GM recalls vehicles with defective engine software

GM recalls vehicles with defective engine software

June 27, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

 

Warren, Mich. – June 27, 2018 – General Motors has recalled almost 500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine software, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sports cars manufactured between Dec. 8, 2017, and May 31, 2018. The American automakers suspects just 1 percent of the models involved in the action contain the defective software.

The Defect

Affected vehicles come with sensing diagnostic module software that may fail when exposed to hard braking or extreme acceleration. In the event of SDM failure, crash sensing and air bag deployment functionality may be inhibited. This defect therefore poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, GM has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective software to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of vehicles that have experience SDM failure will not receive airbag readiness or diver information center notifications.

Timeline of Events

GM personnel on April 30, 2018, hosted a media demonstration in Atlanta, during which a 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was subjected to race-like driving conditions. Following the event, GM engineers assessed the vehicle and found that its SDM software was not operating properly. These technical specialists brought the issue to the attention of the automaker May 3, 2018, via an internal Speak Up For Safety report. GM opened an investigation in response May 8, 2018.

During this inquiry, the engineering team at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan conducted road tests involving hard braking and extreme acceleration. Following these trials, the group reviewed vehicle performance data and concluded that such maneuvers caused SDM overstress, which in turn led to complete software failure.

The GM Open Investigation Review evaluated the the matter May 21, 2018, before sending it to the Safety Field Action Decision Authority. The SFADA ultimately decided that a voluntary recall was necessary and initiated such action May 24, 2018.

GM notified dealers of the forthcoming campaign May 31, 2018.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to reprogram the SDM software in affected models free of charge, according to an internal communication. GM intends to notify owners via first-class mail June 29, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance prior to the start of the recall can contact GM customer service at (866) 522-9559. They can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles with defective engine software
Nearly 250,000 minivans getting recalled due to faulty parking part

Nearly 250,000 minivans getting recalled due to faulty parking part

June 25, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – June 25, 2018 – Around a quarter million minivans are being recalled across the U.S. as a result of malfunctioning component that may cause affected vehicles to roll away despite being in the parked position, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

Chrysler says its recalling approximately 240,242 Pacifica models that come equipped with a manual park release plug attached to steering column, based on an internal briefing document available through NHTSA’s website. Under normal circumstances, the pull-capable feature enables Pacifica owners to shift from “park” into “neutral” mode if the rotary shift knob malfunctions or if the vehicle won’t start. The easiest way to do this is through the use of a common screwdriver.

However, according to the Michigan-based automaker, the manual park release plug in affected vehicles may not require a screwdriver or similar device to manipulate the plug because some were installed improperly during the manufacturing process. As a result, the component can be engaged mistakenly, causing the vehicle to roll away, potentially resulting in the injury of a bystander or damage to property surrounding the minivan.

Although the automaker can’t be sure which specific Pacificas may be impacted, Chrysler says it has been able to determine where they originated. The minivans were built at the Windsor Assembly Plant somewhere between mid June 2016 and early April of this year, the model years confined to 2017 and 2018. Chrysler says any Pacificas assembled after April 6 should be in the free and clear with respect to this component problem because the MPR plugs were redesigned with a “higher pull-out force, requiring the use of a screwdriver” or similar tool.

Timeline of Events

Chrysler became aware of the instrumentation failing on March 22 during routine performance testing, according to a chronology of events compiled by NHTSA. A few days later, upon closer examination of the issue, an internal investigator discovered the problem wasn’t unique to just one Pacifica, but potentially many more, when the plug could be adjusted too easily in several other vehicles examined. Additional testing conducted over the course of a month revealed that the nature and scope of the flaw necessitated a voluntary safety recall due to non-compliance.

The Solution

Chrysler says the recall will go into effect officially on August 3, the date in which owners of the impacted Pacifica models will be notified of the plug problem by mailers sent to owners’ home addresses. Motorists are urged to take their vehicles to their nearest Chrysler dealership so the MPR can be repaired or replaced. This fix will come at no charge to the owner.

For further information regarding the recall, call Chrysler’s customer service department at 1-800-853-1403. The reference number is U50. NHTSA’s has a toll-free number as well at 1-888-327-4236, which is the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline. Its online home for recalls is www.safercar.gov.

Sean ReyesNearly 250,000 minivans getting recalled due to faulty parking part
Chevrolet Volt vehicles recalled for battery charging issue

Chevrolet Volt vehicles recalled for battery charging issue

June 25, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

Warren, MI – June 14, 2018 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 4,606 hybrid vehicles, due to a battery charging issue. Low voltage may cause the vehicle to lose power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes Chevrolet Volt 2013 sedans. 

Recall summary  

Due to a faulty software update, the recalled vehicles have a defect that may prevent them from properly charging the battery cells.  This may cause the vehicle to operate at lower speeds and with less acceleration. If the car continues to be driven in this reduced power mode, it will stall, increasing the risk of an injury or a crash.

