Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 14, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,700 vehicles equipped with incorrect air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited sport utility vehicles manufactured between May 24, 2017, and Jan. 16, 2018. The German automaker suspects all of the models named in the action contain the incompatible parts.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain driver-side air bags that were not approved for use in the U.S. market and therefore may not perform as required in the event of an accident. These fixtures violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, which states that all air bags must be tested and “meet the frontal crash protection requirements … in a perpendicular impact, with respect to anthropomorphic test devices in each front outboard designated seating position restrained only by … seat belt assemblies.”

The unapproved air bags installed in the recalled vehicles could malfunction during an accident, which makes them serious hazards to occupants. However, Volkswagen has not received reports connecting the features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen in January 2018 received a communication from engineers at an American assembly plant indicating that some of the vehicles manufactured at the facility may have been fitted with air bag and steering wheel components not approved for use in the U.S. market. The car company issued a stop order and launched an investigation to pinpoint the root cause of the production error and the potential implications. 

The Volkswagen Product Safety Committee reviewed the issue Feb. 2, 2018, and determined that the features violated FMVSS, potentially putting passengers at risk, and therefore a voluntary safety action was required.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the unapproved components installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car company will notify both dealers and owners April 10, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can connect with Volkswagen customer service personnel by calling (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 69V2. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. 

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pumps

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 14, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled nine vehicles potentially equipped with defective oil pumps, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Renegade sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 8, 2017, and Nov. 9, 2017, at the Toulca Assembly Plant in Toulca, Mexico, and the Belvedere Assembly Plant in Belvedere, Illinois. FCA suspects just 1 percent of the models named in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain 2.4-liter engines with cracked oil pump housings. These defective fixtures may inhibit oil pump operation, eventually leading the feature to fail and cause unexpected engine stalling. The defective component therefore poses a serious safety risk to occupants as it increases the likelihood of an accident. However, FCA has yet to receive field reports connecting the problematic part to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 5, 2017, engineers at the Fremont, Indiana-based parts supplier Metaldyne BSM discovered a recently assembled oil pump with a crack in its housing, according to an internal recall chronology document given to the NHTSA. Eight days later, Metaldyne alerted FCA. On Sept. 15, 2017, the automaker brought the problem to the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group, which immediately launched an investigation.

FCA Supplier Control and engineers from the Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee, Michigan and the Saltillo North Engine Plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico confirmed the problem via material inspection and oil pump traceability studies Oct. 5, 2017. The VRC on Oct. 17, 2017, decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall for approximately 357 vehicles believed to contain the defective oil pumps., according to an NHTSA safety recall report. By this point, FCA had found nine separate engine assemblies that had not been installed in vehicles. The oil pumps in these engines, despite originating from the flawed Metaldyne batch, were not included in the recall.

On Feb. 14, 2018, the VRC discovered that nine potentially problematic engine assemblies were not properly inspected before being installed in vehicles. This led the group to launch another voluntary recall Feb. 15, 2018.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to inspect the oil pumps in affected vehicles and replace them if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These repairs will be done free of charge. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners April 13, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service representatives at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U18. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pumps

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 14, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,700 vehicles equipped with incorrect air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited sport utility vehicles manufactured between May 24, 2017, and Jan. 16, 2018. The German automaker suspects all of the models named in the action contain the incompatible parts.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain driver-side air bags that were not approved for use in the U.S. market and therefore may not perform as required in the event of an accident. These fixtures violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, which states that all air bags must be tested and “meet the frontal crash protection requirements … in a perpendicular impact, with respect to anthropomorphic test devices in each front outboard designated seating position restrained only by … seat belt assemblies.”

The unapproved air bags installed in the recalled vehicles could malfunction during an accident, which makes them serious hazards to occupants. However, Volkswagen has not received reports connecting the features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen in January 2018 received a communication from engineers at an American assembly plant indicating that some of the vehicles manufactured at the facility may have been fitted with air bag and steering wheel components not approved for use in the U.S. market. The car company issued a stop order and launched an investigation to pinpoint the root cause of the production error and the potential implications.

The Volkswagen Product Safety Committee reviewed the issue Feb. 2, 2018, and determined that the features violated FMVSS, potentially putting passengers at risk, and therefore a voluntary safety action was required.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the unapproved components installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car company will notify both dealers and owners April 10, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can connect with Volkswagen customer service personnel by calling (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 69V2. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pumps

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 14, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled nine vehicles potentially equipped with defective oil pumps, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Renegade sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 8, 2017, and Nov. 9, 2017, at the Toulca Assembly Plant in Toulca, Mexico, and the Belvedere Assembly Plant in Belvedere, Illinois. FCA suspects just 1 percent of the models named in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain 2.4-liter engines with cracked oil pump housings. These defective fixtures may inhibit oil pump operation, eventually leading the feature to fail and cause unexpected engine stalling. The defective component therefore poses a serious safety risk to occupants as it increases the likelihood of an accident. However, FCA has yet to receive field reports connecting the problematic part to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 5, 2017, engineers at the Fremont, Indiana-based parts supplier Metaldyne BSM discovered a recently assembled oil pump with a crack in its housing, according to an internal recall chronology document given to the NHTSA. Eight days later, Metaldyne alerted FCA. On Sept. 15, 2017, the automaker brought the problem to the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group, which immediately launched an investigation.

