Better World Club

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Good News for Corn! Bad News for the Rest of Us

Fuel Prices Rise Across the Country in Every Category…Except, that is, for Ethanol

We hate to be the herald of bad news, but c’mon, you should really be expecting this by now. It’s nearly summer, and fuel prices are on the rise in every region. (Just in time for your vacation, yeah, but don’t we go through this every year?) Gasoline prices have risen over $0.10 since our last report – which is strange because oil is practically washing up on the Gulf coast. Diesel prices are up by an average of over $0.30, and B20 and B99 prices are up $0.25 and $0.50 since March. CNG prices rose $0.05 nationwide.

Only ethanol managed to buck the trend. E85 prices dropped on average $0.09 since our last report. Your minivan may run on biodiesel, but have some compassion. Corn producers have been feeling the heat lately, and maybe falling ethanol prices will help stir up some demand. (Or maybe we’re onto some sort of conspiracy here.)

In any case, there’s a silver lining for everyone planning to power their vacations on gas: According to an AP report, gasoline prices have likely risen as high as they will before the Memorial Day holiday and will probably peak below the $3.00 threshold.

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April 2010 Recalls

Advanced Carbon Composites is recalling all model EXT-001, EXT-002, and EXT-003 motorcycle helmets, sizes S/M, M/L, AND L/XL. These helmets fail to conform to the penetration, impact attenuation, and/or labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218, "Motorcycle Helmets." In the event of a crash, the helmet will not adequately protect the wearer of the helmet, increasing the risk of injury. ACC will notify owners of record and will offer a full refund. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about May 31, 2010. Owners may contact ACCc toll-free at 1-800-300-9813.

BMW is recalling certain model year 2010 X5 M SAV vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," These vehicle's were equipped with side marker lamps, but not the power supply cables leading to the lamps. As a result, the side marker lamps do not illuminate. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 108. BMW has not yet provided a remedy or an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW at 800-525-7417.

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. is recalling model year 2007-2009 trailers manufactured by Karavan and equipped with BRP brakes. The braking system may not have been properly bled prior to delivery to the dealer network. This may lead to brakes not functioning properly increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will re-bleed the braking systems free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact BRP at 1-888-638-5397 or 1-819-566-3366.

The Braun Corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan mobility conversions which were altered by Braun between January 21, 2009 and March 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features. In raising the chassis, the rear spring hats come into closer proximity to the rear tires. In rough or aggressive driving situations the tires may intermittently contact the rear spring hats. Contact between the tire spring hat may wear a hole in the tire over time. This may result in loss of vehicle control in the event of tire pressure loss increasing the risk of a crash. Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2010. Owners may contact Braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.

Bridgestone has notified NHTSA about a noncompliance in certain replacement Bridgestone brand Potenza RE050A tires, size 245/45R18 XL and B390 and Turanza ER30 tires, size 205/65R16. The noncompliant tires are missing required labels that fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 139, "New Pneumatic Radial Tires for Light Vehicles." Missing labels could lead to the tire(s) being overinflated or underinflated, increasing the risk of a crash. BATO will notify owners of record and will replace the tires free of charge. The safety recall began on April 19, 2010. Owners may contact BATO at 1-800-465-1904.

Champion Bus has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007-2010 motorhomes fitted with Ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform. The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled. Champion bus is working with Ricon and Ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. Please see Ricon's defect report 09E-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2010. Owners may contact Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884, emailing at www.dmata@wabtec.com.

Comm-Trans is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 ADA conversion vans built on Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 chassis between December 7, 2007 and December 23, 2009 and fitted with Ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform. The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled. Comm-Trans is working with Ricon and Ricon will be performing the remedy for this campaign. Please see Ricon's defect report 09E-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Comm-Trans at 1-901-726-9394.

Comm-Trans is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 ADA conversion vans built on Ford E-150, E-250, and E-350 chassis between December 7, 2007 and December 23, 2009 and fitted with certain Ricon S series and K series L-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point. When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries. Comm-Trans will notify owners, and repairs will be performed by authorized Ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, Ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a DVD-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall is expected to begin during April 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Comm-Trans at 1-901-726-9394. This recall only pertains to vehicles altered by Comm-Trans and has no relation to any vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.

Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2010 Bounder Classic 30T and Encounter 28MS, 30SA and 32BH class a motor homes manufactured February 26, 2010 through March 29, 2010 for failing to comply with the requirements of part 567, "Certification." The federal certification tag was printed with an incorrect rear tire psi and/or incorrect tire size. This does not meet the requirements of the standard. Fleetwood will mail correct federal certification tags to dealers and owners along with installation instructions. If customers do not feel comfortable installing the tags they may take their motor home to any Fleetwood dealer and they will perform this service free of charge. The safety recall began on May 3, 2010. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 800-509-3418.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Fusion, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Milan and Mountaineer vehicles manufactured between December 15, 2009 through February 3, 2010 equipped with front seat manual recliners. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202, "Head Restraint." The recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification that could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement. In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the manual recliners for both power and manual seats free of charge. The safety recall began on May 3, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

General Motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans 2500, 3500 and 4500 series. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the generator may develop a low resistance short within the voltage regulator. The low resistance short could eventually generate enough heat to result in an engine compartment fire. Dealers will inspect and replace any suspect generators if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 12, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette passenger cars manufactured between March 2004 and January 2006 equipped with a tilt and telescoping steering column (RPO N37). In rare cases, repeated movement of the steering column may cause a signal interruption within the column. If this occurs, the message, "service active handling system" will appear in the driver information center, and one or more of the brakes may apply, possibly causing the vehicle to pull to the right or left. If the driver does not respond to the change in vehicle movement, a crash could occur. GM will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2010. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. GM's recall campaign number is N100118.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Hummer H3 vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the integral clip-tabs on the louver on the hood may fracture, causing the hood louver rattle against the hood and become loose. If this indicator is unnoticed, additional clips could fracture and the hood louver could detach from the vehicle. If the vehicle is being driving when this occurs, it could strike a following vehicle and cause injury and/or property damage. Dealers will apply an adhesive to the hood louver to secure it to the hood. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall campaign began on April 12, 2010. Owners may contact Hummer at 1-800-732-5493 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Harley-Davidson has notified NHTSA abouta defect in certain cam buckle tie-down kits sold as aftermarket accessories, p/nos. 94690-10 and 94665-10. The straps may slip at less than the rated 1200 lb load specification. This may allow unexpected shift or movement of a load being secured by the tie down straps, which may increase the risk of serious injury or death. Harley-Davidson will notify owners through its dealer network and will offer a full refund for the return of the defective straps. The safety recall began on April 13, 2010. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056. Harley-Davidson's recall campaign number is 0142.

Honda is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2008 Acura TSX passenger vehicles manufactured between September 25, 2002 and February 13, 2008. Prolonger high under hood temperatures may cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely and may cause the hose to crack and leak power steering oil. Oil leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire. Honda will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about May 28, 2010. Owners may contact Acura Client Services at 1-800-382-2238.

Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 Acura ZDX passenger cars manufactured between November 12, 2009 and March 22, 2010. During the manufacturing process, the dashboard covering material may have not been properly laser scored to allow complete deployment of the front passenger's SRS airbag. In the event of a crash, the airbag will not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury. Honda will notify owners and Acura dealers will inspect the dashboard covering material and replace if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 21, 2010. Owners may contact Acura Client Services at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's recall campaign number is R34.

Metal Fabrication has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2010 boat trailers equipped with brake systems manufactured between August 11, 2009 and January 26, 2010 designed to haul recreational boats. The brake actuator on the tongue of the trailer can have a misaligned brake solenoid. If the solenoid is mis-aligned, then there is potential for interference between the solenoid and the actuator housing. Leakage of brake fluid and/or the presence of air in brake lines may cause the brakes to not operate as intended increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and test the brake system free of charge. The safety recall began on May 3, 2010. Owners may contact Metal Fabrication customer service at 931-962-0025.

