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Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment

August 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of certain 2018 and 2019 vehicles that may have a problem with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), according to Car Complaints. This could cause air bags not to deploy in certain situations. MBUSA is looking further into the potential matter to take action on the official recall.

The Defect

The OCS is the electrical system that makes the driver aware if other passengers in the car need to fasten a seat belt. It also allows the car to know if it should deploy an airbag in the event of an accident. Indicators include features like pressure-sensitive mats and weight sensors, which can carry information about the particular passenger. All modern vehicles today have similar systems installed, such as the Seat Occupant Sensors (SOS), Passenger Weight Systems (PWS) or the Occupant Detection System (ODS). In the recalled vehicles, this indicator is said to not react if there is a child or child seat in the front passenger side of the car. This means if there was a crash, the airbag would not be deactivated and the child runs the risk of serious injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 17-23. The CDC advises that no children under 12 years of age should be in the front seat of a vehicle. Child seats should not be in the front seat passenger side, because airbags can pose a risk to the child. This is especially risky for children under 2 who are strongly suggested to be in rear-facing car seats.

Once a child is of the age or weight requirement, they can sit in the passenger seat with a normal-sized belt. Children are said to be safest in a vehicle, in either a regular belt or child seat, that is located in the middle back seat. If parents and guardians are concerned, they can have a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician check seats and anchoring components for proper installation.

Timeline of Events

On August 3, MBUSA made an announcement regarding the recall for the problematic OCS.

The 345 cars included in this recall are certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic models. An additional 86 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic 2018 vehicles are also part of the recall.

As a small side recall, four additional cars of the same models are part of the series that have defective sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof runs a risk of coming detached while driving, which could cause potential injury or a crash.

Starting October 3, MBUSA will start to offer inspections, part replacements and repairs to the vehicles affected by the recall. The OCS can be re-calibrated and corrected to perform like normal.  This protocol is free of charge to consumers and dealerships as needed.

The Solution

MBUSA announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Mercedes-Benz directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-367-6372.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment
Volkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem

Volkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem

August 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – According to Consumer Affairs, the Volkswagen Group of America Inc. is recalling certain 2017 and 2018 models for a potential brake issue. Consumers and dealerships will be notified of the problem, which could lead to injury or a crash if not properly addressed for repairs and replacement. More than 8,400 cars are involved in the recall.

The Defect

Mounting bolts found in the brake caliper bracket could have a deficiency due to a manufacturing issue. The fasteners directly affect how the brake system operates. If loose or not installed correctly, drivers could potentially lose the ability to brake or control the vehicles, causing a crash or injury to those inside the car.

According to How Stuff Works, the brake calipers are part of the mechanism that squeezes break pads against the brake rotor. Most modern vehicles have disc brake systems in the front, and often in the back, where these calipers would be found. Break fluid is released when the brake pedal is operated, which causes friction between pad and rotor. As the rotor slows down, so does the wheel, completing the braking system. If there’s a compromise in the power of the friction, it’s known as brake fade. So when the caliper potentially has loose bolts, this can put the metal caliper off-kilter to the rotor. The driver will be unable to use brakes correctly, resulting in loss of control or a crash.

When Volkswagen notifies the owners, they will offer replacement parts and complimentary repairs. This includes tightening the brake caliper bolts or re-torqueing them. Mechanics can also check bleeder valves, brake hose bolts and fasteners to ensure all parts are in correct working order. On certain Passat models, the braking cable will also be checked.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month, Volkswagen made the announcement to recall the vehicles. Those included are some 2018 Volkswagen Atlas models and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. In total, 8,416 cars are involved in this particular recall.

The official recall is expected to begin by October 14, when owners will be notified, and repairs will start to be offered.

Earlier this year, there was an international recall of more than 700,000 Volkswagen vehicles, according to Industry Week. There was an issue with built-in lights that could potentially short circuit. This ran the risk of causing damage to parts of the roof and even fires to the interior of the cars. Models part of the recall were specific Tiguan and Touran vehicles manufactured before July 5 of this year. There is an ongoing investigation into the issue before the cars are officially asked to be brought in for repairs by Volkswagen spokespeople. Drivers in this instance were asked to watch for visible signs of singeing on the roof panels.

Volkswagen vehicles have undergone several recalls this summer, including another 124,000 electric cars. These Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche automobiles had potential carcinogenic cadmium in the batteries that need to be fixed or replaces due to poisoning risk over time.

The Solution

Volkswagen announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Volkswagen directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-893-5298. The recall number provided by Volkswagen is 46H6.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem
Meredes-Benz to Recall Vehicles with Faulty Child Seat Anchoring

Meredes-Benz to Recall Vehicles with Faulty Child Seat Anchoring

August 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of particular 2018 vehicles that have issues with their anchoring systems for child seats, according to Consumer Affairs. This could prove to be a high-risk situation for drivers and potentially lead to injuries during crashes, as seats can become prematurely detached due to the faulty part. Steps are in place to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

The Defect

Proper installation of the child seat anchoring system, or ISOFIX, may have been overlooked in 39 Mercedes cars. Those included in the recall are Mercedes-Benz E400 Cabrios and E400 4Matic Cabrios.

If during a crash the ISOFIX does not work properly, some of the console could tear away from the vehicle unexpectedly. If there is a child seat and child involved, there is a risk for injury.

According to Childcarseats.org, the ISOFIX is an international standard in many vehicles to have certain secure points that pass safety tests with all regulation car seats. As there can be large differences between various seatbelts, seats and how the components are anchored, the ISOFIX can help standardize the variables to provide additional safety checkpoints. Some of these anchor points include top tether metal parts that allow for looping of belts and straps, as well as alligator clips for the bottom. The system can account for child passengers up to 72 pounds in booster seats and regular child car seats. ISOFIX can also be referred to as LATCH, LUAS or Canfix in other countries.

Alongside the ISOFIX system, all child car seats should have proper alignment for the seatbelt strap, adjustments to headrests and options support legs. The system attached to these Mercedes models does not include the child car seat itself or other safety components.

Timeline of Events

On August 2, MBUSA made an announcement that the recall for faulty child seat anchoring components. There was concern for increased risk of injury to children if involved in a crash. So far, there have been no reported injuries related to this specific recall.

Starting October 3, MBUSA will start to offer inspections, part replacements and repairs to the vehicles affected by the recall. This protocol is free of charge to consumers and dealerships as needed.

Recently, there has been a massive recall of Mercedes cars in Germany, according to Adweek. More than 230,000 cars were involved in this recall, which are only part of a string of recalls that could potentially amount to millions. The issue has to do with tracking emissions, which potentially gives false readings. It can make the cars seem like they are qualified to pass emission tests when in reality, they are not. Automaker and MBUSA partner Daimler states they are willing to inspect the issue and replace faulty parts, but claim the issue was not deliberate. Other officials say it may have been to help pass emission tests deceitfully, and there is an ongoing investigation. This effects cars internationally manufactured in various countries across the globe.

The Solution

MBUSA announced plans to directly notify owners of the problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Mercedes-Benz directly in the U.S. can call their helpline at 1-800-367-6372.

Sean ReyesMeredes-Benz to Recall Vehicles with Faulty Child Seat Anchoring
Chrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem

Chrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem

August 26, 2018 Sean Reyes , , , ,

United States – August 26, 2018 – According to Consumer Reports, in a recent string of recalls, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a recall of 12,779 vehicles.

Various Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Ram SUVs and cars are involved in this particular recall, which is for a faulty part in the powertrain system.

The defect

Due to the powertrain system having a potentially broken or a wrongly manufactured circuit board, the problem can connect directly to stalling and starting the vehicle.

This is on the drivetrain and does not include the main engine of the car. Powertrain systems are in both manual and automatic vehicles and include transmission, drive shafts and differentials components.