FCA Supplier Control and engineers from the Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee, Michigan and the Saltillo North Engine Plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico confirmed the problem via material inspection and oil pump traceability studies Oct. 5, 2017. The VRC on Oct. 17, 2017, decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall for approximately 357 vehicles believed to contain the defective oil pumps., according to an NHTSA safety recall report. By this point, FCA had found nine separate engine assemblies that had not been installed in vehicles. The oil pumps in these engines, despite originating from the flawed Metaldyne batch, were not included in the recall.

On Feb. 14, 2018, the VRC discovered that nine potentially problematic engine assemblies were not properly inspected before being installed in vehicles. This led the group to launch another voluntary recall Feb. 15, 2018.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to inspect the oil pumps in affected vehicles and replace them if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These repairs will be done free of charge. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners April 13, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service representatives at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U18. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pumps

Chrysler recalls vehicles with noncompliant tire placards

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 9, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 3,400 vehicles potentially equipped with noncompliant tire placards, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The actions affects 2018 Dodge Ram Pro Master cargo vans produced between June 29, 2017, and Dec. 18, 2017. FCA estimates that all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the problematic parts.

The Defect

Affected models are fitted with tires that feature incorrect informational placards. These components display inaccurate “vehicle capacity weight” and “designated seated capacity” numbers. Consequently, the defective placard poses a serious threat to occupants as they could unintentionally overload their vehicles, cause tire failure and wreck. In addition to constituting a driving hazard, the parts violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states that “each vehicle, except for a trailer or incomplete vehicle,” must have tire information placards that include entries for vehicle capacity weight, designated seated capacity, “recommended cold tire inflation” and “tire size,” according to the Government Publishing Office.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Corporate Audit team on Dec. 18, 2018, reached out to the FCA Vendor Management group about an incorrect seating capacity figure displayed on tire placard affixed to a 2018 Dodge Ram Pro Master cargo van. The FCA VM connected with the engineering team to verify the error. Engineering personnel verified the inaccurate tire placard and launched an investigation, which revealed that incorrectly calibrated production software caused the issue.

FCA corporate leaders on Dec. 22, 2017, brought the problem to the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group via email. VSRC leaders received the message Jan. 2, 2018, and initiated another investigation. On the following day, the FCA VSRC group placed a hold on 2018 Dodge Ram Pro Master cargo vans and hosted a meeting with cross-functional stakeholders to review the issue, identify the root cause and develop actionable corrective action. The VSRC also requested that engineering look into the seemingly incorrect placard, confirm its inaccuracy for a second time and judge its compliance with FMVSS.

On Jan. 12, 2018, the VSRC team officially designated the root cause, the overall scope of the issue and its impact to customers. With this data in hand, FCA decided on Feb. 15, 2018, to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker began notifying dealers of the impending action Feb. 22, 2018.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, amend the tire placards installed on the recalled vehicles, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The car manufacturer intends to notify owners through first-class mail April 13, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact FCA customer service representatives via telephone at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use internal recall identification code U17. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with noncompliant tire placards

Toyota recalls sedans with defective fuel lines

 

Plano, Texas – March 7, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled almost 12,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The action affects 2018 Toyota Camry sedans produced between June 22, 2017, and Nov. 29, 2017. The automaker is unsure what percentage of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models involved in the campaign contain V-6 engines, which feature two fuel delivery lines connected to two fuel hoses. The fuel delivery lines were not properly connected to the hoses during assembly, increasing the likelihood of fuel leakage and engine fires. This defect obviously poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Toyota has not received reports connecting the defective fuel lines to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Toyota in November 2017 received a field report from the U.S. market outlining an instance in which sales staff cleaning a new 2018 Camry pre-delivery noticed a fuel odor coming from the engine compartment, according to chronology document the automaker submitted to the NHTSA. Engineers inspected the vehicle and found that fuel lines had detached from the fuel hoses, leaking gasoline into the engine compartment. The automaker launched an investigation immediately.

Quality assurance staff first reviewed the established fuel line assembly standards, which direct line workers to ensure the fuel lines and hoses are properly connected. After looking over these procedures and comparing them to the actions taken by assembly personnel at the plant from which the vehicle originated, Toyota decided that defect was not the result of flawed processes or execution.