Mirage Enterprises has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2007-2009 Xtreme snowmobile trailers. The steel bracket that is used to bolt the axle bracket and the axle to the mainframe rail of the trailer can crack and fail. The axle can separate from the trailer. This could result in loss of control, property damage, personal injury or death. Dealers will weld each axle bracket directly to the trailer frame to secure the axle to the frame and not rely on the bracket flange and bolts for attachment to the trailer frame. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on April 21, 2010. Owners may contact Mirage at 1-866-461-7776.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2007 Infiniti G35 sedans manufactured from March 29, 2004 through August 25, 2006 and Infiniti G35 coupes manufactured from April 1, 2004 through May 30, 2007. The wire harness connecting the belt tension sensor (BTS) and the occupant detection sensor (ODS) control unit under the front passenger seat can experience relative movement which can cause wear and oxidization of the terminals and may cause interruption of the signal. In the event of a crash, the airbag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury. Nissan has not yet provided the agency with a remedy plan or notification schedule.

Porsche has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2010 Panamera S, 4S and Turbo 4-door sedan. If the front seats are adjusted towards an extreme position, resulting in unfavorable tolerance of the mating components, it is possible that the function of the locking mechanism of the seat belt mount can no longer be guaranteed. The seat belt mount could detach from the anchoring system when the seat belt is fastened or opened. In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not provide adequate protection for the seat occupant, which may increase the risk of injury or death. Dealers will have an additional locking element installed on the seat belt anchoring system for both front seats. This service will be performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Porsche at 1-800-545-8039.

Remy Power Products has notified NHTSA about a defect in certain alternators sold as both replacement equipment and as original equipment in various motor vehicles. The part numbers for the original equipment alternators are 8400076, 8400224, 8400088, 8400106, 8400187, 8400003, 8400114, 8400161, 8400020, 8400170, 8400157, 8400219, and 8400221. Part numbers for the aftermarket alternators are 12359, 21749, 21816, 21845, 8400076, 91606, 91608, 91611, 21828, 91609, 22016, 91616, and 22022. The internal voltage regulator can become damaged by transient voltage that may occur when the regulator and alternator are built, tested, and installed. When the circuit is damaged, there is a potential to generate sufficient heat to result in an engine compartment fire or heat damage, even when the vehicle is off. Remy will notify owners of record who purchased the alternators as aftermarket equipment and replace the alternators free of charge. Each vehicle manufacturer will file a defect report and remedy plan for their vehicles that included these alternators as original equipment. The safety recall began on May 5, 2010. Owners may contact Remy toll-free at 1-800-854-0076 or their vehicle manufacturer.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Lexus GX460 passenger vehicles manufactured from November 16, 2009 through April 8, 2010. If the vehicle is driven through a sharp turn at high speed under certain conditions it could skid and could roll over. If the vehicle strikes a curb or slides off the pavement, a crash could occur. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by reprogramming the vehicle stability control free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 1998 through 2010 Sienna passenger vehicles manufactured between August 7, 1997 and January 4, 2010, currently registered in or originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington District Of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The subject vehicles are equipped with the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. If the vehicle is operated in the cold climate regions of the United States where road salt is frequently used, water splashed backwards with high concentrations of road salt can reach the spare tire carrier and corrode the spare tire carrier assembly cable. The cable may break due to excessive corrosion and the spare tire may separate from the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy and notification schedule. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003 Sequoia passenger vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2002 through April 17, 2003. The center position of the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) may not be stored correctly due to improper logic of the Skid Control ECU programming. The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system could activate at low speed for a few seconds during acceleration from a stopped position. Should this occur, the vehicle may not accelerate as quickly as the driver expects, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and dealers will replace the Skid Control ECU free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 XC90 vehicles. A leak may develop in the fuel line between the line and a connector. Fuel odor may be detected. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can lead to a fire at the right front wheel. Dealers will inspect the date code printed on the fuel line and replace the fuel pressure line if it falls within the recalled range free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Workhorse is recalling certain model year 2010 W42, W62 and model year 2011 W22 trucks and built with a General Motors gasoline engine and equipped with Remy alternator. A low resistance electrical short in the alternator's voltage regulator may occur. An electrical short in the alternator may occur without warning possibly resulting in a vehicle fire. Dealers will inspect and replace the alternator if necessary free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2010. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

Xenon-Vision has notified NHTSA about a noncompliance in certain HID conversion kits sold for use as aftermarket parts for motor vehicles. The incandescent filament design fails to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." When halogen headlamps are converted to HID light sources, the lamps will emit excessive glare to oncoming traffic increasing the risk of a crash. Xenon-Vision will notify owners of record and offer a full refund for the noncompliant kits. The safety recall began on May 10, 2010. Owners may contact Xenon-Vision at 1-626-698-6753.

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The Little Engine That Very Nearly Almost Could

Thoughts on the not Unappealing 2010 Kia Rio

The newest Kia Rio will definitely get you up and over a hill. . .and that without your even chanting “I think I can.” It’s a solid compact sedan that will get you where you’re going without breaking the bank (or even cracking it) – and in some measure of style as well. The 2010 model has undergone a new redesign that is in keeping with Kia’s mission to market affordable cars that don’t look like economy vehicles. The base model, however, is markedly Spartan both inside and out, so consumers looking for extra styling elements should opt for the more expensive LX or SX trims. (It’s also necessary to choose the LX or SX version for amenities like power steering and air-conditioning that most consumers now expect to find standard, and versions equipped with anti-lock breaks can be hard to find.)

And, while the Rio gets great gas mileage and delivers a smooth, quiet ride, it’s slow to accelerate and doesn’t handle particularly well. Those aren’t uncommon characteristics for an entry-level compact car, but the Kia Rio also ranks lower in side crash test ratings than other small cars with similar profiles, like, say, the 2010 Honda Fit we reviewed in our last edition of Kicking Asphalt Insurance. So, it might be easy to pass on the Rio for a similarly equipped car of similar size, even if there’s a difference in price.

Kia’s long-term, comprehensive warranty, though, does help the 2010 Rio stand out somewhat from the field. As far as dependability and perceived quality go, the Rio – and Kia in general – definitely have the competition beat there.

In general, the 2010 Rio isn’t a bad ride. It’s inexpensive, gets good mileage, comes with a great warranty, and doesn’t necessarily look like your decision to buy one was a downgrade. The Rio certainly isn’t a “can’t.” It will get you where you’re going and back again, but you might have to pay more for the features that make the trip more pleasant.


Things People Like About The Rio (May not apply to all model years):

- Price! (But doesn’t look or drive like an economic hardship)
- Lots of legroom for a compact
- Kia’s great warranty

Things People Don’t Like About The Rio (May not apply to all model years):

- Handling not particularly agile
- Lower crash test ratings than competitors in its class
- LX models equipped with ABS can be hard to find

MSRP:

MSRP: MSRP $11,695 - $14,895 ($13,795 for LX reviewed here)

Fuel Economy Stats:

Estimated EPA MPG: 28 (city), 34 (hwy), 31 (combined)
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $2.34
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles: 0.81 gal
Tank Size: 11.9 gal
Annual Fuel Cost*: $1405
Annual Petroleum Consumption (1 barrel=42 gallons): 11 barrels/year

[*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $ 2.70 per gallon.]

Warranty:

Basic: 60,000 miles / 60 months
Powertrain: 100,000 / 120 months (Excludes wear and maintenance items. Covers engine/transmission/axle shafts components. Not transferable to subsequent owners.)
Rust: 100,000 / 60 months

Covers replacement/repairs of any painted body sheet metal panel that has surface corrosion. Anti-Perforation Warranty. Covers replacement/repairs of any body sheet metal panel that is perforated/has holes through the body panel.

Tires: Covered by manufacturer
Original Battery: Unlimited miles / 24 months (100% for the first two years)

Towing: 60,000 miles / 60 months (Available to nearest Kia dealership for warranty covered breakdowns only)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Frontal Crash, Side Crash, And Rollover Tests:

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars. A five-star rating indicates the most injury protection, while one star indicates the least protection.

Driver Front: 4 Stars
Passenger Front: 5 Stars
Front Side: 4 Stars
Rear Side: 3 Stars
Rollover: 4 Stars

Recalls:

To date there have been no recalls for the 2010 Kia Rio.

Standard Features:

- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
- Front Power 257-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 262-mm Solid Disc Brakes
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- Battery
- 2 Front Power Outlets
- 1.6-Liter, I4, CVVT 16-Valve, DOHC, MPFI Engine; Front/Transverse Mounted With Horsepower Of 110@6000, Torque Of 107@4500, Cast Iron Block and Alloy Cylinder Head
- ULEV Emissions
- Front Auxiliary Input Jack
- Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
- Radio Antenna
- AM/FM Radio With 4 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player; Sirius(R) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii, Alaska)
- USB Adapter
- Automatic Headlights With Automatic Off
- Halogen Headlights
- Metallic Paint (If Selected)
- Front and Rear Body Color 5-MPH Impact-Absorbing Bumpers
- Front Air Dam
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Digital Clock
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Tachometer
- Warning Lights Include Low Fuel and Seatbelts Unfastened
- Voice Activated Controls For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices
- Illuminated Entry
- Delayed Courtesy Light
- Interior Load Area Light
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Cargo Area
- Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Passenger Airbag
- L A T C H
- Driver Airbag
- Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
- Front and Rear Automatic Locking Retractors
- Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
- Front and Rear Crumple Zones
- Trunk Anti-Trap Device
- Passenger Airbag Cut Off Sensor
- Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Theater Style Rear Seating
- Cloth Seats
- Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests
- Front Dual Bucket Seats, Driver Side Manually Adjusts 8 Ways Total With Driver Adjustable Seat Height, Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Center Armrest
- Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Tilt Steering Column
- Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
- Glovebox
- Front Passenger Seatback Storage Pocket
- Cargo Cover
- 2 Front, 2 Cupholders Total
- Cargo Area Tiedowns
- Front Dual Door Mounted Storage
- Semi-Independent Torsion Beam Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
- Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- 5-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive
- Steel Wheels, 14-In. X 5.5-In.
- SBRP185/65R14 Tires
- Compact Spare Tire
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Front Dual Vanity Mirrors
- Rear Window Wiper/Washer
- Dual Body Color Folding Manually Adjustable Signaling Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Tinted Glass
- Rear Window Defroster
- Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Technical Specs:

Standard Engine: 1.6L I4
Standard Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Cylinders: 4
Horsepower @RPM: 110@6000
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 28 / 34
Combined Fuel Economy: 31
EPA Class: Compact
Number of Valves: 16
Fuel Type System: Gas Engine / Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Cruising Range: 368.9 miles
Cargo Volume: 12 cu. ft.
Fuel Capacity: 11.9
Brakes (Front): Disc
Brakes (Rear): Disc
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Suspension (Front): Independent
Suspension (Rear): Semi
Tire wheel Diameter: 14 in.
Seating: 5
Headroom (Front): 39.6
Headroom (Back): 37.8
Curb Weight: 2365
Height: 57.9
Length: 167.3
Wheelbase: 98.4
Width: 66.7
Doors: 4

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Lemon Information

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Component: Steering
Complaint: Vehicle veers left. Defect was addressed by GM recall of which customer was notified one week before the defect resulted in a crash (12,000 miles).

Component: Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
Complaint: Customer attempted to back out of a parking space but the accelerator did not respond. She applied more pressure and the car accelerated quickly, resulting in a crash.

Component: Steering/Air bags
Complaint: Power steering failed resulting in a crash. None of the Cobalt’s air bags deployed.

Component: Vehicle Speed Control
Complaint: Unintended acceleration controllable only when vehicle was put in neutral and its engine was stopped.

Component: Steering
Complaint: Power steering was lost without warning and the vehicle steered out of control resulting in a crash (33,300 miles).

Component: Steering
Complaint: Vehicle veered right resulting in crash (33,000 miles).

Component: Steering
Complaint: Customer lost power steering on two occasions, the second after her power steering column was replaced by a dealer.

For more complaints, see the NHTSA website.

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