Chrysler recalls sports cars with defective oil cooler lines

Chrysler recalls sports cars with defective oil cooler lines

August 24, 2017 Sean Reyes ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Aug. 24, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,200 sports cars with defective oil cooler lines, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Dodge Charger and Challenger sports cars equipped with eight-cylinder Hellcat performance engines. FCA suspects 10 percent of the total number of vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models involved in this recall are equipped with engines whose engine oil cooler lines are not properly joined. Specifically, on the section of the EOC lines where chlorinated polyethylene hose meets aluminum tubing, the joints are not suitably crimped. This can lead to line separation and engine oil spillage, resulting in engine seizure and the risk of fire. Additionally, drivers may lose visibility due to oil spray covering the windshield. All of these outcomes pose serious safety hazards to drivers and increase the risk of an accident. However, FCA has not received any reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries thus far.

Timeline of Events

On May 13, 2017, engineers at the FCA assembly plant in Ontario, Canada, initiated a product recall after receiving three warranty claims mentioning EOC line separation, according to a chronology document submitted to the NHTSA. The FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance division immediately launched an investigation to better understand the consequences of the issue. On May 15, the parts supplier, Hutchings Automotive Products, performed production tests to determine if increasing the adhesive temperature during assembly would improve the structural integrity of the EOC line connections. These trials failed. Fifteen days later, FCA tested EOC line joints from aftermarket Mopar stock. These fixtures showed no signs of failure.

Over the week of June 12, FCA conducted more in-house tests to pinpoint the root cause of the EOC line separation. More than two weeks later, dealers in the U.S. market inspected approximately 50 vehicles to determine if they were equipped with the defective parts and needed repair.

On July 12, Hutchinson sent FCA results from an internal evaluation of the EOC hose material. The parts provider concluded that the material used to make the defective lines was out of specification. Two days later, FCA US Master Black Belt performed a parallel materials test and determined with 95 percent certainty that Hutchinson engineers were correct in their examination of the hose material.

With this information in hand, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee called for an official voluntary safety recall Aug. 1. As of that date, the car manufacturer had received a total of eight customer assistance and information requests, zero vehicle owner’s questionnaires and zero field reports related to the defective EOC line.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to replace the EOC lines in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document sent to the NHTSA. The automaker plans to notify both owners and dealers on or around Sept. 22. However, owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service personnel at (800) 853-1403 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls sports cars with defective oil cooler lines
BMW recalls vehicles with defective air bags

BMW recalls vehicles with defective air bags

August 24, 2017 admin ,

Westwood, NJ – Aug. 24, 2017 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled more than 3,000 vehicles believed to contain defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i SUVs and 2012-2013 xDrive35i SUVs. This campaign serves as an amendment to an earlier recall initiated in September of last year.

Recall Summary

The models referenced in this campaign could come equipped with improperly welded Takata-model inflator air bag housings on the driver’s side. This defect could lead the inflator to detach from the base plate during deployment, resulting in the discharge of dangerous metal debris that could potentially harm occupants. However, BMW has yet to receive any reports connecting the defective feature to any injuries.

On August 15, 2016, BMW received notification of an accident involving an X5 SUV, according to NHTSA documents. Investigators looking into this event noticed that metal projectiles had caused damage to the cabin. Engineers examined the vehicle and determined that the air bag inflator module had separated from its base plate during deployment, showering the interior with debris. Between August 30 and September 7, BMW and air bag manufacturer Takata met with NHTSA officials to discuss the issue. Early tests indicated that Takata was at fault, as the air bag inflator housing had not been properly welded during production.

On September 13, 2016 BMW launched a voluntary safety recall. During this same time, Takata began an internal investigation into its processes.

BMW received the preliminary results from this investigation July 20, 2017. The data indicated that the issue also existed in vehicles not addressed in the previous recall. Eleven days later, Takata confirmed this and recommended that BMW take action to ensure owner safety. The German automaker then reviewed its production records and compiled a final list of new vehicles containing the defective air bag assemblies.

On August 2, BMW quality assurance personnel decided that an additional recall action was necessary, and launched another voluntary safety campaign. The company notified dealers August 8.

Both the car manufacturer and Takata have pledged to continue monitoring the issue.

The repair

BMW has directed dealers to replace the driver’s side air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to documents submitted to the NHTSA. The automaker plans to notify owners via first-class mail by October 2.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 3,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall population has grown to 6,785. As of April 23, 2019 – the last date information was available – 4,807 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.

adminBMW recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Mazda recalls additional vehicles with Takata air bags

Mazda recalls additional vehicles with Takata air bags

August 21, 2017 admin ,

Washington D.C. – Aug. 21, 2017 – Mazda North American Operations has recalled over 200,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign affects the following models:

  • 2007-2011 Mazda CX-7 SUVs
  • 2007-2011 CX-9 SUVs
  • 2009-2012 Mazda6 sport sedans.

This campaign replaces an earlier action taken in January and follows two others initiated in May and June. Together, these recalls involve hundreds of thousands of Mazda vehicles.

Recall summary

The models named in this recall are likely to contain Takata air bag assemblies with inflators prone to rupture on impact. If exploded, these fixtures send sharp metal projectiles flying throughout the cabin, putting passengers in grave danger. Mazda has received multiple reports of injuries related to this defect, according to internal records. Other car manufacturers using these air bags have even had owners killed because of these defective assemblies. In fact, more than one dozen drivers worldwide have perished due to injuries caused by Takata-made air bag fixtures, The New York Times reported.

Back in January 2017, Mazda initiated an official safety recall to address the Takata air bag assemblies installed in various models. Between the January and June, the car manufacturer replaced the safety features in affected vehicles with like-for-like parts to provide temporary relief while engineers worked on long-term solutions. In late July, Mazda finished designing and testing these permanent replacement parts. Weeks later, the automaker authorized an additional recall to supersede the action taken in January and equip affected vehicles with viable air bag parts in need of no further mechanical adjustments, according to internal documentation filed with NHTSA.

Mazda notified dealers Aug. 11.

The repair

The car company has directed dealers to replace the air bag assemblies in affected vehicles with safe alternatives, free of charge. These new parts are made to withstand hot and humid conditions, and therefore do not develop the structural issues that cause Takata assemblies to rupture upon deployment. Mazda intends to notify owners via first-class mail Aug. 25.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 200,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 118,893 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.

adminMazda recalls additional vehicles with Takata air bags
Nissan recalls pickups with noncompliant seat belt components

Nissan recalls pickups with noncompliant seat belt components

August 15, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Aug. 15, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 44,000 pickup trucks with noncompliant seat belt components, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2016-2016 Nissan Titan crew cab models produced between Sept. 29, 2015 and Feb. 24, 2017, as well as Titan XD diesel crew cab models with production dates ranging from Aug. 4, 2016 to Feb. 24, 2017. Nissan suspects 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the noncompliant components.

The Defect

The vehicles named in the recall could be equipped with seat belt fixtures that do not meet automotive assembly requirements established in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 201, which states that such components cannot have passenger head injury criterion values exceeding 1,000, according to the NHTSA. The Titan pickups referenced in the campaign contain seat belt assemblies that recorded a HIC value of 1007.9 in factory safety tests. These parts pose a serious threat to passengers, who, due to overly lax restraint features, could come into contact with hard metal seat belt bolt rim caps during accidents. However, Nissan has yet to receive reports connecting the noncompliant components to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In January 2017, Nissan conducted internal HIC tests to assess the safety features on multiple vehicles, according to company documents submitted to the NHTSA. During these trials, engineers for the automakers learned that multiple models of the Nissan Titan pickup did not meet FMVSS requirements. In February, the NHTSA’s Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance sent an information request to Nissan asking for HIC readings. As engineers prepared this data, they performed further tests to ascertain the root cause of the readings and pinpoint any possible seat belt assembly defects that might have caused them.

Nissan responded to the OVSC request in March and continued internal tests to see if the noncompliant readings created real-world safety concerns. Engineers soon discovered that the restraint features present in vehicles that registered HIC values over 1,000 were slightly skewed – specifically, the D-ring bolt trim caps and C-pillars were installed so as to create an approach angle of 15 degrees, when the FMVSS recommended they be installed to accommodate an approach angle of 0 degrees.

With this information in hand, Nissan established that the installed equipment created a significant safety risk and issued an official recall. The car company notified dealers July 31.

