Ken

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

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Mahwah, N.J. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled more than 8,200 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel rail assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport sport utility vehicles produced between June 19, 2018, and Dec. 28, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque sport utility vehicles produced between July 21, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 2-liter gasoline engines featuring fuel rails with end caps that do not seal properly. Consequently, gasoline and fuel vapor can leak from the fuel rails into the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. This poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Jaguar Land Rover has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel rail assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of recalled vehicles have reported smelling gas fumes during operation.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Jaguar Land Rover received three electronic quality reports from U.S. dealers detailing instances in which owners reported smelling fuel while operating their vehicles, according to an NHTSA chronology document. One EQR included comments from an engineer who had inspected an owner’s vehicle and found gasoline leaking from the fuel rail. The British automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee opened an official investigation into the matter Nov. 21, 2017.

Members of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering and Supplier Technical Assistance groups reviewed the issue and determined that a vendor evaluation was required. The Winkelmann Group, the company that provided the fuel rail assemblies, assessed its manufacturing processes and components throughout November and December 2017, and determined that the end caps used on the installed fixtures were not properly brazed. This production fault inhibited their sealing power and led to fuel leakage.

Both parties continued to evaluate the defect throughout December 2017 and January 2018. This additional inquiry involved reviews of the fuel rail pipe stock and returned fixtures from the vehicles involved in the initial reports. These assemblies showed signs of inconsistent and ineffective brazing on the internal surface area of end caps. During this time, investigators also discovered that the Winkelmann Group maintained an “uncontrolled” fuel rail annealing workflow, which resulted in variation in interior rail surfaces and affected the sealing power of the end caps. Engineers found that the parts supplier’s fuel rail leak test was not reliable, as well.

Officials from the PSCC reviewed investigation reports Jan. 9, 2018 and determined that the problematic end caps were the root cause of the fuel leakage. They also determined that end cap breakdown did not necessarily correlate to mileage or vehicle age. PSCC personnel evaluated engineering test results that showed the pressurized environment of the fuel rail exacerbated the end cap sealing issue. The PSCC eventually moved the issue to the Recall Determination Committee, which reviewed all of the data related to the investigation Jan. 12, 2018, and requested further information related to mechanics of the fuel rail end cap failure. The PSCC fulfilled this request Jan. 23, 2018.

On Jan. 25, the RDC reviewed the latest data from the PSCC and launched a voluntary safety recall. Jaguar Land Rover notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace the fuel rails in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Jaguar Land Rover intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 23, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to Jaguar Land Rover customer service personnel at (800) 637-6837. Callers should use the internal recall identification code N138. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydLand Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective tire labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects:

2014-2015 Audi S7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2015, along with

2016-2018 Audi RS7 sport sedans produced between Feb. 16, 2015, and Oct. 20, 2017.

Volkswagen estimates all of the vehicles named in the recall possess the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected models feature tire placards that list an incorrect maximum load weight of 1146 pounds instead of the correct figure, 992 pounds. These fixtures make the recalled vehicles noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states vehicles must have placards “with the vehicle capacity weight and seating designations as finally manufactured.” While relatively minor, the defect does create some risk as owners could accidentally overload their vehicles based on the incorrect information, thereby affecting maneuverability and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Volkswagen has not received field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen engineers conducted conformity of production tests in October 2017 and found that multiple recently manufactured vehicles were equipped with tires affixed with placards displaying incorrect vehicle weight information. Production staff immediately amended existing assembly processes to prevent recurrences.

In November 2017, the Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed information related to the conformity test results and initiated an investigation that concluded in January 2018. Following the inquiry, which revealed the the defective placards violated FMVSS 110, the APSC requested for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the tire labels on the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The German automaker will notify both dealers and owners April 8, 2018.

To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 180,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake transmission shift interlock modules, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles, including:

  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 13, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 24, 2018.

FCA suspects 3 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles, all of which feature column gear shifting assemblies, come with BTSI systems that prone to dysfunction after long periods of use. Specifically, the plastic housing surrounding the BTSI components swells in high temperatures and causes the locking pin to remain in open position. When this occurs, drivers are free to shift the vehicle transmission out of park without depressing the brake pedal or even switching on the car. This defect poses increases the likelihood of unintended rollaway and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, FCA has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee on Dec. 8, 2017, requested an internal investigation into vehicles produced after Dec. 31, 2016, suspecting that some may suffer from mechanical flaws. Roughly one month later, engineering personnel tested a BTSI solenoid by heating in an oven set to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The component reached 250 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes, indicating that problems could development in real-world operational environments. Soon after, members of the VRC requested insight into the production processes behind the development of the BTSI housing and pin components. FCA engineers looked into the matter and found that the fabrication process had remained consistent prior to and following Dec. 31, 2016.

The VRC continued to investigate the matter throughout January 2018, opening a nationwide field review and repair order search. The latter effort yielded three reports that referenced vehicles that suffered BTSI failure and were produced after Dec. 31, 2016. Owners reported being able to shift out of park without pressing the brake pedal or turning the ignition. On Jan. 26, 2018, the VRC found two additional field reports outlining the same issue.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the VRC decided that a voluntary safety recall was required.

