2017 | Page 6 | MotorSafety.org

Maserati recalls vehicles with defective fuel pump resistors

October 24, 2017 Nate Gouldsbrough Maserati Recalls

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – Maserati North America has recalled more than 430 vehicles possibly produced with defective fuel pump resistors, according to a company defect report. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Maserati Quattroporte luxury sports sedans with eight-valve engines. The Italian automaker suspects 100 percent of the models referenced in this action contain defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in this recall contain low-pressure fuel pump resistors that could fail unexpectedly due to cycle time and temperature fatigue. In the event that failure occurs, the fuel pump ceases operation and the engine stalls. This poses a serious threat to occupants, as sudden fuel pump failure can increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Maserati has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On July 11, 2017, a Japanese parts provider responsible for supporting Maserati production operations informed the car company that local government officials had conducted a vehicle warranty claims audit and found that 11 Quattroporte had filed reports detailing instances of fuel pump resistor failure. Maserati immediately launched an internal investigation into the claims. Engineers conducted a global claims analysis and found that 119 additional owners had filed similar reports worldwide. Most of the vehicles mentioned in these documents experienced fuel pump resistor failure at the 19,500-mile mark.

In late July, the car company conducted a parts analysis on the defective fuel pump resistors and found that high temperature and current flow were the root causes of failure. The fixtures were designed to handle a maximum current of 15 amps and at a temperature of 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit. Those installed in the vehicles referenced in the reports routinely experienced current flows of 14 amps, combined with temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

After reviewing this and other data, Maserati quality and safety personnel decided to conduct a voluntary recall Sept. 22.

The Solution

The car company will direct dealers to replace the fuel pump resistors in affected models free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Maserati plans to notify both dealers and owners of the action Nov. 13, 2017. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Maserati customer service representatives at (201) 510-2369. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 359. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ford recalls vehicles with defective door latches

October 24, 2017 admin Ford Recalls

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 1.3 million vehicles possibly equipped with defective door latches, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks with production dates ranging from March 12, 2014 to Dec. 30, 2016, as well as 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups manufactured between Oct. 8, 2015 and Sept. 1, 2016. Approximately 1,101,107 of the vehicles referenced in the action originated from American dealerships, while 222,408 were sold in Canada and 21,090 in Mexico. Ford is unsure what percentage of the models actually contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include defective door latches prone to water damage, which in turn can cause freezing, latch deformation and actuation cable deterioration. This may prevent the latch from fully engaging with the striker, which inhibits door closure. This poses a serious safety hazard for occupants, especially in the event of an accident. That said, Ford has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any wrecks or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details of the internal investigation that uncovered the defective parts. However, Ford did reveal that the vehicles named in the recall were manufactured at three different assembly facilities in Dearborn, Kansas City, Missouri and Clark County, Kentucky.

The Solution

Ford intends to direct dealers to install water shields on the door latches of affected vehicles. Dealers will also inspect the actuation cables in these models and replace them if necessary. Both of these repairs are to be performed with no charge to the customer. Ford has not publicized a timetable for dealer or owner notification. However, individuals in possession of the vehicles named in this recall who need more immediate can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S33. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Agency via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Chrysler recalls vans with noncompliant tire placards

October 13, 2017 Recall Masters RAM Recalls

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Oct. 13, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 11,000 vehicles potentially equipped with noncompliant tire placards, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2015-2017 RAM ProMaster City cargo vans.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in this recall could come with tire information placards that list incorrect information, including capacity weight, optimal tire pressure and spare tire placement data. As a result, these placards are considered noncompliant under current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states that vehicle tires must adhere to “placard requirements relating to load distribution as well as rim performance requirements under conditions of rapid tire deflation,” according to the NHTSA.

The inaccurate placards also pose a safety threat to occupants, as tire overinflation can inhibit vehicle handling and diminish braking capability, increasing the likelihood of an accident, according to an FCA press release. However, the automaker has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any injuries or accidents.

Timeline of Events

FCA has not released details into the internal investigation that uncovered the defective tire placards.

The Solution

The car company will direct dealers to replace the incorrect placards with updated versions, free of charge. Dealers and vehicle owners should expect to receive notification Nov. 15. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T62. Vehicle owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Kia recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

October 13, 2017 Recall Masters Kia Recalls

Irvine, Calif. – Oct. 13, 2017 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than five-dozen vehicles possibly equipped with defective crankshafts, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Kia Sorento sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from March 27, 2017 to March 30, 2017. KMA suspects roughly one-quarter of the models named in the recall actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include improperly heat treated crankshafts prone to failure. As a result, models with these fixtures in place can stall or catch fair with little to no warning. This poses a serious risk to occupants – especially those traveling at high speeds. However, KMA has yet to receive reports linking the defective crankshafts to any accidents.

