RECALL INFORMATION

157,000 Dodge Ram Pickups Recalled
June 10, 2002

 
Chrysler Group says it is recalling some 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups to reinforce an axle bracket, and also 1997-1998 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with diesel engines to replace a fitting in the engine compartment.

Chrysler Group is recalling 46,000 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickups to address a potentially weak weld on a rear axle bracket. The recall affects only four-wheel drive models built prior to November, 2001.
Approximately 111,000 1997-1998 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups with diesel engines will be recalled to replace a fitting in the engine compartment that could corrode from road salt used during winter months in the Midwest. Dealers will install new fittings in the engine compartment with improved corrosion resistance.
 

The Daily Auto Insider
Ford Recalls 400,000 Windstars
May 31, 2002
 

Ford has recalled 413,042 2000 and 2001 model Windstar minivans to check for a missing sealant that could cause a short circuit and lead to fire.

The missing body sealer could allow water, dirt or salt to get into the right rear passenger compartment
 

Daewoo Recalls 1998 Lanos Sedans
May 23, 2002
 

Daewoo is recalling about 70,000 1998 Lanos sedans in the United States to replace front passenger-side air bag covers that are too hard and could cause head injuries, Reuters reported, citing federal officials.

The current passenger-side air bag cover does not meet federal safety regulations, because in the event of a crash in which the air bags do not inflate, the hard surface of the covers could cause head injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
Daewoo's U.S. dealers will install new softer air bag covers for the passenger-side air bag, the NHTSA said.

NHTSA also said that Honda has recalled about 25,000 2000 Acura 3.5RL sedans due to the possibility of a brake light malfunction, which raises the risk of a crash.
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Italian sports car maker Maserati, a unit of Fiat, has recalled 352 of its Spyder roadsters in the U.S. as a precaution against potential engine fires, Reuters reported.

The power steering fluid hose could touch the hot surface of the exhaust manifold and then leak, which could spark an engine fire, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
The Spyder is one Maserati's comeback cars in the U.S. after an 11-year absence. With prices starting at about $87,000, the car went on sale in March. The company is also offering the GT Coupe, a hardtop with rear seating, which went on sale earlier this month. Next year, Maserati is expected to reveal its third product, the larger four-door Quattroporte.

Maserati, now under the control of Fiat's Ferrari unit, hopes to sell as many as 1,500 cars in the U.S. market this year, the story said.
 

Chrysler will recall more than 1.1 million Jeep vehicles, including 2000-2002 Jeep Wranglers, 2000-2001 Jeep Cherokees and 1999-2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees (all with 4-liter inline six-cylinder engines) to fix an engine problem that could result in a fire.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the engine's air intake passages were designed in such a way that debris could accumulate over one cylinder, creating the possibility of a fire. The fix is a manifold shield to prevent such accumulation.
A Chrysler spokeswoman said the company had received no reports of injuries from the problem.

NHTSA also announced that Ford was recalling 250,283 Ford Windstar minivans in northern states to fix possible corrosion in their brake lines. A Ford spokesman said no injuries had been reported from the problem.
 

General Motors is recalling approximately 1.9 million model year 1995-97 Chevrolet Cavaliers and Pontiac Sunfires, and 1996-97 Buick Skylarks, Pontiac Grand Ams, and Oldsmobile Achieva passenger cars.

GM said in a statement that these vehicles will be serviced to prevent high electrical current flow through the ignition switch that may cause a fire in the steering column.
There are no reports of a fire caused by this condition while these vehicles are being driven, GM said. Most of the incidents occurred within minutes of an unsuccessful attempt to start the car, and there have been some claims of smoke inhalation. Some of the incidents occurred after the car had been unattended for a longer time.

"The ignition switch may deteriorate if the engine fails to crank and the driver holds the key in the 'start' position for an extended period. High current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts," said Lori Queen, GM small car vehicle line executive.
If the switch is damaged, the plastic internal components may heat up, melt, and eventually ignite. This could occur even with the engine off and the key removed.

"If the operator is experiencing a 'click-no-crank' condition, he or she should refrain from holding the key in the start position for an extended period of time," Queen said. She added that vehicle owners should have their vehicles checked and serviced if they are experiencing starting problems.
GM says it has notified owners about this recall and the precautions they should take until their vehicles are repaired.

Toyota announced a new customer satisfaction program for owners of 1997 through 2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with 3.0 liter V-6 or 2.2 liter 4-cylinder engines.

Toyota said in a statement that it is taking this action because a "very small number" of customers have reported engine damage from motor oil breakdown, also known as oil gelling or "sludging," which, the company said, is a result of oil change intervals delayed beyond the factory-recommended schedule.
This program will cover repair costs and incidental expenses for which a customer has paid or could incur as a result of damage due to oil gelling for a period of eight years from the date of first sale or lease without a mileage limitation. In addition to the costs of repairs, reasonable incidental expenses, such as car rental, and other out-of-pocket expenses will be covered, Toyota said.
 
 
 

Chrysler Recalls Jeep Grand Cherokees
February 15, 2002
 

The Chrysler Group announced it will recall 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokees in North America to "resolve concerns related to inadvertent movement in these vehicles."

The company said in a press release that the recall will involve the installation of a secondary detent system to be placed on the floor shifter mechanism to help ensure drivers fully engage their vehicles in park.
Current generation Jeep Grand Cherokees are not affected by this recall, the company said, since the Grand Cherokee had an all-new design when it was introduced for the 1999 model year.

Chrysler suggests that owners of the affected Grand Cherokees can be assured their vehicle is in park by doing any one of the following:
 

Ensure that the color indicator is in the "P" position, which indicates the vehicle is in Park
Listen for an audible "click" when the shift lever moves into the Park position
Ensure that the shift button releases from the indented position to the extended position when the vehicle is in Park
Feel for the lever to reach an "end point" when it has reached the end of its movement, indicating that it is in Park
Remove the key from the ignition when exiting the vehicle to ensure it is in Park

Ford is recalling almost 700,000 Mustang and Taurus and Mercury Sable models because of engine cooling system problems which could potentially result in fires.

The recalled vehicles include 640,975 units sold in the United States and 42,685 in Canada and Mexico. All are 1995 models.
A Ford spokesman said the cooling problem may be caused by fan motor bearings with clearances that are too tight, which can lead to higher-than-normal engine operating temperatures, smoke, and in rare cases underhood fires.

There have been eight reports of fires in the recalled vehicles, with no injuries

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Chrysler would recall 316,148 Jeep Wranglers made between June 1989 and December 1995 to fix parking brakes that can release on their own without warning. Chrysler said there had been 11 complaints about the brakes, including four injuries. Dealers will install a stiffer spring in the parking brake to fix the problem.

Chrysler will also recall 268,740 2001 model year Dodge Ram pickups built between January and August 2000 to fix an alternator wire that may come loose and create a fire hazard. Chrysler said it received two reports of fires in Ram pickups, with no injuries.

General Motors is recalling 2000-01 Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and Oldsmobile Bravada sport utility vehicles to check a possible flaw which might affect their brake lights.

"The stop lamps in these vehicles may not illuminate when the brakes are engaged and the hazard lamps may not flash when the flasher button is pressed," said Michael Ableson, chief engineer of the S/T Blazer, Jimmy, and Bravada. "An open circuit in a switch located in the steering column renders stop lamps and hazard lamps inoperative."
The campaign involves approximately 546,000 SUVs built between September 1999 and August 2001, GM said in a statement.

There have been two reported accidents that may have been related to this condition. No injuries were reported.
GM noted that this recall does not include the all new 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Oldsmobile Bravada sport utility vehicles.
 

Chrysler Group said it would pull a TV ad showing a minivan passing a snowplow after complaints that it encourages reckless driving, The Associated Press reported.

In the ad, a snowplow clearing a mountain road is passed by a Dodge Caravan and the words "The view never changes unless you're the lead dog," appear on the screen.
State highway officials in some Northern states said they received complaints and contacted their Washington-based association to press DaimlerChrysler to pull the ad, the story said.

"The work of driving snowplows is difficult and dangerous enough for the dedicated state workers who perform the task without having to contend with macho drivers attempting a risky maneuver they have seen on television," John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, wrote to DaimlerChrysler chairman Juergen Schrempp.

DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler group said it will begin repairing 1.3 million minivans to fix a possible fuel leak linked to fires, ending a year-long delay in the recall, Reuters reported.

Chrysler had agreed to recall the minivans as long ago as September 2000, but delayed the process, citing a lack of parts, the story said.
The recalled minivans include Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager minivans with 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter V-6 engines. The problem involves a seal in a fuel line near the engine which can fail and cause a gasoline leak. Chrysler will install a clamp on the seal.

Federal officials said 19 fires had been reported before the recall, and six had been reported since, with 56 injuries linked to the minivans.

DaimlerChrysler Recalls 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees
January 18, 2002
 

The Chrysler Group is recalling 76,143 (71,677 in the United States, 2,997 in Canada, 1,181 in Mexico and 288 International) 2002 model year Jeep Grand Cherokees to check for potential problems with the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system.

The ORVR is required by the government for this model year vehicle. The company determined that the system is inconsistent with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301 and notified NHTSA that it would begin a safety recall to address the noncompliance.
The company said that during an internal test it was determined that, in a high-speed rear impact, the fuel valve might become detached from the tank, allowing fuel to leak in the unlikely event of a post-crash rollover. This problem would not occur in low-speed bumper collisions, the company said.

There have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this problem.
 

Chrysler Recalls PT Cruiser, Grand Cherokee
 December 3, 2001

DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group said it has recalled 43,000 2002 model year Chrysler PT Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles to fix faulty software which could cause the instrument cluster to go dark.

DaimlerChrysler said it had no reports of any accidents as a result of darkened gauges and warning lamps, and added that its own field tests showed that the problem was unlikely to occur.
In related news, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that Mitsubishi has recalled 25,803 2000 Galants and Eclipses to check for a power-steering fluid tube which could come into contact with the exhaust system and overheat, risking a leak and a fire.

