Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

February 20, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 180,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake transmission shift interlock modules, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles, including:

  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 13, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 24, 2018.

FCA suspects 3 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles, all of which feature column gear shifting assemblies, come with BTSI systems that prone to dysfunction after long periods of use. Specifically, the plastic housing surrounding the BTSI components swells in high temperatures and causes the locking pin to remain in open position. When this occurs, drivers are free to shift the vehicle transmission out of park without depressing the brake pedal or even switching on the car. This defect poses increases the likelihood of unintended rollaway and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, FCA has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee on Dec. 8, 2017, requested an internal investigation into vehicles produced after Dec. 31, 2016, suspecting that some may suffer from mechanical flaws. Roughly one month later, engineering personnel tested a BTSI solenoid by heating in an oven set to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The component reached 250 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes, indicating that problems could development in real-world operational environments. Soon after, members of the VRC requested insight into the production processes behind the development of the BTSI housing and pin components. FCA engineers looked into the matter and found that the fabrication process had remained consistent prior to and following Dec. 31, 2016.

The VRC continued to investigate the matter throughout January 2018, opening a nationwide field review and repair order search. The latter effort yielded three reports that referenced vehicles that suffered BTSI failure and were produced after Dec. 31, 2016. Owners reported being able to shift out of park without pressing the brake pedal or turning the ignition. On Jan. 26, 2018, the VRC found two additional field reports outlining the same issue.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the VRC decided that a voluntary safety recall was required.

The Solution

FCA is currently working on a mechanical remedy, which it will offer free of charge through an owner reimbursement program. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to the NHTSA directly using its vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

February 20, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective tire labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014-2015 Audi S7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2015, along with 2016-2018 Audi RS7 sport sedans produced between Feb. 16, 2015, and Oct. 20, 2017. Volkswagen estimates all of the vehicles named in the recall possess the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected models feature tire placards that list an incorrect maximum load weight of 1146 pounds instead of the correct figure, 992 pounds. These fixtures make the recalled vehicles noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states vehicles must have placards “with the vehicle capacity weight and seating designations as finally manufactured.” While relatively minor, the defect does create some risk as owners could accidentally overload their vehicles based on the incorrect information, thereby affecting maneuverability and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Volkswagen has not received field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen engineers conducted conformity of production tests in October 2017 and found that multiple recently manufactured vehicles were equipped with tires affixed with placards displaying incorrect vehicle weight information. Production staff immediately amended existing assembly processes to prevent recurrences.

In November 2017, the Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed information related to the conformity test results and initiated an investigation that concluded in January 2018. Following the inquiry, which revealed the the defective placards violated FMVSS 110, the APSC requested for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the tire labels on the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The German automaker will notify both dealers and owners April 8, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Audi customer service personnel at (800) 253-2834 using the internal recall identification code 44N9. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

February 20, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective tire labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects:

2014-2015 Audi S7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2015, along with

2016-2018 Audi RS7 sport sedans produced between Feb. 16, 2015, and Oct. 20, 2017.

Volkswagen estimates all of the vehicles named in the recall possess the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected models feature tire placards that list an incorrect maximum load weight of 1146 pounds instead of the correct figure, 992 pounds. These fixtures make the recalled vehicles noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states vehicles must have placards “with the vehicle capacity weight and seating designations as finally manufactured.” While relatively minor, the defect does create some risk as owners could accidentally overload their vehicles based on the incorrect information, thereby affecting maneuverability and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Volkswagen has not received field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen engineers conducted conformity of production tests in October 2017 and found that multiple recently manufactured vehicles were equipped with tires affixed with placards displaying incorrect vehicle weight information. Production staff immediately amended existing assembly processes to prevent recurrences.

In November 2017, the Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed information related to the conformity test results and initiated an investigation that concluded in January 2018. Following the inquiry, which revealed the the defective placards violated FMVSS 110, the APSC requested for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the tire labels on the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The German automaker will notify both dealers and owners April 8, 2018.

To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

February 20, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 180,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake transmission shift interlock modules, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles, including:

  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 13, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 24, 2018.

FCA suspects 3 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles, all of which feature column gear shifting assemblies, come with BTSI systems that prone to dysfunction after long periods of use. Specifically, the plastic housing surrounding the BTSI components swells in high temperatures and causes the locking pin to remain in open position. When this occurs, drivers are free to shift the vehicle transmission out of park without depressing the brake pedal or even switching on the car. This defect poses increases the likelihood of unintended rollaway and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, FCA has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee on Dec. 8, 2017, requested an internal investigation into vehicles produced after Dec. 31, 2016, suspecting that some may suffer from mechanical flaws. Roughly one month later, engineering personnel tested a BTSI solenoid by heating in an oven set to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The component reached 250 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes, indicating that problems could development in real-world operational environments. Soon after, members of the VRC requested insight into the production processes behind the development of the BTSI housing and pin components. FCA engineers looked into the matter and found that the fabrication process had remained consistent prior to and following Dec. 31, 2016.

