Hyundai Recalls 2012 Veloster For Sunroof, Parking-Brake Flaws
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is the subject of two separate voluntary safety recalls announced today: one for sunroofs that could shatter and cause injury, and the other for a parking brake flaw that may allow vehicles to roll away.
Sunroof recall
The sunroof recall follows a preliminary evaluation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in October 2012 after the agency received consumer complaints of panoramic sunroofs on 2012 Hyundai Veloster compact sporty cars suddenly shattering without warning.
In the official sunroof recall notice posted today on the NHTSA website, the number of vehicles potentially affected is estimated to be 13,500. Affected vehicles include certain 2012 Hyundai Veloster compact cars equipped with panoramic sunroofs and built from November 1, 2011 through April 17, 2012.
According to the bulletin, the panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened during installation at the factory. This may allow the sunroof glass panel to break while the Veloster is in motion, increasing the risk of occupant injury and vehicle crash.
Documentation from Hyundai (PDF) indicates that the automaker identified 76 warranty claims, 20 customer complaints, and six field reports referring to fracturing of the panoramic sunroof glass. Hyundai said that it is not aware of any accidents as a result of the problem but has received reports of five minor cutting injuries from the panoramic sunroof safety glass.
Hyundai’s safety recall campaign number for this issue is 108. The NHTSA campaign ID No. is 12V568000.
Parking brake recall
In a separate action, Hyundai will recall certain 2012 Veloster compact cars equipped with manual transmissions for a potential defect in the parking brake mechanism.
The official NHTSA notice for this safety issue puts the number of vehicles potentially affected at 4,490. Affected vehicles were built from July 2, 2011 through February 27, 2012.
The bulletin says that “moisture and road grime may cause the parking brake components to bind.” Such binding could cause the parking brake to rub or “drag” while driving, or it may not fully engage when the vehicle is parked, possibly resulting in a rollaway and increasing crash risk.
Hyundai’s safety recall campaign number for this issue is 107. The NHTSA campaign ID No. is 12V567000.
What Hyundai will do
For both voluntary safety recalls involving the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, Hyundai will notify owners in January 2013. Dealers will inspect the sunroofs and replace them, as necessary, or replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge.
In the meantime, owners of 2012 Hyundai Veloster cars with any questions or concerns on either recall may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in either campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the appropriate NHTSA campaign ID No: 12V568000 (sunroof recall), 12V567000 (parking brake recall).
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2014 Infiniti Q50: No More G37 (Or M, Or EX, Or FX…)
Infiniti will sweep away 23 years' worth of its current naming strategy for the 2014 model year, when it replaces its current EX, FX, G, M, and JX nameplates with ones starting with the letter Q.
The first new vehicle to take on the new identity will be the 2014 Infiniti Q50, the replacement for the outgoing G37 sedan. The new luxury four-door is scheduled for a world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show on January 14.
According to Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen, the renaming comes from a need for simplicity and consistency across the lineup.
As of the 2014 model year, Infiniti will use the "Q" badge for all sedans, coupes, and convertibles, while "QX" will signify SUVs and crossovers. A two-digit suffix--as in Q50--will establish the vehicle's place in the lineup. The numbers will not describe a vehicle's engine displacement, as it has on prior Infiniti vehicles, however.
"It's an important signal for what's to come," de Nysschen said.
Vehicles will see their new badging deployed as they're confirmed for the 2014 Infiniti lineup. Their replacements--and other new Infinitis--will carry Q and QX badges from the outset.
The renamed lineup includes the following 2014 models:
- G sedan--2014 Infiniti Q50
- G coupe/convertible--2014 Infiniti Q60
- M sedan--2014 Infiniti Q70
- EX crossover--2014 Infiniti QX50
- JX crossover--2014 Infiniti QX60
- FX sport-ute--2014 Infiniti QX70
- QX sport-ute--2014 Infiniti QX80
The nomenclature leaves plenty of room for the Infiniti versions of the Mercedes A-Class family--potentially as a coupe and sedan, as well as a crossover vehicle. At the same time, De Nysschen suggests that vehicles above the current lineup--at least on the "Q" side of the new math--will be produced.
