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Volkswagen recalls vehicles with damaged speaker trim

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with damaged speaker trim

November 8, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Nov. 8, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 31,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective speaker trim, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2017-2018 Audi A4 sedans produced between March 10, 2016 and June 22, 2017.
  • 2017-2018 Audi A4 Allroad station wagons produced between June 16, 2016 and June 19, 2017.
  • 2017-2018 Audi A5 Sportback sedans produced between Feb. 7, 2017 and Sept. 28, 2017.

Volkswagen estimates 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The affected models are likely to come equipped with speaker assemblies featuring loose aluminum trim. As a result, these aesthetic components may give way as a result of ineffective adhesive, exposing sharp edges that could cut or puncture occupants and therefore pose a serious safety risk. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Audi received an injury claim related to loose lower trim door paneling. The automaker immediately launched in investigation into the report. At the same time, the company received a number of similar claims. Audi quality assurance personnel continued the investigation into the fall of 2016, reviewing production records and original vehicle design specifications. These staff members also evaluated the time it might take customers to notice the loose paneling before coming into contact with it and possibly sustaining injuries.

Throughout February and March 2017, Audi continued to monitor the market, while also moving forward with the internal inquiry begun in August 2016. Over this time period, the engineering personnel involved in these programs updated the Audi Product Safety Committee regularly. On Oct. 18, 2017, this groups chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the defective trim in the recalled vehicles with a newer alternative featuring improved adhesive, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker plans to inform both dealers and owners of the voluntary safety action sometime this month. Individuals in possession of vehicles referenced in the recall who require more immediate assistance can contact Audi customer service representatives at (800) 253-2834. Callers should use the internal campaign reference code 70G6. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly via its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Toyota recalls hybrids with defective inverters

Toyota recalls hybrids with defective inverters

November 7, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 7, 2017 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled a handful of hybrid vehicles with defective inverter assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2016 Toyota Prius hybrid sedans produced between Dec. 15, 2015 and June 8, 2016. Toyota is unsure how many of the recalled models contain defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in the action come equipped with inverter assemblies whose capacitors may not be properly secured to the inverter housing. This assembly flaw leaves the capacitor terminal vulnerable to damaging vibration during vehicle operation, increasing the likelihood of a complete hybrid system shutdown. In the event that this occurs, the vehicle loses all motive power, creating a serious safety hazard for occupants. While capacitor terminal damage results in engine shutdown, the power steering and braking systems continue to function normally.

Toyota has yet to receive field reports detailing any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In April 2017, the automaker received a report from a U.S. dealer detailing an instance in which a 2016 Prius failed to failed to start, according to an internal document submitted to the NHTSA. Toyota engineers recovered and inspected the inverter assembly in the vehicle, and found that capacitor mounting bolts were missing. They also discovered that the capacitor itself had incurred terminal damage. The car company launched an investigation to determine how the capacitor bolts had gone missing, focusing on production data and records of the inverter installation process. Toyota found that the inverter assembly had been reworked during capacitor installation and that personnel had failed to re-install the bolts. Toyota soon amended its capacitor installation workflow to prevent similar scenarios from unfolding in the future.

In July 2017, engineers at the vehicle manufacturing company initiated replication tests to better understand the capacitor terminal damage observed in the vehicle in the report. Staff simulated operational vehicle vibration and applied it to the inverter assembly with the unbolted capacitor. Toyota found that the capacitor was prone to damage in these conditions. It initiated bench testing in an attempt to replicate the engine failure mentioned in the report, but was unable to do so.

One month later, Toyota received a report from the European market outlining events similar to those detailed in the April report from the U.S. market. Toyota recovered the inverter assembly from the vehicle referenced in the report and found that capacitor mounting bolts were missing. The capacitor terminal had sustained significant damage. Resin from another nearby part also melted within the inverter housing. Toyota installed the inverter assembly in a trial vehicle to see if the component, when stressed, led to complete engine shutdown. During the subsequent test, the trial vehicle lost all motive power, as the hybrid system ceased operation. The car company disassembled the inverter assembly used in the trial car and found that the capacitor terminal had sustained further damage.

With these results in hand, Toyota officials concluded that vehicles with inverter assemblies that lack capacitor mounting bolts are vulnerable to complete engine shutdown. On Oct. 12, the car company chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall. As of that date, Toyota had received one warranty claim and zero technical field reports related to the defect from dealers in the U.S. market. Dealers received notification Oct. 18.

The Solution

Toyota has instructed dealers to replace the inverter assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The organization plans to notify owners via telephone in December. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Toyota customer service staff at (800) 331-4331. Callers should use the internal recall identification code H0U. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminToyota recalls hybrids with defective inverters
Nissan recalls vehicles with defective steering components

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective steering components

November 7, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – Nov. 7, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 17,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective steering components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 hatchback sedans assembled between Aug. 10, 2015 and June 16, 2017. Nissan estimates 1 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles named in this action could contain broken steering column module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded. These components may produce electromagnetic charges that ascend the steering column, enter air bag assemblies and prompt inadvertent air bag deployment. These fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants – especially those traveling at high speeds, as the accidental activation of vehicle safety features could lead to a collision. However, Nissan has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2017, Mercedes-Benz USA recalled nearly 500,000 vehicles with defective steering columns prone to discharging electromagnetic currents and activating air bags, according to the NHTSA. This action came as the result of a two-year investigation in which Mercedes engineers had discovered that the steering columns in more than three dozen models contained broken clock springs and suffered from electromagnetic incompatibility.

One month before Mercedes publicized its recall, Daimler AG, the automotive conglomerate that controls Mercedes, contacted Nissan, with whom it shared suppliers, and made the Japanese company aware of the potential safety issue. Throughout October 2017, Nissan engineers met with DAG personnel to better understand the defect. Over this same span, Nissan confirmed that the defective steering column assemblies installed in the recalled Mercedes models had been used during the production of 2017-2018 Infiniti QX30 sedans. Following its meetings with DAG, Nissan chose to conduct its own voluntary safety recall Oct. 26. The car manufacturing company notified dealers Nov. 2.

The Solution

Nissan has asked dealers to reinforce the grounding in the steering assemblies installed in the affected vehicles, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. This work, which involves the installation of a commutator ring designed to optimize grounding, will be performed free of charge. In the meantime, Nissan is developing a more effective long-term solution that will be released to dealers when ready. The automaker plans to notify owners Dec. 18. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Nissan customer service at (800) 622-6200. Callers should choose option seven when prompted. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminNissan recalls vehicles with defective steering components

Toyota recalls minivans with defective shift lock solenoids [Video]

November 7, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Toyota Motor Corporation has recalled more than 310,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective shift-lock solenoids. The campaign affects 2005-2007 and 2009-2010 Toyota Sienna minivans.

The affected models likely contain defective shift-lock solenoids that may allow shift levers to move out of the “park” without drivers having pressed the brake pedal, a considerable potential hazard.

Toyota intends to notify both dealers and owners December first, two-thousand and seventeen. The automaker will direct dealer service departments to replace the shift-lock solenoids in recalled vehicles, free of charge.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminToyota recalls minivans with defective shift lock solenoids [Video]
BMW recalls vehicles with defective crankcases

BMW recalls vehicles with defective crankcases

November 6, 2017 admin

 

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – Nov. 6, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 740,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective crankcases, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects numerous models, including:

  • 2008-2011 BMW 128I sedans.
  • 2007-2011 BMW 328I sedans.
  • 2007-2011 BMW 525I sedans.
  • 2007-2011 BMW 528I sedans.
  • 2007-2011 BMW 530I sedans.
  • 2007-2011 BMW X3 sport utility vehicles.
  • 2007-2011 BMW X5 sport utility vehicles.
  • 2007-2011 BMW Z3 coupes.

The German automaker has yet to indicate what percentage of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The models included in this action could contain defective crankcases with positive crankcase ventilation valve heaters that are prone to short-circuiting. These features pose a serious threat to occupants, as they increase the risk of fire. This could occur during operation or when the vehicle is stationary and switched off.

Timeline of Events

In early 2009, BMW received a field incident report referencing a 2007 X5 SUV that had sustained heat damage, according to an incident chronology document submitted to the NHTSA. The car company inspected the vehicle and reviewed the information in the report. These inquires failed to yield a root cause. As a result, BMW initiated a field monitoring program. In late 2009, the automaker received another incident report addressing a 2006 BMW 3 Series sedan with heat damage. BMW received additional reports in early 2010 and later determined that many vehicle owners dealing with heat damage had likely extinguished the resulting fires on their own. The organization launched a parts-return program to collect components from the damaged vehicles for testing.

Between 2011 and 2012, the car company performed internal tests on the returned parts using microscopy, ultrasound and X-ray technology. These analyses revealed that the PCV valve heaters in the affected models were prone to degradation. Those that fully broke down were cited as the root cause of the heat damage. Since no injuries or accidents had been reported, BMW chose to hold off on issuing a recall and instead decided to reinitiate field monitoring.

In 2016 and early 2017, BMW Canada revisited the PVC valve heater issue at the request of Transport Canada. Further analyses revealed that affected vehicles could “age out” of the condition. The testing also showed that the damage occurred between the second and eighth year of ownership. With this new information in hand, BMW met with the NHTSA in October 2017 and submitted a Part 579 report detailing ongoing field monitoring, as well as potential mitigation actions that may work in the U.S. market. The automaker then reviewed internal manufacturing and supplier records to determine the extent of the problem.

BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall Oct. 25.

The Solution

BMW intends to direct dealers to replace PCV valve heaters in affected vehicles free of charge. The company plans to notify both dealers and owners Dec. 18. However, owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

 

adminBMW recalls vehicles with defective crankcases
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective occupant restraint features

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective occupant restraint features

November 3, 2017 admin , ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Nov. 3, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 414,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective occupant restraint controllers, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2012 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles manufactured between June 17, 2011 and Aug. 16, 2012.
  • 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 midsize sedans produced between June 25, 2011 and Jan. 15, 2012.
  • 2012-2013 Dodge Avenger midsize sedans produced between June 25, 2011 and Jan. 15, 2012.

FCA speculates that approximately 5 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain defective parts.

The Defect

The models referenced in the action may come equipped with damaged ORC assemblies that are prone to jumper resistor failure, a condition that materializes following prolonged electrical overstress. ORC shutdown may cause the active headrests in affected vehicles to malfunction. This poses a serious risk to occupants involved in collisions, as the lack of AHR support may increase the likelihood of cranial concussion. That said, FCA has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective ORC assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

The air bag warning light normally illuminates in vehicles with defective ORC assemblies.

Timeline of Events

On July 2, 2013, FCA launched a voluntary safety recall for 2012 Jeep Liberties, 2012-2013 Chrysler 200s and 2012-2013 Dodge Avengers, after discovering that these vehicles contained integrated power modules that were causing ORC failure and inhibiting AHR operation, according to a chronology document. Dealers reprogrammed the TIPM units in these models to address both issues. Almost four years later on May 16, 2017, the NHTSA contacted FCA and notified the company of several driver complaints referencing the three models included in the 2013 recall. These reports described instances in which the air bag warning light turned on with no clear explanation, apparently indicating some safety feature malfunction. On May 19, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group launched an investigation into the reports. One day later, the auto conglomerate ordered parts from the field for analysis. The NHTSA opened a concurrent inquiry June 1.

Throughout June and August, FCA received 13 ORC assemblies from the vehicles mentioned in the initial NHTSA reports. In July, the car company determined that at least two parts showed signs of jumper resistor failure due to electrical overstress. On Aug. 11, FCA engineers pinpointed a third part that ceased working following overstress and on Oct. 2, they encountered a fourth problematic component. Two days later, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee determined that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

As of Sept. 29, FCA has received 122 vehicle owner questionnaires, 367 customer assistance inquiry requests and 2,453 warranty claims related to defective ORC equipment.

The Solution

FCA intends to direct dealers to replace the ORC assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document submitted to the NHTSA. The vehicle manufacturer will notify both dealers and owners on or about Nov. 29. The latter should expect to receive word from FCA via first-class mail. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T56. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminChrysler recalls vehicles with defective occupant restraint features
Subaru recalls performance cars with defective audio equipment

Subaru recalls performance cars with defective audio equipment

November 1, 2017 admin

 

Cherry Hill, N.J. – Nov. 1, 2017 – Subaru of America has recalled more than 9,100 vehicles possibly equipped with defective audio equipment, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2015 Subaru WRX performance sedans with production dates ranging from Jan. 17, 2014 to April 9, 2015. Subaru suspects 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective equipment.

The Defect

The affected sedans likely feature factory-installed subwoofers positioned so that they abut luggage stowed in the trunk. This contact can loosen the subwoofer’s wiring, causing complete disconnection. Should these charged fixtures meet the metal frame of the subwoofer, an intermittent short may occur and damage to integrated circuit components. In some cases, the broken IC parts can generate constant electrical current, leading the subwoofer to overheat and increasing the likelihood of a fire. This poses an obvious safety threat to occupants.

Owners with vehicles containing the defective equipment have reported hearing crackling noises. Subaru suggested turning off the car audio system to silence these sounds.

Timeline of Events

In January 2017, Subaru received a field report detailing an instance of subwoofer overheating in a 2015 WRX performance sedan. Two months later, quality assurance personnel at the automaker took possession of the subwoofer and amplifier from the vehicle named in the report. In April, the Japanese automaker shipped the parts to the supplier, Harman International Industries, for analysis. On April 28, Harman submitted its findings. Engineers at the audio company had discovered that the IC features in the subwoofer sustained damage due to overstress. They also found that an electrical short had occurred when the subwoofer wire made contact with the metal support frame. However, Harman could not identify the root cause of the short. As a result, Subaru launched its own investigation to better understand the origin of this electrical disturbance.

In May 2017, Subaru received another field report from a dealer in Australia. Again, the company requested and received the parts involved for evaluation. Four months passed before engineers at the company uncovered the root cause: contact between the subwoofer and luggage. On Sept. 29, Subaru decided to conduct a safety recall. The organization notified dealers Oct. 9.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to inspect the subwoofer wires and install wire retainer clips in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. In some cases, dealers may replace the subwoofers altogether, a repair that Subaru has also pledged to subsidize. Owners should have received notification Oct. 31 via first-class mail. Those that did not can contact Subaru customer service personnel at (800) 782-2783. Callers should use the internal recall identification code WTQ-76. Owners in need of further assistance or information can also contact the NHTSA using its vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

 

adminSubaru recalls performance cars with defective audio equipment

Kia recalls vehicles with pinion gear plugs [Video]

November 1, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Kia Motors America has recalled more than three hundred and forty-two thousand vehicles possibly equipped with loose pinion plugs. The campaign affects 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV subcompact cars. The South Korean automaker estimates 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The affected models could contain loose pinion plugs that may force the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly, resulting in dimensioned maneuverability and increasing the risk of an accident.

Kia plans to direct dealers to re-bond the pinion plugs in affected vehicles with new and improved adhesive.  Owners should expect to receive notification via first-class mail sometime between November sixteenth and November twenty-fourth, two-thousand and seventeen.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminKia recalls vehicles with pinion gear plugs [Video]

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective steering columns [Video]

November 1, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Mercedes Benz U-S-A has recalled nearly five hundred thousand vehicles possibly equipped with defective steering columns. The campaign affects two dozen models. However, Mercedes speculates that a mere one percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

Affected models could contain steering columns with broken clock springs. These damaged fixtures inhibit steering column grounding, risking the sudden occurrence of electrostatic electricity strong enough to cause inadvertent air bag deployment. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants.

Mercedes plans to direct dealers to add steering column grounding components to all vehicles, free of charge, as a precautionary measure. The car company will notify dealers this month and contact owners via first-class mail December twelfth, two-thousand and seventeen.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminMercedes recalls vehicles with defective steering columns [Video]

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective seat belts [Video]

October 30, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than four-hundred and forty-three thousand vehicles possibly equipped with defective seat belt assemblies. The campaign affects 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sport utility vehicles.

These models feature front seat belt assemblies with pretensioner components that may not fasten properly, posing a serious safety hazard to occupants.

Hyundai has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, repair the pretensioner parts in these models. The automaker will reimburse owners for any required work. Individuals affected by this recall should have received notification via first-class mail on or around October twelfth, two-thousand and seventeen.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminHyundai recalls vehicles with defective seat belts [Video]
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