Honda is issuing two new recalls, this time for 80,111 CR-Vs from the 2006 model year and 5,626 manual transmission CR-Zs from the 2011 model year for different and separate issues. The 2006 CR-Vs are being recalled for a faulty power window master switch while the 2011 CR-Zs are getting an update to the software that controls the hybrid electric motor.

In the 2006 CR-V, the faulty power window master switch can allow residue from interior cleaners to gather up, causing the electrical contacts to degrade, leading to a potential fire in the switch. Honda will replace the switch for all those affected by the recall.

The electric motor issue in the 2011 CR-Z has the potential to rotate in the opposite direction to what’s selected on the transmission, potentially causing the CR-Z to roll in an unexpected direction – as in if you’re in first gear, your CR-Z will instead go in reverse. A software update will be done to the electric motor that will add further controls to correct the problem.

Honda will be notifying customers beginning in late September 2011 and neither recall has resulted in any injuries or deaths. Owners of the vehicles may also contact Honda at 800-999-1009 (option 4) or going online at http://www.recalls.honda.com to determine if they fall into the recall.

Click here to read AutoGuide’s Honda CR-Z Review

Owners of BMW‘s 2009 X5 SUV powered with a diesel engine should be keeping their eyes out for a recall notice, scheduled to be sent out on October 1st. The recall is for a replacement fuel filter heater that BMW has concluded can be faulty in 2,120 X5 SUVs with a diesel engine manufactured from October 1st, 2008 to June 12th, 2009.

The problem, according to BMW, is that the fuel filter heater remains on even if the SUV itself isn’t. This causes the heaters to discharge its battery prematurely and there’s a possibility that the heater could overheat and cause a fire. BMW will replace the fuel filter heater for free and if owners have any questions they can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for 4,077 Buick LaCrosse sedans after finding issues pertaining to the electronic stability control system. The issue only pertains to 2012 model year cars, built between June 9 and July 2.

According to the recall notice, “The StabiliTrak system has an incorrect calibration that may cause the system to not properly detect if a sensor were to malfunction, and the warning light indicating that the system is not operating would not illuminate, as required in the safety standard”.

If the ESC malfunctions, there is a possibility the system could falsely activate, resulting in sudden changes to the vehicles driving dynamics. If this were to happen, there is a higher probability in loss of driver control, which could lead to a crash.

The recall will begin towards the end of August, and affected vehicles will have the electronic brake reprogrammed free of charge.

Both the new Ford Mustang and the new VW Jetta are facing possible recalls as a result of ongoing investigations by safety officials.

The Mustangs in question are those from the 2011 and 2012 model year equipped with a manual transmission, with reports from owners stating an inability to shift into gears while merging into high speed traffic or while turning left across oncoming traffic. A total of 32 complaints have gone through NHTSA on the Mustang.

On the Volkswagen Jettas equipped with TDI, seven complaints have been filed alleging a leak from the fuel line to the fuel injector. NHTSA has also received one complaint from a VW Golf equipped with the 2.0L TDI. Incidents are being reported between 2,470 to 7,764 miles and could impact 40,000 Jetta TDI vehicles.

Both of these cases may or may not result in recalls.

[Source: Detroit News]

Honda has launched a recall for about 1.5 million vehicles in the United States to update the software that controls the automatic transmission. The recall will include the 2005-10 4 cylinder Accord, 2007-10 CR-V and 2005-08 Element models. The issue surrounds a bearing in the automatic transmission system that was not built with sufficient strength and as a result, may emit abnormal noise or cause the engine to stall during certain gear shifts. The secondary shaft bearing in affected vehicles can be damaged if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions. This is most likely done in an attempt to free a car stuck in mud or snow. The software update will ease the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

Honda will begin notifying customers on August 31.

Volvo is recalling the 2007 S80 built between March 2006 and May 2007 due to the power steering reservoir return hoses that may been incorrectly routed.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an incorrectly routed hose can result in increased pressure within the power steering. If there is a failure, it’s possible for the hose to burst, resulting in a loss of power steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Volvo will begin contacting owners in August, and any necessary repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.

Toyota has announced a recall of its Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h vehicles, dating from the 2006 and 2007 model years. According to a statement released by the automaker, improperly soldered transistors on the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) located inside the Hybrid System Inverter could become damaged due to excessive heat, causing the car’s hybrid powerplant to enter a low power limp-mode or cease working all together. This would be accompanied by a warning lights on the dash.

Affected vehicles include 45,500 Highlander Hybrid models and 36,700 Lexus RX400h models.

Replacement parts are not yet available, but Toyota says it is working to obtain them and will notify owners at that time. Toyota says it will initially inform owners in July and will follow up once the parts are available.

Owners with questions or concerns are asked to contact Toyota online at 1 800-331-4331 or visit www.toyota.com/recall for more info. Lexus owners can call 1 800-255-3987 or visit www.lexus.com/recall.

Catching sight of Bigfoot is rare, having a close encounter with an alien is rarer still, but a Porsche recall has to be the rarest thing ever.

Yes, this usually bullet-proof manufacturer with a unrivaled reputation for building fast and reliable cars, has just issued a recall for 1702 examples of their 911-model. The defective part is the wheel hub for models fitted with the central locking wheel device.

This system, as used in Porsche racing cars, is intended to reduce rotating mass, while also allowing for quicker tire changes. However, 911 Turbo, Turbo S, GT2, GT3 and GT3 RS models built between May 2009 and September 2010 can be affected by a defected hub which would wear prematurely and that could lead to a crash. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) had notified Porsche of the potential problem, and now Porsche will fix all these cars with a new, improved part.

Mazda has announced a recall for its Mazda3 model, which is also sold under the name Axela in Japan. The recall affects 494,500 units globally with roughly 157,700 in North America.

The recall surrounds an electronic problem that could prevent the windshield wipers from working. Affected vehicles include those between the 2008 and 2010 model years. Mazda is expected to notify customers and those with questions can contact their local dealer to see if their specific vehicle is listed under this recall.

Volvo has officially released a recall for 7,558 2012 S60 vehicles because of a potental problem with the fuel pump. The fuel pump issue may lead to engine hesitation and stalling even if the fuel gauge idicates up to a quarter tank of gas. This issue could potentially lead to a crash.

The software for the fuel pump unit may not be compatible with all fuel pumps and components. This may result in an insufficient transfer of fuel in the pump unit. The S60′s affected include cars made from November 18, 2010 through May 5 2011.

Volvo expects the safety recall to begin June 17. The dealer will upgrade the engine control module software for free.

If Volvo owners have any questions, they are asked to call 1-201-768-7300