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Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine components

July 25, 2018 Sean Reyes Lexus Recalls

Plano, Texas – July 25, 2018 – Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing has recalled more than 114,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Lexus brand, including:

2007-2011 Lexus GS 350 sedans produced between June 19, 2006, and Aug. 28, 2011.
2007-2011 Lexus GS 450h sedans produced between Sept. 26, 2005, and Aug. 23, 2011.
2006-2013 Lexus IS 350 sedans produced between May 27, 2005, and March 19, 2013.
2010-2014 Lexus IS 350c sedans produced between Nov. 25, 2008, and Aug. 5, 2014.

The Japanese automaker is unsure how many of the recalled models actually contain defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 3.5-liter engines with intake port fuel injection systems featuring gasoline delivery pipes and pulsation dampers. The material used for the diaphragms in the pulsation dampers can thicken after coming into contact with fuel containing high concentrations of ethanol. Over time, hardening may give way to cracking, which, in turn, could lead to fuel leakage and engine fire. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Toyota has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car manufacturer has yet to release details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. That said, the company has confirmed that it notified dealers of the impending recall campaign June 26, 2018.

The Solution

Toyota has directed dealers to replace the fuel delivery pipes and pulsation dampers in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail on or around Aug. 9, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Toyota customer service personnel by calling (800) 255-3987. Callers should use the internal recall identification code JLF. Of course, owners can also contact the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Honda Recalls Vehicles with Defective Labels

July 25, 2018 Sean Reyes Honda Recalls, Video

Mazda recalls vehicles with defective air bags

July 24, 2018 Sean Reyes Mazda Recalls

Washington, D.C. – July 24, 2018 – Mazda (OTCMKTS: MZDAY) has recalled almost 700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Mazda CX-5 sport utility vehicles produced between April 11 and April 27, 2018. The Japanese automaker suspects just 1 percent of the models involved in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain side-curtain air bags that may fail to unfold properly during deployment, leaving occupants unprotected in the event of an accident involving side impact or a rollover. The defect therefore poses a serious threat to owners and their passengers. However, Mazda has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic parts to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Mazda on April 26, 2018, received information from its air bag supplier, the Ashimori Industry Company, indicating that the fabric used in certain assemblies did not meet adhesion requirements. Ashimori revealed that production personnel had failed to properly dry the cement adhering the silicone air bag base to the side-curtain fabric, meaning the resulting equipment would leak air and therefore not inflate upon deployment. On April 27, 2018, the vehicle manufacturer stopped shipment of models with defective air bags. More than a week later, Mazda production teams rolled out replacement side-curtain air bag models.

On June 12, 2018, the automaker reviewed its production logs and found that multiple vehicles containing the problematic air bags had been shipped to dealers. Members of the Mazda Quality Audit Committee convened June 21, 2018, and decided that a voluntary recall was necessary.

The company notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 29, 2018.

The Solution

Mazda has directed dealers to replace the side-curtain air bags in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners should have received notification via first-class mail July 16, 2018. Those who have yet to hear about the recall or require additional assistance can speak with Mazda customer service personnel by calling (800) 222-5500. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 2718F. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective rear seat components

July 24, 2018 Sean Reyes Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Jacksonville, Fla. – July 24, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled almost 400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective rear seat components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between March 13, 2017, and April 28, 2017. The German automaker suspects all of the models involved in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles feature rear seat belt assemblies whose child restraint anchorage points may be missing. Without these components, owners cannot properly secure kids’ car seats, leaving underage passengers exposed in the event of an accident. This defect therefore poses a serious risk to occupants. However, Mercedes-Benz has yet to receive field reports linking the defective parts to any collisions or injuries.

In addition to posing a substantial safety hazard, this defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, Section 4.4, which states that “at least one of the child restraint anchorage systems shall be installed at a forward-facing seating position in the second row in each vehicle that has three or more rows, if such a forward-facing seating position is available in that row.”

Timeline of Events

Engineers from a Mercedes-Benz assembly site contacted Daimler AG, the brand’s parent company, in September 2017 and reported that several newly produced vehicles had come off the line without rear seat restraint anchorage points. This prompted the car manufacturer to launch an official investigation, which revealed that a number of 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUVs were indeed missing these parts due to incorrect assembly documentation.

Daimler AG immediately reworked affected models remaining in factories and reviewed production logs to determine if vehicles without the required rear seat restraint anchorage points had been shipped out to dealers. This inquiry confirmed that such models had been released for purchase.

On June 15, 2018, the automotive conglomerate decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

The Solution

Daimler AG will direct dealers to replace the rear backseat rests in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action July 27, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail Aug. 3, 2018. However, those in need of more immediate assistance can speak with Mercedes-Benz customer service personnel by calling (800) 367-6372.

Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective fuse boxes

July 20, 2018 Sean Reyes Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Jacksonville, Fla. – July 20, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 1,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuse boxes, according to documentation given to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Sept. 5, 2017, and Dec. 14, 2017, including:

2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450 and S 450 4Matic sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 and S 560 4Matic sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S 560 4Matic coupes.
2018 Mercedes-Benz-Maybach S 560 4Matic sedans.
2018 Mercedes-Benz-Maybach S 650 sedans.

The German automaker suspects just 1 percent of the recalled vehicles contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could contain pre-fuse boxes, installed in the trunk, whose internal power bars have not been properly secured. This may cause increased levels of electrical resistance and increase the risk of fire. These loose features may also come into contact during vehicle operation, leading to the sudden loss of key vehicle functions. Engine, instrument cluster and seat belt functionality could be inhibited.

The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2017, Daimler AG received a field report outlining an instance in which a vehicle owner was unable to start his vehicle. This prompted the automotive conglomerate to launch an internal inquiry and request parts from the model involved in the report for analysis. LEONI Wire Inc., the vendor that supplied the engine components used in the vehicle, reviewed the parts in November and determined that the pre-fuse box located in the trunk was missing the two nuts that secured its internal power bars.

Daimler AG initiated a root cause investigation the following month. By the start of 2018, the company had discovered that a defective torque station was to blame for the missing nuts.

Engineers for the conglomerate conducted additional tests to determine the impact of the defect. Concurrently, assembly specialists evaluated the problematic torque station to determine why an error had occurred.

In March 2018, these experts concluded that defective software was behind the torque station mishap. Over the next two months, Daimler AG reviewed the wiring harness assembly that secured the pre-fuse box and combed through assembly log to see how many vehicles could have left the factory with defective parts.

On June 15, 2018, Daimler AG reviewed all of the information related to the defect and decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Daimler AG will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the pre-fuse boxes in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The organization intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action Aug. 3, 2018, and reach out to customers via first-class mail Aug. 15, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can speak with Mercedes-Benz customer service representatives by calling (800) 367-6372.

They can also connect with the NHTSA directly through the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ford recalls vehicles with defective torque converters

July 20, 2018 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Dearborn, Mich. – July 20, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than two dozen vehicles potentially equipped with defective torque converters, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2017-2018 Ford Edge sport utility vehicles produced between July 28, 2017, and March 8, 2018, as well as 2017 Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles manufactured between Aug. 24, 2017. The American automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain two-liter engines with torque converters with defective welds prone to breakage. In the event that these joints collapse, the torque converter may disconnect from the engine flexplate, leading to the loss of motive power and increasing the likelihood of an accident. This defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants.

However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group received a report in May 2018 that outlined in instance in which a vehicle owner brought his car in for service to repair broken torque converter welds. The torque converter in this vehicle had been recalled in an earlier campaign but was apparently not quarantined during production. An investigation revealed that assembly personnel had mishandled the component and installed it in a new transmission.

Ford engineers discovered that this misstep had been made more than two dozen times.

The Ford Field Review Committee took up the issue June 4, 2018, and chose to call for an immediate voluntary recall. The automaker informed dealers of the forthcoming action June 11, 2018.

The Solution

Ford directed dealers to replace the torque converters in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The car company reached out to owners via first-class mail between June 25, 2018, and June 29, 2018.

Those still in need of assistance can speak with Ford customer service personnel by calling (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 17S16. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Porsche recalls vehicles with defective suspension components

July 20, 2018 Sean Reyes Porsche Recalls

Atlanta – July 20, 2018 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective suspension components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple Panamera sport utility and station wagon models across the Porsche brand, including:

2017-2018 Porsche Panamera 4S SUVs produced between Dec. 2, 2016, and May 9, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera 4S Executive SUVs produced between June 26, 2017, and May 4, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Oct. 10, 2017, and May 28, 2018.
2017-2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo SUVs produced between Nov. 22, 2016, and May 28, 2018.
2017-2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive SUVs produced between March 3, 2017, and April 9, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid SUVs produced between Oct. 11, 2017, and June 4, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Executive SUVs produced between Oct. 12, 2017, and May 3, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Nov. 21, 2017, and May 24, 2018.
2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo station wagons produced between Sept. 4, 2017, and May 22, 2018.

The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in this action contain the defective suspension parts.

The Defect

Affected models contain rear-axle anti-roll bars with connecting links that are prone to wear and detachment. In the event that these components fail, the anti-roll bar could come loose and make contact with other suspension parts, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire.

This defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Porsche has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Porsche engineers identified a vehicle with defective rear-axle anti-roll bar connecting links during an internal stress test conducted in 2017. The vehicle in question had been subjected to considerable wear and tear, leading the links to detach. Despite this discovery, the automaker did not take action, believing the issue was an aberration. On top of this, the vehicle seemed to perform as expected.

