Forte hatchback at the Chicago Auto Show.
The expanding list of safety recalls now includes vehicles from Kia, Nissan and Toyota. The largest affecting 87,000 2014 Kia Forte models results from a melting cooling fan resistor can overheat and cause a fire. The Forte engine-control software also needs to be updated on a subset of the recall population. The recall is expected to begin February 24, 2015. Owners should contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 about recall SC113.
Nissan North America is recalling model year 2014-2015 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles because the front-wheel hub assembly fasteners may not have been properly torqued. Under-torqued bolts can cause the brake caliper to separate from the wheel assembly causing a reduction in braking performance or reduced steering control. The recall is expected to begin February 25, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Toyota is recalling model year 2014-2015 Toyota Prius V vehicles because the occupant classification system that activates or deactivates the passenger seat airbag may be improperly calibrated. As a result, the passenger air bag may not deploy in a vehicle crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” Dealers will re-calibrate of the OCS system, beginning February 15, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
