Kia Stinger Recalled Over Fire Risk
November 6, 2018
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Kia Recalls More Than 16,000 Stinger Vehicles for Wiring Harness Issue
November 5, 2018
Kia Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – November 5, 2018 – Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles for electrical problems relating to a wiring harness. This recall is expected to affect 16011 vehicles in North America.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment of affected Stinger vehicles may get damaged from contacting a burr on a sheet metal hole on the left fender apron body panel. Such contact can damage the insulation on one or more wires and cause increased electrical short, thereby generating heat. Once sufficient heat is generated, thermal damage may occur to surrounding materials. The damaged wiring harness may then short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Owners may or may not be alerted to an issue by illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (“MIL”) or activation of limp home mode.
Timeline of Events
On May 3, 2018, Kia Motors America, Inc.’s (KMA) Consumer Affairs Department was notified by dealer of a fire involving a 2018MY Kia Stinger, which affected other vehicles and a structure. On September 6, 2018, KMA inspected the subject Stinger vehicle and identified the origin of fire to likely have occurred in left rear of engine compartment behind left strut tower and under the left hood hinge support. The potential cause of fire was identified as damage to wiring harness insulation resulting in electrical arcing and/or resistance heating.
KMA subsequently conducted inspection of Stinger vehicles at the port for any potential front wiring harness damage and found none. KMA was able to identify that stamping direction of the left fender apron body panel was changed on April 5, 2018, and although testing was conducted to evaluate any potential relationship between front wiring harness damage and fire, the incident could not be replicated during testing. A potential for thermal damage was confirmed due to an electrical short caused by damaged wires, however, and in late October, KMC made the decision to conduct a safety recall due to the single fire incident. No injuries were reported.
The Solution
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed free of charge. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be repaired, and a cover will be installed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall SC170. 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-754.
Toyota Recalls Nearly 1300 4Runners for Insufficient Cargo Load Capacity
November 2, 2018
Toyota Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – November 2, 2018 – Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota 4Runner vehicles that SET modified to be equipped with a TRD wheel package on which a certification label was incorrect. This recall is expected to affect 1295 vehicles in North America.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) on the certification label may be incorrect, possibly resulting in the vehicle being overloaded. An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Timeline of Events
During a routine data validation audit on in late September 2018, it was discovered that the accessory weight for the TRD Wheel Package was not accurately relayed to the software used to calculate the load carrying capacity modification labels. The TRD Wheel Package is installed by SET at the request of Toyota and is considered standard equipment on the special edition TRD 4Runner from Toyota. However, the TRD Wheel package weight was not included in the final vehicle certification, and should have been included in the load carrying capacity modification label calculation. This led to affected vehicles having the incorrect cargo weight capacity listed and some having a negative cargo carrying capacity.
The Solution
SET will notify the customers by mail of the noncompliance. An accurate label will be provided to apply over the inaccurate label at no charge. Each label will be customized for the corresponding customer’s vehicle based on the net weight of the accessories installed. Fifteen (15) vehicles have been identified which cannot be remedied solely with a revised label. They may require an alternate remedy to remain in line with net weight restrictions and allow cargo carrying capacity to shift out of negative. These customers will be contacted separately, and options provided, one of which may be the exchange or upgrade of accessories at no charge to reduce the overall weight and increase cargo carrying load capacity.
Customers will be notified and arrangements made to provide a suitable remedy. SET expects the mailing of customer notification letters to begin on or about December 24, 2018. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET’s number for this recall is SET18A. 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-753.
Porsche Recalls More Than 400 Cayenne Vehicles for Seat Belt Buckle Fault
November 1, 2018
Porsche Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – November 1, 2018 – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (Porsche) is recalling certain 2019 Porsche Cayenne vehicles for seat belt buckle weaknesses. The recall is expected to affect 415 units, which were determined based on information received from the supplier and Porsche AG’s related production records.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the rear right seat belt buckle in these vehicles was subject to a manufacturing error and a faulty material batch at the supplier. The buckle is weak and failed to withstand the required breaking load in the tensile test of the belt. The function of the rear right seat belt buckle might fail during a vehicle crash, leading to serious injury or death.
Timeline of Events
On September 28, 2018 Porsche was informed by the supplier about inadequate test results during the tensile belt test. Immediate analysis revealed a manufacturing error which, when combined with a change of the raw material used at the supplier, caused a significant weakness in the right rear seat belt buckles with the part number 9Y0.857.754. On October 17, 2018, the Porsche AG product safety committee determined that a safety defect existed, and the voluntary safety recall was issued. The original defect was corrected in the production line as of October 1, 2018.
