Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective seat belts [Video]

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than four-hundred and forty-three thousand vehicles possibly equipped with defective seat belt assemblies. The campaign affects 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sport utility vehicles.

These models feature front seat belt assemblies with pretensioner components that may not fasten properly, posing a serious safety hazard to occupants.

Hyundai has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, repair the pretensioner parts in these models. The automaker will reimburse owners for any required work. Individuals affected by this recall should have received notification via first-class mail on or around October twelfth, two-thousand and seventeen.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminHyundai recalls vehicles with defective seat belts [Video]

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

Recall Masters  – October 24, 2017

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 216,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective auxiliary heaters, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 sedans and A4 Allroad station wagons produced between March 2, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi A5 coupes and cabriolets produced between March 8, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between April 7, 2012 and July 31, 2015.

The German automaker estimates 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models contain auxiliary heaters with defective electrical connectors prone to contact corrosion. Mechanical wear and movement is known to cause this condition, which can lead to overheating, melting of nearby wires and even engine fires. This poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports linking the defective auxiliary heaters to any accidents or injuries…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

BMW recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection features

Recall Masters  – October 24, 2017

BMW recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection features

MW of North America has recalled more than 85,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective front passenger-side occupant detection mats, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2006-2010 BMW X-3 sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Nov. 20, 2005 to Aug. 31, 2010. The German automaker suspects roughly 9 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The vehicles named in this campaign could contain front passenger-side occupant detection mats prone to fatigue-based cracking. BMW engineers speculate that high volumes of passenger entries and exits, combined with the dimensions of the vehicle floor board area, lead to the development of micro-fissures that eventually interrupt underlying conductive pathways and cause complete failure of the occupant detection system. This poses a serious hazard to passengers, as such a failure may inhibit air bag activation in the event of a crash. However, BMW has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesBMW recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection features

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 216,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective auxiliary heaters, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 sedans and A4 Allroad station wagons produced between March 2, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi A5 coupes and cabriolets produced between March 8, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between April 7, 2012 and July 31, 2015.

The German automaker estimates 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models contain auxiliary heaters with defective electrical connectors prone to contact corrosion. Mechanical wear and movement is known to cause this condition, which can lead to overheating, melting of nearby wires and even engine fires. This poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports linking the defective auxiliary heaters to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In February 2015, the car company received customer complaints detailing instances of overheating. From March 2015 to May 2016, Volkswagen investigated the claims and worked with its German supplier, Mahle Behr GmbH and Co. KG to identify a root cause and develop a solution. In June 2016, the Audi Product Safety Committee decided to conduct a service campaign to update the climate control modules in affected vehicles. The group also called for more investigations, which concluded in September 2017.

On Sept. 28, Volkswagen issued a voluntary safety recall to further address the issue.

The Solution

The automaker intends to direct dealers to replace the auxiliary heaters in models subject to the action free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Volkswagen has yet to release a notification timeline for dealers or owners. However, owners in need of immediate help can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (88) 327-4236.

adminVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

Maserati recalls vehicles with defective fuel pump resistors

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.

Nate GouldsbroughMaserati recalls vehicles with defective fuel pump resistors

Ford recalls vehicles with defective door latches

 

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.

adminFord recalls vehicles with defective door latches

Chrysler recalls vans with noncompliant tire placards

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.

Recall MastersChrysler recalls vans with noncompliant tire placards

Kia recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

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.

Recall MastersKia recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

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.

Recall MastersHyundai recalls vehicles with defective crankshafts

Tesla recalls SUVs with defective rear seats

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.

MotorSafety.orgTesla recalls SUVs with defective rear seats