NHTSA may test recalled Jeep to see if trailer hitch fix works

Despite the fact that Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have compromised on last month's heated recall situation involving the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty, it looks like the matter is still far from over. The Detroit News is reporting that NHTSA could end up crash testing the repaired vehicles, some of which are receiving Mopar trailer hitches to better protect the rear-mounted gas tank from being damaged during an accident.

You won't be surprised to know that the notion stems from a group of safety advocates that recently met with NHTSA boss David Strickland. The group feels that Chrysler hasn't done all it can to make the vehicles safe, and has gone so far as to request that these vehicles be crash tested using the guidelines in place for the 2007 model year, despite the fact that every Jeep vehicle under investigation met safety requirements for the year in which it was sold.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, on the other hand, seems satisfied with the situation, saying the proposed fix "will keep people safe." That being said, the article points out that the NHTSA investigation has not yet been closed.

2012-2013 Hyundai Azera recalled for passenger airbag fault

Hyundai is recalling 5,200 units of its Azera sedan over a possible airbag sensor malfunction. The occupant detection system in models built between May 22, 2012 and November 23, 2012 might not be able to tell what kind of passenger (adult, child, or child seat) is in the front seat, which could cause improper deployment of the airbag.

Azeras from the 2012 and 2013 model year are affected. Hyundai hasn't yet said when owners will be notified, but once that happens, they'll be able to take their sedans to dealers to have the system recalibrated free of charge. There's a bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration below with more information.

Show full PR text

Report Receipt Date: JUN 25, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V264000

Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5,200
Vehicle Model Year(s) Make Model: 2012-2013 HYUNDAI AZERA
Manufacturer: Hyundai-Kia America Technical Center Inc

SUMMARY:
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Azera vehicles manufactured May 22, 2012, through November 23, 2012. The occupant detection system may fail to properly differentiate whether the front passenger seat occupant is an adult, a child or a child restraint seat.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the occupant is incorrectly classified, in the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the airbag may deploy with greater or lesser force than appropriate, resulting in an increased risk of injury.

REMEDY:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will recalibrate the airbag system. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Hyundai's recall number is "Campaign 111." Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-734-337-9499.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Toyota to recall 185k cars globally, including Yaris

Toyota has announced it is recalling a total of 185,000 vehicles worldwide for a power steering issue. Yaris and (overseas) Vitz models built between November 2010 and March 2012 could suffer a short circuit in their power steering control module if water gets inside. Should that happen, the power steering could fail, increasing effort when turning. The recall also includes the Verso-S and Ractis built from August 2010 to August 2011. The recall covers 130,000 vehicles in Japan and around 22,450 in Europe.

Only 74 units are being recalled in the United States.

Toyota says if the fault occurs, the vehicle will display the Electronic Power Steering warning light on the dash and a buzzer will sound. The automaker will alert owners by mail and dealers will replace the power steering control module free of charge. You can read the quick press release on the recall below for more information.

Show full PR text

Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Yaris Vehicles

TORRANCE, CA July 2, 2013 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 74 Model Year 2012 Toyota Yaris vehicles.

In the involved vehicles, a relay in the Power Steering Control Module of the electronic power steering system could experience a short circuit due to insufficient distances between terminals in the relay and moisture contamination of relay coil windings. This could cause a loss of power steering assist, resulting in increased steering effort at low speeds.

If this condition should occur, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) warning light on the instrument panel will illuminate and a buzzer will sound to alert the driver that the system is not operating as designed.

Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will receive a notification by first class mail. The remedy will involve replacement of the Power Steering Control Module.

Detailed information is available to customers atwww.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Chrysler recalling nearly half a million vehicles with active head restraints

Chrysler has announced that it will recall roughly 490,000 vehicles around the globe due to a potential active head-restraint problem. The problem is being blamed on "potentially faulty microcontrollers" that may keep the vehicles' anti-whiplash active safety feature from working properly. Chrysler says it has no knowledge of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. Models covered under the recall include the 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 (shown) and Dodge Avenger models, along with 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

Interestingly, the Pentastar notes that the faulty part came from an (unnamed) supplier who furnished the parts in the wake of Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami, natural disasters which decimated the world's supply of microcontrollers.

Chrysler says of those nearly half a million vehicles affected, around 442,000 of them reside in the US, with an additional 25,000 in Canada and 10,000 units in Mexico. A further 12,000 models were shipped beyond the NAFTA region. The Auburn Hills automaker will begin sending out recall notices shortly, and technicians will upgrade the system software or replace the microcontroller as necessary at no cost to owners.

Show full PR text

Statement: Active Head-Restraint System

July 3, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC will recall approximately 490,000 cars and utility vehicles worldwide to address active head-restraint function.

Active head restraints are designed to mitigate neck injuries by automatically moving forward during certain rear-impact collisions. Potentially faulty microcontrollers in some vehicles may prevent the systems from functioning properly.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Airbags and shoulder-restraint systems are not affected.

The potentially faulty microcontrollers were installed in a supplied component. They entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage.

Chrysler Group will replace the component or upgrade system software as needed, at no cost to its customers.
Affected are the 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

The campaign involves approximately 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 25,000 in Canada; 10,000 in Mexico; and 12,000 outside the NAFTA region.

Chrysler Group will notify affected customers. Questions or concerns can be addressed by calling 1-800-853-1403.

Haus Auto Group at the 2013 Canfield 4th of July Parade

C7 Corvette production to kick off with Premiere Edition

The much-lauded team behind the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is kicking off production of the new C7 generation in predictable fashion, with a limited edition version of the car announced this afternoon. Chevy is throwing a launch party at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, at which the wrapper is being pulled of this 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition.

Just 500 examples of the Premiere Edition C7 will be built in total, with all being top-spec 3LT models and all wearing this Laguna Blue Tintcoat paint over Brownstone suede interiors. Other appearance upgrades for the Premiere Edition include suede and carbon fiber interior trims, a visible carbon fiber roof, hood stripe, "Stingray" kickplates and wheel caps and, wait for it... a matching set of Stingray luggage from Thule. It's every dude's dream: a Corvette with matching luggage.

Functionally, the Premiere Edition will be blessed with the Z51 performance package, as well as Chevy's trick Magnetic Selective Ride Control. Those, along with the car's impressive 6.2-liter, 450-horsepower LT1 V8, 

Show full PR text

Production of the 2014 Corvette Stingray Coupe Premiere Edition will be limited to 500, all top-of-the-line 3LT models with:

· Laguna Blue Tintcoat exterior, and Brownstone suede interior

· Suede-wrapped interior trim and carbon-fiber interior packages

· Visible carbon fiber roof, variable tuned performance exhaust system, and Z51 Performance Package with Magnetic Selective Ride Control

· Unique accessories, including "stinger" hood stripe, "Stingray"-logo interior sill plates and wheel caps, and custom Corvette-branded luggage from Thule

· Additionally, Premier Edition models will have a unique vehicle identification number, starting with 300001, as well as an exclusive dash plaque commemorating the limited-edition model.

Haus auto group Review !!

Buying a 2005 Jeep
By Headyj18 from East Liverpool Ohio | June 21, 2013

Great experience...I saw a vehicle on the Hausautogroup.com page, I emailed the dealer and in minutes one of the salesmen made contact with me. I drove to the dealer and Frank Crone was very helpful and courteous. By the end of my visit I left with the vehicle I wanted, most of all for the right price. If you are looking for a great experience of buying a car I highly recommend Haus auto and please ask for Frank Crone. Thank you Frank!

Rating from Headyj18

Overall: 5