Recalls: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Saab, and Toyota

Mar 1, 2010 9:30 AM

A few recalls have been announced recently affecting Acura, Chrysler and Dodge minivans, a number of Honda vehicles, the Saab 9-3, and Toyota Tacoma. If your vehicle is listed here, the manufacturer should contact you. Customer-service phone numbers are listed below if you have questions.

2005-2006 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan

Chrysler is recalling over 300,000 2005-2006 Town & Country and Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan minivans due to a problem with the front crash sensors. These sensors may crack under certain weather conditions and can cause the sensor to not operate effectively. When this occurs the air bag warning light will illuminate to prompt owners to service the vehicle. Until a repair is made, the air bags may not provide optimum crash protection.

This recall affects vehicles registered or sold in the following states: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District Of Columbia.

Chrysler will replace the front air bag sensors with a new design free of charge. The campaign will begin in June. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information.

Various 2001-2003 Acura and Honda models

Honda continues to expand its air bag recall adding another 379,000 vehicles. Models include the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL, 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL, 2001-2002 Honda Accord and 2001-2003 Honda Civic, 2002 Honda CR-V and Odyssey and 2003 Honda Pilot.

The company says a defect in the air bag’s inflation system can produce over-pressurization and cause the inflator to rupture when the airbag deployed. Metal fragments could go through the air bag and cause injury or even death to occupants.

Dealers will replace the air bag inflator free of charge. Owners may call 1-800-999-1009.

2004 Saab 9-3

GM is recalling over 14,000 Saab 9-3 sedans due to a problem with the seat belt retractors that could fail over time. The belt may not retract properly, thereby increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Dealers will replace the driver’s-side retractor free of charge and will also replace the passenger retractors for 10 years from the date of sale.

Owners may go to gmownercenter.com for more information.

2010 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota is recalling 8,000 Tacoma pickup trucks due to a problem with the propeller shaft, which may develop cracks during manufacturing. Over time, the cracks could lead to the separation of the shaft and could result in a loss of vehicle control.

Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft free of charge.

Owners may call 1-800-331-4331.