There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a product as complicated as an automobile. We see it all of the time, usually in the form of a recall. But the reason for the Mazda3s recall is a bit strange.
The Mazda3 steering wheel badge can shatter
2007 Mazda3s sedan | Mazda
That it affects the steering wheel badge isn’t in itself strange or even unique. There has already been a recall for Chevy Camaros for steering wheel badges popping off when the airbag is deployed. The badge can fly into the driver in those circumstances possibly injuring him or her.
So this is about the Mazda3 steering wheel badge. But the recall is over the badge shattering causing shrapnel to injure the driver. Apparently, the badges were made from a material that gets brittle over time. Supposedly the material used was the wrong specification.
When will owners be notified?
2007 Mazda3s sedan and hatchback | Mazda
The Mazda3 vehicles affected are 2004 to 2007 model years and takes in 260,915 cars. Mazda will be sending out notices to owners soon. Owners will be asked to bring their cars to a local dealership. Dealers will replace the airbag module cover that houses the badge at no charge.
These models were made as both a hatchback and a traditional sedan with a trunk. The Mazda3 debuted as a 2004 model. In late 2008, a second-generation Mazda3 debuted running through 2018. A third-gen Mazda3 was unveiled in late-2019 and became the fastest-selling model in Mazda history.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2007-Mazda3s-sedan-Mazda-1024x660-1.png6601024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-08 15:24:172021-07-08 15:57:18Mazda3s is Recalled for a Weird Reason
We can’t hate on the 2021 Nissan Rogue. It’s a great SUV option to consider. However, the 2022 Nissan Rogue X-Trail has a few beneficial improvements that we wish we could have. Check out what to expect with the new Nissan X-Trail.
The 2022 Nissan Rogue X-Trail brings more upgrades to the table
2022 Nissan X-Trail | Nissan
Here in America, we have the 2021 Nissan Rogue, but it’s known as the Nissan X-Trail in other countries. The 2022 Nissan X-Trail is gaining significant upgrades that we hope to see on the American models.
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail looks the same as the new Rogue with a larger V-motion grille design, updated headlights, and a floating roof. However, it has performance upgrades under the hood that makes us jealous.
How much power does the 2022 Nissan X-Trail have?
Our Nissan Rogue is available with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Unlike rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Rogue doesn’t have an electrified powertrain.
However, Nissan North America Senior Vice President, Chris Reed, has mentioned that the Rogue lineup could expand with more powertrain options in the future. The 2022 Nissan X-Trail could provide clues as to what we’re getting.
The X-Trail has Nissan’s e-Power powertrain technology, which helps Nissan with its mission to electrify every new model by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Unlike other hybrids, the e-Power setup uses a gasoline engine to charge the battery and power the electric motor.
This eliminates the need for external charging while providing a peppy acceleration, smooth deceleration, and a quiet powertrain. It also allows Nissan to meet the stretch emission targets in China.
How much power X-Trail will have hasn’t been released. But rumors suggest it will share the same e-Power powertrain as the new Quashai. It has a 1.5-liter engine and electric motor that pumps out 187 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.
Will the X-Trail be better for off-roading?
2022 Nissan X-Trail interior | Nissan
The 2022 Nissan X-Trail could gain improvements for off-roading, but the updates are primarily to provide a better on-road performance. The updated chassis includes improvements to the CMF-C platform. It also has electric steering assistance on the rack instead of the column.
Plus, the suspension is more rigidly mounted with a new multi-link rear setup. This provides a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. It has four-wheel drive to improve its off-roading abilities too. The Nissan Rogue has configurable driving modes for snow and gravel, allowing it to traverse slippery conditions.
Like the American Rogue, the X-Trail is available with third-row seating. But it’s a compact SUV, so the third row is reserved for children. It should also come with safety and convenience features to keep the entire family happy.
The Nissan Rogue and X-Trail seem to be identical so far, except for the optional hybrid powertrain. We will learn more about the X-Trail as it gets closer to launching. It should be available in the summer of 2022. We would love to test the new e-Power setup!
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/834786-1024x683-1.jpeg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-08 15:15:002021-07-08 15:57:19The 2022 Nissan X-Trail Is the More Efficient Rogue We Need
Car shows were just one among many things impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And as the Tokyo Motor Show recently demonstrated, the virus is still causing cancelations and postponements. However, car shows are slowly returning, especially in the US. Some of the major ones, though, are doing things slightly differently before. And that includes the upcoming 2021 Chicago Auto Show.
The Chicago Auto Show returns for 2021 and kicks off the US auto show season
2020 Chicago Auto Show main entrance hall | CAS
According to its organizers, the Chicago Auto Show is “the largest auto show in North America.” And it was the last major show held in the US in 2020 before the pandemic hit. Now, things have come full-circle in a way, because for 2021, it’s kicking off the US auto show season.
Originally, the 2021 Chicago Auto Show was supposed to return during its ‘traditional’ slot in February. But while it wasn’t canceled outright like the Geneva Motor Show, the CAS organizers delayed the show’s return. So, instead, it’s going down in the Windy City in July, rather than February.
And instead of Chicago following Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, Chi-town is now the 2021 North American starting point, The Drive explains. Next on the list is the New York Auto Show in August. After that, instead of NAIAS, Detroit will host the Motor Bella show in September. And the Los Angeles Auto Show follows in November 2021.
What’s new for the 2021 Chicago Auto Show?
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on the 2020 Chicago Auto Show’s off-road test course | CAS
Besides its new summertime slot, the 2021 Chicago Auto Show will also be experimenting with a modified format.
Some things are staying the same. For example, the auto show is still taking place at the McCormick Place complex, aka the McCormick Center. And a fan favorite, the Jeep off-road course, is making a return. However, because this is all taking place in the summer, the 2021 Chicago Auto Show will incorporate several outdoor activities.
So, rather than driving cars indoors, show-goers will be able to experience test vehicles on actual city streets. Ford has also promised “outdoor experiences” with the new Bronco, Bronco Sport, and Mustang Mach-E, Autoweek notes. Plus, 2021 marks the first time the Chicago Auto Show is hosting a ‘Street Fest,’ which features food, drinks, live music, and, of course, cars. Think of it as an expanded take on the Cars & Coffee idea.
As for what new cars will be on display, automakers are slowly rolling that information out. As of this writing, Jeep has confirmed that it’s bringing along the Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package and a refreshed Compass, Automotive News notes. Any additional vehicle debuts will go up on the CAS website.
When does it start?
Before it opens to the public, the 2021 Chicago Auto Show will host a Media Day on July 14th. The next day, July 15th is when the public is allowed in. And while the Street Fest only runs until July 18th, the show itself runs until July 19th.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the only auto show going outside this year. Motor Bella, the NAIAS replacement, is taking place at the M1 Concourse racetrack, not downtown Detroit. As for whether this new format sticks around, that all depends on the weather and the public’s reaction. But considering what February’s like in Chicago, it’s likely more than a few people will prefer the summer schedule.
https://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2020-Chicago-Auto-Show-main-entrance-hall-1024x683-1.jpg6831024Gabrielle DeSantishttps://news.usamotorjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/logo-usa-motor-jobs-white.pngGabrielle DeSantis2021-07-08 14:40:002021-07-08 14:59:43The 2021 Chicago Auto Show Has an All-New Format
GM has announced a large recall of 331,274 pickup trucks over potential engine fires. The recall takes in 2017-2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500, and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500. Those potentially affected are powered by the Duramax diesel 6.6-liter engine but also have an engine block heater cord.
These Silverado and Sierra pickups have been in another recall campaign
Workers inspect General Motors Co. (GM) Chevrolet 2019 Silverado HD and 2019 GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks on the assembly line at the GM plant in Flint, Michigan | Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images
This is the second time for some trucks in this group. Certain 2500 and 3500 Silverados and Sierras were also recalled for potential fire risks back in 2019. A short-circuit condition was the focus.
For this recall, GM is saying there have been no injuries or deaths to their knowledge. But the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration says it received 122 complaints about the issue. It also says that it received reports of 24 fires taking place between December 2019 and May of this year.
What happens if a circuit or fuse blows?
Line workers work on the chassis of full-size General Motors pickup trucks at the Flint Assembly plant | JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images
If the situation occurs drivers will see smoke or a burning smell, poor block-heater performance, tripped circuit breakers, or blown vehicle fuses. There could also be damage to the block heater, heater cable, or other engine components. And you may notice some engine coolant pooling under the truck.
Bring your truck to the dealership if you have a potentially affected model. Service techs will disable the heater. Then Chevy will replace the block heater and cords in a separate customer satisfaction effort.
Here’s where to go if you have questions or concerns
Chevy’s logo | Charly Triballeau via Getty Images
Dealerships were notified about the recall on July 1. Truck owners will begin to receive their notices beginning in mid-August. Electronics Components International from Canada manufacturers the block heater components according to Automotive News.
If you are concerned or have questions you can either go to GM’s recall website or the NHTSA’s site for further information and instructions. Have your truck’s VIN handy to provide either site for more information.
