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Toyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

Toyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved

January 9, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Plano, Texas, Jan. 9, 2019 – Toyota has announced a planned expansion of recalls affecting vehicles with Takata air bag inflators that may rupture, hurling potentially deadly shrapnel at vehicle occupants. This recall has already involved millions of cars and trucks worldwide, across a broad spectrum of manufacturers and brands.

This new round of affected vehicles includes both Toyota and Lexus models. The latest recall involves the following cars and trucks:

  • 2010-2016 Toyota 4Runner
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla
  • 2010-2013 Toyota Matrix
  • 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna
  • 2010-2015 Scion XB
  • 2010-2012 Lexus ES 350
  • 2010-2017 Lexus GX 460
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 250C
  • 2010-2015 Lexus IS 350C
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 250
  • 2010-2013 Lexus IS 350
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F

The Defect

The problem with the Takata inflators is one of the most serious defects to be revealed in recent years. When the propellants used in the parts degrade in high heat, humidity and temperature cycling, activation may result in a rupture in the air bag inflator. Ruptured air bags can throw sharp metal fragments at the occupants of vehicles, injuring or even killing them.

The danger from these potentially deadly air bags increases over time, which is why the Takata recall began with earlier cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has been coordinating the cycles of recalls. In total, the department is targeting 37 million vehicles. The most dangerous type of Takata air bag, designated “alpha,” is found in vehicles older than those recently recalled by Toyota – owners of those cars were notified during the beginning of the recall.

Timeline of Events

The waves of the Takata recall have been ongoing since 2015. Unlike other recalls that are determined based on laboratory testing or safety inspections, the air bag inflator fault was discovered after several deadly accidents involving the compromised parts. The recall began with the vehicles most likely to contain high-risk inflators, with waves of new announcements following every few months.

According to Toyota, owners of the mentioned in the latest stage of the recall will receive letters in late January alerting them to the need to receive service for their vehicles.

The Solution

As with other stages of the Takata recall, the solution for the current round of air bag repairs involves replacing either the inflator or the whole airbag assembly, depending on the model of car in question. The modification will be carried out by Toyota and Lexus dealerships and repair work will be offered at no charge to drivers.

The automaker noted that it has been working on outreach efforts to ensure as many motorists as possible realize they need to have their vehicles repaired. Through practices such as holding events and working with third-party organizations, Toyota and the other carmakers using Takata air bag inflators have been publicizing the recall for the past few years.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 1.3 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,060,060 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls more Takata airbag inflators – 1.3 million vehicles involved
Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

January 4, 2019 Sean Reyes , , ,

Ford recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 953,000 vehicles worldwide to replace Takata passenger air bag inflators that can explode and hurl shrapnel.

The move includes over 782,000 vehicles in the U.S. and is part of the largest series of recalls in U.S. history.

Included are the 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, the 2010 and 2011 Ford Ranger, the 2010 to 2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan, and the 2010 to 2014 Ford Mustang…Read more on APNews.com

Sean ReyesFord recalls over 953,000 vehicles to replace inflators
Ford recalls 2019 EcoSport

Ford recalls 2019 EcoSport

January 4, 2019 Sean Reyes

 

Dearborn, Mich., January 4, 2019 – Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall for some 2019 EcoSport Vehicles. According to a Ford press release, some of the vehicles from this model year possess a weak weld holding the front seats in place.

This recall is relatively small in scale, affecting fewer than 100 of the crossovers throughout North America. With approximately 87 EcoSport vehicles affected in total, 63 are located in the U.S. and its federalized territories, while 13 are in Canada. The recall’s internal Ford reference number is 18C08.

The Defect

The weld between two parts of these vehicles’ front seats, the A-bracket and the side member, has been declared too weak in the affected crossovers. An insufficient seat weld may increase the risk of motorists being injured or killed in a collision. The Ford vehicles are thus in violation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 207 and 210, which pertain to the strength of seat backs.

Timeline of Events

As the vehicles affected by the recent recall are from a recent model year, the discovery of the defect and the recall process have played out over a short period of time. Ford announced the recall in early January, along with a separate recall regarding the ongoing process of taking potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators off the market.

Ford did not indicate how the company realized its 2019 EcoSport crossovers were in violation of FMVSS regulations, or whether the report came from the NHTSA or internal inspections. It did note that thus far no accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported to Ford.

