US government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

Washington, D.C. – June 4, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine if Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) will be required to recall 4,849 for Ferrari 458 issues involving leaking fuel.

The leak can lead to a fire, greatly increasing the risk of bodily injury and property damage. The potentially affected cars include the following:

  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458
  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2013 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
  • 2014 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2012 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider

Summary  

The regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on May 17, after receiving three complaints that described fuel leaking out of the car’s capless fuel filler. In contrast to many other cars, these Ferraris use capless fuel fillers that use self-closing flaps instead of the more traditional gas tank cap.

In the three incidents above, the leak resulted from the damage to the fuel filler. This could in turn allow fuel to slosh out during left turns, according to NHTSA.

Preliminary phase

The investigation is currently in its preliminary phase. If NHTSA finds information that “suggest[s] that a safety defect may exist,”  it will proceed with the so-called engineering analysis, which may result in a recall.

When and if this would occur is not clear at this point.

Risks

While NHTSA has not yet outlined the safety hazards in their investigation, fuel leaks pose a serious fire risk. Fuel is highly flammable and exposure to heat or sparks could cause it to ignite, possibly causing a car fire. 

For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to our recent article about a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recall.

Will your vehicle be part of a Ferrari recall?

Over 4,800 cars are part of this Ferrari investigation, but it is not yet known if they will be recalled. In the meantime, check for any other open recalls on your Ferrari 458 using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

Nissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

Franklin, TN – June 3, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 24,140 Armada and Infiniti QX80 vehicles with faulty fuel pumps.  The fuel pump issues can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Nissan Armada
  • 2021 Nissan Armada
  • 2020 Infiniti QX80
  • 2021 Infiniti QX80

The recall only includes units equipped with V8 engines. The affected part is the fuel pump module; part number A7040-3ZD0B.

Recall summary

The recall stems from an issue with the impeller similar to that seen with some 2012 Honda and Acura models, which is a disc that draws fuel from the tank and directs it to the fuel pump. As a result of a supplier error, the impeller can swell and cause the fuel pump to “bind internally.”  This can disrupt the flow of fuel to the engine and result in the car stalling while driving.

There have been no incidents caused by this issue in the U.S., according to Nissan.

Risks

A fuel pump failure while driving will cause a vehicle to abruptly lose power, increasing the likelihood of being rear-ended by another vehicle.

If the system fails while the vehicle is immobile, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Warning signs and safety tips

The manufacturer says there are no warnings before a stall. However, generally speaking, a faulty fuel pump can manifest in a number of ways, such as the engine sputtering at high speeds or a drop in the gas mileage.

The “check engine” light may also come on. In case you experience any of the above signs while driving, calmly maneuver your car to the side of the road and contact roadside assistance.

Other Nissan and Infiniti recalls

Back in April, Nissan issued a recall for the 2021 Infiniti Q50 and Q60 sedans that also faced a potential stalling problem. However, that was related to a software issue and bears no connection to this recall. The Nissan Armada 2021 is not subject to any other recalls.

In September 2019, Nissan recalled several models including the 2018-2019 Nissan Armada due to Improper programming that potentially affects the back-up camera display. This recall included more than 1,200,000 automobiles.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected fuel pump module, free of charge. Owners will be sent a letter with more information on July 20. However, it is not clear when the repairs will be performed.

No U.S. drivers had come forward with EPS-related problems. Even so, the stateside Hyundai division chose to initiate a voluntary recall March 24. Dealers were notified March 31.

The Solution

Hyundai Motor America has ordered dealers to replace defective EPS motors in affected vehicles. This particular part falls under the original factory warranty, which covers the EPS system and other components for five years or 60,000 miles. Therefore, owners should not incur expenses when taking their vehicles in for service. The automaker intends to notify affected Elantra owners via first-class mail by April 28.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 24,000 Nissan vehicles have been affected by this Nissan recall. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoNissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering

Washington, D.C. – June 2, 2021 – An arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) after reports that certain 2013-2015 Honda Accords are experiencing sudden steering failure, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.  Up to 1,120,470 vehicles are potentially affected.

The investigation could eventually lead to a Honda Accord recall, but it is unclear when and if this would begin.

The investigation 

The regulator, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the investigation on May 6, after reviewing a total of 32 complaints of steering failure in 2013-2015 Accords. The complaints indicate that the cars may “veer or jerk out of the intended path of travel,” without any input from the driver or warning signs. 

Background of the investigation

The investigation comes on the heels of a petition by Terrie Haggey, a 2013 Honda Accord driver who petitioned NHTSA to look into an “alarming pattern of power steering failures.”  The related repairs are currently not covered under Honda’s current warranty policy. 

In response to Haggey’s request, NHTSA asked Honda to provide additional information and found out that there have been 77 instances of power steering failure stemming from this issue. The agency is currently conducting engineering analysis, a stage of the investigation process that may result in a recall. 

If a recall is initiated, any necessary repairs will be free for drivers.

Terrifying driver experiences

Drivers have been narrating their personal experiences related to this issue since at least 2018. According to one complaint, a driver “collided with the guard wall” after being unable to control the car, which veered “in and out of lanes sharply” on its volition. The driver suffered physical injuries and continues to be haunted by the accident. “Worst of all,” the complaint letter stated, “I suffer from nightmares and I have difficulty sleeping.” 

Another person observed the steering wheel turning “really fast on its own to the left” when they let go of it.

Crashes and injuries

According to NHTSA, the “phantom steering wheel” has so far led to at least two crashes and several injuries.

Previous investigation

Starting in November 2014, NHTSA led a separate investigation of the 2013 Honda Accord over reports of power steering failure, with some reports also describing the steering wheel jerking left or right, veering off-course. That investigation, however, did not result in the 2013 Honda Accord recall as NHTSA deemed that the steering failures were “rare” and that the rate of failures was declining. 

Recent Honda Accord recalls

In December, over 235,000 2013-2015 Honda Accords were subject to a different recall due to a potential loss of power.  It is not clear if the recall included 2013 Honda Accord Sport, 2013 Honda Accord Coupe, 2013 Honda Accord EX L.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.1 million vehicles may become part of this recall. Bookmark our free vehicle lookup tool to check back later, or use it now to see if there are any other recalls on your vehicle that need to be repaired.

Rebecca Rand‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering