Subura Recalling Cars for Problems with Rearview Camera [Video]

March 14, 2017 report from WILX NBC Channel 10 in Lansing, Michigan

Sean ReyesSubura Recalling Cars for Problems with Rearview Camera [Video]

Mercedes Issues Recall Over Faulty Software

Montvale, N.J. – March 14, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled dozens of vehicles with faulty software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts a variety of models with disparate production dates, including:

  • AMG GT-S coupes produced between January 2008 and March 2017
  • C 250 sedans produced between January 2008 and March 2017
  • C 300 sedans produced between January 2008 and August 2014
  • C 300 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • C 350 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • CLA 250 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • CLS 550 and 550 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • E 350, E 350 4Matic and BLUETEC sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • E 350 4Matic coupes produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • E 350 4Matic wagons produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • G 63 AMG sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • GL 450 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • GLC 300 AMG sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • GLE 300d 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • GLK 350 sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • ML 350 4Matic and 4Matic BLUETEC sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • S 550 and S 550 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • SL 550 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
  • SL 63 AMG sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain unit control software that has been improperly coded. This defect could manifest in various ways, depending on the model. It has been known to disrupt air bag deployment, seat belt recognition status and maximum speed settings. These issues could increase the likelihood of a crash, putting drivers and passengers at increased risk.

Timeline of Events

in December of last year, engineers at multiple Mercedes workshops notified the company that the unit control software in various models would not update. The car maker launched an investigation and determined that software was defective due to a coding error at the time of production. Over the next month, Mercedes personnel conducted additional reviews and compiled a list of models that could include the damaged code. In February 2017, engineers tested the defective software to determine how it might impact driveability, discovering multiple risk factors. In March, they performed further tests and concluded that the software might also affect emissions and therefore may not comply with regulations.

Mercedes chose to conduct a voluntary recall as result.

The Solution

The car maker will order dealers to update the software in affected models, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. There is currently no timetable for dealer or owner notification.

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Jaguar Recalls Vehicles with Cracked Panels

Mahwah, N.J. – Mar. 14, 2017 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled a number of vehicles with cracked inner paneling. The recall impacts approximately nine Jaguar XF sport utility vehicles produced in December last year, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

The left-hand inner still panels in the affected vehicles could be cracked. This damage leaves nearby fuel lines unprotected and prone to ignition in the event of a crash. This poses obvious risks to motorists, especially those involved in traffic incidents. There have been no reported injuries related to this defect.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 19, 2016, an engineer assigned to the trim and final assembly team at the Jaguar Land Rover production facility in Castle Bromwich, U.K. spotted a crack in the inner still panel of a soon-to-be-shipped XF. On-site personnel investigated, while the automaker instituted an immediate freeze on shipments from the Castle Bromwich plant. Almost one month later, operations personnel reviewed the situation and elected to launch an official investigation into the problem. The stop shipment notice was renewed.

Jaguar Land Rover engineers investigated the fabrication process and concluded that friction between the press machine die and the material was the cause of the breakage. On Jan. 31, company engineers and executives met again to review engineering reports highlighting the proximity of fuel lines to the cracked left-hand inner still paneling. The group concluded the defect posed a serious risk to customers and issued a recall Feb. 2.

The Solution

Jaguar Land Rover has instructed dealers to inspect affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Should cracking appear, dealers are to repurchase the damaged XFs and provide new ones, free of charge. Owners are expected to receive notification by April 7.

MotorSafety.orgJaguar Recalls Vehicles with Cracked Panels

New Volkswagen Recalls Concern Tire Label Issues [Video]

Herndon, Va. — March 14, 2017 — A series of Volkswagen recalls address a possible Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards violation. The recalls, set to begin this month, concern tires with the wrong information, which could confuse drivers and lead them to make dangerous mistakes. In particular, they could put too much pressure on the tires, causing them to weaken.

Thousands of vehicles are part of this action all of which have the 2017 model year. According to Car Complaints, the tires give incorrect loading figures, possibly misleading owners. The manufacturer plans to fix the Beetle, Jetta and Jetta GLI cars included in this measure by replacing the labels. The new labels will display the right pressure information.

The particular relevant standard here, number one hundred and ten, requires certain vehicles to place important information on a vehicle placard. This includes the vehicle’s capacity weight and seated capacity.

adminNew Volkswagen Recalls Concern Tire Label Issues [Video]

Daimler Trucks Recalled for Braking Problem [Video]

Portland, Ore. — March 13, 2017 — Some Daimler Western Star truck drivers may be in danger of sudden stops, according to a recent recall.