The naming system also adapts to two realities--one, that Infiniti has many new engine lineups coming for worldwide markets that aren't addressed with today's framework, and two, that the imminent downsizing of powertrains across the lineup creates a marketing obstacle that renaming solves.
However, the abrupt change creates its own problems, and leaves many questions unanswered. Does the next FX become a seven-seater, or is it given a higher number for its premium status in the lineup? Will all-wheel-drive models still receive an "x" after the name - i.e., Q50x?
Some consumers may even wonder why the letter Q was chosen in the first place. It's no coincidence that de Nysschen's former employer, Audi, relies heavily on the letter "Q" to sell its lineup of crossover vehicles.
"Infiniti owns Q," de Nysschen insists.
That poses a problem for the 23-year-old luxury brand, but so does the justification behind the move. De Nysschen says "Q" emphasizes Infiniti's performance credentials while reminding car buyers and enthusiasts of the first Infiniti--the Q45, introduced in 1989.
In its time, the Infiniti Q45 was a highly respected piece of engineering. But sales never grew as quickly as those of rival Lexus, and the division's been stuck in a slower lane for global growth. In recent years, Infiniti executives have even said the "G" vehicles had more name recognition.
Will the renaming work in Infiniti's favor, as it has at Cadillac? Or will it dilute the brand name even more, as the mixed results at Acura and Lincoln suggest? The story picks up in January, with the launch of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 at the 2013 Detroit auto show.
Follow our Detroit auto show coverage at The Car Connection, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports--and follow us on Twitter @carconnection @motorauthority @greencarreports .
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2014 Infiniti Q50: No More G37 (Or M, Or EX, Or FX…)
Infiniti will sweep away 23 years' worth of its current naming strategy for the 2014 model year, when it replaces its current EX, FX, G, M, and JX nameplates with ones starting with the letter Q.
The first new vehicle to take on the new identity will be the 2014 Infiniti Q50, the replacement for the outgoing G37 sedan. The new luxury four-door is scheduled for a world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show on January 14.
According to Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen, the renaming comes from a need for simplicity and consistency across the lineup.
As of the 2014 model year, Infiniti will use the "Q" badge for all sedans, coupes, and convertibles, while "QX" will signify SUVs and crossovers. A two-digit suffix--as in Q50--will establish the vehicle's place in the lineup. The numbers will not describe a vehicle's engine displacement, as it has on prior Infiniti vehicles, however.
"It's an important signal for what's to come," de Nysschen said.
Vehicles will see their new badging deployed as they're confirmed for the 2014 Infiniti lineup. Their replacements--and other new Infinitis--will carry Q and QX badges from the outset.
The renamed lineup includes the following 2014 models:
- G sedan--2014 Infiniti Q50
- G coupe/convertible--2014 Infiniti Q60
- M sedan--2014 Infiniti Q70
- EX crossover--2014 Infiniti QX50
- JX crossover--2014 Infiniti QX60
- FX sport-ute--2014 Infiniti QX70
- QX sport-ute--2014 Infiniti QX80
The nomenclature leaves plenty of room for the Infiniti versions of the Mercedes A-Class family--potentially as a coupe and sedan, as well as a crossover vehicle. At the same time, De Nysschen suggests that vehicles above the current lineup--at least on the "Q" side of the new math--will be produced.
The naming system also adapts to two realities--one, that Infiniti has many new engine lineups coming for worldwide markets that aren't addressed with today's framework, and two, that the imminent downsizing of powertrains across the lineup creates a marketing obstacle that renaming solves.
However, the abrupt change creates its own problems, and leaves many questions unanswered. Does the next FX become a seven-seater, or is it given a higher number for its premium status in the lineup? Will all-wheel-drive models still receive an "x" after the name - i.e., Q50x?
Some consumers may even wonder why the letter Q was chosen in the first place. It's no coincidence that de Nysschen's former employer, Audi, relies heavily on the letter "Q" to sell its lineup of crossover vehicles.
"Infiniti owns Q," de Nysschen insists.
That poses a problem for the 23-year-old luxury brand, but so does the justification behind the move. De Nysschen says "Q" emphasizes Infiniti's performance credentials while reminding car buyers and enthusiasts of the first Infiniti--the Q45, introduced in 1989.