Toyota then reached out to the vendor that supplied the parts and collaborated with the organization to review its internal production processes. This evaluation failed to yield a root cause. Soon after, the car manufacturer analyzed additional 2018 Camry sedans and found that a significant number exhibited the same defective fuel line assemblies.

However, Toyota did not discover an underlying reason for the detachment issue but put new assembly measures into place to more effective ensure engagement between fuel lines and hoses. The organization implemented additional sensor checks on its lines and updated its standard working procedures to place more emphasis on fuel line assembly functionality. It also launched two field studies to collect additional data on the phenomenon.

On Feb. 6, 2018, Toyota quality assurance and safety personnel reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers Feb. 14, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to inspect the fuel line assemblies in affected vehicles and correct them if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. These repairs will be done at no charge to the customer. Toyota intends to reach out to owners March 30, 2018, via first-class mail. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact Toyota customer service staff at (888) 270-9371. The internal recall identification code for the recall is J0G. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls sedans with defective fuel lines

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

 

Fountain Valley, Calif. – March 7, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 43,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective steering assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects two sport utility models:

  • 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs manufactured between Aug. 10, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017.
  • 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs manufactured between June 15, 2017, and Dec. 28, 2017.

The South Korean automaker suspects just 1 percent of the recalled vehicles contain the defective components.

The Defect

The recalled models feature steering assemblies that were not manufactured to specification. Specifically, the fixtures do not possess sufficient breakage strength. As a result, the steering wheel could separate from the steering column during operation. This poses a serious threat to passengers, as steering wheel separation drastically increases the likelihood of an accident. However, Hyundai has not received reports connecting the defective parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Hyundai in November 2017 received a report from the American market detailing an instance in which steering wheel of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe separated from the steering column. The car company filed at quality information report addressing the issue in December 2017 and began monitoring the field for further instances of steering wheel separation. One month later, Hyundai received a field report from the Korean market outlining an occurrence of steering wheel separation, leading the company to recover parts from the related vehicle for further analysis. Engineering personnel learned that the recovered steering components matched those taken from the vehicle referenced in the U.S. report, indicating vendor error.

In February 2018, Hyundai initiated a joint investigation with the steering assembly supplier Dayou Autoparts. The organizations soon discovered that a batch of steering wheel hub assemblies produced June 9, 2017, were damaged during manufacture but then reworked, compromising their breakage strength. The parts were apparently harmed during the molding phase when temperatures surpassed specified standards and adversely affected the structural integrity of the steering wheel hub assemblies.

Hyundai quality assurance reviewed the matter Feb. 8, 2018, and chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the action Feb. 23, 2018.

The Solution

Hyundai has directed dealers to replace the defective steering assemblies free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Hyundai intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 16, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. The internal recall identification number for this campaign is 173. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHyundai recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

 

Fountain Valley, Calif. – March 7, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 43,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective steering assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects two sport utility models:

  • 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs manufactured between Aug. 10, 2017, and Oct. 23, 2017.
  • 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs manufactured between June 15, 2017, and Dec. 28, 2017.

The South Korean automaker suspects just 1 percent of the recalled vehicles contain the defective components.

The Defect

The recalled models feature steering assemblies that were not manufactured to specification. Specifically, the fixtures do not possess sufficient breakage strength. As a result, the steering wheel could separate from the steering column during operation. This poses a serious threat to passengers, as steering wheel separation drastically increases the likelihood of an accident. However, Hyundai has not received reports connecting the defective parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Hyundai in November 2017 received a report from the American market detailing an instance in which steering wheel of a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe separated from the steering column. The car company filed at quality information report addressing the issue in December 2017 and began monitoring the field for further instances of steering wheel separation. One month later, Hyundai received a field report from the Korean market outlining an occurrence of steering wheel separation, leading the company to recover parts from the related vehicle for further analysis. Engineering personnel learned that the recovered steering components matched those taken from the vehicle referenced in the U.S. report, indicating vendor error.

In February 2018, Hyundai initiated a joint investigation with the steering assembly supplier Dayou Autoparts. The organizations soon discovered that a batch of steering wheel hub assemblies produced June 9, 2017, were damaged during manufacture but then reworked, compromising their breakage strength. The parts were apparently harmed during the molding phase when temperatures surpassed specified standards and adversely affected the structural integrity of the steering wheel hub assemblies.

Hyundai quality assurance reviewed the matter Feb. 8, 2018, and chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the action Feb. 23, 2018.

The Solution

Hyundai has directed dealers to replace the defective steering assemblies free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Hyundai intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 16, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Hyundai customer service at (855) 371-9460. The internal recall identification number for this campaign is 173. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesHyundai recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies