Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect

Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect

March 21, 2017 Sean Reyes

Recall Masters – March 21, 2017


Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect

Volvo Cars has recalled more than 5,500 vehicles due to a serious side-curtain air bag defect. The recall impacts Volvo S90 sedans manufactured between November 2016 and January 2017, as well as V90 Cross Country and XC90 luxury sports utility vehicles produced over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect
The bolts securing side-curtain air bag structures in these models are likely to break due to manufacturing error. Hydrogen embrittlement is the primary cause, an issue that arose due to variability in the bolt fabrication process. Once applied, the fasteners quickly deteriorate, showing signs of failure within 48 hours installation. Fixtures that manage to effectively secure side-curtain air bag assemblies for at least 48 hours are deemed structurally sound, while those that fail or falter must be replaced…

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Sean ReyesVolvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect
Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect

Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect

March 21, 2017 MotorSafety.org

Rockleigh, N.J. – Mar. 21, 2017 – Volvo Cars has recalled more than 5,500 vehicles due to a serious side-curtain air bag defect. The recall impacts Volvo S90 sedans manufactured between November 2016 and January 2017, as well as V90 Cross Country and XC90 luxury sports utility vehicles produced over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

The bolts securing side-curtain air bag structures in these models are likely to break due to manufacturing error. Hydrogen embrittlement is the primary cause, an issue that arose due to variability in the bolt fabrication process. Once applied, the fasteners quickly deteriorate, showing signs of failure within 48 hours installation. Fixtures that manage to effectively secure side-curtain air bag assemblies for at least 48 hours are deemed structurally sound, while those that fail or falter must be replaced.

The defect poses serious safety risks, as the side-curtain air bags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. No injuries have been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events

Engineers at the Swedish automaker first caught wind of the defect in early February, when a report chronicling the discovery of broken bolts in one vehicle was submitted to corporate. Volvo representatives investigated the event further and found that the fasteners had come from the side-curtain air bag assembly. The automaker then contacted the parts supplier, Autoliv Poland, and reported the issue.

On Feb. 10, Volvo’s Critical Concern Management Team elected to start the recall process. The internal group then blocked new vehicles containing the faulty bolts from shipping out three days later. Volvo notified the NHTSA officials and dealers Feb. 16.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to replace the bolts free of charge, according to NHTSA documentation. Owners are expected to receive notification April 1.

MotorSafety.orgVolvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect
Volkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts

Volkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts

March 20, 2017 admin ,

Auburn Hill, Mich. – March 20, 2017 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 1,600 vehicles equipped with defective safety belts. The recall affects Audi A5 and S5 cabriolets produced between June and November 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Impacted vehicles have safety-belt pretensioners that could detach during a high-velocity crash. Consequently, the microgas generators contained within these fixtures may also disconnect and become airborne within the cabin, putting passengers at risk. While the pretensioners addressed in this recall are installed in a whole range of Audi models, engineers have discovered that microgas generators only come loose in A5 and S5 cabriolets. This is a result of ineffective crimping unique to these vehicles.

Timeline of Events

In December 2016, Autoliv, the OEM manufacturer that supplied the safety belt pretensioner assemblies, notified Volkswagen that its products were defective due to an assembly line oversight. It also communicated that a 573 report on its pretensioners and microgas generators was forthcoming. Members of the car maker’s Product Safety Committee discussed the matter over multiple sessions that took place throughout December 2016 and January 2017. The group ultimately decided there was not enough data to call for a voluntary recall and asked Autoliv to supply further information.

The parts producer submitted specific serial numbers for installed pretensioners and microgas generators in January. Volkswagen engineers reviewed the information and conducted field tests that lasted through the following month. On March 1, the auto manufacturer decided to initiate a voluntary recall for Audi A5 and S5 models, both of which performed poorly in trials.

The Solution

Volkswagen will order dealers to replace defective safety belt pretensioners and microgas generators. It does not plan to reimburse owners for these repairs. There are no timelines for dealer or owner notification.

adminVolkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts
Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem

Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem

March 20, 2017 admin

Portland, Ore. – Mar. 20, 2017 – Daimler Trucks North America has recalled almost 800 semi-trailer trucks due to malfunctioning instrument clusters. The recall impacts Freightliner 108SD and 114SD models produced between 2016 and 2017, as well as Freightliner Business Class M2s built over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

The impacted trucks include OEM gauges on the left side of the cab – and a second cluster on the right – from third-party parts supplier Fontaine Modification. The body builder installs the latter before the vehicles are delivered to Daimler for completion. The disparate displays can become unresponsive due to hardware and software compatibility issues. When this occurs, a complete system shutdown is required to regain functionality. Vehicle turn signals can also lose power as a result of cluster integration problems.

Together, these issues can increase the likelihood of an accident. No injuries related to the display malfunctions mentioned above have been reported.

Timeline of Events

Engineers at Daimler discovered the flaw in November 2016 and immediately launched an official investigation. In January 2017 the automaker issued a voluntary recall of all affected vehicles, according to internal documents related to the event.

The Solution

Daimler has ordered dealers to inspect left-hand-side instrument clusters in affected vehicles and offer compatible replacement displays, free of charge. The company plans to notify dealers and vehicle owners March 19. It encourages customers with pressing concerns related to the recall to contact the Daimler customer service department or the NHTSA. Daimler has not yet announced how it plans to address future fabrication workflows, or provided details on its use of Fontaine Modification equipment.

adminDaimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem
Ford Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters

Ford Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters

March 16, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich. – Mar. 16, 2017 – Ford has recalled 8,000 trucks due to defective instrument clusters. The recall impacts F-150 models produced between October and November 2016, according to a company news release.

