Mazda Recalls 2009-2013 Mazda6 Vehicles Due To Corrosion-Caused Steering Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – May 30, 2019 – Mazda is recalling certain 2009-2013 Mazda6 sedans sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. A critical steering component could fail due to corrosion problems. This is an expansion of an earlier recall from 2018. As many as 49,339 vehicles may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the front cross member, a part of the vehicle suspension, may corrode after exposure to road salt over time due to insufficient paint coating on the component. If the part fails, it can lead to breakage of the cross member, sudden changes in steering alignment and reduced steering control, particularly in situations such as driving over a pothole at high speed. This could result in the increased risk of crash and injury.

Signs Of Trouble

A story by Consumer Reports said that vehicle owners may notice the problem when they hear an unusual noise resulting from the front wheel touching a piece of the vehicle trim, or when the steering wheel becomes off-center. The noise can be heard both outside and inside the vehicle. Mechanics may also be able to detect the problem when the car is taken in for service.

Timeline Of Events

On Sept. 14, 2018 Mazda originally submitted a defect information report to NHTSA concerning 2009-2010 Mazda6 vehicles experiencing corrosion of the cross member due to road salt.

Between September and December 2018, the automaker received a number of new field reports indicating that the same condition was affecting 2011 vehicles. On Jan. 11, 2019, Transport Canada sent Mazda an inquiry about cross member corrosion in Mazda6 2011-2013 vehicles. Following discussion with Transport Canada, Mazda decided March 21 to respond to the inquiry after conducting an investigation of the issue and evaluating the need for field action.

On April 22, the automaker concluded that 2011-2013 vehicles were subject to the same defect as those recalled earlier. After a review by the Quality Audit Committee, Mazda launched a proactive field action for all affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall will begin June 24, 2019. Mazda will notify owners by mail, instructing them to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership for inspection. Depending on the condition of the vehicle, dealers will either install a side member and a drain hose and apply wax to protect from rust, or they will install a drain hose and an improved front cross member, at no cost to vehicle owners. In addition, a reimbursement plan is available for eligible owners who already paid to have these repairs done.

Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda’s number for this recall is 2818I. This recall is an expansion of Recall 18V-631. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V-323.

Sean ReyesMazda Recalls 2009-2013 Mazda6 Vehicles Due To Corrosion-Caused Steering Issue

Honda Recalls 2019 CR-V Vehicles Because Of Air Bag Wiring Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – May 30, 2019 – American Honda Motor Company is recalling certain 2019 CR-V vehicles. The steering wheel cores of these cars may have metal burrs, which can damage wiring harnesses contained within them. This could disable the driver’s air bag or unexpectedly trigger deployment without any prior warning. As many as 118,598 vehicles may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the affected vehicles may have metal burrs on the steering wheel core that could cut or damage the wiring harnesses routed through the core, including the wires for the driver’s air bag. If this were to occur, the air bag could unexpectedly activate with no warning, or it could fail to operate in the event of a crash. The result of either of these situations would be an increased risk of accident or injury.

Timeline of Events

Honda first learned of the problem Jan. 24, 2019, when a warning light flashed on a new CR-V vehicle being assembled. Technicians tracking down the cause discovered that a short circuit in the cable reel sub-harness had blown a fuse, most likely due to burrs on the core of the steering wheel that damaged a misrouted sub-harness.

As soon as this problem was reported, all North American manufacturing facilities developed and put into place new quality process improvements. On Jan. 25, Honda and its steering wheel supplier began a joint investigation into the causes and consequences of the issue. By Jan. 31, the supplier changed the steering wheel core trim tool to prevent potential burring.

The automaker received its first and second market claims of faulty air bag activation between February and late March. Honda then collected the failed parts for root-cause analysis, which later confirmed that an improperly routed cable reel sub-harness was indeed susceptible to damage caused by burrs on the steering wheel core.

From April to early May, Honda received four additional claims of unexpected air bag deployment (then totalling six in all). As before, the failed parts were collected and analyzed. By this time, the automaker determined that a motor vehicle safety defect existed and decided May 14 to conduct a recall. As of that date, Honda had received 41 warranty claims, 20 field reports, three injury reports and no reports of full-on crashes related to this issue.

The Solution

The recall is expected to start July 8, 2019. Honda will notify all affected vehicle owners, directing them to return their CR-V vehicles to the nearest Honda dealership for inspection and repairs. Dealers will install a new protective cover on the steering wheel core as well as replacing the clockspring and harnesses within the core, at no charge to vehicle owners.

Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is R4S. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V383000.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls 2019 CR-V Vehicles Because Of Air Bag Wiring Issue

Honda Recalls 2006-2015 Vehicles For Improperly Installed Air Bag Inflator

Laguna Hills, CA – May 29, 2019 – American Honda Motor Company is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a front passenger air bag inflator that may have been incorrectly installed during a previous recall and replacement field action. As many as 19,086 vehicles may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, during a previous replacement process the front passenger air bag inflators may have been improperly installed on the affected vehicles. In the event of a crash, these inflators may not deploy as expected, increasing the likelihood of injury to vehicle occupants.

Timeline of Events

From September 2017 through May 2018, following up on a prior air bag inflator mis-installation recall, Honda began a series of meetings, dealer visits, training courses, workshops and supplemental job aids aimed at educating service technicians and avoiding incorrect air bag inflator installations during future recall actions. As a result of this initiative, additional mis-installations were identified, and Honda submitted a defect information report to NHTSA on April 26, 2018 to address the situation.

Honda and NHTSA met Sept. 19, 2018 to review the audit results of inflator repairs performed at certain dealerships and to decide on a solution. The automaker agreed to expand the recall to include the known population of potentially affected vehicles as well as to audit the repairs that had been done by service technicians who were no longer employed by Honda or Acura dealerships before May 2018.

On Sept. 20, Honda decided that a motor vehicle safety defect existed, launching a safety recall expansion for the preceding NHTSA 18V-268 action. The automaker also submitted an amended defect information report for that recall on Sept. 27 and conducted a nationwide audit from September 2018 to April 2019 on the repair workmanship of the affected vehicles. This newest audit would focus on the involvement of service technicians who were no longer employed by Acura or Honda dealerships prior to May 2018.

Honda gave NHTSA an update on the audit progress April 23. Consequently, the automaker decided May 9 to conduct a safety recall. As of that date, no field reports, warranty claims or reports of injuries or deaths related to this issue had been received by Honda.

The Solution

A recall is expected to begin June 28, 2019. Honda will inform all vehicle owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, as needed, replace the front passenger air bag module assembly at no cost to the owners of the affected vehicles.

Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V378000.

Sean ReyesHonda Recalls 2006-2015 Vehicles For Improperly Installed Air Bag Inflator

Ford Recalls 2019 Ranger Vehicles For Transmission Defects

Laguna Hills, CA – May 28, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2019 Ranger pickup trucks because the transmission may unexpectedly switch to a different gear from what the shift lever indicates, and if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the truck, the vehicle may roll. As many as 2,534 vehicles may be affected by these issues.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this matter, the fasteners attaching the transmission shifter cable bracket to the transmission may come loose, resulting in the vehicle being in a gear different from that which is indicated by the gearshift lever’s position. When the transmission gear does not match what is shown by the lever, the vehicle could move in an unexpected direction, including rolling away while in the Park position unless the parking brake is engaged before leaving the vehicle. These problems may increase the risk of injury or crashes affecting vehicle occupants, passersby and any autos in the vicinity. 

Timeline of Events

Ford learned of the problem April 25, 2019 when two warranty reports indicated issues with vehicles not starting as well as rolling away while in Park. One report involved a vehicle in which the gear shifter was in the Park position while the instrument panel displayed Drive, resulting in the inability to start. In the other report, the vehicle did not start, did not register as being in Park and rolled when the shifter indicated Park. In both situations, the issue was attributed to loose or missing transmission shift cable bracket fasteners. Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group began an investigation upon learning of these reports.

Following a review of assembly plant records, it was discovered that a manual torque verification process had been temporarily substituted for the automated installation and torque verification for the shift cable bracket fasteners. This happened in vehicles produced between March 5 and March 13. The automaker conducted an audit of the 277 vehicles manufactured during this time frame and found four vehicles with improperly torqued transmission shift cable bracket fasteners.

Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action May 6. As of that date, the automaker was not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to these issues.    

