News Briefs: Nissan, NHTSA, Recalls

Nissan May Expand Titan Series Nissan has other Titan pickup truck
variations under consideration, including a heavy-duty 3/4-ton model. This heavier version
could compete with GM, Ford and Dodge Ram models. Look for it as a 2004 or 2005 model.
NHTSA Studies GM Trucks The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) reports that it will investigate more than 384,000 GM SUVs and light trucks for a
defect in their wheels. NHTSA will study 384,608 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra and
Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon vehicles because of two instances of cracked steel wheels. The
affected vehicles are 1999-2003 models with six-bolt, 16×6.5-inch steel wheels; the cracks
could lead to a loss of tire pressure. The investigation may lead to a full recall of the
vehicles involved. NHTSA Examines Explorer Seats The last-generation Ford
Explorer is now the subject of another investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA is investigating reports that the seats in some 1.2 million
Explorers are prone to recline during an accident. The agency has collected 23 reports
alleging the Explorer’s seats are faulty; the investigation, which is not an official
recall, involves Explorers sold in the 1998-2000 model years. GM Recalls Saturn
L-Series Because of the potential for engine fires, General Motors will recall
some 254,000 Saturn L-Series cars, the popular dinghy-towing vehicles. The vehicles
involved are versions of the midsize Saturn with GM’s 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, of
which some 240,000 were sold in the United States. GM is replacing the engine’s spark plugs
and ignition modules at no charge. Saturn is also reprogramming powertrain control modules
on 2002-2003 L-Series for a problem with misfiring that could lead to exhaust-system
failure. Ford Recalls SUVs, Trucks Ford is recalling approximately 185,000
SUVs and pickups to inspect steering components that may not have been properly installed.
This could result in a loss of steering control. The affected vehicles are 1997
Expeditions, F-150 and F-250 pickups. Owners should check with dealers if they have not
received notification.