Car Recalls and Investigations: Ford and BMW May have Recalls Coming; GM Announces Two

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The NHTSA has expanded on two high profile investigations for Ford and BMW. At the same time, General Motors announces two car recalls for one of its new models.
DETROIT, M.I. – Car recalls may be on their way for two automakers as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates Ford Motor Corp and BMW for possible problems in over 2.7 million vehicles. At the same time, General Motors and the NHTSA agreed it would be in the best interest of owners to have two separate components inspected by certified dealers and replaced or repaired as needed.
Investigations
Ford Motor Corp.
Beginning in September of last year, the NHTSA investigated possible issues with Ford’s No. 1 selling truck: the Ford F-150.
The problem was due to possible corrosion of the fuel tank strap, which may cause the strap to fail, the tank to fall and be dragged behind the truck. If the tank is dragged long enough, it may eventually catch fire.
Originally the investigation began due to 32 complaints from owners that covered 1.4 million trucks and there were no reports of fire. Since September the complaints have increased substantially to 300 complaints, which span across 2.7 million F-150 trucks—models 1997 to 2001—and there have been two fire reports. No injuries or deaths have occurred at this point.
The NHTSA is still conducting its investigation into whether there needs to be a recall initiated for the 2.7 million trucks possibly affected.
BMW
A preliminary investigation was initiated in Sept. 2010 by the NHTSA, but the agency has now upgraded the investigation to an ‘engineering analysis’ of 60,000 Mini Coopers for the 2004-05 years to determine if a recall is needed.
There have been 519 complaints on a government website because of unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving. Owners are stating it becomes difficult steering or controlling the vehicle.
Also, 4,508 warranty claims have been issued for steering issues and there have been reports of five minor crashes and three fires.
NHTSA will continue its investigation to determine if a recall is necessary.
Car Recalls
General Motors has determined that the new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze may have two potential defects that owners should be aware of.
The two problems consist of a bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft as well as a transmission shift linkage that were both not installed properly.
The bolt needs to be inspected in 128,911 Cruze vehicles to ensure it is fully seated and the shaft is properly assembled. If the shafts separate due to improper installation, there could be a loss of steering, which may lead to a crash.
Chevrolet Cruze models with automatic transmissions need to have their transmission shift linkage inspected and adjusted as needed for correct alignment. There are 100,308 models possibly affected by this issue.
If the linkage is not properly installed, the shift lever may not match the correct position of the transmission gear. This mismatch of positions may prevent the driver from restarting the vehicle or the vehicle may not be placed completely into park causing the vehicle to roll once the driver has exited the vehicle.
All owners may contact Chevrolet at 800-630-2438 or visit www.gmownercenter.com.
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[Source(s): NHTSA, The Detroit News, LeftLane]

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ashton.porta
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