Dodge Viper air bags may deploy unexpectedly

Dodge Viper air bags may deploy unexpectedly

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US is recalling certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper vehicles. Affected vehicles may deploy their air bags  and/or seat belt pretensioners without warning due to a defect in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC). 

The potential number of vehicles affected is 3329.

The Defect

The Occupant Restraint Control, which was made for Chrysler by ZF (TRW), may inadvertently deploy the vehicle’s air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners. The unexpected deployment of either air bags or seat belt pretensioners may cause injury or a vehicle crash. In addition, the defect may cause increased the risk of an accident because the air bag warning light may not precede an inadvertent deployment of the air bag or the seat belt pretensioners.   

The defect occurred in vehicles that were manufactured from May 18, 2004, when production of the 2005 MY Dodge Viper began, until August 28, 2006, when production ended. FCA used vehicle production records to identify affected vehicles. 

Timeline Of Events

On January 27, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) informed the National Highway Transportation Administration that they would be doing a voluntary recall of certain 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2003-2004 MY Dodge Viper vehicles. Each of the models had an issue with the Occupant Restraint Control, which was replaced in the affected vehicles. On January 28, 2019, an Occupant Restraint Control issue also occurred on a 2005 MY Dodge Viper in the field. The incident involved both passenger and driver air bags deploying without warning or an accident. The incident was reported as a Customer Assistance Inquiry Record (CAIR) by Fiat Chrysler. On October 2, 2019, Chrysler participated in an inspection of the reported vehicle that showed electrical overstress to one of the application specific integrated circuits controlling the air bag squibs, the same issue that occurred in Chrysler’s 2015 recall.

On December 5, 2019, Fiat Chrysler US’s Vehicle Regulations Committee decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is aware of one injury that was related to the issue.       

The Solution

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is conducting a voluntary safety recall to replace the Occupant Restraint Control in all affected vehicles.The current model of ORC will be replaced with a new one that uses the next generation of electrical architecture and does not have a history of unexpected air bag deployment.

According to Fiat Chrysler, both dealers and owners will be notified either on or around January 31, 2020. Owners should take their vehicles to a certified Fiat Chrysler dealer. Owners of recalled vehicles can seek reimbursement from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. To ensure a smooth reimbursement process, FCA requests that owners send in either an original receipt or another adequate proof of payment. FCA will make this request formally in their recall letters to owners.   

Dealers are required by federal law to complete the recall service on vehicles that are still in the dealer’s new vehicle inventory. Failure to do so could result in a  $21,000 civil penalty for each incomplete vehicle. A stop sale is currently in effect. 

Owners can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safecar.gov.

Sean ReyesDodge Viper air bags may deploy unexpectedly
New Toyota vehicles recalled for seat belt issues

New Toyota vehicles recalled for seat belt issues

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Plano, TX – January 4, 2022 – Toyota has remedied issues on 7,693 vehicles, including the 2020 Corolla and the 2020 Toyota C-HR with a rear seat belt malfunction. In addition, 179 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and none were removed from the recall. Four groups of 2020 Toyota Corolla models were remedied in 2020 and two were remedied in 2021, for presenting these issues where the rear seat belt assemblies may not lock as intended.

In 2020, Nissan recalled certain 2020 Infiniti Q60 vehicles for similar issues with the rear seat belt that will not lock properly in the event of a crash.

Laguna Hills, Calif. – Dec. 26, 2019 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR, 2020 Corolla, and Corolla Hybrid vehicles with rear seat belt issues. The affected vehicles are equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism that includes a seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism that may not work as expected.

The potential number of vehicles affected is 9,468.

The Defect

The defect is specific to vehicles that are equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual- mode locking mechanism. The dual- mode locking mechanism is meant to lock the seat belt webbing. The mechanism goes into affect based on feedback from vehicle deceleration (G-sensor) and whether the seat belt webbing is pulled out quickly (webbing sensor). However, during a specific production period, which lasted from August 26, 2019, until October 10, 2019, part supplier Joyson Safety Systems used an improper adjustment while assembling a certain spring that was used in the webbing sensor locking mechanism. The spring may be installed at an incorrect position in certain affected vehicles. An incorrectly positioned spring may interfere with other components in the webbing sensor locking mechanism and cause the mechanism to not lock properly. The G-sensor will not be affected unless the vehicle has been involved in certain types of crashes. As a result of the defect, an occupant may not be restrained properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Toyota estimates that about 4% of vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism have the defect.

Timeline Of Events

On August 28, 2019, a Toyota plant team member found that a webbing sensor locking mechanism for the rear seat belt on a vehicle that was in production did not activate. The possible defect was reported to Joyson Safety Systems, who launched their own investigation. This investigation determined the cause of the defect. A review by Joyson Safety Systems of their production history also identified other recent assemblies that contained similar issues. The next day, August 29, 2019, Joyson Safety Systems was able to adjust the compression pin that was being used for the defective springs to a proper position. Further review found that the problem may have been created by an adjustment on August 19, 2019.

On December 5, 2019, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign for the affected vehicles. Toyota has determined that no Toyota Field Technical Reports or warranty claims have been filed in the United States that pertain to this specific defect.

Other 2020 Toyota Corolla Recalls

In July 2019, Toyota recalled almost 7,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brakes including the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedans and some others. By December 2021, 97% of these recalls had been remedied by Toyota.

The Solution

Owners of affected vehicles that are known to Toyota will be notified to bring their vehicles in to a certified Toyota dealer. Each dealer will be tasked with inspecting the production date of the vehicle’s rear seat belt assemblies to determine if the vehicle is affected. If the vehicle contains the defect, dealers will replace the seat belt assembly with a new one that was produced correctly. Notifications to dealers were sent on December 10, 2019. Notifications for affected owners will occur in early February 2020. For both owners and dealers, a copy of the notification will be submitted by Toyota.

Payment for all of the repairs will be paid through the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty, as all affected vehicles are within the active period of the warranty.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota recall includes more than 9,000 2020 Corolla and 2019-2020 Toyota C-HR models. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Sean ReyesNew Toyota vehicles recalled for seat belt issues
Chrysler Pacifica May Have Rearview Image Issues

Chrysler Pacifica May Have Rearview Image Issues

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hill, CA – December 27, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling certain 2018 – 2019 Pacifica vehicles. Some vehicles that feature a 8.4″ radio display, 360-degree surround view camera system and seat back video screens may display a rear view image for an entire drive cycle.

The potential number of vehicles affected 20,441.

The defect

The defective radios were placed into vehicles during production from May 1, 2018 through May 23, 2019, at which point vehicle software was updated. As a result, the affected vehicles are not in compliance with S6.2.1 and S62.2, which states that rearview images will not be displayed after the end of the “backing event.”

A “backing event” is defined by NHTSA as “an amount of time which starts when the vehicle’s direction selector is placed in reverse and ends… when the vehicle forward motion reaches a continuous duration of 10 seconds.”

Because of the defect, affected vehicles’ rearview images may stay until the drive cycle ends, which can be longer than 10 seconds. An extended rearview image display may distract the driver and possibly cause a vehicle crash.

According to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, 100% of Pacifica vehicles that feature a 8.4″ radio display, 360-degree surround view camera system and seat back video screens carry the defect.

Timeline of events

On August 12, 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ US Engineering Department notified the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization of a potential issue with rearview image display.

In November 2019, the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization confirmed the defect. Soon after, Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance determined the scope of vehicles that were potentially affected by the condition.

On December 5, 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, based on information from the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization, decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The solution

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be conducting a voluntary safety recall that will most likely begin during the First Quarter of 2020. Owners can bring their recalled vehicles into a certified Fiat Chrysler dealer, who will be charged with flashing the suspect radios with updated software.

Updated radio software should be able to return to its normal function after a “backing event.” Although the date is not determined, the recall will most likely begin January 31, 2020.

All affected customers will be reimbursed for the cost of repairs. Fiat Chrysler US is requesting that the owners of recalled vehicles send in their original receipt or other proof of payment as a form of confirmation. This process will allow the company to keep a consistent record.  

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesChrysler Pacifica May Have Rearview Image Issues
Mercedes Benz Airbags in Need of Update

Mercedes Benz Airbags in Need of Update

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 19, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2019 E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63 AMG 4MATIC Wagon and E63S AMG 4MATIC Wagon vehicles. The incorrect driver air bag and related software may have been installed.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 99.

The Defect

According to Mercedes Benz, the affected vehicles were built early in the production period and equipped with a prototype airbag hardware and software. Each of the affected vehicles was not updated by the Vehicle Processing Center before being released to the public, as is protocol. Due to the defect, drivers will not receive advanced warning when their airbags are deployed. A faulty driver air bag and software version can cause the vehicle’s restraint systems to not work during a crash, creating a greater risk of injury.

Mercedes Benz notes that vehicles outside of the recall population are fully equipped with the correct equipment and software.

Timeline of Events

Mercedes Benz developed the initial airbag modules for the new model year in September, 2018 and production of all of the affected vehicles occurred between June 20, 2018 and February 5, 2019. These early production vehicles were supposed to be updated after that time. A routine plant audit determined that the affected vehicles were released without an update. In the case of each affected model, Mercedes Benz was able to determine the recall population through production records.

Mercedes Benz decided to conduct a safety recall on November 29, 2019. The company submitted paperwork to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on December 6, 2019.

The Solution

Mercedes Benz will notify both owners and dealers of the defect. Dealers will be notified December 13, 2019, while owners will be notified February 4, 2020. The recall is voluntary for owners. Authorized Mercedes Benz dealers will replace customers’ air bags and upgrade the software so that it is certified for the 2019 model year. Because the affected vehicles are a newer model, all upgrades will be covered by warranty.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMercedes Benz Airbags in Need of Update
Mercedes Benz Recalls a Single 2020 GLE450 4MATIC Vehicle Over Issue with Third Row Headrests

Mercedes Benz Recalls a Single 2020 GLE450 4MATIC Vehicle Over Issue with Third Row Headrests

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 18, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA LLC is recalling one 2020 GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. The issue involves interior furniture being manufactured below standard. The vehicle’s third row seat headrests possess insufficient padding; in addition, the securing rod may not hold the headrest in place. These issues affect the adjusting of the headrest and the level of comfort, and may increase the risk of injury for occupants.

There is only one unit that is believed to be affected by this issue.

The Defect

The headrest issue involves one 2020 GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. This vehicle possesses third row headrests that did not meet intended manufacturing standards. These headrests are proportioned incorrectly and possess adjustment rods that do not function as intended. This affects the comfort of passengers sitting in these seats. More importantly, the headrest may not properly protect passengers in the event of automotive collisions. This increases the risk of injury and death.

Timeline of Events

On December 6, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA LLC, was made aware of an issue regarding incorrectly manufactured third row headrests. The vehicle affected by this issue was identified through production records; it was determined that the defect is limited to one vehicle in the recall population; a single GLE450 4MATIC vehicle. On December 17, Mercedes Benz released a public recall notice with the NHSTA, describing the issue and announcing a planned remedy process. The recall is expected to begin February 4 of next year.

The Solution

Mercedes Benz USA LLC will notify the owner of the identified vehicle. An authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will replace the defective third row headsets at no cost to the owner. The recall is expected to begin February 4, 2020; in the event of changes or new information, the owner will be informed. The company has not publicly released any special instructions regarding the ownership and operation of the vehicle in the meantime. Presumably, it would be advisable to not operate the vehicle in question with occupants in the third row of seats.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMercedes Benz Recalls a Single 2020 GLE450 4MATIC Vehicle Over Issue with Third Row Headrests
Subaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles

Subaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles 

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 12, 2019 – Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The issue involves the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve; the valve is at risk of separating, which causes motor oil and parts of the valve itself to flood the engine, resulting in a loss of power for the vehicle, which can occur while driving.

The potential number of units affected is estimated at 51,613.

The Defect

Subaru believes that certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester and Ascent vehicles possess this defect with the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. Due to a manufacturing error, these PCV valves are defective. While the vehicle is being operated, the PCV valve can separate, allowing motor oil into the combustion chamber that can prevent the engine from functioning. In addition, pieces of the PCV valve can make their way into the combustion chamber as well, damaging engine components and preventing the proper filtering of gases from the crankcase.

Timeline of Events

On December 2, 2019, Subaru of America discovered a defect in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve on the aforementioned vehicles. Later, on December 11, they released a recall notice notifying owners of the issue. Vehicles likely to be affected by this defect were identified by manufacturing and production records. Retailers have been sent notifications to identify and stop the sale of possibly affected vehicles in their inventory until a remedy becomes available. Official instructions state that the recall is expected to begin January 24, 2020, with instructions on the repair and remedy process having already been sent to retailers.

The Solution

Plans for the removal process of the defective PCV valves have not been finalized for consumers. Subaru recommends that owners do not operate their vehicles. Owners will be notified when repair and removal services become available for this specific issue. Dealers will review and train in the provided remedy procedures, and inspect any vehicles brought in under suspicion of possessing the defective valves. If a Subaru vehicle is found to possess this defect, it will be repaired. When the recall starts for already sold vehicles, vehicle owners will receive these repairs free of charge. Replacement and repair of these devices should only be undertaken by professional repairmen.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSubaru Recalls Certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles 
Ford Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

Ford Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 11, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The issue involves the protective casing over the vapor fuel line. The line’s protective casing is at risk of chafing through the plastic liquid fuel line over time, causing a fuel leak.

The potential number of units affected is estimated at 3,857.

The Defect

Ford believes that certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles possess the affected vapor lines. Due to a logistical error, several vehicles were stocked with an older version of the vapor line casings that were not appropriate for the parts in question. Over time, these incorrect protective casings can erode the underlying fuel line, causing fuel to leak. If this fuel comes in contact with the high temperature engine compartment, it can ignite, posing a serious danger to operators and passengers of a vehicle, as well as damaging the car itself. Leaking fuel can also interfere with the operation of other components and contribute to corrosion in the engine housing.

Timeline of Events

On December 4, 2019, Ford Motor Company discovered a defect in certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The next day, they notified all Ford and Lincoln dealers about the issue and stopped all deliveries and sales of the affected vehicles. Vehicles that had been stocked with the incorrect convolute covering were identified during the review of manufacturing plant records. Later, on December 12, they released a public recall notice regarding the issue. Instructions were provided to retailers on the proper replacement procedures for the affected fuel line covers.

The Solution

Plans for the removal and replacement process of the incorrect convolute covers have not been finalized. Ford recommends that owners do not operate their vehicles. Owners will be notified of the danger through mail regarding both the danger and when repair and removal services become available for the issue. Dealers will be provided with the necessary replacement parts. If a Ford vehicle is found to possess this protective casings, the casings will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin late in the first quarter of 2020. Owners and retailers will be notified once the recall commences.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Motor Company Recalls Certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Vehicles
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