The Solution
Porsche plans to begin notifying owners and dealers on December 23, 2018. The vehicles will be recalled to the workshop or dealership and an improved rear right seat belt buckle will be installed free of charge, with the component created from use of an optimized manufacturing process and the correct raw material. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AJ09. 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-751.
Mercedes Benz Recalls More Than Four Thousand Vehicles for Incorrect Battery Covers
October 31, 2018
Mercedes-Benz Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 31, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Coupe, C300 4Matic Cabrio, E300, E300 4Matic, C300, C300 4Matic, C300 Coupe and C300 Cabrio vehicles. A documentation error may have resulted in a potentially incorrect battery cover to be installed on the starter battery. This recall affects 4,073 vehicles.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain 2018 C-Class (205 platform) and E-Class vehicles (213 platform) vehicles, an incorrect cover for the starter battery could have been installed. The incorrect cover may not have the required geometry to provide protection for live electrical components.
Since the cover for the starter battery may not cover the live positive electrical wire, in certain crashes, the vehicle’s strut brace may deform and short circuit the battery. If the battery is shorted, on-board electrical system might not be able to support post-crash functions (such as emergency door unlocking from the outside by an emergency responder, or activation of hazard warning lamps). Unlocking and opening of the doors from the inside is not affected. A short circuit could also lead to an increased risk of fire.
Timeline of Events
DAG’s initial investigations were based on a report from the production plant in September 2018, regarding the installation of wrong positive pole covers for the starter battery. In October 2017, a documentation error following a design change was identified as the root cause of the installation of an incorrect starter battery cover, and the range of potentially affected vehicles was identified by the end of 2018.
Multiple analyses were performed to evaluate possible consequences of the faulty installation, revealing that an incorrect battery cover might not provide the necessary covering for a live electrical cable on the battery. Several standard crash test scenarios were analyzed in detail, and it was determined that in specific crash situations with a heavy deformation of the brace strut, the strut might contact the electrical cable on the starter battery, increasing fire risk. The voluntary recall was ordered at in October 2018.
The Solution
As a precautionary measure an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will replace the positive pole cover on the affected vehicles, free of charge. MBUSA will notify owners by mail. The recall is expected to begin November 23, 2018. 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- 725.
Ford Recalls More Than One Million Vehicles for Stalling Issues
October 30, 2018
Ford Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 30, 2018 – Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Ford Focus vehicles with a 2.0L GDI or 2.0L GTDI engine due to an issue with the fuel vapor management system. This recall affects 1, 282,586 vehicles.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, this safety recall involves affected vehicles equipped with 2.0L GDI and 2.0L GTDI engines may experience a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve (CPV) and malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. If the CPV sticks in “open” position, and the PCM software does not adequately detect the stuck-open CPV. the result can be excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system, potentially deforming the fuel tank.
If the vehicle is affected, the customer may observe a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, drivability concerns or loss of motive power, but may have no warning at all in case of simultaneous malfunction. An engine stall while driving without warning or without the ability to restart, can increase the risk of a crash.
Timeline of Events
NHTSA contacted Ford on May 29, 2018 regarding consumer complaints alleging loss of motive power on 2012-2014 model year Ford Focus vehicles. Ford reviewed the complaints and associated internal data and discovered information indicating canister purge valve malfunction that could cause excessive vacuum within the fuel system during evaporative emissions monitoring.
Consumer complaints included MIL illumination, fuel gauge inaccuracy, drivability issues, loss of motive power, or costly repairs. An investigative overview of the Focus fuel system operation and reviews of Ford’s data commenced, and on October 15, 2018, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this issue.
The Solution
Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) reprogrammed with new software that will detect a malfunctioning CPV and prevent a potential excessive fuel vapor system vacuum condition from occurring. Dealers will check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) and replace the CPV as necessary. If the CPV is replaced, dealers will inspect and replace the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. There will be no charge for this service.
Until the vehicle is serviced for this concern customers are advised to maintain at least 1/2 tank of fuel. The recall is expected to begin December 10, 2018. Owners may contact Ford Customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S32. 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- 735.
Hyundai Recalls More Than 8,000 Santa Fe Vehicles for Faulty Airbags
October 29, 2018
Hyundai Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 29, 2018 – Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The Side Curtain Air Bag (SCAB) mounting bolts may interfere with and damage the air bags during deployment. The number of units affected by this recall is 8,204, with a 100% estimated affected rate.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, this safety recall involves subject vehicles which are equipped with Side Curtain Airbags (“SCAB”) that were installed using bolts that could interfere with and damage the airbags during deployment. The bolts were produced with sharp corners on the hexagonal bolt head, increasing the risk of interference with the SCAB during installation. If the SCAB becomes damaged during deployment, the air bag may not inflate properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Timeline of Events
On August 8, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (“HMC”) discovered a torn Side Curtain Airbag (“SCAB”) during an NCAP crash test conducted in Europe. The initial investigation revealed the SCAB could have become damaged due to interference with the bolts which were used to install the airbag and connect them to the body of the vehicle. HMC searched through past crash test records and did not find any previous instances of a deployed, torn SCAB.
On September 3, 2018, HMC conducted internal crash testing. This test successfully replicated the damage to the SCAB and confirmed that it was caused by interference from the mounting bolts. HMC immediately notified all regional distributors of vehicles using these specific bolts, and subsequently convened its Technical Committee on October 2, 2018 and began voluntary safety recall to address the condition in the subject vehicles. Hyundai has not, to date, been made aware of any incidents, crashes, or injuries related to this defect.
The Solution
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the SCAB installation bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 177.
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-715.
Mercedes Benz Recalls an Additional Nearly 4,000 Vehicles for Seat Belt Issues
October 26, 2018
Mercedes-Benz Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 26, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling roughly four thousand 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 and GLC300 4Matic, 2018 GLC350e and GLC63 AMG 4Matic and 2017-2018 GLC43 AMG 4Matic vehicles due to seat belts which can become unusable due to a missing element. This is in addition to over 100,000 vehicles recalled for the same issue in March of 2018.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, an error during production led to felt strips not having been applied between the C-pillar and rear side paneling according to current production specification. The outboard rear seats’ seat belt latch plates, which are intended to insert into the buckles, may retract into the interior paneling, becoming inaccessible and preventing vehicle occupants from being able to use them. The probability of occurrence is generally low, but if a rear seat passenger does not fasten the seatbelt, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Timeline of Events
In the beginning of February 2018, DAG launched an inquiry into two complaints of customers about the seat belt issue. The subsequent investigations showed that the described defect was reproducible under specific conditions, and that a geometrical design of the paneling parts was the root cause of the problem. The range of vehicles was examined for potential safety concerns, in early March 2018, DAG recalled 116,000 vehicles under recall notice 18V177. The current recall relates to an additional 4,079 vehicles identified in early September that also may not have had the necessary felt strips installed during the production process.
The Solution
MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install felt strips between the C-pillar and rear side paneling, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 2, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2018100002. Owners may also contact 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 18V683000.
BMW Recalls Over 100 Vehicles for Improperly Hardened Control Arm
October 25, 2018
BMW Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 25, 2018 – BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 BMW X6 sDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles. Approximately 108 vehicles are suspected to have been manufactured with rear upper control arms that possibly have not been produced by the suppliers to acceptable specifications. This recall affects several different BMW models, and units recalled were produced between September 10 and September 20, 2018.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, certain BMW vehicles may have been produced with a faulty part. The rear upper control arm’s pivot bolt may not have been properly hardened during supplier production, due to a failure in the production process. An arm that was not produced to specifications could break, which could then affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timeline of Events
On September 12, 2018, several damaged control arms were noticed during vehicle assembly. The supplier was contacted, who was able to determine that certain rear upper control arms may not have been properly hardened, and identify all potentially affected parts to generate a list that was the matched with vehicle assembly records. Approximately 108 vehicles were identified, and on September 21, 2018, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. BMW has not received any reports of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
The Solution
Owners will be notified by First Class mail and instructed to take their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have both rear upper control arms replaced for free. As affected vehicles are covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, there is no need for owners to cover the cost and no need for a reimbursement program. Notification to owners is planned to begin and end on November 12. Owners may also contact 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 18V680000.
Chrysler Recalls Over 18,000 Jeep Wranglers for Faulty Weld
October 24, 2018
Jeep Recalls
Laguna Hills, CA – October 24, 2018 – Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler vehicles due to improperly welded front track bar brackets. The recall affects 18,005 vehicles produced between May 7 and August 21, 2018.
The Defect
According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, certain 2018-2019 MY Jeep Wrangler left hand drive vehicles may have been built with a front track bar bracket that featured an out-of-specification weld. This defect could potentially result in the bracket separating from the frame. The separation of the front track bar bracket from the frame may cause a reduction in steering response, which can cause vehicle crash without prior warning, or after any or a combination of the following: a front end noise, an off-center steering wheel position, a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message and an Electronic Stability Control light in the cluster.
Timeline of Events
On August 13, 2018, as a result of customer complaints related to the front track bar bracket separating from the frame, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“VSRC”) organization opened an investigation and meetings were subsequently conducted with the supplier to determine and correlate suspect part delivery dates with vehicle build dates and settle on corrective actions. The number of reports was sufficient that a voluntary recall was implemented. There have been no reports of injury due to this defect.
The Solution
Chrysler will notify owners of all suspected to be affected vehicles to inspect and repair the front track bar bracket welds as needed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 17, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is UA5. Owners may also contact 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 18V675000.
