GM Recalls 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and ATS, Chevy Camaro and Corvette for Power Steering Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 28, 2019 – General Motors is recalling certain 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and 2017 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Corvette vehicles because the power steering assist system may fail, increasing the risk of a crash. As many as 26,772 vehicles may be affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the affected vehicles may experience a loss of electric power steering assist while driving. This would demand more effort in steering, especially at lower speeds, with a potentially greater risk of a crash.

Timeline of events

GM launched an investigation September 18, 2018 into loss of power steering assist in the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro.

Between September 19 and late October, GM’s safety investigator, with help from engineering experts, analyzed vehicle owner questionnaires, customer complaints, legal claims, and warranty data to assess the number of cases in the field and to identify common root causes.

An intermittent electrical loss within the torque-sensor printed circuit board was found in about 80 percent of the cases reviewed. The same issue was found in two Corvette steering gear assemblies. GM then expanded its investigation, discovering that the Cadillac CTS and ATS were also at risk.

Between November and mid-December, field analysis revealed spikes in warranty rates between June and September 2016, and a three-day window in February 2017.

Between mid-December and late January 2019, GM worked with its supplier to identify the problematic circuit boards and VIN numbers of affected vehicles.

Following an open investigation review, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority decided  January 31 to conduct a safety recall.

The solution

The recall will begin March 2019. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. GM’s number for this recall is N182182760.

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

Sean ReyesGM Recalls 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CTS and ATS, Chevy Camaro and Corvette for Power Steering Issue

Volkswagen Recalls 2018 Audi A3 And RS3 Vehicles For Rear Seat Head Restraint Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 27, 2019 – Volkswagen Group of America is recalling certain 2018 Audi A3 sedans and RS3 vehicles because the rear center headrest latching pins may be missing. As many as 3,326 vehicles may be affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the latching pins for the center rear seat head restraint may be missing. If a crash were to occur, the restraint could become loose and cause injury to occupants in the vehicle.

Timeline of events

Communications on this issue were first exchanged June 29, 2018 between Volkswagen suppliers. The Audi Product Safety Committee was informed of the problem Aug. 17.

Between September 2018 and January 2019, the automaker engaged in detailed investigation and testing regarding the root cause of the issue, possible process improvements, overall impact, and potentially affected parts/vehicles.

The testing and statistical analysis showed that the defect was present in approximately one out of the affected 20,600 vehicles worldwide. It was determined that after the component supplier had opened an additional production line, a process error occurred for a limited period.

This may have allowed headrests that were not manufactured properly to be erroneously mixed with properly manufactured headrests during the quality-monitoring check.

The Audi Product Safety Committee concluded on February 6 that a defect was present and decided to conduct a safety recall. In addition, the supplier of the components has adjusted its manufacturing processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

The solution

The recall began March 7, 2019. Audi has notified owners, informing them that the center rear head restraint will be inspected. If the pins are missing, the head restraint will be replaced.

This work will be performed for customers free of charge. Audi will not offer a reimbursement plan under this recall.
The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V095000.

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

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls 2018 Audi A3 And RS3 Vehicles For Rear Seat Head Restraint Issue

GM Recalls GMC Sierra 3500 And Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Trucks for Fueling Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 27, 2019 – General Motors is recalling certain 2016 – 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickup trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks.

If the fuel level sensor in the front tank becomes stuck in a low-level position, the fuel transfer pump may continue to pump fuel from the rear tank to the front tank even after it is full, causing an overpressure condition in the front tank. As many as 18,574 vehicles may be affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the fuel level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

In rare circumstances, the front fuel tank could expand and contact a moving drive shaft, which could create a hole in the front fuel tank and allow fuel to leak.

If this happens in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur. Customers may hear a grinding or knocking noise if the over pressurized front fuel tank contacts the moving drive shaft.

Timeline of events

GM originally recalled certain 2011 – 15 heavy duty trucks equipped with gas engines and dual fuel tanks for the same issue starting October 12, 2017.

Although the automaker saw no indications at that time that the condition existed in similar trucks built after 2015, it began to monitor field data for later model years. GM conducted an initial review April 16, 2018 and a subsequent review October 28.

GM’s Open Investigation Review board looked at potentially relevant new field reports identified through the monitoring process November 28 and decided to open an investigation into applicable 2016 – 2018 trucks.

The investigator reviewed the new field data with GM’s subject matter experts.

It was found that the problem may be present in vehicles built before the carmaker began using a new low pressure fuel pump in October 2017, but there was no evidence that the condition existed in vehicles equipped with the new fuel pump.

As with the previous recall, the issue was limited to heavy duty trucks with gas engines and the dual-tank option, and the only trucks produced with those options were the 3500 series chassis-cab vehicles.

The Open Investigation Review board reviewed the results of the investigation on January 28, 2019.

As a result, GM’s Safety & Field Action Decision Authority decided on January 31 to launch a safety recall for heavy duty trucks built between 2016 and 2018, before GM began using the new low-pressure fuel pump.

The solution

The recall began March 5, 2019 when owners were sent an interim notification. A second notification will be issued when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump module free of charge.

Dealers will also inspect the front tank and replace if necessary. Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period. GM’s number for this recall is N182204190.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V088000.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls GMC Sierra 3500 And Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Trucks for Fueling Issue

Ford Recalls Over 27,000 Lincoln Continental Vehicles For Door Latch Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 27, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The affected vehicles may have an intermittently functioning door latch motor due to the buildup of silicon contamination, resulting in the door latch not fully engaging. As many as 27,609 vehicles may be affected by this issue.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, the door-latch motors may not operate correctly, potentially resulting in a door not closing completely. A latch that is not fully engaged may allow the door to open suddenly while driving, increasing the risk of injury.

Timeline of Events

The first report of this issue occurred in June 2018 when the Ford data analysis group informed the North American Critical Concerns Review Group of a small number of incidents involving doors that would not close and doors that opened while driving. None of these reports alleged any accidents, injuries or loss of vehicle contents as a result. Engineering then began an initiative to recover the electronic door latch system components from complaint vehicles for suppliers to analyze.

From July through August, an examination of returned parts from the field showed a diagnostic trouble code indicating out of position parts. The customer concern could not be duplicated, however, when the same parts were later tested on a bench or in a vehicle. As part of this investigation, quality control personnel attempted to duplicate the latch performance concerns under various system and electrical conditions, as well as looking at other causes such as component assembly, vehicle level assembly, cable interaction and door alignment. Additional component testing was also done to reproduce the customer allegations and trouble codes, including high and low temperature soaking and cycling.

From September through November, lab analysis revealed small amounts of silicon dioxide on the latch motor commutator, as well as the presence of silicon within the potting material on the printed circuit board of a door latch. As a result, Ford continued its assessment of silicon dioxide contamination on system function.

Based on theoretical engineering analysis from December 2018 to January 2019, Ford felt that it could be possible for a door latch motor contaminated with silicon dioxide to stop its rotation in a way that the latch striker would only be partially engaged. Field data also showed an increase in door latch repairs from September through December 2018.

Ford subsequently contacted dealers and customers to better understand the nature of these repairs and customer experiences. Based on a detailed engineering review of the latch assembly design and performance, Ford felt that if any key component of the latch system were out of position, the driver would receive door ajar warnings and notifications, including a door perceived to be closed that was actually unlatched or in a partially latched condition.

Ford’s Field Review Committee addressed the matter Feb. 4, 2019 and approved a field action. The automaker is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.

The Solution

The recall began March 2019. Ford is notifying Lincoln Continental owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S03. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V077000.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls Over 27,000 Lincoln Continental Vehicles For Door Latch Issue

Volkswagen Recalls 2019 Beetles For Brake Warning Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 25, 2019 – Volkswagen Group of America is recalling certain 2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles. When a brake system failure occurs, the dashboard instrument display may not provide a visual warning, which could lead to loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. As many as 4,064 vehicles may be affected by this issue.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report, the instrument cluster may not provide a visual warning when a brake system failure is detected. Because the driver will not be alerted by a warning light when the malfunction occurs, the driver may lose control of the vehicle during emergency braking, increasing the risk of a crash.  Vehicles without a brake pad wear indicator built during a certain production period with a specific software coding are affected, while those with brake pad wear indicators are not.

Timeline of Events

Vehicle claims concerning this issue were first received by Volkswagen Sept. 3, 2018. Analysis of the situation began immediately.

Between Dec. 7, 2018 and Jan. 8, 2019 the issue was discussed by the Pre-Product Safety Committee in Mexico, resulting in a request for more information.

The matter was then presented to the Product Safety Committee Jan. 11 in Mexico, and further details were requested.

The Joint Product Safety Committee of Wolfsburg and Mexico addressed the issue Feb. 6. After determining that the indicator-free vehicles didn’t comply with pertinent safety standards, the committee decided to conduct a recall.

The Solution

The recall began March 7, 2019. Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. A very small number of vehicles will also receive a new instrument cluster.

Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 90L8. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V094000.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls 2019 Beetles For Brake Warning Issue

General Motors LLC Recalls 2019 Cadillac CT6 Vehicles for Turn Signal Defect

Laguna Hills, CA – March 25, 2019 – General Motors LLC is recalling certain 2019 Cadillac CT6 vehicles because rotating the steering wheel does not prevent the turn signals from flashing.

If the turn signals do not automatically stop, the driver may neglect to turn them off manually, misleading other drivers and pedestrians, which could increase the risk of a crash. Up to five vehicles may be affected by this issue.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report on this issue, rotation of the steering wheel will not automatically cancel the turn-signals from flashing after a turn is made.

Although this action can still be done manually, the driver may fail to respond when turn signals do not deactivate automatically, leaving the signals flashing for some time afterwards.

When this happens, a false turn signal may misinform pedestrians and other drivers, which could potentially lead to an accident or crash.

Timeline of events

General Motors issued its initial report on this problem on February 21, 2019. GM decided that certain 2019 Cadillac CT6 vehicles failed to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, “Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.”

The automaker then announced a recall beginning March 11.

The solution

Cadillac dealers will replace the turn signal switch at no charge. Dealers are to service all vehicles subject to this recall at no cost to customers, regardless of mileage, age of vehicle or ownership, from this time forward.

In addition, all affected vehicles currently in the dealer’s possession that have not yet been sold are also subject to the recall.

The vehicles must be inspected and repaired before they are delivered to customers, dealer-traded, released to auction, used for demonstration or any other purpose.

Courtesy transportation is available for U.S. customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and within the coverage period for the warranty associated with this action.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V117.

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

Sean ReyesGeneral Motors LLC Recalls 2019 Cadillac CT6 Vehicles for Turn Signal Defect

Ferrari Recalls 2017-19 Lusso and Lusso T Vehicles Due To Door Lock Issues

 

Laguna Hills, CA – March 25, 2019 – Ferrari North America is recalling certain 2017-2019 GTC4 Lusso and 2018-2019 GTC4 Lusso T vehicles. Drivers and passengers may not be able to open the vehicle door using the external handle, increasing the risk of injury. As many as 582 vehicles may be affected by this issue.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Report on this issue, tension on the door lock mechanism may result in the vehicle’s door being impossible to open using the external handle. This is due to the Bowden cable creating tension on the door lock mechanism, which may cause the cable retaining slot to break and prevent the door from being opened. In the event of an emergency, this failure may increase the chances of injury for the driver or passenger.

Timeline of Events

Ferrari’s first communication with NHTSA occurred Feb. 14, 2019, following reports of the issue from the Ferrari North America Authorized Dealer Network.

After a thorough investigation the automaker determined that the problem had been caused by the door lock’s Bowden cable. The defect was a result of the Bowden cable layout and insufficient length.

Ferrari North America subsequently announced that the recall will begin April 14, 2019.

The Solution

Ferrari will notify owners starting April 14. Authorized Ferrari Dealers will install new door locks including new Bowden cables with a different layout, free of charge, for all the affected vehicles.

Owners may contact Ferrari customer service at 1-201-816-2668. Ferrari’s number for this recall is 67. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V089000.

Sean ReyesFerrari Recalls 2017-19 Lusso and Lusso T Vehicles Due To Door Lock Issues