MBUSA Recalls 30,000 Vehicles for Brake Hose Failures

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) is recalling~30,000 S-Class vehicles. Included are model-year 2022-2025 S 500 4MATIC, Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC, 2023-2025 S 580 E 4MATIC, and 2024-2025 AMG S 63 E Performance vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V116.* The driver will not receive a warning. When the rupture occurs, the driver might notice a red brake fluid warning message in the instrument panel.

“Affected brake hoses might not meet durability specifications as a result of accumulated material fatigue due to increased thermal and mechanical stresses sustained over the vehicle’s lifetime,” MBUSA told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, engineering, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ram 1500 Recall for Bad Tire Pressure Monitoring

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ram 1500 Recall for Bad Tire Pressure Monitoring

Click for more.

Chrysler (FCA US or Stellantis) is recalling ~16,000 2026 model year Ram 1500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system sensors may fail to detect low tire pressure and/or fail to illuminate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light as intended. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, Tire Pressure Monitoring System.*

“Inaccurate indication of tire pressure may result in tire failure, which could increase the risk of a crash,” Chrysler said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing (49 CFR §573) made public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration this morning. There is no driver warning  prior to failure. When the failure occurs, the TPMS Telltale may illuminate. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cause of Ongoing Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fires Unknown

Posted on 12 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Cause of Ongoing Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Fires Unknown

Click for more.

Volkswagen Group of America is recalling ~23,000 model-year 2023-2026 ID.4 vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail and lead to a fire. The cause is a mystery to VW. [ID.4 has had multiple recalls for its electrical system. SK Battery is the supplier – AutoCrat.]*

“The root cause is unknown, however in certain high-voltage batteries within the affected vehicle population, certain charging profiles combined with a state of charge over 80% may trigger thermal propagation within the high-voltage battery,” VW told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing document made public by NHTSA this morning. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Americans Directly Link Affordability Concerns to Trade Policy

Posted on 9 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Americans Directly Link Affordability Concerns to Trade Policy

Click to enlarge.

Concerns around affordability are making trade an important factor in this year’s midterms, according to the results of a new CFR-Morning Consult poll released this week. [So the conventional wisdom is true. This is Real News instead of Fake MAGA news – AutoCrat]*

“Americans usually list the economy as a top issue in the midterms,” Alison Smith told the Daily Brief from the Council on Foreign Relations. “But this time, polling data shows Americans are directly linking affordability concerns to trade policy,” said Smith, deputy director of CFR’s Greenberg Center for Geoeconomics. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, news, news analysis, opinions, prices, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trump Mis-Administration – Record High Gas Prices Persist

Posted on 9 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Mis-Administration - Record High Gas Prices Persis

Click for more.

Gas prices remain at record highs for autumn. New data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) show gasoline demand increased last week from 8.68 million barrels per day to 8.76 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased slightly from 204.4 million barrels to 204.7 million. Gasoline production decreased from 9.46 million barrels per day to 9.34 million barrels. At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.16 to settle at $88.28 per barrel. The EIA reports that U.S. crude oil inventories decreased 3.2 million barrels to 424.1 million barrels, 1% above the five-year average.

“Even though the national average dropped 5 cents this past week to $4.36, pump prices remain at record highs for autumn. This is the first year the national average has been above $4 per gallon in October. After dipping into the $80 per barrel range for several days, crude oil is back above $90 per barrel. Hurricane Isaias [Hurricane Trump or MAGA – AutoCrat?] is another factor that could affect gas prices if oil production and refineries in the region are impacted.” AAA said in a release analyzing pricing trends.** Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, energy, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Volvo Cars Research Shows Equal Protection for Men, Women

Posted on 8 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Volvo Cars Research Shows Equal Protection for Men, Women

Click for more.

A Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B: STO. ADR OTC VLVCY) study published as part of the Enhance Safety of Vehicle (ESV) International Conference 2026 asserts that Volvo cars provide equal protection for women and men. The study was led by Lotta Jakobsson, Ph.D. Eng. and Thomas Broberg, Ph.Lic. Eng. at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.*

“For too long, safety in the automotive industry has not worked equally well for everyone,” said Åsa Haglund, head of Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “At Volvo Cars, we’ve taken a different approach. By studying real-world crashes and designing with the needs of women, men and children of all body types in mind, we’ve worked for decades to provide a high level of protection regardless of who you are or where you sit in the car. Our latest research confirms that equal protection is not just an ambition, but something we have been able to achieve in Volvo cars for many years.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in engineering, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Editorial – To The Republic For Which Our Flag Stands

Posted on 8 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on To The Republic For Which Our Flag Stands

Click to enlarge.

Sessions of our Congress – both the House and Senate – open with the pledge of allegiance to the Republic. This means people acting as voters hold the power to choose the elective representatives who will govern them, not kings with divine rights and royal whims.

This year voters – we the people – are troubled and alarmed about the economy. The primary results that rejected Republicans [Republi-cons?] has the Trump MAGA gang doing more than metaphorical pearl clutching in fear that the pearls are about to be transformed into rhinestones. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in AutoInformed Editorial, news analysis, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Chevrolet Tweaks 2027 Trax and Trailblazer

Posted on 8 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Chevrolet Tweaks 2027 Trax and Trailblazer

Click for more.

Chevrolet today announced mild updates to its two most affordable vehicles, the 2027 Trax and 2027 Trailblazer.* Notably there are additional safety and driver assistance features and upgraded technology at what is claimed to be exceptional value.[Understandably, no pricing was given at this time partly due to the Trump Mis-Administration ongoing Trade, Tariff and shooting wars, which are wreaking havoc on global automakers. Generally they range from ~$22,000 to ~$28,000 excluding destination freight charges and taxes – AutoCrat.] They will be available at Chevrolet dealers in Spring 2027.

“Trax and Trailblazer combined are currently having their best sales year ever, with more than a quarter-million vehicles delivered year-to-date. Chevrolet is investing in the segment at the right time,” said Scott Bell, Vice President, Global Chevrolet. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in engineering, marketing, opinions, prices | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

DNC Sues Trump for Illegally Using Taxpayer Dollars on Partisan Political Propaganda

Posted on 7 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on DNC Sues Trump for Illegally Using Taxpayer Dollars on Partisan Political Propaganda

Click for more on the suit.

Today, the DNC sued Donald Trump and his administration over their illegal use of taxpayer dollars to fund political propaganda ads in a desperate attempt to boost Republicans’ plummeting approval ratings ahead of the midterms.*

“Donald Trump is misusing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund pure propaganda ads in a last-ditch attempt to save Republicans in November — so we’re suing him. As gas and grocery costs rise and his approval numbers continue to crater, this president has stooped to taking money from a fund intended for memorials for Americans killed in the line of duty to promote his failed policies. Americans deserve better than to have their hard-earned tax dollars used for Trump’s illegal schemes,” said DNC Chair Ken Martin. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in customer satisfaction, fools 'n frauds, litigation, news, opinions, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seven Unions Want Bans on Defense Contractor Stock Buybacks

Posted on 7 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Seven Unions Want Bans on Defense Contractor Stock Buybacks

Click for more Trump’s ongoing Iran War consequences.

The United Auto Workers, along with six unions representing members at the largest U.S. defense contractors, are calling on members of Congress to support a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would ban defense contractors from stock buybacks and dividends. Since 2020, the big five prime defense contractors have spent twice as much on stock buybacks and dividends than capital expenditures, according to a UAW release. [NDAA from the Trump Administration: Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting, 91 Fed. Reg. 1377 (Jan. 13, 2026) – AutoCrat.]*

“The working class makes the defense industry run, but instead of investing in our national and economic security, companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Woodward, and dozens more spend taxpayer dollars on Wall Street payoffs to enrich the billionaires,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “It’s time we put an end to defense contractors paying off Wall Street while defense workers and taxpayers pay the price.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis, opinions, people, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BTS – Diesel Fuel at All Time High $6.29 Gallon!

