2012-2013 Nissan Altima Recall Issued For Suspension Woes
Nissan is conducting a safety recall of certain 2012 and 2013 model year Altima sedans for a problem with loose suspension bolts that could result in a loss of vehicle control.
A notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected at 13,919. Documentation from Nissan (PDF) further breaks down the 2012 and 2013 Altimas subject to the recall as follows:
- 2012 Nissan Altima – approximately 8,420 vehicles, built from May 10, 2012 through June 4, 2012
- 2013 Nissan Altima – approximately 5,499 vehicles, built from June 4, 2012 through July 26, 2012
All of the vehicles subject to the recall were built at the automaker’s Canton, Mississippi, plant. Nissan says that no other Nissan or Infiniti models are affected.
The problem
The issue involves four transverse link bolts and two power steering rack bolts that were not torqued according to specification during vehicle assembly. This condition could cause the bolts to become loosened during driving. The driver may notice a rattling noise and vibration, which could be an indication that one of the bolts is loose.
If the driver continues to operate the vehicle in this condition, the bolts could fall out completely, resulting in a loss of vehicle control and increasing crash risk.
The problem was discovered July 26 during a routine dynamic driving of one vehicle. Subsequent investigation and audit confirmed additional vehicles exhibited the condition.
This is the second recall of Nissan Altima sedans for loose bolts. In July 2011, Nissan recalled some 20,000 2011-2012 Altimas for transverse bolts not torqued to specification. Those vehicles were also built at the Canton, Mississippi, plant.
What Nissan will do
Nissan will notify owners and dealers will tighten the bolts to specification. The repair will be performed at no charge. The Nissan safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 29, 2012.
In the meantime, owners of 2012 and 2013 Nissan Altima sedans with any questions or concerns may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V494000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2011-2013 Ford Fiesta Recall Issued For Side Airbag Problem
Ford is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2011 through 2013 model year Fiesta subcompact cars to fix a problem with the side airbag.
A notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website indicates that an estimated 154,604 Fiestas in the United States may be affected by the recall. Affected vehicles were built at Ford’s Cuautitlan, Mexico plant from November 3, 2009 through September 21, 2012.
The problem
The NHTSA bulletin says that the vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” When the front passenger seat is empty, the passenger side curtain airbag will not deploy in the event of a side impact collision. The information on the suppression of the side curtain airbag is also not explained correctly in the Fiesta owner’s manual.
Documentation from Ford (PDF) says that the current airbag setup meets federal safety standards, “but the right rear seating position may not have coverage of the side air curtain in certain crashes.”
The automaker said that it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries attributed to this condition.
What Ford will do
Ford will notify owners of 2011-2013 Fiesta subcompact cars involved in the recall and dealers will reprogram the software so that it no longer suppresses the passenger side curtain airbag when the front passenger seat is empty. This will also be consistent with the description in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
The Ford safety recall, No. 12C26, is expected to begin “shortly.” In the meantime, owners of 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta subcompacts with any questions or concerns may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V488000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Small Cars Haven’t Been This Big For Nearly 20 Years
Gas prices are soaring. Parking is pricey. The economy is recovering, but still shaky. Add all that up, and you'd expect small cars to be fairly popular in the U.S.
And you'd be right. In fact, small cars are on track to reach a market share not seen since Bill Clinton's first inauguration.
According to the Wall Street Journal, sales of compacts and subcompacts have surged by a whopping 49.9% over the past year. In the first nine months of 2012, dealers moved 2,099,090 of them -- 240,288 in September alone.
By contrast, midsize vehicles are up just 15.8% for the year, large SUVs are down 29.6%, and large cars are down a staggering 79.4%.
As AutoNews notes, small cars now represent 19.3% of new vehicles sold to American shoppers. Compacts and subcompacts haven't represented such a huge portion of the U.S. market since 1993, when they hit 20.5%.
Why is small such big news?
The reasons for America's fascination with small rides are numerous and varied. While some of the trend seems driven by fluctuating economic conditions, in other cases, it may stem from more permanent demographic shifts. Here are a few key factors:
High gas prices: It's no secret that gas is expensive. Today, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.82 -- 42 cents higher than it was at this time last year. And if you live in California, the situation is even worse. Small cars are perceived to earn better gas mileage than their larger siblings, which helps explains the public's new-found interest in them. (Note: this perception isn't entirely accurate, since the midsize Toyota Prius is more fuel-efficient than many smaller rides.)
Exciting new models: Fuel economy would mean nothing to shoppers if today's gas-sippers weren't attractive. Thankfully, automakers have given car buyers a range of small cars to peruse, many of which feature great design and fashion-forward technology. Just think of the MINI Cooper, the Dodge Dart, the Chevrolet Spark, and the Ford Focus, the latter of which has seen sales surge 91% in the past 12 months.
Our urban lifestyles: The trend in America -- and in much of the world -- is for individuals and families to relocate to cities. Even people who've stayed in one place have awakened to find their formerly rural neighborhoods overtaken by suburban sprawl. Keeping a big vehicle in urban environments can be far tougher than managing a smaller one.
Cost-effectiveness: The U.S. economy seems to be on the rebound, but until the rest of the world gets its act together (looking at you, Europe), things will remain touch-and-go. Small cars tend to be cheaper than larger ones, and their cost of ownership often is, too.
Eco-friendly attitudes: America has been on an extended "green" kick for several years, and it shows no signs of abating. Even though small cars aren't necessarily greener than large ones, the public often thinks that they are, which has helped turn the heads of today's shoppers.
Small ain't what it used to be: Once upon a time, the compacts and subcompacts that littered America's highways and byways were tiny econoboxes, limited in space and creature comforts. The legal definitions haven't changed much over time: for decades, the EPA has classed cars by interior volume, with compacts having 100 - 110 cubic feet, subcompacts having 85 - 100 cubic feet, and minicompacts less than 85 cubic feet. However, through ingenious use of materials and the addition of gadgets like high-tech infotainment systems, today's small cars don't seem quite as small as their predecessors.
Are you planning to purchase a new vehicle anytime soon? Is a small car on your short list? Drop us a line, or leave us a note in the comments below.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Tesla Accused Of Operating Illegal Showrooms In 4 States
Given today's high gas prices, many car shoppers are turning their attention to hybrids and other fuel-efficient vehicles. Electric cars like those built by Tesla [NASDQ:TSLA] could be attractive to better-off buyers, but Tesla is facing some legal problems that may slow the selling process.
Automotive News reports that dealer networks and government regulators across the U.S. have begun to question Tesla's sales techniques. And in several cases, they've threatened legal action to stop the start-up.
A new paradigm for auto sales
According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, 48 states have franchise laws that forbid or restrict the ability of automakers to sell vehicles directly to the public. That's why dealerships tend to be independently owned and operated. Tesla showrooms, on the other hand, are owned by Tesla itself.
However, Tesla says that the majority of its showrooms -- designed by George Blankenship, the man behind Apple's outrageously successful chain of retail shops -- don't actually conduct sales; they simply share information about Tesla vehicles. When it's time to seal the deal, Tesla staff point prospective shoppers to the automaker's website, where they can customize and reserve their vehicle
Other dealers aren't buying it. They insist that even though Tesla's showroom staff don't technically sell vehicles on site, they do everything else that a traditional dealership would do. In short, they argue that by facilitating the sales process, Tesla showrooms are essentially conducting sales.
To date, questions about the legality of Tesla showrooms have arisen in four states: Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon. Because franchise laws vary from state to state, each case is a bit different: some complaints have been brought by dealer associations, and in Illinois, the challenge was lodged by the Secretary of State. Tesla says that it is doing everything it can to comply with each state's regulations.
Tesla currently maintains 17 showrooms in 10 states and the District of Columbia, but it's set to open another six this fall. As Tesla expands operations and its reputation grows, we'd expect to see many, many more challenges to its business model down the line.
Will Tesla eventually shift to a conventional model of independently owned dealerships? Or will it bring about a change in the way that state laws are written -- laws generally written decades ago, when there was far less competition in the marketplace and states wanted to put big automakers on more equal footing with smaller ones?
And more importantly, will Tesla's unusual sales paradigm -- which has recently been copied, in part, by Audi -- change the way that automakers interact with customers?
