Ken

Ken Boyd is a five-time Dummies book author, including Accounting All-In-One for Dummies, and a frequent contributor at QuickBooks.

Ford Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

Ford Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue

December 17, 2020 Ken Boyd

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 15,587 vehicles with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. A support bracket – which connects the engine to the front drive axle – may fail, and the driver may lose control of the vehicle. The recall includes:

  •  2014-2016 Ford Explorer SUVs
  •  2014-2015 Ford Taurus sedans
  •  2014-2016 Ford Edge SUVs

However, a Ford press release from November 13 mentions that the 2016 Taurus is also part of the recall and that only 2014 Edge SUVs are included. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear.

Recall summary  

Due to a design error, the bracket may not withstand the vehicle’s normal vibration. This could cause the bracket to crack. Because the bracket connects the engine to the front axle – which transmits the power from the vehicle to its wheels – this defect can cause a loss of “motive power” or “park function.”

Other Ford Explorer, Edge and Taurus recalls

There are several Ford Explorer recalls outstanding. In November, 2013-2017 Explorers were recalled for the third time due to a faulty suspension, as reported. 2020 Explorer SUVs and Edge SUVs were also recalled in September due to rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image, also as reported.

2015-2018 Ford Edge cars were recalled for leaking brake fluid  in August, while Ford Taurus sedans were subject to a recall in February due to toe link problems.

Risks 

Drivers in the recalled cars face a number of risks:

  • If the vehicle does not stay in park, the unexpected movement may cause a rollaway incident or an accident. The vehicle may roll into a person, another vehicle or a traffic lane.
  • A loss of power may prevent a driver from accelerating to merge into traffic and cause an accident.
  • Damage to other component parts may also cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to an accident.

If the link shaft brackets cracks, drivers may notice “grinding, banging or clicking noise from the driveline” while driving, according to NHTSA.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the link shaft bracket. The repair is free of charge, but the parts are not currently available. Ford sent owners an interim notification which explained the recall on November 30, 2020. Each owner will receive a second notification when parts are available for the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,500 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord Explorers, Edges, and Tauruses recalled for bracket failure issue
Jeep Grand Cherokees recalled for engine cooler issue

Jeep Grand Cherokees recalled for engine cooler issue

December 14, 2020 Ken Boyd , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 14, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 28,884 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with 3.0L EcoDiesel engines and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler. The cooler may crack and release coolant that may cause an engine fire. The recall includes 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.

Recall summary  

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler is a car part designed to absorb heat to reduce emissions from an engine. Due to a supplier error, the recalled vehicles are prone to “thermal fatigue,” which may cause coolers in them to crack.

Vaporized coolant can then flow through the crack and into the EGR system while the engine is running. There it may interact with hydrocarbons and air in an area called the intake manifold, which forms part of the engine. This may lead to an engine fire.

This is not the first time Chrysler’s cars are having issues with EGR coolers. In 2019, Chrysler recalled a number of Ram 1500 trucks for the same EGR cooler issue. This past August a number of owners filed a class action lawsuit, alleging that the manufacturer “botched” the recall, not making enough parts available for replacement.

Risks 

Vehicle fires are not uncommon. It is estimated that 212,500 vehicle fires occurred in 2018, causing 560 deaths, 1,500 injuries and $1.9 billion in property damage. If the EGR cooler issues cause a fire, the driver will receive very little warning. If you suspect that there is a fire in your engine compartment, pull over, turn off the vehicle, move all occupants out and away from it and call 911.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the EGR cooler. They will also inspect the intake manifold and replace that as well if necessary. The repair is free of charge. This Jeep Grand Cherokee recall is expected to begin on December 31, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 28,000 vehicles are included in this Jeep Cherokee recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydJeep Grand Cherokees recalled for engine cooler issue

General Motors vehicles recalled for potential fuel leaks

December 9, 2020 Ken Boyd , , , ,

Warren, MI– December 10, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 194,105 vehicles due to missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator end cap. The missing bolts may result in a transmission oil leak, a loss of vehicle power or an engine fire. This General Motors (GM) recall includes:

  • 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze sedans
  • 2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse sedans
  • 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs
  • 2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse SUVs
  • 2018-2020 GMC Terrain SUVs
  • 2018 Chevrolet Malibu sedans
  • 2019-2020 Buick Encore SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Buick Enclave SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Cadillac XT4 SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer SUVs
  • 2019-2020 GMC Acadia SUVs
  • 2020 Cadillac XT6 sedans

Recall summary  

Your vehicle’s transmission is designed to transfer engine power to the driveshaft. The start-stop accumulator shuts down the engine when it is not in use to achieve better fuel economy and cut down on emissions.