The Solution

FCA is currently working on a mechanical remedy, which it will offer free of charge through an owner reimbursement program. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to the NHTSA directly using its vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydChrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 16, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 39,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake pedal switches, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles across two brands, including:

  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 20, 2017.
  • 2017 Dodge Caravan minivans produced between Aug. 7, 2017, and Sept. 18, 2017.

FCA suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain brake pedal switches prone to malfunction. In the event that these fixtures fail, shifting out of park without depressing the brake pedal becomes possible. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports connecting any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Owners operating vehicles equipped with the defective brake pedal switches have noticed that rear brake lights and interior malfunction indicator lamps illuminate continuously when failure has occurred.

Timeline of Events

Engineers conducting end-of-line production testing on Sept. 11, 2017, at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada encountered a vehicle with an out-of-position brake pedal, according to an NHTSA chronology document. The FCA engineering team immediately notified Multicraft International, the U.S.-based vendor responsible for manufacturing brake switch components. The firm immediately quarantined the potentially defective parts. FCA initiated containment protocol, requesting the staff at the Ontario facility and Toledo South Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio to set aside all brake switch parts that arrived from Multicraft.

The vendor inspected its production processes between Sept. 13, 2017, and Sept. 15, 2017, and ultimately found that the brake switches manufactured at its space in Pelahatchie, Mississippi were not properly ratcheted at the minimum required standard of seven pounds. The error occurred due to gas buildup in a plunger mold tool core and resulted in the production of between 90,000 and 180,000 out-of-specification parts.

FCA filed a Product Related Issue report for the defective brake pedal switches Oct. 8, 2017. And, on Oct. 24, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance took up the issue.

The American automaker conducted an extensive read-across investigation throughout the remainder of October and November. The inquiry revealed that the brake switch had been used across multiple models but that it did not pose a serious issue for some due to production quirks or the presence of brake system redundancies. On Dec. 8, 2017, engineering personnel conducted an internal test evaluate the impact of the defective brake switch and determined that drivers with manual vehicles could shift out of park without depressing the brake pedal. A similar test involving a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission was conducted Dec. 19, 2017, and yielded identical results.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter opted to launch a voluntary safety recall. As of Jan. 26, 2018, FCA has received two customer assistance inquiry records and five field reports related to the defective brake pedal switches.

The Solution

FCA intends to direct dealers to replace the brake pedal switches in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company will notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. They should use the internal recall reference code U09 when calling. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydChrysler recalls vehicles with defective brake pedal switches

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2015-2017 Nissan Juke Nismo RS hatchbacks produced between July 6, 2015, and Jan. 30, 2017. The Japanese automaker suspects just 1 percent of the models referenced in the safety action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain “out-of-specification” master brake cylinders that may inhibit brake performance. Specifically, the problematic fixtures feature master cylinder housings that could potentially come unsealed as a result of increased negative brake booster pressure and drier internal conditions, which, together, lead to resistance between the cup seal and the master cylinder piston.

If unsealed, the master brake cylinder may leak fluid into the brake booster and extend stopping distances. However, the braking systems in affected vehicles should continue to function overall, as these assemblies feature two separate circuits so that when one fails, the other can power the brakes. That said, the defect still increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a safety risk to occupants. Nissan has yet to receive reports linking the defective parts to any accidents or injuries, though.

Owners operating vehicles with the problematic master brake cylinders have reported seeing the brake system indicator light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Nissan received a report from an overseas detailing an instance of master brake cylinder trouble. The car company immediately launched an investigation, reaching out to Tokico Automotive, its brake assembly supplier, to gain more insight into the potentially problematic component and determine the likelihood of the part affecting Juke models sold in the U.S. Nissan was able to confirm that vehicles sold in the U.S. market did indeed come equipped with the part. However, no American dealers had submitted reports outlining instances of master brake cylinder failure.

One month later, Nissan conducted a test to determine whether the defective master brake cylinder inhibited brake functionality to such an extent that the vehicles on which it was installed fell out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135, which stipulates that vehicles must stop within 551 feet after accelerating to 62 miles per hour, according to the Government Publishing Office. Analysis showed that the affected vehicles did not violate FMVSS 135.

Nissan and Tokico then collaborated to identify the range of vehicles that could contain the defective parts, eventually landing on the models included in this recall.

The automaker launched a voluntary safety recall Jan. 29 and informed dealers Feb. 1.

The Solution

Nissan has directed dealers to replace the master brake cylinders in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to notify owners March 19. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Nissan customer service at (800) 646-7261. Concerned owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydNissan recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 13, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 141,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective drive belt components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between March 20, 2008, and Nov. 17, 2011.
  • 2010-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Nov. 15, 2011.
  • 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between June 25, 2008, and Nov. 16, 2011.
  • 2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between Aug. 26, 2010, and Dec. 15, 2011.