The Solution

Owners of affected vehicles should go to their Ford dealers to receive repairs. Though the problem with the vehicles is associated with a single weld, the entire front seats of the EcoSport crossovers are compromised. Instead of making a smaller change, the dealers are ordered to replace the front seats of affected cars completely to bring them back into compliance with FMVSS.

Sean ReyesFord recalls 2019 EcoSport
Ford expands Takata airbag inflator recall

Ford expands Takata airbag inflator recall

January 4, 2019 Sean Reyes , ,

Dearborn, MI, January 4, 2019 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) recently increased the scope of its recall of vehicles including airbag inflator components provided by Takata, according to a company press release. Airbags containing Takata parts have been associated with several other waves of recalls over the past few years, encompassing multiple automakers.

The latest extension of the Ford recall is approximately 782,384-strong and targets the following models:

  • 2010 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX
  • 2010-2011 Ford Ranger
  • 2010-2012 Ford Fusion
  • 2010-2012 Ford Fusion, 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2010-2011 Mercury Milan
  • 2010-2014 Ford Mustang

Recall summary

Airbag inflators manufactured by Takata may be defective, which could make the airbag’s components explode instead of deploying properly in the event of a collision. The current wave of the Ford recall centers around the aforementioned vehicles’ front passenger-side airbags. Since Takata provided so many components to such a wide variety of auto manufacturers, the recall has taken place in multiple phases,  targeting various components of vehicles made by multiple manufacturers.

A crash in which an airbag explosion occurred could cause serious injury or death to motorists, adding urgency to the multi-stage recall. Ford did note in its press release that there haven’t yet been any injuries or deaths directly linked to the kinds of passenger-side inflators included in this round of the recall expansion.

The latest expansion of the Takata recall is part of a rolling schedule implemented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency noted that since the recall includes “tens of millions” of vehicles, beginning with the riskiest types of cars, mostly vehicles produced in 2006 and earlier. The order of the recall is based on both year of manufacture and the relative heat and humidity of regions – hot, humid conditions exacerbate the problems with airbags and increase risk. The entire schedule began in November 2015, according to the NHTSA, and is intended to conclude at the end of 2019.

The vehicles included in the latest Ford recall were manufactured between 2008 and 2012. The potential fault in these airbags has been known since the early days of the overall Takata recall, but due to the logistical need to handle the repairs in waves, they are only being serviced now.

The repair

Owners of affected Ford vehicles – or any other cars involved in the Takata recall thus far – should go to a local dealership, where the frontal passenger-side airbag inflator or airbag module will be replaced, with the manufacturer paying for the repairs. The reference number assigned to this latest recall by Ford is 19S01.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 782,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 583,909 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFord expands Takata airbag inflator recall
Toyota Recalls Nearly 45,000 Vehicles for Potential Brake Failure

Toyota Recalls Nearly 45,000 Vehicles for Potential Brake Failure

December 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 31, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma vehicles due to a potential brake issue. Toyota estimates that at least 90 percent of the involved vehicles have potential to develop the failed seal condition over the lifetime of the vehicle, which could lead to the unreasonable risk to safety. The potential number of units affected is 44,121.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the vehicles contain a brake master cylinder that includes a rubber seal which seals the brake fluid within the housing as the master cylinder piston moves. Due to combinations of improper part machining operations at one supplier facility and casting variations of master cylinders at another of its facilities, there is a possibility that a master cylinder could have an edge that does not have the correct chamfer where the rubber seal is retained. If this were to occur, over time, this edge could damage the rubber seal, causing an internal fluid leak. If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, the brake pedal feel could change, and front brake performance could be suddenly reduced. Reduced front braking performance could increase the vehicle stopping distance and may increase the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

According to the chronology report issued by Toyota, in June 2018, Toyota received three field reports on 2018 Tacoma vehicles which described the brake pedal traveling to the floor and reduced braking ability. All three of these vehicles had less than 600 miles. The brake master cylinders were recovered and sent to the part supplier for investigation. In August, Toyota received additional field reports of this condition, which master cylinders were also recovered and sent to the supplier for investigation. In September, the part supplier began providing its preliminary analysis based on some of the recovered parts. This preliminary analysis indicated that an internal leak existed which was caused by a cut rubber seal, and it was observed in these cases that the channel within the bore of the master cylinder, which is designed to retain the rubber seal, had an edge that did not have the correct chamfer.

