Honda recalls minivans with defective seats

 

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 22, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled approximately 800,000 vehicles that could potentially be equipped with defective seats, according to a company press release. The safety campaign affects 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey minivans. The automaker has not announced what percentage of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles are believed to contain second-row outboard seats that do not properly latch after adjustment or removal. This poses a serious risk to occupants, as the seats may lurch forward suddenly when drivers apply the brakes, thus increasing the likelihood of injury. As of now, Honda has received 46 reports referencing injuries connected to the defective seating.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not yet released details into the investigation that led to the recall.

The Solution

Honda engineers are in the process of developing a sustainable solution to the problem. In the meantime, the car company has published reference materials that show owners how to properly lock the back seats in place and mitigate the risks associated with the defect. A video displaying the same procedures will follow soon. Honda intends to notify vehicle owners via first-class mail in late December. Individuals in possession of the recalled vehicles who require more immediate help can call customer service personnel at (888) 234-2138. Owners can also contact the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration directly using the organizations’ toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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GM recalls vehicles with defective fuel sensors

Warren, Mich. – Nov. 21, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 35,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel tank sensors, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 pickup trucks produced between May 24, 2010 and Sept. 30, 2015. GM believes all of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models include dual fuel tank assemblies. The first of these tanks includes a defective fuel-level sensor that sometimes stalls in the lowest position, offering an inaccurate reading and increasing the likelihood of overfilling and tank expansion. This, in turn, could then allow the tank to come into contact with the moving driveshaft, creating a hole and causing fuel leakage. As a result, the defect poses a serious threat to occupants. However, GM has received no reports linking the defective component to any accidents or injuries thus far.

Timeline of Events

In April 2017, the NHTSA notified GM about a vehicle owner questionnaire it had received that detailed an instance of fuel leakage in a 2015 GMC Silverado 3500 pickup. One month later, the GM engineers familiar with the VOQ submitted a report via the company’s Speak Up For Safety program. The automaker launched an internal investigation in response to the submission on May 16.

Over the course of May, June and July, engineers evaluated field data to pinpoint the root cause of the leakage, which apparently initiated in the front fuel tank. On July 27, GM met with the NHTSA to review the results of the three-month inquiry. The two parties came to the conclusion that the fuel leaks were not developing in vehicles manufactured after 2015. In August, GM completed a design failure mode and affect analysis, and determined that the problem was confined to Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. These vehicles were manufactured without beds and other conventional pickup features, as they were intended for commercial use or modification.

GM personnel reviewed the matter in two separate sessions on Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. The NHTSA revaluated the defect on Oct. 2 as well. The GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority looked over the issue Oct. 12 and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. GM notified dealers Oct. 19.

The Solution

GM has directed dealers to inspect the front fuel tanks in the affected models and either replace the rear tank fuel pumps or updated the fuel sensor software, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. These fixes, which will be ready for implementation in early 2018, are to be executed free of charge. The automaker plans send an initial notification to owners via first-class mail Dec. 18 and follow-up document in February 2018, when the remedy is ready for implementation. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 or GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the GM recall identification number 17399.

Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 3274236.

MotorSafety.orgGM recalls vehicles with defective fuel sensors

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective headlights

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 17, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled a number of vehicles potentially equipped with defective headlights, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Mercedes Benz GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between Dec. 12-16. The German automaker estimates just 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could come equipped with low-beam headlights that do not exhibit the tolerance range mandated in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, which specifies numerous details for proper headlight installation, according to the Government Publishing Office. The fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants as head lamp range may be reduced, increasing the likelihood of an accident in low-lit conditions. However, Mercedes has yet to receive field reports linking the defective feature to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In December 2016, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that operates the Mercedes brand, launched an internal investigation after quality assurance tests revealed that some vehicles Mercedes produced may not conform with FMVSS 108. Engineers reviewed the existing production processes and discovered that headlights in multiple vehicles deviated from federal standards due to flawed setting practices during assembly.

In March 2017, DAG personnel reviewed internal records to assess the extent of the issue. At the same time, engineers for the car manufacturer conducted tests to determine the material impact of the defective headlights. Engineering teams confirmed this data, as well as the instances of FMVSS noncompliance, in July 2017.

In October 2017, DAG chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

The automaker intends to direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the headlights in affected vehicles, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. DAG will notify owners in December 2017, approximately one week after sending notifications to dealers. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service representatives at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective rear axles

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 2,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective rear axles, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2015-2016 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG sedans produced between Nov. 7, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
  • 2015-2017 Mercedes Benz C63S sedans produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
  • 2017 Mercedes Benz C63S AMG coupes produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.
  • 2017 Mercedes Benz C63S AMG cabriolet convertibles produced between Nov. 4, 2014 and May 30, 2016.

