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Recalls on VW cars, Honda motorcycles for brake problems

Recall

DETROIT (AP) — Volkswagen is recalling nearly 92,000 cars in the U.S. to fix mechanical problems that can knock out the power-assisted brakes.

The recall includes the Beetle, Golf, Jetta and Passat models from 2015 and 2016. The cars have 1.8-liter and 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines.

The German automaker says a part in the camshaft can shear off, causing loss of vacuum in the power brakes. That can lengthen stopping distance and possibly cause a crash. The engines also will go into a reduced power mode to avoid further damage.

VW discovered the problem after getting reports of camshaft failures. A fix is expected by the end of March.

Until then, VW tells owners to keep driving the cars. They should report trouble to dealers. It’s unclear if loaner cars are available.

Honda is recalling over 145,000 motorcycles in the U.S. to fix dragging rear brakes that can cause a fire or crash.

Documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say it’s the third recall for some of the motorcycles.

The recall covers the GL1800 model from 2001 through 2010 and 2012 through 2015. Also affected are the GL1800A from 2001 through 2005 and the GL1800B from 2013 through 2015.

Honda says the brakes can drag after being released by the rider. In 2014 the company had reports of eight small fires.

Dealers will replace two brake master cylinders. No timetable has been set for the recall. It was unclear if Honda would offer loaner motorcycles.

Some of the bikes were recalled in 2011 and 2014 for the same problem.

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