NHTSA Investigates '04-'05 MINI Cooper Over Power Steering Issue

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/nhtsa-investigates-mini-cooper-over.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522064530172159394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKJQbtuyJaI/AAAAAAADWgk/DuS0fMsY4ho/s800/MINI-11.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">After having received 54 complaints from owners of the 2004-2005MY <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/MINI">Mini Cooper</a> over an alleged loss of power steering, the National National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided to take action and open a preliminary investigation into the matter.<br /></span><p></p><a name="more"></a><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here's what the safety agency said on its website:<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Office of Defect Investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. When the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle. Some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle. The reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure."</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If the government agency's investigation reveals there is indeed a problem with the power steering, then up to 80,000 2004 and 2005 model year Mini Coopers may be affected.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We'll follow up the story and keep you posted as soon as we learn more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKJQThK1yvI/AAAAAAADWgc/NJIwOh3Xg2A/s1600/MINI-12.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522064389361224434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKJQThK1yvI/AAAAAAADWgc/NJIwOh3Xg2A/s400/MINI-12.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" /></a>

NHTSA Investigates '04-'05 MINI Cooper Over Power Steering Issue

After having received 54 complaints from owners of the 2004-2005MY Mini Cooper over an alleged loss of power steering, the National Nationa...

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Hyundai to Recall Nearly 140,000 2011MY Sonata Sedans

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/hyundai-to-recall-nearly-140000-2011my.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521720635447313650" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEXqaDIBPI/AAAAAAADWSM/-yj2ED8AwjA/s800/2011-Hyundai-Sonata_24.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai is recalling certain <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Hyundai%20Sonata">2011MY Sonata</a> sedans over a potential issue with the steering system that could result in a total loss or reduction in steering capability. The recall affects all Sonatas manufactured from December 11, 2009, through September 10, 2010.<br /></span><p></p><a name="more"></a><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here's how the government safety agency describes the problem with the Sonata's steering system:<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"On some of these vehicles the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections may have been either improperly assembled or insufficiently tightened. Improper assembly or insufficient tightening of the connections could result in a complete separation or compromised attachment of the connections, such that the driver could experience a loss of, or reduction in, steering capability increasing the risk of a crash."</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hyundai said dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque, adding that the company will also update the power steering software free of charge.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Recalls">safety recall</a> for the 2011 Sonata is expected to start in early October 2010. For more information, owners may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEXzgJ3-4I/AAAAAAADWSU/41nJX9fsdF0/s1600/Sonata_44.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521720791705058178" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TKEXzgJ3-4I/AAAAAAADWSU/41nJX9fsdF0/s400/Sonata_44.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>

Hyundai to Recall Nearly 140,000 2011MY Sonata Sedans

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Hyundai is recalling certain 2011MY Sonata sedans over a potentia...

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GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

<a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/2010/09/gm-recalls-over-20000-cadillac-cts.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088826025958930" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe-C78a3hI/AAAAAAADUNQ/LVlbt-uQdpo/s800/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-01.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 349px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Cadillac%20CTS">Cadillac CTS</a> and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glove box compartment. NHTSA's tests showed in the event of a frontal crash, if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the risk of leg injury is higher than permitted under Federal law. It goes without saying that despite the NHTSA's findings, passengers should wear their seatbelts at all times.<br /></span><p></p><a name="more"></a><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Being <a href="http://trends-automotive.blogspot.com/search/label/Recalls">a manufacturer recall</a>, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Detroit automaker said the safety recall is expected to begin on or before October 20, 2010. For more information, owners of the affected CTS and CTS-V models may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9tYNOGxI/AAAAAAADUNI/bPThmG3tpeo/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088455655496466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9tYNOGxI/AAAAAAADUNI/bPThmG3tpeo/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-1.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9sz3bmbI/AAAAAAADUNA/NLBvcftOyu8/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088445900429746" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9sz3bmbI/AAAAAAADUNA/NLBvcftOyu8/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-6.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9rLtXfwI/AAAAAAADUM4/o-JF05k3UfE/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088417940930306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9rLtXfwI/AAAAAAADUM4/o-JF05k3UfE/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-5.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9qhbSH0I/AAAAAAADUMw/aZWyqCHHxa4/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088406590791490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9qhbSH0I/AAAAAAADUMw/aZWyqCHHxa4/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-4.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9pmM6uJI/AAAAAAADUMo/murDdsjnIA0/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088390692845714" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9pmM6uJI/AAAAAAADUMo/murDdsjnIA0/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-3.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9o-yiN1I/AAAAAAADUMg/Pa_ZdZYtgXA/s1600/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519088380113205074" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/TJe9o-yiN1I/AAAAAAADUMg/Pa_ZdZYtgXA/s200/2010-Cadillac-CTS-CTS-V-2.JPG" style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 151px; height: 101px;" /></a>

GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glo...

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