Mercedes Recalls Smart Cars With Defective Headlamps

Mercedes Recalls Smart Cars With Defective Headlamps

March 31, 2017 admin ,

Montvale, N.J. – March 31, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 2,200 vehicles with defective headlamps. The recall impacts the Smart Fortwo coupes produced between June and September 2015, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain damaged features.

The Defect

Affected models have headlamps that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, which dictates that such fixtures with low beams should not include horizontal adjustment features. In most cases, car makers permanently secure the horizontal headlamp adjustment screw with sealing caps immediately following production. The vehicles named in the recall have faulty sealant mechanisms, giving owners the ability to adjust their headlamps horizontally. This not only fails to comply with federal safety standards, but could also pose safety risks.

Timeline of Events

Mercedes engineers discovered the defect during a compliance check performed in September 2016. The car maker launched an investigation immediately and discovered that the problem could impact a large number of vehicles. Over the next month, engineers reviewed the sealing caps and their technical implications. It was determined that the fixtures put the company at risk from a compliance perspective.

In January 2017, officials reviewed production records to get an accurate total of the vehicles affected. Mercedes issued a recall in March.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install new headlamp sealant caps, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car maker has not released a timetable for dealer notification. However, owners are expected to receive notification in August 2017.

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BMW Recalls Sports Car Recall Due to Defective Air Bags

BMW Recalls Sports Car Recall Due to Defective Air Bags

March 30, 2017 admin

Westwood, N.J. – Mar. 30, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective air bag module igniters that were the subject of a previous campaign. The new recall impacts BMW 4 Series and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertibles produced between September and November 2016, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include air bag module igniters with mix ratios that do not meet internal standards. In some cases, these fixtures may not deploy properly, leaving drivers and passengers unprotected in the event of a crash. As yet, no injuries have been connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 6, 2016, OEM parts provider NCS Pyrotechnie et Technologies SAS notified BMW that its air bag module igniters were improperly mixed. The German automaker investigated the issue and discovered that the faulty igniters had been installed in more than a dozen models. BMW officials launched a voluntary safety recall Dec. 8, according to the NHTSA. More than one month later, engineers found the faulty igniters in 4 Series and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertibles. BMW conducted another investigation and on Feb. 16 added the two vehicles to the previous recall. Dealers were notified Feb. 24.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the defective air bag module igniters, free of charge. The automaker plans to send out all owner notifications by April 17. Owners are encouraged to contact BMW customer service or call the NHTSA hotline if they need immediate assistance.

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New Ford Recalls Include Action for Fire Hazards

New Ford Recalls Include Action for Fire Hazards

March 30, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich. — March 30, 2017 — Today, Ford announced multiple recalls at once in a joint statement. The first of these was a safety recall for a series of models, all at possible risk of engine fire. While the release said no specific reports of injuries were traced to this recall, it also said it was aware of 29 cases of related fires. The majority of the 230,756 vehicles involved in the total North American recall were in the U.S.

A different site was responsible for each of the four models included in the recall: the Cuautitlan, Hermosilla, Louisville and Valencia Assembly Plants.

The Defect

All of the vehicles in this recall are said to have 1.6-liter GTDI engines, which could have difficulties circulating coolant throughout necessary systems. As a result, the engines could overheat and start fires if they make contact with any oil. The four Ford vehicle types of concern are Escape, Fiesta ST, Fusion and Transit Connect models, with years ranging from 2013 to 2015.

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 15, 2012: The earliest production date listed in the recall, this marked the time when the Ford Fusions began manufacture.
  • Sep. 2, 2014: By contrast, this is the latest specific date given for affected vehicle production.
  • March 29, 2017: Ford announced the recall in a press release.

The Resolution

The statement warned owners to watch out for signs of this defect, such as a constant coolant leak or possible overheating. The fix will ultimately include installing a sensor to monitor coolant levels in case of a shortage or leak.

There was no specific timeline given for notification or a remedy schedule, but Ford did say that owners only need to see dealers if they notice any of the symptoms, and that they would send repair instructions until official service kits are available.