The VRC continued to investigate the matter throughout January 2018, opening a nationwide field review and repair order search. The latter effort yielded three reports that referenced vehicles that suffered BTSI failure and were produced after Dec. 31, 2016. Owners reported being able to shift out of park without pressing the brake pedal or turning the ignition. On Jan. 26, 2018, the VRC found two additional field reports outlining the same issue.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the VRC decided that a voluntary safety recall was required.

The Solution

FCA is currently working on a mechanical remedy, which it will offer free of charge through an owner reimbursement program. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to the NHTSA directly using its vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydChrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

February 16, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 16, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 39,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake pedal switches, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles across two brands, including:

  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 20, 2017.
  • 2017 Dodge Caravan minivans produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 18, 2017.

FCA suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain brake pedal switches prone to malfunction. In the event that these fixtures fail, shifting out of park without depressing the brake pedal becomes possible. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports connecting any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Owners operating vehicles equipped with the defective brake pedal switches have noticed that rear brake lights and interior malfunction indicator lamps illuminate continuously when failure has occurred.

Timeline of Events

Engineers conducting end-of-line production testing on Sept. 11, 2017, at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada encountered a vehicle with an out-of-position brake pedal, according to an NHTSA chronology document. The FCA engineering team immediately notified Multicraft International, the U.S.-based vendor responsible for manufacturing brake switch components. The firm immediately quarantined the potentially defective parts. FCA initiated containment protocol, requesting the staff at the Ontario facility and Toledo South Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio to set aside all brake switch parts that arrived from Multicraft.

The vendor inspected its production processes between Sept. 13, 2017, and Sept. 15, 2017, and ultimately found that the brake switches manufactured at its space in Pelahatchie, Mississippi were not properly ratcheted at the minimum required standard of seven pounds. The error occurred due to gas buildup in a plunger mold tool core and resulted in the production of between 90,000 and 180,000 out-of-specification parts.

FCA filed a Product Related Issue report for the defective brake pedal switches Oct. 8, 2017. And, on Oct. 24, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance took up the issue.

The American automaker conducted an extensive read-across investigation throughout the remainder of October and November. The inquiry revealed that the brake switch had been used across multiple models but that it did not pose a serious issue for some due to production quirks or the presence of brake system redundancies. On Dec. 8, 2017, engineering personnel conducted an internal test evaluate the impact of the defective brake switch and determined that drivers with manual vehicles could shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal. A similar test involving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission was conducted Dec. 19, 2017, and yielded identical results.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter opted to launch a voluntary safety recall. As of Jan. 26, 2018, FCA has received two customer assistance inquiry records and five field reports related to the defective brake pedal switches.

The Solution

FCA intends to direct dealers to replace the brake pedal switches in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company will notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. They should use the internal recall reference code U09 when calling. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydChrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

February 16, 2018 Sean Reyes , ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 16, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 39,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake pedal switches, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles across two brands, including:

  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 20, 2017.
  • 2017 Dodge Caravan minivans produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 18, 2017.

FCA suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain brake pedal switches prone to malfunction. In the event that these fixtures fail, shifting out of park without depressing the brake pedal becomes possible. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports connecting any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Owners operating vehicles equipped with the defective brake pedal switches have noticed that rear brake lights and interior malfunction indicator lamps illuminate continuously when failure has occurred.

Timeline of Events

Engineers conducting end-of-line production testing on Sept. 11, 2017, at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada encountered a vehicle with an out-of-position brake pedal, according to an NHTSA chronology document. The FCA engineering team immediately notified Multicraft International, the U.S.-based vendor responsible for manufacturing brake switch components. The firm immediately quarantined the potentially defective parts. FCA initiated containment protocol, requesting the staff at the Ontario facility and Toledo South Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio to set aside all brake switch parts that arrived from Multicraft.

The vendor inspected its production processes between Sept. 13, 2017, and Sept. 15, 2017, and ultimately found that the brake switches manufactured at its space in Pelahatchie, Mississippi were not properly ratcheted at the minimum required standard of seven pounds. The error occurred due to gas buildup in a plunger mold tool core and resulted in the production of between 90,000 and 180,000 out-of-specification parts.

FCA filed a Product Related Issue report for the defective brake pedal switches Oct. 8, 2017. And, on Oct. 24, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance took up the issue.

