Recall Alert: Southeast Toyota Recalls 2007 to 2011 Tundas to Recalibrate Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): TOYOTA / TUNDRA 2007-2011 Manufacturer: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 12, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V278000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,629

Summary: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, “TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS.” THE TPMS ON SOME VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY CALIBRATED AND AS A RESULT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP MAY NOT ILLUMINATE SHOULD THE INFLATION PRESSURE IN ONE OR MORE OF THE VEHICLE’S TIRES FALL BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR WHEN THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LAMP SHOULD ILLUMINATE.

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: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER TOLL FREE AT 1-800-301-6859, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM, EASTERN STANDARD TIME.

Cadillac Relaunches Certified Pre-owned Program

Initiative aimed at boosting resale values, attracting new buyers to brand

DETROIT – Cadillac is relaunching its certified pre-owned program to provide added confidence to customers seeking a used luxury automobile and help boost the resale value of Cadillacs.

In its most recent rankings, IntelliChoice ranked Cadillac’s certified pre-owned program higher than programs from Mercedes, Lexus, Audi and BMW. Cadillac’s enhanced certified pre-owned program, being rolled out this spring, includes a more robust vehicle inspection system, a six-year, 100,000-mile limited warranty, 24-hour roadside assistance during the warranty period and courtesy transportation for warranty services.

“In the luxury market, pre-owned automobiles are often an entry point for new customers to the brand,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac Sales and Service. “We want these customers to know that we stand behind the quality of our pre-owned Cadillacs.”

Cadillac is bolstering the program with competitive financing options. For May and June, Cadillac will cover the first three monthly payments on interest rates as low as 1.9 percent for qualified buyers.

As part of the enhanced program, Cadillac and its dealers will provide every buyer of a Cadillac certified pre-owned vehicle with a 172-point vehicle inspection and reconditioning certificate that includes a road-test, validation of key mechanical components, up-to-date maintenance services and interior and exterior detailing. Customers also will receive a vehicle history report.

The limited warranty on Cadillac’s certified pre-owned vehicles covers most of the vehicle’s major mechanical components, including the engine, transmission, axles, struts, heating and air conditioning system and door and sunroof assemblies. Cadillac is promoting the program through TV, radio, print and on-line advertisements.

“The enhanced certified pre-owned program is another building block to establish Cadillac as the new standard of the luxury market,” McNeil said. “While the immediate benefit is provided to buyers of these pre-owned vehicles, it’s also a key component for assuring strong resale values for our new car customers. An expanded pool of pre-owned Cadillacs thoroughly inspected by trained professionals will raise the brand’s long-term reputation for quality.”

Recall Alert: 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Wiper Motor Crank Arm Nut Loose

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET / COLORADO 2011 GMC / CANYON 2011 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 05, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V276000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Potential Number of Units Affected: 4,674

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED WITH A BUILD-UP OF SNOW OR ICE, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED ON A DRY WINDSHIELD, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN. IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT LOOSENING OF THE NUT, THE WIPERS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 11, 2011.

Recall Alert: 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 1500 for Rear Brake Hose Clearance Problems

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET / EXPRESS 1500 2011 GMC / SAVANA 1500 2011 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 05, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V275000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,593

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, “PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.” SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A CLEARANCE CONDITION IN WHICH THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE MAY CONTACT THE TIRE OR WHEEL RIM. IF THE BRAKE HOSE REPEATEDLY CONTACTS THE TIRE OR WHEEL RIM, A HOLE COULD BE WORN IN THE BRAKE HOSE.

Consequence: A DAMAGED BRAKE HOSE MAY REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REAR BRAKES AND INCREASE THE DISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AN INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall Alert: 2011 Chevy Cruze Transmission Shaft Linkage

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET / CRUZE 2011 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 05, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V273000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Potential Number of Units Affected: 100,308

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 27, 2011 AND EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, ‘TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT,’ AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, ‘THEFT PROTECTION.’ THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED. IF THE LINKAGE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO PARK AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN PARK.

