Stay up-to-date with You Auto Know each week on the latest safety recalls. Below are stories that have been reported on You Auto Know, but for a comprehensive search to see if your vehicle is subject to a recall, check with your dealer or NHTSA for complete details on any recall that may affect your vehicle. The NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline is 1-888-327-4236 (toll free 8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday-Friday) and can be accessed on-line at www.nhtsa.gov

Chrysler recalls over 68,000 new vehicles (12/22/06)

DaimlerChrysler will recall over 68,000 of its newest vehicles, including the just-released Dodge Nitro sport utility vehicle and the Jeep Compass. 62,339 vehicles from its 2007 model-year line-up would be recalled to fix a brake system problem could cause drivers to lose control. 11 models across all three of its brands were affected by the recall with notices scheduled to go out to registered owners in February. In addition to the Nitro and the Compass, 2007 models covered by the recall are the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty. Some of the vehicles could suffer a failure of a computer that controls the brakes, causing a loss of anti-lock and brake distribution systems, traction control and speedometer functions. Owners of the models covered by the recall should take their vehicles to Chrysler Group dealers for inspection if the instrument panel warning light is illuminated.
Separately, Chrysler said it would recall 6,086 of its Sebring sedans to reprogram the heating and cooling systems because of a problem with windshield defrosting. The company said owners would be notified of the recall in January.

Volkswagen Recalls Passat Vehicles (12/8/06)

Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced safety recalls to address two issues in some 2006 and 2007 model year Passat sedans, and in some 2007 model year Passat wagons. Some of the affected 2006 model year Passat vehicles have a wiper motor that may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. If this happens, reduced visibility could result. Also, some 2.0T engine-equipped 2006 and 2007 Passat sedans and some 2007 Passat wagons may have a power brake vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures. If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brake and therefore possible increased vehicle stopping distance.

Volvo recalls 360,000 cars for speed control bug (11/24/06)

Volvo is recalling about 360,000 cars because of a problem with vehicle speed controls that can cause engines to lose power without warning. Volvo said a defect in the electronic throttle module in cars built between 1999 and 2002 could cause the vehicle to shift into a "limp home" mode in which the maximum speed is about 15 miles per hour. The recall applies to Volvo C70 and V70 models built between 1999 and 2002, S60 models built between 2001 and 2002, and S70 and V70X models built between 1999 and 2000.

Britax Voluntarily Recalls Boulevard(R) Child Restraint (Model #E9L57) (11/22/06)

Britax Child Safety, Inc. announced today they are conducting a voluntary recall of Boulevard child restraints (model #E9L57) that fail to comply with safety regulations. The recall includes units of this model produced from March 1, 2006 through August 1, 2006. No other model is affected. During random product evaluation, Britax determined that under certain circumstances the top tether hook may open or break and release from the tether anchor. This situation has only been demonstrated with the child restraint installed forward-facing with tether attached with a test dummy simulating a child weighing greater than 50 lbs. If the top tether hook were to break, in the event of a crash, the child restraint may move from the upright position to a reclined position. With this condition, there is the increased risk of injury.

Toyota Recalls Scion TC Sports Coupes (10/24/06)

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling about 30,000 Scion tC sports coupes over concerns that the side air bags could inadvertently deploy if the door is slammed forcefully. The recall affects about 20 percent of the tCs produced during the 2005 and 2006 model years. The vehicle is only sold in the United States. The automaker said seat-mounted side air bags and side curtain air bags could deploy if the door on that side of the vehicle is closed forcefully while the ignition is on or within 90 seconds of when the ignition is turned off. Toyota has received reports of 17 incidents in which the air bag deployed. No accidents, deaths or injuries have been reported. Scion, Toyota's youth-oriented brand, will send recall notices to owners next month. Dealers will replace the side air bag sensors at no charge. Consumers can call the automaker at (866) 707-2466.

Nissan begins recalling SUVs because of ignition key defect (10/19/06)

Nissan Motor Co. has begun recalling about 132,000 vehicles globally -- including 80,000 in North America -- because of an ignition key defect. Overseas, the Tokyo-based manufacturer is recalling about 70,000 Muranos in North America, 300 in Taiwan and 800 in Singapore. Also being recalled for the same defect are 10,000 Maxima sedans in North America. Some of the rods connecting the ignition part with parts that start the engine are too long, so the cars sometimes don't start properly. Occasionally, the engines start even when the ignition is turned off and the driver moves the steering wheel. The recalls involve only models using Nissan's "intelligent keys" with integrated circuit chips inside, which allows drivers to open their car doors with their keys still inside their pockets by just pressing on the handle. Drivers don't need to insert the intelligent key to get the car to start, and can keep the key anywhere nearby. The defect involved in Thursday's recall is not related to the integrated circuit chip features, but with the regular ignition part of the key.

Ford recalling over 145,000 vehicles in U.S. (9/6/06)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling over 145,000 vehicles in the United States for a range of problems from defective latches to faulty drivetrains. The recall involves 139,537 2005 model-year Five Hundred and Montego sedans and 2005-2006 model-year Freestar minivans because the side door latches may let in water. This may cause the latch mechanism to freeze in cold weather and the door could open while the vehicle is moving, the agency said. Separately, Ford is also recalling 6,164 Escape hybrid sport utility vehicles from 2006 model year because a drivetrain shaft may fracture. If a fracture occurred, it could cause the vehicle to move, even in the park position.

Chrysler to recall more than 180,000 vehicles (9/6/06)

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler unit said it will recall more than 145,000 Dodge Ram light duty pickup trucks to replace the passenger air bags. The automaker will also replace the front passenger seat belt assembly in the same model trucks and in an additional 15,151 vehicles. The front passenger seat belt may not allow the owner to properly secure some child restraint systems. Chrysler will also recall more than 35,000 Dodge Durangos to check their console wiring connectors.

Ford Recalls 1.2 Million Vehicles (8/3/06)

Ford Motor Co., already reeling from business setbacks, recalled 1.2 million trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans Thursday amid concerns about potential engine fires. Ford said the recall was tied to the speed control deactivation switch system, which could corrode over time, overheat and ignite. The recall involves vehicles fueled by gasoline or natural gas and equipped with speed control, including the 1994-2002 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 F-Super Duty trucks, 2000-2002 Excursion SUVs, 1994-1996 Econoline vans and 1996-2002 E-450 vans, and 1998 Explorers and Mountaineers. The recall does not involve similar vehicles fueled by diesel.

832,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs Recalled (8/2/06)

832,000 2002-2006 Jeep Liberty SUVs have been recalled to address a possible loss of steering. That includes virtually every Liberty ever produced. The problem arises from a ball joint that could wear down faster than it should, ultimately failing completely and forcing the front end to drop onto the front tires. This would obviously cause a loss of steering control and has accounted for three injuries and 111 other customer complaints to Chrysler. This is the second major recall for the Jeep Liberty’s suspension.

Toyota Recalls Vehicles Over Faulty Engine (7/18/06)

• The recall affects 268,570 vehicles sold in Japan across 12 models manufactured in 2001, including Corollas, the compact cars Vitz and Platz and the hybrid Prius. A faulty engine part could lead to an oil leak in the engine and cause it to stop, the statement said. There have been no accidents blamed on the fault, according to Toyota. The recall also affects about 150,000 cars sold overseas, mainly in the United States and Canada. These autos were also manufactured in 2001.
• In the United States, 24,490 cars sold under the name Echo and Yaris, as well as 8,476 Prius vehicles are affected by the recall.

Toyota, Nissan recall vehicles over defects (7/13/06)

• Toyota's recall involves 2004-05 models of the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 330 and early 2006 models of the Highlander hybrid SUV and the RX 400h, the hybrid version of the RX 330, said Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong. A clip could come loose and allow a small trim piece of the console, located on the center-left side of the front compartment, to interfere with the accelerator. The recall affects 232,000 gasoline-powered Highlanders and 3,700 hybrid versions of the SUV. Among the Lexus models, 123,500 RX 330 SUVs fall under the recall, along with 8,300 RX 400h hybrid models.
• The Nissan recall involves vehicles with 2.5 liter engines. The automaker said changes in temperature can interrupt the signal from a sensor in the engine compartment, leading to an engine stall in low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. The automaker said the recall involved 186,279 Altimas and 14,587 Sentras.

