RepairPal Blog:

Goodyear has announced the recall of 40,000 light truck tires. In terms of total tires sold, this is a fairly small recall, but it is very important if you happen to own some of the recalled tires. The tires in question are the Wranger Silent Armor Light Truck (LT) series produced between March 1, 2009 and May 31, 2009. 

The Toyota Motor Corporation announced today that it will recall more than 1.7 million vehicles due to potentially faulty parts, including defective fuel devices. Though no injuries or accidents have been reported, the automaker is recalling 1.3 million Japanese vehicles and 421,000 vehicles from North American, Europe, and other markets, including 245,000 Lexus models sold in the United States. No Toyota models sold in the U.S. are involved in this recall at this time.

The recall was issued because the sensor that measures fuel pressure was installed incorrectly. Over time, engine vibration may loosen the sensor and cause a fuel leak, which is a potential fire hazard. Dealers will inspect the vehicles for fuel leakage and if a leak is discovered, dealers will replace the gasket between the sensor and the delivery pipe. If a leak is not found, they will tighten the fuel pressure sensor with the proper torque.

Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that they were considering a rule that would require trucks that weigh over 26,000 pounds to be limited to 68 miles per hour.

According to the proposal, all newly manufactured trucks will be equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that would limit the speed and be tamper-resistant. Additionally, every class 7 and 8 commercial motor vehicle manufactured after 1990 will be outfitted with an electronic engine speed governor.

These days, if you purchase a product that comes with a decent warranty, you should consider yourself pretty lucky. Every piece of furniture I have ever bought at Macy’s has come with an ironclad warranty that I have had to use and every time they were polite and helpful. When something goes wrong, you don’t want to be hassled. You want it fixed—no questions asked—and for free.

Unfortunately, as with all legal documents, the wording in warranties can be very tricky. Sometimes, the writing is so dense and vague, it seems like companies don’t want you to really understand what you are entitled to.

After more than thirty years, GM’s Mr. Goodwrench has retired.

Mr. Goodwrench was originally created to put a friendly face on your local GM service technician, promoting quality and efficient service and repairs. His retirement hit home with me because I was Mr. Goodwrench for thirty years!

It was the summer of 1982. REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Loving You” dominated the charts and Raiders of the Lost Ark played on movie screens across the country. It was August—just days after MTV played its first videos and nearly everyone was wearing Jellie shoes, headbands, and  legwarmers. I was seven and living in Virginia, down the road from my cousins, Bobby, Mike, and Christy.

Even before I knew anything about boys, I knew my cousin Mike was popular with the ladies. He had a ton of girls after him and whenever someone would tease him about being a ladies man, he would drop his eyes and smile softly ... so humble. He was good looking, fun, and athletic. I idolized him.

Today, the Toyota Corporation announced a recall of nearly 1.53 million vehicles due to brake fluid and fuel pump problems. The recall affects Lexus, Highlander, and Avalon models and includes 740,000 cars in the U.S. and 599,000 in Japan, with the rest coming from other markets in Europe and around the world.

While no accidents have been reported, the two defects included in today’s recall are still potential safety issues. The brake master cylinder could leak oil, which might illuminate the brake warning light, and lead to weaker braking power. Some models, mostly in Japan, have an electrical problem with the fuel pump that could cause engine stalling.

Yesterday, a recall was issued for more than 85,000 U.S. Mercedes-Benz models due to a steering flaw that can make the vehicles difficult to control. The voluntary recall affects the following models—the 2010 C-Class Model 204 and E- Class Model 212; and the 2010-11 E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet Model 207.

In the report, Daimler states that the power steering system may fail due to a loss of power steering fluid. Drivers may not have sufficient control over the vehicle, which could result in a crash, especially when maximum power steering is required, e.g. while parking.

Earlier this week, the Transportation Department and its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced a more comprehensive crash rating system that will now include an "overall vehicle score,” which will combine the results of front and side crash tests, and rollover resistance tests. The system will then compare those results with the average risk of injury and the potential rollover of other vehicles. Here are some of the new changes:

Female crash dummies

BMW has issued a recall for it's 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series models that come equipped with the V8 and V12 Engines. An issue with the braking system may cause a partial or complete loss of power braking assist. 

It's unknown at this time exactly what actions will be taken, but having performed several recalls on European myself, this will likely consist of a visual inspection to identify if the component in question is leaking. If found leaking it may be repaired or replaced, and if it's not leaking some type of repair may occur to prevent future leakage.