family Cars
Winner: Honda Accord
Consumer Reports says: “The Accord is a very reliable choice and is enjoyable to drive. It's a quiet, agile car that received a standard antilock brake system with the 2003 redesign. In 2006 the V6 models received standard ESC, which was added to all models with the 2008 redesign.”
Category: Small SUV
Winner: Honda CR-V
Consumer Reports says “The comfortable, carlike CR-V has a smooth, spirited four-cylinder engine and gets good fuel economy. Look for models from 2005 on, when ESC and curtain air bags became standard. Reliability has been better than average each year.”
Category: Large SUV
Winner: Honda Pilot
Consumer Reports says: “The Pilot is a roomy, refined, and fuel-efficient SUV. It has flexible seating for eight passengers, and crash-test results are impressive.”
Category: Minivans
Winner: Honda Odyssey
Consumer Reports says: “The Odyssey is a spacious and comfortable minivan that has always had a good ride and handling. A 2005 redesign improved interior flexibility. Look for models built after 2003.”
Category: Pickup Trucks
Winner: Honda Ridgeline
Consumer Reports says: “The Ridgeline combines the handling of a car with the utility of a pickup truck. The cabin is easy to access, and the engine is smooth and responsive.”
Contact Walker Honda at http://www.walkerhonda.com/ or 318-445-6677 for information on a new or pre-owned Honda.
Each year Consumer Report Magazine ranks the most reliable models. Each winner in a category indicates that owners of those vehicles have experienced relatively few problems over time with the winning make and model. This year, Honda models dominated the winners circle. Toyota suffered several losses on the list because of their continued troubles with recalled models. In all, Honda won the top spot in six out of the nine categories. Here is how the list shaped up:
Category: Small Cars
Winner: Honda Civic
Consumer Reports says: “The Civic is reliable, economical, and fun to drive. In 2003 the Hybrid model arrived, and 2006 brought standard antilock brakes and curtain air bags. But electronic stability control is available only on later high-end models. The Honda Fit hatchback is smaller than the Civic. “
Category: Family Cars
Winner: Honda Accord
Consumer Reports says: “The Accord is a very reliable choice and is enjoyable to drive. It's a quiet, agile car that received a standard antilock brake system with the 2003 redesign. In 2006 the V6 models received standard ESC, which was added to all models with the 2008 redesign.”
Category: Small SUV
Winner: Honda CR-V
Consumer Reports says “The comfortable, carlike CR-V has a smooth, spirited four-cylinder engine and gets good fuel economy. Look for models from 2005 on, when ESC and curtain air bags became standard. Reliability has been better than average each year.”
Category: Large SUV
Winner: Honda Pilot
Consumer Reports says: “The Pilot is a roomy, refined, and fuel-efficient SUV. It has flexible seating for eight passengers, and crash-test results are impressive.”
Category: Minivans
Winner: Honda Odyssey
Consumer Reports says: “The Odyssey is a spacious and comfortable minivan that has always had a good ride and handling. A 2005 redesign improved interior flexibility. Look for models built after 2003.”
Category: Pickup Trucks
Winner: Honda Ridgeline
Consumer Reports says: “The Ridgeline combines the handling of a car with the utility of a pickup truck. The cabin is easy to access, and the engine is smooth and responsive.”
Contact Walker Honda at http://www.walkerhonda.com/ or 318-445-6677 for information on a new or pre-owned Honda.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Further Toyota Recalls
Toyota to recall 870,000 Sienna minivans for rusty spare-tire cables
Automotive News
April 16, 2010 - 5:53 pm EST
UPDATED: 4/16/2010 7:45 p.m. ET
(Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp said it would recall 870,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States and Canada since the 1998 model year because of a risk that the spare tire could drop onto the road.
The recalls cover minivans sold in 20 cold-weather U.S. states and Canada due to potential corrosion from long-term exposure to road salt that could in the worst case cause the spare tire to separate from the vehicle, Toyota said.
All told, the recalls cover some 600,000 two-wheel-drive Sienna minivans from the 1998 to 2010 model years sold or registered in the United States and 270,000 of the same vehicles in Canada.
Friday's action pushes the number of Toyota vehicles recalled since late last year to more than 9.3 million. Most address the risk of unintended acceleration tied to faulty gas pedals and floor mats that can interfere with pedals. The Prius and other hybrids have also been recalled for brake problems.
On Tuesday, Toyota halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 SUV after Consumer Reports said its handling in certain curves posed a "safety risk."
The automaker has not yet decided whether it would have to recall the GX 460, but has said its engineers duplicated the results of Consumer Reports' tests.
For the Sienna recall, Toyota said prolonged exposure to high use of road salt could cause excessive corrosion in the cable. Owners will receive a letter urging them to bring their minivans to a dealership for inspection while Toyota develops a remedy.
The recall covers vehicles sold or registered in the District of Columbia as well as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Owners in other states also can choose to have their vehicles inspected, Toyota said.
Automotive News
April 16, 2010 - 5:53 pm EST
UPDATED: 4/16/2010 7:45 p.m. ET
(Reuters) -- Toyota Motor Corp said it would recall 870,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States and Canada since the 1998 model year because of a risk that the spare tire could drop onto the road.
The recalls cover minivans sold in 20 cold-weather U.S. states and Canada due to potential corrosion from long-term exposure to road salt that could in the worst case cause the spare tire to separate from the vehicle, Toyota said.
All told, the recalls cover some 600,000 two-wheel-drive Sienna minivans from the 1998 to 2010 model years sold or registered in the United States and 270,000 of the same vehicles in Canada.
Friday's action pushes the number of Toyota vehicles recalled since late last year to more than 9.3 million. Most address the risk of unintended acceleration tied to faulty gas pedals and floor mats that can interfere with pedals. The Prius and other hybrids have also been recalled for brake problems.
On Tuesday, Toyota halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 SUV after Consumer Reports said its handling in certain curves posed a "safety risk."
The automaker has not yet decided whether it would have to recall the GX 460, but has said its engineers duplicated the results of Consumer Reports' tests.
For the Sienna recall, Toyota said prolonged exposure to high use of road salt could cause excessive corrosion in the cable. Owners will receive a letter urging them to bring their minivans to a dealership for inspection while Toyota develops a remedy.
The recall covers vehicles sold or registered in the District of Columbia as well as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
Owners in other states also can choose to have their vehicles inspected, Toyota said.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Toyota Halts Sales of Lexus
Toyota temporarily halts sales of Lexus GX 460
Automotive News
April 13, 2010 - 6:56 pm EST
Toyota has temporarily halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 after a safety warning was issued by Consumer Reports magazine.
The magazine said the 7-passenger SUV was at risk for a roll over accident during certain types of turns. The Japanese automaker said it would suspend sales until it had conducted its own testing.
On its Web site, the automaker said, "for any customer who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and is concerned about driving their vehicle, we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available."
Automotive News
April 13, 2010 - 6:56 pm EST
Toyota has temporarily halted sales of its Lexus GX 460 after a safety warning was issued by Consumer Reports magazine.
The magazine said the 7-passenger SUV was at risk for a roll over accident during certain types of turns. The Japanese automaker said it would suspend sales until it had conducted its own testing.
On its Web site, the automaker said, "for any customer who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and is concerned about driving their vehicle, we will provide a loaner car until a remedy is available."
Lexus Deemed Unsafe By Cnsumer Reports
Toyota's Lexus GX SUV called ‘safety risk'
Bloomberg News
Automotive News
April 13, 2010 - 7:12 am EST
LOS ANGELES (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s new Lexus GX SUV was labeled a “safety risk” by a magazine, complicating efforts by the world's largest automaker to repair its image after record recalls.
The 2010 GX 460 received the designation because of handling in emergency driving tests, Consumer Reports said today in a statement. The magazine, published by Yonkers, New York-based Consumers Union, said it hadn't deemed any vehicle a potential safety risk since 2001.
The GX's rear end “slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control” at a Connecticut test track, the magazine said. “In real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death.”
Toyota's recalls of more than 8 million vehicles worldwide for defects linked to unintended acceleration and brakes have hurt its reputation and led to U.S. congressional hearings and a rebuke by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The U.S. assessed a $16.4 million penalty against Toyota for delaying its recall of sticky accelerator pedals and said there may be more fines.
“We're concerned with the results of Consumer Reports testing on the Lexus GX 460 and their suggested buyer recommendation,” Bill Kwong, a Lexus spokesman, said in an e-mail. While the model meets or exceeds U.S. safety rules, Toyota will try to duplicate the test results, Kwong said.
The company “appreciates Consumer Reports bringing it to our attention,” he said.
The GX has a starting price of about $52,000, according to Lexus's Web site. The Japan-based company has its U.S. sales headquarters in Torrance, California.
Consumer Reports checked the initial findings in the “lift-off oversteer” test of the GX by repeating it on a second vehicle, said Douglas Love, a spokesman for the magazine. The publication said it shared the results with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The magazine said it is unaware of reports of accidents resulting from what it found in the GX tests.
Bloomberg News
Automotive News
April 13, 2010 - 7:12 am EST
LOS ANGELES (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s new Lexus GX SUV was labeled a “safety risk” by a magazine, complicating efforts by the world's largest automaker to repair its image after record recalls.
The 2010 GX 460 received the designation because of handling in emergency driving tests, Consumer Reports said today in a statement. The magazine, published by Yonkers, New York-based Consumers Union, said it hadn't deemed any vehicle a potential safety risk since 2001.
The GX's rear end “slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control” at a Connecticut test track, the magazine said. “In real-world driving, that situation could lead to a rollover accident, which could cause serious injury or death.”
Toyota's recalls of more than 8 million vehicles worldwide for defects linked to unintended acceleration and brakes have hurt its reputation and led to U.S. congressional hearings and a rebuke by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The U.S. assessed a $16.4 million penalty against Toyota for delaying its recall of sticky accelerator pedals and said there may be more fines.
“We're concerned with the results of Consumer Reports testing on the Lexus GX 460 and their suggested buyer recommendation,” Bill Kwong, a Lexus spokesman, said in an e-mail. While the model meets or exceeds U.S. safety rules, Toyota will try to duplicate the test results, Kwong said.
The company “appreciates Consumer Reports bringing it to our attention,” he said.
The GX has a starting price of about $52,000, according to Lexus's Web site. The Japan-based company has its U.S. sales headquarters in Torrance, California.
Consumer Reports checked the initial findings in the “lift-off oversteer” test of the GX by repeating it on a second vehicle, said Douglas Love, a spokesman for the magazine. The publication said it shared the results with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The magazine said it is unaware of reports of accidents resulting from what it found in the GX tests.
Friday, April 9, 2010
GMC Announces Prices of HD Trucks
By: Chrissie Thompson, Automotive News online April 9, 2010
DETROIT -- General Motors Co.'s 2011 heavy-duty pickups will start at $28,960, including delivery, undercutting the Ford Super Duty's starting price by $35.
Both automakers are releasing re-engineered heavy-duty pickups this year. The Super Duty goes on sale this month, while the heavy-duty GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado will arrive at dealerships in June.
The GM pickup prices, released today, underscore the truck battle brewing between the automakers. As the economy improves, automakers are also hoping new home construction will show signs of a recovery to boost new truck sales, as builders invest in pickups to carry supplies.
The automakers' truck battle starts with optional diesel engines. Upgrading to a diesel on the Sierra and Silverado costs $8,395, while Ford's diesel engine costs $7,835. The GM diesels offer 397 hp and 765 pounds-feet of torque, while the Super Duty gives 735 pounds-feet and 390 hp. Neither automaker has released fuel-economy ratings, but Ford has promised “class-leading” fuel efficiency for its diesel.
The Sierra and Silverado can pull up to 20,000 pounds and carry 6,335 pounds, GM says.
GM increased the base-model price of heavy duties from the 2010 models by $500, while Ford upped its starting price $600.
DETROIT -- General Motors Co.'s 2011 heavy-duty pickups will start at $28,960, including delivery, undercutting the Ford Super Duty's starting price by $35.
Both automakers are releasing re-engineered heavy-duty pickups this year. The Super Duty goes on sale this month, while the heavy-duty GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado will arrive at dealerships in June.
The GM pickup prices, released today, underscore the truck battle brewing between the automakers. As the economy improves, automakers are also hoping new home construction will show signs of a recovery to boost new truck sales, as builders invest in pickups to carry supplies.
The automakers' truck battle starts with optional diesel engines. Upgrading to a diesel on the Sierra and Silverado costs $8,395, while Ford's diesel engine costs $7,835. The GM diesels offer 397 hp and 765 pounds-feet of torque, while the Super Duty gives 735 pounds-feet and 390 hp. Neither automaker has released fuel-economy ratings, but Ford has promised “class-leading” fuel efficiency for its diesel.
The Sierra and Silverado can pull up to 20,000 pounds and carry 6,335 pounds, GM says.
GM increased the base-model price of heavy duties from the 2010 models by $500, while Ford upped its starting price $600.
Monday, April 5, 2010
U.S. Fidelis Files for Bankruptcy
Several months ago I wrote an article in the Cenla Focus about the automobile warranty companies that advertise on television on on satellite radio. Essentially, the article warned customers about these aftermarket companies that are not supported by the local franchised dealer network. Many of the companies had failing Better Business Bureau grades and others were being investigated by certain state's attorneys general.
Well, the shoe has dropped on at least one of the companies that I warned against. U.S. Fidelis, based in St. Louis, filed for bankruptcy protection in March citing more than $25 million in debt. The company is supposed to be issuing refunds to customers for cancelled contracts and claims that all warranty obligations are insured. In news articles published in Automotive News in March, reports show that the two brothers who owned U.S. Fidelis borrowed more than $49 million from the company to spend on themselves and their families.
When shopping for a vehicle or related products remember to shop locally and with people you know.
Well, the shoe has dropped on at least one of the companies that I warned against. U.S. Fidelis, based in St. Louis, filed for bankruptcy protection in March citing more than $25 million in debt. The company is supposed to be issuing refunds to customers for cancelled contracts and claims that all warranty obligations are insured. In news articles published in Automotive News in March, reports show that the two brothers who owned U.S. Fidelis borrowed more than $49 million from the company to spend on themselves and their families.
When shopping for a vehicle or related products remember to shop locally and with people you know.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
