Detroit, MI — March 07, 2016 — Starting next month, a Chrysler recall will affect hundreds of vehicles manufactured with expired urethane primer. This chemical may make it more likely for the windshields in these vehicles to dislodge.
This action comes from tests that revealed the possible effects of using primer past its expiration date. Older coats of primer were found to ineffectively bond on the windshield. There have currently been no reports of injuries from this problem, though the dislocated windshields could potentially hurt a vehicle’s occupants.
The recall extends to two models: the Town and Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Manufacture dates range from August 2014 to December 2015. Dealers will remedy the issue by replacing the windshields as needed
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adminSome Chrysler Windshields Could Dislodge in Crash [Video]
Dearborn, MI — March 3, 2016 — As part of a pair of recent recalls, Ford Motor Company recently announced possible safety risks connected to Transit vehicles produced between 2014 and 2016, with the 2015 and 2016 model years.
“No injuries have been connected to this issue.”
Across the entire North American continent, approximately 51,470 of these vehicles may contain vulnerable seat belt buckles. The vehicles were manufactured at the same assembly plant in Kansas City. In a press release on the new Ford recalls, the manufacturer stated that dealers will inspect and repair the faulty buckles, replacing them if needed.
While no injuries have been connected to this issue, the press release did explain the possible danger to occupants posed by this defect.
“The rear seat belt buckles are being damaged when heavy objects are placed on top of them, which could cause the buckle not to latch completely, increasing the risk of injury in a crash,” the release said. The same statement also referenced a recall for 3,700 Ford F-150 trucks, most of which are in the United States as well. A seat massage function could disable the airbag system in the passenger seat. Dealers will address this issue by updating the module software to fix the vehicle’s classification systems.
These recent Ford recalls come after a previous action targeting 2015 Transits for a seat belt assembly issue. The belts required a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard violation because they didn’t bear the correct labels, which normally list the belt model and model year.
This represented a risk to owner safety because it made it potentially difficult for users to read crucial model information on the belt itself. The manufacturer officially launched this earlier recall on June 12, 2015 for fewer than 50 units.
adminSome Ford Transit Seat Belt Buckles Might Fail to Latch
Torrance, CA — March 02, 2016 — Although most of the vehicles in a new Toyota recall are in North America, this action affects almost 3 million SUVs around the world. A press release from the manufacturer explained that seatbelts in these autos ustould accidentally detach and leave occupants at risk, something possible during a severe impact.
The recall will affect RAV4 and RAV4 EV vehicles with combined model years ranging between 2006 and 2014. So far, there have been two reports of incidents where a crash caused a seatbelt in these affected vehicles to detach. The issue is due to a design that could make it easier for the seat frame to cut the belt.
“North America alone will recall 1.3 million vehicles for this problem.”
North America alone will recall 1.3 million vehicles for this problem, as the manufacturer reaches out to vehicle owners. The manufacturing production dates stretch as far back as 2005. Toyota’s solution will see the seat frames fit with a resin cover to reduce the chance of seatbelts detaching, a process that could take an hour at maximum.
“There is a possibility that, in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame, become cut, and separate,” the statement reads. “If this occurs, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, which could increase the risk of injury.”
Outside of the United States, the CBC reports that China will see 434,000 vehicles recalled, while Japan’s version of the Toyota recalls only concerns 177,00 vehicles. More than 300,000 SUVs in countries that aren’t in North America, Europe, Japan or China are part of the ongoing effort as well. Another report, this from the New York Times, notes that the defect reportedly does not stem from a supplier issue.
adminSeatbelt Issues Lead to Worldwide Toyota RAV4 Recall
Fountain Valley, CA — March 01, 2016 — A total of 11,176 2011 Hyundai Tucson vehicles are part of a recall action submitted late last month. Models manufactured between July and October in 2010 are subject to a possible transmission fluid leak, due to badly produced hoses. Although the official recall began only recently, it represents five years of investigations and response actions, with the first notifications coming from a dealer in September 2011.