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE FOR CORRECT INSTALLATION AND ADJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall Alert: 2011 Chevy Cruze Intermediate Shaft / Steering Gear Assembly

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHEVROLET / CRUZE 2011 Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC Mfr’s Report Date: MAY 05, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V270000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

Potential Number of Units Affected: 128,911

Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 2, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 21, 2011. THE BOLT ATTACHING THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR INPUT SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED.

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE SHAFTS TO SEPARATE, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF REQUIRED, REPAIR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT/STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY TO ASSURE THE BOLT IS FULLY SEATED AND THE SHAFT PROPERLY ASSEMBLED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall Alert: Audi 2001-2004 A6, 2003 RS6, 2002-2003 S6 Fuel Tank Rolllover Valve Nipple

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): AUDI / A6 2001-2004 AUDI / RS6 2003 AUDI / S6 2002-2003 Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC Mfr’s Report Date: APR 26, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V267000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,992

Summary: VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 AUDI A6, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 S6 AND MODEL YEAR 2003 RS6 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L ENGINES AND MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 19, 2001, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2004. THE AGING OF THE PLASTIC MATERIAL IN THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE COMBINED WITH BENDING STRESS FROM THE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE. IF THIS HAPPENS, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT.

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE TO PREVENT LEAKAGE OR REPAIR THE CRACKING AT THE NIPPLE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.

Honda and Acura to Recall Certain Models from 2001 to 2003 To Replace Replacement Air Bags

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): ACURA / CL 2003 ACURA / TL 2002-2003 HONDA / ACCORD 2001-2002 HONDA / CIVIC 2001-2002 HONDA / CR-V 2002-2003 HONDA / ODYSSEY 2002 Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Mfr’s Report Date: APR 27, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V260000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE INFLATOR MODULE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,430

Summary: HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 HONDA ACCORD, AND CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR, MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 CR-V, MODEL YEAR 2002 ODYSSEY, MODEL YEAR 2003 ACURA CL, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2003 ACURA TL VEHICLES. THIS RECALL IS RELATED TO A SERIES OF RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES IN WHICH HONDA IS REPLACING THE INFLATORS WITHIN THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG TO ADDRESS A DEFECTIVE CONDITION. THIS RECALL ADDRESSES APPROXIMATELY 2,430 AIR BAGS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS REPLACEMENT SERVICE PARTS IN THE EVENT, FOR ONE EXAMPLE, A COVERED VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN A CRASH NECESSITATING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG, AND THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG INSTALLED WAS ONE THAT MAY HAVE CONTAINED A DEFECTIVE INFLATOR.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG, THE INFLATOR COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE WITH METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING AND INJURING THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: OWNERS OF ALL VEHICLES ON WHICH A REPLACEMENT SERVICE AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WILL BE NOTIFIED. DEALERS WILL INSPECT VEHICLES, AND WHERE A DEFECTIVE AIR BAG INFLATOR IS IDENTIFIED, THE INFLATOR WILL BE REPLACED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009. THIS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IS RELATED TO RECALLS 08V-593, 09V-259, AND 10V-041.

Hyundai Recalls Some 2011 Santa Fes to Replace Right Side Output Gear and Intermediate Shaft

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): HYUNDAI / SANTA FE 2010 Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr’s Report Date: APR 27, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V261000 PE11010 NHTSA Action Number: PE11010

Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,169

Summary: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SANTA FE 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 5, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE.

Hyundai Recalls Some 2010 Tucsons to Replace Rear Reflector

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): HYUNDAI / TUCSON 2010 Manufacturer: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Mfr’s Report Date: APR 20, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V259000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,829

Summary: HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TUCSON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2010, THROUGH APRIL 17, 2010 FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, “LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT,” FOR THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES INSTALLED IN THE REAR BUMPERS.

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY OF THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR REFLECTOR ASSEMBLIES,

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Gregg Tompkins has been working in the automotive industry for 21 years focusing on warranty administration. He is bringing his knowledge and insight of warranty to the public through this blog.