Specifically, inside the circuit board, there is a voltage regular chip that helps control some of the automating controlling and driving of the cars. When this fails, the cars will not start or will stall out after being turned on via ignition.

When vehicles stall unexpectedly, there is a risk of an accident or injury from a crash. Issues with starting vehicles can cause drivers to be stranded or without a working car.

Of more than 12,000 vehicles affected, the list includes:

  • 2018 Jeep Renegade
  • 2018 Jeep Compass
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Ram 1500
  • Ram ProMaster
  • Fiat 500x
  • Dodge Journey
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Durango
  • Chrysler 300x
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles

Timeline of events

The recall is expected to officially begin September 28 of this year to solve the ignition problem. FCA states they will replace the powertrain control module free of charge for consumers and dealerships.

Also this month, FCA recalled similar 2018 – 2019 Jeep and Dodge models for brake fluid issues. More than 200,000 vehicles were included in this recall, which required brake fluid to be replaced complimentary to avoid potential bigger issues with the systems. Breaking and steering issues are imperative to fix immediately, due to the higher risks of crashes involved.

In June, a woman in Ohio claimed to have a steering issue with her Jeep, causing it to lockup while she was operating her car. However, FCA and Jeep spokespeople said her particular car did not fall under any current recall.

Alongside the recent recalls, FCA is facing some issues in court as well. According to the Detroit Free Press, Alphons Iacobelli, a former vice president of employee relations for FCA, is facing charges of embezzlement.

The company took funds allocated for worker trainers and used them for extraordinary perks, trips and bonuses instead.

Seven other higher-ups have already been convicted and charged in the scandal. The Justice Department and other government entities may be looking further into investigations that could cost FCA millions, if not billions, in court fees and fines.

However, further actions are speculative due to FCA being incorporated in the Netherlands and the charges happening in the U.S.

The solution

Chrysler announced plans to directly notify owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reference number for this recall campaign is 18V524.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall 150,000 Jeep and Dodge Vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall 150,000 Jeep and Dodge Vehicles

August 24, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

 

U.S. – Aug. 24, 2018 – Due to potential breaking system issues, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced a recall for certain Dodge and Jeep models. More than 150,000 vehicles are part of this recall, where Chrysler suggests replacement of parts and fixes to avoid potential risk and injury. It is part of a series of recalls this year relating to the breaking system in the Jeep and Dodge models.

The Defect

Coating on the rear break caliber pistons is said to be default on some of the Dodge and Jeep models. Included are select models of the 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2018 Journey, as well as the 2018-2019 Jeep Compass and 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The piston issue can cause gas pockets to form, which may compromise the use of the rear braking system. As of now, no injuries or accidents have been reported in relation to this particular recall.

According to Haynes Manuals, the break pistons work by allowing the break pads to connect with the brake discs. There are often several found in each breaking system in modern cars. If this part has flow issues, it can cause the breaks to operate incorrectly, such as having break pads stick or unbalanced amounts of brake fluid reaching the metal parts. It can be from common wear and tear, or an issue in manufacturing. This puts the driver and passengers at risk for not having full control in the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

This week, the Chrysler company announced the recall of 154,335 Jeep and Dodge vehicles for the break problems, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). By September 28, owners and dealers will be notified of the defect and offered solutions for repair.

In May of this year, there was a recall of more than 4.8 million Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles from the FCA, according to Cars.com. The large recall affected models from 2014-2018 that have automatic transmissions and gas engines. There was an issue with the cruise control and its electrical components, which ran the risk of the vehicle potentially accelerating and brake disengagement not working when in a cruise control mode. The automakers offered to fix the issue free of charge.

The Solution

So far, the only models affected by this recall announcement are Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Compass, Dodge Journey and Jeep Cherokee from 2018-2019. Chrysler plans to contact owners and dealers starting September 28. If consumers have any concerns and would like to find out more details, they can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9153. The NHTSA website also can be consulted for facts at www.safercar.gov. Owners and dealerships can contact Chrysler directly at 1-800-247-9753. The number for this recall is U86.