Toyota Recalls 130,000 Tundras (7/10/06)

Toyota is recalling all 2003 - 2005 model year Tundra pickups due to a federal regulation regarding airbag deployment and child safety seat use. The Tundra has a cutoff switch that turns off the front passenger side airbag if an adult isn't in the seat, meaning it also shouldn't deploy if a child seat is in place. However, NHTSA also requires a safety anchoring system for the child seat, which the Tundras in question don't have. The confusion is apparently due to the timing of the new regulations, but Toyota has decided that instead of installing the costlier safety anchoring system it will simply deactivate the cutoff switch, so the passenger airbag will always deploy. That means no child seat should ever be placed in the front seat.

9,000 Toyota FJ Cruisers Recalled Amid Blog Rumors (6/29/06)

On June 26, Toyota filed a recall notice with NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which handles recalls) regarding a problem with the tire mounting that could damage the beading inside the tire. NHTSA updates its recalls weekly, and the FJ recall is not listed in the most recent notice, dated June 29. The bead is an integral part of the tire that connects the actual rubber to the wheel. Toyota discovered the problem through its own quality-control process, and no injuries or defects have been reported by owners. Toyota outsources tire mounting for the FJ to another company.

Volkswagen recalls 34,000 Passats worldwide (6/29/06)

Volkswagen recalled 34,000 units of its Passat mid-sized car worldwide due to a potential problem with the clutch. Passats built between April and May 2005 equipped with 2.0-litre TDI engines and six-gear manual transmissions were affected by the recall.

Mercedes-Benz Announces Voluntary Recall Campaign of Certain SLR McLaren Vehicles (6/19/06)

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC will conduct a voluntary recall campaign on certain model year 2005 - 2006 SLR McLaren vehicles with regard to the alternator. The company has determined that under hard operating conditions, the engine compartment temperatures can increase to a level which exceeds the design parameters for the alternator and creates the potential for an engine compartment fire. A damaged alternator cannot assure sufficient voltage to supply the vehicle electrical system. If this condition occurs, the driver will first be informed of alternator damage by the instrument cluster multifunction displays indicating the shut down of some vehicle comfort features such as A/C, radio, etc. If voltage drops further, the multifunction display will indicate "Battery/Alternator Stop Vehicle." In that case the driver should shut off the vehicle and contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and have the vehicle towed in for repair. The dealer will improve engine compartment cooling, install a modified control unit and a new alternator.

Chrysler recalls 111,000 Grand Cherokees (6/12/06)

Chrysler Group will recall about 111,000 of its Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles after learning that electric seat heaters may overheat, posing a fire hazard. The recall only affects those Grand Cherokee models produced in 2003 and 2004, and would cover just under 111,700 vehicles. Chrysler announced the recall after learning that the front electric seat heater elements may overheat and possibly result in a fire. So far, Chrysler had learned of 32 alleged reports of fire, according to a company spokesperson, although no related accidents have been reported.

Volvo Recalls SUVs for Ball Joints, Wiper Arms. Land Rover, Chrysler, Jeep, Cadillac, Saab also subject of Recalls (6/6/06)

• Owners of most 2003 - 2006 Volvo XC90s will be asked to return their SUVs to dealerships for two repairs. Volvo Cars of North America Inc. said about 109,000 of the vehicles need new outer tie-rod ball joints. The joint can loosen and break, making the vehicle hard to steer. Volvo said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the defect.
• Separately, Volvo will replace wiper arms and retaining nuts on about 122,000 XC90s, also built for the 2003 - 2006 model years. The connection between the wiper driveshaft and wiper arm can be damaged if the driver turns wipers on in extreme weather conditions without loosening the blades from the windshield.
• In a third Volvo recall, owners of about 16,000 S40 and V50 cars built for the 2004 - 2006 model years are to return them to dealerships for a fuel line repair. The cars are equipped with T5 turbocharged engines. They have fuel lines that are sensitive to the heat near the turbo-exhaust manifold and can develop leaks. The replacement line is made of heat-resistant Teflon, Volvo said.
• Land Rover North America Inc., like Volvo a member of Ford Motor Co.'s Premier Automotive Group, also has notified NHTSA of a pair of recalls. An electronic control unit is to be reprogrammed on about 44,000 vehicles so the driver cannot remove the ignition key if the transmission is out of park. Affected vehicles are the 2005 - 2006 LR3 and 2006 Range Rover Sport. NHTSA says the defect creates a risk that a parked vehicle could roll away and crash.
• In another recall, nearly 11,000 Range Rover Sports built for the 2006 model year and equipped with 19-inch wheels are to be repaired. The fix will prevent left front wheel balance weights from contacting brake components during hard left turns. Brake light failures are the reason for sizable recalls by General Motors and Volkswagen of America Inc.
• GM is replacing brake-light switches on about 405,000 small pickups. Affected models are the 2004 - 2006 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon and the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350.
• VW is replacing a brake-light switch that may have been installed incorrectly during two previous recalls. The recall covers about 362,000 cars — 1998 - 2002 New Beetles and 1999 - 2002 Jettas.
• Model: 2006 Dodge Charger, Magnum; Chrysler 300 (all with 2.7-liter engine) Problem: Brake tubes, too close to exhaust recirculation pipe, develop leaks. Fix: Replace damaged tubes; secure brake tubes to right front shock absorber tower. Number of affected vehicles: 44,000
• Model: 2006 Jeep Wrangler (with six-speed manual transmission)
  Problem: Hydraulic clutch master-cylinder linkage rod breaks.
  Fix: Replace linkage rod.
  Number: 6,900
• Model: 2005 Cadillac SRX, STS
  Problem: A faulty weld allows a rear suspension link to break free, causing wheel to turn in or out.
  Fix: Replace link.
  Number: 23,000
• Model: 2001 Saab 9-3
  Problem: Fuel leaks where lines connect to pump.
  Fix: Install bracket on fuel pump.
  Number: 12,000

Toyota recall hits 1M vehicles (5/31/06)

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling nearly 1 million vehicles across the globe to replace faulty parts that could cause drivers to lose control of the steering wheel. The recall affects about 986,000 vehicles across 10 models, including its popular Prius hybrid car. More than half of the affected vehicles are in Japan. The intermediate shafts and sliding yokes in the recalled cars lack the necessary strength and could distort or crack under strong pressure, causing drivers to lose control of the steering wheel. In the United States, Toyota is recalling about 170,000 Prius models because the steering shaft assembly could become loose or crack under certain conditions.

Volkswagen to recall 362,000 vehicles (5/26/06)

Volkswagen AG is recalling 362,000 vehicles in the United States because a brake light switch may malfunction. The vehicles involved are the Jetta sedan from 1999-2002 model years, Jetta III from 1999-2000 model years and the New Beetle from 1998-2002 model year. The brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on if it was installed incorrectly during a previous recall.

Chrysler Recalls Sedans on Brake Problems (5/5/06)

DaimlerChrysler AG is recalling about 45,000 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum sedans for repairs to prevent brake fluid leakage that could lead to engine compartment fires. The recall affects 2006 model-year vehicles with 2.7 liter engines. In some cases, the exhaust gas recirculation tube could come into contact with the brake tubes, leading to brake fluid leaking and a fire. The recall will involve inspecting the rear brake tubes for damage and replacement if necessary. Technicians also will install a clip on all the vehicles to secure the brake tubes and maintain proper clearance from the exhaust tube.

GM to recall 400,000 pickups due to brake light problem (5/1/06)

General Motors Corp. is recalling about 400,000 pickup trucks due to defective brake lights. The affected vehicles are the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon from the 2004-2006 model years and the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350. Some vehicles may permanently lose brake lamp function or have brake lamps that are always on. On vehicles with cruise control, that function also becomes inoperative. Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly in the affected vehicles at no charge.

Cadillac Recalls 23,000 Sedans (4/27/06)

Cadillac is recalling more than 23,000 of its 2005 SRX and STS sedans. According to Cadillac, the rear suspensions could fail because of a bad weld. Cadillac will inspect and make repairs as required and will also do a wheel alignment. The recall begins in May.

Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Mazda Miata Recalls (4/13/06)

GM is recalling almost 13,000 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS sedans because of faulty power steering hoses. The hoses on some of the 2006 models of those GM cars equipped with V8 engines are prone to separate and leak steering fluid, regulators said. That could cause drivers to loose steering power at low speeds or trigger engine fires.
Mazda is also recalling about 2,600 MX-5 Miatas from the 2006 model year because the driver-side front air bags are prone to dislodge a horn assembly from the steering wheel. The problem, which is prone to happen at very cold temperatures, could injure drivers.

Ford recalling 134,365 SUVs to adjust crash pads (4/13/06)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 134,365 Escape and Mercury Mariner sports utility vehicles to adjust the padding on the driver's side to prevent injuries during a collision. The vehicles affected by the recall are from the 2005 model year.

Ford to recall almost 20,000 Mustang Cobras (4/12/06)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 19,140 of its Mustang Cobra sports cars because the gas pedal could get stuck on the carpet and lead to a crash. The recall covers model years 2003 and 2004. Ford said that during heavy throttle application, the accelerator could get caught in the cutout on the floor carpeting and not allow the pedal to return to the idle position. Owners will be notified later this month to return their cars to a Ford dealer to remedy the problem.

Toyota recalls 57,000 Lexus due to faulty seat belt (4/12/06)

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 11,000 Lexus cars in Japan and 46,000 overseas to fix a faulty seat belt part. Toyota will replace seat belts in both front seats, which can become jammed inside the holding due to a faulty part. The affected cars are Lexus GS and IS sedans. No accidents have been reported due to the defect.

Nissan Recalls 44,000 Frontier Pickups (4/4/06)

Nissan North American Inc. is recalling about 44,000 Frontier pickup trucks because the fuel cap could come off and allow fuel to spill if the vehicle were involved in a severe side crash. The recall affects 2005 and 2006 models of the Frontier King Cab pickup. There have been no crashes, injuries or fires linked to the potential problem. In a severe side-impact crash, the fuel filler cap tether could be stretched and lead to the cap unscrewing. Without the cap, fuel could spill and potentially lead to a fire. The fuel filler cap became unscrewed during a government crash test on Jan. 20. The automaker investigated the issue before deciding to conduct the recall. The recall is expected to begin in mid-April. Nissan said it would notify owners and ask them to bring the vehicles to a Nissan dealer for repair. Dealers will replace the fuel cap tether and pin assembly at no cost to the owner.

Chrysler Recalls 268,800 Vehicles (3/20/06)

Chrysler is recalling 268,800 vehicles from the 2005 - 2006 model years to replace a faulty front windshield wiper motor. The wiper motor armature shaft on the vehicles, which include the Dodge Durango, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, and Chrysler's Town & Country, can break, resulting in a loss of wiper function. Owners will be notified when parts are available.

GM recalls more than 800,000 trucks (3/10/06)

General Motors Corp. is recalling 805,368 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks for weak tailgate support cables. GM is recalling the 1999-2000 models of both brands, in which the cables used to support the tailgate can corrode and fracture with loads.

Audi recalls 70,000 A3 cars due to clutch fault (2/18/06)

Audi is recalling around 70,000 of its A3 cars worldwide because of possible clutch faults. The affected vehicles had 2.0-liter diesel engines and were built between June 2003 and the end of 2004. In some cases, the car would make clearly audible sounds and possibly come to a halt. Parent company Volkswagen had the same problem last year with some series of its Touareg and Golf models. The faults had largely been rectified and new problems were not anticipated.

Recalls- Ford warning lights, Dodge, Mitsubishi Anti-Lock Brakes (2/13/06)

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 211,432 of its Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickup trucks to fix a potentially faulty warning light for anti-lock brakes, the vehicles are from the 2006 model year. These vehicles were built with a software error in the brake system cluster.
DaimlerChrysler AG was recalling 39,274 2006 model-year Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram and Mitsubishi Raider pickup trucks. The rear brakes in some of these vehicles, equipped with four-wheel anti-lock brake systems, could lock up prematurely.

Cooper Tire Recall (2/13/06)

Cooper Tire and Rubber is recalling about 288,000 replacement tires used on passenger cars and light trucks. The recall was prompted by concerns about slow leaks and cracking in the tires -- a small portion of the 40 million tires it produces each year. The models on pickups and SUVs include the Cooper Discoverer S/T, Dean Mud Terrain Radial S-X-T, Durango Radial XTR, Mastercraft Courser C/T, Dick Cepek Radial FC II, Mesa C/T, Pro Comp Xtreme A/T and Tempra Trailcutter Radial RT. The tires used on passenger cars were made from November 2004 to July 2005 and include the Dean Alpha 365 A/S, Mastercraft A/S, Starfire Flite-line IV and Trendsetter SE.
Cooper Tire is also recalling more than 3,000 models of the Cooper Zeon 2XS and Mastercraft Avenger ZHP because of cracking in the sidewall.