Posted on 7 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BTS - Diesel at All Time High $6.29 Gallon

Click for more higher prices.

During September 2026, the average price for regular motor gasoline was $4.36 per gallon; up 7.3% from August 2026 and up, gulp, 37.6% from September 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) released today.*

“The average price for diesel no. 2, at $6.29 per gallon, reached a new all-time high in September 2026, up 9.3% from the previous all-time high reached in June 2022, up 15.2% from August 2026, and up 67.8% from September 2025,” BTS said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, energy, milestones, opinions, prices, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Group Testing Hydrogen Combustion Engine Truck

Posted on 6 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on BMW Group Testing Hydrogen Combustion Engine Truck

Click for more.

BMW Group said today that it is testing hydrogen combustion engine truck at Leipzig. [Thus far, Japanese vehicle makers appear to be leading the use of hydrogen fuel with the cooperation of the Japanese government. The Germans, who once scoffed at Japanese technological prowess when Lexus and Infiniti debuted appear to be trailing them in hydrogen fuel technologies – AutoCrat]*

“Logistics is the backbone of our production. That is why we are adopting a technology-open, data-based approach to identify suitable alternative truck drive trains for each specific application. For the first time in German car production, we are using a truck with a hydrogen combustion engine in regular operations. This project will give us valuable practical experience in real-world logistics operations and make an important contribution to further developing this technology,” said Dirk Wiedmann, head of Production Network and Logistics at the BMW Group. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in alternative fuels, global warming, manufacturing, milestones | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trump Mis-Administration August 2026 Trade Deficit up $12.7B

Posted on 6 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Mis-Administration August 2026 Trade Deficit up $12.7Billion

Click for more.

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $105.6 billion in August, up $12.7 billion from $92.8 billion in July, revised. August exports were $315.2 billion, $4.5 billion more than July exports. However, August imports were $420.8 billion, $17.2 billion more than July imports. [Exports of crude oil increased $2.0 billion as consumers – and voters – struggled with soaring fuel prices – AutoCrat.]*

“The August increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $12.8 billion to $136.6 billion and an increase in the services surplus of less than $0.1 billion to $31.0 billion. Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit decreased $138.2 billion, or 19.9%, from the same period in 2025. Exports increased $267.7 billion or 11.8%. Imports increased $129.5 billion or 4.4%,” the Bureaus said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, news analysis, opinions, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

U.S. Transportation Sector Unemployment Rises

Posted on 2 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on U.S. Transportation Sector Unemployment Rises

Click for more.

During September 2026, the transportation sector unemployment rate rose 0.4 percentage points from 4.3% in September 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said today. [U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Transportation Economic Trends – AutoCrat]*

“Unemployment in the transportation sector was higher than the overall unemployment. BLS reports that the U.S. unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, in September 2026 was 4.0% or 0.7 percentage points below the transportation sector rate. Seasonally adjusted, the U.S. unemployment rate in September 2026 was 4.2%,” BLS said. Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in economy, labor issues, news analysis, opinions, transportation, Trump Truth Tests | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Milestones – One Million BMW Ms at Plant Munich

Posted on 2 October 2026 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Milestones – One Million BMW Ms at Plant Munich

Click for more.

BMW M (XETRA: BMWG.DE) said today that it is celebrating production of its one-millionth BMW M vehicle. The milestone vehicle, a BMW M3 with BMW Individual Fire Orange III special paintwork, manufactured at BMW Group Plant Munich, was presented by Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, to Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, as part of an internal ceremony.*

“BMW M combines road and racetrack capabilities with everyday practicality,” said Franciscus van Meel. “The one-millionth BMW M vehicle shows that these values are still very much appreciated by our customers, 40 years after the market launch of the first BMW M3. This motivates us to continuously develop our BMW M high-performance vehicle portfolio based on BMW M Neue Klasse technology, including fully-electric models, in line with our core brand promise.” Continue reading →

Tweet
Posted in electric vehicles, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, milestones | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment