Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 28, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 158,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective windshield wipers, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 26, 2010, and June 1, 2012.
  • 2013-2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between July 20, 2012, and Nov. 25, 2015.
  • 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between Jan. 11, 2016, and July 8, 2016.

Mitsubishi suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

The models named in this recall feature front windshield wiper ball joint assemblies that are prone to corrosion. Specifically, the resin case protecting the ball joint oxidizes after coming into contact with moisture and degrades at an accelerated rate, leading the ball joint to separate from the wiper link and completely impair wiper functionality. This poses a serious safety hazard to drivers, as they may not be able to clear their windshields when navigating inclement weather. However, Mitsubishi has not received field reports connecting any accidents or injuries connected to the defective parts.

Timeline of Events

The Japanese automaker received a report in March 2010 detailing an instance in which a driver operating an Outlander with limited windshield wiper functionality, according to an NHTSA chronology document. Mitsubishi launched an investigation and found that the windshield wiper ball joint on the vehicle had corroded but was unable to pinpoint the root cause of the oxidization. Between March 2010 and September 2015, the automotive company monitored the field for similar incidents. Over this time, the company received 10 reports mentioning corroded wiper ball joints.

In February 2015, Mitsubishi received another field report referencing the problem, which had caused the complete loss of windshield wiper functionality. Engineers conducted additional environmental tests in an effort to replicate the problem but could not do so. This led them to assume that the corrosion was a result of high-pressure washing. Mitsubishi continued the limited monitoring program through September 2016. During this time, the company conducted laboratory tests that revealed the front deck garnishes on the Outlander Sport may degrade over time, leading to moisture penetration in the vicinity of the windshield wiper ball joint. This finding led Mitsubishi to conduct a voluntary recall in October 2016 that applied to stock Outlander models and excluded the Sport variation.

In November 2017, the automaker began field monitoring for the Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi received some reports related to the Outlander Sport over this time but the claim rate failed to surpass that of the stock model. Nevertheless, the automotive company decided to conduct a voluntary recall Feb. 2, 2018, to reduce the likelihood of harm to drivers. Dealers received official notification Feb. 23, 2018.

The Solution

Mitsubishi has directed dealers to replace the windshield wiper rods and motor crank arms in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will notify owners via first-class mail April 10, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-004. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

 

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 28, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 158,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective windshield wipers, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 26, 2010, and June 1, 2012.
  • 2013-2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between July 20, 2012, and Nov. 25, 2015.
  • 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between Jan. 11, 2016, and July 8, 2016.

Mitsubishi suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

The models named in this recall feature front windshield wiper ball joint assemblies that are prone to corrosion. Specifically, the resin case protecting the ball joint oxidizes after coming into contact with moisture and degrades at an accelerated rate, leading the ball joint to separate from the wiper link and completely impair wiper functionality. This poses a serious safety hazard to drivers, as they may not be able to clear their windshields when navigating inclement weather. However, Mitsubishi has not received field reports connecting any accidents or injuries connected to the defective parts.

Timeline of Events

The Japanese automaker received a report in March 2010 detailing an instance in which a driver operating an Outlander with limited windshield wiper functionality, according to an NHTSA chronology document. Mitsubishi launched an investigation and found that the windshield wiper ball joint on the vehicle had corroded but was unable to pinpoint the root cause of the oxidization. Between March 2010 and September 2015, the automotive company monitored the field for similar incidents. Over this time, the company received 10 reports mentioning corroded wiper ball joints.

In February 2015, Mitsubishi received another field report referencing the problem, which had caused the complete loss of windshield wiper functionality. Engineers conducted additional environmental tests in an effort to replicate the problem but could not do so. This led them to assume that the corrosion was a result of high-pressure washing. Mitsubishi continued the limited monitoring program through September 2016. During this time, the company conducted laboratory tests that revealed the front deck garnishes on the Outlander Sport may degrade over time, leading to moisture penetration in the vicinity of the windshield wiper ball joint. This finding led Mitsubishi to conduct a voluntary recall in October 2016 that applied to stock Outlander models and excluded the Sport variation.

In November 2017, the automaker began field monitoring for the Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi received some reports related to the Outlander Sport over this time but the claim rate failed to surpass that of the stock model. Nevertheless, the automotive company decided to conduct a voluntary recall Feb. 2, 2018, to reduce the likelihood of harm to drivers. Dealers received official notification Feb. 23, 2018.

The Solution

Mitsubishi has directed dealers to replace the windshield wiper rods and motor crank arms in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will notify owners via first-class mail April 10, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-004. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 22, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 97,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Audi brand, including:

  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 15, 2008 and Oct. 22, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Audi A5 cabriolets produced between June 4, 2009 and March 6, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5 cabriolets produced between June 8, 2009 and March 1, 2012.

Volkswagen has concluded that all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective Takata air bag inflators. These fixtures are at the center of a massive, multiyear safety campaign spanning almost two dozen automotive brands and 37 million vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. The air bags have resulted in approximately 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

The Defect

The models named in this recall contain Takata air bag inflators that are prone to rupture due to extensive propellant breakdown, which occurs in hot and humid environments. During front air bag deployment, the degraded propellant may rupture the metal inflator casing, causing high-speed projectiles to fly through the vehicle cabin at high speeds. As a result, the Takata air bag inflators pose a grave hazard to occupants.

Timeline of Events

The German automaker initiated an extensive field investigation in January 2016 after receiving word from Takata that several of its vehicles, including the Audi A5, S5 and Q5 models, contained the problematic inflators assemblies, according to an NHTSA safety recall report. The NHTSA advised the company to issue an immediate safety recall to accompany the inquiry, which it did in February 2016. The latest action taken by Volkswagen is a continuation of the initial campaign and a requirement under the NHTSA’s coordinated remedy order related to the defective Takata air bag components.

The car manufacturer notified dealers Jan. 30, 2018.

The Solution

Volkswagen has directed dealers replace the air bag inflators installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners can expect to receive official notice of the campaign between Feb. 13, 2018 and March 30, 2018 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Volkswagen customer service at (800) 253-2834. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 69R6. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Auburn Hills, MI – Feb. 22, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled more than 97,000 Audis equipped with defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects the following models:

  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5
  • 2010-2012 Audi A5
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5

Volkswagen has concluded that all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective Takata air bag inflators. These fixtures are at the center of a massive, multiyear safety campaign spanning almost two dozen automotive brands and 37 million vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. The air bags have resulted in approximately 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

Recall summary

The models named in this recall contain Takata air bag inflators that are prone to rupture due to extensive propellant breakdown, which occurs in hot and humid environments. During front air bag deployment, the degraded propellant may rupture the metal inflator casing, causing high-speed projectiles to fly through the vehicle cabin at high speeds. As a result, the Takata air bag inflators pose a grave hazard to occupants.

The German automaker initiated an extensive field investigation in January 2016 after receiving word from Takata that several of its vehicles, including the Audi A5, S5 and Q5 models, contained the problematic inflators assemblies, according to an NHTSA safety recall report. The NHTSA advised the company to issue an immediate safety recall to accompany the inquiry, which it did in February 2016. The latest action taken by Volkswagen is a continuation of the initial campaign and a requirement under the NHTSA’s coordinated remedy order related to the defective Takata air bag components.

The car manufacturer notified dealers Jan. 30, 2018.

The repair

Volkswagen has directed dealers replace the air bag inflators installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners can expect to receive official notice of the campaign between Feb. 13, 2018 and March 30, 2018 via first-class mail.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 97,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall population has grown to 162,977 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 122,954 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

 

Westwood, N.J. – Feb. 22, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled a handful of vehicles potentially equipped with defective head air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost luxury sedans produced between Nov. 24, 2017, and Dec. 7, 2017.

BMW estimates that just 4 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include damaged head air bags that might not inflate properly upon deployment due to out-of-specification headliner installation. This poses a serious risk to passengers as the defect could leave the vulnerable to head trauma in the event of a crash. However, BMW has not received any reports connecting the defective safety features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

BMW quality assurance personnel on Jan. 23, 2018, learned that engineers had discovered a damaged air bag during assembly. The British automaker immediately quarantined and blocked shipment of potentially effected vehicles.

In the days following the initial discovery, BMW conducted several tests to determine the root cause of the damaged air bag and eventually learned that the headliners on the the problematic sedans had been installed incorrectly, interfering with the operation of the safety feature. The car company also reviewed production records to ascertain just how many vehicles might contain nonfunctioning head air bags.

On Jan. 31, 2018, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The organizations notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

BMW directed dealers to inspect and replace the head air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. None of the models involved in this recall have been sold to customers. Therefore, BMW will not be sending out customer notifications. However, any owners with related concerns can contact BMW customer service personnel at (877) 877-3735. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesBMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

 

Westwood, N.J. – Feb. 22, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled a handful of vehicles potentially equipped with defective head air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost luxury sedans produced between Nov. 24, 2017, and Dec. 7, 2017.

BMW estimates that just 4 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include damaged head air bags that might not inflate properly upon deployment due to out-of-specification headliner installation. This poses a serious risk to passengers as the defect could leave the vulnerable to head trauma in the event of a crash. However, BMW has not received any reports connecting the defective safety features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

BMW quality assurance personnel on Jan. 23, 2018, learned that engineers had discovered a damaged air bag during assembly. The British automaker immediately quarantined and blocked shipment of potentially effected vehicles.

In the days following the initial discovery, BMW conducted several tests to determine the root cause of the damaged air bag and eventually learned that the headliners on the the problematic sedans had been installed incorrectly, interfering with the operation of the safety feature. The car company also reviewed production records to ascertain just how many vehicles might contain nonfunctioning head air bags.

On Jan. 31, 2018, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The organizations notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

BMW directed dealers to inspect and replace the head air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. None of the models involved in this recall have been sold to customers. Therefore, BMW will not be sending out customer notifications. However, any owners with related concerns can contact BMW customer service personnel at (877) 877-3735. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydBMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Mahwah, N.J. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled more than 8,200 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel rail assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport sport utility vehicles produced between June 19, 2018, and Dec. 28, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque sport utility vehicles produced between July 21, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 2-liter gasoline engines featuring fuel rails with end caps that do not seal properly. Consequently, gasoline and fuel vapor can leak from the fuel rails into the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. This poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Jaguar Land Rover has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel rail assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of recalled vehicles have reported smelling gas fumes during operation.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Jaguar Land Rover received three electronic quality reports from U.S. dealers detailing instances in which owners reported smelling fuel while operating their vehicles, according to an NHTSA chronology document. One EQR included comments from an engineer who had inspected an owner’s vehicle and found gasoline leaking from the fuel rail. The British automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee opened an official investigation into the matter Nov. 21, 2017.

Members of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering and Supplier Technical Assistance groups reviewed the issue and determined that a vendor evaluation was required. The Winkelmann Group, the company that provided the fuel rail assemblies, assessed its manufacturing processes and components throughout November and December 2017, and determined that the end caps used on the installed fixtures were not properly brazed. This production fault inhibited their sealing power and led to fuel leakage.

Both parties continued to evaluate the defect throughout December 2017 and January 2018. This additional inquiry involved reviews of the fuel rail pipe stock and returned fixtures from the vehicles involved in the initial reports. These assemblies showed signs of inconsistent and ineffective brazing on the internal surface area of end caps. During this time, investigators also discovered that the Winkelmann Group maintained an “uncontrolled” fuel rail annealing workflow, which resulted in variation in interior rail surfaces and affected the sealing power of the end caps. Engineers found that the parts supplier’s fuel rail leak test was not reliable, as well.

Officials from the PSCC reviewed investigation reports Jan. 9, 2018 and determined that the problematic end caps were the root cause of the fuel leakage. They also determined that end cap breakdown did not necessarily correlate to mileage or vehicle age. PSCC personnel evaluated engineering test results that showed the pressurized environment of the fuel rail exacerbated the end cap sealing issue. The PSCC eventually moved the issue to the Recall Determination Committee, which reviewed all of the data related to the investigation Jan. 12, 2018, and requested further information related to mechanics of the fuel rail end cap failure. The PSCC fulfilled this request Jan. 23, 2018.

On Jan. 25, the RDC reviewed the latest data from the PSCC and launched a voluntary safety recall. Jaguar Land Rover notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace the fuel rails in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Jaguar Land Rover intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 23, 2018. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesLand Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFord recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Mahwah, N.J. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled more than 8,200 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel rail assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport sport utility vehicles produced between June 19, 2018, and Dec. 28, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque sport utility vehicles produced between July 21, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 2-liter gasoline engines featuring fuel rails with end caps that do not seal properly. Consequently, gasoline and fuel vapor can leak from the fuel rails into the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. This poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Jaguar Land Rover has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel rail assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of recalled vehicles have reported smelling gas fumes during operation.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Jaguar Land Rover received three electronic quality reports from U.S. dealers detailing instances in which owners reported smelling fuel while operating their vehicles, according to an NHTSA chronology document. One EQR included comments from an engineer who had inspected an owner’s vehicle and found gasoline leaking from the fuel rail. The British automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee opened an official investigation into the matter Nov. 21, 2017.

Members of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering and Supplier Technical Assistance groups reviewed the issue and determined that a vendor evaluation was required. The Winkelmann Group, the company that provided the fuel rail assemblies, assessed its manufacturing processes and components throughout November and December 2017, and determined that the end caps used on the installed fixtures were not properly brazed. This production fault inhibited their sealing power and led to fuel leakage.

Both parties continued to evaluate the defect throughout December 2017 and January 2018. This additional inquiry involved reviews of the fuel rail pipe stock and returned fixtures from the vehicles involved in the initial reports. These assemblies showed signs of inconsistent and ineffective brazing on the internal surface area of end caps. During this time, investigators also discovered that the Winkelmann Group maintained an “uncontrolled” fuel rail annealing workflow, which resulted in variation in interior rail surfaces and affected the sealing power of the end caps. Engineers found that the parts supplier’s fuel rail leak test was not reliable, as well.

Officials from the PSCC reviewed investigation reports Jan. 9, 2018 and determined that the problematic end caps were the root cause of the fuel leakage. They also determined that end cap breakdown did not necessarily correlate to mileage or vehicle age. PSCC personnel evaluated engineering test results that showed the pressurized environment of the fuel rail exacerbated the end cap sealing issue. The PSCC eventually moved the issue to the Recall Determination Committee, which reviewed all of the data related to the investigation Jan. 12, 2018, and requested further information related to mechanics of the fuel rail end cap failure. The PSCC fulfilled this request Jan. 23, 2018.

On Jan. 25, the RDC reviewed the latest data from the PSCC and launched a voluntary safety recall. Jaguar Land Rover notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace the fuel rails in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Jaguar Land Rover intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 23, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to Jaguar Land Rover customer service personnel at (800) 637-6837. Callers should use the internal recall identification code N138. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydLand Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails