Category Archives: consumer

After 46 Fires, Ford Issues Urgent Recall And Stop Sale Order

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Ford’s recall machine has been unusually quiet in recent weeks, but it’s now back to its usual pace with the 115th campaign of the year. This latest round covers 59,006 vehicles that can short circuit and potentially catch fire.

### Affected Vehicles

The recall impacts an assortment of different models, including the 2021-2024 Bronco and Bronco Sport, as well as the 2020-2022 Escape and 2022-2024 Maverick. They’re also joined by the 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, and some 2016-2018 and 2020-2023 Explorers.

Since this is a family affair, the company is also recalling the 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair and 2016-2019 MKC.

### What’s Causing The Fire Risk?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that the vehicles may be equipped with an engine block heater that can leak coolant through its element pins. This issue increases the risk of an underhood fire, especially when the engine block heater is plugged into a non-GFCI outlet.

Digging deeper, the government says the heater’s solder joints may crack around the element base, allowing coolant to infiltrate into the block heater to cord interface. When the coolant evaporates, it leaves behind electrically conductive salt deposits.

These deposits accumulate over time and can eventually corrode electrical connections or form a “salt bridge.” If this happens, a resistive short circuit could occur.

Engine block heaters are relatively rare in non-diesel vehicles in the United States, and it’s believed that only 1% of the recalled vehicles have the defect.

### Signs To Watch For

Customers may notice problems if they see coolant spots on their driveway or in their garage. Other symptoms include:

– Overheating
– Loss of cabin heat
– Low coolant warning
– Smoke coming from the block heater wiring

### The Investigation

Ford became aware of the issue in January following a number of fires. They began investigating and quickly discovered that coolant could seep into the cord pocket, potentially leading to a short circuit when energized with 110V power.

As part of the investigation, Ford performed X-rays and CT scans on faulty components, which showed solder voids and cracks within the solder joint. However, the root cause of these issues was never determined.

As of September, Ford was aware of 46 vehicles that reportedly caught on fire. The automaker also received six customer complaints, 30 legal claims, and 21 reports from Transport Canada.

Given the prevalence of engine block heaters in Canada, it’s not surprising that most of the issues occurred there.

### Current Actions and Recommendations

The recall has resulted in a stop sale order. Existing owners are advised **not to use their engine block heater until it has been replaced**.

Unfortunately, this replacement is not expected to be available until February 2026, which means that the remedy will arrive close to the end of winter.

Ford owners affected by this recall should stay alert to any warning signs and follow official guidance to ensure safety until the fix is implemented.
https://www.carscoops.com/2025/10/after-46-fires-ford-issues-urgent-recall-and-stop-sale-order/

Buying Bikes Online Now Possible, Royal Enfield’s 350cc Range In Collaboration With Amazon India Enters Website Shopping Segment

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New Delhi: Mid-size motorcycle maker Royal Enfield announced on Thursday that its entire 350cc range is now available for purchase online through a collaboration with Amazon India.

Currently, this online purchase option is available to customers in five major cities: Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Pune, the company said in a statement.

The models available on the dedicated Royal Enfield brand store on Amazon India include the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350, Goa Classic 350, and the new Meteor 350.

Royal Enfield also confirmed that delivery and after-sales service support will be handled by the customer’s preferred Royal Enfield dealership in their city.

Royal Enfield is a part of Eicher Motors.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/buying-bikes-online-now-possible-royal-enfields-350cc-range-in-collaboration-with-amazon-india-enters-website-shopping-segment

Notebook Prices Rise Despite Zero GST; Insurance Policyholders Not Getting Full GST Benefit

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**GST Removal on Notebooks and Stationery Items Leads to Price Hikes**

New Delhi: Under the GST 2.0 reforms, the government has removed GST on notebooks, exercise books, and stationery items. Previously, these items attracted a 12 percent GST and are now tax-free, providing relief to consumers.

However, the raw material for notebooks—paper—has seen its GST rate increase from 12 percent to 18 percent. As a result, notebook prices have risen. Shopkeepers are paying higher GST when purchasing paper but cannot charge any GST while selling notebooks due to the tax exemption. This loss of input tax credit is being added to the final price, causing an increase despite the GST removal on finished products.

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**Insurance Companies Not Fully Passing On GST Benefits to Policyholders**

The GST Council reduced GST on life and health insurance premiums from 18 percent to 0 percent, effective from 22 September. While this move was expected to lower insurance premiums, many policyholders report that insurance companies are not passing on the full benefit.

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**Health Insurance Premiums Rise Despite GST Relief**

Numerous complaints concern health insurance companies. For instance, one policyholder who paid Rs 63,000 last year found their premium increased despite the GST removal. The company attributed the hike to the policyholder moving into a higher age group, highlighting how factors other than GST also affect premium costs.

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**New Add-Ons Used to Justify Premium Rates**

Some insurance companies have added new coverage options or riders to policies, claiming these are additional benefits. Customers, however, argue that such benefits were part of older plans. This strategy has resulted in premiums either remaining unchanged or increasing, negating the intended GST relief.

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**Government and IRDA May Intervene**

Amid mounting complaints on social media, the government is considering asking the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) to investigate the issue and take necessary action to ensure policyholders receive the rightful GST benefits.

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**Life Insurance Premiums See Only Slight Reductions**

While some life insurance policyholders have experienced premium reductions, these decreases are relatively small. For example, one customer reported a mere 2.5 percent premium drop despite the GST rate being cut by 18 percent. This clearly indicates that the full benefit is not reaching customers.

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**Few Companies Passing On GST Benefits**

A limited number of insurance companies have taken steps to reduce policy commissions and lower their costs, thereby passing on GST benefits to customers. However, such cases remain rare.

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**Conclusion**

Although the government has removed GST on notebooks and certain insurance premiums, the benefits are not fully reflected in final prices. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report discrepancies to authorities as necessary. The ongoing scrutiny by the government and IRDA is expected to ensure greater transparency and fair pricing in the near future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/notebook-prices-rise-despite-zero-gst-insurance-policyholders-not-getting-full-gst-benefit

Top Rated Apps For Instant Personal Loan

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Life is unpredictable. At times, you may require money quickly to meet an unexpected expense—perhaps a doctor’s bill or a car repair. In such moments, obtaining an instant personal loan can be a real relief. The simplest way to get one now is through a special personal loan app. These apps have revolutionized borrowing money by simplifying and speeding up the process.

In this guide, you will learn what constitutes a top-rated personal loan app and how to choose the best one for yourself.

### Why Use a Loan App for Your Loan?

In the past, getting a loan meant visiting a bank, standing in line, filling out multiple forms, and waiting days or even weeks for a response. But with a loan app, everything has changed. You can apply for a personal loan directly from your phone, making the entire experience much faster and more convenient.

### What Makes an App Top-Rated?

When you search for a personal loan app, you’ll find numerous options. How do you identify the best one? Top-rated apps share a few key qualities:

#### Easy to Use

A good app is simple and intuitive. It should have a clear, straightforward design that guides you step-by-step through the application process. You shouldn’t have to guess what to do next. The best apps ask for your information and clearly instruct you on what documents to submit.

#### Low Interest Rates and Fees

Interest rates and fees are important factors to consider. A top-rated app will offer low interest rates, helping you save money in the long run. Additionally, the app should be transparent about all fees upfront, with no hidden charges. Comparing various instant personal loan apps can help you find the most affordable and convenient rates.

#### Quick and Simple Process

The main reason to use a personal loan app is speed. The best apps verify your information quickly and provide a response within a short time frame. Once approved, they transfer the funds to your bank account promptly, often within hours or the same day.

#### Positive User Reviews

Before downloading an app, check what other users are saying. Look for reviews on the App Store or Google Play Store. Were users satisfied with the speed of approval? Were the charges reasonable? Positive reviews are a strong indicator of a reliable app.

### How to Get Your Instant Personal Loan

The process is extremely simple when using a personal loan app. Here’s what you need to do:

1. **Find and Download a Top-Rated App:** Look for apps with high ratings and positive reviews.

2. **Fill in Your Information:** Enter your name, location, job details, and income information.

3. **Upload Documents:** Provide images of your ID and proof of income as requested by the app.

4. **Get Approved:** The app will verify your information and notify you if your loan is approved.

5. **Receive Funds:** Once approved, the money will be deposited directly into your bank account.

With a highly rated personal loan app, you can handle emergency expenses efficiently and with minimal stress. It’s a smart and straightforward way to manage unexpected costs.

### Final Tips

Always research and compare different loan apps before making your choice. Pick apps you can trust to ensure a safe and smooth borrowing experience. With the right app, instant personal loans become an accessible and convenient financial tool when you need it most.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/latest-news/top-rated-apps-for-instant-personal-loan