Ford recalls trucks with defective inflatable seat belt assemblies

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 13, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 117,000 trucks believed to contain defective inflatable seat belt buckle assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Ford F-150 Crew Cab trucks with production dates ranging from July 20, 2015 to June 16, 2017, as well as 2017 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab trucks produced between Oct. 20, 2015 and June 16, 2017. Ford estimates that 15 percent of the vehicles named in the recall have the defective feature.

The recall involves 143,000 vehicles worldwide, including 117,423 originating from American dealers; 15,175 from sellers in Canada and 8,202 from those in Mexico, according to a company press release.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in the campaign come with inflatable seat belt buckle assemblies attached to left rear passenger seats with defective mounting brackets. Specifically, these steel fixtures do not meet the rivet head thickness standards established in Section 5.2, rule 210 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which states that seat belt anchoring devices must “ensure proper location for effective occupant restraint and to reduce the likelihood of failure,” according to the NHTSA.

The defective part could put passengers at risk, especially during crashes. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic fixture to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, seat belt bracket supplier Takata notified Ford of an incident in which an inflatable seat belt feature separated from its underlying support. Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group stepped in to investigate the report, while engineers from Takata analyzed manufacturing records, eventually coming to the conclusion that shop-floor personnel had made unauthorized changes to the rivet head thickness measurements. This resulted in the production and application of ineffective rivets, making seat belt anchor brackets prone to separation. Takata released these results to Ford in early August.

On Aug. 21, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed this data and approved a voluntary safety recall. The car company notified dealers Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the seat belt assemblies on affected vehicles and add additional rivets if necessary, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Dealers are to make these repairs free of charge. Ford is expected to contact owners via first-class mail Oct. 16. However, those in need of more immediate assistance can call Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17C12. Owners can also receive assistance directly from the NHTSA through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls sedans with defective seat assemblies

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 13, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled nearly 700 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective seat assemblies, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Ford Focus sedans with production dates ranging from June 7, 2017 to June 12, 2017. Ford estimates that 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

In addition to the 698 Ford Focuses recalled in the U.S., the automaker is recalling 132 sold in the Canadian market and five originating from Mexican dealers, according to a company press release.

The Defect

The vehicles named in the campaign could come equipped with second-row backseat frames that have not been sufficiently welded. Specifically, assembly crews may have failed to achieve proper weld penetration between the outboard pivot bracket and the pivot nut joint. The defect could increase the likelihood of passenger injury during accidents, as the seat back may come loose. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

The improper welds violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210, which dictate that automakers produce vehicles with safe seat belt anchorage and seating systems.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, Ford personnel at the company’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne came across a vehicle whose left rear seat back frame outboard pivot nut separated during the installation of the back seat. The plant returned the seat back frame to Ford’s tier-one supplier, which determined that the tier-two supplier had failed to apply proper welds. The tier-two supplier investigated the issue throughout July and August, eventually coming to the conclusion that the pivot nuts installed on the Ford seat back frames had become dislodged immediately prior to welding. The parts provider determined that a sticking condition had caused the pivot nuts to move.

Ford performed additional analyses and found that the defective welds put the vehicle in violation of FMVSS guidelines. On Aug. 21, the Ford Field Review Committee chose to conduct a voluntary recall. The automaker notified dealers Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the welds on affected vehicles and replace the seat back frames if necessary. These repairs are to be performed free of charge. Ford plans to notify owners via first-class mail between Oct. 16 and Oct. 20. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 or reach to the NHTSA via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Toyota recalls SUVs with defective roof accessories

Recall Masters -September 12, 2017

Toyota recalls SUVs with defective roof accessories

Gulf States Toyota, the second-largest distributor of Toyota vehicles worldwide, has recalled more than 1,100 sport utility vehicles possibly equipped with defective roof rail accessories, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models with production dates ranging from Nov. 16, 2016 to July 19, 2017. The car company suspects 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective part.
The Defect
The models named in the recall are equipped with roof rail cross bars with fasteners that were not tightened properly during the installation process, which took place at GST headquarters. Consequently, the fasteners could become loose during operation, possibly leading to complete cross-bar detachment. This poses a serious safety risk to owners. However, the GST has yet to receive reports detailing instances of detachment or linking the defective accessory to accidents or injuries…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesToyota recalls SUVs with defective roof accessories

Toyota recalls SUVs with defective roof accessories

 

Houston – Sept. 12, 2017 – Gulf States Toyota, the second-largest distributor of Toyota vehicles worldwide, has recalled more than 1,100 sport utility vehicles possibly equipped with defective roof rail accessories, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models with production dates ranging from Nov. 16, 2016 to July 19, 2017. The car company suspects 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective part.

