Recalls

After a series of safety problems that has seen more than eight million cars recalled, including the current model Prius, Toyota may have to target the Corolla’s steering.The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 83 complaints about the power steering in 2009-2010 Corolla.  The reports say the cars veer left or right at speeds over 64km/h. Six crashes that resulted in 10 injuries are being investigated. The spate of recalls and safety scares may have an impact on the auto giant’s brand image, and credit agency Moody’s is tipped to be reviewing Toyota’s rating.

The world's largest carmaker has bowed to global safety pressure and announced a massive recall of its flagship future car, the Prius hybrid.  After bungling a safety threat to more than eight million cars in dozens of countries over a faulty accelerator pedal, Toyota confirmed in Tokyo yesterday that it would recall more than 400,000 hybrids.The local implications of the recall are relatively minor, as Toyota Australia has only sold around 1700 of the latest-model Prius, with cars in dealer stocks taking the total to 2378.   But the damage to the brand's reputation, particularly in Australia where it has been number one for most of the past two decades, is impossible to calculate.Toyota has always stood for rock-solid reliability and safety so the two recalls, particularly the one triggered by fatal crashes in the USA, have done considerable damage to its brand."Toyota Motor Corporation has undertaken a thorough investigation and we are taking the appropriate course of action in the interests of our customers," the head of sales and marketing for Toyota Australia, Dave Buttner, said yesterday as he confirmed the recall of all 2010-model Prius."There have been no accidents linked to this issue reported in Australia. No other Toyota or Lexus models in Australia are affected by this recall."The Prius recall, announced in Japan by company president Akio Toyoda - grandson of the Toyota founder - involves a car that has always stood for the future of Toyota. The Prius is now into its third model and, in Australia, the same petrol-electric power package is fitted inside the Hybrid Camry that went on sale yesterday.The Prius problem was first reported in the USA, where owners complained of a strange feel to the braking system. Only two Australian owners have reported the problem, from 111 complaints worldwide.Toyota says it is the result of a delay that occurs when the car switches from regenerative braking - which captures energy from braking to recharge its on-board batteries - to the conventional braking system.  It says the solution to the problem is a relatively minor software tweak, which will be done free-of-charge to cars in Australia.

Volvo says it is recalling 1940 five-cylinder diesel vehicles, sold from 2007, because the power steering hose may be damaged by the engine cooling fan which may cause a loss of oil that will result in the power steering system failing. Owners have been asked to contact their local dealer.

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

The recall involves all BF Series II and III and the new FG Falcon sedan, wagon and utility fitted with the factory-fitted LPG system, called E-Gas, which are popular with fleets and tradies.The cars affected were built from January 16, 2007 to August 22, 2008.The defect involves the brake booster check valve, which may develop a vacuum leak.Ford spokesman, Justin Lacy, said the valve can develop a leak, leading to reduced power assistance for the brakes.Details of the latest recall surfaced on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website last Friday, ahead of the holiday weekend but have, until now, slipped under the radar.Worried owners should contact their local Ford dealer or Ford's customer relations line on 1800 503 672.In recent months Ford has been hit with a range of glitches that are damaging its hard-fought reputation.In March it was forced to recall 83,000 SX and SY Territorys to replace front brake hoses after widespread consumer reports of brake failures.The Herald Sun's Carsguide has uncovered a raft of quality problems at Broadmeadows after months of consumer complaints covering everything from brakes to rust and paint.The most recent concerns relate to front balljoint failures on high-mileage Territorys.In addition, Ford last month recalled its Focus and Mondeos to check problem with brake vacuum pumps.The recall for the LV Focus and MA Mondeo, built since last year, only affects those with a diesel engine.Ford says under certain conditions the supply of vacuum to the brake booster may be reduced causing a hard brake pedal and increase stopping distances.Ford is contacting known owners by mail.In March, Ford recalled more than 83,000 Territorys to fix a brake hose defect which was uncovered by Carsguide after complaints from readers.

This is despite Ford recalling Territory models with similar problems.

Both the Falcon and Territory share their underpinnings, but the brake architecture of the latest FG model Falcon is different to previous model Falcons.

Q: Who does this recall affect?A: Owners of all non-turbo Ford Territory vehicles built between February 1 2004 and December 31 2008Q Why did Ford make the recall?A: Following Carsguide reader letters to Ask Smithy guru Graham Smith complaining about brake failures in Territory and Falcons Carsguide contacted Ford. Ford began an investigation and has now decided to recall the Territory.Q: What if I own a Falcon?A: While they are not part of the recall Graham Smith and Ford have advised concerned owners of 2003-onwards Falcons to contact your dealer and have your car checked overQ: What should I do if I own a Territory?A: Contact your nearest authorised Ford dealer to make arrangements to have your vehicle rectified. The front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge by Ford. Ford Australia will be contacting customers via mail and advertising in daily newspapers in order to reach all customers.Q: What is wrong with the cars?A: Ford says it has determined that under certain conditions it is possible for the vehicle to develop a front brake fluid leak, which can result in reduced braking effectiveness from the front brakes. It says the rear braking system will still stop the car. And it says that a warning light will appear on the instrument cluster to alert the driver that the vehicle's braking system requires attention.Q: Will I lose all braking control?A: No, Ford says that under Australian Design Rules the front and rear brakes are independently controlled. So if one fails the other will stop the car.Q How many cars are affected?The recall affects 83,534 Territorys in Australia, 7739 in New Zealand, 3612 in South Africa and about 60 in Thailand and Brunei.Related stories: Ford Territory recall - carsguide.com.auFirst look: 2009 Ford TerritoryToyota Kluger Vs Ford Territory GOT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR CAR? - Carsguide Car Advice

Ford is recalling its popular Ford Territory to fix a potentially dangerous brake defect.Details of the defect were uncovered by Carsguide after more than 15 customers reported brake failures to our Ask Smithy guru, Graham Smith.Read the letters below...Territorial disputeLast year we bought a 2004 Ford Territory, which has suffered numerous problems. The rear-view mirror has been replaced twice, the bonnet needs two people to help open it, the boot door has trouble closing, the key lock worked intermittently and now doesn't work at all, and the rear driver's side window has stopped working. Last week a brake line ruptured and my foot went to the floor as I applied the brakes. I was close to home and used my handbrake to get home safely. Ford Australia will not cover the cost of the part replacement, as it is no longer under warranty and say it is due to ``wear and tear'', nota manufacturing fault. The car has done 64,000km. I believe this is a real safety issue and should be addressed. I understand this is not an isolated incident and has occurred on many occasions. Something should be done. Ford should not be able to get away with this.All the problems you have had with the Territory should be fixed, and many of them seem like this could be done with proper adjustment. But the brake line failure is a major concern, a safety issue as you say, and should not fail in any situation unless damaged through abuse in some way, which seems unlikely. Keep pressing Ford until you get help.Ford brakes againHow lucky some people are to have had only one broken hose in a Ford Territory. In April 2007 (54,000km), a hose burst on my right-hand side front and the pedal went straight to the ground when I was doing less than 30km/h, and the vehicle came to an ungraceful stop, up the road. In January 2008 (71,000km) the same thing happened to the left-hand side front. I was going slowly and was lucky to stop without hitting anything. Ford arranged towing and repairs, but this is serious. One day someone will be doing 100km/h and need to stop. We will read of a ``tragic accident'' that's taken a life.It is time Ford recalled and replaced the brake hoses on all these cars to ensure the danger is eliminated. It's fortunate that no one has been killed or injured as a result of these failures. A veteran brake expert is astounded that it hasn't been the subject of a recall.Ford brake issueI know two people who have suffered broken brake hoses on their Ford Territories, the same as a Carsguide reader reported. One had a complete brake failure in the middle of a school zone. She had the presence of mind to pull on the handbrake to stop before hitting cars in front that were picking up children. The dealership and Ford Australia refused to fix the hoses free of charge, claiming the hoses burst due to normal wear and tear; both cars had done between 60,000-64,000km. In the end the dealership gave them a refund for the repairs. I'm concerned that someone could die as a result of this problem and Ford and people in the industry who know just keep sweeping it under the carpet.Ford should do something about it, as you say. A failure on such a vital safety component should not happen, and it shouldn't cause a complete brake failure as you say happened to one of your friends. The failure of one brake hose will cause the loss of braking in one system, but you should still have the braking effect of the second system, even if it is diminished. One brake service centre told us they regularly see failed brake hoses, usually front but also back on occasions, on Falcons and Territories, but they're usually on high-mileage cars like taxis. A taxi operator told us they routinely replace the hoses on any BF Falcon they buy before it goes into service because of the high rate of failure on the hoses. It's claimed by people in the trade that Ford designed the hoses too short and they are under tension when installed. The aftermarket, and we believe now the Ford replacements, are a little longer and don't have the problem. It should have been a recall campaign and Ford should have fixed all cars.Q: I have been eagerly reading the stories of failed brake hoses on Fords and thought I would add my experience to the saga. We had a problem with a brake hose on our Territory, and as a result my wife hit another car from behind. The brake hose blew and half the braking system simply failed. Fortunately no one was injured but it obviously could've been a lot worse, especially if it was a pedestrian she was avoiding. Our dealer was very cooperative and advised, both verbally and in writing that the crash was due to the faulty hose as it blew from the inside, which should never happen. Talking to Ford directly was a totally different experience. They started off sounding nice, but as soon as I described the problem they became very cold and guarded in what they were saying. Their response was very scripted and no way were they admitting any liability. The reason I called them was to advise them of the problem and also that I don't think I should be financially out of pocket because it wasn't in any way mine or my wife's fault. I'm not just talking about the cost of fixing the brakes but my excess and increased premium of car insurance. Every time I thought about it, I couldn't stomach the thought of us having to pay when someone else was at fault. After a couple of calls, Ford said they weren't obliged to pay because the car was out of warranty by a few months, but they would pay for replacing the hose. I asked why I should be paying for the excess and extra premium when the fault was theirs. I was advised that since the car was out of warranty it wasn't their responsibility! I have since sought legal advice and they are wrong. We've been meaning to formally write to Ford, but thought we wouldn't get anywhere. My lawyer said taking legal action wouldn't be worth it, but there's a principle at stake here. At the end of the day, I will always ask why am I paying for something that wasn't my fault. I just hope I don't read about any death and/or injury due to a Ford brake hose failure it's already happened? I've been a Ford man all my life but now all of a sudden, Holden and Toyotas are looking great!!!A: I couldnt agree more. You didnt fit the faulty part to your car, Ford did and they should be responsible for the whole cost, not just the cost of a new brake hose. That you have a letter from the dealer placing the blame on the hose puts you in a strong position legally, and Im sure you would win if you went to court. But as your lawyer said it will cost plenty to go to court, and there is always the chance Ford will come along with better lawyers and argue their way out of it, leaving you with the bill. Ford is banking on you doing nothing, as most of us do in a similar situation, and they will get away with it. We have been highlighting this problem in the hope that Ford will see the light and do something about it.Q: After reading your stories in the Telegraph about Falcon brake hose failures I thought I would give my local dealer a ring. After a quick check they told me my car could be affected and they booked it in to have the hoses replaced. They replaced all four hoses. It was done without question and with a smile. There was no charge and I couldnt be happier.A: It's great that you are happy, but you had to ask. If you hadn't read about the problem in the Tele you wouldn't have known there was one. Wouldn't it have been better if Ford had contacted you and told you of the problem and asked you to take your car in to have the brake hoses changed. If I was in your shoes I would have been angry with Ford for letting me and my family drive around with a potentially dangerous flaw in it. I also note with interest that the dealer replaced all brake hoses, as some are just changing the rear hoses. Its just another example of the inconsistent approach by Ford and its dealers.Q: I have a BA Falcon and have been reading about brake line failure. What are the chances of this happening to mine? Are the front and rear brakes separate, if one goes will I still have the other or if the hoses burst will I be left with nothing? Also, should I be proactive and get something done now to prevent this happening???A: The chances are high enough that you should do something about it. Ford president Marin Burela has advised all Falcon owners who are concerned about the problem to go to their local Ford dealer and have their car checked. I would expect that your car will be one of those affected and the Ford dealer will replace the rear brake hoses at the very minimum, although I dont believe that will fully address the problem. If a brake hose fails you shouldnt lose all braking as the front and rear brake circuits are independent and the failure of one or the other wont cause you to lose all braking.Q: The saga over the Ford brake hose failures reminds me of the time a noted European car importer undertook to replace noisy final drives on their vehicles during routine servicing. An engineer from the manufacturer test drove the vehicle and authorized the repair if it was felt to be outside the acceptable noise range. In some instances this was done without the owners knowledge. Consumer Affairs stepped in after an irate owner that had paid big dollars to have his differential repaired found out he was disadvantaged because he chose not to have his car serviced by an authorized dealer. The importer was forced to notify all owners of that particular model that this road test and repair was available regardless of servicing arrangements. Perhaps a disgruntled Ford owner should fire off a letter to the Consumer Affairs office with a copy to the Minister and his local Member.A: Good idea. I would urge disgruntled Falcon owners to contact Consumer Affairs as I think Falcon owners who choose not to have their cars serviced by Ford dealers are being discriminated against, and Im sure that is against the law. Related stories: Ford Territory recall: Q&A Ford Territory recall - carsguide.com.auFirst look: 2009 Ford TerritoryToyota Kluger Vs Ford Territory   

The recall affects 83,534 Territorys in Australia, 7739 in New Zealand, 3612 in South Africa and about 60 in Thailand and Brunei.Details of the defect were uncovered by Carsguide after more than 15 customers reported brake failures to our Ask Smithy guru, Graham Smith.Ask Smithy, Daily Telegraph, March 27, 2009.Carsguide answers your questions about the Ford Territory recallThe recall affects the bulk of Territorys on the road, built between February 1 2004 and December 31, 2008.Territory Turbo, Territory Ghia Turbo and the FPV F6X are not included in the recall.Ford Australia spokeswoman, Sinead McAlary, said the problem had affected less than 2 per cent of vehicles but the company was recalling most Territorys to replace the hosesMcAlary said the issue was isolated to the Territory and did not affect Falcon models.The problem relates to the front brake hose, which can wear through, leading to leaking brake fluid that could render the brakes almost useless.Ford is fitting all Territorys with replacement hoses that are stronger and longer, McAlary said.An official Ford statement said that the the rear braking system will still bring the vehicle to a halt within Australian Design Rule requirements. If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, a warning light will appear on the instrument cluster to alert the driver that the vehicle's braking system requires attention, the statement said.McAlary said that a Ford investigation had shown that a combination of high mileage on the vehicles, along with frequent cornering at full steering lock, could lead to a problem with the brakes.She said any customers with concerns are advised to contact their nearest Ford Dealer to make arrangements to have their vehicle rectified.The front brake hoses will be replaced free of charge.Related stories:First look: 2009 Ford TerritoryToyota Kluger Vs Ford TerritoryGOT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR CAR? - Ask 'The Guide'