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.
Monday, March 29, 2010
GM Recalls Vans
GM recalls 5,000 vans for potential engine fires
Sales halted; owners advised to stop driving until fix is found
Chrissie Thompson
Automotive News
March 27, 2010 - 10:51 am EST
DETROIT -- General Motors Co. is recalling about 5,000 heavy-duty vans and stopping production and sales because of alternators that could cause engine fires.
The recall, announced just before midnight Friday, affects some 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 2500, 3500 and 4500 Series built in February or March. Light-duty versions use a different alternator.
GM says that until it has a fix for the alternators, customers should stop driving the vans; park them outside, away from buildings or other vehicles; and disconnect both battery cables if possible.
Few of the vans are owned by retail customers.
“It's in the teens,” GM spokesman Alan Adler said. “We're calling the customers we know who have them.”
About 1,300 of the vans are in fleets, and GM's stop-sale order prevents people from renting them. Many vans are still on dealer lots or are awaiting export.
GM builds the vans in Wentzville, Mo., where 60 percent of the production is typically devoted to heavy-duty models.
Sales halted; owners advised to stop driving until fix is found
Chrissie Thompson
Automotive News
March 27, 2010 - 10:51 am EST
DETROIT -- General Motors Co. is recalling about 5,000 heavy-duty vans and stopping production and sales because of alternators that could cause engine fires.
The recall, announced just before midnight Friday, affects some 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 2500, 3500 and 4500 Series built in February or March. Light-duty versions use a different alternator.
GM says that until it has a fix for the alternators, customers should stop driving the vans; park them outside, away from buildings or other vehicles; and disconnect both battery cables if possible.
Few of the vans are owned by retail customers.
“It's in the teens,” GM spokesman Alan Adler said. “We're calling the customers we know who have them.”
About 1,300 of the vans are in fleets, and GM's stop-sale order prevents people from renting them. Many vans are still on dealer lots or are awaiting export.
GM builds the vans in Wentzville, Mo., where 60 percent of the production is typically devoted to heavy-duty models.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Honda Gets Aggressive With Pricing
Honda enters price war with Toyota
The automaker moves to preserve its market share amid aggressive sales incentives offered by its rival.
By Jerry Hirsch - LA Times
March 25, 2010
The auto price war is escalating with American Honda Motor Co. offering its biggest lease deal ever, a move analysts said was designed to offset aggressive sales incentives by rival Toyota Motor Corp.
What's unusual about this price war is that it is being fought the hardest by Japanese automakers, which historically have resisted using large incentives to sell vehicles.
Toyota fired the first volley when it announced a variety of discount financing and special lease deals this month in a move to regain market share in the U.S. after a series of embarrassing recalls.
"There is an irony in the fact that you have a price war launched by Toyota, which has never been reactionary before," said James Bell, an analyst with auto information company Kelley Blue Book. "They are playing the game other brands previously had to play to keep up with Toyota."
American automakers, by comparison, are showing restraint, if for no other reason that they don't have a lot of cash to burn on incentives, said Aaron Bragman, auto industry analyst at IHS Global Insight.
The discounting comes in the wake of a turbulent period of plunging sales for the automakers and bankruptcy restructurings for General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group last year. The industry has been working to wean itself from stimulating sales with large profit-trimming incentives.
"Any type of price competition hurts everybody's profits," said Shelly Lombard of Gimme Credit, a corporate credit research firm.
But moves by manufacturers to close factories and reduce expenses last year should make the companies less vulnerable to the current round of incentives because they have learned to make money on a lower sales volume, she said.
Honda has to act because it has the most shoppers who also consider buying Toyota vehicles and faces the "most competitive pressure," Lombard said. GM also is vulnerable because it has been supplanted by Ford Motor Co. as the biggest auto seller nationally and is still working to gain sales momentum after its bankruptcy reorganization. Ford, which "is on a roll," would be less vulnerable because it has fewer cross shoppers with Toyota, Lombard said.
Honda is offering lease promotions across all of its models -- the first time the automaker has had such a large incentive program. These include no down payment or security deposit, no money due for a month and waiving of any fees when the agreement is signed, spokesman Kurt Antonius said. The program runs until May 3, about a month longer than the current Toyota promotion.
"It just shows how slow the car business is," Antonius said.
Analysts said Honda had lost the most sales to Toyota.
"Honda needed to match [Toyota] to maintain its market share," Bell of Kelley Blue Book said.
Through mid-March, the Toyota incentives had allowed the company to build back market share lost to a continued recall and controversies over unintended acceleration in its vehicles, according to TrueCar.com, an auto pricing information company. Sales were running at about 15.5% of the market, the slice it held at this time last year.
Prior to offering its own incentives, Honda saw its share drop this month almost a full percentage point to 9.4%, TrueCar.com said.
Toyota's incentives may haunt it in future months, Bell said. The company has seen sales soar as bargain hunters and loyal customers stream into showrooms to take advantage of the deals, he said. But once that traffic runs out, Toyota faces the daunting task of selling to "people who are not loyal or who are skeptical of the brand," Bell said.
The automaker moves to preserve its market share amid aggressive sales incentives offered by its rival.
By Jerry Hirsch - LA Times
March 25, 2010
The auto price war is escalating with American Honda Motor Co. offering its biggest lease deal ever, a move analysts said was designed to offset aggressive sales incentives by rival Toyota Motor Corp.
What's unusual about this price war is that it is being fought the hardest by Japanese automakers, which historically have resisted using large incentives to sell vehicles.
Toyota fired the first volley when it announced a variety of discount financing and special lease deals this month in a move to regain market share in the U.S. after a series of embarrassing recalls.
"There is an irony in the fact that you have a price war launched by Toyota, which has never been reactionary before," said James Bell, an analyst with auto information company Kelley Blue Book. "They are playing the game other brands previously had to play to keep up with Toyota."
American automakers, by comparison, are showing restraint, if for no other reason that they don't have a lot of cash to burn on incentives, said Aaron Bragman, auto industry analyst at IHS Global Insight.
The discounting comes in the wake of a turbulent period of plunging sales for the automakers and bankruptcy restructurings for General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group last year. The industry has been working to wean itself from stimulating sales with large profit-trimming incentives.
"Any type of price competition hurts everybody's profits," said Shelly Lombard of Gimme Credit, a corporate credit research firm.
But moves by manufacturers to close factories and reduce expenses last year should make the companies less vulnerable to the current round of incentives because they have learned to make money on a lower sales volume, she said.
Honda has to act because it has the most shoppers who also consider buying Toyota vehicles and faces the "most competitive pressure," Lombard said. GM also is vulnerable because it has been supplanted by Ford Motor Co. as the biggest auto seller nationally and is still working to gain sales momentum after its bankruptcy reorganization. Ford, which "is on a roll," would be less vulnerable because it has fewer cross shoppers with Toyota, Lombard said.
Honda is offering lease promotions across all of its models -- the first time the automaker has had such a large incentive program. These include no down payment or security deposit, no money due for a month and waiving of any fees when the agreement is signed, spokesman Kurt Antonius said. The program runs until May 3, about a month longer than the current Toyota promotion.
"It just shows how slow the car business is," Antonius said.
Analysts said Honda had lost the most sales to Toyota.
"Honda needed to match [Toyota] to maintain its market share," Bell of Kelley Blue Book said.
Through mid-March, the Toyota incentives had allowed the company to build back market share lost to a continued recall and controversies over unintended acceleration in its vehicles, according to TrueCar.com, an auto pricing information company. Sales were running at about 15.5% of the market, the slice it held at this time last year.
Prior to offering its own incentives, Honda saw its share drop this month almost a full percentage point to 9.4%, TrueCar.com said.
Toyota's incentives may haunt it in future months, Bell said. The company has seen sales soar as bargain hunters and loyal customers stream into showrooms to take advantage of the deals, he said. But once that traffic runs out, Toyota faces the daunting task of selling to "people who are not loyal or who are skeptical of the brand," Bell said.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Parts Availability for recalled Honda Models
Earlier this week Honda issued a recall for 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey minivans and Element SUVs. The recall has to do with extended travel of the brake pedal. In essence the pedal can feel mushy. Parts should become available for the fix by mid-April 2010. For specific information on certain models or to determine if a vehicle is affected, contact Walker Honda at 318-445-6677. Honda is mailing all customers later this week.
TOYOTA CONSIDERS ADDITIONAL RECALLS
Toyota Motor Corp. has told U.S. safety regulators it is considering how to fix nearly 1.2 million Corolla and Matrix models that risk stalling because of flaws in an electronic system.