Land Rover is recalling around 70,000 Freedlander SUVs because the handbrake may not be engaging properly. The recall covers vehicles made between 1997 and March 2001 and may not affect Freedlanders sold in the U.S. because it is a new model here while European models have been on sale for some time.

Britain's BBC originally reported the recall and said other possible Freedlander faults are connected to a seat back mechanism and the engine harness, which could affect electrical circuits.

Kia Recalls 1999 Sportage Models
October 22, 2001

Kia announced a recall of 36,510 Sportage sport-utility vehicles produced in 1999 and sold in the U.S. because of potential cracks in an emissions part that could cause the vehicle to fail inspections.

Kia said it found a weld on the manifold catalytic converter that might crack, causing the exhaust to leak. The potential defect had not caused any safety problems, Kia added.
 

Audi Recalls TT, S3 and A3 Models

Audi is recalling 41,890 vehicles worldwide due to rust problems in the rear suspension of some four-wheel-drive models, the company said.

The recall applies to TT and S3 models made between September 1998 and March 2000, and A3 models made between February 1999 and March 2000. Only four-wheel-drive models are affected.
The corrosion has caused the suspension to fail while cars have been at rest or moving slowly and has not caused any known injuries, an Audi spokesman said.

The A3 and S3 models were not sold in the United States and only a few of the affected TTs were sold in America before the defect was discovered.

Ford has issued two recalls involving at least 778,000 Windstar minivans to fix parts that could catch fire. The announcement follows a separate recall of 343,000 Ford cars for similar problems.

The minivan recalls cover vehicles from the 1999-2000 model years. In the first recall, Ford is replacing the plastic cover that protects the motor that powers windshield wipers. The second recall is to fix a part in the air-conditioning-and-heating system.
Ford also is recalling 342,962 Ford Contours, Mercury Mystiques from the 1996-1999 model years and 1999 Mercury Cougar cars to fix faulty heater-blower motors.
 

DaimlerChrysler said it was recalling 150,000 Mercedes-Benz C, E, S and SL classes that were built between June 1995 and April 1996 to swap the vehicles' airbag modules.

A company spokesman said a handful of incidents had drawn the company's attention to problems with the unit and DaimlerChrysler had decided to swap all the airbag modules on vehicles that might be affected.
A spokesman for the German-American car-maker said it doesn't expect to extend the recall to more than those 150,000 cars.
 

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.4 million 2001 model cars and trucks due to a potentially faulty seat belt buckle, the automaker said Friday.
   Ford said a small percentage of seat belt buckles in the front driver and front passenger seats -- supplied by TRW Inc. -- may not latch properly if insufficient force is applied when inserting the tongue in the buckle.
   The automaker, which has been plagued by a spate of recalls and quality issues in the past year, is recalling 2001 Ford Crown Victorias, Rangers and F-Series pickups, and Excursion and Expedition sport-utility vehicles built from the beginning of the 2001 model year through May 26, 2001. Also affected are the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Lincoln Town Car and Navigator, and the Mazda B-Series pickup built during the same time frame.
   "We estimate a defect rate among the recall population of less than five percent," said Ann O'Neill, director of vehicle service and programs for Ford. "But even if a vehicle was to have a defective buckle, the potential for any safety issue is extremely small."
   Ford is "aware of two allegations of relatively minor injuries that may relate to this issue," said spokesman Mike Vaughn.
   Ford notified its dealers of the recall Friday afternoon. Owners affected by the recall will be notified via first-class mail to return the vehicle to a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury or Mazda dealership to have the seat belt tested.

Chrysler said it would recall about 161,000 vehicles -- including the Dodge Ram, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Intrepid and Jeep Grand Cherokee -- to check that their seat belts comply with U.S. regulations.

"This is a compliance issue, not a safety issue," the company spokesman said, adding that the possible problem was due to a molding fault attributed to the belts' supplier.

Ford is recalling 159,645 1997-2001 model E150, E250 and E350 to check for fuel tanks that can crack and leak, posing a fire hazard.

Ford said there have been no reports of accidents or fires because of the problem. But if the van is used under severe conditions, such as driving off-road or over rough terrain, the tank can crack where it contacts the frame cross member.
BMW recalled 22,000 cars in the U.S. and Japan because of a faulty thermostat that causes the interior heater to malfunction, according to an Associated Press report.

The recall involves all BMW models equipped with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines that were built between October 1998 and March 2000, more than 80% of the 3-, 5- and 7-series models made in that period.
The problem poses no danger to the engine, though the troubled thermostat measures the temperature of water coolant.

June 19, 2001
 

Nissan is recalling 2001 model year Sentra vehicles manufactured from July 6, 2000 through April 16, 2001. Of the affected vehicle population, approximately 79,000 are located in the United States, 34,000 are located in Mexico and 17,000 are located in Canada, the company said in a statement.

On some 2001 model year Nissan Sentra vehicles manufactured during the time period above, there is a possibility that one or more of the attachment bolts for the front suspension lower control arms on the left and right sides may break. This could cause unusual noise from the front of the vehicle and/or vibration felt through the steering wheel when hitting bumps and could also affect the steering. No accidents or injuries have been reported due to this condition.
To repair this condition at no cost to the customer, Nissan dealers will replace all of the attachment bolts for the front suspension lower control arms with new bolts. Nissan has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of this recall and will begin contacting the owners of these vehicles immediately to request that they schedule appointments with Nissan dealers to have their vehicle repaired.

Ford May Broaden Firestone Tire Recall
May 21, 2001

Ford may extend the ongoing recall of some Firestone tires beyond the 6.5 million recalled last year, according to The New York Times.

However, a Ford spokesman said "no conclusions" have been made yet by the company.
According to the story, officials from Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration held a closed-door meeting last week to discuss the issue.

Ford officials reportedly told the NHTSA that the company that new problems were identified by Ford statisticians a month ago. Ford believes Bridgestone/Firestone's Wilderness AT tires had a defective design. Ford could replace all the Wilderness AT tires already installed on their vehicles-regardless of whether Bridgestone/Firestone recalls them, the Times reported.
In response, Bridgestone/Firestone Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Lampe said he was "outraged" Ford may consider demanding that the company recall additional tires.

In a letter to Ford Chief Executive Jacques Nasser Lampe said that no one at Ford has indicated to Bridgestone/Firestone that any such action is "warranted or even being considered."

"Let me state categorically -- tires supplied to Ford Motor Co. and other customers are safe, and the tires are not defective. As we have said since last August, the role of the vehicle must be taken into account." Lampe wrote.
Ford said hopes to make a final decision on whether to seek a further recall by the end of the month, and perhaps as soon as this weekend, two people close to the review told the Times.

General Motors announced that a recall campaign is under way regarding 1997-2001 Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Trans Sport/Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans equipped with the optional passenger-side power sliding door. This recall involves more than 550,000 vans, the company said in a statement.

"Some of these minivans may have an actuator that could jam in the unlatch position on the power sliding door," said Jeanne Merchant, assistant vehicle line executive for GM minivans. "This may leave the door in an unlatched state and, under certain operating conditions, it may open."
Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile dealers will replace the suspect actuator with a new actuator bracket assembly. This repair will be performed at no cost to the customers.

According to the company, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition.

Ford Ordered to Replace Ignition Switches
April 16, 2001

A California judge ordered Ford to replace an alleged faulty ignition device on up to 2 million cars and trucks, Reuters reported.

The order comes as part of an ongoing legal case which involves allegations in a class-action lawsuit that Ford placed Thick Film Ignition (TFI) modules too close to the engine in at least 1.7 million California cars and trucks between 1983 and 1995, causing them to overheat and resulting in the vehicles stalling.
There are about 3.5 million current and former California owners of Ford vehicles represented in the class, while similar suits in Alabama, Maryland, Illinois, Tennessee, and Washington are pending until there's a resolution of the California case.

The order could cost Ford an estimated $300 million but Ford has disputed the charges that its part is defective, saying there was no evidence of safety problems with the modules or that the modules stall more often than others on the road.
"We don't think there's anything that needs to be replaced," said Ford attorney Warren Platt.

Ford said it would appeal the recall order, which affects all 1983-1995 Ford models in California -- an estimated two million cars and trucks. The automaker said judges do not have the same power as does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to order a vehicle recall.

Ford Recalls New Explorers
April 11, 2001

Ford said it was recalling its all-new 2002-model Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport-utility vehicles to correct a possible design problem with the rear window that can cause the glass in the rear liftgate to detach or shatter when the liftgate is closed, according to press reports.

Ford said 55,652 Explorers and Mountaineers, produced between February 5 and March 30, are believed to be affected by the problem. Of these, 12,669 have been delivered to customers.
Ford added that it has received 35 complaints from customers and dealers about the problem and no reports of injuries. The company called it "a potential quality issue" and not something directly related to safety.

Owners have been told that dealers will pick up the affected vehicles, provide a loaner vehicle and make the repair, then wash, vacuum and return the affected SUVs to customers with a full tank of gas.

General Motors has recalled 778,000 Pontiac Grand Am, Buick Skylark, and Oldsmobile Achieva cars following reports of three injuries from electrical fires, Reuters reports. The recalled cars were built between May 1993 and June 1995.

Fires could occur in the steering system of the recalled cars if the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period of time, which could result in high current flows and heat in the ignition switch.
In related news, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) upgraded an investigation of driver-side air bags in Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth minivans.

Coiled wiring in the driver-side air bags could break, which could result in the air bag or even the horn not working. More than 2.7 million 1996-2000 model year minivans are subject to the investigation.
NHTSA also upgraded its investigation into the death of a passenger in a 2000 Ford Explorer, who was killed after being partially ejected from the SUV during a rollover crash. NHTSA says it is examining why the seat belt webbing allegedly failed during the crash.

Mitsubishi says it is recalling 1.35 million vehicles, including thousands of cars being recalled for the second time in the United States and Japan, The Associated Press reported.

The story said that the $146 million recall is a "serious setback for the Japanese automaker," which last summer admitted it had been systematically hiding driver complaints for more than 20 years.
Japan's Transport Ministry said Mitsubishi submitted plans to recall 401,106 vehicles, including 110,000 cars that had been subject to a previous recall last year.

Mitsubishi Motors President Takashi Sonobe added the company expected to recall 950,000 cars in the United States, although it had yet to work out details with its U.S. subsidiary.
"We must again apologize to the public for diminishing their trust in us," Sonobe said at a news conference. "We will take various steps to make sure that this never occurs again."

Nissan announced a recall of about 268,000 1993 through 1998 model-year Quest minivans to replace a fuel-tank vent hose which could develop cracks over a period of time.

Nissan explained that if the fuel tank is overfilled, or the vehicle is driven only a short distance after refueling, or the fuel tank heats up significantly, the fuel in the tank can expand into the vent hose and cause a leak. No fires or injuries have occurred due to this malfunction.
The vans in question were manufactured from April 13, 1992 through August 2, 1998. Also included are all 1993 through 1997 model year California model Quests manufactured from April 13, 1992 through September 1, 1997. Approximately 268,000 vehicles are involved in the campaign.

Nissan says its dealers will replace the existing vent hose and install a new hose made from a different type of rubber at no cost to the customer.
GM Recalls Pickups, SUVS

General Motors said it is recalling 1.38 million pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles to fix a potential brake problem.

The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and affects 1991 and 2000 model-year Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks and 2000 model-year Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and GMC Yukon XL sport-utility vehicles.
The potential problem involves a front right-hand brake line that can make contact with another part of the vehicle and become damaged, allowing brake fluid to leak. If enough fluid is lost, braking can be impaired and an accident might result.

However, no accidents have been reported as a result of the potential brake problem.

WASHINGTON -- About 4 million infant seats that double as carriers are being recalled because the handle fails, the government's auto safety arm said.
   Century has received more than 2,700 reports of handle-related problems, resulting in more than 200 injuries ranging from skull fractures and broken bones to scratches and bruises, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
   The recall involves Century rear-facing infant car seat carriers manufactured from January 1991 through July 1997. They have a molded, one-piece plastic handle that is either white, gray or tan.
   Century is still working out the details of the recall and how to get replacement parts, NHTSA said.
   "Until then, parents should avoid using the handle and instead hold the body of the seat securely when carrying an infant outside a motor vehicle," said Dr. Sue Bailey, acting administrator of NHTSA. "This risk can be avoided until the new parts are available."
   Several other brands of infant seat carriers have been recalled for the same problem. When the seat is used as a carrier, the handle pops out of its locked position and allows the seat to swivel forward, dumping the child out if not restrained in the harness straps.
   The seats can still be used to protect a child in a car.

Three bicycle helmet companies have recalled over 243,000 helmets for impact failure.

Variflex's "X-Games Aggresive" owners can call (800) 248-5327.
NHS's "TSG Metallic Gold," "TSG Gloss Black" and "TSG Foundation Blue owners can call (877) 743-7820.
First Team Sports' "Guardian Junior" owners can call (800) 528-5872.

Ford Recalls Pickups
November 3, 2000

Ford is recalling 709,245 1997 F-series light-duty pickups that could have fuel leaks which may start a fire.

The recalled F-series trucks, manufactured from June 1995 to August 1997, have improperly installed mounting brackets that could rub a hole in the front fuel line.
A Ford spokesman said company experts estimate that fewer than 1 percent of the recalled vehicles would experience the problem. He said no fires have been reported.

Ford also is recalling 172,770 2000 model year Taurus and Mercury Sable cars with improper tire labels that do not include information on the vehicle capacity weight and designated seating capacity. Those vehicles were produced from May 1999 to July 2000.

A spokesman for TRW said bases on the seat belt buckle assemblies were improperly heat-treated, making them weaker than federal rules allow.

Both automakers said they were unaware of any injuries resulting from the TRW Inc.-supplied buckle assemblies involved in the recall of 156,305 GM vehicles and 144,435 Ford vehicles. All were designated as 2000 model year vehicles.

Affected Ford vehicles include 47,855 Explorer sport utility vehicles; 25,647 Ranger pickups; 16,439 F-150 pickups; 16,377 Lincoln Town Cars; 14,488 Escorts; 13,780 Explorer/Mercury Mountaineers; 5,194 Mercury Villager vans; 4,532 Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique sedans; and 123 Windstar vans.

GM models include 23,400 Buick Century sedans; 31,900 Chevrolet Lumina and Impala sedans and Monte Carlo coupes; 43,000 Chevy Blazer SUVs; 7,600 Chevy Venture minivans; 11,400 GMC Jimmy SUVs; 4,700 Oldsmobile Intrigue sedans; 2,600 Olds Silhouette minivans; 2,700 Olds Bravada SUVs; 14,700 Pontiac Grand Prix sedans; 4,300 Pontiac Montana minivans; and 9,800 Saturn L-Series vehicles.

Ford said it plans to notify affected owners of the recall by late October and GM said it had already sent out letters to owners and dealers.

Ford is recalling 1,582 two-wheel drive Escapes which were built with wheel hubs used on the four-wheel drive version. This could cause the wheel to come loose.

Ford said only a handful of Escapes with the problem were sold to customers. Ford notified customers with the vehicles last month.

