Honda Recalls Nearly 500 Vehicles for Structural Defect

Honda Recalls Nearly 500 Vehicles for Structural Defect

December 21, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 21, 2018 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles due to an insecure center pillar which can interfere with airbag deployment. The potential number of units affected is 403.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, supplier manufacturing records identified a specific production period of right front roof side rails affected by an improper manufacturing process. Affected vehicles may have larger-than-specified mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar garnish. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain airbag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar garnish in position and may potentially interfere with curtain airbag deployment. In the event of a crash, if the curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

Timeline of Events

On October 23, 2018, a loose right center pillar garnish was discovered during vehicle assembly, prompting a hold and stop shipment to be placed on all vehicles while an inquiry was made to the supplier. The supplier informed Honda that a recent repair to the die mold that punches the mounting hole for the right center pillar garnish clip was inappropriate, resulting in burrs in the sheet metal. These burrs were removed with grinding tools, which inadvertently increased the diameter of the mounting hole.

On October 24, 2018, with the suspect range of parts identified and manufacturing errors corrected by the supplier, Honda measured the retention force of all suspect right center pillar garnish clips. The vehicles with right center pillar garnish clips that met the retention force specification were released from hold. Honda investigated the potential consequences of a loose right center pillar garnish clip, and on November 20, 2018, Honda determined that the potential for FMVSS noncompliance existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.

As of November 20, 2018 Honda had not received any warranty claims, field reports, nor reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue.

The Solution

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge. Because the limited new vehicle warranty on all affected vehicles would have provided a free repair for the problem addressed by this recall, without any payment by the owner, reimbursement for pre-notification repairs will not be offered. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is D3D. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-848.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls Nearly 500 Vehicles for Structural Defect
Ford Recalls Nearly 3,000 Focus Vehicles Due To Potential Clutch Fracture

Ford Recalls Nearly 3,000 Focus Vehicles Due To Potential Clutch Fracture

December 20, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 20, 2018 – Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with a 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and a 6-speed manual transmission due to potential clutch fracture. The potential number of units affected is 2,828.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, affected vehicles are equipped with the 1.0L Fox GTDI engine and B6 manual transmission and may experience clutch slip, potentially resulting in elevated system operating temperatures. Repeated high-energy clutch slip input can lead to premature clutch lining wear, and this can subsequently cause a reduction in the mechanical properties of pressure plate material. After repeated cyclic heating and cooling events, cracks may develop around the outer edge of the pressure plate.

The torque capacity reduction that occurs due to clutch lining wear can cause additional slippage and introduce excessive energy and heat into the pressure plate. Eventually, a structural failure or fracture of the pressure plate may occur, leading to clutch cover and transmission housing breaches, which can potentially cause a leak of transmission fluid. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components can increase the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.

Vehicle operators may notice clutch odor and smoke, and reduced vehicle performance, which are indications of a potential clutch slip condition prior to pressure plate fracture.

Timeline of Events

As part of an earlier recall, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved field action 18S07 (18V169) March 5, 2018. Between April and August 2018, Ford of Europe continued to monitor field data related to the subject vehicles, and between September and October 2018, a review of field data identified two reports of clutch pressure plate damage on European vehicles. Of these, one vehicle was equipped with a 1.5L and one equipped with a 1.0L engine and B6 manual transmission. Both were built after the timeframe for the previous field action.

Additional engineering investigation and testing identified a wider suspect population of vehicles built with clutch pressure plates manufactured after the field action but prior to a February 2018 material change to the clutch pressure plate. Ford of Europe’s Critical Concern Review Group reviewed this issue on October 10, 2018.

Analysis of field data for U.S. vehicles equipped with the B6 manual transmission identified no reports of pressure plate damage on vehicles built after the timeframe for the previous field action, but on November 19, 2018, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved an incremental population of 2,828 vehicles to 18S07 due to two reports of underhood fire on vehicles with similar transmissions in Europe – although no reports have been made in the U.S. for any similar problems.

