Recall Alert: BMW Recalls 2011 X5 Diesel for Engine Belt Tensioner

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): BMW / X5 DIESEL SAV 2011 Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 22, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V332000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

Potential Number of Units Affected: 923

Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011, X5 DIESEL SPORTS ACTIVITY VEHICLES (SAV) MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 31, 2011, THROUGH MAY 19, 2011. DUE TO A COMPONENT MANUFACTURING ERROR AT THE SUPPLIER, THE WELDS IN THE BELT TENSIONER COULD HAVE INCIPIENT CRACKS. OVER TIME, THIS COULD LEAD A MALFUNCTION OF THE BELT TENSIONER.

Consequence: IF THE BELT TENSIONER FAILS, THERE COULD BE A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE BELT TENSIONER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417, OR VIA EMAIL AT CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.

Recall Alert: Porsche Recalling Aftermarket Center Wheel Mounting Kits for 2010 and 2011 911 Turbo

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): PORSCHE / 911 TURBO 2010-2011 Equipment Brand Name / Part No. or Model No.: Production Dates: PORSCHE / CENTER WHEEL MOUNTING KIT Information not Available Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 06, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11E021000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EQUIPMENT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 54

Summary: PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET CENTER WHEEL MOUNTING KITS EQUIPPED WITH CENTER WHEEL LOCK AND HUB ASSEMBLIES BEARING THE TORQUE SPECIFICATION INSCRIPTION “500 NM” ON THE CENTER BOLT SOLD FOR USE ON MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 PORSCHE 911 TURBO VEHICLES. SHOULD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AFFECTED KITS BE OPERATED UNDER RACING CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE WHEEL RETENTION SYSTEM MAY FAIL.

Consequence: IF THE WHEEL RETENTION FAILS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: PORSCHE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-PORSCHE (1-800-767-7243.)

Recall Alert: NAPA Recalls Lower Ball Joint for Acura TL

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): ACURA / TL 2004-2008 Equipment Brand Name / Part No. or Model No.: Production Dates: NAPA / LOWER BALL JOINT Information not Available Manufacturer: AFFINIA GROUP, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 16, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11E022000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 150

Summary: AFFINIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS, NAPA PART NO. 2601662, THAT MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY INSTALLED IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 – 2008 ACURA TL VEHICLES DUE TO A MISTAKE IN A NAPA AND NAPA DEALERS’ PARTS APPLICATION CATALOGUE.

Consequence: MISAPPLICATION OF THIS PART COULD LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: AFFINIA IS WORKING WITH NAPA TO IDENTIFY ANY OWNERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS PART MISTAKENLY INSTALLED ON TO AN ACURA TL VEHICLE, AND WILL REPLACE THE PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AFFINIA GROUP’S WARRANTY ADMINISTRATOR AT 1-815-759-7757.

Recall Alert: Mazda3 and MazdaSpeed3 Recalled for Wiper Motor Problem

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): MAZDA / MAZDA3 2008-2009 MAZDA / MAZDASPEED3 2008-2009 Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 15, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V329000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Potential Number of Units Affected: 103,300

Summary: MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.

Consequence: THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

GAO Releases Reports on Auto Safety Recall Process

The Government Accountability Office just released a report that’s critical of the process in place to deal with safety recalls. The report goes on to detail the information the GAO has gleaned from it’s look into the recall process.

GAO Recall Report

Volkswagen Recalls Four 2012 CC Vehicles For Incorrect Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): VOLKSWAGEN / CC 2012 Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 03, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V312000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 4

Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012, CC VEHICLES, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS).” THE FACTORY REPLACED WHEELS AND TIRES AT THE PORT WITH ACCESSORY WHEELS AND TIRES THAT WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER TIRE TPMS SENSORS.

