Recall Alert: Ford Recall Affects 661,000 Explorer SUVs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular crossover SUVs on the road. But over the years it has dealt with its share of recalls––there are already Ford Explorer recalls in 2021 for issues with loosening motor mount bolts. Now Ford Explorers from the model year 2016-2019 are now recalled for problems the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has investigated for about one year.

Ford Explorer crossover SUVs at a dealership| Mario Tama/Getty Images

Roof racks might come loose

The latest Ford recall affects over 650,000 Ford Explorer SUV units––according to Reuters. In fact, Reuters reports that “Ford Motor Company is recalling 661,000 Explorer sport utility vehicles in North America.” The reason for this Ford Explorer recall involves Ford Explorer roof rail covers.

According to documents on the NHTSA website state that retention pins on the roof racks on Explorer crossover SUV models may come loose. If the pins come loose, then the roof rail covers can potentially “detach from the vehicle.”

A photo of a 2017 Ford Explorer Outdoors.
2017 Ford Explorer | Ford Motor Company

This Ford Explorer recall is made official in 2021, but the first inquiry was in 2020

While reviewing the public document, it’s easy to see that the first inquiry into this Ford Explorer recall was in April of 2020. That’s over a year ago that this was first officially recognized as a possible issue. How does Ford Motor Company plan to repair the affected models? And which Ford Explorer models fall under the latest 2021 recall?

a blue 2018 Ford Explorer crossover SUV in a press photo driving on a scenic road near a lake.
2018 Ford Explorer | Ford Media

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This roof rack recall affects Ford Explorer crossover SUVs from the model year 2016 to 2019. A range of versions including the Sport, XLT, and entry-level or base model Explorer. However, Police Interceptor Explorers with silver, black, or Absolute Black roof rails are also part of the recall.

Ford dealers will repair the recalled Ford Explorer roof racks. Push-pins to secure the roof racks are the official repair active Ford decided on for the recall. In addition, the company will “replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers,” Car and Driver reports.

From warranty extension to official Ford Explorer recall

” Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.”

NHTSA document, Ford Explorer recall 2021

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Originally, Ford didn’t make a move to recall this roof rack problem. In the document, the automaker stated a recall was unnecessary because a roof rail actually detaching is unlikely. It also claimed that the lightweight nature of the roof rails and the likelihood that Ford Explorer drivers quickly become aware of a loose roof rail cover suggest the issue may not need a recall. In November 2020, a Ford issued a warranty extension but made no moves toward a recall at that time.

However, the NHTSA submitted a request that Ford issue a recall for the Ford Explorer loose roof rail cover issue. Owners of the affected popular crossover SUV models will receive notification in June 2021. In fact, CarComplaints.com reports that Ford will send the recall notification letters on “June 28, 2021.”

What do you do if the roof rack recall affects your crossover SUV?

In November 2020, Ford extended the Ford Explorer’s warranty. This extension covered the roof rack and roof rail cover issue for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Ultimately, the U.S. automaker agreed and will issue an official Ford Explorer recall on April 30, 2021.

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Owners who think their vehicles are affected can either await notification or look up their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website. However, note that updates can take time. The system may not have new information may available until Ford sends the letters.

Upon receiving notification, owners will follow the instructions Ford issues to owners with recalled Ford Explorer SUV models. In this case, action will likely involve having you roof rail covers and roof rack checked at the dealer. If they discover concerning issues, repairs (push-pins) and replacements should take place.

The post Recall Alert: Ford Recall Affects 661,000 Explorer SUVs appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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More Consumers Buy 1 Honda Civic Trim Over Experts’ Pick

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For the 2020 model year, the Honda Civic came in sedan, coupe, and hatchback body styles. But for 2021, Honda nixed the coupe. The new Civic Hatchback comes in LX, Sport, EX, and Sport Touring trims. However, consumers and experts disagree on the best model. 

Edmunds shows the Sport is the most popular trim among consumers. But Car and Driver and MotorBiscuit recommend the Sport Touring. So, which hatchback is better?

2021 Honda Civic Sport vs. Sport Touring Hatchback

The base-model Honda Civic LX comes with a decent number of features. But Edmunds shows the Sport Hatchback, the next trim in the lineup, is most popular among consumers. All trims come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, but the Sport and Sport Touring trims produce 180 hp — 6 hp more than what the base trim offers. Both also offer a center-mounted exhaust.

The base and EX trims come with a continuously variable transmission as standard. The Sport and Sport Touring trims get a six-speed manual gearbox that comes standard, and the CVT is optional on these two trims. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all Civic trims. Even cargo space is the same, with 46 cubic feet of storage when the rear seats are folded down. 

Honda gives the Sport, EX, and Sport Touring a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, larger than the 5.0-inch one in the base trim. And Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all levels above the base version. As far as audio is concerned, the Sport comes with an eight-speaker sound system, but the base has only a four-speaker.

What makes the Honda Civic Sport Touring Hatchback an expert pick?

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The Sport Touring trim basically takes what’s great in the Sport and EX and combines them to make the top-tier trim. Despite their similarities, a few features set the Sport Touring apart from the Sport. 

One difference is that the Sport Touring comes with a premium 12-speaker audio system that’s Honda’s own creation. Other automakers offer third-party devices, like JBL. You’ll get 540 watts of sound compared to the 160 180 watts in the lower trims. 

Other perks you can get in the Sport Touring are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED headlights, an integrated navigational system, a power-adjustable passenger seat, leather-covered seats, and heated rear outboard seats.

As for fuel economy, Car and Driver reports the Civic Sport Touring gets 29 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined.

So, why do consumers choose the Sport over the Sport Touring?

Though we recommend the Sport Touring trim, the Sport appears to the more popular hatchback among consumers. Why is that when the Sport Touring offers more bang for the buck?

Well, it’s probably because the Sport Hatchback model has some of the same great features at a lower price point. According to Honda, the Sport trim starts at $23,300, plus a destination charge of $995. 

The Sport Touring comes with more, but it also costs more: $28,600 minus the destination charge. That’s about a $5,000 difference between the two trims. 

If a premium sound system, leather seating, and heated rear seats aren’t important to you, the Civic Sport Hatchback is a fine choice. But if you’re willing to pay a little extra to get more luxurious touches, go for the Sport Touring instead. 

The post More Consumers Buy 1 Honda Civic Trim Over Experts’ Pick appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The Honda Super Cub Anime Captures the Reality of Riding

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A Honda Super Cub, whether new or classic, certainly isn’t the biggest or flashiest motorcycle. But the reason it’s the best-selling motor vehicle ever is that it distills riding down to its bare essentials. And more than just delivering thrills, riding opens up new opportunities and worlds for those willing to sit on the saddle. That spirit is at the heart of Super Cub, an anime that celebrates the famous humble Honda motorcycle.

Super Cub: an anime about a girl and her second-hand Honda

1991 Honda Super Cub C50 side | Honda

If the idea of an anime centered around a motorcycle seems odd, it’s worth remembering the drifting anime/manga series Initial D. And this isn’t the first time the Honda Super Cub has enjoyed an anime tie-in. In 2020, Honda released two limited-edition Super Cubs based on the model seen in the film Weathering With You, Crunchyroll reports.

In the 2021 anime series Super Cub, though, the motorcycle plays a starring role. The anime is based on a series of light novels and manga volumes that first started in 2017, RideApart and Animation World explain. And the Honda company assisted Studio KAI, the company behind the Super Cub anime, in getting all the bike details right.

The three main heroines of the Super Cub anime with their bikes by a mountaintop rest area
Super Cub anime promotional poster (left-to-right: Reiko, Shii Eniwa, Koguma) | Funimation

The Super Cub anime follows Koguma, a high-school student who finds herself living alone without parents, money, or a job. And when the show begins, she has neither hobbies nor any real friends. One day, though, as she’s huffing and puffing her way up the hill to school on her bike, she’s passed by a classmate on a scooter. Tired of her commute, she decides to visit a nearby motorcycle dealer.

Although the dealer has plenty of Honda bikes, ranging from several CBRs to a Monkey and even a Ruckus, Koguma can’t afford a new one. However, the dealer brings out a second-hand Super Cub (based on its design, it’s likely an early-2000s or late-90s model). He claims that three people have died on it, so he’s only asking for the equivalent of $100.

And with that used Honda Super Cub, Koguma’s life begins to change.

Riding opens up a whole new world—and the Super Cub anime shows it off brilliantly

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As of this writing, only five of the planned 12 Super Cub anime episodes are out. And both the manga and light novel series are still ongoing. But the first four episodes were enough to show what this show does well. And that’s accurately capturing the emotional and physical ups and downs of riding.

Episode 1 shows the early steps of Koguma’s journey as a rider. She has to get her license, her helmet and gloves, and learn how to turn her Super Cub on and kick-start it. And as overwhelming as it is, the moment she starts to ride it, the on-screen colors get richer and brighter. It reminded me of finally being able to ride with other people through a summer-lit Chicago, with wind blowing and music playing.

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However, later in that same episode, she’s despondent when she can’t get her Honda Super Cub to start after trying to ride to the convenience store at night. She kicks and kicks, but she can’t figure out what’s wrong. But then, she remembers her owner’s manual—and finds out she’s out of gas. As someone who faced a similar issue recently—turns out, motorcycle batteries go flat—I understood her frustration and relief immediately.

The show gets motorcycle riders

The next few episodes of the Super Cub anime similarly demonstrate the next steps of a rider’s journey.

Koguma finds out a classmate, Reiko, also rides a Honda Super Cub, albeit significantly modified. Reiko then becomes a pseudo-mentor for Koguma, helping her get a box for luggage and secure other gear. And after becoming a courier, Koguma learns how to do basic maintenance and the importance of rain gear after getting caught in a downpour. By the end of Episode 4, she’s looking for more opportunities to ride further and further.

No motorcycle rider, whether they own a Honda Super Cub or a Suzuki Hayabusa, has experienced the same riding journey. But as a relative novice rider myself, parts of my experience mirror what’s in the show.

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After getting my Street Triple R, I was also initially overwhelmed a bit by everything. Keeping track of maintenance schedules, knowing when to stop for fuel, and getting my safety gear together piece by piece. I’ve ridden through rain and high winds without a windscreen. And in some ways, I’ve felt intimidated by those with more riding experience.

But I’ve also felt the joy that the Super Cub anime also expresses. The feel of the wind, the rush of acceleration, and the desire to ride whenever an opportunity shows up. And I’ve also felt welcome by the riding community, just like Koguma does when she meets Reiko and other Cub owners.

Where can I watch it?

The Super Cub anime is licensed by Funimation in the US. There’s no dub, but the episodes are simulcast on the Funimation website and app in Japanese with subtitles. You’ll need a subscription that starts at $7.99/month and has a 7-day free trial. As of this writing, every episode has at least 4.3/5 stars on Anime News Network.

The side view of a red-and-white 2021 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS
2021 Honda Super Cub C125 ABS side | Honda

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And if the show inspires you to get your own Honda Super Cub, the 2021 C125 ABS model starts at $3749.

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The post The Honda Super Cub Anime Captures the Reality of Riding appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Three Common French Car Brands You Won’t See on American Roads

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are plenty of options for car manufacturers in America. We have US-based options like Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet, and foreign options like Nissan, BMW, Audi, and so many more. In all of the diversity, there are even newer manufacturers rising in popularity like Tesla and Kia, so it is easy to forget that there are still a lot of brands we don’t get here in the United States. In fact, there are several French options like Peugeot that are popular in Europe that you may never see on American roads.

All-electric urban vehicle named ‘Ami’ by French carmaker Citroen | Abdulmonam Eassa, Getty Images

Renault

Renault is a popular automobile manufacturer that calls France home. It was established in 1899, but regardless of its age, most American’s wouldn’t recognize a Renault or the brand’s badging if they saw one today. In Europe, however, they are just as popular of a brand as manufacturers like Ford is here in the United States.

According to Renault of Canada, there are plenty of equivalent vehicles that match what the French brand has to offer. Once upon a time, you could buy a new Renault in the United States.

A man walks in to a Renault dealership
A Renault Espace Initiale SUV | Nathan Laine/Bloomberg, Getty Images

Citroën

The Citroën brand is another French choice that isn’t completely unfamiliar to US soil, but they are still far from common. What might surprise you is that the brand is now currently a part of Stellantis — and while the Stellantis name is still so new that most buyers may not recognize it, they might recognize some of the conglomerates more popular American-focused car brands like Fiat and Chrysler.

Because of this, there are American-equivalents of several Citroën cars here in the US, but not a directly replacement with the same badging.

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Peugeot

If you’ve made it this far without realizing how many French car brands there actually are, it won’t surprise you to hear another one, called Peugeot. Like Citroën, Peugeot is also now owned by Stellantis. While you probably won’t find any modern-day cars for sale with the iconic Peugeot Lion badging, just like Citroën, there are still many American-based alternatives that give us a taste of the brand without us even realizing it.

Of course, if you’re in the market for a really old used car, you might find a genuine Peugeot hanging around, but isn’t particularly likely.

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It isn’t totally impossible to see any of these cars in the US, as some variations and models were imported at some points in time, but you won’t find these French-manufactured cars on the roads new any time soon.

The post Three Common French Car Brands You Won’t See on American Roads appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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