In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota said it wanted to meet U.S. officials to discuss an early-stage investigation of the stalling problem.
"Toyota does not believe that the alleged defect creates an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," Toyota's regulatory affairs manager Chris Santucci said in the letter, which was dated March 2 and available on the NHTSA Web site on Wednesday.
The discussion of the engine stalling problem comes at a time when Toyota's safety record is under intense scrutiny. The automaker has recalled some 8.5 million vehicles globally this year, mostly for accelerator-related problems.
U.S. safety regulators and members of three congressional panels have criticized the Japanese automaker for moving too slowly to address consumer complaints of unintended acceleration and other safety concerns.
NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation of Corolla stalling complaints in November.
Engine control module issues
The agency said then that it had received 26 complaints of engines stalling in Toyota Corolla and Matrix models because of failures in the engine control modules.
U.S. safety regulators said drivers reported the stalls happened "randomly" and some had occurred in highway driving or when drivers were passing through intersections.
Toyota said it did not believe drivers would have any "prior warning" that the engine was about to stall because of a glitch with the engine's electronic control unit, or ECU.
But Santucci said Toyota had concluded it would be better for the engine to stall than "become damaged or dangerous," putting it at risk of "catastrophic failures" or "fire."
"Toyota would like to meet with the agency to discuss this issue," Santucci said in the letter.
Toyota said it believed the ECU could malfunction because of a crack in soldered joints in the unit or because of an electrical short. Both conditions could cause the engine to shut down without warning or fail to start, it said.
The stalling problem affects 1.19 million Corolla and Matrix models from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 model years, Toyota said.
GM checking Vibes
The Matrix is sister vehicles with General Motors Co.'s Pontiac Vibe. The automakers built the Vibe at their former joint-venture NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif. The Vibe also was part of Toyota's floor mat and accelerator pedal recalls that included the Matrix, which is built at Toyota's plant in Cambridge, Ontario.
GM spokesman Alan Adler said GM is assessing the engine-stalling situation.
In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota said it wanted to meet U.S. officials to discuss an early-stage investigation of the stalling problem.
"Toyota does not believe that the alleged defect creates an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," Toyota's regulatory affairs manager Chris Santucci said in the letter, which was dated March 2 and available on the NHTSA Web site on Wednesday.
The discussion of the engine stalling problem comes at a time when Toyota's safety record is under intense scrutiny. The automaker has recalled some 8.5 million vehicles globally this year, mostly for accelerator-related problems.
U.S. safety regulators and members of three congressional panels have criticized the Japanese automaker for moving too slowly to address consumer complaints of unintended acceleration and other safety concerns.
NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation of Corolla stalling complaints in November.
Engine control module issues
The agency said then that it had received 26 complaints of engines stalling in Toyota Corolla and Matrix models because of failures in the engine control modules.
U.S. safety regulators said drivers reported the stalls happened "randomly" and some had occurred in highway driving or when drivers were passing through intersections.
Toyota said it did not believe drivers would have any "prior warning" that the engine was about to stall because of a glitch with the engine's electronic control unit, or ECU.
But Santucci said Toyota had concluded it would be better for the engine to stall than "become damaged or dangerous," putting it at risk of "catastrophic failures" or "fire."
"Toyota would like to meet with the agency to discuss this issue," Santucci said in the letter.
Toyota said it believed the ECU could malfunction because of a crack in soldered joints in the unit or because of an electrical short. Both conditions could cause the engine to shut down without warning or fail to start, it said.
The stalling problem affects 1.19 million Corolla and Matrix models from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 model years, Toyota said.
GM checking Vibes
The Matrix is sister vehicles with General Motors Co.'s Pontiac Vibe. The automakers built the Vibe at their former joint-venture NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif. The Vibe also was part of Toyota's floor mat and accelerator pedal recalls that included the Matrix, which is built at Toyota's plant in Cambridge, Ontario.
GM spokesman Alan Adler said GM is assessing the engine-stalling situation.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Honda Recalls Odyssey Vans and Element SUV
From Automotive News Online MArch 16, 2010
Honda Motor Co will recall about 412,000 vehicles in the United States to address the risk that brake pedals may feel soft and slip closer to the floor over time.
The recall covers about 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element SUVs for the 2007 and 2008 model years and follows customer complaints over the issue, Honda said in a statement.
On some of the vehicles, air could enter the unit that controls braking and stability system, which may result in the "soft brake pedal" or "low brake pedal" after months or years, the company said.
Honda spokesman Chris Martin said several crashes and three minor injuries have been reported to the U.S. Transportation Highway Safety Administration regarding the problem.
"Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly," Honda said.
The recall comes at a time of public and regulatory scrutiny over vehicle safety issues in the wake of damaging safety problems involving Toyota Motor Corp vehicles.
For more information or to set up an appointment to get your vehicle repaired, Contact Walker Honda at 318-445-6677
Honda Motor Co will recall about 412,000 vehicles in the United States to address the risk that brake pedals may feel soft and slip closer to the floor over time.
The recall covers about 344,000 Odyssey minivans and 68,000 Element SUVs for the 2007 and 2008 model years and follows customer complaints over the issue, Honda said in a statement.
On some of the vehicles, air could enter the unit that controls braking and stability system, which may result in the "soft brake pedal" or "low brake pedal" after months or years, the company said.
Honda spokesman Chris Martin said several crashes and three minor injuries have been reported to the U.S. Transportation Highway Safety Administration regarding the problem.
"Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly," Honda said.
The recall comes at a time of public and regulatory scrutiny over vehicle safety issues in the wake of damaging safety problems involving Toyota Motor Corp vehicles.
For more information or to set up an appointment to get your vehicle repaired, Contact Walker Honda at 318-445-6677
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Nissan Recalling 598,000 Trucks
Nissan is recalling about 598,000 trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Nissans are being recalled for two problems, which in a few cases means two repairs on the same vehicle. The first recall involves about 179,000 vehicles because the brake pedal could become “partially disengaged” from its bracket. The recalled vehicles are the 2008–10 Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56 and the 2008–9 Quest minivan. The second recall covers almost 419,000 vehicles on which the fuel gauge could show there is a quarter tank of fuel when the tank is, in fact, empty, the automaker told the safety agency. The vehicles affected in this second recall are the 2005–8 Titan, Armada and QX56, as well as some 2006 and 2008 Frontiers, Pathfinders and Xterras. For more information contact your local dealer or check the NHTSA web page.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Continued Complaints of Sudden Acceleration By Toyota Owners
Reproduction of Articel From Automotive News.
Neil Roland
Automotive News
March 4, 2010 - 12:01 am EST
WASHINGTON -- U.S. regulators are investigating 10 recent cases in which owners of recalled Toyota vehicles say they brought their cars in for repair and yet still experienced unintended acceleration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started contacting consumers about these complaints “to make sure Toyota is doing everything possible to make its vehicles safe,” agency chief David Strickland said in an e-mailed statement on Wednesday.
A recurrence of unintended acceleration, even after sticky gas pedals and obtrusive floor mats have been addressed by dealers, would suggest there may be other causes of the loss of speed control in Toyota vehicles.
“We are confident that Toyota vehicles are safe, and we're doing everything we can to ensure that our customers are satisfied with the repairs we are making,” Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said in an e-mail.
Lyons said Toyota has asked NHTSA for the information needed to contact customers with post-repair complaints.
Toyota's top executives have repeatedly denied that electronic throttle-control systems may interfere with acceleration, most recently at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing Tuesday. The company has hired the Exponent consulting firm to look into the matter further.
Since October, Toyota has recalled more than six million U.S. vehicles for unintended acceleration. The causes were attributed either to sticky gas pedals or to floor mats that entrap pedals.
The Safety Research & Strategies consulting firm reported this week that four Toyota customers complained to NHTSA last month of recurring unintended acceleration, even after their vehicles were recalled and repaired.
In one case, the owner of a 2008 Toyota Avalon reported Feb. 25 that a few days after a recall, the driver had the car in reverse and was slowly backing out of a residential carport when it accelerated on its own, the Safety Research report said.
“The car did about three loops around the garage area of the home, causing damage to the car, benches, tree, bushes, lamp post, etc.” the report said.
The owner of a 2010 Camry reported that within a week of its Feb. 12 acceleration fix, the car sped up as the driver was entering a parking space.
