Nissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak

Nissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak

March 25, 2017 admin

Franklin, Tenn. — March 25, 2017 — The power steering system in some Nissan SUVs could disconnect, according to a recent manufacturer’s recall. An official statement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the action could involve as many as 56,766 vehicles, though there was no estimate as to how many could be potentially affected.

The Defect

Some power steering fluid hoses in these vehicles may come with a clamp that’s the wrong size. Because of this, the report said that the hose could dislodge, potentially spilling important steering fluid. The risk from this is twofold, as this could not just impact the steering but also pose a possible fire risk, as the fluid would be flammable. All of the involved vehicles are a Murano with the 2013 and 2014 model years.

Timeline of Events

  • August, 2014: This was the final month the affected vehicles were produced.
  • January, 2017: Both the recall report and a Defect Information Report on the action said that the first investigation into a related case began last year. The U.S. investigations intensified in January, though, to respond to claims of related incidents in other markets.
  • February, 2017: Targeting the U.S. vehicles specifically, Nissan began gathering relevant vehicle parts.
  • March, 2017: After the results of equipment tests, Nissan concluded that the defect originated with the clamps involved in affected vehicles and agreed to begin a safety recall effort to address the issue. The Part 573 report contained a March 16 submission date.

The Resolution

As of the March 16 report, there was no owner notification date listed, although the statement did say that it would reach out to owners “within 60 days.”  April 4 was scheduled as the dealer notification date. The fix itself will reportedly include a replacement for the hose.

adminNissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak
GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

March 24, 2017 Sean Reyes ,

March 24, 2017… General Motors Co. has recalled more than 2,000 Buick sedans due to a serious power steering defect.

The recall impacts LaCrosse models produced between August and November 2016, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The defect

Affected vehicles include electric power steering connector cables that may not be properly sealed. These unprotected features are vulnerable to corrosion and could fail due to extreme oxidization or the development of high resistance, which can cause melting.

This poses a serious risk to drivers, as the sudden loss of power steering can hinder vehicle operation and lead to crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the defect…

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect
GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

March 24, 2017 MotorSafety.org ,

Warren, Mich. – Mar. 24, 2017 – General Motors Co. has recalled more than 2,000 Buick sedans due to a serious power steering defect. The recall impacts LaCrosse models produced between August and November 2016, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include electric power steering connector cables that may not be properly sealed. These unprotected features are vulnerable to corrosion and could fail due to extreme oxidization or the development of high resistance, which can cause melting. This poses a serious risk to drivers, as the sudden loss of power steering can hinder vehicle operation and lead to crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the defect.

Timeline of Events

GM engineering personnel performed two separate wire-harness assessments at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly factory on Oct. 8 and Nov. 1, 2016, according to the NHTSA. The evaluations targeted Buick LaCrosse models produced at the facility. The vehicles were found to contain unsealed EPS connectors. GM immediately modified its production workflows to address the mistake. Two day later, one vehicle systems engineer at the plant submitted a report detailing the issue. The automaker immediately launched a formal investigation into the defect Dec. 10, 2016.

Inspectors reviewed the faulty connectors and discovered that the OEM parts provider, Delphi Automotive Systems, had provided cables with badly crimped seals. GM personnel were able to remove the connectors without using tools or extreme force. The Safety Field Action Decision Authority division reviewed the results and called for an official recall Feb. 16.

The Solution

GM has ordered dealers to replace faulty EPS connector seals, free of charge. However, the automaker has yet to release an owner notification period, according to NHTSA records. Affected owners are encouraged to contact Buick customer service should they need more immediate help.

MotorSafety.orgGM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect
Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect

Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect

March 23, 2017 admin

Montvale, N.J. – Mar. 23, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 354,000 vehicles due to a defective starter assembly, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts over a dozen models produced between February 2014 and 2017, including:

  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic sedans
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic coupes
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic cabriolets
  • C 350e hybrid sedans
  • C 450 4Matic AMG sport sedans
  • CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic sedans
  • CLA 45 AMG sedans
  • E 300 and E 300 4Matic sedans
  • E 400 4Matic wagons
  • E 43 AMG 4Matic sedans
  • GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 4Matic coupe sport utility vehicles

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with starter assemblies featuring current limiters that can overload in certain conditions. For example, vehicles that have sustained engine or transmission damage, and have blocked starters as a result, may experience high-voltage electrical currents when started repeatedly. This can damage the limiter, and in some cases melt surrounding components and catch fire. This increases the likelihood of occupant injury.

Timeline of Events

Daimler AMG, Mercedes’ parent company, received reports of limiter damage in June 2016. The automaker launched an investigation and in August determined that the damage resulted from electrical overload. Over the course of September and October, engineers for Daimler preformed further tests. In November, the company learned that the limiter was not designed to handle high-voltage currents generated during repeat starts. Two months later, engineers determined the range of affected vehicles. Last month, Daimler issued an official recall.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to install an additional fuse within the starter electrical lines in affected models, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. This repair is to be done free of charge. Owners will receive recall notifications later this month.

adminMercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect
Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft

Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft

March 22, 2017 Sean Reyes

Recall Masters – March 22, 2017


Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft

Suzuki Motor Company of America has recalled almost 800 vehicles due to shift shafts. The recall impacts Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles with manual transmissions produced between June 2008 and October 2012, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect
The affected models include gearshift rear shafts – fixtures responsible for the shift lever to the transmission – that are prone to breakage due to defective materials. Shifters can snap during normal operational movements, especially when maneuvered right-to-left or left-to-right repeatedly. This poses serious risks for customers, as it prevents them from changing gears while driving, increasing the risk of a traffic accident. No injuries have been linked to this defect as yet…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesSuzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft
Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft

Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft

March 22, 2017 MotorSafety.org

Brea, Calif. – Mar. 22, 2017 – Suzuki Motor Company of America has recalled almost 800 vehicles due to shift shafts. The recall impacts Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles with manual transmissions produced between June 2008 and October 2012, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

The affected models include gearshift rear shafts – fixtures responsible for the shift lever to the transmission – that are prone to breakage due to defective materials. Shifters can snap during normal operational movements, especially when maneuvered right-to-left or left-to-right repeatedly. This poses serious risks for customers, as it prevents them from changing gears while driving, increasing the risk of a traffic accident. No injuries have been linked to this defect as yet.

Timeline of Events

  •  In July 2012, Suzuki learned that drivers were experiencing trouble when shifting gears from a distributor in Nigeria, according to a document filed with the NHTSA. Quality control specialists investigated the issue and discovered that broken gearshift rear shafts were the cause.
  • More than one year later, the automaker was forced to investigate further as more incidents involving broken shafts had been reported. Suzuki engineers eventually decided that operator overuse was to blame. It altered production practices and changed the shaft design to accommodate more aggressive gear-shifting. Suzuki implemented the new fabrication workflows in June 2013.
  • In July 2015, the company looked into the defect once more in response to an influx of new incident reports. Engineers tested the materials used in the original production process and found that they failed to comply with internal quality metrics. By then, Suzuki had fielded 29 complaints related to the defective transmission components.
  • Four months later, similar tests were performed using the alternative shafts introduced in 2013. The new fixtures met durability standards.
  • In April of last year, Suzuki engineers altered the Grand Vitara production process once more, replacing circular shafts with square-shaped models. This new design complied with company standards. Production of the new shaft began in August.
  • On Feb. 2, 2017, the automaker chose to initiate an official recall, citing more than 100 separate incident reports involving the original gearshift rear shafts. While none were filed in the U.S., the defect was mentioned in various warranty claims, necessitating the involvement of the NHTSA.
  • Dealers received notification Feb. 24.

The Solution

Suzuki has instructed dealers to replace the original shaft with the newly designed square alternative, free of charge. The automaker intends to notify affected customers March 1.

MotorSafety.orgSuzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft
Maserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch

Maserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch

March 22, 2017 admin

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – March 22, 2017 – Maserati North America has recalled more than 3,000 vehicles with faulty software. The recall impacts Levante sport utility vehicles produced between July and December 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of the models named in the action include defective software.

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with damaged engine software that may shift the vehicles into neutral or cut engine operations without notice. This normally occurs when the vehicles are traveling 2 miles per hour or slower, such as in heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic. This fault increases the likelihood of crash, especially when road conditions improve, causing trailing drivers to accelerate rapidly. Even so, no injuries have occurred as a result of the software defect.

Timeline of Events

On Oct. 18, 2016, Maserati North America received a complaint from one driver who claimed his vehicle shifted into neutral without his assistance. The car maker immediately opened an investigation into the report and called for testing in an attempt to replicate and evaluate the possible issue. These trials concluded Nov. 9. Engineers were indeed able to replicate the issue, ordering follow-up diagnostics to better understand the underlying cause. These tests indicated that the engine software was to blame.

On Dec. 9, developers at the car company announced that they had coded and validated a patch to address the glitch. Over the next five days, engineers performed emissions tests on vehicles with the updated software to ensure that exhaust levels remained in step with federal regulations. The new software had no impact on emissions and was approved for use.

Maserati North America issued an initial recall on December 11, 2016. However, field tests revealed that the problem still persisted, despite the patch. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 20, 2017, engineers and programmers replicated the issue on site and developed a newer iteration of the engine software that worked. The car maker integrated the new software into its production lines on Feb. 21. It issued a second recall three days later. Dealers made aware of the problem March 17.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has ordered dealers to update the engine software in all impacted models, free of charge, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. Owners should receive notification March 31, 2017.

adminMaserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch
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…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

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
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