"No Safety Problem" -- Toyota accused of 'not being frank'

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


The possibility of engine fires has prompted General Motors to recall
nearly 1.5 million passenger sedans manufactured between 1997 and 2003,
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday.

The recall covers certain mid- and full-size passenger sedans under GM's
(GM, Fortune 500) Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac brands.

The recalled vehicles all have naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 engines --
that is, engines that uses atmospheric pressure to bring in air for
combustion rather than a mechanical blower -- according to documents filed
with federal regulators by GM last week.


General Motors is recalling about 16,000 2009 models of its Buick Enclave,
Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook to fixd a problem with
the rear seat belt buckle assembly.

The SUVs may have been built with a safety belt buckle in the second or
third row that is missing a rivet. In a crash, the buckle could separate
from the mounting strap.

Read mo
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recal...#ixzz0eEQIsAQb




General Motors is recalling certain models because of a problem with
plastic supply and return ports on the modular reservoir assembly. The
ports may crack, possibly allowing fuel to leak and create a fire hazard.

The recall affects the following models that were sold in specific states:

• CHEVROLET / COBALT 2006-2007
• PONTIAC / G5 2007
• SATURN / ION 2006-2007

The Cobalt and Ion recalls are for 2006 vehicles sold or registered in
Arizona and Nevada. The recall also affects 2007 Cobalt, G5 and Ion
vehicles sold or registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada and
Texas.

Read mo
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recal...#ixzz0eEPtgikx



General Motors is recalling more than 275,000 2009-model cars and SUVs to
fix a problem with the automatic transmission.

Vehicles from the 2009 model-year included in the recall a

• BUICK ENCLAVE
• CHEVROLET COBALT
• CHEVROLET HHR
• CHEVROLET MALIBU
• CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
• GMC ACADIA
• PONTIAC G5
• PONTIAC G6
• SATURN AURA
• SATURN OUTLOOK

The company said teh vehicles fail to comply with federal regulations
regarding transmission braking, theft protection and rollaway prevention.
On some of the vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may
not be fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the
transmission gear may not match.

In this condition, the driver could move the shifter to "park" and remove
the ignition key, not realizing that the transmission gear is not actually
in the "park" position.

Read mo
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recal...#ixzz0eEQALoK1


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has intensified
a investigation of 21 models of General Motors trucks and SUVS
manufactured between 2006 and 2008 because of the possibility of an engine
compartment fire.

More than 2,700,000 GM trucks and SUVs are the subject of the the
investigation because of the possibility that a fire might erupt inside
the engine compartment, even when the ignition is turned off.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the federal safety agency
reported that investigators are now aware of "41 non-crash engine
compartment fires" in the GM trucks and SUVs including 8 fires that may
have caused significant property damage.

Read mo
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...#ixzz0eEQQBwoe


Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for General Motors,
they did. The financially beleaguered automaker announced a recall of
1,738 of its new Hummer H3Ts on Friday, after the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration said a weak support strap could cause the H3T’s
gas tank to fall off, “Increasing the risk of crash.�

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


Hey! Here's a situation that GM is NOT recalling the cars for, even though
they should:

General Motor’s (GM) Pontiac GTO is certainly a head-turning car.
However, many GTO owners say that as cool as the car may be, the tires it
comes with are just plain dangerous.

Are the GTO’s tires defective?

That’s what many owners are claiming. According to news reports, over
1,400 GTO owners have filed complaints and warranty claims after having
their tires blow out well before they should have. In fact, a class action
lawsuit has been filed in California against General Motors alleging just
that. GM says that owners are to blame due to driving hard. However, many
owners say that simply isn’t the case and point to the numerous
complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) that allege premature wear, tire blowouts and strut rub on GTOs
manufactured in 2004 and 2005.

What the NHTSA found

The NHTSA has reportedly received nearly 100 complaints about the GTO’s
tires – mainly with the 2004 and 2005 models which were manufactured for
GM by an Australian subsidiary. The Australian version came with standard
tires, but those sold in the U.S. were equipped with wider tires that
allegedly resulted in contact with the struts. This caused the tires to
wear prematurely and damage the car’s struts. GM tried to correct the
problem with its 2006 model by redesigning the front strut system,
although the NHTSA continues to receive complaints.

GTO owners say they shouldn’t have to pay. GTO owners say that this
problem is clearly a design defect and that they shouldn’t have to pay
to have it fixed – especially since fixing it means spending thousands
of dollars. However, GM has not yet issued a recall and it doesn’t seem
likely that it will in the near future.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told U.S.
> safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats -- but
> it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed early
> warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


Gm announced separate recalls of 14,500 vehicles, more than half involving
trucks and buses with throttles that could get stuck in the open position.
GM said the possible defective throttles led it to recall about 7,500
Chevrolet and GMC Model B6 trucks from 1989-91 and model B7 school buses
from 1993 with 6 liter engines.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


OCT 01, 1993 | Recall ID# 2158 Hide Details
Recall Reason VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Recall Date OCT 01, 1993
Model Affected ELDORADO
Potential Units Affected 8545

Recall Summary
THE THROTTLE CABLE CAN BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE RETAINING BRACKET.

Consequence
THE DISENGAGED THROTTLE CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THETHROTTLE CAM
MECHANISM, RESULTING IN THE THROTTLE STICKING IN EITHER THE OPENPOSITION
OR CLOSED POSITION. WHEN THE THROTTLE STICKS IN THE OPEN POSITION,UNWANTED
VEHICLE ACCELERATION WILL OCCUR WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy
INSPECT THROTTLE CABLES TO ENSURE THE THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE IS FULLY
SEATED IN THE RETAINING BRACKET AND INSTALL A CABLE TIE STRAP TO SECURE
THE CABLE IN ITS CORRECT SEAT.

Notes
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem

Feds upgrade GM throttle case.(National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration may force recall of some General Motors' pickups and
sport-utilities)(Government Activity)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data
Included) Automotive News, September, 2002 by Stoffer, Harry

Byline: Harry Stoffer

Federal safety officials are expanding their investigation of complaints
that throttles stick in full-sized General Motors' pickups and
sport-utilities.

If the investigation were to find a safety defect, the company might have
to recall as many as 3.1 million vehicles for repairs, the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated.

The agency and the manufacturer have collected more than 900 complaints
about the throttles. The complaints included 50 reported crashes with
three injuries.

GM also has recorded more than 229,000 warranty claims for possibly
related throttle body repairs on the trucks. The affected models are
1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban and Avalanche; GMC Sierra,
Yukon...

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told U.S.
> safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats -- but
> it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed early
> warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


Wow. 1968:

This 1968 CHEVROLET CHEVROLET recall affects the VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Manufactured by GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Description Of Defect

Conseqence Of Defect

Corrective Action

Additional Notes

POSSIBILITY THAT CARBURETOR THROTTLE LEVER MAY INTERFERE WITH THROTTLE
RETAINING CLIP.IF THIS OCCURS, CAN CAUSE THROTTLE LEVER TO BE HELD
PARTIALLY OPEN,PREVENTING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION. POSSIBLE THIS WILL
MAKE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO STOP.(CORRECT WHERE NECESSARY WITH IMPROVED TYPE
THROTTLE RODCLIP.)

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem


GM Recall on Throttle Defect
AP
Published: May 30, 1988

DETROIT, May 29— The General Motors Corporation is recalling 39,000 1987
model cars to find about 8,700 built with possibly defective throttle
cables that may cause the throttle to stick open. The recall includes 1987
Buick Electra, Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Ninety-Eight, and Pontiac
Bonneville models, the company said Friday. GM said it has received no
reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem




Vehicle Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESOORS:LATCH Estimated Vehicles
Affected: 139542
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
WATER INTRUSION CAN CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY.

Defect Consequence:
A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE POWER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE
FIRE.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER DOOR LOCK RELAY AND ANY CORRODED TERMINALS.
IN ADDITION, THE NEW RELAY WILL BE RELOCATED TO AN AREA WHERE WATER
INTRUSION IS LESS LIKELY.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
139542

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS Estimated Vehicles
Affected: 49047
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
IN THE EVENT OF A PRIMARY ACCELERATOR CONTROL SPRING FAILURE, THE
SECONDARY (BACK-UP) ACCELERATOR CONTROL RETURN SPRING WILL NOT RETURN THE
THROTTLE TO THE FULLY CLOSED POSITION, AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 124,
"ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM."

Defect Consequence:
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A
VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
49047

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:05:53 -0800, john wrote:

> WASHINGTON -- When owners of Lexus sedans began reporting harrowing
> crashes involving stuck accelerator pedals in early 2007, Toyota told
> U.S. safety regulators there was no safety problem with its floor mats
> -- but it would send owners an orange warning sticker just to be sure.
>
> The flaw has since been linked to at least 12 deaths, and last week,
> Toyota expanded its recall over floor mats to 5.3 million vehicles. As
> with a separate recall of 2.3 million cars and trucks for sticky pedals
> that also could cause sudden acceleration, the automaker downplayed
> early warnings of both problems.
>
> Full article:
> http://www.freep.com/article/2010013...ank-on-problem

Vehicle Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Estimated Vehicles Affected: 579
Model Affected
1994 BUICK CENTURY

1994 Buick Century Defect Summary:
THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE CONDUIT END FITTING WHILE
ENGAGED AND ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD BE LOST.

Defect Consequence:
LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL MAY NOT REDUCE ENGINE SPEEDTO A LEVEL
ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE STOPPEDWITH
THE SERVICE BRAKE, LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN A
VEHICLECRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy:
REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE.

Estimated Vehicles Affected:
579

Notes:
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.