In March 2018, Porsche conducted additional tests to better understand the impact of connecting link detachment. This inquiry revealed that this condition could damage nearby suspension components and cause an engine fire. Quality assurance teams initiated a production record review to determine whether other vehicles might be susceptible to connecting link detachment.

Members of the Porsche Product Safety Committee convened June 6, 2018, to review these findings, which indicated that the problem was widespread. The group launched a voluntary safety recall as a result.

The Solution

Porsche intends to direct dealers to replace the rear-axle anti-roll bar connecting links in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. However, the car maker has not yet released a dealer or owner notification timetable.

Owners in need of immediate assistance can speak with Porsche customer service personnel by calling (800) 767-7243. Callers should use the internal recall identification code AJ06. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags

July 20, 2018 Sean Reyes Nissan Recalls

Franklin, Tenn. – July 20, 2018 – Nissan North America (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled more than 104,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2010-2011 Nissan Versa sedans and 2010-2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks

Recall summary

Affected vehicles contain air bag assemblies with Takata non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate inflators prone to propellant degradation. When exposed to high-humidity or -temperature environments, the propellant granules in these parts may deteriorate, prompting the inflator to explode and break apart during air bag deployment. In such an event, shrapnel may fly through the cabin at high speeds. This defect therefore poses a serious safety hazard to occupants.

The defective components involved in this action are part of a larger, multi-year campaign involving approximately 37 million vehicles across more than a dozen brands, according to the NHTSA. These Takata air bag assemblies have claimed the lives of 15 individuals in the U.S. and injured hundreds more, according to Consumer Reports.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the defective air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Nissan notified owners via first-class mail July 9, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 104,000 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 68,860 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

July 13, 2018 Sean Reyes Dodge Recalls

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 13, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective rearview cameras, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018 Dodge Journey sport utility vehicles produced between May 1, 2018, and May 25, 2018. The American automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain rearview mirror displays with integrated cameras. When in operating in reverse, drivers viewing their progress in dash-mounted displays may encounter cautionary text that obscures their view and therefore increases the likelihood of an accident.

In addition to posing a serious hazard to occupants, the defective cameras violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, which mandates that all manufacturers ensure all models facilitate “clear and reasonably unobstructed view{s} to the rear.”

FCA has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Quality assurance personnel at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Toluca, Mexico conducted rearview mirror compliance tests May 21, 2018, and found that cautionary text displayed in conjunction with the rearview camera view inhibited visibility. One day later, engineers confirmed the presence of the defect and notified the FCA Safety and Regulatory Compliance, which quickly initiated a noncompliance investigation.

Members of the Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter on June 7, 2018, following the conclusion of the inquiry and, based on the evidence uncovered in the investigation, recommended for an immediate voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

FCA intends to direct dealers to replace the rearview mirrors in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker will notify both dealers and owners on or around Aug. 3, 2018. Individuals in possession of the recalled models can expect to receive notification via first-class mail.

Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the campaign can speak with FCA customer service staff by calling (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U58. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake components

July 13, 2018 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Dearborn, Mich. – July 13, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 1,400 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford F-650 and F-750 Super Duty pickup trucks produced between Jan. 26, 2018, and March 13, 2018. The American automaker suspects all of the vehicles involved in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

The affected models feature primary and secondary brake hose assemblies with ineffective corrosion coating. These fixtures, which are located near the master cylinder and hydraulic control unit, are susceptible to crippling oxidization as a result. In the event that this does occur, brake fluid leakage could occur, eventually resulting in drastically reduced braking functionality.

This defect increases the likelihood of an accident and therefore poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Members of the Ford Critical Concern Review Group received a report in March 2018 that referenced a vendor communication that seemed to indicate some vehicles had been equipped with defective brake hose assemblies.

The Mexican supplier Martinrea International had explained that numerous brake hoses had been shipped from its facility in Saltillo, Mexico to a Ford assembly site Avon Lake, Ohio without proper corrosion coating. The vendor had also informed Ford engineers that the hoses would lose 50 percent of their metal thickness over the course of 4.5 years.

The CCRG reviewed this information, along with internal test results from the Ford engineering group, and requested additional information. Throughout April and May 2018, engineers from both Ford and Martinrea International performed additional assessments and looked over production and shipment logs to determine the breadth of the problem.

The CCRG reconvened June 4, 2018, and decided that a voluntary safety recall was necessary.

Ford notified dealers of the impending action June 12, 2018.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the brake hose assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Ford will reach out to dealers via first-class mail between July 9, 2018, and July 13, 2018.

Owners in need of additional assistance can speak with Ford customer service personnel by calling (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall reference code 18S19. Owners may also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

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The Defect

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The Defect

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The Defect

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The Defect

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Recall summary

The repair

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The Defect

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The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

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