Ford also is recalling about 22,000 2001 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car sedans and Ford Windstar minivans for a flaw that could cause air bags to deploy without a crash. Only 1,994 of the vehicles have been sold to customers, and no injuries have been reported

The igniter, a key part of the airbag module, is failing because its internal wiring is corroding. The small porcelain unit ignites the inflator, or propellant, that inflates the airbag. GM says the airbag could deploy when the car is started or during normal driving. It also says the airbag still would function properly, if needed, in a crash. The automaker is warning owners of these vehicles to take precautions until the parts are available for repair. Drivers should wear their seat belt, sit back from the airbag and stop driving if the airbag warning light comes on and stays on. The passenger airbag is not affected by this recall since it uses a different igniter. GM is aware of 115 inadvertent airbag deployments and 60 injuries related to this recall.

GM says its repair of the problem is hampered because the igniter is no longer produced and it must find a supplier to make new ones. In a letter to its customers GM said: "Because these igniters are complex, precision devices with many parts, it will take several months to obtain the equipment, tools and materials to make parts, assemble the igniters, make sure they perform properly and get them to our dealers," Automotive News reports.

The recall could cost GM up to $150 for each replacement.

The company says it discovered the problem after quality control revealed that a high number of ball joints were being replaced. The S-80 models affected were from 1999 and 2000, while the V-70 models were the first ones built early this year.

Volvo says it has received 30 reports of problems, but none involving accidents or injuries.

In another recall, Ford has called back 800 of its new Escape SUVs for a possible throttle problem. Only 15-20 of the SUVs were in dealer hands, with the rest in inventory, the company said.

Mazda recalled 325 of its new Tribute SUVs for the same problem. The vehicle is made at the same Ford plant in Kansas City, Mo., as the Escape and is virtually identical to the Ford model. Mazda said only 21 of the Tribute SUVs were in customer hands and they will be fixed by the end of Friday. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries.

Audi said owners of the cars from model years 1998, 1999 and 2000 have been mailed letters, telling them they can schedule appointments for the repairs starting Aug. 7.

Audi said sulfur deposits can interact with fuel additives and cause the fuel sending units in the car's fuel tank to misread the level of gas.

A class–action lawsuit alleging faulty fuel gauges in the sedans was filed by two Philadelphia–area law firms against Audi's parent company, VW, last month seeking refunds for owners of the affected cars.

The recall affects 1997 through 1999 model years. Air bags inflated in five cases in colder climates where the road salt damaged the control, the company said. No accidents resulted and no one has been injured.

Among other recent recalls:

Ford recalled 325,167 1996 to 1998 Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique sedans because the rear brakes might be subject to corrosion that could cause loss of control in braking.

GM recalled 10,468 1999 and 2000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans for possible power steering fluid leaks onto the engine that could cause a fire. DaimlerChrysler recalled 17,000 2000 Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze models to replace an incorrect safety label.

Hyundai recalled 84,020 1996 and 1997 Elantra and Tiburon models to fix potentially defective gas caps that could cause a crack in the fuel tank. The South Korean automaker also recalled 16,264 2000 Accents to check for possible inoperative windshield wipers.

Isuzu recalled 213,736 1998 and 1999 Rodeo and Amigo sport utilities to check for possible separation of the rear axle lower link bracket from the rear axle.

Mazda recalled 71,000 1999 and 2000 626 sedans for possible reduced brake effectiveness.

Ferrari recalled 477 1999 F355 and F355 F1 models for possible loss of braking efficiency, and 173 1999 360 Modena and Modena F1s to check for potential problems with the anti-lock braking system.

Rolls-Royce recalled 110 2000 Bentley Arnage sedans to check for possible damage to a fuel line which could cause a fuel leak and possible fire.

GM, FORD RECALL 400,000 CARS AND TRUCKS
General Motors and Ford recalled more than 400,000 cars and light trucks for potential fuel tank, seat belt and windshield wiper problems.

GM recalled 118,682 1996- and 1997-model Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans because fuel tank valves that prevent fuel leaks during a rollover accident may remain open, increasing the danger of a fire. GM is also is recalling 78,527 Chevrolet Corvette sports cars from model years 1997 to 2000 for potential problems with the front lap belt that may lead to twisting and make the belt unusable. GM said there are no injuries or accidents reported in either recall and owners in both cases are being notified.

Ford said it is recalling about 212,000 1999- and 2000-model Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport utility vehicles to repair windshield wipers that may fail, reducing driver visibility in bad weather. Ford spokesman said no accidents or injuries have been reported. Ford also is notifying owners of 693,065 1999- and 2000-model Explorer, Mountaineer, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator SUVs, Ford Ranger compact pickups and Mercury Villager minivans of a potential problem with windshield wipers that may activate themselves without warning. Although not a recall owners can have the switch replaced at Ford dealers.

NHTSA upgraded a probe into 677,000 Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo, Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass and Pontiac Grand Prix sedans, and Lumina APV, Silhouette and Trans Sport minivans for possible failure of some front bolts in the engine cradle that can cause complete loss of steering control. NHTSA and GM have received 200 complaints and reports of 32 crashes and 11 injuries relating to the alleged problem NHTSA said. GM conducted a recall for a similar problem relating to the engine cradle's rear bolts in 1997.

NHTSA also upgraded a probe into almost 1.3 million 1991- to 1994-model
Explorer SUVs for possible spare tire winch cable failure. The agency and carmaker have received 106 complaints and reports of one crash relating to the alleged problem.

The safety agency is also opening a probe into possible degraded braking in wet weather on the Audi A4 sedan. NHTSA received 32 complaints and one report of a crash, but no resulting injuries. An estimated 105,000 Audi A4 sedans could be affected.

Hitches that show signs of cracking will be replaced and those without cracks will be reinforced with brackets, DaimlerChrysler said.

DaimlerChrysler is recalling the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, 300M and LHS and Jeep Grand Cherokee built in August 1999 to replace a bolt on the seat belt. The recall affects 204,000 vehicles.

GM is recalling 135,475 Oldsmobile Intrigues from the 1998 and 1999 model years. According to NHTSA, the cars have a problem with rear seat shoulder belts that can twist and jam.

The 1999 and 2000 Honda Odysseys built between August 1998 and August 1999 also is being recalled. According to NHTSA, a wire in the engine compartment could be damaged and blow a fuse, resulting in sudden loss of power. There are 77,695 of those minivans on the road.

LAND ROVER RECALLS SOME DISCOVERY SUVS
Land Rover is recalling 11,000 Discovery sports-utility vehicles worldwide because of a fluid leak in the engine compartment.

The recall affects Discovery trucks produced between July and December 1999 that have a "active cornering enhancement."

There have been cases of fluid leaking from a pipe in the engine area. Only vehicles with the enhanced handling system are affected.

Kia will recall more than 70,000 Sportage sport utility vehicles to modify the fuel injection wire harness circuit, the automaker announced Friday.
Kia said it is recalling 76,986 1997, 1998 and selected 1999 Sportage SUVs because of poor connections in the fuel injection wire harness circuit that could cause the engine to stall.
If the engine stalls, an accident could occur, the automaker said in a news release.
Sportage owners are being asked by mail to bring their vehicle to a Kia dealership so the circuit can be modified. The repair will be done at no charge to the vehicle owner.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Seoul, South Korea-based Kia Motors Corp.

The Jeep recall affects 1992-1995 Cherokees and 1994-1995 Grand Cherokees sold or operated in 15 states in the northern United States and Canada where road salt is used to melt snow. The salt can cause the brake rotors to corrode and crack. The company will replace the rotors with stainless steel components.

The Durango recall covers 1998-99 models to fix straps used to support the fuel tank and the rear brake tube. The components were found to be wearing out too quickly during Chrysler's own long-term tests, and no complaints or injuries have been reported.

The NHTSA said air bags in an M3 could inflate when the car runs over a large pothole or hits a curb going too fast as "the system is unduly sensitive."

In other BMW news, a German newspaper, Die Welt, reported that the company's losses at its British Rover unit may be greater than last year,

BMW expects unit sales at Rover to fall 25 percent for the year, slowing from the 30 percent decline posted in the first half of the year. Rover lost 600 million pounds $981.5 million last year and has been plagued by falling sales, the paper said.

A total of 102,944 Sephias will be recalled due to poor connections that could cause the fuel pump to stop operating. If the fuel pumps stops operating, the engine will stall, which could result in an accident.

FORD RECALLS OVER 390,000 CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS
Ford is recalling 315,000 1998 Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique compact sedans, 27,260 1999-2000-model Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Ford Mustang and Lincoln Continental cars, 24,600 1996-model Contour and Mystique cars, and an estimated 24,000 Ford Super Duty F-Series pickup trucks, according to the automaker and the latest recall report from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 1998 Contours and Mystiques are being recalled is to install new air-bag sensor wiring insulation to prevent the unnecessary activation of air-bag warning lights or the disabling of the supplemental restraint system, the safety agency said. The 1996 Contour-Mystiques are being recalled to install a fuel filler vent hose to prevent fuel leakage.

NHTSA said Ford's recall of the Taurus, Sable, Mustang and Continental cars is to inspect the lap and shoulder seat belt assemblies to ensure the seat belts can be worn properly.

The recall of Ford's F-Series pickups with 5.4-liter engines and manual transmissions is to replace the accelerator cable and throttle body so that the throttle can return to the idle position, the safety agency said.

The recall covers 4,400 of its 1997 SL cars with driver side air bags that could deploy unexpectedly because of corrosion from high humidity. The M-Class recall involves 136,500 of its 1998 and 1999 sport utilities to fix front seat belt buckles that could become unlatched. Mercedes estimates 1 percent of the buckles are defective.

Of the recalled M-Class vehicle, 85,000 were sold in the U.S. and 17,900 in Germany, a company spokesman said. All 4,400 SL coupes were sold in the U.S., he said.

KIA RECALL SEPHIAS
Kia announced a recall of 1998 and 1999 Sephias to replace the windshield wiper link.

A total of 83,403 Sephias will be recalled due to a ball socket in the windshield wiper link that could be out of tolerance and wiper arm retaining nuts that could be inadequately tightened, the company said in a press release.