The Solution

Nissan has ordered dealers to the seat belt bolts and bolt caps in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive notification Sept. 26 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Nissan customer service personnel at (800) 647-7261 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminNissan recalls pickups with noncompliant seat belt components
GM recalls trucks with faulty EPS software

GM recalls trucks with faulty EPS software

August 15, 2017 admin ,

 

Warren, Mich. – Aug. 15, 2017 – General Motors has recalled nearly 700,000 vehicles suspected of containing faulty electronic power steering software, according to documents filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014 Chevrolet Silverado LD pickup trucks manufactured between Jan. 30, 2013 and Sept. 4, 2014, as well as 2014 GMC Sierra LD pickups with production dates ranging from Jan. 29, 2013 to Sept. 4, 2014. GM estimates that 2 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective EPS software.

The Defect

Vehicles referenced in the recall could potentially contain EPS software prone to sudden shutoff during low-voltage maneuvers such as low-speed turns. The software normally fails within a one-second span, when system voltage measurements drop below 8.8 volts. With the EPS disabled, operators have difficulty navigating the vehicle. This poses a serious safety risk to owners, passengers and other drivers. However, GM has yet to receive any field reports connecting the defective software to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Feb. 2, 2017 GM opened an internal investigation into EPS software installed in some vehicles after receiving multiple customer complaints and vehicle owner’s questionnaires mentioning momentary loss of EPS function. Throughout February and April, the automaker reviewed the collected customer complaints, warranty claims and VOQs to determine if the vehicles referenced in these reports shared similar mechanical features. GM did indeed find technical links between the models and launched an extended field investigation to gather more data, eventually discovering that faulty software was the root cause of the EPS failures.

Over the course of April and May, GM engineers conducted internal tests at the company’s testing facility in Milford, Michigan in an effort to recreate the and evaluate the EPS problem. The automaker was able to gain a deeper understanding of the defective software and its impact on driveability. Engineers discovered that the EPS software stalled in particularly low-voltage situations and required at least 9 volts of electricity to maintain proper operations.

In June, the GM Open Investigation Review re-evaluated the original reports collected in February. On June 22, the car company’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority announced that an official safety recall was necessary. GM notified dealers of the campaign Aug. 7, according to internal documentation submitted to the NHTSA.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to update the EPS software in affected models with a new iteration released May 19. The repairs are to be administered free of charge. GM plans to notify owners via first-class mail beginning Aug. 15. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact GM customer service at (800) 462-8782 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminGM recalls trucks with faulty EPS software
Infiniti recalls sedans with defective fuel pump software

Infiniti recalls sedans with defective fuel pump software

August 11, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Aug. 11, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 14,000 Infiniti sedans possibly equipped with defective fuel pump control module software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2016-2018 Q50 models produced between March 10, 2015 and April 5, 2017, as well as 2017 Q60 models with production dates from July 30, 2015 to April 5, 2017. Nissan suspects 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective software.

The Defect

The models involved in the recall could include FPCM software that references the incorrect fuel pressure map and, as a result, may not effectively filter gasoline from the reserve tank to the primary tank when its fuel levels drop. This could result in complete engine shutoff, as the small amount of fuel left in the main tank is inaccessible to the fuel pump. This scenario could increase the likelihood of an accident and poses a serious safety risk to vehicle operators. However, Nissan has yet to receive any field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In December 2016, the car company received a report from the U.S. market detailing an Infiniti sedan that experienced fuel pump issues. Nissan launched an investigation immediately. More than a month later, engineers succeeded in replicating the problem in-house, using parts retrieved from the vehicle named in the initial report. In March 2017, the automaker launched a monitoring program to collect more data on the defect and assess its impact.

One month later, engineers involved in the initial investigation submitted evidence connecting the issue to the fuel pressure mapping components in the vehicle’s FPCM software. Nissan amended the software at the point of production and then reached out to the NHTSA. However, the car company had not yet gathered enough information to launch an official safety recall and continued to monitor the field for more data related to the fuel pump defect. This program lasted until early July, by which point Nissan had collected enough field insights to initiate a recall.

The car company met with NHTSA officials for the final time on July 12, launched an official safety recall July 19 and notified dealers July 27.

The Solution

Nissan has ordered dealers to reprogram the FPCM software in affected vehicles, free of charge, according to internal documentation submitted to the NHTSA. The automaker plans to notify owners via first-class mail by Aug. 21. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Infiniti customer service representatives at (800) 662-6200 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminInfiniti recalls sedans with defective fuel pump software
Fuel tank flange issue could lead to greater recall

Fuel tank flange issue could lead to greater recall

July 25, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich.—July 25, 2017—One recall from earlier this year could be the sign of future Volkswagen recalls, according to an article in Car and Driver. The case involves defective flanges, which could crack, possibly because the material could deteriorate.

