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Ford issues new pair of recalls for more than 442,000 vehicles

Detroit, MI — May 26, 2015 — Ford announced two new recalls in a single statement issued on May 27. Together, these recalls concern more than 442,000 vehicles across North America, most of which are in the United States, and so far neither of the conditions the company is addressing have resulted in any known injuries, although one has led to four “minor accidents” that could be related to one of the concerns.

Those accidents are attributed to the larger of the two recalls, which includes a group of some 422,800 vehicles for the model years between 2011 and 2013. Affected models include Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan automobiles, originating from assembly plants in Chicago, Hermosillo and Oakville. These vehicles are at risk of a electric power steering fault that could suddenly shift steering modes while the vehicle is in use.

The other recall targets a much smaller group of 19,486 2015 Ford Mustangs, specifically those with 2.3 liter engines. The release says that the underbodies of these vehicles are potentially more vulnerable in higher temperatures.

“Prolonged exposure to elevated underbody temperatures might cause degradation of the fuel tank and fuel vapor lines, which could eventually result in a fuel leak,” it says. “In addition, prolonged exposure to elevated underbody temperatures might cause the parking brake cable seals to degrade, potentially affecting parking brake functions.”

In both cases, car dealers will perform the necessary repairs, although the steering issue may require an additional new gear replacement if a simple software fix isn’t enough. The Associated Press reports that 508 related complaints have been traced back to the steering fault, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

With all of the correct recall information in mind, dealers and car owners alike will be able to take the proper action when any significant recall is needed and reduce risk.

Chrysler to take part in public hearing over recalls

May 20, 2015 Recall Masters Dodge Recalls

Detroit, MI — May 20, 2015 — On July 2, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to conduct a public hearing regarding the recall-related actions of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. According to a statement from this organization, the hearing will review several recalls over different features, including ignition switches, air bag inflators and other elements in the company’s vehicles.

The total amount of recalls pertain to millions of vehicles, including such models as Dodge Chargers, Dodge Challengers and Jeep Grand Cherokees. The NHTSA is concerned that Chrysler has not sufficiently addressed the individual problems and is acting partly in response to consumer complaints.

Among this group of recalls, the highest amount of vehicles addressed in a single action is the December 2014 recall, issued in response to defective Takata airbags, which affected more than 2.9 million vehicles.

In the statement from the NHTSA, Administrator Mark Rosekind said that the organization intends to encourage proper behavior from Chrysler that extends beyond the initial recall announcement when a defect is detected.

“It is not enough to identify defects,” he said. “Manufacturers have to fix them. Significant questions have been raised as to whether this company is meeting its obligations to protect the drivers from safety defects, and today we are launching a process to ensure that those obligations are met.”

The Detroit News also quoted Rosekind, who said that the officials will “use all available tools” to spur on compliance from the manufacturer. Some of the vehicles included in older recalls are no longer produced by the company.

To support the NHTSA’s vision for sustained improvement after a recall commences, manufacturers have to commit to making changes and promoting proper information among car dealers and consumers alike. With the proper recall systems, disseminating information is more achievable.

New Mitsubishi recalls concern windows, headlights

May 11, 2015 Recall Masters Mitsubishi Recalls

Detroit, MI — May 11, 2015 — The Associated Press recently reported on a pair of Mitsubishi recalls that affect different kinds of Lancer and Outlander vehicles. Though they apply to different faults in the affected cars, the two recalls do both concern problems that might make visibility difficult during a drive: one relates to windshield defroster blowers and the other to an electronic control unit (ECU) that may detract from windshield wipers and outer vehicle lights. The model years of all vehicles involve range from 2009 to 2011.

All together, the recalls account for a combined 130,400 cars, the majority of which are subject to the blower recall. This includes Lancer, Lancer Sportback, Lancer Evolution Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The ECU recall pertains to the same cars, albeit in different years.

Of this latter defect, the official recall statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that multiple problems could stem from the same source.

“Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle’s head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers,” it reads. “If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.” The statement traces the unstable voltage to a “manufacturing error” within the unit.

Although there is no notification schedule announced for either recall yet, both statements said that dealers will replace the affected parts for free. The similar models involved in both cases need to be considered separately, based on the specific conditions that dictate each one. Clearly communicated recall information is part of preparing for corrective actions and ensuring greater owner safety continues.

Chevy Malibu vehicles recalled for shift indicator issues

May 7, 2015 Recall Masters Chevrolet Recalls

Detroit, MI — May 7, 2015 — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released a recall statement potentially affecting 3,690 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured between April and August in 2012 with the 2013 model year. General Motors instituted the recall last month, and an estimated “100 percent” of these vehicles are believed to have the targeted defect, which concerns the illuminated indicator on the shift console.