Owners driving Sorento SUVs that include the problematic components have reported hearing cyclical knocking and seeing their check-engine lights illuminated. KMA advises owners to discontinue vehicle operation as soon as they experience symptoms of the defect, as stalling or engine fires tend to develop quickly following crankshaft failure.

Timeline of Events

On July 5, 2017, a customer contacted the KMA consumer affairs department and reported that his engine had stalled and caught fire, according to an internal incident chronology document submitted to the NHTSA. The customer also claimed to have received first-degree burns while recovering property from the burning vehicle. This individual also filed a vehicle-owner questionnaire with the NHTSA. From July 6 to July 21, the South Korean car manufacturer investigated the incident, collecting all available information in preparation for escalated internal proceedings. On July 21, KMA relayed the customer report to personnel at Kia’s facility in West Point, Georgia. Four days later, KMA learned of a second customer incident involving an engine fire and informed the team at KMGA.

Between Aug. 7 and Sept. 8, KMA engineers investigated both fires and searched for a root cause. Eventually, these mechanical specialists discovered that both vehicles contained crankshafts that were not properly heat treated at the Hyundai Motor Company Asan Plant in South Korea.

On Sept. 14, Kia Consumer Affairs reviewed all information related to the matter and chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

KMA will direct dealers to inspect the crankshafts and, if necessary, replace the sub-engine assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The car manufacturer plans to notify dealers Oct. 30. Owners should expect to receive notification via first-class mail Nov. 6. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact KMA customers service at (800) 333-4542. They should use the internal recall identification code SC153 when calling. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

October 13, 2017 Recall Masters Hyundai Recalls

Fountain Valley, Calif. – Oct. 13, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective crankshaft assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Santa Fe sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Jan. 26, 2017 to Feb. 13, 2017. HMA estimates that 25 percent of the models named in the recall actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain crankshaft assemblies featuring crankshaft pins with surface irregularities. These components may lead to premature engine bearing degradation and damage. In the event that the engine bearing becomes overly worn or flawed during operation, the vehicle could stall suddenly. This increases the likelihood of an accident and consequently poses a serious risk to occupants. That said, HMA has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective crankshaft assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners operating vehicles containing the problematic parts may hear abnormal engine noises, experience reduced motive power or see the check-engine or oil-pressure warning lamps illuminate.

Timeline of Events

On May 2, 2017, HMA received a field report that described a situation in which a customer heard a knocking sound while operating his Santa Fe. HMA personnel recovered the engine from the SUV for further evaluation soon after. Engineers at the Hyundai North American Quality Center in Chino, California launched an investigation into the component. Meanwhile, HMA kept an eye on the market over the course of June, July and August in an effort to pinpoint additional occurrences of knocking. The Korean automaker gathered three field reports mentioning abnormal engine noise over this span, all of which involved Santa Fe models. Additionally, one of these reports outline an instance of sudden engine failure. On Aug. 7, HMA started recovering the engines from the vehicles in these reports.

Later that month, HMA engineers reviewed these parts, in addition to the engine from the original report. They found that all four engines showed signs of bearing seizure, a condition linked to crankshaft pins with significant surface irregularities. The car company discovered that these components were the result of ineffective production processes. Specifically, staff at the Hyundai Motor Company Asan Plant in Korea had failed to fabricate the crankshaft assemblies using proper heat treatment, a result of skewed heating coils. The facility amended its processes and corrected the problem during a tool maintenance session in January 2017.

On Sept. 13, the HMA Technical Committee met to analyze the results of the investigation into the crankshaft pins and determined that the potential operating outcomes, most notably sudden engine stalling, posed a serious threat to occupants. The group then ultimately decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

HMA notified dealers Sept. 27.