Volkswagen is just one of several manufacturers with possible complications from this issue, and all reportedly stem from the part itself, a Continental Automotive Systems product. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into the matter.

As the source described, a crack in the flange could also lead to a fuel leak. Major auto companies like Ford and General Motors could have to recall vehicles if they find evidence of the risk. The article quoted a statement from Elizabeth Weigandt, a Ford representative, on the company’s awareness of the issue.

“It’s unclear at this point whether Ford vehicles are affected,” she said. “We are reviewing the matter and will cooperate with NHTSA, as we always do.”

A Part 573 Safety Recall Report submitted to the NHTSA in March said that 20,908 Volkswagen Touareg vehicles were part of that company’s recall, with the model years ranging from 2007 to 2010.  The larger amount of vehicles were produced between 2006 and 2010. This report said that the components could weaken over time due to oxidization and internal pressure. The report said that March was the company’s “date of determination.”

The resolution to this earlier recall involved fitting the affected flanges with a protective cover. The report said that a fuel smell may indicate the issue, and that there were apparent similarities between this recall and another one for Audi vehicles.

A Volkswagen dealership communication said that the resolution could require a full replacement if the flanges are cracked. The fuel leak could present a hazard if fire is present.

adminFuel tank flange issue could lead to greater recall
Honda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

Honda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

July 19, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – July 19, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled dozens of vehicles possibly equipped with defective fuel feed and fuel purge hoses, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid sport utility vehicles manufactured between March 23 and May 8, 2017. The car company is unsure at this time what percentage of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may come equipped with misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses. As a result, vibrations from the engine may push the fuel feed hose against the breather pipe. This contact could, over time, damage the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses and lead to leaks. This increases the risk of an engine fire and endangers owners. However, Honda has not received reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect as of June 29.

Timeline of Events

Honda engineers discovered the misrouted fuel feed and fuel purge hoses during a routine quality check conducted June 7, 2017. The automaker immediately launched an internal investigation involving an evaluation of assembly processes and additional vehicle inspections. The inquiry concluded June 16. On June 29, Honda decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The car company contacted dealers a day later.

The Solution

Honda has directed dealers to evaluate the fuel feed and fuel purge hoses in affected vehicles and replace and reroute them if necessary, according to the NHTSA. Dealers are to make these repairs free of charge. Honda plans notify owners via first-class mail by July 31. Those who need more immediate assistance can contact Acura Client Relations at (888) 234-2138 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHonda recalls vehicles with fuel hose issues

Toyota recall Lexus vehicles after discovering tie rod problems [Video]

July 18, 2017 admin

Lexus ES 350 drivers may encounter loud noises and steering issues while driving their vehicles. If so, their cars could be one of the one thousand, seven hundred and sixty that are part of a new recall action, according to a statement from Toyota.

The manufacturer said that these vehicles, with the 2017 model year, could have been assembled improperly, with loose lock nuts threatening the steering control of the vehicle. The resolution will go beyond these parts and see dealers replace entire tie rod assemblies where necessary. Though Toyota didn’t give a strict date for this action, it said owner notification was scheduled for mid-July.

Owners will not have to pay for the repairs, and should look for signs that their car might move to either side during a drive.

adminToyota recall Lexus vehicles after discovering tie rod problems [Video]

BMW recalls vehicles with flawed reflectors [Video]

July 18, 2017 admin ,

Woodcliff Lake, N.J.—July 18, 2017—According to one of the latest BMW recalls, some vehicles may have reflector problems that put their occupants at risk. Consumer Affairs reported that several BMW models could have less rear reflection than needed to comply with safety standards. With these inadequate reflectors, vehicles could be harder to see on the road.

The recall includes several xDrive, ActiveHybrid 5 and x series types, with the model years ranging from 2013 to 2014. In total, the source said that this encompasses almost 14,000 vehicles. The fix is scheduled for July 24. BMW will replace the reflectors to increase visibility and comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

BMW Blog said that the manufacturer has had other recalls recently, such as one for ninety-two vehicles with tail light issues.

adminBMW recalls vehicles with flawed reflectors [Video]
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