Getting an oil change and automotive services done regularly can keep your vehicle in great running shape, but some times a more serious issue can arise. Jiffy Lube is happy to list the following vehicle recalls for your convenience and safety as well. These are updated on a monthly basis.

2003 Honda Accord (May 2008)
2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata (May 2008)
2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe (May 2008)
2003-2004 Toyota Corolla, Matrix (May 2008)
2007-2008 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring (May 2008)
1999-2005 VW Passat (May 2008)
2008 Cadillac STS and STS-Vs (May 2008)
1997-2003 Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix (March 2008)
2008 F-Series Ford Trucks (March 2008)
Combi Child Safety Seats (March 2008)
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Vehicles (March 2008)
2004-2008 Acura TLs (March 2008)
2005-2008 Ford Mustangs (March 2008)
2009 Nissan Murano, 2008 Infiniti EX35 (March 2008)
2008 Porsche Cayenne SUVs (March 2008)
2006-2008 Chevrolet HHR (March 2008)
2006-2008 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator (March 2008)
Evenflo Infant Car Seats (March 2008)
2004-2006 Volvo S40 and V50 (March 2008)
Auto Recalls Increase 30% in 2007 (February 2008)
2007-2008 Honda Fit (February 2008)
2005-2008 Acura RL (December 2007)
2007 Toyota Tundra (December 2007)
2001-2002 Dodge Durango, Dakota, Ram (December 2007)
1997-2003 Ford Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUVs and E-Series Vans (December 2007)
2006 Lexus GS, IS Sedans (November 2007)
2002, 2005-2006 Nissan Altimas, Sentras (November 2007)
2007 Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Others (November 2007)
2004-2006 Toyota Siennas (October 2007)
2007-2008 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger (October 2007)
2008 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring (October 2007)
2005-2008 Volkswagen Jettas, GTIs, Rabbits (October 2007)
Toyota Floor Mats (September 2007)
2007-2008 Jeep Commanders and Grand Cherokees (September 2007)
2006-2007 Dodge, Jeep SUVs (September 2007)
2006-2007 Honda Civic Sedans (September 2007)
2006-2007 Suzuki Forenza and Reno Models (August 2007)
1992-2004 Ford Cars and Trucks (August 2007)
2005 Volvo XC90 SUVs (July 2007)
2007 Nissan Altimas (July 2007)
2007 Jeep Wranglers, Dodge Nitros (July 2007)
2005 Chrysler Minivans (May 2007)

Recall Alert: 2003 Honda Accord
Honda is recalling 353,000 2003 model year Honda Accord sedans due to a potential problem with the windshield wipers. Over time, water can leak into the wiper motor, causing corrosion and eventually wiper-motor failure. The company will inspect all recalled vehicles and replace the wiper motors if corrosion is found. Undamaged vehicles will get a protective shield to prevent future problems. No accidents or injuries have been reported, according to Honda. Concerned owners can contact Honda at (800) 999-1099.

Recall Alert: 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata
393,714 Hyundai Sonata sedans are being recalled due to an issue with the air bag system. The system isn’t defective per se, but the company has received complaints about how it works. Advanced air bag systems are supposed to be able to detect when small children are present in the front passenger seat, then deactivate the airbag from deploying in case of an accident. In regards to children, the force of an airbag deploying is considered more dangerous than if an airbag had not deployed. However, there are complaints that the system is shutting off even when small adults are in the front seat. A small adult would be better served with the airbag deploying. The recall will begin next month. Dealers will evaluate the systems and make necessary repairs. Owners can call Hyundai at 800-633-5151 for more information.

Recall Alert: 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe
We can now confirm that GM is recalling 122,593 2003 and 2004 model year Pontiac Vibes. The Vibe is built alongside the Toyota Matrix and Corolla, which announced recalls over the same model years yesterday. All three are being recalled thanks to faulty window bolts that can come loose and cause windows to shatter.
The recall affects only models with power windows. Notices will go out to owners this month.
Toyota, GM Recall 662,093 Corolla, Matrix, Vibe Cars (Bloomberg)

Recall Alert: 2003-04 Toyota Corolla, Matrix
Toyota is recalling 539,500 2003 and 2004 Corolla and Matrix cars equipped with power windows. The bolts in the power window system can loosen and cause the window to shatter. There have been 143 incidents that led to broken windows, so this is not an isolated case. Toyota says there has been one minor accident and 15 injuries directly related to the defect. A notice will go out to owners later this month. Dealers will replace both front window bolts at no charge. The company says owners with these loose bolts will hear an abnormal noise from either window when they’re being operated. For more information, concerned owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331.
Toyota recalling Corolla, Matrix cars because of power windows (Chicago Tribune)

Recall Alert: 2007-08 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler is recalling its two new midsize sedans, the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger, due to defective electrical connectors. Nearly 181,000 2007- and 2008-model-year cars are involved in the recall, but the company says there have been no accidents involving the faulty equipment. The bad connectors are part of the tire pressure monitoring system and can corrode and short out, leading to various electrical problems, including stalled engines, dead batteries and failing cruise control systems. Owners will receive a notice from Chrysler regarding the problem, and dealers will fix it.
Chrysler recalling 181,000 Avengers and Sebrings (Motor Trend)

Recall Alert: 1999-2005 VW Passat
Volkswagen is voluntarily recalling Passat sedans and wagons from the 1999-2005 model years due to three problems. All told, 410,000 cars are affected. All models with gasoline engines and automatic transmissions will have their heat shields inspected because they’re subject to incurring damage, leading to damage to the exhaust system. In a separate issue, models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine will have their fuel line inspected – and replaced if necessary – because of potential damage. The third problem involves models equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Those vehicles will have their fuel tank ventilation valves inspected for potential damage.  Owners can go to their local VW dealer as of today if they notice the smell of fuel, but official notices won’t be sent out until May 30. The company says no accidents of injuries have been reported.

Recall Alert: 4,586 Cadillac STS and STS-Vs
Cadillac is recalling 4,586 Cadillac STSs and STS-Vs from the 2008 model year due to “premature tire failure.” The failure is due to a faulty tire pressure monitoring system that fails to alert drivers to falling tire pressure, according to NHTSA's recall summary. Such loss of pressure could cause drivers to lose control of their cars.
Repairs can be taken care of at Cadillac dealerships. Owners can contact Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or go to Cadillac's website here.

GM Calls Back Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix
GM has issued a recall for the 1997-2003 Buick Regal GS and the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP from the same model years, not surprisingly for the same problem: a potential oil leak. Hard braking may cause oil to leak under the exhaust manifold's heat shield, which could potentially start a small fire. The fire may not even occur until after the car has been parked for five to 10 minutes, so GM suggests not parking the car in any closed structure (including a garage or carport). GM sent out notifications today, and dealerships should be prepared to fix the problem. The recall affects 207,542 vehicles. Follow the link to GM’s homepage for further information.
Recall Watch: 207,542 Pontiacs and Buicks Recalled Due to Engine Fire Fears (Autoblog)

Ford Recalls 80,000 Trucks
In the spectrum of recalls, there are potential fires on one end and minor fixes on the other. Today’s recall alert falls more on the minor-fix end than the is-something-burning one: Ford is recalling 100,000 2008 F-Series trucks in the U.S. and Canada to fix a weld between the driver’s seat back and a bracket, which has reportedly been cracking. Those cracks make the truck non-compliant with federal regulations for seat-back strength.
Ford will notify owners of the trucks — about 80,000 in the U.S. — later this month.
Ford recalls about 100,000 2008 F-Series trucks (Detroit Free Press)

Combi Child-Safety Seats
As reported on Mother Proof yesterday, Combi USA, a South Carolina-based company, issued a recall for 67,000 child-safety seats due to a failure during collision testing. The company has received no reports of injuries, but testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that the base of the car seat had the potential to separate from the frame during frontal crashes.
The models affected include the Centre, Centre, ARB and Shuttle rear-facing infant seats. The company will supply customers with a free retrofit kit. You can go to www.combi-intl.com for more information or call the company’s consumer relations department at 800-543-7734.
67,000 Child-Safety Car Seats Recalled (MSNBC.com)

