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Airbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls

Airbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls

March 27, 2017 admin ,

Westwood, N.J. — March 27, 2017 — BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 36 cars with air bag inflators that may explode and to hurl metal shrapnel within the car, possibly harming occupants.  Multiple X5 models are affected. Though this is similar to the Takata airbag recalls, the case seems to be completely independent. The recall affects the following models:

  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive50i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e

Recall Summary

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report, lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, explains the recall’s conditions. According to this source, the recall is only thought to account for 1 percent of this vehicle population. There are no reports of injuries currently connected to this action.

Without proper gas flow ventilation, airbags in these BMW models could accidentally propel harmful shards of metal into the vehicle’s interior, the report said. There was no known cause for this defect at the time of the report, but it did name the component manufacturer as Key Safety Systems, Inc.

The repair

BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

36 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of October 30, 2018, – the last date for which information was available – 34 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

adminAirbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls
Nissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak

Nissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak

March 25, 2017 admin

Franklin, Tenn. — March 25, 2017 — The power steering system in some Nissan SUVs could disconnect, according to a recent manufacturer’s recall. An official statement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the action could involve as many as 56,766 vehicles, though there was no estimate as to how many could be potentially affected.

The Defect

Some power steering fluid hoses in these vehicles may come with a clamp that’s the wrong size. Because of this, the report said that the hose could dislodge, potentially spilling important steering fluid. The risk from this is twofold, as this could not just impact the steering but also pose a possible fire risk, as the fluid would be flammable. All of the involved vehicles are a Murano with the 2013 and 2014 model years.

Timeline of Events

  • August, 2014: This was the final month the affected vehicles were produced.
  • January, 2017: Both the recall report and a Defect Information Report on the action said that the first investigation into a related case began last year. The U.S. investigations intensified in January, though, to respond to claims of related incidents in other markets.
  • February, 2017: Targeting the U.S. vehicles specifically, Nissan began gathering relevant vehicle parts.
  • March, 2017: After the results of equipment tests, Nissan concluded that the defect originated with the clamps involved in affected vehicles and agreed to begin a safety recall effort to address the issue. The Part 573 report contained a March 16 submission date.

The Resolution

As of the March 16 report, there was no owner notification date listed, although the statement did say that it would reach out to owners “within 60 days.”  April 4 was scheduled as the dealer notification date. The fix itself will reportedly include a replacement for the hose.

adminNissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak
Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect

Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect

March 23, 2017 admin

Montvale, N.J. – Mar. 23, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 354,000 vehicles due to a defective starter assembly, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts over a dozen models produced between February 2014 and 2017, including:

  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic sedans
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic coupes
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic cabriolets
  • C 350e hybrid sedans
  • C 450 4Matic AMG sport sedans
  • CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic sedans
  • CLA 45 AMG sedans
  • E 300 and E 300 4Matic sedans
  • E 400 4Matic wagons
  • E 43 AMG 4Matic sedans
  • GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 4Matic coupe sport utility vehicles

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with starter assemblies featuring current limiters that can overload in certain conditions. For example, vehicles that have sustained engine or transmission damage, and have blocked starters as a result, may experience high-voltage electrical currents when started repeatedly. This can damage the limiter, and in some cases melt surrounding components and catch fire. This increases the likelihood of occupant injury.

Timeline of Events

Daimler AMG, Mercedes’ parent company, received reports of limiter damage in June 2016. The automaker launched an investigation and in August determined that the damage resulted from electrical overload. Over the course of September and October, engineers for Daimler preformed further tests. In November, the company learned that the limiter was not designed to handle high-voltage currents generated during repeat starts. Two months later, engineers determined the range of affected vehicles. Last month, Daimler issued an official recall.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to install an additional fuse within the starter electrical lines in affected models, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. This repair is to be done free of charge. Owners will receive recall notifications later this month.

adminMercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect
Maserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch

Maserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch

March 22, 2017 admin

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – March 22, 2017 – Maserati North America has recalled more than 3,000 vehicles with faulty software. The recall impacts Levante sport utility vehicles produced between July and December 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of the models named in the action include defective software.

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with damaged engine software that may shift the vehicles into neutral or cut engine operations without notice. This normally occurs when the vehicles are traveling 2 miles per hour or slower, such as in heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic. This fault increases the likelihood of crash, especially when road conditions improve, causing trailing drivers to accelerate rapidly. Even so, no injuries have occurred as a result of the software defect.

Timeline of Events

On Oct. 18, 2016, Maserati North America received a complaint from one driver who claimed his vehicle shifted into neutral without his assistance. The car maker immediately opened an investigation into the report and called for testing in an attempt to replicate and evaluate the possible issue. These trials concluded Nov. 9. Engineers were indeed able to replicate the issue, ordering follow-up diagnostics to better understand the underlying cause. These tests indicated that the engine software was to blame.

On Dec. 9, developers at the car company announced that they had coded and validated a patch to address the glitch. Over the next five days, engineers performed emissions tests on vehicles with the updated software to ensure that exhaust levels remained in step with federal regulations. The new software had no impact on emissions and was approved for use.

Maserati North America issued an initial recall on December 11, 2016. However, field tests revealed that the problem still persisted, despite the patch. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 20, 2017, engineers and programmers replicated the issue on site and developed a newer iteration of the engine software that worked. The car maker integrated the new software into its production lines on Feb. 21. It issued a second recall three days later. Dealers made aware of the problem March 17.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has ordered dealers to update the engine software in all impacted models, free of charge, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. Owners should receive notification March 31, 2017.

adminMaserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch
Volkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts

Volkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts

March 20, 2017 admin ,

Auburn Hill, Mich. – March 20, 2017 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 1,600 vehicles equipped with defective safety belts. The recall affects Audi A5 and S5 cabriolets produced between June and November 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Impacted vehicles have safety-belt pretensioners that could detach during a high-velocity crash. Consequently, the microgas generators contained within these fixtures may also disconnect and become airborne within the cabin, putting passengers at risk. While the pretensioners addressed in this recall are installed in a whole range of Audi models, engineers have discovered that microgas generators only come loose in A5 and S5 cabriolets. This is a result of ineffective crimping unique to these vehicles.

Timeline of Events

In December 2016, Autoliv, the OEM manufacturer that supplied the safety belt pretensioner assemblies, notified Volkswagen that its products were defective due to an assembly line oversight. It also communicated that a 573 report on its pretensioners and microgas generators was forthcoming. Members of the car maker’s Product Safety Committee discussed the matter over multiple sessions that took place throughout December 2016 and January 2017. The group ultimately decided there was not enough data to call for a voluntary recall and asked Autoliv to supply further information.

The parts producer submitted specific serial numbers for installed pretensioners and microgas generators in January. Volkswagen engineers reviewed the information and conducted field tests that lasted through the following month. On March 1, the auto manufacturer decided to initiate a voluntary recall for Audi A5 and S5 models, both of which performed poorly in trials.

The Solution

Volkswagen will order dealers to replace defective safety belt pretensioners and microgas generators. It does not plan to reimburse owners for these repairs. There are no timelines for dealer or owner notification.

adminVolkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts
Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem

Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem

March 20, 2017 admin

Portland, Ore. – Mar. 20, 2017 – Daimler Trucks North America has recalled almost 800 semi-trailer trucks due to malfunctioning instrument clusters. The recall impacts Freightliner 108SD and 114SD models produced between 2016 and 2017, as well as Freightliner Business Class M2s built over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

The impacted trucks include OEM gauges on the left side of the cab – and a second cluster on the right – from third-party parts supplier Fontaine Modification. The body builder installs the latter before the vehicles are delivered to Daimler for completion. The disparate displays can become unresponsive due to hardware and software compatibility issues. When this occurs, a complete system shutdown is required to regain functionality. Vehicle turn signals can also lose power as a result of cluster integration problems.

Together, these issues can increase the likelihood of an accident. No injuries related to the display malfunctions mentioned above have been reported.

Timeline of Events

Engineers at Daimler discovered the flaw in November 2016 and immediately launched an official investigation. In January 2017 the automaker issued a voluntary recall of all affected vehicles, according to internal documents related to the event.

The Solution

Daimler has ordered dealers to inspect left-hand-side instrument clusters in affected vehicles and offer compatible replacement displays, free of charge. The company plans to notify dealers and vehicle owners March 19. It encourages customers with pressing concerns related to the recall to contact the Daimler customer service department or the NHTSA. Daimler has not yet announced how it plans to address future fabrication workflows, or provided details on its use of Fontaine Modification equipment.

adminDaimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem
Ford Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters

Ford Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters

March 16, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich. – Mar. 16, 2017 – Ford has recalled 8,000 trucks due to defective instrument clusters. The recall impacts F-150 models produced between October and November 2016, according to a company news release.

The Defect

Instrument clusters in the affected trucks can lose functionality in cool temperatures. For instance, the transmission gear indicator may not illuminate. Additionally, warning lights may shutdown unexpectedly. These occurrences poses serious risks to occupants, as key vehicle status indicators being unavailable can increase the likelihood of a crash. No injuries have been reported as a result of inoperable instrument clusters. A large majority of the impacted trucks are registered in the U.S., while just over 1,100 more are located in Canada and Mexico.

Timeline of Events

Ford began investigating the problem after receiving customer complaints. The car manufacturer eventually tied the issue to faulty quality control processes at fabrication facilities in Dearborn, as well as Kansas City, Missouri.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to reprogram instrument clusters in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners can contact Ford customer service for more information.

adminFord Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters
Nissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects

Nissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects

March 15, 2017 admin

Franklin, Tenn. – March 15, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled 79 vehicles with faulty side-curtain air bag inflators. The recall impacts Infiniti QX30 hatchbacks manufactured between Oct. 10-16 last year, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models contain side-curtain air bag assemblies from the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based parts provider Autoliv ASP. These fixtures contain inflator initiators with incorrect mix ratios, which expressly violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Consequently, the side-curtain air bags may malfunction and fail to deploy in the event of a crash, leaving the operator and passengers without proper impact protection. This poses a serious risk to owners.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 16, 2016, Autoliv contacted Nissan representatives and explained that it intended to recall its air bag inflators based on the results of a recent quality assurance evaluation. The parts provider had initiated an investigation into its inflator assemblies on Oct. 3, due to nonconforming QA test results, according NHTSA documents. After reviewing production processes, Autoliv discovered that an improperly configured programmable logic controller had altered the generant chemical mix and produced defective inflator initiators. The automated devices were reprogrammed with the incorrect mix ratio on June 16, 2016 in two separate fabrication facilities.

On November 30, the parts provider discussed the issue with NHTSA officials and roughly two weeks later began contacting affected customers.

After receiving confirmation of the defect, Nissan immediately initiated a recall. The car maker received updated information regarding the inflators throughout February 2017 and on the 28 of that month launched another recall campaign to address Infiniti QX30 models with faulty side-curtain air bags. Dealers received notification March 9.

The Solution

Nissan has ordered dealers to replace the air bag assemblies, according to the NHTSA. The car maker is expected to notify owners within 60 days of the initial recall date.

adminNissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects
Fiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators

Fiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators

March 15, 2017 admin

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective tire-pressure sensors and dash lights. The recall impacts Fiat 500X compact sport utility vehicles produced between December 2017 and January 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Approximately 100 percent of vehicles named in the recall have damaged tire-pressure sensor assemblies.

The Defect

Tire-pressure sensors and dash lights may malfunction in affected models. This increases the likelihood of an accident, as pressure could suddenly decrease and cause the vehicles to swerve. Even minor air unknown air leakage can impact driving capabilities and result in an accident. The defective features do not comport with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which dictate that dash lights must illuminate in the event that one or more tires loses pressure while operating.

Timeline of Events

On Feb. 17, 2017, the Auburn Hills-based electronics manufacturer that supplied the pressure sensor components conducted a quality assessment and noticed that the parts did not comply with American vehicle standards. The firm, Magneti Marelli Electronics, then notified Fiat Chrysler. The car maker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the results of the review and decided to conduct a voluntary recall on Feb. 28. Simultaneously, Magneti evaluated its production methods and introduced a new workflow that yielded parts compliant with U.S. vehicle fabrication regulations. These new processes were launched March 3, mitigating the likelihood of any future defects.

The Solution

Fiat Chrysler intends to notify both dealers and owners on April 21. Dealers will be required to replace the instrument panels in affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Owners will pay for these repairs up front and then submit receipts to Fiat Chrysler for reimbursement.

adminFiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators
Ford Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles

Ford Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles

March 15, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 5,470 Mustang sports cars with defective interior door handles. The recall impacts models produced between Jan. 13 and Jan. 31 of this year, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models include left interior door handles equipped with misoriented spring mechanisms. This defect may cause the door to open when subjected to inertia loads of 30gs or more. Motorists involved in accidents that impact the driver side are likely to suffer serious injury due to the faulty door handle. However, there have been no reported injuries connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

In early January, a tier-two supplier noticed a missing spring in the left-hand door latch assembly designated for the Mustang. The company began an internal investigation, notifying both Ford and the original OEM parts producer, Key Plastics of Felton, Pennsylvania. Key Plastics immediately froze shipments containing the component and started its own inquiry. At the same time, engineers at the Ford assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, found one vehicle containing a left-hand door handle with loose springs. This lead to a widespread evaluation in which 843 vehicles were reviewed. Approximately 14 contained the defective door handle assembly.

In February, the Critical Concerns Review Group at Ford looked over the data collected and determined that the fixture may be in violation of one or more Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The body ordered tests to determine how the door handles performed with one loose or missing spring. Engineers conducted the trials in early March and determined that the fixture was a serious safety hazard, as it came unlatched when subjected to a 30g force.

The Field Review Committee looked over the test results and soon after recommended that vehicles containing the defective left-hand door assemblies be recalled. Dealers received notification March 14.

The Solution

Ford has ordered dealers to inspect affected models and replace door handle springs, if necessary, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car maker intends to notify impacted Mustang owners, via mail, April 24.

adminFord Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles
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