Between October 2018 – early December 2018, the part supplier reported that their testing had identified multiple improper processes completed at the U.S. machining facility. When some combination of these improper processes were applied to non-concentric castings from the supplier casting facility in Japan, there existed a possibility of producing master cylinders with edges at the channel of the bore with varying levels of incorrect chamfer. It was also determined that this would only occur on parts cast in the supplier’s Japan facility and machined at the supplier’s U.S. facility.

Additional testing on newly machined master cylinders with edges of different incorrect chamfers revealed that the seals in a number of these tests were damaged and may eventually result in an internal leak. Any parts which were cast in the supplier’s Japan facility and machined in the supplier’s U.S. facility during the production range preceding identification of a potential issue may have some level of incorrect chamfer which may damage the seal.

It was determined that a damaged seal could cause brake fluid to leak internally, causing the brake pedal feel to change, and front brake performance could be suddenly reduced. On December 7, 2018, based on the results of the above investigation, Toyota decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall campaign. As of December 3, 2018, Toyota was only aware of 5 Toyota Field Technical Reports (3 unconfirmed reports) and 37 warranty claims (28 unverified claims) received from U.S. sources which were considered in the recall decision. Toyota is unaware of any accidents or injuries.

The Solution

All known owners of the involved vehicles will be notified via first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer. Toyota dealers will replace the brake master cylinder with a new one, free of charge. As the owner notification letters will be mailed out well within the active period of the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty (“Warranty”), all involved vehicle owners for this recall would have been provided a repair at no cost under Toyota’s Warranty. The recall is expected to begin January 21, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are J16/J06. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-888.

Sean ReyesToyota Recalls Nearly 45,000 Vehicles for Potential Brake Failure
Toyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

Toyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues

December 31, 2018 Sean Reyes , , ,

Laguna Hills, CA – December 31, 2018 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 169,481 vehicles with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may explode and injure vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2002-2005 Lexus SC
  • 2002-2005 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla
  • 2003-2005 Tundra
  • 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe

Recall summary

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

On December 7, 2018, in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators and upon discussion with the Agency, Toyota decided to conduct a campaign to replace the air bag inflator or the air bag assembly on certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Additionally, Toyota is also recalling certain Pontiac Vibe vehicles based on General Motors’ request, and in consideration of a sufficient supply of final remedy inflators by them.

Not all vehicles in the affected range were sold in the U.S. The subject vehicles are equipped with front passenger air bag inflators (Takata-designated SPI, PSPI or PSPI-L) which contain a non-desiccated phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant and that were replaced as a “like-for-like” inflator under a prior recall by Takata, although Takata’s official DIRs that affect the subject vehicles will not occur until late 2019. Toyota is accelerating the launch of the remedy for these vehicles in advance of the Takata decisions.

The repair

Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 14, 2019.

This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign. General Motors will notify NHTSA separately of its repair and notification schedule and its campaign number concerning the Pontiac Vibe, and will provide reimbursement to owners for repairs according to the plan submitted by GM on May 19, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 160,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 104,197 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesToyota Recalls Nearly 170,000 More Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Issues
Chrysler Recalls More Than 6,000 Alfa Romero Giulia Vehicles for Brake Line Defect

Chrysler Recalls More Than 6,000 Alfa Romero Giulia Vehicles for Brake Line Defect

December 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 31, 2018 – Fiat (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles equipped with GME 280HP engines and All Wheel Drive (“AWD”) due to a potential brake fluid leak and subsequent risk of fire. The potential number of units affected is 6,136.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, certain 2017-2018 MY Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles equipped with GME 280HP engines and All Wheel Drive (“AWD”) may have an out of specification condition between the brake fluid line and a cooling hose clamp.

The recalled vehicles may experience contact between a coolant hose clamp and a brake fluid line in the engine compartment. Over time, this contact may lead to a brake fluid leak onto the engine catalyst.

If the brake fluid line is damaged and brake fluid enters the catalyst, there is potential for an engine compartment fire which may result in an increased risk of injury to motor vehicle occupants or persons outside the vehicle.