“I was pressing the brake,” the complainant said, according to Safety Research. “I jammed both feet into the brake. After three seconds, as my car was climbing up a snow bank, it stopped.”
The complainant added: “The fix done by Toyota is not the fix for the acceleration problem.”
Said Toyota's Lyons: “We have rigorously tested the solutions that Toyota engineers have developed, and are aggressively investigating any complaints.”
Neil Roland
Automotive News
March 4, 2010 - 12:01 am EST
WASHINGTON -- U.S. regulators are investigating 10 recent cases in which owners of recalled Toyota vehicles say they brought their cars in for repair and yet still experienced unintended acceleration.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has started contacting consumers about these complaints “to make sure Toyota is doing everything possible to make its vehicles safe,” agency chief David Strickland said in an e-mailed statement on Wednesday.
A recurrence of unintended acceleration, even after sticky gas pedals and obtrusive floor mats have been addressed by dealers, would suggest there may be other causes of the loss of speed control in Toyota vehicles.
“We are confident that Toyota vehicles are safe, and we're doing everything we can to ensure that our customers are satisfied with the repairs we are making,” Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said in an e-mail.
Lyons said Toyota has asked NHTSA for the information needed to contact customers with post-repair complaints.
Toyota's top executives have repeatedly denied that electronic throttle-control systems may interfere with acceleration, most recently at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing Tuesday. The company has hired the Exponent consulting firm to look into the matter further.
Since October, Toyota has recalled more than six million U.S. vehicles for unintended acceleration. The causes were attributed either to sticky gas pedals or to floor mats that entrap pedals.
The Safety Research & Strategies consulting firm reported this week that four Toyota customers complained to NHTSA last month of recurring unintended acceleration, even after their vehicles were recalled and repaired.
In one case, the owner of a 2008 Toyota Avalon reported Feb. 25 that a few days after a recall, the driver had the car in reverse and was slowly backing out of a residential carport when it accelerated on its own, the Safety Research report said.
“The car did about three loops around the garage area of the home, causing damage to the car, benches, tree, bushes, lamp post, etc.” the report said.
The owner of a 2010 Camry reported that within a week of its Feb. 12 acceleration fix, the car sped up as the driver was entering a parking space.
“I was pressing the brake,” the complainant said, according to Safety Research. “I jammed both feet into the brake. After three seconds, as my car was climbing up a snow bank, it stopped.”
The complainant added: “The fix done by Toyota is not the fix for the acceleration problem.”
Said Toyota's Lyons: “We have rigorously tested the solutions that Toyota engineers have developed, and are aggressively investigating any complaints.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Nissan Recalls 539,000 Vehicles
Nissan Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest automaker, will recall 539,864 vehicles to check and fix potentially faulty parts in models sold mainly in the U.S. Nissan will inspect and fix brake-pedal pins in 2008-2010 model year Titan pickup trucks, Quest minivans and Armada and Infiniti QX56 sport-utility vehicles, the company said in an e- mailed statement. The Yokohama-based carmaker will also check and fix fuel gauges in 2005-2008 model year Titans, Armadas and QX56s, as well as Frontier pickups and Pathfinder and Xterra SUVs produced from January to March 2006 and October 2007 to January 2008. From Bloomberg News
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
0% on GMC Vehicles
GMC is offering a 0 percent/60-month financing program on most of its 2010 model vehicles, its head of sales said today.
GM reported a 12 percent U.S. sales gain for February in a market that rose 13 percent.
The program will cover GMc Trucks and the Acadia. about This is an opportunity to launch GMC Truck Month which has traditionally been in March each year. The incentives also give APR's as low as 1.9 and 2.9% on some Buick models.
The plan also includes 0 percent/72-month financing for remaining 2009 model inventory which covers about 97 percent of GM's 2009 models. Contact Walker Automotive at http://www.walkerautomotive.com/ or 318-445-6421 for more information on low financing rates and other programs that may apply.
GM reported a 12 percent U.S. sales gain for February in a market that rose 13 percent.
The program will cover GMc Trucks and the Acadia. about This is an opportunity to launch GMC Truck Month which has traditionally been in March each year. The incentives also give APR's as low as 1.9 and 2.9% on some Buick models.