As of Feb. 27, a Safety Recall Report claimed 450 could have this braking issue. Certain welding problems in these vehicles could lead to the parking brake activating unexpectedly.

The brakes themselves could also cease to be fully effective. The problem comes from improper welding during the manufacture dates, which ended on January 31, 2017. Affected vehicles have model years from 2015 to 2018.

Dealer and owner notification isn’t scheduled until April 27. The fix will see authorized Daimler Trucks North America replace defective steel air tanks. This is a voluntary safety recall started after investigations from the manufacturer, which began last December.

adminDaimler Trucks Recalled for Braking Problem [Video]

Volkswagen Recalls Sedans with Broken Brake Lines

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Mar. 13, 2017 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 1,000 vehicles exhibiting brake-line leakage. The recall impacts Passat sedans produced in January of this year, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected vehicles suffer from constant brake fluid leakage due to damaged hydraulic components. Motorists often see service lights indicating low brake fluid. If more is not added, vehicle brakes can lose stopping power, which increases the likelihood of a serious traffic accident. Additionally, Volkswagen engineers suspect that the leak can worsen over time, leading to more serious braking problems. No injuries have yet been reported as a result of the defect.

Timeline of Events

In January, Volkswagen quality assurance personnel spotted evidence of brake-line leakage when reviewing recently produced Passats. Engineers investigated and connected the problem to defective brake-tube flares. The automaker removed damaged flares from all production facilities Jan. 19, banned their use and replaced them with functioning alternatives from an OEM partner.

Product safety officials at Volkswagen reviewed the engineering report soon after. The group decided to issue an official recall Feb. 1, based on the findings.The car manufacturing company notified dealers in the U.S. on Feb. 15, according to an internal communication filed with the NHTSA.

The Solution

The automaker has instructed dealers to replace the brake lines in impacted vehicles, free of charge. There is no word yet as to when customers might receive official notification from Volkswagen. However, the recall is scheduled to begin March 1. Passat owners with defective brake lines can contact Volkswagen service personnel or call the NHTSA safety hotline for more information.

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Mercedes Recalls Various Models Over Defective Airbags

Montvale, N.J. – Mar. 09, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 1,000 vehicles due to defective air bags, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall impacts a variety of models produced between August and November 2016, including:

  • CLA 250 and 250 4Matic sports sedans
  • E 400 and 400 4Matic coupes
  • E 550 coupes
  • E 400 and 550 Cabriolet convertibles
  • E 300 and 300 4Matic sedans
  • GLA 250 and 250 4Matic sports utility vehicles

The Defect

The propellant mix ratio within air bag igniters in the affected vehicles is unbalanced and does not meet manufacturer expectations. Although primarily a question of vehicle quality, this problem can hinder air bag operation and even halt deployment of these crash safety tools. Pelvic  and front passenger-side airbags are particularly vulnerable to this defect. There have been no reported injuries related to the mix propellant problem.

Timeline of Events

In November last year, the OEM parts supplier Autoliv reported that some of its air bag module igniters did not comport with internal quality standards. One month later, Autoliv issued a parts recall via the NHTSA. Engineers at Daimler AG, Mercedes’ parent company, reviewed the recall and production records to pinpoint potentially affected models. In January, the automaker performed further tests to ascertain the extent of the issue. In early February, Daimler AG officials determined that the defect presented a risk to drivers and issued an official recall.

Dealers were notified soon after this determination was made.

The Solution

Daimler AG has instructed dealers to inspect potentially affected vehicles and install new air bag module igniters, free of charge, according to an internal NHTSA communication. All models are covered under the Mercedes new vehicle limited warranty. Owners should receive confirmation of the recall in early March.

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Mercedes Recalls SUVs Due to Defective Console Latches

Montvale, N.J. – Mar. 8, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled almost 6,000 vehicles with defective interior console latches, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects a number of sport utility models produced between July and October of last year, including:

 

 

 

  • GLE 400 4Matic
  • GLE 350 and 350 4Matic
  • GLE 550E 4Matic
  • GLE 63 AMG, 63S AMG and 63S AMG 4Matic Coupe
  • GLE 43 AMG 4Matic Coupe
  • GLS 450 4Matic
  • GLS 550 4matic
  • GLS 63 AMG 4Matic

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with defective center-console door latches. Consequently, items stored in this space may escape during traffic accidents. This has the potential to harm motorists involved in crashes. As yet, there have been no injuries reported due to this defect.