The American automaker conducted an extensive read-across investigation throughout the remainder of October and November. The inquiry revealed that the brake switch had been used across multiple models but that it did not pose a serious issue for some due to production quirks or the presence of brake system redundancies. On Dec. 8, 2017, engineering personnel conducted an internal test evaluate the impact of the defective brake switch and determined that drivers with manual vehicles could shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal. A similar test involving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission was conducted Dec. 19, 2017, and yielded identical results.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter opted to launch a voluntary safety recall. As of Jan. 26, 2018, FCA has received two customer assistance inquiry records and five field reports related to the defective brake pedal switches.

The Solution

FCA intends to direct dealers to replace the brake pedal switches in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company will notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. They should use the internal recall reference code U09 when calling. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches
Nissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

February 14, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS hatchbacks produced between July 6, 2015, and Jan. 30, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the safety action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain “out-of-specification” master brake cylinders that may inhibit brake performance. Specifically, the problematic fixtures feature master cylinder housings that could potentially come unsealed as a result of increased negative brake booster pressure and drier internal conditions, which, together, lead to resistance between the cup seal and the master cylinder piston.

If unsealed, the master brake cylinder may leak fluid into the brake booster and extend stopping distances. However, the braking systems in affected vehicles should continue to function overall, as these assemblies feature two separate circuits so that when one fails, the other can power the brakes. That said, the defect still increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a safety risk to occupants. Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defective parts to any accidents or injuries, though.

Owners operating vehicles with the problematic master brake cylinders have reported seeing the brake system indicator light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Nissan received a report from an overseas detailing an instance of master brake cylinder trouble. The car company immediately launched an investigation, reaching out to Tokico Automotive, its brake assembly supplier, to gain more insight into the potentially problematic component and determine the likelihood of the part affecting Juke models sold in the U.S. Nissan was able to confirm that vehicles sold in the U.S. market did indeed come equipped with the part. However, no American dealers had submitted reports outlining instances of master brake cylinder failure.

One month later, Nissan conducted a test to determine whether the defective master brake cylinder inhibited brake functionality to such an extent that the vehicles on which it was installed fell out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135, which stipulates that vehicles must stop within 551 feet after accelerating to 62 miles per hour, according to the Government Publishing Office. Analysis showed that the affected vehicles did not violate FMVSS 135.

Nissan and Tokico then collaborated to identify the range of vehicles that could contain the defective parts, eventually landing on the models included in this recall.

The automaker launched a voluntary safety recall Jan. 29 and informed dealers Feb. 1.

The Solution

Nissan has directed dealers to replace the master brake cylinders in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to notify owners March 19. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Nissan customer service at (800) 646-7261. Concerned owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydNissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes
Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective brakes

February 14, 2018 Sean Reyes

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 170,000 vehicles possibly equipped with corrosion-prone and improperly installed brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The safety campaign affects 2014-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between April 12, 2013, and Feb. 2, 2016, as well as 2013-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs manufactured between July 20, 2012, and July 8, 2016. The Japanese automaker suspects all of the models referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain parking brake shafts and rear brake caliber boots that are not properly water-sealed. As a result, moisture could penetrate both of these fixtures and cause extensive corrosion damage. Additionally, these models feature defective automatic brake pad adjusters. Together, these parts greatly inhibit braking functionality and therefore pose a serious threat to occupants. However, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defective components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2014, Mitsubishi received a field report from a dealer in the U.K. outlining an instance of rear brake disintegration. The automaker launched an investigation and in October 2014 came to the conclusion that corrosion had caused the parking brake shaft to stick. Engineers took this data and began developing a production solution, which debuted in January 2016. At this point, assembly crews began coating all parking brake components in an anticorrosion covering. Mitsubishi launched an extended field monitoring program to measure the effectiveness of the coated components.

As this situation unfolded, Mitsubishi dealt with another developing safety issue centered on brake assemblies. In February 2015, the company received a field report from the Japanese market that referenced nonworking automatic brake pad adjusters. Mitsubishi engineers investigated the issue for more than one year but could not pinpoint a root cause. They did, however, find that one of the washers installed on one of the problematic brake calibers was scratched. Investigators began working with operations to develop a technical solution that would prevent scratching while also moving forward with their root cause analysis.

In October 2016, Mitsubishi introduced new washers made of stronger material that were impervious to scratching. The investigation moved forward.

Nearly one year later in September 2017, compliance officials at the company discovered that its brake caliber supplier, Akebono Brake Industry, had performed ineffective post-production inspections. This resulted in the release of defective calibers that did not meet predetermined production specifications. These unfit features, combined with the scratched washers, affected the performance of brake the pad automatic adjusters, which in turn led to decreases in braking performance due to increased pad wear.

On Jan. 19, 2018, quality assurance personnel met and decided that a voluntary safety recall aimed at addressing both braking issues was necessary.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear brake calibers and parking brake boots on affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Owners in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service staff at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-002. Owners can also speak with the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective brakes
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