Nearly 20 recalls in the last 60 days

Recalls are boring news. They’re in fact so boring that we only cover them once in a while now. The number of recalls per month has actually reduced since the last time we did a rundown, by about 35%. Of course, the general media still chooses to sensationalise some recalls more than others, especially anything to do with Toyota. In the past two months, there have been recalls by Lexus, Land Rover, General Motors, Ford, Honda, Suzuki, Chrysler, Saab and even Mazda, the last of which is a hilarious one.

Honda has announced that it is recalling 2,277 of the American-built 2010 Accord and CR-V models for an electrical coupling that may have been damaged while the engine was being installed in the vehicles. If this is the case, the engine could stall during normal operation. Only a few Accord Coupe models imported from the U.S. would be affected in the GCC, if any.

Honda has announced a recall on around 700,000 vehicles globally, including the Jazz, for faulty lost motion springs in the valve train. The springs may fatigue and break over time, causing the engine to stall as a result. The recall covers certain 2009-2010 Jazz, Fit, Freed and City models, and so far the company has received a total of 72 complaints of the issue in Japan and 29 complaints from elsewhere in the world.

Land Rover is recalling the Land Rover Defender 4x4s manufactured between October 5, 2007 and November 4, 2010, prompted by safety concerns over possible braking failures caused by leaking oil from the defective transfer case. This one affects GCC models too.

General Motors is recalling certain 2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe models as well as GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models because some vehicles were built with rear-axle cross pins that may not have been heat-treated. As a result, the pieces could fracture and move out of position. If this happens, the defect could cause the rear axle to lock up while driving. Very few vehicles may be affected in the GCC.

Saab is recalling 2010-2011 9-3 models for defective fuel pumps. The vehicles made have been built with pumps that did not meet the correct specifications, and as a result, the pumps may seize, causing the engine to stall.

Toyota has issued a voluntary global recall on Lexus sedans, including the 2006-2007 Lexus GS 300 and GS 350, 2006-2009 Lexus IS 250 and 2006-2008 Lexus IS 350, due to faulty installation of fuel pressure sensors. If this sensor has not been fastened tightly enough, fuel has the potential to leak between the gasket that connects it to the fuel delivery pipes. However, no cars in the GCC are apparently affected.

Toyota’s other global recall involves faulty fuel pipes and fuel check valves in various models, among them the Toyota RAV4. However, the recall does not affect any cars in the GCC.

The Lexus recall that does apply to the GCC is the one for 2003-2006 RX 330 and RX 350 models, for floor mats that could possibly slip out of place and trap the accelerator pedal. The 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4 and the 2008-2011 Lexus LX 570 are also affected in the U.S. but do not seem to be mentioned in the UAE recall.

Toyota is also recalling various truck and SUV models over improperly calibrated tyre pressure monitoring systems. The U.S. recall involves certain 2008-2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma and Tundra models, in which the warning light may fail to illuminate in the event of a deflated tyre. Toyota will recalibrate the warning systems for free, although a GCC recall has not been announced.

Ford announced a recall of certain 2011 models that were built in a six-day period, including some 2011 Edge, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550 and Lincoln MKX vehicles. for a faulty body control module that may short out and cause a fire. That likely means only a couple of vehicles would be affected in the GCC, if any.

Ford is issuing another recall for 1999-2003 Windstar minivans in cold-weather areas for the front suspension’s lower control arm, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments, all of which can potentially corrode to the point of becoming a safety hazard, with one possible cause being condensation from a/c lines that drip on the subframe on the right-front side of the vehicle. The recall will likely not be performed in hot GCC countries.

Ford has announced that the automaker is recalling some 2009-2010 F-150 models for faulty door handles. The interior handles feature a housing embossment that may fracture with normal use. If this happens, the door latches may not fully return to their stowed position, and as a result, the doors may pop open during an accident. The recall covers trucks manufactured between January 18, 2008 and November 30, 2009 but it is unclear if the recall is being conducted in the GCC.

Ford has also announced that it is recalling 150,000 of the 2005-2006 F-150 pickups in the U.S. for airbags that may deploy without warning, which has apparently happened in 238 incidents there. Ask your local dealer about the recall in the GCC.

Chrysler is recalling certain 2010 Chrysler Voyager variants that were built with ignitions that could accidently switch from the “run” position to “accessory,” thereby causing the engine to shut off.

Suzuki is recalling 2009-2011 Grand Vitara SUVs and 2010-2011 SX4 cars for a pulley that supports the drive belt, which runs alternator, water pump, air conditioner and power steering pump. Should the belt come off while driving, the vehicle will quickly become more difficult to steer and the engine could stall. Dealers will swap the pulley out for one that works correctly. A GCC recall hasn’t been announced.

Cadillac is recalling around 50,000 of the 2009-2010 CTS models worldwide. Jam nuts on the car’s suspension could come loose over time, eventually allowing the toe link to completely separate from the vehicle. If this happens, the rear wheel could turn in or out, making the vehicle difficult to steer. GM says that owners may hear a metallic clanking noise in the rear of the vehicle as a warning before this happens. So far, no accidents have been reported. Contact your local dealer for details.

Cadillac has also recalling certain 2011 Cadillac SRX models that may have been built with a defect that can prevent the crossover’s defroster from effectively clearing the windshield. The problem was discovered to during a production trial, in which one in 50 vehicles exhibited the defect. It is likely that some GCC vehicles are affected.

And finally, Mazda has issued a U.S. recall for American-built Mazda 6 “Ultra” sedans due to the potential obstruction in the car’s evaporative system. Apparently, the evaporative canister vent line of certain 2009-2010 Mazda 6 “Ultra” models makes the perfect home for some species of spider. If the web clogs the line, excessive negative pressure may build up in the vehicle’s fuel tank, which is likely to eventually cause a crack in the tank itself. Mazda says that it will inspect the vent line and clean it as necessary. Additionally, dealers will install a vent in the line to prevent the spider from crawling back down into the line and making webs.

As usual, if any of these recalls affect GCC-spec cars, the local dealer will perform the repair for free.