Recalls Of The Day, July 28, 2012

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three recalls for popular vehicles.  Two recalls are for Hyundai vehicles.  The third is for Mazda.  All of these recalls address problems that could cause serious injury or worse.     

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): HYUNDAI / SANTA FE 2007-2009 Manufacturer: HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 24, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V354000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 199,118

Summary: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured from April 19, 2006, through July 7, 2008. The occupant classification system (OCS) may need recalibration to accurately detect small statured adults.

Consequence: Improper classification or detection may cause the front passenger airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the classification software free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Notes: Hyundai's recall campaign number is 105. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): HYUNDAI / SONATA 2012-2013 Manufacturer: HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC Mfr's Report Date: JUL 24, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V352000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A Component: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Potential Number of Units Affected: 22,512 Summary: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing. Consequence: The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall is expected to begin during August 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Notes: Hyundai's recall campaign number is 106. Customers may contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Vehicle Safety Administrations Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): MAZDA / TRIBUTE 2001-2006 2008 Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS Mfr's Report Date: JUL 26, 2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V357000 PE12019 NHTSA Action Number: PE12019 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 217,500 Summary: Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used. Consequence: A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death. Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or before, August 6, 2012. Remedy parts are expected to be available in mid-August 2012. Until then dealers will disconnect the speed control cable as an interim remedy, if parts are not available at the time of an owner's service appointment. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-222-5500, option #6. Notes: Mazda's recall campaign number is 6812G. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.