As the safety recall report on this case describes, this fault could prevent shift positions from being lit up when the cars are in use. Although the report says this happens “in rare circumstances,” it also notes that this is still in violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 102. The condition is believed to be caused by a flash memory corruption in the PRNDM display.

The actions dates back to tests on these vehicles conducted in 2012, and includes a petition action from General Motors in that year: the company argued that its noncompliance related to an “inconsequential” element of the cars, and later revised its original report.

This document also features a description of exactly why the panel display error could be considered dangerous to drivers. Only vehicles with base-level instrument-panel clusters are at risk.
“If the console shift indicator does not illuminate the shift position selected, a driver could inadvertently select a transmission position other than the position the driver intended, increasing the risk of a crash,” the statement says. Dealers will address the problem by replacing “the bezel assembly, which contains the PRNDM control module.”

With the right recall information, manufacturer actions will have the desired effect, and potentially dangerous autos will be fixed in time to prevent further damage or injury. The defect in question could still be damaged if limited to one area of the vehicle.

Government queries after Chrysler recall

May 6, 2015 Recall Masters Dodge Recalls, Jeep Recalls

Detroit, MI — May 6, 2015 — According to Reuters, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled 900,000 SUVs due to a possible risk of fire last year. Faulty wiring inside the vehicles’ sun visor vanity mirror lights were found to cause fire via an electrical short in Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.

To fix this, the company ordered plastic guides be installed on the visor to direct the wiring away from problem points on the visor. Despite this action, the problem seems to persist, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating the aftereffects of the recall.

An Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Resume released this month noted that eight complaints have been filed related to fires in affected vehicles since the original remedy was put into place, prompting a recall query from the NHTSA. Some of these reports described “smoke sometimes followed by flames” inside.

A New York Times Article on this recall quotes an owner of one of the faulty Jeep Grand Cherokees, who contributed a complaint last month.

“My car filled with smoke and I could not breathe in the car,” this unnamed person said. “The fire could have burned me had I been on a highway and unable to stop. I think it is incredible that I did my part, took the car to get the recall fixed and was returned a car that was clearly not fixed.” The source adds that there have been no official reports of injury, and that Fiat Chrysler is working with the NHTSA in response to the query.

In addition to the original recalls, recall queries and other follow-up actions also have to be communicated to the right dealerships and owners, to ensure that the latest, most relevant actions are taken to fix a possible risk.

More cars added to Ford latch recall numbers

May 4, 2015 Recall Masters Ford Recalls

Detroit, MI — May 4, 2015 — Previously, Ford announced a recall of 389,585 cars for a problem related to faulty door latches. In affected vehicles, which include Ford Fiestas and Lincoln MKZ’s, broken pawl spring tabs could lead to doors opening up unexpectedly, posing a hazard to driver. The manufacturer linked one alleged accident to this fault, as well as accounts of “soreness,” as the Detroit News reported.

Although the amount of possible related accidents has stayed the same, Ford is now adding to the original number of recalled vehicles. The Detroit Free Press says that door latch concerns have been responsible for five recall actions since 2014: while this latest one has brought the total amount up to more than 545,900, the amount of cars recalled for latch problems since 2014 is higher than 1.5 million.

As with the original action, this further recall also encompasses Ford Fiestas, Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZ’s across North America. Model years of concern are 2011-2014 for the Fiestas, 2013-14 for the Fusions and just 2014 for the MKZ’s.

In response to the first recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a statement on its website advising certain consumer actions to reduce the chance of danger if a door refuses to close.

“Do not attempt to temporarily secure the door in a closed position (e.g., with a rope or by using the seat belt), and do not have an occupant attempt to hold the door closed while the vehicle is being driven,” the site reads. “Be safe and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership instead.”

Car dealerships need to be ready to perform the repairs and replacement actions necessary after a recall, and consumers should feel comfortable reaching out to them when the time is right, based on their risk and the right instructions.

Hyundai recall concerns airbag deployment

May 3, 2015 Recall Masters Hyundai Recalls

Ulsan, South Korea — May 3, 2015 — A new Hyundai recall concerns the way a fault in the Occupant Detection System (ODS) of some Accent vehicles could dangerously impact airbag deployment. According to the official notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, 2,580 units are potentially affected by this recall, which will officially begin June 5. The Accents that are subject to the recall were produced between September 15, 2014, and February 10 of this year.

Normally, the ODS is supposed to detect if a child is in the front passenger seat of a vehicle and prevent an airbag from inflating during an accident, which would endanger the child. In the vehicles addressed by the recall, the source notes that the opposite is true, and that the system could be affected by cold temperatures, interfering with the sensor.

“If the ODS fails to detect that the seat is occupied by a child restraint seat, the front air bag will not be deactivated and, in the event of a crash necessitating front air bag deployment, there would be an increased risk of injury to the occupant in the child restraint seat,” the statement reads.

To remedy this, Accent owners should bring their autos to dealers, who will fix the problem in the ODS software. Consumer Affairs quoted a spokesman from the company, who gave more details about the kinds of temperatures that will activate the problem: as he said, the fault is only likely to persist as long as the interior of the car is “below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Sending out a tailored recall notice system can help businesses mention certain details, like the temperature in this example, which influence a defect or might make it stand out more.

More than 4,900 Cadillacs Recalled for Brake Hose Corrosion Risk

April 30, 2015 Recall Masters Cadillac Recalls

Detroit, MI — April 30, 2015 — A recall notice from General Motors posted on GM Authority announced an action that will affect 4,907 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles.

The defect

According to this statement, models produced between September 2003 and June 2007 may have a defect that could hurt the brake system. The recall notes that only cars registered or originally sold in a selection of 21 states across New England and the Midwest are subject to this action.

Timeline of events

Although there is currently no recall notification schedule in place, the statement encourages owners to contact GM, Cadillac customer service and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for more information, as well as the dealer to have the fault fixed.

As it elaborates, the problem is exacerbated by the presence of road salt, still a possible concern as snow melts.

“In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the front brake hose fitting at the caliper,” the statement reads.

“Corrosion may cause the brake system to leak, which could lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.” Both brake hose assemblies will be replaced by dealers to prevent leakage.

According to the latest information, this recall is an expansion of a similar recall originally announced in 2010. In that case, the NHTSA identified more than 139,000 “potential units affected” on its website and addressed the same 21 states as possible sources of affected vehicles.

When recalls are issued, the amount of information they contain should be easy to read through, even when a long list of states are involved. Arranging the data in a readable way will give owners a greater chance of identifying whether or not they should be concerned.

The solution

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

Four new recalls from Ford tackle lamp, motor, heat shield issues

April 28, 2015 Recall Masters Ford Recalls

Detroit, MI — April 28, 2015 — The Washington Post reported on a series of new recalls released by Ford this week, concerning a range of cars in the United States, Canada and Mexico. As the source describes, some of these recalls relate to previous ones, but they tackle different issues focused on various auto parts and systems.

All together, these recalls concern around 600,000 vehicles: the smallest of these affects just 92 Ford F-150 models produced this year in the U.S. and Canada, and has to do with the vehicles’ heat shields, which may be badly attached or missing. While not as widespread a recall, it does leave these trucks at possible risk of fire.

A Lincoln MKZ recall pertains to overly bright park lamps, and another one affects multiple cars that may be subject to a nickel plating-related problem with their fuel pumps. The most significant recall, though, involves more than 500,000 Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge autos that have loose bolts around the steering gear motor.

In the press release from the company covering all four recalls, posted to Autoblog, Ford explained the possible consequences of this last defect.

“If the steering gear motor bolts fracture, the steering system may default to manual steering mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds,” the source said. “This would not result in a loss of steering, but could result in an increased risk of a crash.” None of these recalls have led to any injuries, the release said, though the nickel plating recall has led to “allegation of an accident.”

One release can accommodate many recalls like this, but each one has to be issued at the proper time and through the correct channels to have the desired effect.

Two Harley-Davidson recalls concern motorcycle clutches, reflectors

April 27, 2015 Recall Masters Miscellaneous Recalls

Detroit, MI — April 27, 2015 — The Associated Press recently reported that a clutch issue with Harley-Davidson motorcycles triggered a recall that began last Thursday. Six different types of motorcycle models, including Electra Glide, Ultra Limited and Police Electra Glide, were targeted, having been linked to 27 crashes.

In total, the recall will affect around 46,000 different cycles. The specific defect involves the master cylinder in the clutch: Riders using these bikes will not be able to take them out of gear, leading to possible control issues. Dealers are reportedly going to address this problem by rebuilding the cylinder.

Harley-Davidson has issued multiple recalls recently for motorcycle faults. Earlier this month, the company also thousands of 2015 bikes that were manufactured without rear reflectors. While the remedy is simply to install a new one, the official recall document released through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the reflector-less vehicles would violate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

“If the motorcycle is missing the rear reflector it can reduce the vehicle’s visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash,” the statement said. Like the clutch-related recall, this reflector one also began this month and concerned motorcycles produced between 2014 and 2015. The company also recalled motorcycles last December for brake cylinder issues, although the vehicles concerned in that case were from older manufacture years.

All recall notices need to follow the same consistent format to give consumers important details about the defect, consequences and remedy. Once they know this, they should turn to the well-informed dealers, who will make replacing the faulty parts and restoring the vehicle to its proper working state. Vehicles operated during the recall period without being fixed are possible hazards to owners and the people around them.