I have to agree it’s the worst car ever built, nothing but problem after problem. I’m a proud Ford man but this car is scaring me into ever buying a Ford again. My other car’s a Toyota dual cab, have done twice as many ks and never spent a cent on the **** thing.

Shane, the Carnival motor is completely different to the Sportage. The problem with the Carnival is a design/manufacture problem that keeps failing. Many Carnival owners have had multiple failures.

What problems have you had with your Sportage?
Mark

My 2007 X3 cracked its tow bar and BMW replaced it under warranty. I have just purchased a 2009 X3 mainly for towing my 16 ft Jayco. All the specs are well under BMW's limits and already after 500 kms of towing the stability bolt has stripped. Has anybody else have these problems?

P.S Never been on rough or dirt roads.
Thanks Jock Nielsen

I have a VR-X 2000 Auto. I have done all the servicing for it by changing leads, front and back plugs, check the intake manifold butterfly, changed fuel filter, compressed air into fuel lines to clear them, checked catalytic converter, muffler and all transmission vacuum hoses and it solved the problem for 1 month. Then it started to bog down again usually if I stay idle for longer periods it happens and the car is very sluggish until it hits about 3200rpm then it takes off like a rocket.

I have put it on a computer and it showed up as a Throttle position sensor. Changed that and 4 months later it’s coming back again. I really don’t know what possible thing to do anymore other than to take it to Mitsubishi and leave it to them to sort out. A fellow mechanic has said it could be your Air flow meter. Might need cleaning as carbon build up may occur? Please if you have any ideas let me know.

Regards, Muzza

You should find the fuel pump relay on the underside of the coolant expansion tank driver’s side of engine bay. Colour is green the relay will only preprime for a short duration when key is turned on. Computer will keep the relay closed only if it has an ignition pulse from engine, that is engine running. Need to remove plug from relay and place an ammeter across the two Large Terminals only. A reading around 5 to 6 amps is ok. You can damage the computer if you bridge the wrong terminals. If reading too high or to low, pump would be suspect if low. Make sure there is plenty of fuel in tank, too high blockage or seized pump.

Hey, I too have had the same issue. I however just got mine back from my mechanic and it turns out it was an exhaust leak. It was leaking from where the turbo joins the engine manifold. I don't know much about cars (I'm still a beginner) but yeah, the costs to get it fixed fluctuate depending on bolts snapping and what not. But all in all that’s what my problem was. Whether or not it is the same noise but it may give you an idea.

Dale,

I have just come across this website and read it with interest. Do the mechanical problems you and others have raised here only apply to the Carnival or are they common across all other Kia model ranges?

I own a 2006 Kia Sportage 4WD purchased new and serviced at Kia Wangara and have just experienced a major warranty repair and have just had my first bad customer service experience to boot. Not happy Jan.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Regards, Shane

Friday the seatbelt blew up, the airbag sent a faulty signal to the seatbelt and activated the safety measures inside. So $584 later and the new seatbelt worked well. Then Saturday the airbag fault came on, and yes it was the scribble thingy behind the steering wheel.

After much complaining I finally cracked and said I was going to fair trading and also DOTAR in regards to a known design fault and major safety issue. As no-one knows if the airbag would deploy after this item had worn out.

So now I get a phone call from Toyota Australia saying it would be repaired under warranty. Even though the car was 8 months out of new car warranty. I wonder why this was...

I have no dashboard or brake lights. All fuses have been checked and appear to be fine. This problem has just started and I am wondering if is something to do with the computer? I don’t really want to go to a Ford dealer to fix this as they don’t seem to have a good reputation. Any ideas out there?

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing House Resolution 269 today, which designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

In addition to the designation, H.R. 269 highlights several safety measures for motorcyclists, including the voluntary use of helmets and other protective gear, avoiding riding while under the influence of alcohol, and getting proper training and licensing before operating a motorcycle on public roads.

The resolution, which was introduced by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), also reminds all road users, including motorists, that they must share the road safely and respectfully.

"The AMA has been involved in national and state efforts to reduce impaired riding, believes all motorcyclists should get their motorcycle endorsements and advocates proper safety gear," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "In addition, educating other road users on the importance of motorcycle awareness is critical. We appreciate the efforts of Rep. Giffords and Rep. Burgess to keep this issue front and center."

May has long been recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the AMA and other organizations. This resolution, which is similar to one passed by the U.S. House last year, demonstrates that Congress recognizes the importance of keeping motorcyclists safe on the road.

Rep. Giffords quoted recent increases in motorcyclist fatalities between 2002 and 2007 in her statement on the House floor, and added, "as motorcyclists across the country gear up for the upcoming riding season, these startling statistics highlight the need for safety education.

"I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Motorcycle Industry Council, the American Motorcyclist Association, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for all that they do to support motorcyclists," she added.

Motorcyclists can find more information about riding safe under "Rider Resources" in the Riding section of the AMA website.

Hi, having the same issue with a 92 TR. I have put the front and rear engine mounts in, but no better. Was thinking the rubber in the other two mounts may have gone hard over time, causing the issue. Expensive part to buy if it does not fix the problem.

Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 63,965 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in April 2009 – down 23.9 per cent (20,096 vehicles) compared to the same month in 2008.

“While the figures confirm that market conditions remain soft, the extent of the fall has been compounded by the timing of the Easter holidays,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

Year-to-date 276,935 new vehicles have been sold, down 20.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

“After adjusting for seasonal factors, sales in April appear to be broadly consistent with results of recent months and we remain hopeful that conditions will soon stabilise,” Mr McKellar said.

The automotive industry will continue to promote the opportunities that exist in the next two months for businesses to take advantage of the Federal Government’s enhanced tax break for new vehicle purchases.

“There are signs of increased buyer interest in and awareness of the incentive programme which certainly underpins the need for speedy passage of the legislation,” Mr McKellar said.

Toyota was Australia’s best-selling brand in April with 13,033 vehicles, followed by Holden with 7,829 and Ford with 6,836 vehicle sales.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to stay enforcement of a lead law that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay, which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore.

The AMA Government Relations Department is currently examining the 25-page Stay of Enforcement document and will issue more details shortly. It can be viewed by clicking here.

The law in question is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Designed to protect children from lead in toys that might easily end up in children's mouths, the language of the legislation has ensnared a number of products that have little exposure risk, including youth-model motorcycles and ATVs.

"While we applaud the CPSC commissioners' vote to stay enforcement of the law, this doesn't solve the real issue, which is the law itself," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen. Hopefully, this stay will give Congress the time it needs to fix this law, and we will continue to work with both legislators and our partners in the industry to make certain that it does."

Moreland added that nearly 80,000 AMA and ATVA (All-Terrain Vehicle Association) members contacted their lawmakers and the CPSC to let them know how they feel. "I'm convinced this helped shape Chairman Nord's and Commissioner Moore's decision to support a moratorium on enforcing the lead law," he said.

Despite the stay, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute violators if they chose to do so.

"Motorcyclists and ATV riders need to let the Congress know that we are concerned about the law, and that we want kids' OHVs excluded from the law," said Moreland. "We need to continue to let our decision-makers know how we feel."

Riders should contact their federal lawmakers and ask them to support legislation to exempt youth-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA by going to the "Rights" and then "Issues and Legislation" section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Also, individuals can sign up for the AMA/ATVA Government Relations Department's Action E-list so that they can be notified by e-mail when their support is needed to make a difference on important issues. Those interested in circulating a petition to change the CPSIA should contact Jessica Irving, AMA/ATVA grassroots coordinator, at jirving@ama-cycle.org.

CPSIA Background
The CPSIA took effect in February and it immediately stopped the sale of dirt bikes and ATVs designed for children 12 and under. The law was meant to protect children from dangerous levels of lead in toys, but it was written so broadly that it also impacted children's books, clothes, motorcycles and ATVs.

Under the CPSIA, all youth products containing lead must have less than 600 parts per million by weight. The CPSC has interpreted the law to apply to various components of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs, including the engine, brakes, suspension, battery and other mechanical parts. Even though the lead levels in these parts are small, they are still above the minimum threshold.

To ensure continued availability and access to youth-model motorcycles and ATVs, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, the AMA, ATVA and others asked the CPSC to consider petitions submitted to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the final rule governing the law.

The CPSC staff admits that the risk of exposure to lead from youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is relatively low. But the staff told the commissioners that the law is written so strictly that no lead absorption into the body is allowed. As a result, they say, motorcycles and ATVs shouldn't be exempt from the law.

In April, the two-member CPSC rejected an industry request to exempt youth-model off-road motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA because the agency did not believe that it had the authority to exclude these vehicles from the lead-content limits imposed by Congress. However, the commissioners signaled their desire to issue a stay to give Congress the opportunity to change the law so that youth-model motorcycles and ATVs can be legally sold. The commissioners also expressed hope that manufacturers will use the delay to make changes to their products to make them meet the requirements of the new law.

"...ATVs and motorized bikes appropriately sized for children 12 and younger can again be available and the commission will not seek penalties for violation of Section 101 and related provisions of the (law) against those who sell them," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord on April 3. "I hope that the state attorneys general will follow the lead of the agency on this matter.

"All stakeholders -- industry, users, Congress and the commission -- need to come together to fix the statutory problems that have become so apparent, in a common sense approach that does not unnecessarily burden those regulated, yet provides safety for American families," she said.

I am writing to inform the forum, and also complain, as I am now on my second clutch assembly for my Patrol GU '03. The first went at 55k, and now at 112k, the second has gone. I have been told that 'due to the unknown variables, Nissan cannot determine the cause of the clutch failure and that it will be a retail job. Now, as peeved as I am, why are we not told by the sales person that GU Patrols need a clutch at approximately every 60,000km? This equates to about $1,200 a year in clutch costs alone, if you are to buy genuine Nissan parts.

