On July 2, 2008, Nissan North America, Inc. announced it was recalling about 169,202 2007 Nissan Sentra vehicles and 2008 Nissan Sentra vehicles because an irregularity in the Robert Bosch Master Cylinder may cause a gap in the groove contact area of the seal, which could result in brake fluid slowly leaking into the brake booster assembly.

This would cause the brake warning to illuminate and, if ignored, a brake circuit may not operate properly, increasing the risk of a catastrophic injury from a car accident.

Nissan dealers will inspect the Master Cylinder/Brake Booster Assembly and will replace it if a brake fluid leak is detected. Nissan owners may contact the company at 1-800-647-7261. For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V311000, July 2, 2008.

On June 27, 2008, E-Z-GO recalled about 16,500 RXV Golf Cars because the hip restraints on the cars can detach at the base, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The company received 20 reports of hip restraints breaking, including nine reports of broken bones and abrasions resulting from falls.

Included in the recall are electric and gasoline-powered Fleet RXV, Freedom RXV and RXV Shuttle 2+2 golf cars. Model names and the E-Z-GO logo are printed on the sides and front panel of the recalled vehicles. Serial numbers, ranging from 9300001 to 9300188 and 5000000 to 5021328, are printed on a plate attached to the steering column, as well as the front and rear frames.

Independent golf car dealers and E-Z-GO sold the recalled RXV Golf Cars nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for between $7,000 and $9,000.

Consumers are advised to contact the nearest E-Z-GO dealer to arrange for a free repair. For more information, customers may contact E-Z-GO at 800-774-3946, or visit the company’s website.

Source: “E-Z-GO recalls RXV golf cars due to fall hazard,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #08-591, June 27, 2008.

On July 17, 2008, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. recalled about 42,000 2007 TRX 420 Rancher ATVs and 2008 TRX 420 Rancher ATVs because of a risk of personal injury to riders. If the ATVs’ rubber constant velocity (CV) boots get punctured or join, the joint may become contaminated. This could cause severe binding of the CV joints, resulting in a sudden loss of steering control.

The recalled Rancher ATVs, also known as the Honda FourTrax Rancher 4X4, are adult-sized vehicles designed for riders 16 years old or older. The ATVs were sold in red, black, olive and camouflage, with the Honda name and logo printed on the fuel tank. Model years are printed on a label on the frame behind the left front wheel, with the model name “Rancher” on a label at the left rear of the vehicle.

Honda ATV dealers nationwide sold the recalled TRX 420 Rancher ATVs from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $5,300 and $5,600. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled ATVs and contact any Honda ATV dealer to schedule a free repair.

For more information, customers may also contact Honda at 866-784-1870, or visit the company’s website.

Source: “All-Terrain Vehicles recalled by American Honda Motor Co. due to risk of loss of control hazard,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Alert #08-595, July 17, 2008.

On June 24, 2008, Nissan North America, Inc. recalled about 180,664 2005-2006 Nissan QX56 vehicles, 2005-2006 Nissan Armada vehicles, and **2005-2006 Nissan Titan vehicles because they may be equipped with an improperly sealed air conditioning condenser fan motor. This may allow excessive water intrusion and inadequate drainage of moisture, causing corrosion in the motor and possibly leading to overheating, posing a fire hazard.

To remedy the problem, Nissan dealers will install a “Thermal Protector Kit” and test the fan motor, replacing it if necessary.

Customers may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. For more information, consumers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V284000, June 24, 2008.

On June 19, 2008, Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. reported a recall of 73,000 2004 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles and 2005 Mitsubishi Galant vehicles because the ignition key interlock cable may allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the gearshift is not in the park position. If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll, causing catastrophic injury from a car accident.

Mitsubishi dealers said they will inspect and correct the recalled Galant vehicles. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V276000, June 19, 2008.

On June 13, 2008, Buell Motorcycle Co. recalled about 1,579 2008 Buell 1125R motorcycles because a lack of lubrication can cause 5th gear galling, which can result in a rear wheel lock-up. This can cause a catastrophic injury from a motorcycle accident.

Dealers will inspect and repair the recalled Buell motorcycles. Owners may contact Buell Motorcycles at 1-414-343-8400. For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V267000, June 13, 2008.

On June 24, 2008, Arctic Cat Inc. recalled about 6,000 2008 Arctic Cat 50cc All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and 2008 Arctic Cat 90cc All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) because the speed controller may fail to return to the idle position when the throttle lever is released, which could result in loss of vehicle control and personal injury to the rider.

Both 2008 model 50cc vehicles and 90cc vehicles are included in the recall, and have the following model and model numbers:

• 2008 DVX 50 Black/Red, Model Number A2008KSA2BUSD,
• 2008 DVX 50 Black/Lime, Model Number A2008KSA2BUSE,
• 2008 DVX 50 Pink, Model Number A2008KSA2BUST,
• 2008 DVX 90-California-Black/Red, Model Number A2008KSB2BCAD,
• 2008 DVX 90-California-Black/Lime, Model Number A2008KSB2BCAE,
• 2008 DVX 90-California-Pink, Model Number A2008KSB2BCAT,
• 2008 DVX 90 Black/Red, Model Number A2008KSB2BUSD,
• 2008 DVX 90 Black/Lime, Model Number A2008KSB2BUSE,
• 2008 DVX 90 Pink, Model Number A2008KSB2BUST,
• 2008 50 2X4 Auto Green, Model Number A2008KUA2BUSG,
• 2008 50 2X4 Auto Red, Model Number A2008KUA2BUSR,
• 2008 50 2X4 Auto Pink, Model Number A2008KUA2BUST,
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto-California-Green, Model Number A2008KUB2BCAG,
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto-California-Red, Model Number A2008KUB2BCAR,
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto-California-Pink, Model Number A2008KUB2BCAT,
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto Green, Model Number A2008KUB2BUSG,
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto Red, Model Number A2008KUB2BUSR, and
• 2008 90 2X4 Auto Pink, Model Number A2008KUB2BUST.

Arctic Cat dealerships sold the recalled 2008 Arctic Cat 50cc ATVs and 2008 Arctic Cat 90cc ATVs from July 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,800 and $2,400.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled ATV and contact their local dealer for a free repair. For more information, customers may contact Arctic Cat at 800-279-6851, or visit the company’s website.

Source: “Arctic Cat Recalls Model Year 2008 50cc and 90cc Youth Model ATVs,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-588, June 24, 2008.

On May 22, 2008, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced a recall of 2008 Volkswagen Passat vehicles, 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon vehicles, and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan vehicles because software on the engine control module may malfunction with the air conditioning turned on. This could cause an engine surge, which could potentially result in catastrophic injury from a car accident.

Volkswagen dealers will inspect and update the malfunctioning software free of charge. Customers may contact the company at 1-800-893-5298. For more information, consumers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [Campaign ID Number 08V235000]http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallresults.cfm?start=1&SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=08V235000&summary=true&PrintVersion=NO), May 22, 2008.

On May 21, 2008, General Motors Corp. reported a recall of 5,862 2000-2002 Chevrolet Blazer, 2000-2001 GMC Jimmy, and 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada vehicles because the multifunction switch could develop a condition that causes the stop lamps and rear hazard lamps to become inoperative. This could mean a following driver is unable to notice if the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped, which could cause a catastrophic injury from a car accident.

General Motors dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier if needed. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V231000, May 21, 2008.

On May 12, 2008, Kawasaki Motors Corporation reported a recall of 2006 Kawasaki ZX14 motorcycles and 2007 Kawasaki ZX14 motorcycles because when a crossmember separates from the frame, the rear suspension could collapse. This could result in the rear of the motorcycle collapsing, causing catastrophic injury.

Kawasaki dealers will check the torque of the engine mount adjusting collars, and will inspect the frame, replacing if necessary. Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381. For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID Number 08V222000, May 12, 2008.

On May 13, 2008, Chrysler LLC recalled about 1,600 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers because some vehicles have insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and the rear brake tubes, which could cause a partial brake system loss over time. This can result in catastrophic injury from a car accident.

To remedy the problem, Chrysler dealers will install a revised brake tube clip, inspect the brake tubes for damage and replace the brake tubes, if necessary.

Chrysler owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-88-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: Chrysler Recall No.H17, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID#08V202000, May 13, 2008.

On May 13, 2008, Chrysler LLC recalled about 25,000 2006 Jeep Commander vehicles because the powertrain control module was programmed with software that may allow the engine to stall under certain conditions, which could lead to a catastrophic injury from a car accident.

Chrysler dealers will reprogram the software in all equipped 2006 Jeep Commanders that were built before January 11, 2006.

Chrysler owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. For more information, customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-88-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Source: Chrysler Recall No.H19, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID#08V203000, May 13, 2008.

Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc. has announced a recall on its 2006, 2007 and 2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles that is expected to begin on or around May 26, 2008, due to a faulty right front passenger airbag system.

The right front passenger seat contains sensors programmed to detect the difference between a child and an adult, and turn the airbag off or on accordingly. The “Occupant Classification System” (OCS) in the recalled Sonatas, however, may improperly classify a small stature adult as a child and disable the airbag inappropriately. The consequence of such an error could be catastrophic in the event of a serious car accident that merits airbag deployment.

Consumers are advised to take their 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonatas to their local Hyundai dealer to have the OCS tested. Hyundai can be contacted at 1-800-633-5151.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID 08V161000, April 23, 2008.

Chrysler LLC. announced a recall for its 2007 Chrysler Sebring, 2008 Chrysler Sebring, 2007 Dodge Avenger, and 2008 Dodge Avenger due to defects in the electrical wiring which may lead to a catastrophic injury from a car accident.

The recall was issued on April 15, 2008, after the Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System wiring was shown to be susceptible to corrosion. This corrosion may lead to a short circuit in the electrical system, possibly causing engine no-start, dead battery, inoperative cruise control, and/or engine stalling, which could lead to catastrophic injury from a car accident. So far, Chrysler LLC. recalled 180,963 vehicles.

Consumers who purchased a 2007 Chrysler Sebring, 2008 Chrysler Sebring, 2007 Dodge Avenger, or a 2008 Dodge Avenger are advised to visit their local Chrysler dealership to have the problem remedied free of charge. Chrysler LLC. can be contacted at 1-800-853-1403.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID 08V152000, April 23, 2008.

American Honda Motor Company announced a recall of its 2003 Honda Accord on April 10, 2008, after several reports of windshield wiper failure.

The breathing port for the windshield wiper motor was found to allow water entry, which can cause corrosion inside the motor housing. This may cause the windshield wiper motor to fail, potentially resulting in obscured vision for the driver under adverse weather conditions and increasing the possibility of catastrophic injury from a car accident.

Consumers are advised to take their 2003 Honda Accord to their local Honda dealer to have the windshield wiper motors inspected. If no corrosion is detected, a cover will be installed to prevent any water damage. If corrosion is present, Honda will replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. Honda can be contacted at 1-800-999-1009.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID 08v169000, April 23, 2008.

BMW of North America, LLC. announced a recall of its 2008 BMW X5 on April 10, 2008, after 55 models were discovered to have the wrong rear suspension stabilizer installed.

The recalled BMW X5s were equipped with a sports-suspension stabilizer on the rear axle rather than a standard-suspension stabilizer. The incorrect stabilizer can cause an over-steer reaction during high speed lane changes which may lead to a catastrophic injury from a car accident.

The owners of the recalled BMW X5s are advised to contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 or through email.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID 08V170000, April 23, 2008.

In April 2008, Toyota Motors announced a recall of more than a half-million recalled 2003 Toyota Corolla, 2004 Toyota Corolla, 2003 Toyota Matrix, and 2004 Toyota Matrix models sold in the U.S. due to faulty window glass.

The recalled Toyotas are model-year 2003 and 2004 equipped with power windows. Driver and front-passenger door-glass bolts can loosen, causing the door glass separate window from the window regulator.

The condition in the recalled Corolla and recalled Matrix may cause “abnormal noise” when the power windows operate. Toyota will notify owners of involved vehicles in late April. Parts will be replaced free to the customer. The recall is in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator.

Source: Jeff Bennett, The Wall Street Journal, “Toyota to Recall Cars For Window Problem,” April 10, 2008.

Chrysler LLC announced it is recalling 212,347 2007 Chrysler Sebrings, 2008 Chrysler Sebrings, 2007 Dodge Avengers and 2008 Dodge Avengers globally in order to correct an electrical problem that may lead to engine stalling and other issues.

The recalled Chrysler Sebrings and recalled Dodge Avengers were sold with standard tire pressure monitoring systems. According to reports, unused electrical connectors for the monitoring system could become corroded and short circuit, leading to problems starting the engine, a dead battery, an inoperative cruise control, or engine stalling.

Consumers may contact their dealer, who will seal the wires for the tire pressure monitoring system at no cost. They may also can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Source: The Associated Press, “Chrysler recalls 212,000 cars,” April 8, 2008.

On April 4, 2008, Volkswagen Group of America Inc. announced a recall of about 410,000 gasoline powered 1999 to 2005 Passats because of potential heat shield damage, though the company noted no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Some Volkswagen Passats with automatic transmissions may have an underbody heat shield that could be subject to damage, and some have 1.8T engines with fuel lines that require potential replacement.

Recalled Passats may also be inspected for potential fuel tank ventilation valve damage.

Volkswagen intends to notify owners of the Passat recall. Drivers who smell fuel should take their Passat to a Volkswagen dealer or authorized repair shop.

Source: “Volkswagen recalls 410,000 Passats,” Abc11.com, April 5, 2008.

On March 17, 2008, Sprinter recalled about 727 of its 2007-2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500 passenger vans and 2007-2008 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 passenger vans. The recalled passenger vans may not have head impact protection pads installed, which could result in personal injury in the event of a car accident.

The recalled Sprinter passenger vans are equipped with a 144-inch wheelbase and standard roof height. They are in violation of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 201U: Occupant protection in interior impact.

Dealers will inspect the recalled Sprinter vans and install head impact protection pads if they are not already installed.

Owners may contact Sprinter at 1-800-992-1997. Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID number 08V109000, March 17, 2008.

On March 17, 2008, General Motors recalled about 207,542 of its 1997-2003 Buick Regal and 1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles after receiving 267 reports of vehicle fires and six injuries, one of which was moderate. The vehicle fires have also caused 17 structure fires. Models included in the recall are the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix with a 3.8L supercharged V-6 engine.

Drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold if the owner brakes hard. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs past the heat shield, it may ignite a small flame, which could spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel.

General Motors representative Carolyn Markey said the recalled Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles are safe to drive, but should not be parked in garages, carports, or other structures until the cars are repaired.

General Motors does not currently have sufficient parts to repair all of the recalled vehicles, and owners will be notified as soon as parts are available. Until then, the company encourages owners to have their cars inspected if they notice a burning odor, and to use premium fuel (91 octane or higher).

For more information, owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID number 08V118000, March 17, 2008; “GM recalls cars after fire warnings,” Abc11.com, March 14, 2008 (http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/consumer/recalls&id=6020758).

On March 17, 2008, Kawasaki Motors Corp. recalled 31,789 of its motorcycles because the fuel hose may not be properly connected to the fuel injector delivery pipe. If the fuel hose comes off, the risk of a fuel leak is increased, which could result in a fire or explosion.

The following are the years and models involved in the recall:

• 2006 KAWASAKI / VN900B6F
• 2006 KAWASAKI / VN900B6FL
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900B7F
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900B7FL
• 2008 KAWASAKI / VN900B8F
• 2008 KAWASAKI / VN900B8FL
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900C7F
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900C7FL
• 2008 KAWASAKI / VN900C8F
• 2006 KAWASAKI / VN900D6F
• 2006 KAWASAKI / VN900D6FL
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900D7F
• 2007 KAWASAKI / VN900D7FL
• 2008 KAWASAKI / VN900D8F
• 2008 KAWASAKI / VN900D8FL

Kawasaki dealers will inspect motorcycles’ fuel hose connection and will replace the fuel hose if needed.

Owners may contact Kawasaki at 1-866-802-9381. Customers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit safercar.gov.

Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign ID number 08V114000, March 17, 2008.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that Recaro North America, Inc. recalled Signo and Como child restraint systems due to a potential malfunction with the harness disconnecting, which could lead to injuries in the event of a car accident.

More than 7,498 Signo and Como child restraints were recalled. The recalled child restraints were manufactured before December 18, 2007, with color model codes of “330.00” and “331.00.” They were recalled because the restraint can become disconnected when