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BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

March 29, 2017 Sean Reyes

Recall Masters – March 29, 2017


BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

BMW of North America has recalled more than 121,000 vehicles with damaged driveshaft joints, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The recall, which follows a related campaign initiated in May 2016, impacts a number of models produced between November 2010 and April 2013, including:

  • X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X5 xDrive35d diesel sport utility vehicles
  • X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X6 ActiveHybrid sport utility vehiclesThe Defect
    The contact surface between the spider and the seal for the front driveshaft joint does not comport with internal quality standards. Consequently, contaminants and dirt may enter the fixture and degrade the universal driveshaft joint to the point of breakage. This would increase the likelihood of a wreck…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesBMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints
BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

March 29, 2017 admin

Westwood, N.J. – March 29, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 121,000 vehicles with damaged driveshaft joints, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The recall, which follows a related campaign initiated in May 2016, impacts a number of models produced between November 2010 and April 2013, including:

  • X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X5 xDrive35d diesel sport utility vehicles
  • X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X6 ActiveHybrid sport utility vehicles

The Defect

The contact surface between the spider and the seal for the front driveshaft joint does not comport with internal quality standards. Consequently, contaminants and dirt may enter the fixture and degrade the universal driveshaft joint to the point of breakage. This would increase the likelihood of a wreck.

Timeline of Events

In April 2014, the German automaker decided to replace the driveshafts in numerous models due to improper contact-surface specifications. Four months later, BMW met with officials the NHTSA and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to discuss the defect, according to a report from the NHTSA. On July 29, the company reached out to affected owners and offered repairs free of charge under its extended warranty agreement.

In March 2016, customer complaints pertaining to the issue increased, forcing further investigations. On May 9, BMW issued an official voluntary recall.

The car company continued to monitor the situation as the recall progressed. Additionally, engineers evaluated driveshaft assemblies from other vehicles and compiled reviews. Over the course of November and December 2016, BMW officials reviewed the findings and found that other vehicles suffered from issues present in models involved in the 2014 quality assurance campaign. On Feb. 23, the automaker launched the latest recall. Dealers received notification March 3.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the front driveshafts in affected models, free of charge. It plans to notify owners April 24.

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Porsche Issues Recall Over Defect Passenger Detectors

Porsche Issues Recall Over Defect Passenger Detectors

March 28, 2017 admin

Atlanta, GA – Mar. 28, 2017 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 17,800 vehicles equipped with defective passenger seat detectors, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects Macan GTS, Turbo and S sports utility vehicles produced between March and October of 2015.

The Defect

Impacted models have defective occupant detection systems that may not deploy in the event of a crash. Consequently, these fixtures fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard safety codes. The indicator reading “Passenger Air Bag Off” illuminates in affected vehicles. The NHTSA and Porsche advise owners with vehicles subject to the recall to heed this warning and reseat passengers elsewhere, as these individuals will not have protection should an accident occur.

Timeline of Events

Porsche field investigators discovered a string of crashes involving illuminated “Passenger Air Bag Off’ lights during inspections in October 2016, according to the NHTSA. The automaker looked into the problem further and found that the indicator was a symptom of damaged occupant detection system features, specifically the sensor mats installed beneath the passenger seat. Engineers from Porsche’s Research and Development group analyzed defective parts from the field throughout February 2016. The team determined that the sensor mats included cracked conductive fabric prone to failure.

The Porsche product safety committee reviewed the findings Feb. 23, 2016 and decided to issue a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Porsche will recall affected vehicles to workshops and install new sensor mats and seat cushions, free of charge. The German car company does not intend to directly reimburse owners, as the repairs will be covered under preexisting warranties. Porsche has implemented new sensor mat models within its production facilities. There is no timetable for owner notification.

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Roush Recalls Modified Ford Trucks

Roush Recalls Modified Ford Trucks

March 28, 2017 admin

Livonia, Mich. – March 28, 2017 – Roush CleanTech, an alternative fuel technology firm, has recalled 434 modified Ford vehicles equipped with faulty fuel control valves, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts propane-operated Ford E-450 cutaway trucks and vans, F-59 stepvans and F-650 and F-750 heavy duty diesel pickups manufactured between August 2015 and February 2017.

The Defect

Affected models include fuel control valves that exhibit over-current and short-to-ground performance. This increases engine temperatures capable of degrading the non conductive coverings that protect the solenoid wiring coils contained within the valves. When these fixtures fall apart, the valve closes, halting the flow propane to the engine and prompting complete shutdown. This poses serious risks to drivers, as the vehicles could cease operation suddenly and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Timeline of Events

Three separate owners reported incidents of solenoid failure in December 2016, two involving supply valve solenoids and one involving return valve solenoids. Roush contacted the fuel control valve supplier, Parker Hannifin Corporation based in New Britain, Connecticut, and explained the incidents. Soon after, Roush initiated an internal investigation to better understand the problem and identify a solution.

The firm evaluated fuel control valves in the Parker inventory, focusing on the state of the solenoid wiring coils. Roush discovered that, due to the placement of a small plastic bobbin, the coil wiring was slightly eschew. This failed to create enough distance between the wiring and the metal coil casting, leading to the over-current and short-to-ground performance. The parts had gone through the inspection process without being flagged.

Roush decided to issue a recall March 8, 2017, following its investigation. Dealers received notification of the recall March 14.

The Solution

The company has pledged to replace the defective parts, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification between March 31 and April 30.

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Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

March 27, 2017 Sean Reyes ,

Recall Masters – March 27, 2017

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issueses

Drivers in some Ford vehicles face possible risk from faulty air bag systems, according to a new recall from Ford. In a press release, the manufacturer announced the details surrounding a safety compliance recall that could possibly cause confusion among consumers: Although it involves Takata air bags, it is not a part of the massive international Takata air bag safety recall efforts.

The Defect
The manufacturer said that two possible problems could stem from this defect: Air bags in affected vehicles could either detach entirely or fail to inflate. Both cases are likely in exactly 31,867 vehicles across North America, the majority of which (27,531) are in the U.S. The models involved include Ford Edge vehicles as well as Lincoln Continental and MKX examples with the 2016 and 2017 model years…

Sean ReyesLincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues
Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

March 27, 2017 admin ,

Dearborn, Mich. — March 27, 2017 — Drivers in some Ford vehicles face possible risk from faulty air bag systems, according to a new recall from Ford. In a press release, the manufacturer announced the details surrounding a safety compliance recall that could possibly cause confusion among consumers: Although it involves Takata air bags, it is not a part of the massive international Takata air bag safety recall efforts.

The Defect

The manufacturer said that two possible problems could stem from this defect: Air bags in affected vehicles could either detach entirely or fail to inflate. Both cases are likely in exactly 31,867 vehicles across North America, the majority of which (27,531) are in the U.S. The models involved include Ford Edge vehicles as well as Lincoln Continental and MKX examples with the 2016 and 2017 model years.

Timeline of Events

  • Nov. 11, 2014: Lincoln MKX production began.
  • Oct. 8, 2015: Earliest production date for affected Ford Edge vehicles.
  • Jan. 13, 2016: Assembly for affected Lincoln Continental vehicles began.
  • Jan. 18, 2017: Last production date for affected 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles.
  • Feb. 15, 2017: Latest production date for both Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX autos involved in this recall.
  • Mar. 2, 2017: Ford published the press release online addressing the issue in all vehicles.

The Resolution

Though the press release did not delve into specifics, Ford mentioned that it would replace faulty air bag modules and help the vehicles comply with federal standards, particularly involving occupant crash protection, FMVSS 208. There were no issues connected to this defect as of March 2, the day of the recall statement’s publication.

In October 2016, the 2016 Ford Edge was involved in a different recall pertaining to electronic stability control within just 53 units. Ford said that its dealers would replace the anti-lock braking systems as part of the repair process, according to an official recall acknowledgement.

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Airbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls

Airbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls

March 27, 2017 admin ,

Westwood, N.J. — March 27, 2017 — BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 36 cars with air bag inflators that may explode and to hurl metal shrapnel within the car, possibly harming occupants.  Multiple X5 models are affected. Though this is similar to the Takata airbag recalls, the case seems to be completely independent. The recall affects the following models:

  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive50i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e

Recall Summary

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report, lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, explains the recall’s conditions. According to this source, the recall is only thought to account for 1 percent of this vehicle population. There are no reports of injuries currently connected to this action.

Without proper gas flow ventilation, airbags in these BMW models could accidentally propel harmful shards of metal into the vehicle’s interior, the report said. There was no known cause for this defect at the time of the report, but it did name the component manufacturer as Key Safety Systems, Inc.

The repair

BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

36 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of October 30, 2018, – the last date for which information was available – 34 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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