In its time, the Infiniti Q45 was a highly respected piece of engineering. But sales never grew as quickly as those of rival Lexus, and the division's been stuck in a slower lane for global growth. In recent years, Infiniti executives have even said the "G" vehicles had more name recognition.
Will the renaming work in Infiniti's favor, as it has at Cadillac? Or will it dilute the brand name even more, as the mixed results at Acura and Lincoln suggest? The story picks up in January, with the launch of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 at the 2013 Detroit auto show.
Follow our Detroit auto show coverage at The Car Connection, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports--and follow us on Twitter @carconnection @motorauthority @greencarreports .
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Safety Agency Upgrades Probe Of Trapped Gas Pedals In Ford Vehicles
Following a more than two-and-a-half-year-old investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into possible unintended acceleration of Ford vehicles after gas pedal entrapment, the agency has intensified the probe to a full engineering analysis.
The NHTSA upgrade, posted on the agency’s website, now involves an estimated 480,000 2008 through 2010 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedans. When the probe first began in May 2010, the vehicle count was an estimated 249,301 2010 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans only. The Lincoln MKZ was not included.
According to the NHTSA bulletin, “The accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle due to interference created by unsecured or double-stacked floor mats in the driver’s foot-well.” A heel-blocker in the floorpan, said NHTSA, provides a platform that may lift an unsecured mat into contact with the pedal.
Although no crashes or injuries have been reported, there have been a total of 52 complaints attributed to the issue with some drivers alleging that they had to shift into neutral or turn off the engine in order to slow down.
Ford introduced new pedals early in the 2010 model year as a running change.
As reported in Bloomberg and elsewhere, Ford spokeswoman Susan Krusel said that the automaker is “disappointed” by the NHTSA decision, “particularly since the condition under investigation relates to improperly installed, unsecured or double-stacked floor mats.”
Krusel added that Ford all-weather mats have printed instructions on the top of the mats informing drivers not to stack them. All Ford vehicles and mats have an attachment on the driver’s side to affix mats properly to the floor.
In documentation submitted by Ford (PDF) to the NHTSA in 2011, the automaker said its pedal entrapment issues were not similar to those involving Toyota vehicles. “There are no confirmed runaway vehicles like those for the recalled Toyota vehicles,” the Ford letter stated, adding that Ford vehicles have a conventional ignition key and an easily operable shift lever, making it easier for drivers to turn off the vehicle in an emergency.
NHTSA said this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis of model year 2008 through early 2010 vehicles (produced through September 2009) “to further assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect.”
An engineering analysis may or may not lead to an official recall.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Safety Agency Upgrades Probe Of Trapped Gas Pedals In Ford Vehicles
Following a more than two-and-a-half-year-old investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into possible unintended acceleration of Ford vehicles after gas pedal entrapment, the agency has intensified the probe to a full engineering analysis.
The NHTSA upgrade, posted on the agency’s website, now involves an estimated 480,000 2008 through 2010 model year Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedans. When the probe first began in May 2010, the vehicle count was an estimated 249,301 2010 model year Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans only. The Lincoln MKZ was not included.
According to the NHTSA bulletin, “The accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle due to interference created by unsecured or double-stacked floor mats in the driver’s foot-well.” A heel-blocker in the floorpan, said NHTSA, provides a platform that may lift an unsecured mat into contact with the pedal.
Although no crashes or injuries have been reported, there have been a total of 52 complaints attributed to the issue with some drivers alleging that they had to shift into neutral or turn off the engine in order to slow down.
Ford introduced new pedals early in the 2010 model year as a running change.
As reported in Bloomberg and elsewhere, Ford spokeswoman Susan Krusel said that the automaker is “disappointed” by the NHTSA decision, “particularly since the condition under investigation relates to improperly installed, unsecured or double-stacked floor mats.”
Krusel added that Ford all-weather mats have printed instructions on the top of the mats informing drivers not to stack them. All Ford vehicles and mats have an attachment on the driver’s side to affix mats properly to the floor.
In documentation submitted by Ford (PDF) to the NHTSA in 2011, the automaker said its pedal entrapment issues were not similar to those involving Toyota vehicles. “There are no confirmed runaway vehicles like those for the recalled Toyota vehicles,” the Ford letter stated, adding that Ford vehicles have a conventional ignition key and an easily operable shift lever, making it easier for drivers to turn off the vehicle in an emergency.
