NEW CHEVROLET MALIBUS, OLDER ACURA TLS RECALLED

By Jonathan Welsh, Wall Street Journal - General Motors Co. is recalling certain Chevrolet Malibu cars from the 2013 model year because of a potential electronic problem that could trigger airbags at the wrong time.

In vehicles built from October 24, 2011 through March 31, 2012, a part called the sensing and diagnostic module, or SDM, may reset itself after a hard application of brakes.

If this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver, and the car's electronics sense a potential rollover, the roof rail airbag may deploy unintentionally. Additionally, the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners or both may not deploy during a severe crash, increasing the risk of injury.

GM said the recall afects 4,304 cars. While its scope is small, the recall is a setback for the redesigned Malibu that Chevrolet recently launched. The company said dealers will reprogram the SDM free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 1.

Honda Motor Co. is recalling certain Acura TL cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years to fix a problem with their power-steering systems.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car maker said prolonged high temperatures in the engine compartment and, hi steering-fluid temperatures can cause the power steering hose to deteriorate prematurely, potentially causing cracks and leaks. The fluid can leak onto the car's hot catalytic converter and possibly cause a fire.

Under the recall, which affects 52,615 vehicles, dealers will install a new heat resistant power steering hose free of charge. The recall is expected to begin about June 15. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 800-999-1009.