“Did you hear the one about the Honda…”

Seems that Honda is at it again – recalling more vehicles.  Not too long ago Honda recalled 2005-2010 Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V, and 2005-2008 Element vehicles.  All of the recalled vehicles had a problem with a bearing race.  This time, Honda is recalling 2006 CR-V vehicles for a power window switch that can cause a fire.  Honda is also recalling 2011 CR-Z vehicles with manual transmissions.  These vehicles are apparently hybrid vehicles that contain a problem with the engine control unit (ECU).  Under certain conditions, the ECU can cause the motor to move the vehicle in the opposite direction of the selected gear.  In other words, if the car is in drive, it can go backward.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Honda has announced recalls for the last two months in a row.  I’m already wondering if October will make three.  What’s the problem Honda?  I’ve asked this question before: How is it that with all the experience that car makers have had  building cars,  recall problems still occur?  The answer is that none of the automakers have a good grasp on the what it takes to make electronics and machines work together.

Recall News

We have updated the News column of our website to bring you the most recent vehicle recalls on some well-known makes. First, Blue Bird, the makers of school buses, have recalled some of their vehicles as a result of a cruise control problem. Basically, the control may not disengage when the brakes are applied. In addition, Subaru is  recalling some of its Outback and Legacy vehicles due  to a lubrication problem. Apparently, a hole that was supposed to have been provided in their six speed manual transmissions was left out.  As a result, the gears are not being lubricated and there is a possibility that the gears will break. If this happens, the driver will possibly lose control due to the loss of power and crash. Furthermore, Nissan is also recalling some of its “Cube” cars.  Some of the 2009-2010 models leak more fuel than what is allowed when hit  from the rear. Dealers are supposed to have a special protection device to install free of charge. Lastly, Toyota is recalling 2000-2004 “Avalon” because of a crack that can develop in the steering lock bar. If left unattended, the crack will cause the bar to break and the steering wheel to lock. The driver could lose control of  the vehicle and crash. Toyota is also recalling 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 models because of a steering shaft snap ring that can disengage. If that happens, over time, the steering shaft can disconnect causing the driver to lose ccontrol and crash.  For more detailed information,  please visit our website at www.rjhill.com and under the “News” column click on “Recall News”.