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler Automobiles to recall 150,000 Jeep and Dodge Vehicles
293 Subaru SUVs to be Fully Replaced by Automaker

293 Subaru SUVs to be Fully Replaced by Automaker

August 18, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

USA – Aug. 18, 2018 – In an unlikely move, the automaker Subaru has chosen to replace nearly 300 vehicles with defects, rather than reimbursing or repairing the offending SUVs. The faulty 2019 Ascent SUV model is missing key welds on the back-door hinges, and spokespeople from Subaru have chosen to pull the cars with the issue from the market.

The Defect

In key areas of the weld, there are spots missing along the B-pillar, which is located on the second-row door hinges. Subaru stated that the issue was due to incorrect programming in the welding software for the robots that manufacture the vehicles. If these doors or other car parts came loose due to the defect, it can cause risks of injury and accidents.

According to a Subaru representative, only nine of the defective vehicles were sold to the general public. They will replace all vehicles made and sold due to the severity of the defect. However, there have been no reports of any crashes or injuries of the Ascent SUV falling under this specific issue.

Timeline of Events

On July 21, the issue of defective welds was discovered on-property at a routine inspection. Due to the manufacturing error being contained swiftly, vehicles made between July 13-21 are affected. The total is 293 SUVs that are part of this specific recall.

There are 383,101 Subaru vehicles involved in the massive Takata airbag recall this year, which does not include the new Subaru Ascent SUV, according to Edmunds. Six models between 2003-2011 were affected.

The Solution

If consumers or retailers would like to contact Subaru’s customer service department directly, they can do so at 844-373-6614. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can provide additional information with the claim number 18V-508 on the NHTSA website. Subaru stated they plan to inform owners who bought the SUVs directly.

Sean Reyes293 Subaru SUVs to be Fully Replaced by Automaker
Volkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Fuel Pumps

Volkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Fuel Pumps

July 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 31, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 6,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel pumps, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The campaign affects multiple models across the Audi brand, including:

  • 2013 – 2015 Audi S8 sedans produced between June 27, 2012, and October 21, 2014.
  • 2013 – 2015 Audi A8 sedans produced between June 11, 2012, and August 1, 2014.

The German automaker suspects that all the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain high-pressure fuel pumps with porous fuel lines prone to leakage. These fixtures greatly increase the likelihood of engine fire and therefore pose a serious hazard to occupants.

However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of events

Audi AG began receiving field reports outlining instances of fuel leakage throughout the fourth quarter of 2016. This trend continued into 2017, leading the brand to launch an official investigation.

In May 2017, members of the Audi AG Product Safety Committee reviewed the issue and directed engineering teams to collect parts from the field for further analysis. This unfolded between June and September.

The tests that engineers conducted during this timeframe revealed that the high-pressure fuel pumps in affected vehicles were equipped with fuel lines that grew porous over time, leading to leakage. The Audi AG PSC evaluated these findings and called for an in-depth root cause investigation.

Between November 2017 and May 2018, Audi engineers analyzed additional field reports, all of which originated from the U.S. and Canadian markets, and conducted technical reviews of industry-standard fuel line assemblies.

However, these tests failed to reveal the root cause of the defect. On June 18, 2018, members of the Audi AG PSC convened again to make a final determination on the issue. The group ultimately chose to greenlight a voluntary safety recall.

The solution

Audi will direct dealers to replace the fuel lines in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners on August 21, 2018.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Fuel Pumps
GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Child Restraint Features

GM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Child Restraint Features

July 26, 2018 Sean Reyes

Warren, Mich. – July 26, 2018 – General Motors has recalled more than 22,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective child restraint components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CT6 luxury sedans produced between September 4, 2015, and September 21, 2017. The American automaker suspects 90 percent of the models involved in the action contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles feature inboard child restraint anchorage bars containing excess adhesive. As a result, the diameter of these components may surpass factory standards and interfere with the installation of child seats.

