Nissan is recalling more than 152,550 Infinits and Versas with airbag issues. On Jan. 13, the company issued a recall for vehicles between 2005 and 2012. The faulty airbags were manufactured by Takata, which has distributed more than 5.7 million inflators that require replacement.

When the airbag propellant is exposed to high temperatures and humidity, it may degrade over time. In the event of a crash, the passenger airbag inflators may rupture. The inflator may release metal fragments, which could injure passengers. The Nissan recall has been categorized into zones.

As part of a separate announcement, Nissan is also recalling nearly 363,000 Nissan Altimas manufactured between 2015 and 2017. The Nissan Altimas have a cable malfunction that improperly links the window to the door. If the rear window is lowered, the door may open unexpectedly.

Manufacturers issued the Nissan recall on Jan. 10. Due to faulty assembly, the latch and lock cable must be replaced. Nissan has not reported any known crashes or injuries. The affected vehicles are the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South Korea.

Nissan manufacturers are recalling the multiple variations of its Infinitis and Versas, including:

• 2012 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or “Zone A”
• 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45
  • Sold or registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or “Zone B”
• 2009 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or “Zone B”
• 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
• 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• 2007-2008 Nissan Versa
  • Sold or registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Nissan manufacturers will replace the malfunctioning parts without charge. A set schedule has et to be released. Please call Nissan at 1-(800)-647-7261 with questions or check your vehicle identification number on safecar.gov to learn more about the recall. 

The post Is Your Nissan Safe? Infiniti, Versa and Altimas Recalled appeared first on Citizens Report.

The automaker knowingly deceived the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and thousands of customers. As legal proceedings unfold, underscoring the importance of process serving, including the crucial step of meticulous process serving, Volkswagen, no longer denying the accusations, will be tried in court to determine the appropriate punishment.

An Impending Court Decision For Volkswagen

Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller has reportedly met with representatives in an attempt to control the damage.
Image: Detriot News

According to John Cruden, the head of the Justice Department’s environment and natural resources division, the punishment will fit the crime.

“The United States will pursue all appropriate remedies against Volkswagen to redress the violations of our nation’s clean air laws. Car manufacturers that fail to properly certify their cars and that defeat emission control systems breach the public trust, endanger public health and disadvantage competitors,” Assistant Attorney General John Cruden told Gas2.

Volkswagen may face bankruptcy if the company is charged with $48 billion worth of fines. Matthias Mueller, who became the company’s CEO on Sept. 25. 2015, is reportedly working with the EPA and political representatives to gain a favorable outcome.

However, the consequences of bankruptcy are looming. If Volkswagen tanks, thousands of German workers will be out of a job.

Accepting The Consequences

Volkswagen customers have the right to file against the automaker’s fraudulent claims.
Image: IB Times

European regulatory agencies are satisfied with Volkswagen’s restitution program. The company sold a larger portion of the 11 million affected vehicles in Europe, but it seems that the American justice department plans to hand out harsher punishments.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, reportedly said the funds collected from the trial outcome should be invested in electric vehicles. There’s no doubt that funding the development of electric vehicles will be of great benefit to the population, but customers duped by the emissions cheating software still have the legal right to seek restitution.

Owners of affected vehicles might be entitled to compensation. Learn more about eligibility by requesting a free case evaluation today.

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But in order to understand the problem, consumers must first be aware of the differences between gas and diesel vehicles. A major difference between the two types of fuel is the chemical process used to convert it into energy, and how that translates into power, efficiency and environmental impact.

Gas-Powered Cars

Gasoline, the most common fuel source, produces a simple and easily cleaned exhaust.
Image: Wonderopolis

Most cars are equipped with gasoline engines. The majority of American cars utilize gas as fuel, which is turned into a chemical compound that is mixed with air and ignited by a spark. The vapor mixture combusts, expands and puts pressure on a piston that puts the vehicle in motion.

When fuel combusts, it releases toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide. However, automakers have discovered a simple, easy ways to remove the poisonous chemicals from gas exhaust. Materials such as platinum bind to the carbon monoxide and convert it to carbon dioxide, which is more harmful to the environment than it is for humans.

Diesel Fuel Vehicles

The combustion process for diesel fuel releases more harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Image: Big Road

Diesel vehicles are able to turn fuel into power without a spark. The diesel engines combust a similar compound of fuel and air with high heat and pressure, but the process can produce more power and propel larger vehicles forward. You may want to check out this pre-owned vehicle from Autozin if you’re looking for a car with a great performance. It’s also time to consider buying 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby at Revology.

This means that diesel fuel produces more energy and combusts more efficiently, which translates into a better fuel economy. These vehicles will consume less fuel while traveling farther distances.

