Recalls: Hyundai, Mazda, GM, and Jeep vehicles

There have been a number of vehicle recalls announced recently affecting Hyundai, GM, and Mazda vehicles. If your vehicle is listed here, the manufacturer may contact you with information about what to do, or you can use one of the numbers we list below to contact the manufacturer yourself.

2010 Mazda3

Mazda is recalling over 25,000 2010 Mazda3 vehicles due to a problem with the clearance between the engine harness and starter housing. The cover of the harness may be damaged during operation and cause a short circuit. This may result in the engine stalling and not being able to restart.

Dealers will inspect and add a protector clip to the harness. If necessary, the harness will be repaired. The service will be done at no charge.

The recall is expected to begin on May 6, 2009. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

2001-2003 Hyundai Elantra and 2003 Hyundai Tiburon
2001-2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
1999-2004 Hyundai Sonata and 2001-2004 Hyundai 300/350

Hyundai is recalling over 170,000 2001-2003 Elantra and 2003 Tiberon models as well as over 85,000 2001-2003 Santa Fe and over 175,000 1999-2004 Sonata and 2001-2004 XG300 and XG350 vehicles sold or registered in states that use large quantities of salt for de-icing during the winter months. Vehicles that are used in these so called “salt-belt states” may have internal corrosion. The Elantra and Tiberon models could have thinning of the steel in the front lower control arms. The Santa Fe could have thinning of the rear trailing arm steel and the Sonata and XG300/350 models could have thinning and corrosion of the front sub frame steel.

All could increase the risk of a crash.

On all models, the dealer will inspect the areas affected for corrosion and will replace in necessary. If a replacement isn’t necessary, the dealer will add drainage holes and rust proof the area. All procedures will be done free of charge. For more information, contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

2006-2007 Hyundai Accent, Entourage, Sonatas
2007 Hyundai Azera, Elantra, and Santa Fe
2005-2007 Hyundai Tucson
2007-2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Hyundai is recalling almost 532,000 models from various years due to a malfunction in the stop lamp switch, which may cause the brake light to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or remain illuminated after the pedal is released. This malfunction may also affect the transmission shifter-- the vehicle may not be able to get out of Park. The electronic stability control light may turn on and cruise control may not deactivate when the brake is applied.

Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge.

For more information, owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

GM is recalling over 1.4 million vehicles due to a problem with the 3.8-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine. Engine oil may be dropped on the exhaust manifold when the vehicle goes through hard braking. If the manifold gets hot enough and the oil runs to the heat shield, an engine fire could occur.

Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel and install two new plugs free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin sometime in May. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537 and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or www.pontiac.com or www.gmownercenter.com.

2002-2003 Jeep Liberty

Chrysler is recalling over 42,000 Jeep Liberty vehicles sold in various “salt-belt states” on the East coast and Midwest due to a problem with the front suspension upper control arm ball joint. The area may have a loss of lubrication, which could cause a failure in the ball joint and result in a loss of steering control.

Dealers will replace the arm free of charge.

For more information, owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2001-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler is recalling over 102,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles due to an overheating problem with the front heated seats, which could potentially cause a fire.

Dealers will replace the heater elements free of charge.

Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Comments

[Kitty]

I have a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. My right lower control arm snapped yesterday (June 5, 2009). I found out about the recall issued April 2009 and called Hyundai. They deny that it's been released. I'm complaining to everyone. Why is it officially released everywhere I look, including NHTSA, but Hyundai Corporation denies it as do the dealerships? Something is really wrong here.

[Kristen]

Kitty, my husband has a 2001 Santa Fe and his rear trailing arm snapped when he was driving last weekend. I called Hyundai Customer Service and they said it should be covered by this recall. It is at the dealer now, and we are waiting for the part to come in. I hope you can get them to cooperate. Thank goodness you (and my husband) weren't injured!

[Ellenor Zebbs]

I own a 2001 Hyundia purchased new> I would like to know if there are others out there with electrical problems with their 21001,2 or 3 Hyundia Santa Fe. I have had problems since purchase which has to do with the ETAC or electrical box that allows the car and other electrical components like the lights, door locks radio etc. If you have had please contact me by email.