In certain circumstances, the customer may smell a burning odor or see smoke prior to an engine compartment fire. A loss of brake fluid may also result in the illumination of the brake fluid tell-tale lamp.

Timeline of events

On June 8, 2018, Alfa Romeo received a field report from the Belgian market of a thermal event in a Giulia Super 2.0L GME 280HP AWD.

On June 11, 2018, Alfa Romeo opened an official investigation. The dealer field report identified possible contact between the coolant hose clamp and the brake fluid line.

Additionally, evidence of a small thermal event was reported, localized within the engine compartment.

Between June 12, 2018 through July 31, 2018, the Alfa Romeo Product Development team performed an audit of all Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio engineering vehicles in EMEA, for evidence of contact between the coolant hose clamp and the brake fluid line within the engine compartment.

Between August 1, 2018 through November 7, 2018, FCA US field service engineers surveyed 21 vehicles to measure the clearance between the coolant hose and brake fluid line.

On November 7, 2018, Alfa Romeo engineering quality concluded that the clearance issue was evident on the 2.0L GME 280HP AWD and determined the scope as vehicles built from September 7, 2016 through September 18, 2017, when a new engine layout for the cooling and brake fluid lines was introduced into production.

As of November 16, 2018, Alfa Romeo had identified approximately no CAIRs or VOQs and only 4 field reports related to this issue; total warranty is 4 claims.

Alfa Romeo was aware of no accidents and no injuries potentially related to this issue, but determined on that date, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The solution

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the brake fluid line to prevent contact with the coolant hose clamp. If damage is found on the brake line, it will be replaced, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin January 15, 2019. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

FCA US has a longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have incurred the previous cost of repairing a problem that subsequently becomes the subject of a field action.

To ensure consistency, FCA US, as part of the owner letter, will request that customers send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense.

MotorSafety.org can help you determine whether your vehicle is subject to a government-mandated recall or whether there is some factory notice that you should be informed of. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls More Than 6,000 Alfa Romero Giulia Vehicles for Brake Line Defect
Volkswagen Recalls More Than 500 Golf R Vehicles Due to Potential Fuel Line Break

Volkswagen Recalls More Than 500 Golf R Vehicles Due to Potential Fuel Line Break

December 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – December 27, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Golf R vehicles due to a potential fuel leak. Recalled vehicles have been manufactured with fuel lines built in a specific time period with dimensional deviations that may affect the correct function of the guiding sleeve. The potential number of units affected is 516.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, due to dimensional deviations at the fuel line, the guiding sleeve that is used in production to support the assembly of the quick connector may be distorted. If this happens, the connection may appear securely locked due to friction (caused by the distorted guiding sleeve) instead of being positively locked. Because of this defect, the underhood fuel supply hose quick connector may not be securely attached to the fuel supply line.

There is a risk that the fuel line may open at the quick connector, causing it to detach from the fuel supply line in the engine bay. This can result in a fuel leak which may cause fuel to enter into the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the engine compartment (and thus in the presence of an ignition source) can increase the risk of a fire. The customer may recognize a fuel odor in the vehicle if a leak occurs.

Timeline of Events

On June 23, 2018, the first loose connection was found in the field and analysis process started immediately with the first checks in factory conducted. On August 08, 2018, the first claimed field parts were received and deeper part analysis started. Between August 08, 2018 and November 05, 2018, there was intensive testing and analysis process carried out to identify the root cause of the issue. Simultaneously, additional checks were implemented in vehicle factory and at supplier. On November 05, 2018, the topic was presented in Pre Product Safety Committee of Volkswagen AG and further details were requested.

On November 09, 2018, the topic was presented in Product Safety Committee of Volkswagen AG, subsequent to which a detailed analysis was carried out regarding the root cause and a clear identification of potentially affected vehicles. On November 28, 2018, the topic was presented in the Volkswagen AG Product Safety Committee where determination of defect was made, and a voluntary recall decided upon

The Solution

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected fuel line connection. The guiding sleeve will be removed, and a tension test will be performed to assure secure locking. This work will be performed free of charge to customers. Volkswagen will not offer a reimbursement program under this recall. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20Bi. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-868.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls More Than 500 Golf R Vehicles Due to Potential Fuel Line Break
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