The Solution

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update vehicles with software that detects and prevents prolonged clutch slip, and will replace the clutch, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 7, 2019. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S07. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-845, and this recall is an expansion of recall 18V-169.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls Nearly 3,000 Focus Vehicles Due To Potential Clutch Fracture
Porsche Recalls 95 Vehicles for Unsecured Ski Bag Strap

Porsche Recalls 95 Vehicles for Unsecured Ski Bag Strap

December 19, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 19, 2018 – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2017 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid Platinum Edition, Macan Turbo and Macan GTS vehicles, 2017-2018 Cayenne S, Macan, Cayenne Platinum Edition and Macan S vehicles and 2018 Cayenne vehicles equipped with the optional ski bag, due to weakness of the strap securing the bag to the vehicle. The potential number of units affected is 95.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the ski bag fastening strap may have been sewn with incorrect thread, possibly resulting in the strap seams tearing and the ski bag being unsecured in the event of a crash. As a result, there is the possibility that the strap seams could tear under a high load and the ski bag may not be held in its position during a crash. If the ski bag detaches during a crash, it can increase the potential risk for the passengers when the ski bag is not held properly in position.

Timeline of Events

As a result of internal tests in June 2018, which showed that the affected parts presented an unintended behavior, on July 3, 2018, the matter was presented to the Working Group of the product safety committee at Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Further analysis identified the usage of an unapproved sewing thread. Due to a relocation of production, the supplier used a new sewing thread, which did not meet the required specification. On November 21, 2018, the product safety committee determined a safety defect and decided to implement a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Porsche will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ski bags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 27, 2019. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AJ12. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-844.

Sean ReyesPorsche Recalls 95 Vehicles for Unsecured Ski Bag Strap
Mercedes-Benz Recalls More Than 5,000 Vehicles for Seatbelt Issue

Mercedes-Benz Recalls More Than 5,000 Vehicles for Seatbelt Issue

December 18, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 18, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 4Matic, Cabriolet, Coupe, AMG and Mercedes-Mayback vehicles for incorrect detection of seatbelt fasten status. Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain vehicles, the switches in seatbelt buckles might not have been manufactured according to specifications. The potential number of units affected is 5,433.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, a correctly fastened seatbelt could be erroneously detected as unfastened. In this case neither the electric (PRE-SAFE®-function) nor the pyrotechnic tensioning would be activated in the event of a crash, and the full effect of the restraint system would be impaired. This could significantly increase the risk of injury for occupants in the event of a crash. If a vehicle exhibits the recall condition described, the customer may be made aware of the issue by a warning tone and a seat belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.

Timeline of Events

In August 2018, DAG launched initial investigations based on a single incident reported from its production plant regarding a vehicle exhibiting the described issue during an end of line test. Subsequently, DAG and the responsible supplier’s joint analysis identified a deviation in the production of the switch inside the seatbelt buckle as the root cause.

In October 2018, DAG reviewed logistics documents together with the relevant suppliers and sub-suppliers to determine which potentially affected batches of seatbelt buckles had been delivered to DAG. Based on the results, potentially affected vehicles were identified, and the voluntary recall was issued.

The Solution

As a precautionary measure an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the relevant seatbelt buckles in the affected vehicles. MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckles, free of charge. An interim letter will be mailed beginning January 25, 2019 to notify owners of the issue. A second letter will be mailed once remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-839.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz Recalls More Than 5,000 Vehicles for Seatbelt Issue
Mercedes-Benz Recalls 7 Vehicles for Potential Power Steering Malfunction

Mercedes-Benz Recalls 7 Vehicles for Potential Power Steering Malfunction

December 18, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 18, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 GLC300 vehicles due to a potential issue with power steering. Daimler AG (“DAG”) has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) GLCClass vehicles (253 platforms), an internal sensor within the electric power steering unit might not meet specifications due to a production deviation at a supplier. The potential number of units affected is seven.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, an internal sensor within the electric power steering unit may fail, deactivating the power steering assist. If the sensor were to fail while driving, the position of the electronic motor within the power steering unit would no longer be detected, resulting in a deactivation of the power steering support. This would increase the risk of a crash. The customer will be made aware of a deactivation of the power steering support by a warning message in the instrument cluster.

Timeline of Events

In August 2018, DAG launched initial investigations based on a declaration of a supplier regarding potential deviations of certain power steering units, and immediately initiated a plant campaign. In September 2018, further investigations were carried out in conjunction with the supplier to analyze the failure mode within the production at the supplier.

In October 2018, DAG and the supplier co-reviewed logistics documents to determine which steering assemblies might potentially be affected, and further analyses were completed to identify potentially affected vehicles. In November 2018, DAG determined that there was potential failure of the magnetic sensor, and that a potential safety risk could not be ruled out and made the decision to issue a voluntary recall for affected vehicles.

The Solution

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering unit, free of charge. An interim letter will be mailed beginning January 25, 2019 to notify owners of the issue. A second letter will be mailed once remedy parts are available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-840.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz Recalls 7 Vehicles for Potential Power Steering Malfunction
Volkswagen Recalls a Dozen Audi Vehicles for Improperly Fastened Airbags

Volkswagen Recalls a Dozen Audi Vehicles for Improperly Fastened Airbags

December 10, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – December 10, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Audi A5 Sportback and 2017-2018 Audi A4 all-road vehicles due to potential, improperly tightened airbag module mounting screws. The potential number of units affected is 12.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, one of the four passenger airbag module mounting screws may not have been torqued to the correct specification during production.

In a crash with passenger airbag deployment, an improperly torqued screw may cause the airbag housing in the instrument cluster to deform.

This can change how the airbag unfolds during deployment and result in the airbag not providing protection as intended, leading to an increased risk of injury to the front passenger seat occupant.

Timeline of events

On September 25, 2018, the Audi Product Safety Committee was informed that road vehicle testing showed abnormalities in passenger airbag mounting screw connection.

Between October and November 2018, the issue was evaluated. This process included detailed testing and investigation regarding root cause, impact, scope and affected vehicles.

The recall condition was determined to be the result of human error during passenger airbag assembly. All affected vehicles can be traced to airbag assembly by one factory employee.

The recall population was determined by reviewing screw data logs and samples tests. On all other (unaffected) vehicles, the screw connection was tightened properly.

On November 19, 2018, the Audi Product Safety Committee made a determination of a safety defect and decided to conduct a safety recall. The relevant tool for airbag mounting has been modified so that this type of error cannot occur in the future.

The solution

Volkswagen will notify owners and dealers in mid-January, and the affected passenger airbag screw connection will be inspected and, if necessary, correctly tightened to the required torque specification.

Also, the screw will be replaced if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 26, 2019. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-836.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls a Dozen Audi Vehicles for Improperly Fastened Airbags
Lamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software

Lamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software

December 10, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 10, 2018 – Automobili Lamborghini (Lamborghini) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Gallardo Coupe and Gallardo Spyder vehicles due to the potential that warnings may not be working properly after a faulty reflash procedure has failed. The potential number of units affected is 1,152.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, The Engine Control Unit (ECU) software may erase trouble codes after the ignition is turned off, not illuminating warning lamps and preventing drivers from being warned of safety system problems the next time that they are driving. If the warning lamps do not indicate a safety system failure such as an engine or fuel injection system malfunction, continuing to drive the vehicle with a faulty system and no warning can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Timeline of Events

In late 2017, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. received multiple field complaints stating that affected vehicles were failing to pass the smog test. This increase in field complaints (including cases where warning/error messages were spontaneously disappearing from fault memory) led to Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. launching an investigation in early 2018 to determine the alleged malfunction and its root cause. Results from the investigation revealed a faulty reflash procedure for this model (key off / key on cycle), with consequent risk of trouble codes not properly stored in the system memory after each key off. It was assumed based on this issue that relevant fault codes could also not be stored, and in November 2018 the matter was presented at the Product Safety Committee whereupon the decision to conduct a safety recall was made. Production for the involved model had already reached the end of its life cycle, therefore no production correction action was necessary.

The Solution

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with an authorized Lamborghini dealer. Dealers will reflash the engine software with appropriate procedure free of charge. The rightly reflashed engine software correctly stores errors detected by the system and renders the software suitable to pass the smog test. The recall is expected to begin December 14,2018. Owners may contact Lamborghini customer service at 1-866-681-6276. Lamborghini’s number for this recall is L61XR0118. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-833.