This defect poses a serious safety hazard to young passengers. However, GM has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

In addition to creating a safety risk for passengers, the defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 225, which states that all vehicles sold in the U.S. must have child restraint anchorages that are “accessible without the need for any tools other than a screwdriver or coin {and}, once accessed, be ready for use without the need for any tools.”

Timeline of events

On February 15, 2018, a GM quality assurance employee inspecting a recently assembled 2018 Cadillac CT6 discovered what appeared to be excess body adhesive on one of the vehicle’s inboard child restrain anchorage bars.

Nine days later, another worker discovered additional vehicles with the same issue, prompting him to file an official report through the automaker’s internal Speak Up For Safety program.

GM investigated the claim and found no field reports detailing incidents related to the issue. Despite these findings, the car company decided to widen the scope of the inquiry to include 2016 and 2017 Cadillac CT6 sedans on April 10, 2018.

The investigation would also assess whether the flaw violated FMVSS 225.

Over the course of the expanded investigation, GM failed to find field reports mentioning 2016 – 2018 Cadillac CT6 sedans with defective child restraint anchorage bars. However, the car manufacturer chose to continue the inquiry.

Throughout May and June 2018, GM engineers inspected dealership- and employee-owned Cadillac CT6 sedans.

The company also conducted tests to determine if the adhesive-covered bars inhibited child safety seat installation and measured these fixtures to determine if their diameters changed due to the defect.

This investigation revealed several key pieces of information. First off, all of the vehicles that exhibited the defect seemed to originate from the GM assembly plant located in Detroit, which has amended its body adhesive application process in September 2017.

This production line change ultimately caused the defect. GM engineers also managed to confirm the excess body adhesive did alter the diameter of the inboard child restraint anchorage bars, making them incompatible with most car seat models.

Lastly, the investigation showed that the bars did violate FMVSS 225.

On June 21, 2018, the members of the GM Safety and Field Action Decision Authority convened and reviewed the issue. After evaluating the data from both inquiries, the group chose to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

GM notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 28, 2018.

The solution

The automaker has directed dealers to inspect the inboard child restraint anchorage bars installed in recalled vehicles, remove any excess body adhesive and apply anti-corrosion coating, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document.

Technicians will perform this work free of charge. GM has yet to release a timetable for owner notification.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Vehicles with Defective Child Restraint Features
BMW recalls vehicles with defective control arms

BMW recalls vehicles with defective control arms

July 26, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Westwood, N.J. – July 26, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled more than three dozen vehicles potentially equipped with defective front lower control arms, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between June 9 and June 11, 2018, including:

  • 2018 BMW X-5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i sport utility vehicles.
  • 2018 BMW X-5 xDrive35d sport utility vehicles.
  • 2018 BMW X-6 sDrive35i sport utility vehicles.

The German automaker suspects just 3 percent of the models involved in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain front lower control arms with insufficiently hardened pivot bolts prone to breakage. In the event that these components fail, the control arm may cease operation, leading to a sudden and sharp decline in vehicle handling functionality. The defect therefore poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, BMW has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On June 15, 2018, THK Rhythm Automotive Canada, the supplier of the control arms used in the recalled vehicles, contacted BMW and revealed that numerous units may not have been hardened properly due to a production error. Following this communication, the vendor conducted a review to see how many of the defective control arms were shipped to the vehicle manufacturer. After receiving this data, BMW evaluated its production records and pinpointed the vehicles that could have been equipped with the problematic control arms.

On June 21, 2018, the automaker launched a voluntary safety recall to address the issue. The company informed dealers of the forthcoming action June 28, 2018.

The Solution

BMW has directed dealers to replace the front lower control arms in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners should expect to receive further details about the recall via first-class mail Aug. 20, 2018. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the campaign can speak with BMW customer service personnel by calling (800) 525-7417. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesBMW recalls vehicles with defective control arms
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