4.6 Million Ford Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has re-issued a recall for 4.6 million Ford vehicles due to a cruise-control issue that has caused at least 550 vehicles to catch fire, including 60 since August. According to NHTSA, the fire can occur regardless of whether cruise control is activated or whether the key is even in the ignition. Cars with the problem can be fixed immediately; trucks will merely have the switch, which is currently on back order, disconnected until it can be replaced. NHTSA is urging those who didn’t heed the first recall notice to head to a dealer for a drive-through repair as soon as possible. While this is an old recall, it’s yet to be totally solved. NHTSA estimates that of the 9.6 million vehicles initially recalled, only about 5 million have been repaired, meaning millions of vehicles that could potentially catch fire are still on the road. Ford will yet again notify owners of the fix, probably while hoping this recall is remedied as quickly as possible.
NHTSA Warns Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Owners of Fire Hazards ... (NHTSA)

2004-2008 Acura TLs
Honda has issued a recall of 273,000 Acura TLs from the 2004-08 model years, citing two different mechanical issues. The first has to do with the windshield wipers. Approximately 129,600 ’04 and ’05 TLs could have wipers with a faulty circuit breaker that at some point could leave the wipers inoperable. Fixing the problem involves a simple trip to the dealer to check and replace the windshield wiper motor, if necessary.
If you only have time to take care of one problem on your Acura TL, however, we kind of recommend this second one. In some cases, engine heat has caused a power-steering hose to crack, which could potentially leak steering fluid onto the catalytic converter. This could lead to a great deal of smoke or, in a worst-case scenario, fire. Honda wants to replace all the hoses.
No one has yet reported an accident or injury due to either problem, but Acura will of course fix both free of charge. Clearly this is a bargain: A free windshield wiper motor and your car not catching on fire.
Acura Recalls 273,000 TLs Due to Fire Fears (Autoblog)

Ford Recalls 434,593 Mustangs
Ford has issued a recall for 434,593 Mustangs from the 2005-08 model years after tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed there could be increased risk of neck injury during airbag deployment. According to NHTSA's recall report, the risk of injury is greater for small females in the front passenger seat who are unbelted, sitting with their seat in the full-forward position. To fix the problem, Ford dealerships will reprogram a restraint control module free of charge. Recalls are expected to begin Feb. 28. Consumers can call 866-436-7332 or email www.ownerconnection.com.

2009 Nissan Murano, 2008 Infiniti EX35
Two major new products from Nissan are being recalled due to a software glitch that could cause passenger airbags to fail during a crash. The recall affects 11,511 2009 Nissan Muranos, which went on sale just this month, and 4,854 2008 Infiniti EX35s, which went on sale in late 2007. Nissan will reprogram the software to fix the problem; it should be an easy fix to a potentially dangerous problem. First-year models often have growing pains with problems like this, but sometimes news of a recall can sway potential buyers of a new model.
Owners can contact Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200 and Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 for more information.
Nissan Recalls Murano, Infiniti SUVs for Airbag (Bloomberg)

2008 Porsche Cayenne SUVs
Porsche announced today that it will recall 2008 Cayenne SUVs equipped with a V-6 engine due to a faulty fuel line. In the U.S., the recall affects 5,573 Cayennes, while 392 are affected in Canada. There's not anything wrong with the fuel line itself, but during driving the engine may move just enough to rub the fuel line against the engine compartment, leading to a knocking sound or damage to the fuel line. Porsche will send notices to owners, and the fix will be handled at Porsche dealerships free of charge. The fix will take about 40 minutes to repair, the company says.

2006-08 Chevrolet HHR
GM is recalling more than 180,000 Chevy HHRs due to poor crash-test ratings — an unusual cause. The company is going to insert energy-absorbent materials into the headliner of all models not equipped with roof-mounted airbags. Model year 2006-08 HHRs are included in the recall. It’s extremely rare for a car company to fail a standard federal safety test, and we’re surprised it took so long for the recall to take place, since it involves a 3-year-old model. For more information, contact Chevrolet at 800-630-2438.
GM Recalling 180,000 Chevrolet HHRs (NHTSA via Autoblog)

2006-08 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator
Ford announced today it is recalling nearly 124,000 2007-08 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Navigators for faulty door handles, and 57,000 2006-07 Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, plus Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 vans, for faulty fuel pumps. The first recall impacts the most consumers and involves a spring system inside the door handles of the SUVs. The springs could break and prevent the handles from springing back to a closed position. Because of the defect, the latches could open during a side-impact crash. The other recall deals with a faulty fuel hose in the 5.4-liter V-8 engine that can crack and leak fuel and possibly lead to a fire. No injuries or accidents have been reported due to either problem, but dealers will replace all parts for both recalls at no cost. Letters will go out to owners over the next two months. Contact Ford at 800-392-3673 for more information.
Ford Recalling 180,000 SUVs and Vans (CNNMoney)

1 Million Evenflo Infant Car Seats Recalled
A million Evenflo Discovery infant car seats were the subject of a voluntary recall by the company this week after testing showed the seats could break loose from their base in a collision. Testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered the problem, which affects models numbered 390, 391, 534 and 552 that were manufactured between April 2005 and January 29, 2008.

