Ford Recalling 2013 Escapes

Positioning of carpet padding could lead to the risk of a crash

By James Limbach, ConsumerAffairs.com

Ford is recalling 8,266 model year 2013 Escape vehicles in the U.S. manufactured from March 8, 2012 through June 7, 2012.

Due to mis-positioned carpet padding, the center console trim panel may be pushed outboard of the intended position, reducing clearance relative to the pedal package.

The reduced clearance may result in the driver’s foot contacting the side of the brake pedal while transferring the foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal, increasing stopping distances and the risk of a crash.

Read the entire article here.

Car-Sharing: A Growing Trend But Is It For You?

There are pluses and minuses to car-sharing and on-demand rentals

By Daryl Nelson, ConsumerAffairs.com

If you’ve noticed, car-sharing companies are growing in popularity, and many find them to be a more convenient alternative to rental car agencies.

Companies like Zipcar or City CarShare are pulling in new consumers by the thousands, and the customer base is primarily made up of those who live in big cities, and don’t need a car every day. Also, a big portion of these customers just don’t want to own a car.

Rental companies like Thrifty and Budget may provide the convenience of having access to a wider selection of vehicles, and a bigger network of repair and support services, but some are also known to have really poor customer service.

Read the entire article here.

Consumers Fume as Their Toyotas Burn

Feds investigating fires in recent-vintage cars as consumers complain of no help from Toyota

By James R. Hood, ConsumerAffairs.com

You wouldn't expect your car door to catch fire, but that's apparently what's been happening on some 2007 through 2009 Toyotas, according to federal safety regulators.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it has received 32 complaints of electrical fires or burned switches from fires that started in the driver's side door -- specifically in the power-window switch.

Some of the fires have been serious and have destroyed the entire car, although there is so far only one report of personal injury, which occurred when a passenger in a 2007 Camry tried to extinguish a door fire.

Read the entire article here.

BMW Recalls 2009 Z4, 30I, 35I Models

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~Sandy G.