March 16, 2010
Honda Brake Recall: 410,000 Vehicles
DETROIT (AP) — Honda Motor Co. will recall more than 410,000 Odyssey minivans and Element small trucks because of braking system problems that could make it tougher to stop the vehicle if not repaired.
The recall includes 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements from the 2007 and 2008 model years.
Honda said in a statement that over time, brake pedals can feel “soft” and must be pressed closer to the floor to stop the vehicles. Left unrepaired, the problem could cause loss of braking power and possibly a crash, Honda spokesman Chris Martin said.
“It’s definitely not operating the way it should, and it’s safety systems, so it brings it to the recall status,” he said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported three crashes due to the problem with minor injuries and no deaths, Martin said. Honda notified NHTSA of the recall on Monday, he said.
Honda has traced the problem to the device that powers the electronic stability control system, which selectively brakes each of the wheels to keep the vehicles upright during an emergency situation.
When the device, called a “vehicle stability assist modulator,” tests itself when the vehicles are started, it allows a small amount of air into the hydraulic brake lines. Over time, an air bubble in the lines can cause a loss of braking power and require that the pedal be pushed farther toward the floor than normal to stop the vehicles, Martin said.
“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 in a statement.
Under the recall, which Honda said it volunteered to do, Honda said that owners should wait to get a letter from the company before scheduling a repair because the parts are not yet available. Letters should go out toward the end of April.
Drivers who fear that they’ve lost braking power should have their dealer check the brakes sooner, Martin said. The dealer can “bleed” air bubbles out of the hydraulic lines, which should fix the problem until the parts arrive for the final repair, he said.
Honda technicians will put plastic caps and sealant over two small holes in the device to stop the air from getting in, Martin said.
The automaker is still preparing a list of affected vehicles. After April 19, owners can determine if their vehicles are being recalled by going to this web site or by calling (800) 999-1009, and selecting option number four.
March 3, 2010
Financial News by Jacob Jenkins
Nissan Recall 2010 Another Automotive Industry Snafu
March 4th, 2010
Nissan Recall 2010 Another Automotive Industry Snafu. Japanese automakers are in the midst of an American Auto Storm, as all three of the top car manufacturers in that country have had recalls in recent months. First, the Toyota accelerator recall took millions of the most popular vehicles off the road, suspended manufacturing, and brought the head of the company in front of Congress.
Then, Honda had a couple of recalls of their own. They had some issues with some airbags and the Fit’s window would catch on fire if it got wet.
Now, Nissan is having trouble with their cars. The Nissan recall is only the latest news in the automotive industry. Their woes are felt with the following models:
1. Nissan Titan
2. Nissan Infiniti QX56
3. Nissan Armada
4. Nissan Quest
The years of the models are 2008 to 2010. The issue is with the brake pins which can affect the regular braking of a vehicle. Unlike with the Toyota recalls, the Nissan brake issue hasn’t caused any accidents. The company is unsure as to what is the root cause of the problem, and a thorough investigation is underway. The problems could have been caused by a supplier.
How do the recent recalls make you feel? Are you more leery of purchasing a vehicle with all the problems going on in the industry? Japan isn’t the only country with problems. US manufacturer GM also recently announced a power steering recall as well
February 24, 2010
Tire Recall
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 10T002
Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, Inc. is recalling certain Nitto Terra Grappler All Terrain, size 305/50R20 120S, Toyo Open Country A/T and Toyo Proxes ST II, size 305/50R20. Some of the subject tires may have been produced with a wrinkle in the upper sidewall area of the tires. Under certain circumstances, this wrinkle may eventually lead to a crack in the sidewall. If a crack develops and is left undetected, the tire may fail, potentially causing a crash, possibly resulting in injury or death. Toyo will notify owners and replace the affected tires free of charge, which includes mounting and balancing. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about February 22, 2010. Owners may contact Nitto customer hotline at 1-888-529-8200 or Toyo customer hotline at 1-800-442-8696.
October 21, 2009
Rollover Characteristics
Rollovers are complex crash incidents and are particularly violent in nature. Rollovers, more so than other types of crashes, reflect the interaction of the driver, road, vehicle, and environmental factors. So while vehicle type does play a significant role, other factors such as driver behavior and road and environmental conditions can also cause a vehicle to roll over.
VEHICLE TYPE
All types of vehicles can rollover. However, taller, narrower vehicles such as SUVs, pickups, and vans have higher centers of gravity, and thus are more susceptible to rollover if involved in a single-vehicle crash.
SPEED
Fatal rollover crashes are speed-related more often than fatal non-rollover crashes. Some 40% of fatal rollover crashes involved excessive speeding . Additionally, nearly ¾ of fatal rollovers took place where the posted speed limit was 55 miles per hour or higher.
ALCOHOL
Nearly half of all fatal rollover crashes involve alcohol . Impairment can result from any blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .00 . Even a small amount of alcohol will negatively affect your judgment, muscular coordination, and vision, making you more likely to lose control of your vehicle.
LOCATION
Rural roads tend to be undivided and without barriers. They are thus more likely to be the scene of a fatal rollover. Almost ¾ of fatal rollovers occur in rural areas where the posted speed limit is typically 55 miles per hour or higher.
ROUTINE DRIVING
NHTSA data also suggest that over 90% of the vehicles in fatal, single-vehicle rollover crashes were involved in routine driving maneuvers (going straight or negotiating a curve) at the time of the crash. This further suggests that driver behavior (distraction, inattentiveness, speeding, and impaired driving) plays a significant role in rollover crashes.
SINGLE-VEHICLE CRASHES
NHTSA data show that nearly 85% of all rollover-related fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes. This means that the majority of rollover crashes and fatalities do not involve any other vehicle besides the one that rolled over, further suggesting that driver behavior plays a significant role in rollover crashes.
Call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll free at (888) 327-4236 to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child restraints, highway or traffic safety.