NHTSA said this investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis of model year 2008 through early 2010 vehicles (produced through September 2009) “to further assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect.”
An engineering analysis may or may not lead to an official recall.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Dodge Durango Recalled For Incorrect Seating Capacity Labels
Chrysler is recalling certain 2013 model-year Dodge Durango crossover SUVs that may have incorrect seating capacity information labels.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected at 734. The 2013 Dodge Durangos involved in the recall were built from April 27, 2012 through September 14, 2012.
The problem
The NHTSA bulletin says that the labels might overstate the seating capacity. This is a failure to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”
The danger to drivers and passengers is that a vehicle filled beyond its capacity limitations could increase injury to occupants during a crash.
Documentation from Chrysler (PDF) to the NHTSA states: “The seating capacity information on the tire placard label may incorrectly state the total seating capacity as 7 and rear seating capacity as 5 on certain vehicles with 2nd row captain chairs, when it should have stated 6 and 4, respectively.”
The issue was discovered in mid-September 2012 during a weight engineering virtual audit at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant.
What Chrysler will do
Chrysler will notify owners of affected vehicles and provide replacement labels. The owners have the option to take their 2013 Dodge Durango to the dealer to have the label installed at no charge.
Owner notification is expected to begin during February 2013. In the meantime, owners of 2013 Dodge Durango crossover SUVs with any questions or concerns may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler’s recall campaign number is M36.
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. 12V560000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Honda Recalls 807,000 Minivans, SUVs In U.S. For Rollaway Problem
Honda is certain recalling 2003 and 2004 model year Odyssey minivans and Pilot SUVs and Acura MDX SUVs from the 2003 through 2006 model years for an ignition interlock issue that may lead to a vehicle rollaway when the keys are removed.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected in the U.S. at 807,161. The number includes approximately 318,000 Honda Odysseys, 259,000 Honda Pilots and 230,000 Acura MDX SUVs. Affected vehicles were built from November 26, 2001 through August 30, 2006.
The problem
According to documentation from Honda (PDF) submitted to the NHTSA, a potential defect exists in the ignition interlock of the subject vehicle population. The automaker said that an ignition switch design change reduced ignition switch rotation from 160 degrees (in earlier designs) to 120 degrees, but with no corresponding change to the ignition interlock blocking mechanism.
As a result of the inconsistency, Honda said that the driver may need to apply excessive rotational force on the ignition key when attempting to remove it when the gear selector is not in the Park position. This can result in potential damage to the ignition interlock lever such that it may be possible for the driver to remove the ignition key when the gear selector is not in Park. If this happens, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
As we reported in October, the NHTSA had opened a preliminary evaluation (PE-12026) into alleged ignition interlock failures in 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey and Pilot vehicles. At the time, the agency’s Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) said it had received 42 complaints alleging ignition interlock failures, including 26 involving rollaway incidents and 16 that involved a collision.
Honda said that, in support of PE-12026, it has received 252 warranty claims for the Odyssey, Pilot and MDX from August 14, 2003 through September 30, 2012. Honda also points out that the 2003-2006 Acura MDX was not part of PE-12026 and was not investigated by the automaker beyond examining its warranty claims.
Excluding the Acura MDX, Honda said it counted 19 field reports, including one crash allegation, from February 6, 2008 through September 30, 2012, and 113 customer complaints, including two allegations of injury and 27 crash allegations, from November 3, 2003 through September 30, 2012.
What Honda will do
Honda will notify owners of vehicles involved in the safety recall beginning on, or about, February 7, 2013, advising them to take their vehicles to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated shift interlock lever and, if necessary, replace the ignition system. The service will be performed at no charge.
In the meantime, owners of 2003-2004 Honda Odysseys and Pilots may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1007 or go online to www.recalls.honda.com. Owners of 2003-2006 Acura MDX vehicles with any questions or concerns may call Acura at 1-800-382-2238 or go online to www.recalls.acura.com Reference the respective safety recall campaign numbers: S73 (Honda Odyssey, Pilot) and S74 (Acura MDX).
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. 12V573000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz Vehicles Recalled For Fire Risk
Mercedes-Benz is conducting a voluntary safety of certain 2011 and 2012 vehicles over concerns that a faulty fuel filter flange may pose a fire risk.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site puts the number of vehicles potentially affected by the recall at 5,800. Affected vehicles were built from April 18, 2011 through July 12, 2011 and include the following models:
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz C300
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz E350
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S400
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S550
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic
- 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
The problem
Documentation from Mercedes-Benz (PDF) describes the problem as an irregularity in the structure of fuel filter flanges caused by issues during the injection molding process. As a result of the irregularity, the fuel filter flange may crack under high temperatures.
The NHTSA bulletin states: “If the fuel filter flange cracks, it will leak fuel which may lead to a fire if an external ignition source is present.”
According to Mercedes-Benz, “In most cases, fuel cannot leak through this structural irregularity in the flange.” The automaker goes on to say that in some cases of operating pressure along with high operating temperatures “could over time lead to the development of a crack in the flange, which may result in fuel leakage and/or loss of fuel system pressure and flow.”
What Mercedes-Benz will do
Mercedes-Benz will notify owners and dealers will replace the defective fuel filter at no charge. The Mercedes-Benz safety recall is expected to begin in January 2013.
In the meantime, owners of 2011-2012 Mercedes-Benz vehicles involved in the recall with any questions or concerns may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
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. 12V557000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2013 Ford Fusion Recalled For Headlamp Flaw
The 2013 Ford Fusion mid-size sedan is part of a new recall to replace faulty headlights. This is the second Fusion recall in less than a week’s time.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site puts the number of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans potentially affected in the U.S. at 19,106. A report in The Detroit News says that another 1,098 Fusions are affected in Canada.
The NHTSA bulletin lists the dates of manufacture for the vehicles involved in the recall from February 3, 2012 through October 20, 2012. Vehicles were produced at Ford’s assembly plant in Hermosillo, Mexico.
The problem
Documentation from Ford (PDF) says that certain 2013 Fusions produced at the Hermosillo facility were built with headlamp assemblies that may not have a properly cured coating on the low beam headlamp projector. This is noncompliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108: “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
With use, and over time, an improperly cured low-beam headlamp projector will become hazy, resulting in reduced visibility and an increased crash risk.
Ford discovered the problem in early October 2012 and said that as of November 9, 2012, there are “no known accidents or injuries attributed to this condition.”
What Ford will do
Ford will notify owners beginning December 10, 2012 and dealers will replace the faulty headlamp assemblies.
In the meantime, owners of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans with any questions or concerns may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Reference the Ford safety recall campaign #12C27.
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. 12V553000.
Last week Ford said it would recall about 89,000 2013 Ford Escape SUVs and 2013 Ford Fusion cars equipped with 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engines over concerns about a fire risk. About 80,000 Escape and Fusion models are affected in the United States.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2009-2012 BMW X5 Diesel Recalled For Steering Defect
BMW is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2009 through 2012 model year X5 xDrive35d SUVs for a problem that can lead to loss of power steering.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site puts the number of vehicles potentially affected in the U.S. at 29,800. According to a report in The Detroit News, another 5,500 diesel-powered X5 SUVS in Canada are involved in the recall.
Affected vehicles were built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012.
The problem
Both the NHTSA bulletin and documentation from BMW (PDF) describe the problem as an engine belt idler pulley bolt that can loosen and break over time. If this condition occurs, the vehicle could experience a sudden loss of power-assisted steering, thus increasing crash risk.
Even if the power-assisted steering is affected, drivers will still be able to steer manually, although the effort required to turn the wheel would increase, especially at low speeds.
BMW said it discovered the problem in Canada after a single warranty claim involving the idler pulley belt on an X5 xDriver35d was processed in November 2010. Subsequently, there were several dealer field reports and additional warranty claims processed for the same issue. BMW has received a total of 35 warranty claims and dealer field reports on this problem.
According to BMW, there have been no reported accidents or injuries due to the issue.
What BMW will do
BMW will notify owners during January 2013 and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt.
In the meantime, owners of 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d SUVs with any questions or concerns may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7471.
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. 12V550000.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
