March 2017 | Page 4 | MotorSafety.org

Isuzu Recalls Trucks Due to Transmission Mounting Defect

March 15, 2017 MotorSafety.org Isuzu Recalls

Plymouth, Mich. – Mar. 15, 2017 – Isuzu has recalled 21,000 trucks due to transmission mounting issues. The recall impacts NPR HD, NPR XD, NRR and NQR commercial truck models produced between 2015 and 2017, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

Equipment used in the fabrication process burred the transmission mounting fixtures in these models. The resulting rough edges can degrade mounting studs, and in some cases cause complete breakage. This leaves the transmission unsupported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the likelihood of failure. This poses serious risks to drivers and passengers, as the interruption in operation can lead to a crash.

Timeline of Events

In March 2016, the automaker received warranty claims related to degraded or failing transmission mounting brackets, according to an internal document. Investigators inspected some of the affected vehicles and discovered burrs near hole stamping locations meant to accommodate crossbars. Inspectors calculated a projected failure rate of .085 percent and established that serious problems began developing after the 60,000 mile mark.

Three months later, Isuzu engineers reviewed production protocols and added a new phase to fabrication process, which required shop-floor personnel to grind away burred edges. They also conducted road tests to replicate the issue. In June, the car manufacturer decided the problem posed few safety risks but continued to investigate.

Further testing occurred throughout fall 2016 and winter 2017. In January, Isuzu broached the idea of initiating a recall and discussed possible solutions to the problem. On Feb. 10, the automaker chose to launch an official recall.

The Solution

Isuzu has ordered dealers to install metal buffers to cut down on mounting stud stress. This repair is to be done free of charge. Owners are expected to receive communications regarding the recall in April.

Subaru Recalls Impreza Vehicles Due to Display Glitches [Video]

March 15, 2017 admin Subaru Recalls

Cherry Hill, N.J. — March 15, 2017 — Some Subaru Impreza vehicles are subject to a new recall, according to CNet.

The source said that these vehicles had display screen problems. Drivers attempting to use the backup camera could instead be greeted with an empty or frozen screen. The recall concerns approximately 26,564 autos. To fix this problem, dealers will install new software, supposedly as soon as March 20.

A user complaint from North Carolina addressed a similar concern with this same make and model last month. In a statement on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, this unnamed owned said that the radio presets disappeared days after using the vehicle, and that the in-car Starlink system was making noise due to a problem with system code.

According to this note, Subaru customer service verified this unnamed person’s vehicle defect.

Subura Recalling Cars for Problems with Rearview Camera [Video]

March 14, 2017 Sean Reyes Subaru Recalls, Video

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

Mercedes Issues Recall Over Faulty Software

March 14, 2017 admin Mercedes-Benz Recalls

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

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

The Defect

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

Timeline of Events

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

Mercedes chose to conduct a voluntary recall as result.

The Solution

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

Jaguar Recalls Vehicles with Cracked Panels

March 14, 2017 MotorSafety.org Jaguar Recalls

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

The Defect

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

Timeline of Events

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

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

The Solution

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

New Volkswagen Recalls Concern Tire Label Issues [Video]

March 14, 2017 admin Volkswagen Recalls

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

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

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

Daimler Trucks Recalled for Braking Problem [Video]

March 13, 2017 admin Mercedes-Benz Recalls

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

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

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

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

Volkswagen Recalls Sedans with Broken Brake Lines

March 13, 2017 admin Volkswagen Recalls

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

The Defect

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

Timeline of Events

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

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

The Solution

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

Mercedes Recalls Various Models Over Defective Airbags

March 9, 2017 admin Mercedes-Benz Recalls

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

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

The Defect

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

Timeline of Events

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

Dealers were notified soon after this determination was made.

The Solution

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

Mercedes Recalls SUVs Due to Defective Console Latches

March 8, 2017 admin Mercedes-Benz Recalls

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

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

The Defect

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

Timeline of Events

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

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

The Solution

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

Isuzu Recalls Trucks Due to Transmission Mounting Defect

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Subaru Recalls Impreza Vehicles Due to Display Glitches [Video]

Subura Recalling Cars for Problems with Rearview Camera [Video]

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

Mercedes Issues Recall Over Faulty Software

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Jaguar Recalls Vehicles with Cracked Panels

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

New Volkswagen Recalls Concern Tire Label Issues [Video]

Daimler Trucks Recalled for Braking Problem [Video]

Volkswagen Recalls Sedans with Broken Brake Lines

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Mercedes Recalls Various Models Over Defective Airbags

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Mercedes Recalls SUVs Due to Defective Console Latches

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

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