Lexus Announces Special Service Campaign (Recall?) on Certain RX 330 Vehicles (2/2/06)

Toyota announced today that it will launch a voluntary special service campaign with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign involves approximately 3,900 early 2004 model year Lexus RX 330 vehicles in the U.S. In certain early 2004 Model Year Lexus RX 330 vehicles, there is a possibility that the anchor bolt for the rear, left-side passenger seatbelt buckle (directly behind the driver's seat) does not have sufficient strength. Lexus has received one report of this condition. Lexus will mail owners of the involved vehicles a special service campaign notification via first class mail beginning in late January or early February, 2006. Lexus dealers will replace the anchor bolt at no charge to the vehicle owners. Owners are requested to contact their local Lexus dealer for diagnosis and repair upon receiving their notification. Customers with questions or concerns should contact the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Cadillac Recalled for Computer Glitch (2/1/06)

A computer glitch that can shut down the engine of the Cadillac CTS and STS luxury sedans has resulted in an order by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall the two General Motors automobiles. CTS and STS models with the V6 engine "may have a situation where fuel is no longer supplied to the engine," according to NHTSA. "This condition occurs without the illumination of the fuel level low indication light or the warning chime," according to the agency. NHTSA reports that if the Cadillac engine stops running, the driver may not be able to restart the vehicle. Cadillac dealers will reprogram the electronic control module in the car with new software free of charge. Owners of the Cadillac CTS and STS were notified in December to maintain at least a quarter of a tank of fuel to avoid the condition. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339 or NHTSA 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Volvo says recalls 42,000 trucks (1/26/06)

Volvo decided to recall 42,000 trucks of its Volvo VN and VHD model in the U.S. market due to a possible fire risk from pipes leaking hot gases into the engine. The inlet pipes on the exhaust gas recirculation system may crack or break. If the pipes were not repaired or replaced then components in the engine compartments may be exposed to hot exhaust gases. Volvo will inspect and replace any damaged parts and install a heat shield on all trucks.

Porsche Recalls 911 Carreras (1/11/06)

Porsche is recalling more than 18,000 of its 911 Carrera series sportscars to replace the exhaust pipes. The German company said the cars being recalled are part of the Carrera S and 4S lines and were produced between April 2004 and October of last year. Porsche says welding on the exhaust pipe could weaken, causing it to ultimately fall off. The company said there are about 30 known cases of the problem, but there are no injuries reported.

Chrysler Group to Recall 265,000 Sedans (1/6/06)

DaimlerChrysler will recall about 265,000 sedans after receiving dozens of complaints about engine fires. The recall involves 1999-2000 Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze and Chrysler Cirrus sedans equipped with the 2.4-liter engine. Chrysler has received 168 reports of fires through November 2005. The automaker said the high-pressure power steering hose may experience premature aging because of heat and could leak power steering fluid, creating the potential of a fire in the engine compartment. Gates said the company had received one report of minor smoke inhalation. Under the recall, the hose, which carries coolant into the power steering system, will be replaced. Gates said temperatures inside the engines of the vehicles were higher than normal, and the automaker was trying to figure out why. The replacement hoses will be more resistant to heat. The recall involves about 210,000 vehicles in the United States and about 55,000 vehicles in Mexico and Canada.

Thousands Of Saabs Recalled For Defect (1/3/06)

General Motors is recalling more than 17,000 Saabs because a defect at the fuel pump connection may lead to vehicle fires. Plastic fuel pump retaining tabs holding the fuel lines were damaged during manufacturing 17,400 Saab 9-3 vehicles at a Finland plant between May 2000 and July 2002. Over time, that could cause the fuel lines to loosen from the pump resulting in fuel leakage. If the leak happens while in the presence of an ignition source, there could be a fire. If you have one of those models, call SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

For a list of 2007 recalls, please check out the 2007 Recalls Archive
For a list of 2006 recalls, please check out the 2006 Recalls Archive
For a list of 2005 recalls, please check out the 2005 Recalls Archive
For a list of 2004 recalls, please check out the 2004 Recalls Archive
For a list of 2003 recalls, please check out the 2003 Recalls Archive
For a list of 2002 recalls, please check out the 2002 Recalls Archive