The plan also includes 0 percent/72-month financing for remaining 2009 model inventory which covers about 97 percent of GM's 2009 models. Contact Walker Automotive at http://www.walkerautomotive.com/ or 318-445-6421 for more information on low financing rates and other programs that may apply.
GM Recalling Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G-5
From: Automotive News
March 2, 2010 - 1:46 am EST
DETROIT (Reuters) – General Motors Co. is recalling 1.3 million compact cars in North America to address a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury, the company said on Tuesday.
U.S. safety regulators opened an investigation on Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of power steering failures. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.
The recall covers the 2005-2010 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 in the United States; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico, GM said in a statement.
GM said it told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding its own investigation that began in 2009.
GM said the affected vehicles can be still be "safely controlled" but it may require greater steering effort under 15 mph (24 kph). Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails.
"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," GM Vice President of Quality Jamie Hresko said in the statement.
"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," he said.
GM said it is currently developing a remedy to fix the problem and will notify customers when the plan is finalized.
March 2, 2010 - 1:46 am EST
DETROIT (Reuters) – General Motors Co. is recalling 1.3 million compact cars in North America to address a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury, the company said on Tuesday.
U.S. safety regulators opened an investigation on Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of power steering failures. The complaints included 14 crashes and one injury.
The recall covers the 2005-2010 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 in the United States; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico, GM said in a statement.
GM said it told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding its own investigation that began in 2009.
GM said the affected vehicles can be still be "safely controlled" but it may require greater steering effort under 15 mph (24 kph). Drivers will see a warning light and hear a chime if the power steering fails.
"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," GM Vice President of Quality Jamie Hresko said in the statement.
"Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind," he said.
GM said it is currently developing a remedy to fix the problem and will notify customers when the plan is finalized.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Chrysler to Replace Airbag Sensors in 355,000 vehicles
Chrysler to replace airbag sensors in 355,000 minivans
Automotive News
February 24, 2010 - 3:00 pm EST
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Chrysler Group LLC said it will replace a front airbag sensor in more than 355,500 minivans, starting in June.
The automaker's "safety improvement campaign" covers 355,562 of its 2005-2006 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including 259,437 in the United States and 72,035 in Canada.
The move comes after Chrysler found one of the front airbag crash sensors could crack under some environmental conditions and allow water to enter the sensor, potentially causing the sensor to become inoperative.
The company, which is controlled by Fiat S.p.A., said it is not aware of any complaints, injuries or property damage related to this issue.
Chrysler said the campaign is different from a recall because should problems occur, the vehicles would still meet crash standards outlined by U.S. safety regulators.
"If the front crash sensors become inoperative, the driver is immediately alerted by illumination of the airbag warning light," Chrysler said in a document sent last week to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to notify the agency of its decision.
"Until the vehicle is repaired, the airbags may not provide the enhanced protection in the event of a crash," Chrysler said.
The voluntary safety action comes at a time when Toyota Motor Corp. faces heightened scrutiny over its handling of a series of safety problems that rocked its reputation and results.
Hyundai Motor Co. said on Tuesday it will recall 47,000 of its new Sonata sedans to fix faulty door latches.
Automotive News
February 24, 2010 - 3:00 pm EST
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Chrysler Group LLC said it will replace a front airbag sensor in more than 355,500 minivans, starting in June.
The automaker's "safety improvement campaign" covers 355,562 of its 2005-2006 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including 259,437 in the United States and 72,035 in Canada.
The move comes after Chrysler found one of the front airbag crash sensors could crack under some environmental conditions and allow water to enter the sensor, potentially causing the sensor to become inoperative.
The company, which is controlled by Fiat S.p.A., said it is not aware of any complaints, injuries or property damage related to this issue.
Chrysler said the campaign is different from a recall because should problems occur, the vehicles would still meet crash standards outlined by U.S. safety regulators.
"If the front crash sensors become inoperative, the driver is immediately alerted by illumination of the airbag warning light," Chrysler said in a document sent last week to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to notify the agency of its decision.
"Until the vehicle is repaired, the airbags may not provide the enhanced protection in the event of a crash," Chrysler said.
The voluntary safety action comes at a time when Toyota Motor Corp. faces heightened scrutiny over its handling of a series of safety problems that rocked its reputation and results.
Hyundai Motor Co. said on Tuesday it will recall 47,000 of its new Sonata sedans to fix faulty door latches.
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