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2009-2010 Dodge Dakota, Ram 1500: Recall Alert
Chrysler is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2009 and 2010 Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 pickup trucks for a possible rear axle problem.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site lists the number of vehicle potentially affected at 44,300. Affected Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 pickups were built from July 1, 2009 through November 30, 2009.
The problem
At issue is a rear axle pinion nut that may loosen due to a lack of adhesive. If the pinion nut does loosen, the rear axle could lock up without warning, causing a loss of vehicle control and/or a crash.
The recall follows an investigation opened by the NHTSA in July after it had received 12 complaints alleging rear differential failure resulting in rear axle lockup.
In documents (PDF) Chrysler submitted to the NHTSA, the automaker said it was initiating the recall following a “high number of rear axle failure complaints.” Chrysler said it had received reports of 185 possible rear axle failures.
According to a story in the Detroit News, a Chrysler spokesman said the automaker had reports of three crashes and three minor injuries.
What Chrysler will do
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will install a pinion nut retainer at no charge. The Chrysler safety recall is expected to begin during November 2012.
In the meantime, owners of 2009 and 2010 Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 pickups with any questions or concerns may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Reference the Chrysler recall campaign No. M34.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V474000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2002-2006 Honda CR-V Recall Issued For Fire Risk
Honda is recalling certain 2002-2006 model year CR-V compact crossovers for a faulty driver’s-side power window switch that may malfunction and start a fire.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site lists the number of CR-Vs potentially affected at 268,655. Affected vehicles were built from February 19, 2002 through July 28, 2006.
Documentation from Honda (PDF) breaks down the range of build dates and indicates that the recall affects both two- and four-wheel drive CR-Vs from the 2006-2006 model years.
The problem
Honda says that under severe conditions, water or other fluids may enter through an open driver’s window, reaching the master power window switch on the door. Over a period of time, exposure to water and fluid can cause electrical resistance in the switch. Ultimately, this condition can cause overheating and melting of the switch, damaging the switch and potentially the associated wire harness.
Switch melting could also produce smoke and then a fire, even if the vehicle is not in use at the time. Honda is advising 2002-2006 CR-V owners to park their vehicles outside until the repairs have been performed.
The Detroit News said that Honda received reports from owners of four fires, which helped prompt the recall.
What Honda will do
Honda will notify owners and dealers will inspect and repair the switches, as necessary, at no charge. The Honda safety recall is expected to begin on or about November 2, 2012.
In the meantime, owners of 2002-2006 Honda CR-Vs with any questions or concerns may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Reference the Honda recall campaign No. S61.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 12V486000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Dodge Dart, Subaru Crosstrek, Hyundai Santa Fe, Lexus ES: Top Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has just designated four 2013 models as Top Safety Picks. Included are the 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan, Subaru XV Crosstrek small wagon, Hyundai Santa Fe compact SUV, and the Lexus ES mid-size luxury car.
The Top Safety Pick is the IIHS’s top award for good performance in moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations.
Here are the key safety features in each of the four new IIHS Top Safety Picks.
2013 Dodge Dart
The 2013 Dodge Dart, a new entry in the compact sedan market, is equipped with 10 standard airbags, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, traction control, four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution, and available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection technology.
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
The redesigned 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe mid-size SUV has seven airbags, hill-start assist control and downhill brake control, a Vehicle Stability Management system (coordinating electronic stability control and traction control), ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The five-passenger Santa Fe Sport is available now, while the three-row, seven-passenger Santa Fe will be available in January 2013.
2013 Lexus ES
Thanks to a redesign, the 2013 Lexus ES 350 gasoline-powered and ES 300h hybrid models earn the Top Safety Pick designation, outperforming the outgoing 2012 Lexus ES 350, which only had a marginal rear test rating. Standard safety equipment includes 10 airbags, four-sensor, four-channel ABS, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, smart stop technology, vehicle stability control, traction control, LED daytime running lights, and direct tire pressure monitoring system. Individual options include: blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert with intelligent high-beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers with de-icer, intuitive park assist, and pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control.
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
The 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek, based on the Impreza hatchback, has six standard airbags, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability control system that includes an all-wheel all-speed traction control system, and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The 2013 Dodge Dart and the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have also been named to the short list for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Preview: 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle was just redesigned in coupe form last year, gaining an edgier, more masculine look--and targeting itself more at male buyers. The Convertible, due to make its public debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show next month, takes some of that edge back, while maintaining the familiar Beetle cues.With its cloth convertible top open, the Beetle Convertible loses the low roofline that gives the standard Beetle its aggressive posture. In its place, the open-air cabin seems inviting, friendly.
If the weather turns foul, or you've had enough sun, the top goes back up at the press of a button in "a little over 10 seconds," according to Volkswagen. A fold-down split rear bench seat expands the cargo area.
Roll-over safety for the Convertible is achieved through two roll-over bars concealed behind the back of the rear bench seat. In the event of a crash, the same computer that deploys the airbags can deploy the bars. Together with the A-pillars, the bars provide a measure of clearance should the Beetle Convertible end up on its back.
In other details, the Beetle Convertible is the same as its hardtop mate, including the body-colored dashboard.
At launch, the Beetle Convertible will be available with a choice of three engines: the 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower; the 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder good for 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque; and the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI gasoline engine rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter engine comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission; the other two offer a choice between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.In TDI form, when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the Beetle Convertible scores an EPA estimated 41 mpg on the highway. Pricing for the 2013 Beetle Convertible lineup will be released closer to the car's launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Nissan Sentra Priced From $16,770
When it goes on sale October 16, the least expensive 2013 Nissan Sentra compact sedan will be priced from $16,770, including $780 destination charge. The 2013 Sentra S, equipped with a manual transmission, is $440 less the base 2012 Sentra with a manual transmission.
Powering the redesigned Sentra is a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 130 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is only available on the base S model. All others get the new-generation Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Nissan says that the 2013 Sentra is 5 percent lighter than the current model, which translates to a 13-percent improvement in fuel economy. Most models with the CVT achieve EPA-rated 39 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined. The base Sentra S with CVT starts at $18,040. There are two models rated at 40 mpg highway, the FE+S, which is priced from $18,440 and the FE+SV, priced from $19,150.
Three other Sentra models are available: the SV (starting at $18,750), SR ($19,650 starting price), and the top-of-the-line SL, priced from $20,540.
Standard equipment on all models includes tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power windows with driver’s side auto up/down, and remote keyless entry. A four-speaker audio system is standard, while a six-speaker system with 4.3-inch display and USB connection is available. The top range premium eight-speaker sound system has an amplifier that is specifically tuned to the car’s leather or cloth interior.
A range of available features includes dual zone automatic climate control, RearView Monitor, heated seats, Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect with Navigation with Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant. Navigation is included in a $650 optional package on Sentra SV, SR and SL models. Bluetooth is a $350 option on all but the SL and carpeted floor mats and a trunk mat cost $170 across the board.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Honda Accord Recall Adds 572,000 Vehicles To Tally For Faulty Hoses, Fire Risk
Honda is expanding a May 2012 recall of the Accord V-6 to include an additional 572,000 vehicles.
The additional vehicles include some from the 2003 to 2007 model years, equipped with V-6 engines and sold in the United States.
The automaker says on its website that over time, the power steering hose may deteriorate and cause a fluid leak as the result of high under-hood and power steering fluid temperatures. Loss of power steering assistance may result. Furthermore, leaking fluid from the hoses may pose a fire risk if it leaks onto the car’s catalytic converter.
The recall in May 2012 involved approximately 52,615 2007-2008 Acura TL sedans.
Honda said there has been one engine fire reported in June, involving a 2006 Accord, but no injuries or crashes as a result of this issue.
Since the parts to complete the repairs on the Accords equipped with V-6 engines won’t be available until early 2013, Honda will send out initial notification letters to owners in late October informing them of the issue and symptoms that may be related to a power steering fluid leak. The automaker said that the replacement parts for this recall are different than those in the Acura TL recall.
In addition, if owners suspect that their Accord is displaying symptoms consistent with the power steering fluid leak, Honda advises them to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer to be inspected and to have an interim repair performed.
A second notification letter to owners will take place once the replacement parts become available.
In the meantime, owners of 2003 through 2007 Honda Accords with V-6 engines with any questions or concerns may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009, selecting option 4. In late October, owners will also be able to go online to www.recalls.honda.com to find out if their vehicle is involved in the recall.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