I also had the "abusive driving" comment, which I found utterly ridiculous. City driving, very little beach driving, gravel roads, maybe 4 days in a year off road. I agree, Patrols are fantastic cars, but why are they failing so often? Isn't a common failure, at a common period of time, a manufacturer's defect?

I would like to be in contact with people who have had similar experiences as I am sure, that with sufficient numbers, action can be taken against Nissan.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is calling on the Brumby Government to provide the best possible small business tax environment in today’s State Budget.

“Small business is the engine room of the economy and, as such, it needs protecting,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“Despite the challenges of the global economic slowdown, in the majority of cases, small business owners have gone to great lengths to continue to employ staff.

“But there is no doubt small businesses are doing it tough.

“To recognise this, the Victorian Government and Treasurer, Mr John Lenders must ensure they provide a tax environment in which small business can continue to trade and look to the future with confidence.

“That should start with today’s Budget.

“VACC is constantly receiving feedback from the Automotive Industry that the level of taxes and charges is the number one factor that limits the performance of businesses in this State.

“At the very least, small business should not have to cop any increases in tax.

“Small business is constrained by four key tax areas - land tax, stamp duty, Workcover Premiums and Payroll Tax.

“The best small business tax environment would see land tax and stamp duty reduced and Workcover Premiums and Payroll Tax as low as possible,” Mr Purchase said.

VACC is the peak automotive industry body in Victoria and has 5,500 members, employing some 50,000 employees.

Can anyone help with noise from passenger front wheel even when driving straight plus noise from motor when revved at 6 to 7 k. All help will be appreciated.

Regards, John

I had the same propblem when I changed batteries, you will need to take it into a dealership to get it reset. I think the reason why, was because it's an electronic throttle control and has to be done by a mechanic. Annoying, but it's the way of new cars these days, everything has to be done by a dealership/mechanic.

Battery died a couple of days ago. I’ve replaced the battery and now it won’t idle. It’s good for a couple of minutes then it cuts out, what have I done.

Same old problem, oil in the engine water, anyone interested in class action here in Vic? 2001 model, this car was bought second hand, has done 86,000kms and now does not work at all.

Peter, I would imagine that someone would have replied to you by now, however considering that you have the same problem as me… My Vectra has the same problem and has had since new. The solution: Have the rear wheels alignment done.

You will discover that the toe-in / out is excessive on both rear wheels creating flat spots on the inside of both rear wheels. Once the wheels have worn over say 40,000 km’s you would have developed a serious rear “bearing” noise. This is no bearing wind but road noise generated from the tyres. Move these tyres to the front and have the re-alignment done.

Although the rear alignment is not actually adjustable, an experienced mechanic with the correct equipment can adjust the rear mechanically.You can email me if you wish to discuss this further.

Good day Justin my 3.0 ltr Patrol wagon detonated last night. Don’t know yet but hoping it’s just a turbo, it left a kilometer of soot and just stopped.

I have a '96 Land Rover Discovery VIN SALJY1242TA532859. It has a Wabco ABS system that is supposed to be rock-solid. The brakes on this Rover used to 'cycle' every 5 or 6 presses of the brake pedal. This cycling is somewhat disconcerting because the pedal pushes back against your foot during this cycle and you have no brake until pressure balances. Previously you could release the pedal and reapply pressure to get brakes.

Recently while stopped at a drawbridge the brakes locked, even under full gas the Rover would only go about 5 mph. Placing the car in Park, turning off the vehicle and restarting allowed the brakes to return to their 'normal' state. The car made a thumping noise (engine side of the firewall) when the locked brakes released. Within 30 miles the brakes completely failed. No pedal pressure and the only way to stop the car is with the emergency lever.

I have replaced the master cylinder and attempted to bleed the brakes but get no pressure (looks like a gravity bleed) at the calipers. One lead from the master cylinder goes directly into the Wabco ABS control and the other leads to a 1 in/3 out distribution block on the inside of the wheel well, adjacent to the steering column. There appears to be moisture around that dist point and it has an electrical connector on it. That may be a pressure regulator feeding the other 3 inputs on the Wabco.

I've been told the ABS unit will very rarely go out. The $6500 price tag makes simply replacing this part ridiculous. Trying to troubleshoot I looked at my ’99 Discovery to see if I could swap some of the parts from it trying to see if individual components would make the ’96 brakes stop correctly.

The Wabco ABS modulator on it has been replaced (evidenced by the paint pen marking it a used part) and the configuration is completely different, so I can’t even swap parts around. Where is your PR department during all these complaints Land Rover?

Motor turns over has spark. New fuel pump but does not pump? Starts to pump but stops within seconds it flicks on but then stop. Is there a relay switch and if so where is it thanks.

Hi John

Your posting was very short on info or if you have a problem with a Kia Engine. If you do reply back to me & I can forward info that may assist.

Dale

I had a funny and I guess rare fault with my BA when it was new. The alloy sump was porous and the oil was leaking through it and leaving the occasional drip on the ground. I had to carefully clean off the outside of sump to find. No sign of any leaks in past 5 years and I get under to service myself. Good Luck.