The company will provide owners with a free dual-hook fastener that will fix the problem and keep the seat attached to its base. The company said there have been no reports of serious injuries or deaths due to the faulty seats. Owners should call Evenflo at 800-356-2229.
Testing finds Evenflo car seat risk; recall set (Chicago Tribune)

Volvo S40 and V50
Volvo issued a recall for S40 and V50 models (23,000 in the U.S.; more overseas) because of a problem with a fuel pump. The pump sits exposed, which can lead to rust and corrosion, which in turn can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. Who wants that?

The recall is for model years 2004 through 2006 and is concentrated in what Volvo calls “corrosion markets.” Hint: If your city uses salt to clear snow from your streets, or if you live in a rainy locale, you’re likely affected. In drier climates, Volvo has simply extended the car’s warranty.
Volvo Recalls 23,000 Vehicles (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Auto Recalls increase 30% in 2007
Recalls by automobile manufacturers increased 30% in 2007 versus 2006, slightly more than previously anticipated. While a large number of recalls is certainly not a good thing for an automaker, it beats not finding the problem. Recalls have risen sharply ever since the TREAD Act of 2000, which — in case you don’t keep careful track of federal consumer safety legislation — was a response to the recall of 10 million Firestone tires. Since then, automakers have averaged 18.9 million recalled vehicles a year, putting 2007’s total of 14.5 million below the average. The total for 2006 was 11.2 million. The biggest recalls this year came from Ford, which topped 5.5 million vehicles recalled. Ford’s difficulties largely stemmed from an August recall of 3.6 million vehicles with faulty cruise control switches, an ongoing problem that has led to 10 million vehicle recalls over the past decade. Other big totals included DaimlerChrysler, with 1.4 million vehicles recalled (down from 2.4 million in 2006) and Volkswagen, which saw its worst year of the decade with 1.4 million vehicles recalled. Some of the “winners” included Toyota and GM, both of which saw sharp declines from previous years, with GM seeing its lowest number of recalled vehicles this decade.
Auto Recalls up 30% in 2007 (Detroit Free Press)

Recall Alert: 2007-2008 Honda Fit
Honda is recalling up to 34,000 Fits from 2007 and 2008 due to a faulty sensor that’s intended to detect children in the front passenger seat. Honda has found that road salt mixing with melting snow can put young passengers in danger. Basically, salty water tracked into the car on boots and shoes during the winter can leach beneath the carpet and corrode the wiring for the occupant detection system. If the wiring severs, the car can no longer tell if a child is in the seat and will deploy the front and side airbags in an accident — a legitimate danger for small children. The recall is in effect for all models registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
Honda Recalling 34,000 Fits (NHTSA via Autoblog)

Recall Alert: 2005-2008 Acura RL
Honda is recalling 43,200 Acura RL sedans due to a faulty power steering hose that may crack from engine heat and pose a fire hazard, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which just released the information on its website today. When the hose cracks it can leak flammable fluid and cause a fire if sparked by a hot catalytic converter. The recall — affecting 2005-2008 model year RLs — was issued because of two fires in automobiles in Japan, which led to an internal investigation from Honda’s Tokyo headquarters. Honda has already begun notifying owners of the hazard and will have dealers replace the hose with a heat-resistant version.
Honda Recalls 43,200 Acuras Over Fire Risk From Hose (Bloomberg)

Recall Alert: 2007 Toyota Tundra
More than 15,000 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tundra pickups are being recalled due to a faulty drive shaft that can separate at the joint. Only one incident has been reported, with no accidents or injuries, but because the potential problems from the defect are so serious, owners should get their trucks serviced immediately. The recall comes amid numerous problems with Toyota’s redesigned Tundra, a vehicle the company hoped would take on Ford’s and GM’s stalwart Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. While Tundra sales are improved from the previous generation, the company has said it will fall short of its first-year projections. Because of recent economic trends, it’s hard to say how much impact technical problems, like the one highlighted in this recall, have impacted sales. They certainly can’t be helping.
Toyota Recalls Tundra Pickups (Detroit Free Press)