If the wiper link disengages from the wiper motor when it meets resistance from ice or snow, for example, or if the retaining nuts are not adequately tightened, the windshield wipers could stop functioning.  In bad weather, forward visibility could be noticeably reduced.

The worldwide recall will begin in early December and will first involve adding stabilizers to the front and rear axles of the car, the company said. Later, customers will be asked to return to their dealers so a rear spoiler can be installed. As many as 40,000 of the cars may be recalled

FORD RECALLS EXPEDITIONS, 
NAVIGATORS

Ford is recalling 39,296 1999 Ford Expeditions and 17,859 1999 Lincoln Navigators because of a problem that could cause the wheels to fall off.
(I HATE WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!!)

The recall affects models with optional 17-inch chrome-finished steel wheels. Ford said some wheels might not have enough contact with the hub, which could cause vibration or result in the wheel and tire falling off.

The trucks are equipped with optional 17- inch, chrome-finished steel wheels that may not have enough contact area between the wheel and the hub. The gap may create enough vibration to separate the wheel from the hub, or loosen lug nuts, the company said.

Ford dealers will tighten lug nuts at no cost to customers to prevent further loosening, and install a label with tightening instructions on each wheel.

So go and get your nuts tightened!!

BMW began recalling 32,500 of its 1999 model year BMW 323i and 328i models last month for a side air-bag sensor defect that could cause the bags to inflate when the cars run over large potholes or curbs. BMW will reprogram the sensor for free,
 Mitsubishi recalled 10,000 1999 Monteros with four-wheel drive and automatic transmissions to modify transmission fluid venting to prevent the fluid from coming into contact with the hot exhaust system and causing a fire.

Ford recalled 2,000 1999 model Econoline vans to replace a door part with stress cracks.

Nissan recalled about 1,800 1999 model Quest minivans to replace the seat track for the second-row right-hand-side captain's chair because inadequate lubrication on a part could cause the chair to slide freely and result in injury during a crash.

DaimlerChrysler recalled 380 2000 model year Dodge and Plymouth Neon small cars to fix an airbag system that may not inflate properly.

TOYOTA RECALLS 800,000 CARS
Toyota is recalling 797,707 vehicles made between July 1995 and August 1998. The recall affects 10 models, most available only in Japan. But one model is also sold in the United States and Britain as the Lexus GS300.

The models may have faulty front suspension arms, which may weaken or fail because of excess friction, the automaker said.

There have been no injuries as a result of the defect, Toyota said in a statement.

FORD RECALLS SOME 1992-93 LARGE SEDANS
Ford will recall about 279,000 1992 and '93 Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Grand Marquis and Ford Crown Victoria sedans equipped with factory-installed cruise control.

Ford said in a statement that a potentially defective cruise control deactivation switch could short-circuit, which in turn could overheat and catch fire. A short also could disable the cruise control system and blow the brake light fuse.

There have been 47 reported incidents involving a fire that may have been caused by the faulty switch and two injuries, a Ford spokesperson said. There have been no fatalities related to the problem.

The recall action affects the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country vehicles, the company said in a release.

The recall was prompted by about 35 field reports of inadvertent deployment of driver's-side air bags caused by a short in the wiring harness. Most of the deployments occurred when the vehicle was started.  There have been no reports of serious injury or death.

DaimlerChrysler said the action is unrelated to recent reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is studying test data to determine if passenger-side air bags in Chrysler minivans pose a risk of injury to small adults.

Owners of the vehicles are expected to be notified in about a month.  Any shorts identified during the diagnostic check will be repaired.

Saab said it determined that the covers on the air bag's electronic control module, located in the engine compartment, could allow moisture to enter and corrode its circuit boards and cause the air bag to malfunction. Saab said no accidents or injuries had been reported as a result of the defect.

The rubber boots on lower lateral ball-joint arms may be corroding faster than expected on some of the cars. Dirt and water can cause excessive wear on the ball joint, which can separate and cause loss of steering control.

Q45 and I30 vehicles manufactured during those periods may contain a damaged diode in the alternator.  This could eventually result in an electrical short in the diode which could cause a fire in the alternator that could spread to the engine compartment.  No injuries or fatalities have occurred due to this malfunction.

The recall involves mats that were installed in the factory. The problem hasn't resulted in any accidents or injuries, Honda said.

The recall is in two parts: The so-called safety recall involves 1.1 million 1991-1996 model year Chevrolet and GMC sport-utility vehicles and pickups, while a service recall covers 2.4 million 1993-1996 S and T trucks, 1992-1995 Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vans, and 1993-1996 G-vans and involves two-wheel drive vehicles in which, though there are no part malfunctions, the ABS computer will be reprogrammed.

Currently, the agency has on file 10,861 reports of brake problems on General Motors S and T trucks, which included reports of 2,111 crashes and 293 injuries. The agency has also received but not confirmed 2,400 reports of brake problems in Chevrolet Suburbans equipped with anti-lock brakes.

In the United States and Canada, the recall affects some 1996-99 model-year Acura RLs and some 1996-98 Acura 3.2 TLs.

Dealers will replace the differential sealing bolts that connect with drive axle and the differential, the set of gears that allows more power to go to one wheel than the other in a turn.

Honda said that no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the defect.

Mr. Traffic