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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided to take action and open a preliminary investigation into the matter.

Here's what the safety agency said on its website:

"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."

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.

We'll follow up the story and keep you posted as soon as we learn more.

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 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.

Here's how the government safety agency describes the problem with the Sonata's steering system:

"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."

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.

The safety recall 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.

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 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.

Being a manufacturer recall, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.

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.

Honda's Accord Crosstour Recalled in the US Over Front Airbag Problem

More than 3,300 units of the 2010MY Honda Accord Crosstour are being recalled in the States because of a potential issue with the front passenger airbag.

The Japanese automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the airbag " may not have been assembled according to correct specifications" and that in the event of a crash, "it may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy." No incidents or injuries have been reported related to this issue.

Honda said its dealers will inspect and replace the passenger airbag module if necessary free of charge on the affected Accord Crosstour models. According to NHTSA, the safety recall is expected to begin on or before September 22, 2010.

Owners seeking more information can contact Honda's customer service directly at 1-800-999-1009.

Fire Hazard from Garmin Nuvi Prompts Recalls from Suzuki and Nissan

After Garmin announced a voluntary recall of 1.25 million units of its popular Nuvi GPS system at the end of August amidst concerns that the batteries could overheat and catch fire, Suzuki and Nissan followed with a recall on several vehicles equipped with the affected Garmin Nuvi navigation systems including the 750, 760, or 765 models for the same reason.

The recalled Garmin units can be found on certain Suzuki vehicles including the 2008-2010MY SX4 crossovers, 2010MY Grand Vitara SUVs, and 2009-2010MY Equator vehicles, and the 2008-2010MY Nissan Altima, Frontier, Pahtfinder, Rogue, Sentra, Versa and Xterra vehicles.

In both cases, the automakers will notify owners of the affected models, and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians who will replace the battery and insert a spacer on top of the battery free of charge.

Aston Martin Recalling over 1,000 U.S. Vehicles Over Safety Concerns

British sportscar maker Aston Martin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety recall 1,090 DB9, V8 Vantage and DBS vehicles built between 2007 and 2008.

In a letter sent by Aston Martin to the NHTSA, the British carmaker reported that the camber bolt that holds the front bottom suspension arm was not made to specification and "could crank along its shank" (shaft).

According to the company, this would allow the lower control arm to move freely, affecting the driver's ability to steer, and thus increasing the risk of a crash. The letter went on to say that drivers may hear a metallic rattling sound if the lower control arm had loosened in such a fashion.

An Aston Martin spokesperson told Bloomberg news that the defect was detected through company testing, not through any customer complaints. He went on to say that the driver would still be able to steer, but may notice 'looser handling'.

To rectify the defect, dealers will replace the affected camber bolts free of charge. Aston Martin has notified the NHTSA that the safety recall will begin on or before October 18th of this year.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: NHTSA / Bloomberg

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