Friday, May 27, 2016

*****TOYOTA, LEXUS, PONTIAC, SCION AIRBAG RECALL


****IF YOUR VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL, DON'T DELAY IN CORRECTING THE PROBLEM! 










U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety recall and MAY create a safety risk for you or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a potential safety defect could lead to injury or even death. Safety defects must be repaired by a dealer at no cost to you.
Why am I getting this email?
You are receiving this message because you requested to be notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if there is a safety recall that may affect your vehicle.
The following may apply to one or more of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. Click on the NHTSA Campaign ID number below to read more about the safety issue and the reason for the recall.
To find out if your specific vehicle is included in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Tool.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :16V340
Manufacturer :Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :LEXUS / 2006-2011
PONTIAC / 2009-2010
SCION / 2008-2011
TOYOTA / 2006-2011
Subject :Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America's roadways.



close RECALL Subject : Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture , 1 INVESTIGATION(S)







Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Honda Admits Software Problem, Recalls 175,000 Hybrids




Honda Admits Software Problem, Recalls 175,000 Hybrids

7/10/2014

MADISON, Wis. — For the first time, an automobile company has conceded that a software glitch in electronic control units could cause cars to accelerate suddenly, forcing drivers to scramble to take emergency measures to prevent an accident. 

Honda Motor Co., citing software problems, announced Thursday that it is recalling 175,000 hybrid vehicles in Japan.

Honda revealed that some hybrid versions of its Fit and Vezel subcompacts could suddenly accelerate without warning.

A Honda spokesman in Tokyo told Bloomberg that unintended acceleration incidents have caused property damage, but no injuries or deaths thus far. The recall affects only vehicles that were sold in Japan.

Anthony Anderson, a UK electrical engineering consultant, told EE Times, "To the best of my knowledge, this recall is the first occasion on which any car manufacturer has admitted publicly to a link between a software malfunction and sudden acceleration and issued a recall to fix the software."

Not coincidentally, Toyota Motor Corp. is busy settling several hundred lawsuits contending that its vehicles inadvertently accelerated. The carmaker has never acknowledged the software issue. Instead, it blamed dozens of injuries and deaths on loose floor mats, sticky accelerator pedals, and driver error.

The only time Toyota's defective software faced public scrutiny occurred in last fall's Bookout v Toyota Motor Corp. trial. An Oklahoma County jury found Toyota liable for a crash and awarded $1.5 million of compensation to the driver, Jean Bookout, who was injured in the crash, and $1.5 million to the family of a passenger, Barbara Schwarz, who died.

After the jury verdict, Toyota Motor Corp. reached a confidential settlement with the victims to avoid punitive damages.

"Honda, by acknowledging its mistakes, is much more likely to survive than companies that push problems under the floormat and claim that the problems do not exist," Anderson said.

— Junko Yoshida, Chief International Correspondent, EE Times




Honda, Yes Honda, Recalls 175,000 Cars For Unintended Acceleration






Honda, Yes Honda, Recalls 175,000 Cars For Unintended Acceleration




Unintended acceleration: It's not just for pedal-confused people in Toyotas anymore! About 175,000 Japanese examples of the 2015 Honda Fit are being recalled for potential "the kind of speed you don't want"-type problems.


Bloomberg reports that all new hybrid Honda Fit subcompact and Vezel small crossover models sold in Japan since last will be recalled due to a software problem with the engine control system. They did not elaborate, but said the problem could lead to unintended acceleration.
Honda has received 11 reports of accidents from December through April due to the problem, but no deaths or injuries have resulted. Sales of the hybrid Fit and Vezel have not started outside of Japan yet.
Globally, the new Fit has had a few headaches so far, including recalls for defects in its new seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission and U.S. release delays for quality checks in the Mexican plant where it is built. Hopefully Honda will work out all the bugs soon, as the car is a critically important one for boosting worldwide sales.




