General Motors has nixed an optional hot-spray windshield washer system called HotShot from all of its cars and trucks after an electrical short in the systems caused the recall of 944,000 vehicles. GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that a short on the circuit board of the fluid heater could overheat the control-circuit ground wire. The problem has resulted in 34 warranty claims so far and three reports of fires may have been caused by the system. To fix the problem, dealers will add a wiring harness with an inline fuse, and all GM retail outlets should have the required parts to fix the problem free of charge by November 1.

In the ongoing quest to make our cars more user-friendly, automakers have been adding more and more techno-goodies to make our lives just a bit easier, as well. Unfortunately, these features occasionally do the exact opposite as electrical gremlins take control and make them malfunction. Such is the case with a 857,735 vehicles from General Motors built between 2006 and 2008 that are equipped with heated windshield washer fluid. Apparently, the system is liable to short out, causing it to stop working and even smoke, give off an odor, and make other on-board electronic systems go haywire. To remedy the problem, dealers will add a new wiring harness with an in-line fuse, which will short out before the problematic printed electrical circuit does the same. We've pasted a list of all the affected vehicles after the break.

If you have a 2009 Jaguar XF, you should hop down to your dealer to have the rear safety belt assembly looked at. Jaguar is recalling 7,900 of the '09 cars because in an accident the rear occupants might not be properly restrained. To find out more you can call Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827, or make an appointment at your local Jaguar dealer.

[Source: Carscoop]

Some 2008-model Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could lose pressure and decreasing engine performance. In Elantras with the 2.0-liter Beta engine, gasoline with ethanol added creates a buildup of film on the pump's electrical contacts. This can cause the engine to hesitate during starting or while running. The recall is voluntary, and if you have one of the affected cars, don't hesitate to contact your dealer.

[Source: Freep]

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