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Chrysler recalls cars for rear control arm problems

July 7, 2015 Recall Masters Dodge Recalls, Jeep Recalls

Detroit, MI — July 8, 2015 — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has received attention from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over outstanding recalls, and a new action reported last month will add to the list of current issues the manufacturer is addressing.

According to an acknowledgement statement featured on the NHTSA website, a suspension issue in certain Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles has led to 5,608 being recalled. The specific fault concerns the rear lower control arms in these vehicles, which may break off during use.

Both of the models were produced earlier this year, and the concern reportedly stems back to a notification on June 16, when suppliers informed the manufacturer that the materials “may have been incorrectly heat treated.” This led to an attempt at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant to stall shipment of vehicles with faulty parts on that same day. The component manufacturer is listed by the NHTSA as Chassix.

The safety recall report on this issue went into further detail about the heating problems that affected the supplier’s materials.

“The root cause was determined to be a non-standard heat treating process in which the supplier began hand loading materials in the heat treat oven due to a conveyor issue,” the document states. “The supplier’s manual process adversely affected the heat treat profile. The supplier subsequently shipped materials prior to completion of all required material property testing.”

To remedy this condition, the source reports that vehicles will be inspected before control arms are replaced at the car dealer. FCA will reimburse owners for this inconvenience as part of its “longstanding policy” towards these actions.

New Subaru recall targets Driver Assist System

June 29, 2015 Recall Masters Subaru Recalls

Tokyo, Japan — June 29, 2015 — According to a document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Subaru of America is recalling 72,000 vehicles as part of campaign to correct an automatic braking system failure that could leave drivers at greater risk of damage during a sudden stop. Though affected cars will still have a functioning warning indicator to signal to drivers, they could still be vulnerable to a crash due to a failure of the pre-collision brakes.

As the NHTSA letter describes, the recall pertains to four specific brands from model year 2015 and one for 2016: the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX and XV Crosstrek. The flaw can be corrected through a software update: according to USA Today, manufacturer representative Dominick Infante called the solution “really an easy fix.”

The Eyesight Driver Assist System is the official name of the unit that this recall concerns. The letter elaborates on some of the conditions that will trigger the dangerous action.
“If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function,” the source states. “If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.”

Even though a major recall-worthy action may be traced back to a simple software repair, the necessary actions for fixing the problem need to be corrected and taken as seriously as any other possible fault. Conducting a professional-level recall will take the proper message to the dealers and owners alike, making it less likely that the necessary actions will be confused.

General Motors Recalls Cadillacs for Brake Pedal Bracket Problems

June 27, 2015 Recall Masters Cadillac Recalls, GMC Recalls

Detroit, MI — June 27, 2015 — Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) posted a recall acknowledgment statement to their website regarding a General Motors recall for 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS models.

The defect

According to this document, the affected vehicles brake pedal brackets subject to possible fractures, which could potentially fracture during a drive, putting the occupants of the car at risk.

More than 2,160 vehicles may be at risk of this fault, and the official recall period will begin this August, and affects cars that were produced as recently as this March.

As with some of the other recalls MotorSafe has covered, the fix prescribed for this one appears to be relatively simple, since dealers can replace the faulty brake pedal brackets for free.

However, the stakes for replacement are serious, since the issue could make it difficult for drivers to apply the brakes at all should the brackets end up breaking.

An additional recall safety bulletin from the NHTSA goes into further detail on the actions car dealers need to take to make affected Cadillacs safer for use.

“Dealers are to inspect the bracket for fracture or a condition that makes the bracket susceptible to fracture when the brake pedal is depressed,” it reads.

The solution

“If a fracture or such a condition is found, dealers are to replace the brake pedal (including the affected bracket).” The statement also notes that a borescope is needed to help dealers successfully inspect for this problem.

While some auto recalls concern dangerous situations that may not likely happen during normal vehicle operation, this one centers around a feature that could be broken during regular use. In all cases, though, recall accuracy and wide distribution may help to promote proper use reactions.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Multiple problems prompt Chevrolet truck recalls

June 24, 2015 Recall Masters Chevrolet Recalls

Detroit, MI — June 24, 2015 — According to multiple sources, General Motors has recalled multiple models of trucks for different reasons. Examining them both, businesses should understand the necessity of recall statement accuracy when seemingly competing information is released at the same time, potentially confusing dealers and consumers.