Owners and dealers alike have a few symptoms to help them determine whether or not a particular vehicle is at risk. According to the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, affected models are light SUV’s with automatic transaxles. If the transmission hose is visibly leaking fluid, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is on or the vehicle is shifting unusually, the driver might be at risk.
The vehicle manufacturer will notify owners beginning March 25, with dealers notified on the same date, though the official schedule for the recall was not reported. However, this document did describe some of the observations uncovered in previous investigations.
“The investigation revealed that certain hoses manufactured from August 2010 through October 2010 might have been improperly cured during the manufacturing process, lowering the hose rubber durability and creating the potential for the hose to rupture and split,” the document said. Faulty hoses could potentially leak enough transmission fluid to put the vehicle in danger.
In 2015, Subaru also recalled thousands of vehicles for transmission fluid leak concerns. Instead of a hose, this effort was prompted by a “deformed” seal cap inside a propeller shaft yoke that could have leaked fluid onto an exhaust pipe. The repair required dealers to replace the entire propeller shaft assembly following a stop sale order.
adminHyundai Recalls 2011 Tucson for Transmission Issues
Detroit, MI — February 24, 2016 — A new recall focuses on more than 441,000 Dodge Chargers. According to official recall documents, this action concerns vehicles produced between August 2010 and January 2016.
Fiat Chrysler is recalling these vehicles because they may accidentally fall off their jacks and possibly hurt owners trying to change a tire. The body-side sill assembly could possibly fail if owners don’t use wheel chocks. Because of this, the manufacturer will supply chocks to owners as part of the remedy.
Once they are installed, these will reduce the chance of injury during a tire change. The company released an official statement on this recall earlier this month. There are three minor injuries connected to this issue.
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adminChrysler Recall Should Make Changing Tires Safer [Video]
Berlin, Germany — February 23, 2016 — While Volkswagen contends with its defeat device scandal, it is also involved in the ongoing Takata airbag recalls. Car and Driver reports that the manufacturer is recalling 680,000 vehicles that contain Takata side airbag inflators. These include CC, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Golf and Eos vehicles with model years ranging between 2006 and 2014. Some of the Passats are only recalled on the German production side.
“The driver-side airbag is the only source of concern for most of the Volkswagen models.”
The new action is notable because it includes more recently manufactured vehicles than some of the other Takata airbag recalls. The source said that the driver-side airbag is the only source of concern for most of the models included.
In addition to Volkswagen’s efforts, fellow German automakers Audi, Daimler and BMW are recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles apiece. Reuters states that the combined numbers add up to 2.5 million vehicles, adding to the 24 million vehicles involved in the Takata airbag recalls.
Volkswagen referenced the possible danger from this defect in a press release, while also acknowledging the steps it is taking to address owner safety.
“Volkswagen is not aware of any ruptured SDI or PSDI-5 inflator in any Volkswagen Group vehicle worldwide,” the statement read. “Once affected VINs and the recall remedy have been identified, Volkswagen will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with an authorized Volkswagen dealer.”
Faulty inflators from Takata could burst, potentially injuring occupants with metal shrapnel. To date, nine deaths have been connected to the airbag faults in the United States, and Takata has announced its plan to work with regulators to make its vehicles safer.
adminVolkswagen Contributes More Vehicles to Takata Recall
Washington, DC — February 22, 2016 — In addition to a recall, Honda is halting sales to prevent possible engine damage. According to AutoBlog, the issue comes from faulty piston pin snap rings in assorted two-liter engines and will impact around 34,000 vehicles.
In addition, a factory spokesperson told the source that Civics with 1.5-liter engines will not be impacted by this action. Currently, the official website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that engine failure could occur because of these faulty parts.
While more details on this situation are still forthcoming, the manufacturer is already planning to contact owners some time in the middle of next month. This information comes from data posted on a Civic forum before the actual recall announcement has been made.
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adminPossible Engine Damage Prompts Honda to Stop Civic Sales [Video]
Warren, MI — February 19, 2016 — According to Reuters, a new recall across North America will target vehicles with potentially loose brake pedal pivot systems. Currently, there are no reports of injuries stemming from this fault, which could be present in Chevrolet Silverado HD and Tahoe vehicles, as well as the GMC Sierra. Dealers will inspect and tighten the loose pivot nuts, using adhesive to keep them in place. This will reduce the chance of a brake pedal failure.
“Recall numbers exceed 473,000 across all of the endangered brands.”
Though the bulk of the recalled units are in the United States, 46,837 of these vehicles are in Canada. As of this writing, there are no reports on these new GM recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In the United States, recall numbers exceed 473,000 across all of the endangered brands. Multiple sources note that the targeted vehicles include those used for police action.
Last month, General Motors issued a statement expressing support for “proactive safety principles” as that organization works with major automakers.
“At GM, we are focused on the customer, and we put safety at the forefront of everything we do,” this release said. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to work with experts in government and industry on the vital issues of automotive safety and cybersecurity.” It also singled out Anthony Foxx of the Department of Transportation and Mark Rosekind of NHTSA for particular praise.
While owners wait for more information, the Associated Press reports that the brake pedal failure could trigger the brake lights to stay on unusually long periods of time, as Canadian regulators note.
Cherry Hill, NJ — February 18, 2016 — A new Subaru recall meant to address problems with hood latches includes vehicles with the model years between . A Recall Acknowledgement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that affected vehicles could include hoods that might accidentally open without warning.
The recall population contains a total of 77,000 Subaru Tribeca light vehicles, with manufacture dates ranging from 2004 to 2014 . As the official Part 573 Recall Report notes, this single recall actually centers around two possible causes, both of which could compromise the hood.
This is due to malfunctioning front hood safety and lock assemblies, both manufactured by Johnan America, Inc. The former system could cause a hook to seize up over time and cease functioning correctly: the latter may rust and leave the hood unlocked. Both of these problems have to occur simultaneously to cause an issue. Earlier this year, Subaru became aware of a lawsuit involving a 2006 vehicle in which the hood opened suddenly during use.
In a message to dealers, the manufacturer described the two-phase remedy process, which won’t be possible until the countermeasure parts are available “later this year.” Phase one will consist of an inspection and “interim repair.”
“Retailers will inspect, clean and lubricate the hood safety system and hood lock system,” the message reads. “After this is performed, they will check for proper operation. If it does not work properly, the hood safety system will be replaced with the current style part.”
This February 2 document also announced that owners would be informed within 60 days, with retailers notified as the Subaru recalls continue.
Irvine, CA — February 16, 2016 — A pair of recent recalls bring consequences for the Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Most recently, Automotive News reports that more than 264,463 vehicles are subject to a possible fuel pipe issue. No injuries have been reported due to this problem, but the manufacturer still asserts that a possible fuel leak after a collision could lead to danger for occupants.
In addition to a recall, Mazda is also stopping the sale of all CX-5s with the model years between 2014 and 2016. Since repair parts aren’t yet available, dealers can provide a “loaner, demo or rental” to relieve the customer until repairs begin. The recall reportedly comes after testing revealed a lack of compliance.
Another recall announced last month also has ties to the CX-5, although this one comes not from the manufacturer but from supplier Pilkington North America. A Part 573 Safety Recall Report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that replacement windshields may have defective brackets.
“On a small number of parts, a bracket installed on the inside of the windshield may have been affixed improperly,” the report reads. “This bracket is used to hold a separate laser sensor or LIDAR device that is linked to the vehicle’s Smart City Brake Support System.” The brackets in 305 units may potentially break under pressure, posing problems for the CX-5 brake system. There may not be any warning signs for owners other than possible shaking.
The new brackets “will be firmly affixed with urethane” rather than the tape used in the old ones.
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