While diesel cars may bring in more bang for your buck, they have a destructive effect on the environment. Volkswagen diesel vehicles, touted as a green alternative, emit up to 40 times the allowable levels of air pollution because the fuel is less refined.

Diesel exhaust not only contributes more heavily to climate change, it also impacts human health by releasing a chemical combination of noxious oxide (NOx). NOx irritates the eyes and throat, worsens asthma and causes cardiovascular issues.

In order to reduce the amount of NOx being released during emissions tests, Volkswagen installed a filter to clean the exhaust. The problem is that the filter only runs once every ten minutes at the risk of reducing power and fuel efficiency.

The EPA is demanding Volkswagen repair the NOx filters, which would slow down vehicles and make them less efficient. Once the fix is complete, it’s likely that consumers won’t be as happy with their falsely-advertised vehicles.

If you or a loved one purchased a Volkswagen or Audi vehicle installed with fraudulent emissions software, you may be entitled to compensation.

Complete a free case evaluation to learn more about compensation eligibility.

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Volkswagen rolled out a “Goodwill Package” for customers who purchased Volkswagen or Audi vehicles containing 2.0-liter diesel engines affected by the recent emissions scandal.

As the ashes of Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal continue to smolder, the billion dollar automaker announced a “Goodwill Package” that will serve as a consolation for customers who purchased affected vehicles.

However, lawyers are cautioning against accepting the two $500 gift cards. Agreeing to the package may, in turn, strip customers of their rights to pursue legal action.

Volkswagen’s Double-Sided Offer

The package includes two $500 gift cards and 24-hour roadside assistance for affected TDI vehicles for three years.
Image: Flip Html 5

In September, Volkswagen became the subject of a worldwide scandal after the company admitted to installing a cheating device in its diesel cars. The software, installed in vehicles with 2.0-liter engines such as the Audi A3, Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Passat, was able to produce a fraudulent result on emissions tests.

Other affected vehicles include a 3-liter engines 2014-2016 VW, Audi and Porsche diesel models installed with a defeat device, in addition to the 2014 VW Touareg, the 2015 Porsche Cayenne, and the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8, A8L, and Q5.

The company has generously offered to provide a reward for customers duped by the cheating software. However, attorneys, concerned by the ramifications the offer, are warning patrons to be wary of the underlying consequences of the agreement.

One of the cards may be used as a credit at any VW dealership while the other can be allocated to whatever the heart desires. W`ith any offer, it’s important to read the fine print.

Potential Legal Consequences Of Acceptance

Attorneys caution against blindly accepting goodwill packages that may strip customers of their legal rights.
Image: Alcohol Treatment

To receive the gift card, customers affected by the dieselgate scandal will have to sign a form that waives any legal right to a trial by jury.

“In the event of any dispute or claim relating in any way to to this agreement, customer agrees that such dispute shall be resolved by binding arbitration with the American Arbitration Association, utilizing the rules and procedure of such arbitration service, further, any such arbitration shall take place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and the laws of the State of South Dakota shall apply,” according to the agreement’s fine print.

About 350 lawsuits have been filed against Volkswagen in the United States. If you purchased a VW vehicle model included in the scandal, you may be entitled to legal compensation that could exceed the $1,000 credit offer.

Complete a short survey to find out if you qualify for compensation.

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The Takata airbag recall, one of the largest in history, has expanded to include newer models and side door inflators.

If you thought the Takata airbag recall was bad news, brace yourself for the situation to get even worse. Investigators have discovered that more than just front vehicle airbags pose a danger to consumers.

The investigation has expanded to include side airbags that could potentially rupture and expel metal fragments. The pieces of metal strewn through the air could seriously injure passengers in both the front and back seats.

Broadening The Investigation

Florida resident Stephanie Erdman suffered severe injuries in September 2013 when a Takata airbag exploded in her Honda Civic, sending metal fragments flying at her face.
Image: Japan Times

Regulators have issued a recall of more than 19 million cars that have been sold by 12 automakers in the U.S. alone. The defective airbags have caused eight deaths and multiple injuries to drivers and passengers.

The recall originally focused on older vehicles with airbags that include metal casings to store propellant in the front seats. The expansion will include side airbag inflators in new vehicles manufactured in all model years.

The airbags are propelled by a chemical compound called ammonium nitrate. Any vehicles that contain this propellant are included in the investigation. The chemical changes as it gets older, causing it to burn differently.

“We believe that the reason these inflators are malfunctioning in this way has something to do with the type of propellant Takata is using and how Takata engineers it,” said Stephen A. Ridella, director of the safety agency’s office for vehicle crashworthiness research.

In the expanded recall, Volkswagen Tiguan 2015 models with side airbags manufactured by Takata are being called into question. General Motors had to recall almost 400 U.S. cars that also contained the defective side airbags. Chrysler said that an estimated 25,000 of their vehicles are affected.