The Solution

The car company has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the engines in affected vehicles free of charge, according to the NHTSA. HMA plans to notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 18. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to Hyundai customer service personnel at (855) 371-9460. Callers should use the internal recall identification number 168. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Tesla recalls SUVs with defective rear seats

October 13, 2017 MotorSafety.org Tesla Recalls

Palo Alto, Calif. – Oct. 13, 2017 – Tesla Inc. has recalled approximately 11,000 vehicles with defective backseat assemblies, The Associated Press reported. The campaign affects 2017 Tesla Model X sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Oct. 28, 2016 to Aug. 16, 2017. The automaker suspects 3 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with backseat assemblies with improperly installed seat cables. These fixtures prevent the left seat from locking when upright, which poses a serious safety hazard, as the seat may move forward suddenly during a collision. However, Tesla has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker discovered the defect during recent internal testing, TechCrunch reported. Tesla launched a voluntary safety recall as a result.

The Solution

The car company has directed dealers to replace the seat cables in affected models free of charge. Owners received notification via email Oct. 12. Those with vehicles included in the recall will be able to schedule service via the Tesla mobile application, which the automaker has employed to great effect recently.

“In the past two months, we have conducted roughly 40 percent of the Takata air bag recall repairs via mobile service, and customer satisfaction results for our mobile service offering are consistently above 97 percent,” a Tesla spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective suspension components

October 11, 2017 Recall Masters Hyundai Recalls

Fountain Valley, Calif. – Oct. 11, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled nearly 200 vehicles believed to contain defective front coil springs, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Aug. 25, 2017 to Sept. 6, 2017. The Korean automaker is unsure exactly how many of the models referenced in the recall actually come equipped with the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include front coil springs prone to fracture under heavy loads. In some instances, these features can extrude from the chassis and come into contact with – and puncture – vehicle tires. This increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, HMA has not received any reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Drivers who experience coil spring fracture normally see a notable change in ride height and hear the abnormal noise created when the spring rubs against the inboard tire sidewall.

Timeline of Events

In early September 2017, Hyundai engineers conducting routine test drives at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama facility in Montgomery operated two vehicles that suffered coil spring fractures mid-drive. Quality assurance staff at the plant notified HMA officials via a Sept. 5 internal report. Upon receiving this documentation, the automaker reviewed records to search for customer complaints referencing the problem – none were found. However, HMA did pinpoint approximately 1,700 vehicles originating from the assembly plant in Montgomery that could include the defective coil springs.

The automaker determined that approximately 196 of these models had been shipped to dealers. It also learned, via an internal investigation, that the defective coils installed in these SUVs were the result of ineffective production processes involving malfunctioning coil spring forming equipment.

The Mando Corporation, based in Opelika, Alabama, oversaw the operation that produced the defective parts. The parts provider repaired its coil-forming tool to prevent the production of additional defective features. It launched the overhauled equipment since Sept. 6.

On Sept. 13, the HMA Technical Committee convened to review all information collected on the fracture-prone coil springs and eventually decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers and owners Sept. 27.

The Solution

HMA has directed dealers to replace the coil springs in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Owners should have received notification via first-class mail. Those who have not or need additional assistance can contact HMA customer service at (855) 371-9460. Callers should reference the internal recall identification number 167. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective power steering equipment

October 11, 2017 Recall Masters Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Jacksonville, Fla. – Oct. 11, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled a handful of vehicles possibly equipped with improperly welded power steering control units, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 AMG C43 and E43 4matic sedans, 2017 E300 4matic sedans and 2017 GLC 300 sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Sept. 22, 2016 to Feb. 9, 2017. Mercedes-Benz suspects 100 percent of the models referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could be equipped with improperly welded power steering control units. Specifically, power steering contact pins may be affixed in a manner that makes them prone to disconnection. This could lead to power steering assist deactivation, which increases the likelihood of accidents and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. Drivers operating vehicles that experience unexpected power steering assist loss normally receive alerts via their instrument clusters and hear accompanying chimes.

Mercedes-Benz has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In March 2017, Daimler AG, the German automotive conglomerate that oversees Mercedes-Benz, received a report mentioning a defective steering assembly found in C-Class vehicles in the U.S. market. The automaker requested that the part be shipped back to the supplier, Robert Bosch Automotive Steering in Hungary, for evaluation. Robert Bosch personnel received the part in April and immediately launched a root cause investigation. Over the course of this inquiry, the parts provider learned that the pins within the power steering control module had been improperly welded during production. Robert Bosch initiated a weld-position-monitoring program to prevent further replication of the defective features on the shop floor in May 2017. The company also reviewed its production records and discovered that 13 steering assemblies had departed its production facility with improperly affixed control module pins, all of which had been earmarked for DAG vehicles. As of June 1, all steering assemblies produced by Robert Bosch have passed quality assurance tests.

In August, DAG reviewed its production records to pinpoint models containing power steering control modules with defective pins. One month later, safety personnel at the company ruled that the features posed an unavoidable safety risk to owners and called for a voluntary recall.

DAG notified dealers Sept. 29.

The Solution

The automaker directed dealers to replace the power steering assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. DAG intends to notify owners via first-class mail Nov. 10. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service personnel at (877) 496-3691. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Mitsubishi recalls sedans with defective air bags

October 10, 2017 Recall Masters Mitsubishi Recalls

Cypress, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2017 – Mitsubishi (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) has recalled around 66,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans.

Recall summary

The cars referenced in the campaign are likely to contain Takata air bag assemblies with defective inflators prone to rupture during deployment. These fixtures pose a serious threat to occupants, as metal debris is emitted and dispersed throughout the cabin at high speeds when inflator ruptures occur. Dozens of other car manufacturers across the globe have been forced to recall models equipped with the Takata air bag assemblies addressed in this campaign. Automakers in the U.S. have recalled more than 42 million vehicles with Takata-made air bags, according to Car and Driver. At least 17 people have died as a result of these features, The New York Times reported.

In Oct. 2014, Mitsubishi recalled more than 11,000 Lancers believed to be equipped with Takata air bag inflators, according to the NHTSA. The automaker then initiated a field collection effort to recover air bag parts from affected models for further evaluation. Takata engineers reviewed the air bag components recovered from the field to see if they were actually defective. The parts provider submitted the results of the tests to Mitsubishi Nov. 19, 2004. Takata personnel had analyzed 12 inflators, with only one showing signs of abnormal inflation. The two parties convened with NHTSA officials to discuss the part, which came from a vehicle used in southern Florida.

On Nov. 24, Mitsubishi decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall that included models from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. The campaign also covered vehicles sold in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On May 27, 2015, the automaker expanded this recall to include all 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans, as well as 2006 models containing problematic Takata SPI inflators.

Between May 2015 and September 2017, Mitsubishi service teams replaced the inflators in these vehicles with like-for-like temporary parts as a stopgap measure, until permanent replacements were ready. In September 2017, the automaker finished an internal evaluation of the replacement parts, ultimately finding them satisfactory. With the replacements in hand, the car manufacturer decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to address all of the unrepaired vehicles covered in the two previous actions.

Mitsubishi notified dealers Oct. 5.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the defective Takata air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Mitsubishi plans to notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 22.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Around 66,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 10,536 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 24, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section where drivers can check if their vehicle is part of this recall and included the recall completion rate. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Porsche recalls vehicles with cracked fuel pumps

October 6, 2017 Recall Masters Porsche Recalls

Atlanta – Oct. 6, 2017 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 50,000 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective fuel pump filter flanges, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2003-2006 Porsche Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Titanium and Cayenne Turbo sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Nov. 20, 2002 to Dec. 2, 2006. The German automaker estimates 100 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles are likely to include fuel pump filter flanges prone to age- and oxidation-caused cracking. More specifically, the flange material used in the recalled vehicles has been shown to break down at an accelerated rate, creating tension within the fuel pump – and in some cases causing fuel seepage. This poses a serious safety hazard to operators, as escaped gasoline could come into contact with active engine components and combust. However, Porsche has not received field reports linking the defective features to any accidents or injuries.

Owners with vehicles experiencing filter flange-related fuel seepage have reported noticing the odor of gasoline.

Timeline of Events

In February 2017, the NHTSA sent to Porsche seven vehicle owner queries mentioning filter flange-related fuel leakage, which had been referenced in an earlier recall initiated in October 2016, involving the Volkswagen Group of America. Then, in June, Porsche launched a 90-day field trial at the behest of the NHTSA. The program aimed to determine if the four-bar fuel pumps used in several Porsche and Volkswagen models were the the issue’s root cause.

On Sept. 13, the Porsche Product Safety group reviewed the results of field trial and determined that four-bar fuel pumps and the filter flanges used in them were problematic. The committee called for an immediate voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Porsche plans to direct dealers to replace the fuel flange filters in the recalled vehicles free of charge. The replacement parts are said to come equipped with protective films to block out external forces that cause surface degradation, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car company has yet to release a notification schedule. That said, owners in need of immediate assistance can contact Porsche customer service at (800) 767-7243. Callers should use the internal recall identification code AH10. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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