While GM Authority reports that the manufacturer is recalling 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks for brake-related issues, Consumer Affairs states that some of these same models are also being recalled for misaligned airbag inflators. Though the latter source doesn’t specifically mention manufacturer Takata, whose inflators have been the source of a massive recall effort recently, GM has recalled more than 300,000 vehicles for this particular issue.

The brake issue has affected 14,838 vehicles, and involves air pockets in the front brake calipers that could lead to dangerous brake fluid leaks. The result may be a higher possibility of a crash, and the source states that dealers will inspect and replace the faulty calipers starting July 10.

By comparison, the airbag recall already began in March and concerns a far smaller number of vehicles, just 40, as Consumer Affairs describes. However, the possible effects are more ambiguous, since the faulty inflators could either detach from the steering wheel, explode or simply not function properly on impact. Dealers are also inspecting and replacing the systems in question as needed.

The official number of vehicles affected by the Takata airbag problems seems to be confused. Reuters reported that manufacturers say 16.2 million vehicles could have faulty airbags, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has referred to both 30 million and 34 million defective parts from Takata at different times, the source says.

Because of possible conflicting information, consistency and accuracy matters in recall efforts to make a lasting improvement and increase consumer safety.

Honda addresses more than a million vehicles for new recall

June 18, 2015 Recall Masters Honda Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Tokyo, Japan — June 18, 2015 —Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling over 3.4 million vehicles to replace dangerous passenger-side front airbags that could explode, injuring vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following models:

2003 Acura MDX
2003-2007 Honda Accord
2001-2005 Honda Civic
2001-2004 Honda Civic GX
2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
2002-2004 Honda CR-V
2003 Honda Element
2002-2003 Honda Odyssey
2003 Honda Pilot

Recall summary

Honda is expanding recalls of Takata airbags over concerns related to rupturing airbag inflators. In the case of a rupture, the explosion could hurl shrapnel at vehicle occupants, potentially maiming or killing them.

As this blog noted previously, Honda vehicles were recently linked to another user death from exploding airbag inflator shrapnel, this one the seventh overall. It took place in a Civic driven in Louisiana and have contributed to the growing amount of associated incidents between the massive Takata recall and the manufacturer.

The repair

Honda will notify owners that their vehicle has been recalled, and dealers will replace the airbag inflator for free. The recall will launch on July 1, 2015.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 3.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 2,597,364 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Brake problems lead to Honda recall

June 16, 2015 Recall Masters Honda Recalls

Tokyo, Japan — June 16, 2015 — According to a press release published from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 19,500 vehicles affected by a new recall related to a faulty Collision Mitigation Braking System in certain models of Acuras. The source says that dealers will fix the situation by updating the braking software in these autos to prevent a possible crash.

The specific issue that has sparked this recall concerns identification errors within the brake system. As the source said, the system could incorrectly apply the brakes at the wrong time while in motion and leave the car and its occupants vulnerable to a crash.

In the Safety Recall Report issued by the agency, the percentage of the car base estimated to have this defect is 100 percent. The five car models all from the model years 2014 and 2015, are the Acura MDX 2WD, MDX AWD, RLX Hybrid, and RLX lines. There has been no recall schedule listed as of yet.

This report traces the history of this action back to 2013, when Honda first heard of a incident related to this defect in Japan. More information on this glitch was determined in November 2014.

“The failure was determined to be a result of ‘short-distance combining processing’ of the programmed logic of the CMBS system and an ‘incorrectly recognized target’,” the report said. “The failure was generated by another vehicle accelerating in front of the subject vehicle, while simultaneously driving alongside an iron fence.” Since then, the safety recall was issued last month, and so far there have been no claims related to this concern.

Because of the long sequence of events that could lead to a recall, the speed and accuracy of the statement is critical and should be taken seriously with a high-performing recall system.

More than 12,000 Ford trucks recalled for steering issues

June 15, 2015 Recall Masters Ford Recalls

Detroit, MI — June 15, 2015 — Earlier this month, Ford Motor Corporation recalled thousands of vehicles due to a fault that may affect steering. The specific trucks included are F-150’s manufactured this year at its plants in Kansas City or Dearborn.
While the recall extends to all of North America, the company noted that most of the vehicles, 12,328 to be exact, were recalled in the United States, and only 5,600 of the total were actually sold to customers. Only 17 are being recalled in Mexico.

The problem concerns the upper I-shaft in these trucks, which could separate from the vehicle entirely if the rivets attaching it are not held in place. In an official statement, the business goes into further detail about the complications that may arise from this.