Timeline of Events

In July 2016 engineers for Daimler AMG, Mercedes’ parent company, discovered the defect during certification tests. One month later, the German automaker discovered that the OEM parts supplier Inteva Products Europe had instituted fabrication changes during production and failed to notify its partners, including Daimler AG. The defective parts were immediately removed from circulation.

Over the following months, engineers assessed the potential impacts of the defect and compared their performance to internal quality assurance codes. Daimler AMG officials deemed the parts non-compliant in late 2016. In February, the car manufacturing company confirmed its non-compliance with local and international safety regulations and initiated an official recall.

The Solution

Daimler AMG has instructed dealers to replace defective center console latches free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment filed with NHTSA. Currently, the recall is in its voluntary stages, meaning owners with affected vehicles should come forward and request replacement latches. The automaker may launch a more exhaustive campaign should few owners react to the voluntary announcement.

adminMercedes Recalls SUVs Due to Defective Console Latches

Fuel Leak and Fire Hazard Prompts Truck Recalls

Bellevue, Wash. — Mar. 07, 2017 — In an action announced this month, PACCAR Incorporated is recalling 465 potentially affected trucks due to a fuel system concern. While only half of these vehicles are thought to be affected, the problem could cause a potentially dangerous situation, as the recall acknowledgement statement said.

The Defect

As this letter also noted, the recall included five different types of trucks, including Kenworth and Peterbilt models ranging between the 2015 and 2018 model years. The models included the Kenworth K370, T680 and T880, as well as the Peterbilt 567 and 579.

The defect itself involved faulty plastic tee fittings on the engine that could lead to a dangerous fuel leak, since they’re so close to a possible source of heat. The Kenworth vehicles were produced between Nov. 18 2014 and Jan. 18, 2017, while the Peterbilt vehicle dates range from May 16, 2016 and Jan.18, 2017.

Timeline of Events

  • Jan. 19, 2017: The Indiana-based supplier, Voss, tested for leaks in the engines of affected vehicles after fitting reports appeared, according to a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
  • Jan. 23, 2017: Once the parts had been already certified, Peterbilt reviewed the affected tees’ and discovered faults. 
  • Feb. 1, 2017: PACCAR Technical Center tested some of the problematic tees.
  • Feb. 8-10, 2017: After observing the problem, the Peterbilt & Kenworth Safety Committees both decided the leak posed a safety risk.
  • Feb. 15, 2017: The Part 573 Safety Recall Report was submitted to the NHTSA. 

The Resolution

The mold temperature was too low during the production process, leading to the fault, which could create a noticeable fuel leak. Both Kenworth and Peterbilt said they would replace the fuel tees. Though no official dates were given for the notification schedule as of this writing, the report said that it would send notifications out within 60 days of Feb. 15.

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FCA Recalls Vehicles for Defective Tire Pressure Warning System

Auburn Hills, Mich. — March 7, 2017 — Fiat Chrysler Automotive, also known as FCA or Chrysler, is recalling vehicles for possible tire pressure detection concerns. As the Recall Safety Report said, all of the approximately 278 vehicles involved in the action are believed to have this problem, which are 2017 Fiat 500X models.

The Defect:

The problem springs from a possible lack of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 138, which covers tire pressure monitoring systems. Vehicles under this recall could potentially fail to trigger their warning light for tires with low pressure. With no clear way to tell if a tire is underinflated, the driver and passengers could face a risk of crash while driving.

Timeline of Events:

  • December, 2016: Production on the affected models began on Dec. 15.
  • February, 2017: The latest production date for these models was Feb. 20. This was also the month where component manufacturer Magneti Marelli Electronics reported the noncompliance issue before FCA US Italy S.p.A agreed to conduct a voluntary recall.
  • March, 2017: The newly developed software needed for the fix was put into production, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report could be submitted.

The Resolution:

The aforementioned software should be enough to fix this issue, the source said, as FCA US plans to reimburse owners affected by these problems. The report said that both dealers and owner notification should begin “on or about” April 21, 2017. The FCA Customer Services Field Operations did send out a notice about the recall on March 10 in addition to the official NHTSA recall.

Though not directly related, a similar Hyundai recall also addressed problems with the tire pressure sensor system. In that case, the fault was in the external sensor itself, not the internal warning signal.

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