Recall Alert: 2001-2002 Dodge Durango, Dakota, Ram
More than 576,000 Dodge trucks, SUVs and vans are being recalled because of a faulty gearshift that could shift out of park without the key in the ignition. This is a serious defect because of the chance of children playing in parked cars. Vehicles included in the recall are all 2001- and 2002-model-year Dodge Durango SUVs, Dakota pickups, Dodge Ram vans and 2002-model-year Dodge Ram pickups. The problem stems from a part that can wear out over time. Nine injuries have been reported. The company instructs owners to always use the parking brake and, obviously, to follow the recall notice for instructions on getting the vehicles serviced and fixed. 
Dodge Trucks Recalled (AP)

Recall Alert: 1.2 Million Ford Trucks, SUVs, Vans
A faulty engine sensor has caused a massive recall of 1997-2003 Ford Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUVs and E-Series vans outfitted with a 7.3-liter diesel engine. The defective part can degrade over time and cause the engine to stall. Ford reports there have been 14 accidents or incidents when the vehicles lost control. Letters will be sent to owners later this month. 
Ford Recalls 1.2M Trucks (Detroit News)

Recall Alert: 34,000 2006 Lexus GS, IS Sedans
Today, Lexus announced a recall on 2006-model-year GS 300 and IS 250/350 models. Approximately 34,000 cars are involved in the recall over two fuel pipes in high-stress areas that can crack over time. Only one case has been reported, with no accidents, the company says. The recall involves both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of the GS and IS. Owners will receive notifications in the mail in December and can visit their Lexus dealer to have newly designed fuel pipes installed at no charge.

Recall Alert: 2002, 2005-2006 Nissan Altimas, Sentras
Last August, Nissan recalled more than 200,000 Sentras and Altimas equipped with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Now the company is expanding the recall to cover some 653,910 vehicles. The new model years impacted by the recall include 2002, 2005 and 2006 Sentras and Altimas. The problem involves a faulty sensor that, if working improperly, can cause the engine to shut off. 
Nissan Recalls 653,910 Sentras, Altimas to Fix Sensor (Bloomberg)

Recall Alert: Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Others
GM is recalling 69,000 vehicles for various issues. The biggest chunk of the recall involves 57,100 2007-model-year Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs. The recall is safety-related, but not a defect, per se. The company will install additional safety foam in models not equipped with side airbags or sunroofs. The change will help lessen the chance of head injuries in a crash. GM is also recalling 20,514 2001-model-year Saturn L-Series cars over a timing chain in the engine that could separate when the engine is running. Rounding out the recall announcement are 11,974 2001-model-year Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks equipped with 8.1-liter V-8 engines. A faulty sensor can cause the engine in these trucks to stall.
GM Recalls Pickups, SUVs (Detroit Free Press)

Don't Call it a Recall: Toyota to Fix 600,000 Siennas
We’re not sure how Toyota can send a mailing to owners of Sienna minivans made between 2004 and 2006 to fix faulty front doors and not call it a recall, but that’s what they’re doing. Complaints about the doors malfunctioning — swinging freely instead of stopping at a certain threshold — have circulated on the internet for some time.
Now Toyota is offering to repair any Sienna up to 5 years old that has fewer than 100,000 miles on it. This includes Siennas that were bought used or are past their warranty period. Toyota will also reimburse owners who paid out of pocket to have the doors repaired. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel does a thorough job explaining the problems of real-life owners as well as Toyota’s work to fix the problem. They even interviewed Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder. We’d like to see the problem considered a legitimate recall, and would also stress that Toyota is
taking steps to give aid to customers.
Toyota to Cover Defect (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Recall Alert: 2007-08 Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger
Chrysler is recalling 102,042 2007-08 model year Chrysler Sebring and 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans with 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines for potentially faulty cooling fan motors. The connectors in the motor could lead to fires; there have been reported incidents, but no accidents or injuries. This news comes on the heels of two other recent recalls by Chrysler, but the company says this year’s recall numbers aren’t unusually high.
Concerned owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information. 
UPDATE: Chrysler To Recall 102,042 Sebrings, Avengers (CNNMoney.com)

Recall Alert: 2008 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler will recall 72,333 Chrysler Sebring convertibles and Dodge Avenger sedans from the 2008 model year because of faulty door latches. The front doors of the two models can become stuck in the unlock position, leading to the doors opening in situations when they shouldn’t, namely, crashes. Dealers will install additional parts to ensure that even if the primary latch does fail, the doors will not open. In a separate recall, the company is recalling 1,158 2008 Dodge Avenger all-wheel-drive models for faulty fuel tank straps. The straps could separate from the body of the car, leading to the tank potentially loosening. Owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.
Chrysler Recalls 77,233 Sebring Convertibles, Avengers (Autoblog)

Volkswagen Recalls 340,000 Jettas, GTIs, Rabbits
On Friday, Volkswagen announced it was recalling 340,000 cars due to faulty headlights. Jetta, Rabbit, GTI and R32 cars from the 2005-2008 model years are included in the recall. As of today, any owner can bring their car in to get the problem fixed. Faulty headlights can be a hazard in night or daytime driving. No injuries have been reported, and concerned owners can call 1-800-822-8987 for more information.
Volkswagen Recalls 340,000 Cars (CNNMoney)

 

Toyota Recalls 55,000 Floormats
This has got to be the easiest-to-fix recall notice we can remember, even though the problems caused can be severe. Toyota is recalling 55,000 all-weather floormats because they can stick underneath the gas pedal, causing unwanted acceleration. It seems that complaints arose about the unintended acceleration in 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedans, but we’ve also heard similar complaints regarding the Toyota Prius. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is highlighting the recall because of the number of reported accidents — eight in the Lexus ES 350 alone. So what’s the problem? The all-weather mats are made of rubber, and if they aren’t properly clipped into place they can slide below the pedals and become stuck when the gas pedal is pressed. One owner reported reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph due to the problem. There were also incidents of owners and dealers “installing” the all-weather mats over the standard floor mats instead of replacing one with the other. In total, 30,500 mats for the 2007 Lexus ES 350 and 24,500 mats for 2007 and 2008 Toyota Camrys will be recalled in November, with replacements given free of charge. There’s no word on other Toyota and Lexus models included in the recall. NHTSA suggests owners check to make sure their current mats are secured properly and are not resting on top of the standard mats.
Toyota Recalls 55,000 Floor Mats (The Detroit News)

 

 

Jeep Recalls SUVs Due to Faulty Brakes
Jeep is recalling 28,755 Commanders and Grand Cherokees from the 2007 and 2008 model years to replace front-brake parts that can fail. Both SUVs could have brakes made of the wrong type of metal, which can fracture, making the time it takes to stop increase to an unsafe rate. No accidents or injuries have been reported.
The Jeeps included in the recall were made between May 17 and July 13 of this year. Brakes will be replaced at no cost, and concerned owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.
Chrysler Recalls Jeep SUVs to Replace Brake Parts (Bloomberg)

Nearly 300,000 Dodge, Jeep SUVs Recalled
Chrysler announced today that it’s recalling almost 300,000 SUVs from the 2006 and 2007 model years due to potential brake problems. This includes more than 156,000 2006 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wranglers and almost 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.
There have been 20 complaints about the SUVs’ brakes, which suffer from a delay in braking while going uphill. Chrysler will reprogram the computer that controls the antilock braking system. The company is also recalling more than 72,000 2008 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles due to faulty front door latches and locks. There were no reported incidents from that recall. Notices will be mailed out in coming weeks, but owners can call 800-853-1403 for more information.
Chrysler Recalls Nearly 300,000 SUVs to Fix Brake Problem (The Detroit News)

Honda Recalls 182,756 Civic Sedans
Honda is recalling 182,756 Civic sedans from the 2006 and 2007 model years in the U.S. to fix a faulty wheel bearing that may cause the wheels to fall off. This significant recall is a rarity for Honda, which maintains one of the lowest recall rates in the industry. Toyota has recently seen an increase in recalls as well. In a separate recall, 19,904 2006 Civics are being recalled because of a brake light that may fail. Honda will notify owners by mail concerning both recalls, but you can call 800-999-1009 to get more information. All damaged parts will be replaced at no cost as part of the recall.