The Solution

A recall is expected to begin July 1, 2019. Ford will inform owners, instructing them to bring affected vehicles back to the dealership for repair. Dealers will inspect and tighten the transmission shift cable bracket fasteners as needed. They will also verify the proper transmission shift operation, at no cost to owners.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S15. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to the NHTSA’s www.safercar.gov website. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V366000.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls 2019 Ranger Vehicles For Transmission Defects

BMW Recalls 2016-2019 Vehicles Because of Impact Protection Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – May 18, 2019 – BMW of North America is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles because of an issue involving crash impact protection. If an accident were to occur in which the occupant’s head comes into contact with the B-pillar, the pillar may not sufficiently absorb the impact, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or death. As many as 106,182 vehicles may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, inadequate impact protection surrounding the affected vehicles’ B-pillar could lead to a greater risk of injury if an occupant’s head were to contact the pillar during a crash. Because of this issue, the vehicles do not comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, “Occupant Protection in Interior Impact.”

Timeline of Events

BMW conducted development tests in January 2019 on its next-generation X1 model. The results showed that one of the B-pillar target points exceeded the recommended value, indicating a safety issue. Since the new generation of X1 models are identical to the current X1 version now on the road, the automaker decided to revisit its prior certification results, finding that those earlier tests came out within the legal requirements for the B-pillar values. BMW then conducted further review of the discrepancies between the two versions.

Further tests were conducted April 3, showing that one of the B-pillar values still exceeded the recommendation. In response, additional reviews of test setup equipment and simulations took place in April, followed by evaluation from an independent testing laboratory. The lab repeated BMW’s earlier tests, coming up with similar results. 

Engineering analysis by the automaker then revealed that the engineering services company that had conducted the initial tests and simulations for the new generation X1 vehicles’ B-pillar contact point had failed to take into account a worst-case scenario for head-form positioning. As a result, BMW decided May 2 to launch a voluntary recall.

The Solution

The recall is expected to begin July 2, 2019. A repair solution is still under development. When the remedy becomes available, BMW will notify owners.

Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to the www.safercar.gov website. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V349000.

Sean ReyesBMW Recalls 2016-2019 Vehicles Because of Impact Protection Issue

Ford Recalls 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Because Of Transmission Defect

November 18, 2021 Update – Ford Motor Company has remedied transmission issues in 145,065 Ford models such as the 2016 Ford Fusion. 12,640 Ford Fusion models have been deemed unreachable with 26 additional models being removed from the recall.

Laguna Hills, CA – May 18, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.5 liter engines because a transmission defect could allow the driver to shift into Park and remove the ignition key while the vehicle may still be in gear. This mirrors a previous 2019 recall of the Ford Ranger due to automatic transmission issues. If this happens, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll away from its parked position, increasing the chance of an accident. As many as 259,182 vehicles may be affected. 

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the transmission shifter cable bushing may deteriorate over time, causing it to disconnect from the transmission. When this happens, if the driver shifts into Park, the vehicle could still be in gear even after the key is removed. This could lead to the vehicle unexpectedly moving or rolling away, potentially resulting in a crash. This issue has occured before in a 2019 recall of 2011-2013 Ford F-150 faulty automatic transmissions.

Timeline of Events

Ford first addressed the “roll and park” issue July 2018 in a field action involving certain 2013-16 Fusion and 2013-14 Escape vehicles that had missing or damaged shift cable bushings. In one part of the vehicle population affected by the defect, the cause was traced to a transmission grease that was not compatible with the bushing material; in the other trucks, the automaker could not find any root cause.

Following the first field-service action, Ford continued to investigate the origin of the defect, monitoring field data on vehicles not included in the original field action. From Aug. 2018 to April 2019, the automaker held periodic reviews of the matter, sharing results of its tests and internal investigations on an ongoing basis.

From April to May, Ford’s continuing investigation embraced powertrain package studies, part return engineering analysis, material robustness testing to under-hood fluids and analysis of updated field data. As a result, the automaker determined that the shifter cable bushing in the affected vehicles was performing differently than in other Ford powertrains. Consequently, Ford’s Field Review Committee decided May 13 to approve a field action.

The Solution

The recall is expected to begin May 28, 2019. A solution for the problem is still under development. Until repairs can be made, vehicle owners are advised to use the parking brake after shifting into Park to prevent roll-away. When a remedy is finalized, the automaker will contact vehicle owners.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19S16. This recall is an expansion of 18V471. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to the www.safercar.gov website. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V362000.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford 2019 recall includes over 250,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls 2013-2016 Fusion Vehicles Because Of Transmission Defect

Chrysler Recalls 2017 – 2019 Pacifica Vehicles With Battery Issue

January 3, 2022 Update – Chrysler has remedied issues with 171,465 models of the 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica dealing with ground connection issues. Additionally, 1,152 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 1,187 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of Chrysler Pacifica models were remedied in 2019, and Three more were remedied in 2020 due to Engine Stall or Loss of Power Steering Assist caused by these ground connection failures.

Laguna Hills, CA – May 18, 2019 – Chrysler is recalling certain 2017 – 2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with stop/start systems. A loose battery to ground connection may lead to an occasional loss of power steering assist as well as intermittent stalling.

If this happens, there is a greater chance of a crash. As many as 198,731 vehicles could be affected by this problem. It’s not the first time that these 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have had problems with defective batteries.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the affected vehicles could have a loose connection between battery and ground, which may cause the driver to lose power steering or even experience stalling of the vehicle.

Either of these situations could result in a crash that, added to reports of defective seat belts found on 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica models, could result in even more serious accidents.

Timeline of events

Chrysler’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance office received field study reports January 23, 2019 of 14 vehicles experiencing power steering problems potentially caused by loose ground connections. A similar issue to the 2019 recall when over 150,000 Chrysler RAM 1500 DT vehicles had ground connection issues due to manufacturing faults.

Chrysler began investigating the issue between February and March, examining field and warranty data.

The automaker’s engineering and manufacturing experts determined in April that the wire harness manufacturing process may have deposited sealer on the harness tab, leading to an accumulation that could eventually cause a loss of clamp load over a period of time.

When that happens, intermittent electrical connection could result.

As of April 26, Chrysler had received several complaints and field reports concerning this issue, but said that it was unaware of any related accidents or injuries.

Consequently, the automaker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee decided May 2 to launch a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The solution

The recall is expected to begin June 28, 2019. Chrysler will notify owners, informing them to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership, so that dealers can inspect battery ground surfaces, clean contacts as required and correctly reassemble the ground connection, at no cost to owners.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V348000.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 195,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls 2017 – 2019 Pacifica Vehicles With Battery Issue

Chrysler Recalls 2015-17 Ram Pickup Trucks Because of Tailgate Latching Failure

Laguna Hills, CA – May 18, 2019 – Chrysler is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks that have an 8-foot truck bed and a power-locking tailgate, as well as 2018 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks built before April 1, 2018 that are equipped with the latter of those two attributes. The tailgate actuator limiter tab in these vehicles may be subject to fracturing, which could lead to the tailgate unexpectedly unlatching and opening while driving. As many as 410,351 vehicles may be affected by the failure of this tailgate latching mechanism. 

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the affected vehicles have an actuator limiter tab that may fracture and cause the tailgate to pop open while driving. If this were to happen, cargo could unexpectedly fall out of the vehicle, creating a road hazard and potentially causing an accident or crash, leading to injuries.

Timeline of Events

Chrysler, through its Vehicle Regulations Committee, decided July 19, 2018 to conduct a voluntary safety recall of certain 2015-2017 Ram pickup trucks equipped with a power-locking tailgate – except for vehicles that also had an 8-foot truck bed.

From July 2018 to April 2019, the automaker monitored trucks that hadn’t been included in this first recall, looking for field incidents involving tailgates unexpectedly falling open while the vehicles were in motion or standing still. By April 29, Chrysler had received numerous complaints, warranty claims, repair orders and vehicle owner questionnaires potentially related to this issue, although it was not aware of any injuries or accidents resulting from the tailgate latch failure.

As a result, Chrysler decided May 2 to launch a voluntary safety recall for all affected vehicles.   

The Solution

The recall is expected to start June 28, 2019. Chrysler will notify owners to bring their vehicles to the nearest dealership. Dealers will repair the tailgate latch at no cost to the owners. The remedy for this item is designed to put a limit on the locking actuator’s travel, not permitting the pivot arm to over-travel and pull on the locking/unlocking rods.

Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V44. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V347000.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls 2015-17 Ram Pickup Trucks Because of Tailgate Latching Failure