The Japanese automaker suspects all the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The models included in the safety action could contain drive belt automatic tensioners whose flanges are prone to cracking. Such an event could lead to complete drive belt detachment, resulting in the immediate termination of engine and power steering operations, and increasing the likelihood of an accident. As a result, the defective part poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Drivers with vehicles on the verge of shutting down due to drive belt automatic tensioner fracturing will see the battery charge warning light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report in September 2010 describing an instance of automatic tensioner breakage. This prompted the company to launch an investigation into the issue to ascertain a root cause. In December 2011, engineers for the automaker found that production staff had swapped the bearing in the automatic tensioner for a lead-free alternative in March 2008 and suspected that the new product was cracking when operating in high-load environments. Mitsubishi reshaped the bearing to reduce surface stress and initiated a field monitoring campaign with an expiration date of November 2015.

In December 2015, the car manufacturer reviewed the results of the four-year field monitoring program and began another program scheduled to conclude in January 2018.

Last month, Mitsubishi conducted another data review and found the occurrence of automatic tensioner breakage was higher than expected and increasing. The company called for a voluntary safety recall Jan. 19 to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the drive belt tensioners in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mitsubishi customer service at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall identification code SR-18-001. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

 

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 8, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 56,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective sunroof framing components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between Jan. 15, 2007, and March 3, 2010.
  • 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedans produced between Sept. 1, 2008, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2007-2010 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between Sept. 8, 2006, and Nov. 3, 2009.

The automaker suspects all vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature improperly manufactured polyurethane sunroof frames that may degrade in humid or high temperature environments and lead to complete detachment of the sunroof glass. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants, as the falling glass could not only cause injury but also increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries of any kind.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report from the Japanese market in March 2015 detailing an instance in which the sunroof glass installed in a vehicle detached from the sunroof frame. This prompted the company to launch an investigation in collaboration with its sunroof assembly supplier, the Webasto Japan Company. Between April 2015 and December 2017, the two parties carried out detailed field investigations and performed internal tests in an effort to duplicate the outcome described in the original report.

In December 2017, Mitsubishi engineers confirmed that Webasto had changed the polyurethane material it used in its sunroof frames in 2009, switching to a more aesthetically appealing alternative that also seemed to exhibit better bonding. The report received in the March 2015 seemed to contradict this assessment and Mitsubishi deemed the material defective, postulating that it lost bonding power in hot, humid weather.

On Jan. 19, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the sunroof assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-003. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Hyundai recalling late-model sedans over braking issues [Video]

Welcome back to the recall blog.

Hyundai Motor America recently made the decision to recall nearly eighty-eight thousand late-model Azera and Sonata sedans due to concerns about their anti-lock brakes.

If moisture were to enter a powered anti-lock brake system, it could result in a short circuit that increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.

This can happen even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.

The issue affects about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles, which includes all 2006 to 2011 model year Azeras, and 2006 model year Sonatas.

Hyundai plans to notify affected owners in late February 2018, and will advise them to return the vehicles to a dealership, where the problem will be fixed free of charge.

Thanks for watching, and check back again for more recall updates!

Ken BoydHyundai recalling late-model sedans over braking issues [Video]

Aston Martin recalls cars with defective steering components

Gaydon Warwick, U.K. – Feb. 7, 2018 – Aston Martin The Americas has recalled more than 1,000 sports cars potentially equipped with defective steering column control module clock springs, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects Aston Martin DB11 V8 and V12 coupes produced between June 9, 2016, and Nov. 20, 2017. The British luxury automaker suspects nearly three-quarters of the recalled vehicles contain the defective safety components.

This recall stems from an earlier action initiated by Mercedes-Benz USA in October 2017.

The Defect

The affected vehicles involved in the recall may come equipped with steering control module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded and may produce electrostatic discharges capable of inadvertently activating driver-side airbag. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the unintentional, sudden deployment of safety features could increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Aston Martin has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

An alert signaling improper air bag operation may appear prior to deployment.

Timeline of Events

In April 2015, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that owns and operates Mercedes-Benz, received two field reports detailing instances in which owners experience inadvertent air bag deployment. The company immediately launched an investigation in response. However, the inquiry, which was performed using recovered parts from the vehicles referenced in the original field reports, did not lead to root cause identification. DAG suspended the action as a result.

The organization reopened the investigation in late 2016 after receiving an additional report outlining the an instance of inadvertent air bag deployment. Investigators found that this vehicle contained a defective steering column, which prompted DAG to launch a more focused inquiry into the matter in January 2017. In June 2017, the engineers leading this investigation discovered the root cause of the issue: electrostatic discharge emanating from damaged steering column control module clock springs.

In October 2017, DAG contacted Aston Martin to share the results of its investigation, as the British automaker used the same steering column assemblies at the center of the inquiry. Aston Martin launched its own investigation to assess the potential impact on its DB line, which used the component. In January 2018, the car company’s Recall Committee convened to assess the issue. The group ultimately decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

Aston Martin notified dealers Jan. 29.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install contact bridges and springs in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These components should facilitate proper grounding and prevent instances of unintentional air bag deployment. Aston Martin intends to contact owners via first-class mail March 1 through March 11. Owners in need of more immediate help can contact Aston Martin customer service at (888) 923-9988. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydAston Martin recalls cars with defective steering components