Chrysler Recalls 630,000 Jeeps to Fix Air Bags, Seat Belts
Just two days after refusing a government request to recall 2.7 million older-model Jeeps, Chrysler has decided to do two other recalls totaling 630,000 vehicles worldwide.
auto safety
Brake Woes Prompt Toyota to Recall 233,000 Prius Models
Toyota is recalling about 242,000 of its Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles due to problems with their braking systems.
Japanese Automakers Recall 2 Million Cars For Defective Airbags
Four Japananese automakers recall more than 2 million vehicles worldwide for a problem with air bags that may burst, sending plastic pieces flying.
Honda, Chrysler and Toyota Issue Safety Recalls Involving 77,000 Cars
Three top automakers are recalling vehicles for items ranging from steering problems to stalling engines to faulty tire-pressure monitoring systems. The largest involves 35,000 Honda Civic hybrid models to fix electrical components that could cause headlights to shut off or the engine to stall.
2010: The Year of Automobile Recalls
Automakers recalled more vehicles last year than in any of the last six years. And while Toyota Motors accounted for much of the growth, with problems including unintended acceleration and glitchy brakes, many other car manufacturers also saw their recalls increase.
Toyota Denies New Unintended Acceleration Claims
Toyota Motor is once again defending itself against claims that it sought to cover up vehicle defects after it reportedly bought back cars that accelerated unintentionally but failed to disclose the problem to federal safety officials.
Toyota Recalls 1.5 Million Vehicles Worldwide
Toyota Motor is issuing another recall -- this time it involves 740,000 cars and sports-utility vehicles in the U.S. and nearly 600,000 units in Japan to repair a seal on the vehicles' brake master cylinder that may leak fluid and impair braking performance.
CEO at South Korea's Kia Motors Resigns Over Recalls
Chung Sung-eun, vice chairman and chief executive of South Korea's Kia Motors, has resigned following the recall of some 100,000 cars worldwide for a wiring defect.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Tanks Spark a Safety Probe
A federal safety review has been launched targeting some 3 million older model Jeep Grand Cherokees on concerns that their fuel tanks may catch fire in a crash. A report likens the problem to the Ford Pinto's. NHTSA said the investigation covers 1993-2004 model-year vehicles and does not constitute a recall. The agency's investigation could eventually lead to a recall, or it may find that there are no problems.
BMW's Engine Problems: How Big a Safety Risk?
DailyFinance's Peter Cohan has found that certain models of BMW's 335 and 535 might have faulty fuel pumps that can result in diminished engine power or a complete stall. No recalls are in effect. And so far, no one has been seriously hurt. What happens if that changes?
Five Ford Models Are Among Those Getting Top Safety Rating
A trio of Ford Motor midsized sedans are among 2010 vehicles that topped the list of an insurance industry crash-testing organization's tests for safety. Hyundai, VW and Audi models also made the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top grade.
Toyota Posts Profits, Woes Mount
Toyota announced a profit for its last fiscal year, even in the face of massive recalls. But as the U.S. opens another investigation into its safety practices, investors have to think about the potential damage from fines and lawsuits.
Consumer Reports Warns: Don't Buy New Lexus SUV
Toyota halted sales of its Lexus SUV after Consumer Reports, for the first time in nearly a decade, issued a "don't buy" warning on a vehicle -- the Lexus GX 460. The magazine says handling problems could lead to rollover accidents in the Toyota-made SUV.
State Farm Warned About Toyota in 2004
State Farm, the nation's largest car insurance company, has discovered that it first told federal regulators about problems with Toyota cars in 2004, not 2007 as earlier reported. The new information will probably play into a number of class action and product liability lawsuits against Toyota.
Toyota Chief Agrees to Testify Before Congress
In the wake of a request by the head of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Affairs to testify about various safety problems, Toyota's CEO announced he will appear before Congress next week.
Akio Toyoda Bows Out of U.S. Hearings
Mr. Toyoda won't be coming to Washington after all, as local execs will testify before Congress. And his company is considering a recall of the popular Corolla for steering problems.
Toyota Announces Brake Override System
Toyota plans to install a brake override system in all of its new cars. The company will also appoint a global quality committee. But will this bring customers back?
The Feds Crank Up the Heat on Toyota Motor
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's using its statutory authority to compel Toyota to hand over documents relating to the recalls. If found in violation of any laws, the carmaker could face civil penalties of up to $16.4 million.