Mercedes estimates that all of the vehicles named in this recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The affected models are likely to contain rear-axle mounting flanges prone to fracture. Should this occur, the rear-axle differential may fall out of alignment, leading to driveshaft failure, loss of vehicle propulsion and, finally, stalling. Consequently, the defect poses a serious safety problem to occupants, as it increases the likelihood of an accident. Mounting-flange fracture is especially likely in extreme starting situations – race starts, for instance – that necessitate multiple, short wheel spins and involve relatively high torque peaks, for the feature comes under great stress during these maneuvers.

Mercedes has yet to field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In February 2016, Daimler AG, the conglomerate the operates Mercedes and oversees the production of the vehicles under the brand, received a report detailing an instance in which a driver experienced driveshaft failure. Over the next four months, DAG became aware of more field reports outlining similar events. In May, the German automaker initiated an investigation and requested parts for internal analysis.

Over the course of July, DAG engineers attempted to reproduce the problems mentioned in the field reports, testing vehicles equipped with returned parts on slick road surfaces while performing extreme driving maneuvers involving short wheel spins. The car manufacturers analyzed the results of these road tests in September and found that the parts installed on the test vehicles featured mounting-flange fractures. In October, DAG traced the fracturing back to the high torque peaks achieved during road testing and proposed reprogramming the on-board electronic stability control software in the affected vehicles to prevent such occurrences. The company finished the proposed software solution in April 2017 and began testing.

While engineers worked on the updated ESC software, analysts reviewed production records and found that the problem could affect models produced until May 2016, when DAG introduced a new rear-axle assembly. During May and August 2017, engineers finished and validated the improved ESC program. In September, analysts finished compiling a complete list of affected vehicles.

On Oct. 16, DAG launched a voluntary safety recall to address the issue. Dealers were notified in early November.

The Solution

The car manufacturing company has directed dealers to install the new ESC software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification via first-class mail in December. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service personnel at (817) 496-3691. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective windshield insulation

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Nov. 14, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 3,600 vehicles potentially containing defective windshield insulation, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 and 63S AMG sport utility vehicles.
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 and 63S AMG coupe sport utility vehicles.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 AMG 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550 4Matic sport utility vehicles.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic sport utility vehicles.

All of the vehicles referenced in this action were produced between May 4, 2016 and July 27, 2016. Mercedes engineers estimate approximately 1 percent of the recalled models come equipped with the defective features.

The Defect

The affected vehicles have excess bulkhead insulation beneath their windshields. This material negatively affects windshield bonding and may inhibit the functionality of the front-passenger air bag. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as they may be left unprotected in the event of a collision. That said, Mercedes has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In mid-2016, engineers from Daimler AG, the multinational conglomerate that oversees Mercedes and its production processes, noticed that bulkhead insulation in one vehicle covered the vehicle identification number located on its windshield. The company immediately launched an investigation into the matter and quickly determined that excess insulation was the root cause. Later in July of that year, DAG quality assurance personnel evaluated a number of recently assembled vehicles and found that many featured the same abnormality. These models were “reworked” prior to shipment.

In October 2016, the parts supplier HP Pelzer GmbH based in Witten, Germany launched its own independent inquiry to better understand the anomaly. It soon determined that the defect stemmed from a production deviation and corrected its workflows to ensure that the problem did not appear in future vehicles. In December, DAG performed additional analysis to uncover the size of the excess insulation and better understand how it affected windshield bonding near VIN labels. The German automaker received the results in April 2017. The data showed that excess insulation may affect the windshield bonding adjacent to VIN labels.

In June, DAG conducted further tests and learned that the failed windshield bonding could inhibit passenger-side air bag functionality, creating a serious safety risk for occupants. Three months later, the car manufacturer reviewed its production records to determine how many vehicles might contain the defective bulkhead insulation. HP Pelzer did the same, and later submitted its data to DAG.

Finally, in early October, the car company initiated a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG plans to direct dealers to remove the excess bulkhead insulation in affected models and rework the windshield bonding free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners in December. Individuals who possess vehicles involved in this safety campaign and are in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes customer service representatives at (817) 496-3691. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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GM recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Warren, Mich. – Nov. 9, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than one-dozen vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across two brands, including:

  • 2015-2016 Chevrolet Colorado pickup tucks produced between Oct. 10, 2014 and Feb. 6, 2016.
  • 2016 Chevrolet Volt electric sedans produced between Oct. 16 and Dec. 14, 2015.
  • 2015-2016 GMC Canyon pickup trucks produced between Oct. 13, 2014 and Aug. 2, 2015.