Each start-stop transmission accumulator is attached using four bolts. In the case of the recalled vehicles, due to a supplier software error, two of the required bolts are missing. 

Risks 

Missing bolts can create a number of issues:

  • Transmission oil leak: A leak may damage other engine parts, and driving the vehicle without the proper amount of oil or transmission fluid may damage the engine.
  • Loss of vehicle power: A loss of power may prevent the driver from accelerating into a busy road or onto a highway, increasing the risk of an accident. A power loss may also reduce the driver’s ability to speed up to avoid an accident. Finally, the vehicle may slow down on its own until it comes to a complete stop, increasing the risk of being struck by another vehicle coming up from behind.
  • Increased risk of fire: A fire can injure the vehicle occupants, or cause the driver to lose control and cause an accident. This article explains what you should do if you believe your vehicle is on fire.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to check the start-stop accumulator end cap and determine if any bolts are missing. If they are, the dealer will replace the end cap at no cost to the owner. GM expects the recall to begin on December 14, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM oil leak recall includes over 194,000 vehicles. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydGeneral Motors vehicles recalled for potential fuel leaks
Volkswagen 2018 Tiguans recalled for potential seat belt tear

Volkswagen 2018 Tiguans recalled for potential seat belt tear

December 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Auburn Hills, MI – December 9, 2020 – Volkswagen Group (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 10,835 vehicles, due to an issue with the front seat belts. If a crash occurs, a seat belt’s webbing may tear, and the belt will not properly restrain the occupant.This Volkswagen (VW) recall includes certain 2018 Tiguan LWB SUVs.

Recall summary  

A seat belt tear (referred to by Volkswagen as a rupture) was initially noted during tests performed by the NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) in December 2017. 

  • During each test, the vehicle was driven at 35 mph into a full frontal impact, and the front driver side seat belt ruptured. 
  • The seat belt webbing separated completely in the area of the seat belt latch.

In 2020, Volkswagen ran a series of tests but could not determine the root cause of the seat belt issue uncovered by NHTSA. Despite that, VW recalled the vehicles “out of abundance of caution.” Vehicles that are being recalled may have received seat belts from the same production lot used in the NHTSA test.

Risks 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “[m]otor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among those aged 1-54 in the U.S.” More than half of the fatalities in people aged 13-44 years occurred when they were not buckled into a seat belt. 

If a seat belt malfunctions and does not restrain the occupant, the individual may be injured inside of the car or thrown from the vehicle.

The repair

To fix this potential 2018 Tiguan problem, dealers will replace front seat belts with seat belts from a different production lot. The repair is free of charge. Volkswagen expects the recall to begin on January 19, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,800 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen 2018 Tiguans recalled for potential seat belt tear
Mercedes GLE-class SUVs recalled for faulty seat belt design

Mercedes GLE-class SUVs recalled for faulty seat belt design

December 7, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – December 4, 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) has recalled 55,326 Mercedes vehicles, due to an issue with the middle seat belt buckle. The seat belt buckle may be pushed down below the seat cushion if the buckle is fastened using only one hand. A passenger who cannot access a seatbelt and rides unrestrained is at a greater risk of injury. This Mercedes-Benz recall includes:

  • 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 SUVs
  • 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 SUVs
  • 2020 Mercedes- Benz GLE580 SUVs
  • 2020 – 2021  Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUVs
  • 2020 – 2021  Mercedes-Benz GLE450 SUVs

Recall summary  

The middle seat in the second row is designed with a double-buckle configuration. The design of the seat belt buckle and the seat cushion may cause the buckle to be pushed down into a gap below the seat cushion. This issue may occur when the seat belt is buckled with one hand or is otherwise pushed firmly down. The driver will not be notified the seat belt is unavailable to  the middle-seat occupant.

In 2019, nine owners brought vehicles to Mercedes dealers to remove the seat belt buckle from underneath the seat cushion. In that same year, the manufacturer conducted a recall for 20 different 2018-2019 models. In that case, the cars’ software failed to recognize that the seat belts were latched, leading to a potential malfunction of other systems.

Risks 

If an occupant is not properly restrained, the individual has a much higher risk of injury if a crash occurs. Seat belts are a major factor in passenger safety. It is estimated that seat belt use saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the middle seat belt and “additionally secure” it in place, so that it can no longer be pushed below the seat cushion. The repair is free of charge.  Mercedes expects the recall to begin December 29.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 55,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes GLE-class SUVs recalled for faulty seat belt design
General Motors issues another round of recalls for brake assist system

General Motors issues another round of recalls for brake assist system

November 25, 2020 Ken Boyd , , ,

Pleasanton, CA – November 25, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 14,620 vehicles that operate with either 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines. In each case, the power of the mechanical vacuum pump  – which helps the engine with several key functions, including braking – may decrease. This may negatively affect the brake assist system. The recall includes:

  • 2018  Cadillac Escalade sedans
  • 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
  • 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs
  • 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
  • 2018 GMC Yukon SUVs

Recall summary  

Among other functions, the mechanical vacuum pump provides power to the brake assist system. Due to a design error that was not addressed during a previous recall of the vacuum pump in the power assist brakes last year, essentially “the output” of the pump can drop over time, making the power brake assist system less effective.

There are several factors that alert the driver to the brake assist issue:

  • The brake pedal may vibrate when the driver applies the brakes
  • Braking requires more effort
  • A ticking sound is emitted from the engine compartment when the brakes are applied
  • The driver may see a “Service Brake” message pop up on the dash

Risks 

If the brake assist is not operating correctly, the driver must press on the brake pedal with more effort and depress it further to be able to stop the vehicle.

This change in braking ability increases the risk of a crash. Drivers may not be able to brake quickly enough to slow or stop the vehicle. GM notes that the problem is more apparent at low speeds when a driver applies soft pressure to the brakes.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the Electronic Brake Control Module and reprogram the system. The recall is free of charge and began on November 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydGeneral Motors issues another round of recalls for brake assist system
Ford recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues

Ford recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues

November 23, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – January 28, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 6,185 super-duty trucks including the F-250 Super Duty that had failures with the front drive axle. Additionally, 118 of these vehicles have been categorized as unreachable. One group of these Super Duty models with the front axle improperly welded were remedied in 2020 and three more groups were remedied in 2021. 

Pleasanton, CA – November 23, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 9,628 Ford 4X4 trucks. The front axles may not be properly welded to the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash. Axles are responsible for transmitting the power from the vehicle to the wheels, which is what propels the car forward. Front axles in particular also help with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. As such, having a malfunctioning axis greatly increases the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

A Ford supplier used “non-conforming parts” to assemble the front axle and subsequently welded them incorrectly.

This is at least the second recall that Ford issued because of axle problems for this particular model and year. In October 2019, the manufacturer asked nearly 30,000 drivers of the 2019 F-250s and F-350s to take their cars in for repair because the rear axles were prone to fracture.

These same trucks are also subject to a 2019 California class-action lawsuit, alleging that their suspension and steering problem made the F-250s and F-350s prone to a “death wobble,”  or “violent shaking” at higher speeds when traveling on uneven surfaces. The lawsuit was partially dismissed in early November.

The recall includes 2019 Ford F-250 and F-350 super-duty trucks and concerns F250/350 Front Axle Assembly. The part number is JC34-3002-TB/DB/EB/FB.

Warning signs

Here are some signs that your car’s axle may be broken or is not welded properly:

  • An unusual noise when you turn or put the car into gear
  • Wobbling or vibration especially in the wheel area
  • Brake malfunction
  • Car fails to move

It is unsafe to continue driving the car with a broken or misaligned axle and you should take the car to the shop as soon as possible.

Risks 

If the axle is not properly welded to the vehicle, it may break, causing you to lose control of the car and get into an accident. If the axle breaks, you may feel the truck get pulled to the left or the right or find that steering becomes more difficult. The effects can be more pronounced if the axle failure occurs when you brake hard.  

Other F-350 Super Duty Trucks recalls

In March 2021, Ford Motor Company recalled several F-350 Super Duty Trucks, due to incorrect information on labels in the vehicles, which may increase the risk of a crash.

In September 2021, Ford announced a recall for several Ford Super Duty F-350 pickups due to the risk of the vehicles stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. A driveshaft that disconnects can lead to a loss of power while driving.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the front axle of the truck and confirm if the welding was performed correctly. If not, the axle assembly will be replaced. The repair is free of charge and the recall was expected to begin on October 15, 2020.

Ford estimates that the repair will be completed in less than two days. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,500 vehicles are included in this Ford truck recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues
Volkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue

Volkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue

November 19, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 109,627 2022 Volkswagen Jetta that were dealing with fuel leak issues caused by a manufacturing error. Additionally, 3,100 of these 2017 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles have been declared unreachable and 35 have been removed from the recall. In total Volkswagen remedied the manufacturing error that may cause the fuel rail bolts to loosen provoking a fuel leak in one group all during 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – November 19, 2020 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 218,192 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles, due to a manufacturing error that may cause a fuel leak. The recall includes 2016-2018 Volkswagen Jetta sedans.

Recall summary  

A fuel rail is a high-pressure tube that delivers fuel to the vehicle’s fuel injectors. In recalled cars, the bolts that secure the fuel rail are not properly tightened. That can cause them to loosen over time, which can result in a leak.

Risks 

A fuel leak may cause a fire, particularly if it occurs near the sedan’s ignition source. When a leak takes place, drivers may notice fuel leaking from the engine compartment or smell a fuel odor.

A vehicle fire creates a tremendous safety risk for sedan occupants, other drivers and pedestrians. In 2017, for example, vehicle fires were the second most fatal after residential fires, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration.

What to do in the event of a vehicle fire

If you suspect that an engine fire is occurring, follow these important steps.

If other people attempt to approach the sedan, warn them to stay away until first responders arrive. Do not attempt to remove any items from the car before exiting. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the fuel rail and the fuel rail bolts. Both of these parts will be replaced, if necessary. The repair is free of charge and Volkswagen expects the recall to begin on December 20, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 218,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen Jetta recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue
Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

November 13, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 24, 2020 – Tata Motors Limited (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 11,159 Range Rover Sport vehicles that do not properly warn the driver when the tire pressure is low. Low tire pressure may cause tread separation and increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

Range Rover Sport vehicles with 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch wheels have a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Here is how the monitoring system should work:

  • Each tire manufacturer lists an inflation pressure level that should be maintained in the tire.
  • When the tire pressure reaches 25% below the recommended pressure level, the TMPS warning light should come on in the instrument panel.
  • This light alerts the driver to check the tire pressure and inflate the tire to the proper minimum level.

In recalled vehicles, the tire pressure level has not been set correctly in the instrument cluster. Drivers are not notified when a tire’s pressure is too low for safe driving.

Risks 

Underinflated tires are a common problem that reduce fuel economy and can become dangerous if the tire tread  – which is the rubber part of the tire that makes contact with the road – separates  from the body of the tire.  The separation can cause a tire blowout, which can result in the driver losing control of the car and crashing, especially when moving at high speeds. Tire-related crashes killed over 700 people in 2017, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What to do in the event of a blowout

As the tire bursts, the driver may hear a loud boom and be pulled to one side. 

Here is what to do if it happens:

  • Maintain composure. Don’t try to suddenly break, turn or pull over. Any of these actions can cause the car to spin out of control.
  • Turn your emergency lights on.
  • Try to regain control by gently stepping on the gas and steering straight.
  • Once you feel you have more control, let go of gas and let the car slow down.
  • Once the speed drops below 30 mph, pump the brakes and try to pull over.
  • Call for help.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to update the instrument cluster software, so that the TPMS operates correctly. Land Rover will notify owners by November 13  but it is not clear if the update will be available by then.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,000 vehicles are included in this Range Rover Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydRange Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue
Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

November 12, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – October 9 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) has recalled 12,799 Mercedes-Benz SUVs that operate with an optional star logo in the front grill. The electrical ground connection that illuminates the logo may be installed incorrectly and may affect other components of the electrical system. If the components do not operate correctly, the risk of a crash increases. The recall includes the following mid-size luxury SUV models:

  • 2020 GLE 350 
  • 2020 GLE 450 
  • 2020 GLE 580
  • 2020 GLS 450 
  • 2020 GLS 580 

Recall summary  

The star logo shares an electrical ground connection with the power steering control unit, wiper motor and the left headlamp. If the connection is not installed correctly, all of the components may malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers are alerted to a malfunction by audible and visual warnings in the instrument panel.

Risks 

The potential electrical component failures present a number of risks to drivers:

  • A driver may lose control of the vehicle, if the power steering system fails. If a failure occurs, turn on your emergency lights, reduce the speed gradually and find a safe place to pull over.
  • A loss of wiper power can obstruct the driver’s view in heavy snow or rain.
  • The loss of a headlight can lead to an accident, given the limited visibility.

In each case, you should pull over as soon as it is safe  to prevent an accident.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will need to relocate the faulty ground wire connection, so that the components operate correctly. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on December 8, 2020. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 12,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes SUV recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue
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