Hyundai Elantra Vehicles Recalled for Brake Booster Issue

Recall Masters – March 6, 2017


Hyundai Elantra Vehicles Recalled for Brake Booster Issue

In one of the most recent Hyundai recalls, the manufacturer has turned its attention to brake booster systems in thousands of its 2017 Elantra vehicles. Production dates for these models ranged from Sep.12, 2016 to Jan. 18, 2017.

The Defect
Brake boosters in these affected vehicles are possibly subject to a manufacturing error, leaving them prone to failure. The Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that the boosters could lose power after the diaphragm within them comes loose.

Exactly 33,803 vehicles are involved with this action, although the percentage of these thought to have the defect was not reported. The components came from the Georgia-based company Mando America Corporation…

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Sean ReyesHyundai Elantra Vehicles Recalled for Brake Booster Issue

Hyundai Elantra Vehicles Recalled for Brake Booster Issue

Fountain Valley, Calif. — March 6, 2017 — In one of the most recent Hyundai recalls, the manufacturer has turned its attention to brake booster systems in thousands of its 2017 Elantra vehicles. Production dates for these models ranged from Sep.12, 2016 to Jan. 18, 2017.

The Defect

Brake boosters in these affected vehicles are possibly subject to a manufacturing error, leaving them prone to failure. The Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that the boosters could lose power after the diaphragm within them comes loose.

Exactly 33,803 vehicles are involved with this action, although the percentage of these thought to have the defect was not reported. The components came from the Georgia-based company Mando America Corporation.

Timeline of Events

  • December 2016: The manufacturer investigation into the defect began following customer reports, as well as greater demand from the supplier for the brake booster part.
  • January 2017: Hyundai agreed to launch a safety recall after working with the supplier to both investigate the defect and prevent further models from suffering the same problem.

The Resolution

Owners could, according to the report, check to see if their malfunction indicator lamp is lit to determine if there’s a problem with the internal vacuum system. Regardless, the report said that owners can expect the related repairs to fall under the existing warranty, and that the remedy would simply require an inspection and replacement. This source also listed dealer notification as Jan. 27 and owner notification as Feb. 17.

Manufacturer’s instructions provide more detail about the repair process, mentioning the two different service procedures needed for the same recall, including measures that match different transmission types. Replacement involved just one new product, the vacuum booster itself, matching to either the 1.4 or 2.0 liter engine. For MTM vehicles, the dealers were instructed to use brake fluid as needed.

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BMW Issues Recall Due to Takata Air Bag Defect

Westwood, NJ – March 3, 2017 – BMW is the latest car manufacturer to recall vehicles containing Takata Corporation air bag assemblies, according to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall impacts around 840,000 vehicles and applies to  several models, including:

  • 2008-2013, 1 Series coupes
  • 2008-2013, 1 Series convertibles
  • 2007-2013, 3 Series coupes
  • 2007-2013, 3 Series convertibles
  • 2006-2011, 3 Series sedans
  • 2006-2012, 3 Series sports wagons
  • 2013-2015, X1 sports activity vehicles
  • 2007-2010, X3 sports activity vehicles
  • 2007-2013, X5 sports activity vehicles
  • 2008-2014, X6 sports activity vehicles

Recall summary

The front air bag assemblies in affected models contain defective driver-side air bag inflator modules and propellant tablets. In the event of a crash, these fixtures can rupture, propelling sharp metal fragments throughout the cabin and causing serious harm to drivers and passengers. Inspectors have since connected the problem to shoddy fabrication practices in plants in Monclova, Mexico and LaGrange, Georgia. While no BMW drivers or passengers have been harmed due to Takata air bag equipment, the defective fixtures have injured and killed individuals operating vehicles from other manufacturers.

On January 21, 2016, Takata announced that some vehicles in the U.S. contained faulty air bar inflators and propellant tablets. BMW reviewed the announcement and discovered that some of its models contained PSDI-5 inflators, which were indeed deemed defective by Takata engineers. This equipment had originated from the Monclova and LaGrange facilities, as well as another Takata production hub located in Freiberg, Germany. BMW reviewed its fabrication records and decided to issue a recall. The automaker notified dealers February 5.

The repair

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the front driver-side air bag assembly, free of charge. However, supplies are limited at the moment, meaning some customers may have to wait. Owners are expected to receive confirmation March 31.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 800,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 631,588 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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Headrest Standards Concerns Lead to Chevrolet Recalls

Detroit — Mar. 02, 2017 — Some Chevrolet Cruze vehicles reportedly have issues with the recliners that could leave the vehicle noncompliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because of this, General Motors Co. targeted 17,197 possibly affected vehicles in the U.S. as part of a recently announced recall action.

The Defect

GM Authority recently reported on the decision. According to the source, the recall would center around improperly secured head restraints. Chevrolet Cruze vehicles from either the 2016 or 2017 model years are part of GM’s concerns. {if they’re just part which vehicles are the rest of GM’s concerns?}

During a crash, the headrests could potentially separate. This not only would put the drivers in possible danger, but would also go against FMVSS 202a the standard that deals with head restraints and comes with height and placement demands.

Timeline of Events

  • July 19-20, 2016: According to an official chronology from GM, the company’s suppliers discovered a welding issue with the affected car brackets on the 19th, and then took measures to improve it the following day, though GM did not learn of this until later.
  • Sept. 16-21, 2016: Three warranty claims for vehicles reportedly containing this defect come to GM’s attention.
  • Nov. 2, 2016: The manufacturer discovered and reported the bracket issue affecting the seat backs.
  • Nov. 21, 2016: GM learned about the supplier actions, among other things, after reaching out to them. 
  • Jan. 9, 2017: The company reviewed the case through its Open Investigation Review board.
  • Jan 19, 2017: After examining relevant computer simulations two days earlier, the company’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority made the noncompliance recall official.

The Resolution

As a repair document released through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said, the fix procedure will take two separate operations: an initial inspection and a follow-up installation, if necessary, to replace the seat back frame.

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More Than 5,500 Vehicles Involved in Volvo Recalls

Rockleigh, N.J. — Mar. 01, 2017 — Three different models of light 2017 vehicles from Volvo are included in a new recall action and may suffer from a fault that could put vehicle occupants in danger. Exactly 5,529 vehicles were said to be included in the recall, although the official Part 573 Safety Recall Report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not list a percentage. The recall includes XC90, S90 and V90CC vehicles.

The Defect

The report described the process that could affect certain vehicle parts as “hydrogen embrittlement.” According to this source, the air bag curtains were assembled, in some cases, by faulty bolts treated by Polish supplier Autoliv Poland Sp. Z O.o.

These bolts could potentially weaken over time, eventually leading the inflatable curtain air bags to fall out of place, failing to protect those in the vehicle. There could be noticeable noise before this occurs, the report added, and it could fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 226, “Ejection Migration.”

Timeline of Events

  • Nov. 14, 2016-Jan. 31,2017: Affected models go through production.
  • Feb. 10, 2017: Volvo’s Critical Concern Management Team began preparing for the recall following an initial vehicle report.
  • Feb. 16, 2017: An ongoing investigation continued as the Part 573 report was submitted. Dealer notification also began, extending until Feb. 23.
  • Feb. 24, 2017: The acknowledgement statement for the recall appeared.

The Resolution

Although owner notification is not set to begin until April 1, the manufacturer has already planned for actions to fix the defective bolts, including an inspection and replacement process. Last year, the Volvo S90 was part of an unrelated air bag recall, regarding an air conditioning fault that could gradually affect air bag deployment by leaking moisture into the vehicle’s interior. The fix required replacing an air conditioning drainage hose in some cases.

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Chevrolet Suburban Recall To Fix Outside Mirror Issues

Recall Masters – February 28, 2017


Chevrolet Suburban Recall To Fix Outside Mirror Issues

Because of problems with exterior mirrors, some Chevrolet Suburban vehicles are going to be part of a non-compliance recall action, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A possible safety issue with these mirrors led to concern over noncompliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, specifically No. 111, which concerns “rear visibility.” This standard calls for outside mirrors to provide a “view of a level road surface” for the driver.

The Defect
The glass in these mirrors was the source of the issue: Instead of the flat mirror needed for these vehicles, the affected units reportedly came with right-side convex mirrors, possibly distorting drivers’ views while in motion. The recall order included 214 Chevrolet Suburban heavy-duty vehicles with the 2016 and 2017 model years fitted with mirrors from the Michigan-based supplier Magna Mirrors of Americaf…

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Sean ReyesChevrolet Suburban Recall To Fix Outside Mirror Issues

Chevrolet Suburban Recall To Fix Outside Mirror Issues

Warren, Mich. — Feb. 28, 2017 — Because of problems with exterior mirrors, some Chevrolet Suburban vehicles are going to be part of a non-compliance recall action, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A possible safety issue with these mirrors led to concern over noncompliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, specifically No. 111, which concerns “rear visibility.” This standard calls for outside mirrors to provide a “view of a level road surface” for the driver.

The Defect

The glass in these mirrors was the source of the issue: Instead of the flat mirror needed for these vehicles, the affected units reportedly came with right-side convex mirrors, possibly distorting drivers’ views while in motion. The recall order included 214 Chevrolet Suburban heavy-duty vehicles with the 2016 and 2017 model years fitted with mirrors from the Michigan-based supplier Magna Mirrors of America.

Timeline of Events

  • June 15 to Nov. 10, 2016: The affected Suburban vehicles go through the production process.
  • November 2016: After a line operator notices an incorrect mirror label, General Motors Co. issues an order to stop work on the affected models.
  • December  2016: The manufacturer’s Open Investigation Review team considers the matter as investigations reveal the glass issue and possible FMVSS violation.
  • January 2017: GM officially launches the noncompliance recall through its Safety and Field Action Decision Authority. The Manufacturer’s Report Date is listed as Jan. 12.  

The Resolution

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that dealers would replace the previous mirrors with compliant ones, based on FMVSS 111. The glass would be both flat and non-magnifying so as to match the weight-based vehicle requirements and provide an accurate view for drivers.

The safety bulletin related to the recall said that the repair would simply involve two units of the same mirror, and that it would come from GM Customer Care and Aftersales for this necessary replacement supply only, not shelf stock.

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Maserati Recalls Luxury Vehicles Over Improper Seat Wiring

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – Feb. 27, 2017 – Maserati has recalled more than 39,000 vehicles due to improper seat wiring. The recall affects Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans and Levante crossover sports utility vehicles produced between 2014 and 2017, according to documentation from the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration.

The Defect

The seat-wiring layouts in these vehicles interfere with internal adjustment motor housing, grinding against associated various metal fixtures. This wears down cables over time and causes seat-adjustment features to cease operation. In some cases, this constant friction can lead to electrical shorts and possible vehicle fires.

Timeline of Events

  • In December 2015, Maserati launched an investigation after an owner in Korea reported seat harness damage. The inquiry focused on the parts supplier Lier, which fabricated the seat wiring and adjustment motor assemblies.
  • In January 2016, Lear offered an explanation: The wiring layout was contacting the motor assembly and causing damage. Throughout the month, Maserati received nine additional complaints.
  • During the following month, another complaint came in – this one included the occurrence of an electrical fire. The automaker and its parts provider analyzed the issue and confirmed the cause.
  • By the close of April 2016, Maserati had developed a solution. Technicians for the company were ordered to install felt strips and clamping devices to separate seat wiring and adjustment motor components.
  • In September 2016, a Levante owner filed a seat malfunction complaint. Maserati added the vehicle to its list of affected models.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has agreed to install new seat wiring layouts in affected vehicles. Dealers are to make the repairs free of charge. Maserati will begin notifying impacted owners March 21, 2017. Every customer should receive an official communication within 60 days of this date. Parts will be available within 90 days of the schedule contact date.

MotorSafety.orgMaserati Recalls Luxury Vehicles Over Improper Seat Wiring

Volkswagen Recalls Audi Vehicles for Engine Fire Concerns

Auburn Hills, Mich. — Feb. 23, 2017 — A problem with some Audi vehicle engine pumps could lead to overheating and possible fire risk, according to a recent recall. The company’s action specifically responds to the cooling units in some engines. The official Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that the recall potentially involves 342,867 vehicles, all of which are believed to contain the defect.

The Defect

This report also stated that the problem is seen in certain TFSI engines, and that the problematic component comes from German supplier Fa. Bühler. Affected engines reportedly may have a faulty cooling system, containing debris that could block the coolant pump.

This could, in turn, keep necessary coolant from the engine and cause it to start a fire after overheating. Some of the affected models included A4, A5 and A6 vehicles as well as the Q5. Model years range from 2013 to 2017 across all of these vehicle classes.

Timeline of Events

  • 2015-2016: Reports from the field prompt an investigation into possible cases of overheating.
  • Dec. 2016: The Product Safety Committee meets and decides on the recall after further investigation reveals the cause. Audi also started producing updated software to help remedy the problem.
  • Jan. 2017:  Volkswagen submits the safety recall report to the National Highway Traffics Safety Administration.

The Resolution

With the software production completed, dealers can now instruct the power supply to shut off to avoid overheating. The dealer notification date was listed as Feb. 13, while the owner notification was set to begin seven days later. A manufacturer’s notice to dealers instructed them not to deliver pre-owned vehicles which could be part of this recall until after the fix.

A separate instructions section for dealers said that there will be no need for physical replacement parts for this procedure other than software, except in some extremely rare cases. After the install, owners should be able to tell if there’s coolant blockage through the Electronic Power Control lamp.

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