Consequence: DRIVERS WILL NOT RECEIVE A WARNING FROM THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR THAT ONE OR MORE TIRES ARE UNDERINFLATED, INCREASING THE RISK THAT THE VEHICLE WILL BE DRIVEN WITH ONE OR MORE UNDERINFLATED TIRES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A TIRE FAILURE THAT MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPLACE THE TPMS SENSORS WITH THE PROPER SENSORS TO MAKE THE TPMS SYSTEM OF THE VEHICLES COMPLIANT WITH FMVSS 138. AS OF JUNE 1, 2011, VOLKSWAGEN HAS CONTACTED ALL AFFECTED CUSTOMERS TO SCHEDULE THE REPAIRS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Porsche Recalls 2010 to 2011 911 GT2 RS, 911 GT3, 911 GT3 RS, 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S for Center Locking Hub and Wheel Assembly Premature Wear

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): PORSCHE / 911 GT2 RS 2010-2011 PORSCHE / 911 GT3 2010-2011 PORSCHE / 911 GT3 RS 2010-2011 PORSCHE / 911 TURBO 2010-2011 PORSCHE / 911 TURBO S 2010-2011 Manufacturer: PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 09, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V285000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,702

Summary: PORSCHE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011, 911 TURBO; TURBO S, 911 GT3, GT3 RS AND GT2 RS HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 18, 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 17, 2010, AND EQUIPPED WITH CENTER LOCKING HUB AND WHEEL ASSEMBLIES. OVER TIME THE HUBS CAN WEAR PREMATURELY.

Consequence: AS THE HUBS WEAR, THE WHEELS COULD LOOSEN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTRAL LOCKING HUBS AND WHEELS WITH AN IMPROVED DESIGN, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PORSCHE AT 1-800-767-7243.

Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Recall 2011 Vehicles For Steering Column Rivet Problem

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHRYSLER / 200 2011 CHRYSLER / 200 CONVERTIBLE 2011 CHRYSLER / TOWN AND COUNTRY 2011 DODGE / AVENGER 2011 DODGE / CALIBER 2011 DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN 2011 DODGE / JOURNEY 2011 DODGE / NITRO 2011 JEEP / COMPASS 2011 JEEP / LIBERTY 2011 JEEP / PATRIOT 2011 JEEP / WRANGLER 2011 Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 07, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V315000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING:COLUMN

Potential Number of Units Affected: 11,351

Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Quaker State to Reward Motorists With Cash Back for Holding Onto Their Vehicles Longer

Brand Provides Engine Protection for up to 300,000 miles and Cash Reward for Reaching Milestone

HOUSTON, TX — June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The makers of Quaker State, the motor oil well known for providing durable protection, are now giving motorists cash for using Quaker State and making their cars last. The Quaker State Cash Back Bonus Program launches today and is designed to reward consumers who use Quaker State® Ultimate Durability full synthetic motor oil, Quaker State® Enhanced Durability synthetic blend motor oil or Quaker State® Higher Mileage Engine™ motor oil with the cash value of their vehicle when they reach 300,000 miles, subject to certain terms and conditions.

The Quaker State Cash Back Bonus program is being released in conjunction with the updated Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty program, one of the easiest to use, longest running and most comprehensive motor oil warranties available to motorists. The new Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty is one of the first lubricant manufacturer programs that follows the vehicle makers’ recommended oil drain intervals.

“For over 20 years now, the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty has been one of the best motor oil warranty programs on the market. The tradition of being among the industry’s most innovative motor oil brands continues with the recent changes to the warranty program,” said Chris Hayek, Quaker State Global Brand Manager. “People are keeping their vehicles longer to maximize the value of what may be their second largest investment, and the Cash Back Bonus is being introduced to provide a bonus to them for reaching 300,000 miles with the help of Quaker State specialty motor oil.”

As the average age of a vehicle on America’s roadways rises to over 10 years old¹, more and more Americans are paying close attention to the costs for upkeep and mandatory maintenance of their vehicle. When Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty participants reach the impressive milestone of 300,000 miles, the Quaker State Cash Back Bonus rewards them with the Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In Value for their vehicle as listed in “Good” condition a value of up to $3,000.

“The new Quaker State Cash Back Bonus is designed to reward those motorists who view their vehicle’s mileage as a badge of honor,” said Hayek. “With the yearly cost of owning and operating a vehicle in the U.S. increasing more than 3 percent from last year, many consumers are looking for ways to help keep their vehicles running smoothly longer, as a way of saving instead of springing for a new vehicle. We hope those consumers will use the bonus as an incentive to keep their high-mileage vehicles and maintain them using Quaker State specialty motor oils.”

The Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty protects 15 engine parts from lubricant-related failure and provides motorists’ vehicles with coverage for up to 10 years or 300,000 miles, whichever is first. The Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty is free to qualifying consumers who use Quaker State products. To qualify, consumers’ vehicles must have been manufactured within the last 72 months and have driven 75,000 miles or less at the time of enrollment. Qualifying consumers can enroll in the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty program at www.quakerstate.com.²

To be eligible for the Cash Back Bonus, consumers must be eligible for and participate in the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty program and use one of the Quaker State specialty motor oil products in the vehicle starting no later than the 100,000-mile mark. Consumers will not be eligible for the Cash Back Bonus if they use Quaker State® conventional motor oil at or beyond the 100,000 mile mark, unless they meet the requirements of the Grandfather Clause.³

Quaker State motor oils provide consistent protection over the life of the oil change cycle and are so durable that even after a full drain cycle, they still pass certain critical industry tests for wear protection, rust protection and viscosity retention.⁴ Quaker State is one of the first motor oil manufacturers to offer a warranty program that recommends following the manufacturers’ recommended oil drain intervals, a shift that is intended to provide consumers with more control in their maintenance schedules.

For more information about the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty program, Cash Back Bonus Program and the full line of Quaker State products, visit www.quakerstate.com.

About Quaker State®

Quaker State® motor oil has a 70-year history as a leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care. Quaker State is among the industry’s most innovative motor oil brands and offers a full line of products to meet every type of vehicle engine need. Quaker State is one of the first brands to develop high mileage engine motor oil and the only brand to market its motor oil product in a clear bottle. For more information about Quaker State products, please visit www.quakerstate.com.

Quaker State is produced and marketed by Shell Lubricants.

About Shell Lubricants

The term ‘Shell Lubricants’ collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13.4% of global lubricants volume.a The companies manufacture and blend products for use in consumer, heavy industrial and commercial transport applications. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX® and Jiffy Lube®.

^aKline & Company, “Global Lubricants Industry 2009: Market Analysis and Assessment, 2009-2019.”

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¹ 2010 R.L. Polk & Co. Study

² By state law, California residents are not required to register online. California residents not registering online must comply with all other terms and conditions of the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty. See www.quakerstate.com for detailed terms and conditions.

³ GRANDFATHER CLAUSE: If you are an existing Quaker State motor oil customer registered for the Quaker State Lubrication Limited Warranty program as of June 1, 2011, you have the opportunity to be eligible for the Cash Back Bonus Program regardless of which type of Quaker State® motor oil you use.

⁴ Wear test Sequence IVA ASTM D6891; rust test ASTM D6557; viscosity test ASTM D445. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil change intervals.

GM Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Get New Name and Features

DETROIT – Starting Saturday, two years of standard maintenance including oil changes will be part of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle as General Motors moves to tie pre-owned cars, trucks and crossovers to its brands.

Owner Care, a first in the certified pre-owned vehicle industry that includes a two-year/30,000-mile standard vehicle maintenance program, will cover oil changes based on each vehicle’s Oil Life Monitor system, tire rotations, and multi-point vehicle inspections at no charge to the customer.

The Certified Pre-Owned program bearing the Chevrolet, Buick and GMC names will continue to offer a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a five-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance and courtesy transportation. A more rigorous 172-point inspection – increased from 117 points – and reconditioning along with free trials of OnStar and Sirius/XM Satellite Radio will remain standard.

“Customers demand more value for their money, and we have responded,” said Jennifer Costabile, general director of marketing and sales support, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.  “We believe our enhanced program offers our customers an outstanding experience from the moment they drive their Chevrolet, Buick or GMC Certified Pre-Owned vehicle off of the lot.”

The GM Certified Used Vehicle brand in the United States is being phased out. The Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned program will continue unchanged.

According to Don Johnson, vice president, U.S. Sales Operations, adding more value to the GM Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program will ultimately help the company sell more new vehicles.

“One of the most important things we can do is manage the business to help increase the value of Chevrolet, Buick and GMC used vehicles,” Johnson said. “This increased value gives potential new vehicle customers more for their trade-ins, thereby lowering their ownership costs.”

For more information about Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, to locate a dealer or to learn about the details of the warranty and benefits, please visit www.gmcertified.com.

About Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles are high-quality, reconditioned vehicles, available at participating Buick, Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Each Certified pre-owned vehicle features Owner Care, a two-year/30,000-mile standard vehicle maintenance program, and the first offering of its kind from any automotive manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program. For more information about Chevrolet/Buick/GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, please visit www.gmcertified.com.

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