2015-'16 Dodge Dart Recalled for Engine Control Module Safety Software Issue




2015-'16 Dodge Dart Recalled for Engine Control Module Safety Software Issue


WASHINGTON — Fiat-Chrysler is recalling 1,232 2015-'16 Dodge Dart compact sedans equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission because of an engine control module safety software issue, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"In the affected vehicles, the powertrain control module that monitors the engine torque output may be missing a backup layer of software," NHTSA said in its recall summary. "Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash."
Simply put, the concern is that the cars may experience unintended acceleration.
There are no injuries, accidents or complaints linked to the recall, Fiat-Chrysler said in a filing with federal safety regulators.
Fiat-Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne told Edmunds there are three layers of safety software in the affected cars and that two of them remain functional.
A stop-sale order is in effect on the affected vehicles.
The affected 2016 Dart cars were built from July 25, 2015 to December 16, 2015. The affected 2015 Dart cars were brought in for dealer service between September 15, 2015 and January 12, 2016.
Dodge dealers will update the engine control module software. The recall is expected to begin within 60 days. Owners can contact Fiat-Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Edmunds says: Owners should wait for their official recall notice and then schedule a service appointment with their dealer. But if you have an immediate concern, it's best to contact your dealer now.




FCA RECALLS DODGE DART TO PREVENT 'UNINTENDED TORQUE EVENT'




FCA RECALLS DODGE DART TO PREVENT 'UNINTENDED TORQUE EVENT'


By Justin King

Tuesday, Mar 8th, 2016

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for a small batch of 2016 Dodge Dart sedans equipped with a 2.0-liter engine and manual transmission.

Approximately 1,200 units may have left the factory with improper software for the powertrain control module (PCM). The programming lacks redundant protections to protect against certain unintended engine behavior.

"Without a backup layer of software, the control module may fail to prevent an un-commanded torque event, increasing the risk of a crash," the recall documents note.

FCA suggests the software was created with several layers of programming, including provisions designed to detect engine control malfunctions and validate calculations. The software was 'desensitized' to enable engine calibration development, consistent with standard development procedures.

"If the level-two diagnostic calibrations are desensitized, there is a risk of not diagnosing certain module failure modes that would inhibit the software's ability to determine when the engine is producing more torque than what the driver is currently requesting," the recall chronology notes.

The desensitized test software appears to have mistakenly made its way to the factory floor with the developer mode enabled, allowing production cars to leave the assembly line without the safety provisions activated.

FCA is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue. Service technicians will simply install an ECM software update to restore proper function.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/fca-recalls-dodge-dart-to-prevent-unintended-torque-event-91184.html#



LTA probes 'unintended acceleration' in Hyundai cars




LTA probes 'unintended acceleration' in Hyundai cars

PUBLISHED
MAY 17, 2016

Move arises from videos showing Hyundai cabs in crashes that suggest drivers were not in control




Senior Transport Correspondent


The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is investigating a phenomenon known as sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) in Hyundai cars that may have caused a spate of accidents involving taxis in Singapore.
The move arises from footage captured by car cameras showing Hyundai cabs operated by ComfortDelGro in dramatic crashes that suggest the drivers were not in control of their vehicles at the time.
In one video, a taxi reversed hard into a parked vehicle in an HDB carpark. It then moved forward, only to reverse again - this time mounting a kerb and crashing tail first into a block of flats.
In another video, a cab reversed into a vehicle near a carpark gantry, then bolted forward at high speed and collided with more than one vehicle.
The Straits Times spoke to a cabby of 13 years, who claimed his Hyundai Sonata cab surged forward when he was in a taxi queue at Resorts World in March.
Cases of sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) have been well documented, although not all can be proven to be mechanical in nature. Some are attributable to drivers stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and, in panic, depressing the accelerator further. BusinessKorea, a news portal in Seoul, reported that 417 accidents between 2010 and 2014 were suspected to have been caused by SUA.
"My first instinct was to steer away," said the relief driver, who declined to be named. "The cab mounted two kerbs before it came to a stop. I believe I stepped on the brakes, but it was not hard enough."
In response to a query, the LTA said it is "looking into the reported cases of Hyundai vehicles having an unintended acceleration in reverse gear". But a spokesman added that "it is premature to draw any conclusions at this point in time".
Cases of SUA have been well documented, although not all can be proven to be mechanical in nature. Some are attributable to drivers stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and, in panic, depressing the accelerator further.
BusinessKorea, a news portal in Seoul, reported that 417 accidents between 2010 and 2014 were suspected to have been caused by SUA.
Cars from Hyundai and sister brand Kia accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the lot, it added.
In 2012, the Korean authorities investigated the cases, leading Hyundai to say it would introduce a "brake pedal throttle override" function in its cars.
However, it is unknown how many models have been equipped with this feature, which cuts off the throttle when brakes are applied.
Hyundai admitted to Road & Track magazine that "with virtually all cars using electronic throttle control today, there remains the remote possibility for an unforeseen electronic throttle control malfunction, causing a vehicle to accelerate contrary to driver input".
In 2014, an in-depth investigation by the Korean Broadcasting System (Seoul's equivalent of the BBC) found that a version of the Hyundai Sonata had a defective engine control unit that caused SUA.
Meanwhile, neither ComfortDelGro nor Hyundai distributor Komoco will comment on the purported cases of SUA in Singapore.
Hyundai is not alone in this. In 2014, Toyota settled a multibillion-dollar suit involving SUA in its cars, which were deemed to have caused fatal crashes. Following that, Toyota introduced a throttle override similar to Hyundai's.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 17, 2016, with the headline 'LTA probes 'unintended acceleration' in Hyundai cars'. 




Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Reader feels acceleration concerns are being ignored





Reader feels acceleration concerns are being ignored

Carleton Place Almonte Canadian Gazette
Mar 18, 2016

SEE MOREarticles from this author
“Hi Brian
After discussing my problem with my local Toyota dealer and checking on several blogs on the internet, I have just learned that the Transportation Safety Board does not deal with automobile incidents. My partner suggested turning to you, so here I am.
Recently while travelling on a local city road (in my 2012 Rav4), I approached a red light and began to brake when my car went into an uncontrollable acceleration. I threw the car into neutral, to no avail, stood on the brake and threw car into park as the car bucked like a bronco, so I turned off the key. Since I did not have any previous knowledge of unintended acceleration, I called my partner who met me and we proceeded to the Toyota dealer.
I was asked to fill out an "alleged" (quotes supplied by me) description of the problem, and the service man checked the floor mat, and it lay undisturbed flat on the floor where it was supposed to be. The car floor was dry, my boots were dry, the roads were dry and there was no frost inside the car. Needless to say, I will not drive that car again. The next day, the service rep listened to my problem and introduced me to the manager who stated that all those problems were related to the floor mat sticking to the accelerator pedal. (Why would Toyota keep installing such a mat if it continued to put customers in such peril?)
Then I turned to the Internet and found that a class action lawsuit had been settled in 2014, to the tune of over a billion dollars for the very same problem that I experienced. So far, I have been ignored, insulted and am drawing a blank at finding a solution to my problem.
I was hoping you could help – either putting me in touch with a lawyer who could handle another class action suit, or helping me get in touch with some authority or board who was interested in hearing my plea.
Thanks
J”
Keep in mind I am not a legal expert, but in my 40-plus years in the business I have some knowledge regarding these types of situations. First, anyone can file a complaint form regarding such situations with Transport Canada on their website at www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-defectinvestigations. My review of both Transport Canada and NHTSA (US) databases revealed no active recalls or bulletins for this issue on this model year of RAV4. Yes, there are dozens of consumer reports on the web, but just because someone posted something doesn’t necessarily substantiate it. Toyota and most other carmakers are very sensitive to unintended acceleration after massive recalls of certain older models related to defective gas pedals (the 2012 Rav4 wasn’t involved with these recalls).
You may also have the option of seeking redress through Toyota's voluntary arbitration system with CANVAP – Canadian Vehicle Arbitration Program (see www.canvap.ca for details). All that being said, without definitive and verifiable proof that this event happened (and no arbitrator will simply take your word for it) and without some type of identifiable flaw, in my humble opinion you will not likely get what you’re looking for; replacement or buyback of the vehicle.
The bucking you experienced after shifting to neutral was the result of an engine RPM limiter that shuts off fuel injection to avoid letting the engine over-rev. It is normal. You took all the right actions including turning off the key. However, trying to shift an automatic transmission into park while the vehicle is moving will do nothing as the vehicle must be stationary in order for the park lock to engage. Most late model vehicles now have another failsafe to prevent unintended acceleration. If the engine control computer reads or sees an open throttle and brake pedal application at the same time, it will reduce engine power to allow the vehicle to be brought under the driver’s control.
While, from your description, the floor mats were not likely the cause, I'd recommend replacing them with a floor liner from Weathertech or Husky (see weathertech.ca). These thin but durable waterproof liners are custom molded to specific floors of every make and model of vehicle sold in Canada. They fit up against the firewall and seats so that shifting is impossible and they do a much better job of protecting the carpeting and the electronics under them in our climate. I can understand your desire not to operate this vehicle any longer but the only option I can see (again in my humble opinion) is to trade it in.
If you have any questions, opinions, or stories on anything automotive please drop me a line, [By email to emc@perfprint.ca or directly to bjoeturner@hotmail.com listing ‘Question for the Car Counsellor’ in the subject line or by post to Record News Communications, 65 Lorne St., P.O. Box 158, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 4T1]. When using regular mail, please supply a phone number if you seek direct contact (due to volume, I can’t always promise replies).
Yours in service
Brian Turner

TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES RECALLED OVER BRAKE ACTUATOR FAULT




TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES RECALLED OVER BRAKE ACTUATOR FAULT


Thousands of Toyota and Lexus vehicles are being recalled in the US after an issue with the braking system was identified.
Toyota and Lexus vehicles recalled over Brake Actuator FaultAt this stage there is no word of any Australian Toyota or Lexus vehicles being affected in the recall, though we will keep an eye on the situation and report on any information that comes to hand regarding cars sold locally.

The Toyota and Lexus recall affects 2016 models of the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX 350 and ES 350.

Being overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), owners are being told that the affected vehicles are equipped with a potentially faulty Brake Actuator. This fault could affect systems such as the ABS and Traction Control.
Possibly becoming damaged during manufacturing, the NHTSA warns that the fault could prevent the actuator from operating properly, increasing the risk of crash.



NHTSA: Important Recall Info That MAY Affect Your Vehicle




U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety recall and MAY create a safety risk for you or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a potential safety defect could lead to injury or even death. Safety defects must be repaired by a dealer at no cost to you.
Why am I getting this email?
You are receiving this message because you requested to be notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if there is a safety recall that may affect your vehicle.
The following may apply to one or more of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. Click on the NHTSA Campaign ID number below to read more about the safety issue and the reason for the recall.
To find out if your specific vehicle is included in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Tool.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :16V236
Manufacturer :Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
Make / Model Years :SCION / 2016
TOYOTA / 2016
Subject :Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Label/FMVSS 110
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America's roadways.


close RECALL Subject : Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Label/FMVSS 110

Sunday, May 8, 2016

NHTSA: TOYOTA RECALLS



U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety recall and MAY create a safety risk for you or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a potential safety defect could lead to injury or even death. Safety defects must be repaired by a dealer at no cost to you.
Why am I getting this email?
You are receiving this message because you requested to be notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if there is a safety recall that may affect your vehicle.
The following may apply to one or more of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. Click on the NHTSA Campaign ID number below to read more about the safety issue and the reason for the recall.
To find out if your specific vehicle is included in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Tool.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :16V215
Manufacturer :Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :TOYOTA / 2016
Subject :Occupant Classification System/FMVSS 208
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America's roadways.


 RECALL Subject : Occupant Classification System/FMVSS 208





U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Your vehicle MAY be involved in a safety recall and MAY create a safety risk for you or your passengers. If left unrepaired, a potential safety defect could lead to injury or even death. Safety defects must be repaired by a dealer at no cost to you.
Why am I getting this email?
You are receiving this message because you requested to be notified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if there is a safety recall that may affect your vehicle.
The following may apply to one or more of your vehicles if your vehicle is listed below. Click on the NHTSA Campaign ID number below to read more about the safety issue and the reason for the recall.
To find out if your specific vehicle is included in the recall, use our VIN Look-up Tool.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :16V228
Manufacturer :Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
Make / Model Years :TOYOTA / 2015-2016
Subject :Incorrect Weight Calculations on Label/FMVSS 110
What is a recall?
When a manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a car or item of motor vehicle equipment creates an unreasonable risk to safety or fails to meet minimum safety standards, the manufacturer is required to fix that car or equipment at no cost to the consumer. That can be done by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund (for equipment) or, in rare cases, repurchasing the car.
What should I do if my vehicle is included in this recall?
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is very important that you get it fixed as soon as possible given the potential danger to you and your passengers if it is not addressed. You should receive a separate letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, notifying you of the recall and explaining when the remedy will be available, whom to contact to repair your vehicle or equipment, and to remind you that the repair will be done at no charge to you. If you believe your vehicle is included in the recall, but you do not receive a letter in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer, please call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or contact your vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter and for your commitment to helping save lives on America's roadways.


RECALL Subject : Incorrect Weight Calculations on Label/FMVSS 110