Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

January 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz U.S.A has recalled approximately 10 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective occupant classification systems, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Oct. 25, 2016 and Dec. 22, 2016, including:

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-S coupes.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-C Roadsters.

The automaker suspects just 10 percent of the vehicles involved in the recall actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Models included in the action may include defective passenger-side occupant classification features that incorrectly activate or deactivate air bag deployment. This issue is the result of a design flaw that impedes communication between the seat and the occupant detection sensors. Additionally, a software error exacerbates the problem. The defect poses a serious hazard to passengers, as it could leave them vulnerable to impact during a collision or cause them injury due to the sudden and unexpected deployment of safety features. That said, Mercedes and its parent company Daimler AG have yet to receive reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Mercedes-Benz engineers conducted internal vehicle validation tests and discovered that the passenger-side occupant classification components were prone to malfunction. DAG immediately launched an investigation in response to these findings. The inquiry revealed numerous seat cushion design flaws, which directly affected the performance of the the occupant classification system.

DAG initiated additional tests in September. These uncovered new insights into the defective, including the fact that the geometry of the seat cover and the occupant classification module was affecting performance. In October, the automotive conglomerate developed and tested a new seat cushion design. The refreshed model proved effective. In November the new seat cushion model went into production. One month later, additional tests revealed that a software error was exacerbating the defect.

In January 2017, DAG engineers rolled out updated software, which was officially introduced to the production line the following month. Vehicles that had been assembled but not delivered received the updated seat cushions and software, along with those awaiting sale at dealerships. However, in October DAG discovered that not all of the affected models were updated as required earlier in the year. In November, quality assurance teams assessed the extent of the problem. One month later, the company decided that a serious safety risk was present and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG has directed dealers to install the redesigned seat cushions and software in the vehicles named in the action. Mercedes-Benz service personnel will perform this work free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document submitted to the NHTSA. DAG intends to notify dealers and owners this month. Individuals affected by this recall who need more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

January 31, 2018 admin

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz U.S.A has recalled approximately 10 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective occupant classification systems, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Oct. 25, 2016 and Dec. 22, 2016, including:

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-S coupes.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-C Roadsters.

The automaker suspects just 10 percent of the vehicles involved in the recall actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Models included in the action may include defective passenger-side occupant classification features that incorrectly activate or deactivate air bag deployment. This issue is the result of a design flaw that impedes communication between the seat and the occupant detection sensors. Additionally, a software error exacerbates the problem. The defect poses a serious hazard to passengers, as it could leave them vulnerable to impact during a collision or cause them injury due to the sudden and unexpected deployment of safety features. That said, Mercedes and its parent company Daimler AG have yet to receive reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Mercedes-Benz engineers conducted internal vehicle validation tests and discovered that the passenger-side occupant classification components were prone to malfunction. DAG immediately launched an investigation in response to these findings. The inquiry revealed numerous seat cushion design flaws, which directly affected the performance of the the occupant classification system.

DAG initiated additional tests in September. These uncovered new insights into the defective, including the fact that the geometry of the seat cover and the occupant classification module was affecting performance. In October, the automotive conglomerate developed and tested a new seat cushion design. The refreshed model proved effective. In November the new seat cushion model went into production. One month later, additional tests revealed that a software error was exacerbating the defect.

In January 2017, DAG engineers rolled out updated software, which was officially introduced to the production line the following month. Vehicles that had been assembled but not delivered received the updated seat cushions and software, along with those awaiting sale at dealerships. However, in October DAG discovered that not all of the affected models were updated as required earlier in the year. In November, quality assurance teams assessed the extent of the problem. One month later, the company decided that a serious safety risk was present and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG has directed dealers to install the redesigned seat cushions and software in the vehicles named in the action. Mercedes-Benz service personnel will perform this work free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document submitted to the NHTSA. DAG intends to notify dealers and owners this month. Individuals affected by this recall who need more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (877) 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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Mercedes Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Locks [Video]

January 30, 2018 admin

Hello, and welcome back to the recall blog.

Mercedes-Benz recently issued a recall for eighty seven hundred of its 4Matic and other light SUVs from the 2017 and 2018 model years.

The issue in question is that, in some cases, doors that may appear to be locked actually are not, potentially increasing the risk of injury or other mishaps.

About 1 percent of recalled vehicles are expected to be affected.

The defect comes from a faulty riveting parameter at a supplier, which produced affected vehicles between early January and early August 2017.

Owners are asked to bring their vehicles to a local Mercedes-Benz dealer, where their locks will be tested and replaced if necessary.

Thanks for watching, and be sure to check back soon for more recall news.

adminMercedes Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Locks [Video]

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]

January 30, 2018 admin ,

Hello and welcome to another Recall Masters video blog.

Nissan North America has recalled one hundred and eleven two thousand-eighteen Nissan Versa Note hatchbacks believed to be equipped with defective side curtain air bag inflators. The automaker suspects just one percent of the models named in the action actually contain the defective safety features.

The affected vehicles contain side curtain air bag assemblies with top hat diffusers that could detach during deployment, putting occupants at risk for injury.

Nissan notified dealers December 22, 2017 and plans to reach out to owners February 8, 2018. The automotive company plans to replace the defective features free of charge.

Thanks for watching and make sure to check back in for more recall updates.

adminNissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]
Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

January 28, 2018 Sean Reyes

Mahwah, New Jersey – Jan. 28, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 8,900 late-model Jaguar XF sedans as part of the broader Takata air bag recall, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2009, 2010, and 2014 Jaguar XF sedans

Recall Summary

As with all other vehicles in the Takata recall, the XF sedans – come with faulty passenger frontal air bag assemblies that were either original equipment or replacement parts.

If exposed over a long enough period of time to extreme temperature changes or high humidity, the propellant that ejects the air bag in the event of a crash could cause the bag to degrade.

Consequently, if a crash leads to deployment of that air bag, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments being ejected from the air bag compartment at high speeds. This can increase the risk of operators and passengers in the vehicle being struck with the fragments, which can lead to injury or death.

In mid-May 2016, Jaguar Land Rover learned of the broader issue with the frontal passenger air bags from Takata, and opened its own investigation into the problem just a few days later. The automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee quickly determined which of its produced vehicles had been outfitted with the faulty air bags, but that there had not been any incidents related to the issue, and no injuries have been reported to date. Nonetheless, it determined to conduct a recall of the vehicles to remediate the problem.

Since then, the company has worked with the NHTSA as part of the government organization’s coordinated remedy program.

The repair

Jaguar has already begun the process of notifying dealers about the recall, starting on Jan. 11, 2018. It likewise expects to begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or around Feb. 28, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 8,900 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 7,358 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesLate-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger
Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

January 28, 2018 Rebecca Rand ,

Mahwah, New Jersey – Jan. 28, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 8,900 late-model Jaguar XF sedans as part of the broader Takata air bag recall, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes:

  • 2009 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2010 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2013 Jaguar XF sedans

As with all other vehicles in the Takata recall, the XF sedans come with faulty passenger frontal air bag assemblies that were either original equipment or replacement parts.

Specifically, 2009 model-year XFs sold in what has been designated Zone C are part of the recall, and were produced from Dec. 4, 2007, to Feb. 11, 2009. The 2010 XFs – all produced between Sept. 24, 2008, and March 2, 2010 – were sold or registered in Zone B. The model-year 2013 XFs sold or registered in Zone A were produced from May 15, 2012, to Sept. 13, 2013.

Zone A includes a number of southern states, Hawaii, Texas and outlying territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Zone B includes several populous states in the Midwest and Appalachia, as well as Washington, D.C.

Finally, Zone C includes all of New England, New York, a number of states in the Upper Midwest and Mountain region, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

All vehicles in the recall are believed to carry this defect.

Recall sumamry

If exposed over a long enough period of time to extreme temperature changes or high humidity, the propellant that ejects the air bag in the event of a crash could cause the bag to degrade.

Consequently, if a crash  leads to deployment of that air bag, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments being ejected from the air bag compartment at high speeds. This can increase the risk of operators and passengers in the vehicle being struck with the fragments, which can lead to injury or death.

In mid-May 2016, Jaguar Land Rover learned of the broader issue with the frontal passenger air bags from Takata, and opened its own investigation into the problem just a few days later. The automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee quickly determined which of its produced vehicles had been outfitted with the faulty air bags, but that there had not been any incidents related to the issue, and no injuries have been reported to date. Nonetheless, it determined to conduct a recall of the vehicles to remediate the problem.

Since then, the company has worked with the NHTSA as part of the government organization’s coordinated remedy program. This recall as part of the program’s Phase 3.

The repair

Jaguar has already begun the process of notifying dealers about the recall, starting on Jan. 11, 2018. It likewise expects to begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or around Feb. 28, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 8,900 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 7,358 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Rebecca RandLate-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger
Ford recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Ford recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

January 24, 2018 admin ,

Dearborn, MI. – Jan. 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled more than 2,700 vehicles believed to contain defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recalls involves 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks. The automaker is unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defective air bags, which are at the center of a multiyear automotive safety scandal involving more than 46 million vehicles worldwide from over two dozen brands. The flawed safety features have claimed 20 lives, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Recall summary

Affected models may include front air bag assemblies with defective Takata inflators that are prone to rupture upon activation, sending metal shards throughout the cabin of the vehicle. These features pose a serious safety hazard to occupants. Two Ford Ranger owners have been killed in crashes involving the defective Takata air bag inflators, the second of which occurred this past July, according to the car company. As a result, Ford has advised owners to discontinue operating their vehicles.

