Ford has issued two recalls related to the 2014 Ford Escape and 2015 Lincoln MKC.
Both models are affected by a fuel-delivery problem that can cause the pump to seize due to defective nickel plating. If the pump fails while driving, the vehicle can stall without warning and increase the risk of a crash.

A total of more than 9,000 vehicles will receive a replacement fuel-delivery module to resolve the problem, which has not yet been officially blamed for any accidents or injuries.

The second recall is focused on just the Lincoln MKC. The company has received complaints of accidental shutdown while driving, likely due to the proximity of the push-button start to the touchscreen and other controls.

“If the push-to-start button is inadvertently actuated while driving, the restraint system may not perform as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injuries,” the company said in a statement.

Dealers will replace the gearshift module with a component of revised design, relocating the push-to-start button away from other controls.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has hinted at an Alfa Romeo unveiling next month in Detroit.
Chrysler blogger Jen Herman recently highlighted customer enthusiasm for the 4C launch in the US and Canada, which has brought a spike in membership to Alfa Romeo heritage clubs in both countries.

“Of course, if you like what you see, there will be more over the next few years. Alfa Romeo plans to introduce eight new models by 2018,” Herman wrote. “You’ll get your next Alfa fix at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.”

The company has not elaborated with additional details surrounding which model might make its debut in Detroit, though the timing coincides with recent spy shots revealing the 4C Spider.

The open-air 4C features a removable roof panel and unique headlights with a more traditional appearance, among other minor visual tweaks. It is expected to go on sale in 2015 for the 2016 model year.

Volkswagen has issued a recall for a wide range of new cars outfitted with 1.8T and 2.0T engines.
During the fall of 2014, the company received field reports of fuel smell and leaking fuel lines. An investigation found that a supplier had manually reworked a sealing cap on the fuel rail, but with insufficient solder. Consequently, the solder joint can eventually fail and begin to leak.

The problem can be identified via fuel smell or a warning light if the if the fuel-rail pressure cannot be maintained.

VW warns that leaking fuel can result in a fire if it is in the presence of an ignition source, however no accidents or injuries have been blamed on the problem.

The defect affects the 2014-2015 Beetle, Jetta and Passat, along with the 2015 Golf and GTI, for a grand total of nearly 38,000 vehicles. Service technicians will inspect each vehicle and replace the fuel rail if necessary.

Responding to range discrepancies with the new dual-motor Model S variants, Tesla Motors has promised a software update and clarified expected driving distances for the whole sedan family.
The company notes that the dual-motor 85D and its high-performance counterpart, the flagship P85D, currently drive both motors when the vehicle is cruising. Allowing one of the motors to keep spinning in a “torque sleep” mode will help improve range by approximately 10 percent.

After the torque-sleep software update arrives by the end of January, 85D owners can expect an EPA-cycle estimated range of 270 miles. Single-motor variants (P85+, P85, 85) are slightly behind at 265 miles, while the P85D drops further to 253 miles.

Tesla points out that highway cruising range narrows the range gap, with 285 miles expected from the P85D and single-motor configurations, each driven at 65 mph. The dual-motor 85D still maintains a ten-mile lead, however, with an estimated 295 miles at the same speed. Bringing the speed up to 75 mph results in a 43-46 mile range penalty depending on the model.

Owners or potential buyers can consult Tesla’s updated range tool to determine expected driving distances for a variety of vehicle configurations and driving conditions. The system suggests the P85D driven in the city with 21-inch wheels can lose 106 miles of range in cold conditions if the cabin heater is running.

Given enough time, salt can absolutely ruin a vehicle. In the case of one Chicago-area Acura dealer, it only took a few seconds for mean Mr. Salt to wreck six vehicles.
No, it wasn’t the resulting corrosion that destroyed the Acuras, but rather the salt itself — and there was a lot of it.

The incident occurred earlier this week when a wall of the Morton Salt building suddenly collapsed, spilling thousands of pounds of salt onto the ground below. Unfortunately for McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago, that wall collapse happen in the exact spot where they store vehicles awaiting service.

According to Automotive News, six vehicles were involved in the incident, with at least three partially covered by the impromptu avalanche. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago so far hasn’t commented on the accident, but we imagine the dealer is currently scouting the area for a new overflow lot.

Photo courtesy of Reuters.