GM suspects that all of the vehicles referenced in this recall contain the defect components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include driver-side front air bag assemblies with second-stage inflators that may malfunction upon deployment, thus failing to completely fill the corresponding air bags or do so within the regulated time span. This poses a serious risk to drivers involved in collisions, as they are less protected and therefore more likely to sustain injuries upon impact. However, GM has yet to receive reports connecting the defective air bag assemblies to any injuries or accidents.

Timeline of Events

In March 2016, GM recalled more than 1,500 vehicles after its air bag supplier, Key Safety Systems, discovered that some of its shipped frontal air bag assemblies failed to meet cold-weather fill-time requirements, according to an NHTSA Safety Recall Report. Specifically, these fixtures came equipped with second-stage inflators without the chemical mixture required to effectively facilitate deployment and fill frontal air bags as much or as quickly as required by law.

In the months following the March 2016 recall, KSS evaluated its inflators to determine whether mistakes were made during assembly or problems developed due to long-term vehicle use. During this analysis, the parts provider discovered another batch of defective filters that had been shipped to GM and installed in vehicles not referenced in the March 2016 action. KSS notified GM of the issue May 4, 2017. Approximately six days later, the automaker opened an internal investigation to better understand the problem.

Over the next four months, GM and KSS worked together to analyze the filters received during the March 2016 recall. This data allowed KSS to improve the accuracy of its existing strategy for detecting incorrectly assembled inflators, which involved the evaluation of component weight. The parts provider used this methodology to find defective inflators installed in non-recalled GM vehicles.

With this new information in hand, the GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority elected to issue a voluntary safety recall Sept. 28. The car manufacturer notified dealers Oct. 5.

The Solution

GM has directed dealers to replace the driver-side frontal air bag assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker plans to notify owners via first-class mail Dec. 4. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chevrolet customer service at (800) 222-1020 or GMC customer service at (800) 462-8782. Callers should use the internal GM recall identification number 17387. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Nate GouldsbroughGM recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with damaged speaker trim

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Nov. 8, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 31,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective speaker trim, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2017-2018 Audi A4 sedans produced between March 10, 2016 and June 22, 2017.
  • 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad station wagons produced between June 16, 2016 and June 19, 2017.
  • 2017-2018 Audi A5 Sportback sedans produced between Feb. 7, 2017 and Sept. 28, 2017.

Volkswagen estimates 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The affected models are likely to come equipped with speaker assemblies featuring loose aluminum trim. As a result, these aesthetic components may give way as a result of ineffective adhesive, exposing sharp edges that could cut or puncture occupants and therefore pose a serious safety risk. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Audi received an injury claim related to loose lower trim door paneling. The automaker immediately launched in investigation into the report. At the same time, the company received a number of similar claims. Audi quality assurance personnel continued the investigation into the fall of 2016, reviewing production records and original vehicle design specifications. These staff members also evaluated the time it might take customers to notice the loose paneling before coming into contact with it and possibly sustaining injuries.

Throughout February and March 2017, Audi continued to monitor the market, while also moving forward with the internal inquiry begun in August 2016. Over this time period, the engineering personnel involved in these programs updated the Audi Product Safety Committee regularly. On Oct. 18, 2017, this groups chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the defective trim in the recalled vehicles with a newer alternative featuring improved adhesive, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker plans to inform both dealers and owners of the voluntary safety action sometime this month. Individuals in possession of vehicles referenced in the recall who require more immediate assistance can contact Audi customer service representatives at (800) 253-2834. Callers should use the internal campaign reference code 70G6. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly via its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Toyota recalls hybrids with defective inverters

 

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 7, 2017 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled a handful of hybrid vehicles with defective inverter assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2016 Toyota Prius hybrid sedans produced between Dec. 15, 2015 and June 8, 2016. Toyota is unsure how many of the recalled models contain defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in the action come equipped with inverter assemblies whose capacitors may not be properly secured to the inverter housing. This assembly flaw leaves the capacitor terminal vulnerable to damaging vibration during vehicle operation, increasing the likelihood of a complete hybrid system shutdown. In the event that this occurs, the vehicle loses all motive power, creating a serious safety hazard for occupants. While capacitor terminal damage results in engine shutdown, the power steering and braking systems continue to function normally.

Toyota has yet to receive field reports detailing any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In April 2017, the automaker received a report from a U.S. dealer detailing an instance in which a 2016 Prius failed to failed to start, according to an internal document submitted to the NHTSA. Toyota engineers recovered and inspected the inverter assembly in the vehicle, and found that capacitor mounting bolts were missing. They also discovered that the capacitor itself had incurred terminal damage. The car company launched an investigation to determine how the capacitor bolts had gone missing, focusing on production data and records of the inverter installation process. Toyota found that the inverter assembly had been reworked during capacitor installation and that personnel had failed to re-install the bolts. Toyota soon amended its capacitor installation workflow to prevent similar scenarios from unfolding in the future.

In July 2017, engineers at the vehicle manufacturing company initiated replication tests to better understand the capacitor terminal damage observed in the vehicle in the report. Staff simulated operational vehicle vibration and applied it to the inverter assembly with the unbolted capacitor. Toyota found that the capacitor was prone to damage in these conditions. It initiated bench testing in an attempt to replicate the engine failure mentioned in the report, but was unable to do so.

One month later, Toyota received a report from the European market outlining events similar to those detailed in the April report from the U.S. market. Toyota recovered the inverter assembly from the vehicle referenced in the report and found that capacitor mounting bolts were missing. The capacitor terminal had sustained significant damage. Resin from another nearby part also melted within the inverter housing. Toyota installed the inverter assembly in a trial vehicle to see if the component, when stressed, led to complete engine shutdown. During the subsequent test, the trial vehicle lost all motive power, as the hybrid system ceased operation. The car company disassembled the inverter assembly used in the trial car and found that the capacitor terminal had sustained further damage.

With these results in hand, Toyota officials concluded that vehicles with inverter assemblies that lack capacitor mounting bolts are vulnerable to complete engine shutdown. On Oct. 12, the car company chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall. As of that date, Toyota had received one warranty claim and zero technical field reports related to the defect from dealers in the U.S. market. Dealers received notification Oct. 18.

The Solution

Toyota has instructed dealers to replace the inverter assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The organization plans to notify owners via telephone in December. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Toyota customer service staff at (800) 331-4331. Callers should use the internal recall identification code H0U. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Nissan recalls vehicles with defective steering components

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Nov. 7, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 17,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective steering components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 hatchback sedans assembled between Aug. 10, 2015 and June 16, 2017. Nissan estimates 1 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles named in this action could contain broken steering column module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded. These components may produce electromagnetic charges that ascend the steering column, enter air bag assemblies and prompt inadvertent air bag deployment. These fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants – especially those traveling at high speeds, as the accidental activation of vehicle safety features could lead to a collision. However, Nissan has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2017, Mercedes-Benz USA recalled nearly 500,000 vehicles with defective steering columns prone to discharging electromagnetic currents and activating air bags, according to the NHTSA. This action came as the result of a two-year investigation in which Mercedes engineers had discovered that the steering columns in more than three dozen models contained broken clock springs and suffered from electromagnetic incompatibility.

One month before Mercedes publicized its recall, Daimler AG, the automotive conglomerate that controls Mercedes, contacted Nissan, with whom it shared suppliers, and made the Japanese company aware of the potential safety issue. Throughout October 2017, Nissan engineers met with DAG personnel to better understand the defect. Over this same span, Nissan confirmed that the defective steering column assemblies installed in the recalled Mercedes models had been used during the production of 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 sedans. Following its meetings with DAG, Nissan chose to conduct its own voluntary safety recall Oct. 26. The car manufacturing company notified dealers Nov. 2.

The Solution

Nissan has asked dealers to reinforce the grounding in the steering assemblies installed in the affected vehicles, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. This work, which involves the installation of a commutator ring designed to optimize grounding, will be performed free of charge. In the meantime, Nissan is developing a more effective long-term solution that will be released to dealers when ready. The automaker plans to notify owners Dec. 18. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Nissan customer service at (800) 622-6200. Callers should choose option seven when prompted. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Toyota recalls minivans with defective shift lock solenoids [Video]

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Toyota Motor Corporation has recalled more than 310,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective shift-lock solenoids. The campaign affects 2005-2007 and 2009-2010 Toyota Sienna minivans.

The affected models likely contain defective shift-lock solenoids that may allow shift levers to move out of the “park” without drivers having pressed the brake pedal, a considerable potential hazard.

Toyota intends to notify both dealers and owners December first, two-thousand and seventeen. The automaker will direct dealer service departments to replace the shift-lock solenoids in recalled vehicles, free of charge.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

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