Suzuki Recalls 2006, 2007 Forenza and Reno Models
Faulty front seat belts are the reason behind a large recall of Suzuki Forenza sedans and Reno hatchbacks. More than 75,000 cars in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are included. The problem seat belts don’t latch properly to the buckle and may pop out under strain. Obviously this is a serious issue, and Suzuki will replace the belts at no cost to owners. Suzuki has been seeing improved sales of late with the new XL-7 SUV and SX4 hatchback, but neither the Forenza nor the Reno are the company’s finest products; they’re manufactured in conjunction with Korea’s Daewoo. The Forenza is in line to be completely redesigned and built in Japan, while the SX4’s success may spell the end of the Reno.
Suzuki Recalls ‘06 and ‘07 Cars (AZCentral.com)

 

Ford Recalls 3.6 Million Cars and Trucks
Owners of more than a dozen models are waking up this week to a recall involving 3.6 million cars built between 1992 to 2004. That huge number suffers from a faulty cruise-control switch that could lead to fires. Six million vehicles had been recalled in 2005 for the same issue. The company says “a few” Ford Crown Victorias actually caught fire. Unfortunately, the problem is even more disconcerting because it is a possibility at all times, not just when the cruise control is on. 

Here is the full list of recalled vehicles:
1998-02 Ford Ranger, 1992-97 Lincoln Town Car, 1992-97 Ford Crown Victoria, 1992-97 Mercury Grand Marquis, 1993-98 Lincoln Mark VIII, 1993-95 Taurus SHO, 1999-01 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, 2001-02 Ford Explorer Sport, 2001-02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 1992-93 E150-350 vans, 1997-02 E150-350 vans, 1993 Ford F-Series pickups, 1993 Ford Bronco, 1994 Mercury Capri, 2003-04 Ford F-150 Lightning, and 1995-02 Ford F53 motor homes.
Cruise-Control Switch Forces Huge Ford Recall (Washington Post)

Volvo Recalling 42,000 XC90 SUVs
Volvo is recalling 42,000 2005-model-year XC90 SUVs due to potential short-circuits in the battery. The company says no reports of short-circuits have been reported, but that it “wants to be extra careful.” The reason there might be an issue is that the battery is in the rear of the vehicle and can come into contact with a spare tire jack, causing a short. Vehicles will be inspected to make sure the battery is safe, and extra warning labels will be added so owners don’t place the jack handle too close to the battery.
Volvo to Recall 42,000 Cars in North America Because of Short Circuit Risk (DelmarvaNow.com)

2007 Nissan Altima Recalled Over Fire Possibility
Nissan’s most important vehicle, the new 2007 Altima sedan, is the subject of a large recall after four incidents of fire have been reported. More than 140,000 Altima sedans equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine are being recalled because of an air filter that can catch on fire if something hot — like cigarette ash — is drawn into it. Nissan is issuing the recall and has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company says it began contacting owners July 3. The air filter will be replaced, and an air deflector will be added to prevent debris buildup in the filter.   
Nissan Recalls 140,582 Altimas Because Air Filter May Ignite (Chicago Tribune)

2007 Jeep Wranglers, Dodge Nitros Recalled
The redesigned 2007 Jeep Wrangler has been a significant sales success for Chrysler. Too bad it’s back in the news for a recall. Tuesday, Chrysler announced that 80,895 2007-model-year Jeep Wranglers and Dodge Nitros will be recalled to fix faulty power modules that could lead to engine stalls. Wrangler owners had complained of engines stalling at highway speeds, which is a significant problem. In February, Chrysler recalled the same two models, along with many others in the Chrysler family, for faulty antilock brake software. Owners should receive notification in the next week, and Chrysler will reprogram the power module at no cost. For more information, owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
Chrysler to Recall Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro Over Engine Stalls (The Wall Street Journal)

 

270,000 Chrysler Minivans Recalled
As many as 270,958 2005-model-year Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan minivans are being recalled to fix airbags that may fail to deploy. The recall affects minivans built from April 24, 2003, to February 2, 2005. The problem stems from corroded sensors in states that use large quantities of road salt. We’re not sure if that means those in southern or warm-weather states won’t be included in the recall. We’ll update this post as soon as we hear more specifics.
Report: Chrysler Recalls 270,000 Minivans for Air Bag Fix (The Detroit News)