The Defect

The models named in the recall are equipped with roof rail cross bars with fasteners that were not tightened properly during the installation process, which took place at GST headquarters. Consequently, the fasteners could become loose during operation, possibly leading to complete cross-bar detachment. This poses a serious safety risk to owners. However, the GST has yet to receive reports detailing instances of detachment or linking the defective accessory to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Quality assurance personnel for GST recently reviewed the structural integrity of cross-bar assemblies attached to 2017 Toyota Highlander SUVs. These inspections revealed that cross-bar fasteners had not been properly torqued during installation. GST personnel then inspected production records and torque value notations, some of which appeared to be missing. This prompted the Toyota distributor to launch an official safety recall.

GST notified associated dealers Aug. 30.

The Solution

GST has directed dealers to inspect the roof cross bars on affected vehicles and torque the fasteners if necessary, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. Dealers are to perform these repairs free of charge. GST plans to contact owners Sept. 25. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact company customer service personnel at (800) 444-1074 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Audi recalls vehicles with defective ECU software

Recall Masters -September 8, 2017

Audi recalls vehicles with defective ECU software

The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 8,300 vehicles possibly equipped with defective engine control unit software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Audi A3 cabriolets and sedans. The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective software.
The Defect
Affected models are equipped with problematic ECU software that facilitates an engine air and fuel mixture burning stability strategy, which is prone to cause stalling during start-up or low-RPM maneuvers. Specifically, when the engine flywheel begins to rotate, the software misinterprets this movement as “knocking,” which triggers engine shutoff. This poses a serious hazard to occupants, as vehicles could lose power when traveling at high speeds, therefore increasing the likelihood of an accident. That said, Audi has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesAudi recalls vehicles with defective ECU software

BMW recalls vehicles with defective seatbelts

Recall Masters -September 8, 2017

BMW recalls vehicles with defective seatbelts

BMW of North America has recalled dozens of vehicles possible equipped with defective seat belt assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 BMW 4 Series and M4 convertibles with production dates ranging from July 7, 2017 to July 25, 2017. The German automaker suspects 1 percent of the total vehicles named in the recall contain the damaged parts.
The Defect
Affected models are believed to include driver and passenger seat belt assemblies with defective Emergency Locking Retractors, the vehicle-sensitive mechanisms of which may fail due to incompatibility issues. This could inhibit ELR functionality and put occupants at risk during traffic accidents. However, BMW has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesBMW recalls vehicles with defective seatbelts

BMW recalls vehicles with defective seatbelts

 

Westwood, N.J. – Sept. 8, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled dozens of vehicles possible equipped with defective seat belt assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 BMW 4 Series and M4 convertibles with production dates ranging from July 7, 2017 to July 25, 2017. The German automaker suspects 1 percent of the total vehicles named in the recall contain the damaged parts.

The Defect

Affected models are believed to include driver and passenger seat belt assemblies with defective Emergency Locking Retractors, the vehicle-sensitive mechanisms of which may fail due to incompatibility issues. This could inhibit ELR functionality and put occupants at risk during traffic accidents. However, BMW has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Engineers at an unspecified BMW assembly facility discovered the defect seat belt assemblies during a post-production test drive on July 17, 2017. These fixtures failed to perform up to standard during braking and cornering tests. BMW personnel examined the seat belts in the vehicle subjected to road testing and determined that its ELRs did not activate properly. The car company then shipped the defective features to the German ELR provider ZF TRW Automotive for internal analysis. Quality assurance staff at the parts manufacturer determined that the ELRs were the product of ineffective production processes. Specifically, assemblers had equipped with parts with incompatible vehicle-sensitive mechanism housings, which inhibited the operation of this feature.

After receiving these results, BMW conducted multiple investigations to determine how many vehicles had been fitted with the defective parts. With the information in hand, the vehicle manufacturer launched a voluntary safety recall on Aug. 7, 2017. BMW contacted owners nine days later.

On Aug. 25, BMW announced a delivery delay for approximately 1200 4 Series convertibles believed to include the problematic seat belt assembly, according to internal documentation submitted to the NHTSA.

The Solution

BMW has requested that dealers inspect the seat belt assemblies on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary, with no charge to the customer. The company is expected to notify owners Oct. 9, according to the NHTSA. However, those in need of more immediate assistance are encouraged to reach out to BMW customer service personnel at (800) 525-7417 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Audi recalls vehicles with defective ECU software

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Sept. 8, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 8,300 vehicles possibly equipped with defective engine control unit software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Audi A3 cabriolets and sedans. The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective software.

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with problematic ECU software that facilitates an engine air and fuel mixture burning stability strategy, which is prone to cause stalling during start-up or low-RPM maneuvers. Specifically, when the engine flywheel begins to rotate, the software misinterprets this movement as “knocking,” which triggers engine shutoff. This poses a serious hazard to occupants, as vehicles could lose power when traveling at high speeds, therefore increasing the likelihood of an accident. That said, Audi has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

In the event of an engine stall, the “Engine Stop While Driving” light will illuminate. Drivers can immediately restart their vehicles to regain operability.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this year, Audi began receiving internal reports outlining sudden engine shutoffs in new production vehicles. These documents described instances in which vehicles would stall when accelerating out of complete stops or slow rolls. Over the course of April and May 2017, the car company received multiple claims from owners. Claim volumes further increased during the summer months, the majority of which seemed to come from owners living in regions with high temperatures. Audi initiated an internal investigation in response to these filings, and discovered that virtually all of the claims originated from owners in cities with warm climates. It also found that the stalling behavior was a result of problematic ECU software.

On Aug. 9, quality assurance personnel at automaker decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. Audi notified dealers of the action Sept. 6.

The Solution

The car company has directed dealers to replace the ECU software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to documents submitted to the NHTSA. Audi plans to notify owners Sept. 27. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Audi customer service staff at (800) 253-2834. Callers should use the internal recall reference identification code 24DF. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA via the organization’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled approximately 935 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bags, according to a company press release. The campaign includes 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks and 2017 Ford Mustang sports cars.

Recall Summary

Affected vehicles could contain Takata-made front passenger air bag assemblies with inflators prone to rupturing during deployment, sending metal fragments passing through cabin areas.

These fixtures pose a serious danger to vehicle occupants and have been the subject of numerous safety recalls from more than one dozen car manufacturers, according to Car and Driver. Over 100 passengers have sustained injuries in accidents involving Takata air bags.

Around 650 vehicles in this recall originated from U.S. dealers, while 279 were sold in Canada and six in Mexico.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Around 650 vehicles were originally part of this recall in the United States. As of April 30, 2019, – the last date for which information was available – 554 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFord recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Ford recalls vehicles with defective air bags

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 5, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 935 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bags, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks and Mustang sports cars with production dates ranging from July 20, 2017 to Aug. 1, 2017. An estimated 650 of the vehicles referenced in the recall originated from U.S. dealers, while 279 were sold in Canada and six in Mexico.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain Takata-made front passenger air bag assemblies with inflators prone to rupturing during deployment, sending metal fragments passing through cabin areas. These fixtures pose a serious danger to vehicle occupants and have been the subject of numerous safety recalls from more than one dozen car manufacturers, according to Car and Driver. Over 100 passengers have sustained injuries in accidents involving Takata air bags. At least two have died in such wrecks.

That said, Ford has yet to receive field reports linking any accidents or occupant injuries to the defective safety features referenced in this latest recall.

Timeline of Events

Ford did not release details into the investigation that resulted in the discovery of the defect.

The Solution

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the front passenger air bag assemblies in affected vehicles, free of charge. It has not publicized a timetable for dealer or owner notification. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service representatives at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the recall reference identification code 17S26. Owners can also seek assistance from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration via the organization’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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