Recalls in June 2006

June 21, 2006
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is recalling 85,000 of the 2006 model year Nisan Altimas because the cars burn too much oil and that may cause a engine fire.

"Certain of the passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines may experience excessive oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings," according to NHTSA.

The federal safety regulators warn that if engine oil is not maintained at least at minimum levels engine damage is likely and an engine fire is possible.

Nissan has not provided details of how the company plans to repair the Altimas that are part of the recall but the automaker has notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining proper oil levels.

Altima owners can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 or NHTSA at 1-800-424-9153.

June 14, 2006
Honda Motor Co. has announced a massive worldwide recall of 561,594 vehicles to repair an ignition switch that could fail and cause the engine to stop.

Honda is recalling the Odyssey, CR-V, and Step Wagon models. Most of the recalled vehicles -- 483,185 units -- are in Japan.

Almost all off the recalls outside Japan -- 78,309 units -- involve the Odyssey minivan sold in North America.

Honda reports that five people in Japan suffered burns from contact with melted ignition switches in the recalled vehicles.

The recall and repairs will cost Honda approximately $24 million, according to a spokeswoman.