Many other auto companies have yet to evaluate the extent of the damage. According to the agency, one in every ten ruptures causes a death. They cite more than 100 injuries believed to be linked to defective Takata airbag inflators.

Finding The Culprit

The company released a statement about the investigation, claiming that it only applied to older models with airbags that had aged over time.

“While we are still investigating the cause of this malfunction, we believe it is unrelated to the previous recalls, which the extensive data suggests were a result of aging and long-term exposure to heat and high humidity,” said Jared Levy, a Takata spokesman. “We are cooperating closely with N.H.T.S.A. and the vehicle manufacturers.”

However, Senators John Thune and Bill Nelson of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee had something else to say. In a letter to Takata, they questioned the legitimacy of the statement and requested further proof.

“Takata has repeatedly emphasized the critical role long-term exposure of vehicles to high heat and humidity may play in ruptures of its ammonium nitrate-based inflaters subject to previous recalls,” the senators wrote. “This incident, however, involved a vehicle that was less than one year old.”

Takata patents illustrate that engineers knew about the dangerous caused when ammonium nitrate interacted with moisture and temperature. The staff members claim that they attempted to remedy the problem for two decades. Going even further, former Takata engineers tried to issue a warning about the effects of ammonium nitrate in the 1990s.

Repairing Defective Inflators

Takata is attempting to provide the parts necessary to repair the airbags in recalled vehicles.
Image: Oregon Live

The Takata recall is “one of the largest and most complex auto recalls in the nation’s history,” according to the New York Times.

Mr. Levy, a Takata spokesman, said that the company is attempting to provide the necessary repair parts to remedy the issues outlined in the recall.

“Takata continues to support all efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the safety campaigns, including significantly ramping up the production of replacement kits,” he said.

The U.S. government is planning to fine Takata $70 million for its negligent handling of defective airbags.

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Toyota is recalling more than 6 million vehicles that could potentially catch fire due to an improperly lubricated power window switch.

Toyota Motor Corporation issued a recall of 6.5 million vehicles with defective power window switches. The recalled models include Yaris/Vitz subcompact, Corolla, Camry and others.

Debris caught in the window switch could short circuit, overheat and cause a fire.

Recall Details

An incorrectly lubricated power window switch is a fire hazard.
Image: Hapamoto

The recall includes 2.7 million North American cars, 1.2 million European cars and 600,000 cars sold in Japan. Toyota has not received any reports of incidents related to the recall.

During the manufacturing process, the power window switch was incorrectly lubricated.

The improper lubrication could allow debris to accumulate and cause a short circuit. The switch assembly could then overheat and melt, which is a fire hazard.

The other models included in the recall are the Matrix, RAV4, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia and Scion xB. The vehicles were produced between January 2005 and December 2010.

The company is only recalling models manufactured in certain years:

• 2007 and 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid
• 2009-2011 Corolla
• 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid
• 2009-2011 Matrix
• 2006-2011 RAV4
• 2009-2011 Sequoia
• 2009-2011 Tundra
• 2006-2010 Yaris
• 2009-2011 Scion xB
• 2009-2010 Scion xD

Recall Solution

Toyota asserts that safety is a priority.
Image: Home and Garden Blog

“Toyota previously recalled certain 2007-2009 model year vehicles for a similar condition. This Safety Recall adds vehicles not previously involved in the prior action that utilized an alternative lubricant application method,” according to Toyota’s recall statement.

Toyota will notify consumers with affected vehicles by mail, after which Toyota dealers will inspect the switch. Dealers will decide if lubricating the switch with heat-resistant grease is enough to remedy the problem. If not, dealers will replace the internal circuit board.

The company can be reached by phone at 1-800-331-4331. More information about the recall can be found by visiting toyota.com/recall.

The post Toyota Recall: Defective Power Window Switch Causes A Fire Hazard appeared first on Citizens Report.

Hyundai is recalling almost half a million Sonatas built with metallic debris that may restrict oil flow and cause the engine to fail.

Hyundai Motor Company, an international automotive manufacturer headquartered in South Korea, is recalling about 470,000 Sonatas with stalling engines.

The issue was caused by an assembly line error at a manufacturing plant in Alabama. Debris that weren’t fully removed from the engine could potentially restrict oil flow and cause the vehicle to stall or fail.

Recall Details

Although Hyundai is Korean-owned and operated, more than half of vehicles sold are made in the U.S.
Image: News Net

The recalled vehicles include the 2011-2012 Sonata model that were manufactured between Dec. 11, 2009, and Apr. 12, 2012. Hyundai’s recall number is 132.

The defective models are equipped with 2.0 or 2.4-liter direct injection gas engines. The engines contain metal debris that were meant to be removed.

“If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage and possible engine failure. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure,” according to the report.

There have been no reported injuries thus far, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The administration estimates that only 2 percent of the 2011-2012 models are equipped with engines that have the potential to stall.

Read the letter from the NHTSA to Hyundai here.

Recall Solution

The engine problem stemmed from a Hyundai manufacturing facility in Montgomery, Alabama.
Image: HMMA USA

Hyundai will notify drivers who need to have their vehicles inspected. The group will replace defective engines if necessary. The fix will be free of charge.

“Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 and 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct injection engines,” the report said.

Please contact your Hyundai dealer or Hyundai Customer Care Center at 855-671-3059 for more information.

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General Motors settled a lawsuit over the failure to disclose faulty ignition switches that affected over 2.6 million cars and killed 124 people.

General Motors and the Justice Department have finally reached a settlement after the company recalled 2.6 million vehicles with faulty ignition switches in 2014.

The Long-Awaited Settlement

GM admits to knowing about the defects but still allowed the cars to be to be sold, despite the dangers. The faulty ignition switches haver reportedly caused 124 deaths and 273 injuries.

A criminal case was brought against GM for failure to obey federal laws that require a transparent disclosure of safety problems. Prosecutors said the company knew about the defects for over a decade before coming clean.

GM will pay the Justice Department $900 million in fines. Almost 1,000 civil and class-action lawsuits have also been settled, with $575 million budgeted for private lawsuits. Many victims are upset that individual employees aren’t being investigated, prosecuted and fined.

The company launched a GM Ignition Compensation Claims Resolution Facility website to assist customers with replacing the faulty ignition switches. The worst scandal in the company’s history may finally be settled.

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When you’re on the road, keeping control of your car is necessary to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

Chrysler is recalling about 200 Ram Pickup Trucks with ineffective vehicle stability control. This means the driver could lose control of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Loss of control would undoubtedly endanger the driver, passengers and other people on the road. Bengal Law is a car accident lawyer in Orlando, can provide the necessary guidance and support to navigate through the legal complexities that may arise from such incidents.

The Recalled Models

Chrysler is recalling 199 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks manufactured between January 30 to February 6, 2015. The recall identification number is R34.

 The Reason

Drivers are at risk of losing control of the vehicle if they do not get the suspension on the recalled Ram pickup trucks repaired.
Via: Gipsa Lab

The issue is the vehicle suspension, which is an important part of keeping the vehicle in control.

According to the recall announcement, the vehicle could have “inadequate penetration of the front upper control arm loop to spacer weld, reducing the front suspension stability.” A lack of suspension could result in a crash.

Chrysler’s Solution

The vehicle manufacturer will notify Chrysler Ram pickup truck owners and car dealerships that may be linked to the sale of the recalled vehicles by direct mail. The company will replace upper control arms free of charge.

The recall will begin on September 19, 2015. Contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or visit Chrysler’s website for more information.

The post Chrysler Recall: Drivers Could Lose Control Of Ram Pickup Truck appeared first on Citizens Report.

Chevy is recalling almost 60,000 Cobalt model cars because of defective wiring in the driver’s side door. The wiring won’t send the proper electrical signal to make the airbag deploy.

General Motors Company is recalling an estimated 60,000 Chevrolet Cobalt vehicles with defective airbag sensors. The side-door airbag wiring is improperly routed, which means the airbag may not deploy to protect the driver if a crash were to occur.

If the airbags don’t deploy, thousands of people could be in danger. The defective airbags put drivers at risk of increased injury and death.

The Reason For The Recall

The front driver side airbag may not deploy, which could put the driver at risk of injury or death.
Via: Nelson Mazda

General Motors is recalling all Chevy Cobalt cars manufactured during the six months in 2010 between January 4 and June 23. The recall was issued on August 10 with the id number 15075.

GM has been investigating the defective airbags since January 20, 2015. The investigator found that Side-Impact Sensor (SIS) harness in the 2010 vehicles was improperly routed in the driver side front door.

In march, the investigator found the service light meant to notify drivers of airbag issues was not illuminated. The roof-rail airbags were functional, but the improperly routed wiring in the driver side door could rub against and damage the SIS harness, which would cause an electrical short in the airbag sensor’s circuit.

If something were to strike the vehicle on the driver’s side, the impact would normally send an electrical message that would deploy the airbag. But with the defective wiring, the airbag wouldn’t receive the information it needed to initiate the airbag to deploy.

Chevrolet’s Solution

Chevy is offering to fix the airbag issue free of charge.
Via: All Car Brands List

The vehicle manufacturer will notify Chevy Cobalt owners and car dealerships that may be linked to the sale of the recalled vehicles beginning on August 26.

GM urges customers to have their vehicles checked out and repaired free of charge. Contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 for more information.

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