Ring a Bell? Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Probed for Floor Mats After Complaints About Sticky Accelerators...

Remember Toyota's recall-woes over specific floor mats that could slip forward and snag the gas pedal? Well, we could be heading for a second round of recalls on the same issue but for a different automaker.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a formal investigation into the 2010MY Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan models to examine allegations about pedals becoming trapped in the depressed position by unsecured floor mats.

NHTSA said that it has verified three consumer complaints concerning the current 2010 Fusion stating that Ford's optional rubber "All Weather" mat, when laid on top of the secured, standard carpeted floor mat in the driver's side foot well, can slip forward and trap the accelerator pedal.

The safety agency added that it has not received any complaints involving crashes, injuries or fatalities in the FoMoCo vehicles.

All in all, the investigation covers a total of 249,301 2010MY Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans.

And for those of you that are unfortunate enough to get into a 'sticky' situation, here's the NHSTA's advice to consumers:

Actions Consumers Can Take If They Cannot Stop Their Vehicles
-- Brake firmly and steadily – do not pump the brake pedal.
-- Shift the transmission into Neutral (familiarize yourself with where Neutral is).
-- Steer to a safe location.
-- Shut the engine off.
-- Call your dealer or repair shop to pick up the vehicle. Do not drive it.

Lamborghini Recalling Murcielago Coupe and Roadster Models Over Fuel Leakage Concerns

Lamborghini issued a recall on a total of 428 examples of the 2007-2008 model year Murcielago Coupe and Roadster models in the United States. The reason?

According to the company, the welds holding the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank could detach leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, this situation could result in a fire - and that's definitely something Murcielago owners would like to avoid...

The Italian supercar maker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that its U.S. dealers will replace the Murcielago's fuel tank free of charge.

The safety recall is expected to begin during in June. If you happen to own one of the affected models, you may contact Lamborghini for more information directly at 1-912-409-5634 or 1-508-808-9562.

Toyota to Recall 11,500 Lexus LS Models Worldwide

In the latest episode of a series of massive recalls, Toyota Motor Corp. said today that it plans to recall four Lexus LS models due to problems related to the steering wheel system of the car.

The models in question are the LS460 and LS460L as well as the LS600h and LS600hL hybrids equipped with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), with the recall covering around 11,500 vehicles worldwide including 3,800 units sold in the U.S., 4,500 in Japan and about 40 cars in the UK.

According to Mieko Iwasaki, a spokeswoman for the automaker, many customers in Japan complained about the wheels not returning to original positions fast enough after making turns. Iwasaki said that the problem is both mechanical- and software- related.

Here's how Lexus described the steering wheel-related issue:

"The problem occurs at low speed when manoeuvring the steering wheel to full lock position. If the driver then returns the steering wheel very fast, this could lead to a steering wheel off-centre condition even though the driving wheels would be straight. This phenomenon will be resolved automatically in a few seconds and the driver may notice this correction as the steering wheel centre moves slowly by itself to the centre position when driving straight during the correction operation. The driver remains in control of the vehicle as the steering wheel self corrects itself."

Via: Lexus & Businessweek

Ford Windstar Axles Breaking, NHTSA Investigates

The NHTSA is going to take a break from scrutinizing Toyota to have a look at Ford's '99-'03 Windstar, which is having an issue with its rear axles (mainly in high-corrosion / high-road-salt areas).

According to the New York Times, of the 900,000 or so Windstars sold, there have been 234 reports, 2 accidents, and no injuries so far. The NHTSA claims that "fracture of a rear suspension axle could result in loss of vehicle control".

Ford counteracts, with spokesperson Said Deep stating "the few reports alleging loss of control are inconsistent with how Ford would expect these front-wheel-drive vehicles to respond...The operator retains control of the vehicle at all times."

Unless someone is taking a sharp turn or completely freaks out, Ford's making sense. What doesn't help is that fact that Deep apparently continued his defense by saying all the events happened occurred after the warranty was up.

Here's a thought, since we're all here together in this "save the American auto industry" thing: don't come off sounding like you're saying, "It's not our problem, the warranty is up."

It's YOUR product, so it will always be YOUR problem, too. Don't alienate consumers.

By Phil Alex

Via: NYT and Consumer Affairs

Subaru Issues Safety Recall for 2010 Legacy and Outback Models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall for the 2010 model year Subaru Legacy sedans and Outback crossovers equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The recall affects a total of 29,443 vehicles in the States.

Subaru said in statement that there's a possibility a crack or split can occur in the CVT cooler hose resulting in a fluid leak. According to the Japanese maker, "if the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash."

The company added that it will notify owners and dealers soon and replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. For more information, owners of the affected models can contact Subaru at 1-856-488-8500.

Chrysler LLC Recalling Over 40,000 Cars to Fix Ignition Switch

Today's recall comes from the Chrysler LLC group that is calling in 40,131 vehicles over a glitch with the ignition switch. The Detroit automaker said that the recall includes certain 2010 model year Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger, Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee, and Dodge Ram vehicles.

According to Chrysler, in some of these vehicles the driver may be able to remove the key from the ignition switch prior to placing the shifter in park.

"This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash," Chrysler said in a statement to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The safety recall is expected to begin in July 2010, with the firm's dealers inspecting the affected vehicles and if necessary, replacing the wireless ignition module free of charge.

Infiniti Recalling 134,215 G35 Sedan and Coupe Models Over Airbag Issue

Nissan said on Tuesday it will recall close to 135,000 Infiniti G35 sedans and coupes to address a glitch with a wiring harness connecting the belt tension sensor (BTS) and the occupant detection sensor (ODS) control unit under the front passenger seat that may prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash.

The affected models are G35 sedans manufactured from March 29, 2004 through August 25, 2006, and G35 Coupes built between April 1, 2004 and May 30, 2007.

Even though the Japanese automaker initiated the voluntary recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that Infiniti's parent company Nissan has yet to provide the agency with a fix or a notification schedule.

For more information, Infiniti owners can contact the company directly at 1-800-662-6200.

Acura Recalling More Than 167,000 TSX Sedans for Fire Hazard

Honda Motors' Acura division is recalling 167,255 of its 2004 - 2008 MY TSX sedans with the 2.4-liter inline-four in the U.S. because the power steering hose can potentially deteriorate prematurely and leak fluids causing a fire hazard.

"Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire," Honda said in a notice on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

This latest recall comes only two weeks after Honda recalled approximately 1,850 Acura ZDX crossovers for a potential air-bag problem.

The Japanese automaker said that it will notify TSX owners and dealers will repair the affected vehicles free of charge. The repair involves installing a new power steering hose, o-ring gasket and fluid. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about May 28, 2010.

For more information, TSX owners can contact Acura directly at 1-800-382-2238.