While auto manufactures try to grab bottom line sales by producing appealing consumer products it sometimes takes a third party to insure safety is not forgotten on the factory floor. When incidents happen that impact automobile safety the offending vehicle usually makes it on Transport Canada’s recall list.  The most recent Transport Canada list of vehicle recalls is a long one and includes vehicles from Chrysler, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Ford, Suzuki, Cadillac, Lexus, BMW and Lamborghini.  Here’s the list and a synopsis on the problems discovered.

2010 Chrysler 300
2010 Dodge Challenger
2010 Dodge Charger
2010 Dodge Ram
2010 Jeep Commander
2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Certain vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission may have been built with a Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) module that exhibits binding of the solenoid latch. This may result in a condition where the ignition key can be removed from the WIN module prior to placing the shifter in Park, which could result in unintended vehicle movement. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the WIN module. Vehicles affected: 9,900

2010 Dodge Caliber

The vehicle may have been built with an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door, which could unlatch the door when the window is rolled down. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lock rod.

2007 Dodge Caliber
2007 Jeep Compass
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal pivot bearing bushings may dislodge from their pockets, causing the accelerator pedal to bind or stick. Even though these vehicles are equipped with a “smart brake technology” which will override the accelerator, the risk of a collision still exists. Dealers will inspect and replace the accelerator pedal assemblies if necessary. Vehicles affected: 5,500

2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler
On certain vehicles, the right and left inner fender liners could contact the brake tubes, resulting in a partial loss of braking at the affected wheel. Dealers will inspect and repair affected vehicles. Vehicles affected: 29,000

2008-2009 Chrysler Town & Country
2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
On certain vehicles equipped with power sliding doors, the wiring harness may have been routed improperly and may chafe on the lower sliding door hinge bracket. In some instances, this could result in a fire within the sliding door. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the harness.  Vehicles affected: 15,300

2010 Mazda B-Series
On certain vehicles, if the parking brake shoes are frozen to the drum, the right rear parking cable may disconnect when it is released. If this occurs, the next application of the parking brake pedal may have extended pedal travel and may not fully apply the parking brake shoes. The parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle as a result. Dealers will repair the affected vehicles.  Vehicles affected: 520

2010 Subaru Legacy
2010 Subaru Outback
On certain vehicles, a crack can occur in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) cooler hose, resulting in transmission fluid leakage and illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the hose.  Vehicles affected: 1,588

2010 Infiniti QX56
2010 Nissan Armada
2010 Nissan Frontier
2010 Nissan Pathfinder
2010 Nissan Titan
2010 Nissan Xterra
The lower control link assembly has cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis, but on certain vehicles, the collars may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications. If the weld separates, the collar can open and slip over the mounting bolt and bushing assembly, which may change the wheel camber and potentially affect vehicle handling. Dealers will repair the affected vehicles.  Vehicles affected: 2,759

2007-2008 Lamborghini Murcielago
2007-2008 Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
On certain vehicles, stress generated by fuel moving inside the fuel tank during acceleration and accompanied by vertical vibration could cause detachment of spot welds holding the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank. A slow fuel leak could develop at the detached spot weld. Dealers will replace the fuel tank.  Vehicles affected: 37

2010 Ford Escape
2010 Ford Fusion
On certain vehicles the automatic transmission park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed. As a result, the park rod guide may become displaced, preventing the transmission park pawl from engaging when shifted into Park. This may allow vehicle movement. Dealers will repair affected vehicles.  Vehicles affected: 3

2010 Suzuki Equator
The lower control link assembly has cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis, but on certain vehicles, the collars may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications. If the weld separates, the collar can open and slip over the mounting bolt and bushing assembly, which may change the wheel camber and potentially affect vehicle handling. Dealers will repair the affected vehicles. Vehicles affected: 94

2009-2010 Lexus LS 460
2009-2010 Lexus LS 460L
2010 Lexus LS 600H
2010 Lexus LS 600HL
On certain vehicles, a programming change of the steering control electronic control unit (ECU) for the variable gear ratio steering system can cause the steering wheel to become off-centre by up to 90 degrees. This may occur after the driver has fully turned the steering wheel in one direction, and then quickly attempts to turn it back to the centre position. Dealers will replace the steering control ECU.  Vehicles affected: 140

2010 Cadillac SRX
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.8-litre V6 engine, if low-octane (regular) fuel is used instead of the high-octane (premium) fuel required as stated in the owner’s manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel and aggressive driving may induce pre-ignition. If this occurs, the driver will hear a pinging or knocking sound from the engine. If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine failure. Dealers will reprogram the engine control module.  Vehicles affected: 50

2011 BMW X5
2011 BMW X6
Certain vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels and tires may have a tire information label that says the vehicle is equipped with 19-inch wheels and tires. This poses no safety risk because the tire pressure between the two is very similar. The manufacturer will provide new labels to owners.  Vehicles affected: 13

Not on the Transport Canada list but likely to be on the next release is GM’s recent recall on 1.5 million vehicles worldwide.  Those include:

2006-2009 Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2

2008-2009 Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS

2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse

On certain vehicles with heated washer fluid systems, the mechanism can short circuit and lead to a fire.  Dealer service personnel will remove the heated washer fluid module from vehicles and GM will make a voluntary payment of $100 to the owner or lessee of each vehicle for the loss of the feature.   GM customers will begin receiving recall letters this month.  Vehicles affected overall in Canada: 98,794