Sean ReyesLamborghini Recalls More Than 1,000 Gallardo Vehicles Due to Faulty Ignition Software
Car Fires! Know This:

Car Fires! Know This:

December 6, 2018 Sandra Thomas

Heads up Kia and Hyundai Owners

Make: Kia and Hyundai –  2011-2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles

Overview: About 400 complaints of engine fires, engine failures (with and without fires), melted wires. Some cars recalled in 2015, 2017 – others not yet recalled pending a government investigation.

Threat: Cars suddenly catching fire without warning or external trigger, like car crashes. Some crash-related fires as well. Some cars that have been repaired catch fire anyway.

Of Course: It’s free to get a recalled car repaired, but only some fire risk cars have been recalled. Many cars in question have *not* been recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating nearly two million cars and may decide more recall solutions are in order. Car safety advocated group, the Center for Auto Safety, is demanding recalls now of three million cross-over models and sedans.

Right Now:  Check MotorSafety.org’s recall checker  to learn whether your car is under recall. Other makes are recalled for fire risk. Check you car now!

If you smell smoke, melting wires, experience engine failure or see fire —

  • Calmly pull over to the right side of the road. If you’re all the way left, pull off to the left
  • Turn off your car and carefully step out and away
  • Do not stand near your car. You don’t want to be close to a potential fire, of course. And what you may not realize is it’s dangerous on the shoulder where looky-loos often veer toward the direction in which they’re looking – at you on the shoulder! Seriously, people get killed standing on the shoulder all the time. Get away from the car and traffic!
  • Call 911
  • *And if you are driving a Kia or Hyundai and experience engine failure, a fire could follow. Get over, out and away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra ThomasCar Fires! Know This:
Suzuki Recalls Nearly 19,000 SX4 Vehicles for Power Steering Issues

Suzuki Recalls Nearly 19,000 SX4 Vehicles for Power Steering Issues

November 30, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – November 30, 2018 – Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles due to potential seizing of the power steering pump. The potential number of units affected is 18,673.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, under cold start conditions in cold weather conditions, the power steering pump internal pressure may rise, resulting in seizure of the pump. Seizure of the power steering pump can result in a sudden loss of steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

In April 2016, SMC received an initial Field Technical Information Report (“FTIR”) from its Canadian distributor that indicated that there is no power steering assist when turning the steering wheel at low speed. It was confirmed that the vehicle in question had a replacement power steering pump (PS pump) installed for the 15V-587 recall (Suzuki VS recall for PS pump failure), reported to NHTSA in September 2015. SMC collected the PS pump from the Canadian distributor and asked the supplier to investigate the failure.

The following investigation results confirmed that there was seizure of the cartridge sliding surface inside the PS pump. It was identified that for the VS recall countermeasure PS pump, the lower limit of the spool clearance value was changed and 11.6mg of contamination was found inside of the PS pump, exceeding the supplier manufacturing process contamination control value of 5 mg or less. SMC could not identify the reason why the cartridge sliding surface seized.

SMC subsequently received a second, third and fourth FTIRs from its Canadian distributor with more or less the same results and no ability to identify what cartridge sliding surfaces seized. From January to March 2018, SMC received 15 additional FTIRs from Canada and 9 FTIRs from the United States. SMC confirmed that all of the vehicles involved had the VS recall correction. From April to June 2018, SMC received 3 additional FTIRs from Canada and an additional 9 FTIRs from the United States, and from June to August 2018, SMC received 2 additional FTIRs from the United States. SMC had received a cumulative total of 42 FTIRs.

SMC began to coordinate with a supplier of competing PS pumps to request an evaluation test of the VS recall countermeasure PS pump, but despite low temperature accelerated tests of the VS recall countermeasure PS pump the cause of the PS pump seizure could not be identified. In October 2018, SMC continued conducting the investigation and in November, 2018 SMC decided to report the existence of a safety-related defect. SMC is still working to identify the root cause of the PS pump failures, and to determine a recall countermeasure.

The Solution

The remedy for this recall is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-804.

Sean ReyesSuzuki Recalls Nearly 19,000 SX4 Vehicles for Power Steering Issues
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories