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Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective auxiliary heaters

October 24, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 216,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective auxiliary heaters, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2013-2016 Audi A4 sedans and A4 Allroad station wagons produced between March 2, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi A5 coupes and cabriolets produced between March 8, 2012 and July 31, 2015.
  • 2013-2016 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between April 7, 2012 and July 31, 2015.

The German automaker estimates 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models contain auxiliary heaters with defective electrical connectors prone to contact corrosion. Mechanical wear and movement is known to cause this condition, which can lead to overheating, melting of nearby wires and even engine fires. This poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports linking the defective auxiliary heaters to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In February 2015, the car company received customer complaints detailing instances of overheating. From March 2015 to May 2016, Volkswagen investigated the claims and worked with its German supplier, Mahle Behr GmbH and Co. KG to identify a root cause and develop a solution. In June 2016, the Audi Product Safety Committee decided to conduct a service campaign to update the climate control modules in affected vehicles. The group also called for more investigations, which concluded in September 2017.

On Sept. 28, Volkswagen issued a voluntary safety recall to further address the issue.

The Solution

The automaker intends to direct dealers to replace the auxiliary heaters in models subject to the action free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Volkswagen has yet to release a notification timeline for dealers or owners. However, owners in need of immediate help can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (88) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls vehicles with defective door latches

Ford recalls vehicles with defective door latches

October 24, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Oct. 24, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 1.3 million vehicles possibly equipped with defective door latches, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks with production dates ranging from March 12, 2014 to Dec. 30, 2016, as well as 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups manufactured between Oct. 8, 2015 and Sept. 1, 2016. Approximately 1,101,107 of the vehicles referenced in the action originated from American dealerships, while 222,408 were sold in Canada and 21,090 in Mexico. Ford is unsure what percentage of the models actually contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include defective door latches prone to water damage, which in turn can cause freezing, latch deformation and actuation cable deterioration. This may prevent the latch from fully engaging with the striker, which inhibits door closure. This poses a serious safety hazard for occupants, especially in the event of an accident. That said, Ford has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any wrecks or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The automaker has not released details of the internal investigation that uncovered the defective parts. However, Ford did reveal that the vehicles named in the recall were manufactured at three different assembly facilities in Dearborn, Kansas City, Missouri and Clark County, Kentucky.

The Solution

Ford intends to direct dealers to install water shields on the door latches of affected vehicles. Dealers will also inspect the actuation cables in these models and replace them if necessary. Both of these repairs are to be performed with no charge to the customer. Ford has not publicized a timetable for dealer or owner notification. However, individuals in possession of the vehicles named in this recall who need more immediate can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S33. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Agency via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminFord recalls vehicles with defective door latches

Porsche recalls SUVs with defective fuel pumps [Video]

October 5, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than fifty thousand vehicles believed to be equipped with cracked fuel pump filter flanges. The campaign affects 2003 to 2006 Porsche Cayenne sport utility vehicles.

Affected vehicles are likely to contain flanges with hairline fractures that may release small amounts of fuel and therefore increase the risk of engine fires. This poses a serious risk to owners.

Porsche has directed dealers to replace the cracked flanges free of charge, a process that should take roughly one-and-a-half hours. The car company has not yet released a timetable for owner notification.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminPorsche recalls SUVs with defective fuel pumps [Video]

Toyota recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags [Video]

September 29, 2017 admin ,

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled multiple vehicles believed to be equipped with non-compatible air bag assemblies. The campaign affects 2008 to 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser and 2006 to 2013 Lexus L-X sport utility vehicles.

The vehicles referenced in the recall contain non-compatible assemblies that may deploy irregularly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The defective safety features were accidentally installed due to an ordering error.

Toyota notified dealers Aug. 31 and directed them to replace the air bags in recalled models, free of charge. The automaker began notifying owners via first-class mail Sept. 25. Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

adminToyota recalls vehicles with incorrect air bags [Video]
Chrysler recalls vehicles with non-compliant labeling

Chrysler recalls vehicles with non-compliant labeling

September 26, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Sept. 26, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 22,000 vehicles potentially equipped with noncompliant tire and rim labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Feb. 27, 2017 to Aug. 10, 2017. The car company suspects that 100 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected vehicles likely have tire and rim labels that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which stipulates that all road-worthy models include labeling showing the “size designation and, if applicable, the type designation of rims (not necessarily those on the vehicle) appropriate for the tire appropriate for use on that vehicle, including the tire installed as original equipment on the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer,” according to the Government Publishing Office. The vehicles named in the recall feature wheels and tires that do not contain the proper information, which may lead to the installation of noncompliant tires or wheels, and therefore increase the likelihood of an accident.

However, FCA has yet to receive field reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Aug. 10, 2017, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group received an internal report from the Information and Communication Technology division indicating that some 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles originating from the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois had rolled off the line with tire and wheel labels meant for passenger cars, rather than multipurpose models. Officials from the FCA VSRC group immediately reached out to the Quality Center Manager at the BVAP facility, who confirmed the existence of the issue and attributed it to a printing error. QA personnel at the plant instituted a yard hold to prevent noncompliant vehicles from departing.

On Aug. 24, after reviewing production logs for the BVAP plant and confirming non-compliance with FMVSS 110, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee called for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to replace the certification labels in affected vehicles free of charge. The car manufacturer plans to notify both dealers Oct. 20, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. The company will notify owners via first-class mail on or about that same day. Those in need of more immediate assistance leading up to the official recall date can contact Chrysler customer service personnel at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T53. Owners can also reach out directly to the NHTSA via the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminChrysler recalls vehicles with non-compliant labeling
Mazda recalls sedans with seat frames

Mazda recalls sedans with seat frames

September 26, 2017 admin

 

Washington D.C. – Sept. 26, 2017 – Mazda North American Operations has recalled more than 57,000 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective seat frames, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2015-2016 Mazda6 sedans produced between Nov. 3, 2014 and Dec. 9, 2015. Mazda is uncertain how many of the vehicles actually include the defective features.

The Defect

Affected models are likely to contain front passenger seat frames with high levels of weld spatter. When passengers are present, this excess metal could make contact with the classification wire harnesses installed beneath the seat frames and abrade them over time, leading to short circuiting and the eventual loss of power steering assist and air bags. In the event that power steering assist is lost, multiple warning lights illuminate. Drivers will still be able to maneuver their vehicles to evade other drivers. However, when weld splatter abrades wire harnesses and air bag functionality is inhibited, these safety features will not work should an accident unfold.

That said, Mazda has not received reports connecting the defect to any injuries or accidents.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 1, 2015, Mazda received a field report from the U.S. market outlining an instance in which all of the dashboard lights illuminated in a Mazda6 sedan. Engineering personnel investigated the report and found that the occupant sensor wiring harness in the car was abraded due to extensive weld spatter on the front passenger seat frame. Approximately eight days later, the Japanese automaker rolled out amended assembly processes that involved installing protective pads beneath the seat frames in Mazda6 models. On February 5, 2016, quality assurance personnel reviewed all information related to the defect and resulting production fix, and determined that a voluntary recall was unnecessary as there was a low frequency of occurrence and drivers could still safely maintain control of their vehicles in the event of complete wire harness abrasion. Mazda continued to monitor the field for more reports.

By Nov. 29, 2016, 13 more field reports materialized, forcing the automaker to reassess its earlier decision. However, by March 3, 2017, few other occurrences cropped up. On July 25, Mazda shared information on the defect and the assembly amendment with the NHTSA during a technical presentation. The agency requested more detailed data, which the automaker submitted to NHTSA officials Aug. 10 during a follow-up meeting. The NHTSA offered additional guidance on the matter Aug. 21. Mazda convened a Quality Audit Committee meeting Aug. 24 and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall based on this discussion.

The car manufacturer notified dealers Sept. 22.

The Solution

Mazda directed dealers to attach protective pads to front passenger seat frames installed in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document. Service crews are also supposed to inspect wire harnesses and apply insulating tape if they show signs of abrasion. The car company plans to notify owners via first-class mail Sept. 29. Those in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 1517H. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminMazda recalls sedans with seat frames
Hyundai recalls electric models with EPCU problems

Hyundai recalls electric models with EPCU problems

September 22, 2017 admin

 

Fountain Valley, Calif. – Sept. 20, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled more than 200 vehicles believed to contain defective electronic power control units, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Hyundai Ioniq plug-in electric sedans with production dates ranging from Nov. 17, 2016 to March 30, 2017. Hyundai suspects just 2 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective fixtures.

The Defect

Hyundai Ioniq sedans are equipped with aluminum-encased EPCU devices that transform alternating current power into direct current power for charging the battery system. The vehicles named in the campaign could contain EPCU devices whose aluminum shells feature small voids that allow coolant to leak onto EPCU circuit boards, leading to stalling. These cracked casings increase the likelihood of an accident – especially at high speeds – and therefore poses a serious danger to occupants. However, Hyundai has not received reports connecting the problematic EPCU coverings to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, the South Korean automaker received a field report outlining an instance in which an Ioniq owner was forced to tow his vehicle to a dealer after it stalled on the road. In this instance, the “check electrical vehicle system” light illuminated. Hyundai received another field report later in the month describing a similar situation.

In July, the car company collected parts from both vehicles and delivered them to engineering staff for evaluation. Personnel immediately spotted the cracked EPCU casings and diagnosed the root cause of both breakdowns. Hyundai then contacted the Korea-based parts provider responsible for delivering the defective aluminum fixtures. The company, Hyundai Mobis, traced the defective EPCU coverings to a manufacturing process revision made in April 2017. Hyundai quality assurance personnel reviewed all the available information related to the cracked EPCU housings and decided conduct a voluntary safety recall Aug. 17.

The car company notified owners of the action Sept. 1.

The Solution

Hyundai has directed dealers to inspect and replace the EPCU units in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document from the NHTSA. The automaker plans to notify owners via first-class mail Sept. 29. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Hyundai customer service at (800) 633-5151. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 166. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminHyundai recalls electric models with EPCU problems
Chrysler recalls vans with defective seatbelts

Chrysler recalls vans with defective seatbelts

September 22, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Sept. 20, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 47,000 minivans possibly equipped with defective second-row seatbelts, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivans with production dates ranging from Nov. 1, 2015 to Aug. 24, 2017. FCA estimates that all of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective safety features.

The Defect

The affected models contain second-row center seatbelt assemblies that were installed in such a way that can cause the left outboard seatbelt buckle may to come unlatched. This poses a serious safety risk to passengers in the left seating position in the second row, as they could be left unrestrained in the event of an accident. However, FCA has not received reports connecting crashes or injuries to the defective fixtures.

Timeline of Events

On May 12, 2017, members of the FCA Interior Restraints Engineering Department notified the company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance of an issue involving second-row seatbelt assemblies installed in 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivans. Engineers for the department had seen the left outboard seatbelt buckle in one recently assembled vehicle come unlatched during a chassis validation tests involving a water dummy ballast. From May 13 to Aug. 2, members of the FCA VSRU reviewed field information and conducted an investigation to see if the problem could be duplicated for testing. The automaker’s Vehicle Dynamics team succeeded in duplicating the issue during a laboratory test July 31.

On Aug. 2, the VSRU further reviewed the vehicle at the center of the original report and met with engineers from the VD group who confirmed that they had duplicated the issue described in the internal communication. The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter Aug. 24 and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to address the defective second-row seatbelt assemblies. The car company notified owners of the intended action Aug. 31.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to install shortened second-row seatbelt buckles designed to prevent unlatching free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement. The automaker will notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 20. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Chrysler customer service personnel at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T54. Owners can also reach out directly to the NHTSA via its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminChrysler recalls vans with defective seatbelts
Ford recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

Ford recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies

September 19, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Sept. 19, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 250 vehicles possibly equipped with defective steering gear heat fasteners, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Explorer sport utility vehicles and Taurus sedans, as well as Police Interceptor sedans and utility vehicles. Ford estimates that 80 percent of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles likely contain steering-gear heat fasteners that have not been properly coated with a corrosion-resistant finish. As a result, moisture may corrode these and other nearby metal fixtures, possibly leading the heat shield to detach completely from the steering gear. This may expose the steering gear assembly to higher than expected temperatures, which triggers thermal protection mode. In this scenario, steering assist functionality decreases while the gears cool. While not overtly dangerous, this situation could affect vehicle maneuverability and increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Ford has not received any field reports connecting the defective heat fasteners to any injuries of accidents.

Drivers operating vehicles with defective heat gear fasteners that have caused steering-gear overheating and activated thermal protection mode will hear audible chimes and see an engine warning on the dash cluster.

Timeline of Events

In May 2017, a worker at the ITW Shakeproof Group, Ford’s steering-gear module supplier, noticed that the gear heat fasteners on one assembly approved for shipment happened to be black in color. The employee reported the issue to his superiors who notified Ford. The automaker’s plant on Chicago, which was responsible for producing the vehicles equipped with steering gear modules from the Shakeproof Group, stopped shipments immediately. Engineers at the facility then launched an investigation.

Ford determined that the supplier had sent over steering-gear modules with the wrong fasteners, which were not properly coated to protect against corrosion. The car manufacturer brought this evidence in front of the Critical Concern Review Group on May 23.

Over the course of June and July, personnel from the engineering department analyzed the black fasteners to see if they succeeded in retaining vehicle heat shields. Ford also began reviewing plant assembly and shipment records to determine if vehicles had left the facility with the steering gear modules featuring these fixtures installed.

In August, the Ford Field Review Committee examined both reports from the engineering team, as well as the production and shipment logs for the Chicago assembly site. On Aug. 21, the group concluded that a voluntary safety recall was necessary. The automaker informed dealers of the recall action Aug. 29.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace black steering-gear heat fasteners in affected models with properly coated models, free of charge. The car company began notifying owners via first-class mail Sept. 11. Those in need of more assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332 using the recall identification code 17S23, according to a recall notification letter from the NHTSA. Owners can also connect directly with the NHTSA via the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminFord recalls vehicles with defective steering assemblies
Honda issues recall for defective air bag assemblies

Honda issues recall for defective air bag assemblies

September 18, 2017 admin ,

 

Torrance, Calif. – Sept. 18, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled approximately 646 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective replacement air bag inflators, according to documents filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects numerous Honda models, including:

  • 2008-2012 Honda Accord sedans with production dates ranging from July 20, 2007 to Aug. 21, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour crossovers with production dates ranging from Dec. 4, 2009 to May 30, 2012.
  • 2006-2011 Honda Civic sedans with production dates ranging from Sept. 12, 2005 to March 16, 2011.
  • 2007-2011 Honda CR-V sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from Aug. 2, 2006 to Nov. 15, 2011.
  • 2009-2012 Honda Fit hatchbacks with production dates ranging from Nov. 12, 2008 to May 9, 2012.
  • 2010-2012 Honda Insight compact hybrid sedans with production dates ranging from Feb. 20, 2009 to Dec. 20, 2011.
  • 2009-2012 Honda Pilot sport utility vehicles with production dates ranging from May 19, 2008 to Aug. 27, 2012.

The Japanese automaker is unsure what percentage of the vehicles named in the campaign contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could contain frontal air bag inflators that were damaged during installation and therefore may not deploy properly in the event of an accident, according to an internal service bulletin submitted to the NHTSA. This poses a serious hazard to passengers. However, Honda has not received field reports linking the defective air bag inflators to any accidents or injuries thus far.

Timeline of Events

On Aug. 7, 2017, an American dealer notified Honda that technicians had incorrectly installed replacement air bag inflators in vehicles involved in an earlier recall related to Takata air bag assemblies. Staff for the automaker began investigating the report immediately and requested further details from the dealership employees who executed the air bag inflator installation. This inquiry unfolded over the course of eight days.

On Aug. 28, Honda officials reviewed all evidence gathered during the investigation and determined that the improperly installed features posed a serious safety risk to occupants. The car manufacturer then ordered a voluntary safety recall. Honda notified dealers Aug. 31.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the frontal air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document. Honda intends to notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 1. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138. Callers should use one of the following recall identification codes: O07, Y0A, N06, G05, M04, Y01 and O09. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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