“If that happens, it could result in the loss of steering control without warning, increasing the risk of a crash,” it says, referring to the improper rivets. It goes on to point out that “Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries, but is aware of one report of loss of steering believed to be related to this condition.” Dealers are fixing the problem by replacing the upper I-shaft assembly as needed.

As Automotive News points out, a previous Ford recall related to faulty heat shields also involved trucks assembled in Dearborn and referred to cars made earlier this year. That was part of a series of four recalls addressed in a single statement on the company website.

Understanding the trends in recent recall activity from manufacturers could promote a smarter and more coherent series of recall actions on the part of car dealers. Knowing the areas that are connected to previous recalls may help professionals address the needs of owners better and act on the recall.

Volkswagen Group of America recalls thousands of Tiguan vehicles

June 12, 2015 Recall Masters Volkswagen Recalls

Detroit, MI — June 12, 2015 — Documents on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website recently explained a new recall from Volkswagen Group of America. This month, the manufacturer is recalling Tiguan SUVs that were produced within the first three months of 2015. As many as 2,957 units have been affected by incorrect information labels that may cause confusion among owners an operators.

According to the source, these vehicles could bear incorrect certifications that list the wrong weight and loading limits information, in addition to omitting important details about tire pressure. In the official recall acknowledgment statement, Jennifer Timian, the Office of Defects Investigations’ chief of Recall Management Division, said that owners could unintentionally overload vehicles that don’t have the correct information listed on them. Although the statement was released on June 9, the manufacturer’s report date is listed as May 15.

In a separate FAQ document about this recall, Volkswagen gave specific instructions to dealers who may have affected cars to take care of.

“Dealers can use their most current OMD Web/VIM report to identify any affected vehicles that may be in their inventory,” this statement reads. “In the interest of customer safety and satisfaction, affected vehicles should be kept in a secure area where they cannot be made available for sale, lease, trade or demo use until this repair has been performed.” The remedy will reportedly include simply changing the information on the certification label so it is correct. Dealers will be able to do this for free.

Verified recall information will give consumers and dealers the assurance that the information is accurate. The statements have to be disseminated to all the right people in each situation, so even the most minor faults are corrected on time and affected vehicles aren’t sold illegally.

More than 374,000 trucks part of new GM recall

June 1, 2015 Recall Masters Video

Detroit, MI — June 1, 2015 — General Motors is recalling hundreds of thousands of trucks as the fallout from the Takata air bag investigations continues.

According to the NHTSA, the manufacturer is recalling more than 374,000 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks around the world, the majority of which are in the United States. This is yet another response to concerns over airbag inflator mechanisms produced by Takata Corporation.

The risk centers around the potential for improper inflators to explode during a crash and possibly harm occupants. As a result, Takata announced that it will develop a new, safer design of inflators for driver-side airbags.

Thank you for watching this video, and be sure to check back often for the latest auto recall news.

Takata airbag concerns spurs on more Honda recalls

May 27, 2015 Recall Masters Honda Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Tokyo, Japan — May 27, 2015 — Manufacturers continue to recall cars in response to Takata airbag inflation mechanism concerns, and according to the New York Times, Honda Motor Company has decided to recall millions of vehicles manufactured between 2002 and 2008, such as Accords and Civics.

The source says that nearly 5 million vehicles have been newly recalled, although they were mostly available in Japan and have reportedly not contributed to any known injuries. On the other hand, the six deaths associated with the exploding Takata systems were originally all traced to Honda vehicles.

The new total for cars recalled because of Takata airbag concerns is now near $35 million, the source said, and Honda is taking the effort to replace faulty inflators. Earlier this week, Nissan and Toyota recalled more than 6 million vehicles total for similar worries.

Sho Minekawa, the company’s CEO, said that the new recall is expected to have “some impact” on Japanese sales. Reuters said that other manufacturers from that country will likely face pressure from the transport minister to follow in Honda’s footsteps and issue their own recalls.

This same week, Acura, a division of Honda, also recalled several vehicles, albeit for an unrelated issue. A statement from that company said that 19,500 MDX and RLX cars are being recalled because of a fault in the Collision Mitigation Braking System that could be triggered by “a metallic structure.” The radar system could apply the brakes at the wrong time and possibly instigate a crash.

In both of these cases, circulating proper recall information is paramount to replacing defective systems and achieving goals. The Takata recall is likely to inspire more news in the future, so giving consumers and dealers the knowledge they need may help them prepare for further response efforts.