Additional Chevy Malibus Recalled Over Takata Air Bag Defect

Warren, Mich. – Dec. 29, 2016 – General Motors will recall certain 2017 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for defects with Takata air bag inflators. These problems were similar to the reasons that led to a recent recall of 2016 Malibu vehicles.

The Defect

General Motors will recall all 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on Nov. 10, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The right-hand rear side air bag inflators in these cars appear to lack sufficient welds, which could cause the inflators to separate at random. As a result, these air bags are at risk for spontaneous deployment that can project debris and cause injury or death among vehicle occupants.

Timeline of Events

  • November 13, 2016 – Takata informed General Motors inflators have ruptured during lot tests of modules.
  • November 14, 2016 – General Motors opened an investigation into the issue and attempted to locate all of the other inflators that originated from the same lot as the failed component.
  • November 16, 2016 – Further tests of the failed inflator confirmed the underlying issue was an incorrect seam weld. No other issues could be found in inflators from the same lot.
  • November 18, 2016 – General Motors decided to conduct a recall on the entire lot, affecting every Malibu vehicle made on November 10.

Resolution

General Motors will send notifications to all vehicle owners containing additional information about the recall schedule. As these cars are still under warranty, no reimbursement will be offered, but dealers will replace the side air bag modules free of charge.

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Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Recall Masters – December 28, 2016.

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesMitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Dec. 28, 2016 – Cypress, Calif. – Defective lift gates on several vehicles models have led Mitsubishi to conduct a recall of those that have been affected.

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury.

Timeline of Events

January 2016 – A supplier informed Mitsubishi that corrosion in a similar outer lift gate tube had caused the inner spring to snap off. The supplier suggested that Mitsubishi investigate its own components as well.

December 2016 – After a full investigation, Mitsubishi had no knowledge of any documented cases of failure on any of its vehicles. The company decided to conduct the recall out of a sense of caution, to ensure no future problems will arise.

Resolution

Mitsubishi is currently working with dealers to determine the best date in which to inform customers of the recall. Owners will be encouraged to visit their nearest dealer to have their existing lift gate replaced, free of charge.

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Ladder Weakness Leads To Motor Home Recall

Dec. 26, 2016 – Elkhart, Ind. – Forest River Inc. has announced the recall of several model motor homes with defective ladders, which could prove to be dangerous.

The Defect

The recall will affect the following four model years of vehicles:

  • 2015-2017 FR3 motor homes manufactured between Sept.24, 2014 and May 12, 2016
  • 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toy haulers manufactured between June 10, 2014 and May 31, 2016
  • 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toy haulers manufactured between Oct. 4, 2012 and Dec. 4, 2015
  • 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toy haulers manufactured between May 23, 2014 and Nov. 23, 2016

The ladders on these vehicles are welded to mounting plates that may separate from their hinges, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The inadequate welding meant that if too much weight was applied to the ladders, they might separate from their vehicles.

Timeline of Events

  • Nov. 2, 2016 – The Office of Corporate Compliance at Forest River learned of the possible defect from Christianson Industries and launched an investigation of the problem.
  • Nov. 3-4, 2016 – Forest River confirmed that the ladders it had installed on its vehicles were made by Christianson Industries. The company then concluded that a recall would be the best course of action.

Resolution

All owners will be notified of the recall. Forest Hills plans to mail out a repair kit to all owners that will allow them to make the necessary fixes. This kit will contain six brackets, six bolts and six lock washers, as well as mechanical fasteners. These will be shipped out free of charge.

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KTM North America Recalls Motorcycles Over Brake Line Issue

Murrieta, Calif. – Dec. 22, 2016 – KTM North America has issued a safety recall for several motorcycle models that have experienced brake line problems that could lead to sudden failure.

The Defect

KTM will recall model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured between Dec. 1, 2014 and March 10, 2016, and model year 2013-2016 1190 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles manufactured between Nov. 20, 2012 and April 25, 2016. According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the vehicles affected have frayed wiring harnesses that allows brake lines to form electrical connections between ABS modulators and the vehicle ground. If these connections are maintained, the brake lines can overheat and melt, losing effectiveness.

Timeline of Events

  • June 2016: A customer service claim came through Germany that indicated a problem with motorcycle brake lines. Further investigation revealed that this was a rare defect, but one that could pose a serious problem under a specific set of circumstances.
  • December 2016: Following a lengthy investigation, KTM determined that a recall was in order.

Resolution

KTM North America will notify all registered motorcycle owners about their potential for being affected. Owners are advised to avoid operating their vehicles until they have been repaired, as the functionality of the brake lines will not be guaranteed until then.

Dealers will have to inspect and reposition all brake lines and harnesses on motorcycles in their inventories before any future deliveries will be allowed to go out. In addition, KTM will keep the federal government updated on the progress of the recall.

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Motorcycles Recalled For Potential Fire Hazard

Dec. 21, 2016 – Wyoming, Minn. – The potential for sudden fuel leakage has caused Indian Motorcycle Company to recall several models of its motorcycles, according to new documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

Indian Motorcycle will recall the model year 2014-2017 Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Dark Horse, Springfield and Roadmaster motorcycles manufactured between April 15, 2013 and July 15, 2016. The manufacturer explained that fuel rail tubes are flexible enough to be inadvertently positioned. In the event that a fuel rail comes in contact with other components, there is a chance that it will rupture, resulting in a fuel leak. This, in turn, could cause a fire.

Timeline of Events

Indian Motorcycle’s parent company, Polaris Industries, discovered the defect after related warranty requests began to pile up. First, the company called for a “root cause analysis” of the failures, according to NHTSA documents. It then began to evaluate the components and concluded that fuel rails may exhibit signs of moisture or chafing at the point of eventual failure. The company then decided to conduct a safety recall.

The manufacturer does not believe that any accidents, injuries or deaths have been linked to this defect thus far.

Resolution 

Indian Motorcycles will notify all owners of the issue and will fix it free of charge. The manufacturer will install a remedy bracket to prevent fuel rails from moving, and will also design future fuel rails with tighter joint tolerances. This will give the fuel rails additional clearance among other components and prevent contact.

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Ford Addresses Seat Belt Defects

Recall Masters – December 19, 2016.

Ford Addresses Seat Belt Defects

The Defect

For will be recalling model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured between Nov. 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014, as well as model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured between Nov. 14, 2012 and July 31, 2014, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These vehicles contain seat belt defects that could prevent them from deploying properly. Ford claims that seat belt anchor pretensioners can overheat during use, causing them to snap when deployed during a crash. This could lead to an uptick in injuries and deaths – in fact, Ford believes that at least two accidents and injuries can be traced to the defect.

The recall will cover 602,739 vehicles in the U.S., 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 elsewhere, according to USA Today…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesFord Addresses Seat Belt Defects

Ford Addresses Seat Belt Defects

Dearborn, Mich. – Dec. 19 –  The Ford Motor Company has announced a recall of Ford and Lincoln vehicle models with seat belt defects that may threaten the safety of drivers and passengers. In addition, the company plans to recall some Fusion vehicles that have problems with their seat back frames.

The Defect

For will be recalling model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured between Nov. 2, 2012 and July 31, 2014, as well as model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured between Nov. 14, 2012 and July 31, 2014, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These vehicles contain seat belt defects that could prevent them from deploying properly. Ford claims that seat belt anchor pretensioners can overheat during use, causing them to snap when deployed during a crash. This could lead to an uptick in injuries and deaths – in fact, Ford believes that at least two accidents and injuries can be traced to the defect.

The recall will cover 602,739 vehicles in the U.S., 35,614 in Canada, 8,665 in Mexico and 653 elsewhere, according to USA Today.

In addition, Ford will also recall 27 Ford Fusion vehicles from the 2017 model year due to improperly welded pivot pins on the second row left-rear seat back frame. As it stands, these seats may not be able to secure cargo in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury.

Resolution

Vehicles owners will soon be notified of the defects, and will have the opportunity to bring their cars in to dealers and have them repaired at no charge.

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E-One Recalls Fire Trucks With Faulty Suspension

Ocala, Fla. – Dec. 16, 2016 – E-One Inc. is announcing the recall of certain tandem axle Cyclone fire trucks due to problems with their suspension air bags, which could reduce vehicle stability.

The Defect

E-One will recall Cyclone vehicles from model years 2010-2016 manufactured between July 15, 2010 and June 12, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These vehicles have FIREMAAX suspension and aerial jack legs, which are meant to hold them steady when the vehicles are parked and ladders are extended. However, the suspension air bags may lose pressure, resulting in damage and eventual failure. This could mean loss of vehicle stability and an increased risk of crashes.

Timeline of Events

  • During a recent training event, E-One received an email regarding failed FIREMAAX air bags.
  • E-One investigated the failure and determined that the cause was a rapid jack retraction on depressurized air bags that occurred when wheels were removed from the ground for an extended period of time – such as when vehicle ladders were in use. Further investigation revealed that this was not a universal problem. In fact, E-One found that only tandem axle FIREMAAX suspension lost pressure.
  • E-One determined that the affected vehicles ought to be recalled Nov. 10, 2016.

Resolution

Departments that own vehicles that are part of this recall should contact E-One for further instructions. Trucks that have the relevant components should be taken to the nearest dealership, where they will received pressure protection valves on their height control valves. This will prevent the air bags from slowly depressurizing when deployed. The work will be done at no cost to owners.

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Honda Working With Repair Shops To Find Takata Airbags [Video]

In an effort to track down every vehicle with a faulty Takata air bag, Honda plans to work with independent repair shops to flag cars as they come in for repairs.

According to Autoweek, Honda and software provider CCC have a program that mechanics will use to notify customers if their cars are subject to open Takata air bag recalls that haven’t been acted upon.

The Takata defect was so widespread that automakers are going to great lengths to ensure that the 70 million inflators that found their way into U.S. vehicles are accounted for. This approach will help protect those who bought their cars secondhand.

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