The Defect

Instrument clusters in the affected trucks can lose functionality in cool temperatures. For instance, the transmission gear indicator may not illuminate. Additionally, warning lights may shutdown unexpectedly. These occurrences poses serious risks to occupants, as key vehicle status indicators being unavailable can increase the likelihood of a crash. No injuries have been reported as a result of inoperable instrument clusters. A large majority of the impacted trucks are registered in the U.S., while just over 1,100 more are located in Canada and Mexico.

Timeline of Events

Ford began investigating the problem after receiving customer complaints. The car manufacturer eventually tied the issue to faulty quality control processes at fabrication facilities in Dearborn, as well as Kansas City, Missouri.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to reprogram instrument clusters in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners can contact Ford customer service for more information.

adminFord Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters
Nissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects

Nissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects

March 15, 2017 admin

Franklin, Tenn. – March 15, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled 79 vehicles with faulty side-curtain air bag inflators. The recall impacts Infiniti QX30 hatchbacks manufactured between Oct. 10-16 last year, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models contain side-curtain air bag assemblies from the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based parts provider Autoliv ASP. These fixtures contain inflator initiators with incorrect mix ratios, which expressly violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Consequently, the side-curtain air bags may malfunction and fail to deploy in the event of a crash, leaving the operator and passengers without proper impact protection. This poses a serious risk to owners.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 16, 2016, Autoliv contacted Nissan representatives and explained that it intended to recall its air bag inflators based on the results of a recent quality assurance evaluation. The parts provider had initiated an investigation into its inflator assemblies on Oct. 3, due to nonconforming QA test results, according NHTSA documents. After reviewing production processes, Autoliv discovered that an improperly configured programmable logic controller had altered the generant chemical mix and produced defective inflator initiators. The automated devices were reprogrammed with the incorrect mix ratio on June 16, 2016 in two separate fabrication facilities.

On November 30, the parts provider discussed the issue with NHTSA officials and roughly two weeks later began contacting affected customers.

After receiving confirmation of the defect, Nissan immediately initiated a recall. The car maker received updated information regarding the inflators throughout February 2017 and on the 28 of that month launched another recall campaign to address Infiniti QX30 models with faulty side-curtain air bags. Dealers received notification March 9.

The Solution

Nissan has ordered dealers to replace the air bag assemblies, according to the NHTSA. The car maker is expected to notify owners within 60 days of the initial recall date.

adminNissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects
Fiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators

Fiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators

March 15, 2017 admin

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective tire-pressure sensors and dash lights. The recall impacts Fiat 500X compact sport utility vehicles produced between December 2017 and January 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Approximately 100 percent of vehicles named in the recall have damaged tire-pressure sensor assemblies.

The Defect

Tire-pressure sensors and dash lights may malfunction in affected models. This increases the likelihood of an accident, as pressure could suddenly decrease and cause the vehicles to swerve. Even minor air unknown air leakage can impact driving capabilities and result in an accident. The defective features do not comport with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which dictate that dash lights must illuminate in the event that one or more tires loses pressure while operating.

Timeline of Events

On Feb. 17, 2017, the Auburn Hills-based electronics manufacturer that supplied the pressure sensor components conducted a quality assessment and noticed that the parts did not comply with American vehicle standards. The firm, Magneti Marelli Electronics, then notified Fiat Chrysler. The car maker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the results of the review and decided to conduct a voluntary recall on Feb. 28. Simultaneously, Magneti evaluated its production methods and introduced a new workflow that yielded parts compliant with U.S. vehicle fabrication regulations. These new processes were launched March 3, mitigating the likelihood of any future defects.

The Solution

Fiat Chrysler intends to notify both dealers and owners on April 21. Dealers will be required to replace the instrument panels in affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Owners will pay for these repairs up front and then submit receipts to Fiat Chrysler for reimbursement.

adminFiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators
Ford Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles

Ford Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles

March 15, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 5,470 Mustang sports cars with defective interior door handles. The recall impacts models produced between Jan. 13 and Jan. 31 of this year, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models include left interior door handles equipped with misoriented spring mechanisms. This defect may cause the door to open when subjected to inertia loads of 30gs or more. Motorists involved in accidents that impact the driver side are likely to suffer serious injury due to the faulty door handle. However, there have been no reported injuries connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

In early January, a tier-two supplier noticed a missing spring in the left-hand door latch assembly designated for the Mustang. The company began an internal investigation, notifying both Ford and the original OEM parts producer, Key Plastics of Felton, Pennsylvania. Key Plastics immediately froze shipments containing the component and started its own inquiry. At the same time, engineers at the Ford assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, found one vehicle containing a left-hand door handle with loose springs. This lead to a widespread evaluation in which 843 vehicles were reviewed. Approximately 14 contained the defective door handle assembly.

In February, the Critical Concerns Review Group at Ford looked over the data collected and determined that the fixture may be in violation of one or more Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The body ordered tests to determine how the door handles performed with one loose or missing spring. Engineers conducted the trials in early March and determined that the fixture was a serious safety hazard, as it came unlatched when subjected to a 30g force.

The Field Review Committee looked over the test results and soon after recommended that vehicles containing the defective left-hand door assemblies be recalled. Dealers received notification March 14.

The Solution

Ford has ordered dealers to inspect affected models and replace door handle springs, if necessary, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car maker intends to notify impacted Mustang owners, via mail, April 24.

adminFord Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles
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