In May 2015, Ford recalled more than 361,000 vehicles after Takata notified the NHTSA of an impending safety action surrounding its passenger-side air bag inflator models, documents submitted to the government agency showed. The Ford recall involved 2004-2006 Ranger pickup trucks produced between March 24, 2003 and May 4, 2006. Ford began replacing the Takata inflators in with stopgap parts in July 2015.

In December 2017, Ford launched another recall involving the same vehicles due to the development of permanent repair components, which did not contain phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, according to the NHTSA. Ford sent notification letters to owners Dec. 12 and began the inflator replacement process. Approximately 11 days later, the automaker received an accident report detailing a fatal crash that had occurred in West Virginia July 1. The tragic incident involved a 2006 Ford Ranger with Takata driver-side air bag inflators that had ruptured upon deployment. This was confirmed during a physical inspection of the vehicle Dec. 27.

Takata engineers reviewed the ruptured air bag inflators and found that others from the same production population had been involved in an accident in 2006. The belonged to a propellant lot that had not appeared in previous recalls.

Ford reviewed its production records and narrowed down the vehicles that included inflators from the same lot. On January 8, 2018, the Ford Field Review Committee decided to launch a voluntary recall to address the dangerous parts. The car manufacturer recalled 3,902 vehicles worldwide – 2,712 in the U.S. market and 190 in the Canadian market.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the front air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. Ford notified dealers of the recall on Jan. 10 and contacted owners on Jan. 16 via first-class mail.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 2,700 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall has expanded to include 28,365 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 21,775 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

adminFord recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
Audis Recalled Due To Potential Air Bag Explosions

Audis Recalled Due To Potential Air Bag Explosions

January 23, 2018 admin ,

 

Auburn Hills, MI – Jan. 23, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) recently announced a recall of more than 10,000 of popular Audi models produced between the 2009 and 2011 model years, over concerns that the front passenger air bag could explode, according to a filing made with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Audi vehicles in question include:

  • 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2009-2011 Audi A6
  • 2009 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • 2009-2011 Audi S6

Recall Summary

Specifically, the problem with the passenger frontal air bags relates to the inflators that could degrade over time if left exposed to high humidity or dramatic temperature changes. That, in turn, could lead inflators to rupture and potentially explode in the event of a crash during which the frontal passenger air bag is deployed. This issue is related to the broader Takata air bag recall.

In the event the inflator were to cause the air bag to rupture and potentially explode, metal fragments could launch into vehicles’ cabins, which could result in serious industry or death. This issue would likely arise only after several years of exposure to the adverse conditions described above, per Takata testing of the faulty air bags. The likelihood of a rupture could, however, increase due to a number of other factors.

Unfortunately, it would be impossible for owners to determine whether their vehicles are likely to be affected by this issue, or if their air bags had already ruptured.

As part of the Takata recall, three “zones” were set up to describe regions where affected vehicles were sold or registered. In this case, A6 Avants and Sedans, as well as S6 Sedans – all from the 2010 and 2011 model years in Zone B. So too were, certain 2011 A6 Avants and Sedans and S6 Sedans.

As for vehicles in Zone C, recalled vehicles include model year 2009 A4 and S4 Cabriolets, A6 Avants and Sedans, S6 Sedans, as well as model year 2010 and 2011 A6 Avants and Sedans, and S6 Sedans.

This filing was made in early January 2018 at the request of the NHTSA, as part of a Coordinated Remedy Order.

The repair

Drivers who own the affected vehicles will be notified by mail about the issue, and asked to take their cars to authorized Audi dealers to have their frontal air bag inflators replaced at no cost. Due to the size of the Takata air bag recall, Volkswagen is working with the NHTSA to stagger its announcement and planning of the recall efforts as part of the coordinated remedy program.

As such, owners and dealers alike will officially receive notification of the recall on or around March 3, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 10,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. On June 22, 2018, This recall was rolled into a larger recall of 237,947 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 116,835 airbags from the recall. had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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FCA recalls vehicles with defective fire extinguishers

FCA recalls vehicles with defective fire extinguishers

January 22, 2018 admin , , ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Jan. 22, 2017 – Chrysler Fiat Automobiles has recalled more than 62,000 vehicles believed to contain defective fire extinguishers, according to documents submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Per an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document, the campaign affects numerous models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivans.
  • 2014-2016 Chrysler Town and Country minivans.
  • 2007 Dodge Caliber sedans.
  • 2009 Dodge Challenger sports cars.
  • 2017 Dodge Charger sports cars.
  • 2015-2016 Dodge Dart sedans.
  • 2004 Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles.
  • 2014-2016 Dodge Caravan minivans.
  • 2014 Dodge Journey sport utility vehicles.
  • 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles.
  • 2017 Jeep Compass sport utility vehicles.
  • 2011 Jeep Patriot sport utility vehicles.
  • 2012 and 2015 Ram 1500 pickup trucks.
  • 2013-2018 Ram 2500 pickup trucks.
  • 2012-2018 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks.
  • 2014-2017 Ram Promaster and Promaster City pickup trucks.

FCA believes 100 percent of the vehicles named in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models referenced in the action come equipped with miniature fire extinguishers prone to clogging or breakage due to defective lever and valve assemblies. These items pose a serious threat to owners, especially those involved in accidents where gasoline ignition is likely to occur. That said, FCA has yet to receive reports linking the defective components to any injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Nov. 3, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group learned that fire extinguishers supplied by Walter Kidde Portable Equipment were defective. The FCA Global Regulatory Compliance compared the items to a roster of Kidde fire extinguishers involved in an earlier U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall and found multiple matches. The automotive conglomerate then retrieved samples of the defective products and sent them to specialists at FCA U.S. Engineering and Mopar, an FCA-owned autoparts organization.

Between Nov. 6 and Nov. 8, analysts at Mopar reviewed the parts and found that production teams were installing them in multiple models across a number of brands. At the same time, the VSRC group launched an investigation into the parts and began evaluating the vehicle populations containing them. On Nov. 10, FCA initiated a yard hold in an effort to stop the production and shipment of vehicles equipped with the Kidde fire extinguishers. Ten days later, an investigator with the VSRC group started combing through historical parts and production information with timestamps dating back to 1973.  Over the next three weeks, employees for FCA U.S. Engineering, Mopar and the VSRC group reviewed individual part identification codes and associated vehicle identification numbers to understand the breadth of the impact of the defect.

On Dec. 18, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA intends to swap the defective fire extinguishers installed in affected vehicles for new models with metal valves that prevent clogging. The automotive company plans to notify both dealers and owners Feb. 2, 2018. individuals in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service at (855) 271-0773. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T82. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Mazda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mazda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

January 22, 2018 admin

Washington, D.C. – Jan. 22, 2017 – Mazda North American Operations has recalled 2,205 vehicles potentially equipped with defective, Takata-brand air bag inflators, according to documents submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2006 Mazda B Series pickup trucks. 

The Takata air bag inflators involved in this action are at the center of one of the largest automotive recalls to date. Numerous brands have recalled more than 49 million vehicles worldwide believed to contain the problematic devices, which have claimed the lives of approximately 21 drivers and injured at least 184 others, Car and Driver reported.

Recall summary

Affected models feature Takata front air bag inflators that are prone to rupture upon deployment. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants, as the instantaneous degradation of the device sends shards of metal flying throughout the cabin. In light of this possibility, Mazda has advised owners to discontinue use of their vehicles until repairs can be made.

On May 18, 2015, Takata informed the NHTSA and its production partners that certain air bag inflator models were defective and prone to rupture, according to the NHTSA. Ford Motor Company, which had long partnered with Mazda to create B Series pickup trucks, reviewed the supplier’s submission to the NHTSA and determined that an immediate safety recall was necessary. Mazda engineers agreed with the assessment and initiated a joint recall action with Ford involving nearly 20,000 2004-2006 B Series pickup trucks. Between September 2015 and October 2017, the Japanese automaker replaced the air bag inflators found in recalled vehicles with temporary like-for-like components.

In December 2017, Mazda informed the NHTSA that permanent replacement parts were available and launched two separate follow-up actions.

On Jan. 2, Ford received a report detailing a fatal accident involving a 2006 Ford Ranger pickup truck – the vehicle off of which the B Series model is based – equipped with Takata air bag inflators. The American automotive company reviewed production records with officials from Takata and found that Mazda had installed the same problematic inflators in some of its B Series trucks. Ford gave Mazda a list of the models that were potentially affected Jan. 9. Two days later, the Mazda Quality Audit Committee met and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The automaker notified dealers Jan. 16.

The repair

Mazda has directed dealers to replace the front air bag inflators in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail Jan. 19.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 2,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 1,533 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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