The software in question runs on the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 (HPCM2), which “controls almost everything the engine does” and ensures that each cell receives the proper amount of charge.

Risks 

If the Volt loses power, the driver will not be able to accelerate to merge into traffic or get out of the way to avoid collision. The car may block traffic and get hit by other vehicles.

This may result in the car occupants, other drivers and pedestrians injured or killed.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to reprogram the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2. The repair is free of charge. This Chevy recall began on July 24, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

As of April 2020 – the last date for which information is available – over 4,000 cars have been fixed in this Chevrolet recall. To see if your Volt is among those that still need to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Note: March 4, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have rewritten it to include the best, most up-to-date information.

Ken BoydChevrolet Volt vehicles recalled for battery charging issue
VW Recalls Over 54,500 Atlas Models Due to Seat Belt Buckle Defect

VW Recalls Over 54,500 Atlas Models Due to Seat Belt Buckle Defect

June 21, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – June 21 – Volkswagen is recalling vehicles for one of its popular product lines due to seat belt buckle and miscommunication issue that may increase the risk of an injury in the event of a collision.

On June 15, Volkswagen Group of America notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that some of its 2018 Atlas models are equipped with seat belts that may not function as they’re intended if seats aren’t used for their intended purpose, a problem that may affect more than 54,500 passenger vehicles.

The Defect

According to documentation submitted to NHTSA, the vehicles subject to the recall include owner’s manuals with insufficient information regarding the child restraints attached to the seats in the second row. Some of the owners’ manuals fail to provide specifics about what size of child can fit in the center position without potentially compromising the adjacent seat belt buckles. If seat bases or boosters wider than 12.6 inches are installed, the seat belt buckles may fail to latch, potentially resulting in a passenger’s injury in the aftermath of a collision.

The affected cars have vehicle identification numbers ranging between 1V2NR2CA2JCT00090 and 1V2KR2CA8JC577159.

Timeline of Events

The German automaker first became aware of the issue back in May of last year, when a Volkswagen employee happened upon a damaged safety belt buckle in the second row of an Atlas vehicle, based on a chronology of events compiled by NHTSA . What at the time was believed to be an isolated incident proved otherwise, as by September, Volkswagen received numerous complaints from owners experiencing the same seat buckle issue. This spawned an investigation as to the source of the problem, which was determined through crash testing procedures and an internal review. The Volkswagen AG Product Safety Commission determined the defect and insufficient owner’s manual information warranted a recall as of May 30.

The Solution

Motorists affected by the recall are urged to take their Atlas vehicles to their local Volkswagen dealership, cautioned the NHTSA recall document. Additionally, the German automaker says that no later than August 3, it will proceed with notifying all owners and dealers to inspect the second row center seat belt buckles for signs of a potential flaw and schedule a repair. Owners will not have to pay for the fix if they coordinate with their dealer. Alternatively, owners can get in touch with Volkswagen directly by dialing 1-800-5298 and use 69X1 as a reference code.

Seat belts have proven to save thousands of lives in the millions of accidents that occur in the U.S. each year. In 2016, the most recent year for which data is available, motorists’ buckling up saved an estimated 14,668 lives, according to NHTSA. An additional 2,456 lives would have been saved had everyone who was in an accident in 2016 strapped themselves in.

For more information on seat belt safety and the Volkswagen recall, visit NHTSA’s recall website.

Sean ReyesVW Recalls Over 54,500 Atlas Models Due to Seat Belt Buckle Defect
Kia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features

Kia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features

June 14, 2018 Sean Reyes
Irvine, Calif. – June 14, 2018 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than 500,00 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag control units, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:
  • 2010-2013 Kia Forte sedans produced between Feb. 24, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2013 Kia Optima sedans produced between Aug. 12, 2010, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedans produced between Feb. 15, 2011, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2010-2013 Kia Koup sport sedans produced between June 5, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2012 Kia Sedona minivans produced between March 3, 2010, and Aug. 14, 2012.
The South Korean automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain defective components.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in this action likely contain defective ACUs with application-specific integrated circuits that are prone to electrical overstress during frontal crashes. In the event of ASCI failure, front air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment is inhibited, leaving both drivers and front passengers susceptible to injury. However, as of May 28, 2018, Kia has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective ACUs to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In March 2014, a customer filed suit against Kia, alleging that the frontal air bags installed in his 2012 Kia Forte sedan failed to deploy during an accident, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. The automaker reported this event to the NHTSA, which then reached out to Kia for more information regarding the potential defect in July 2014.
Between March 2015 and June 2015, Kia conducted tests on the vehicle, including one trial during which an engineer attempted to download the ACU but was unable to communicate with the module. This prompted the car company to connect with its Michigan-based ACU supplier ZRF TWR. Personnel from the vendor replicated Kia’s actions and were unable to connect to the ACU. External engineering consultants looked into the matter and determined that ACU had compromised the front impact sensors, rendering the air bags in the vehicle useless. ZRF TWR then informed Kia that the NHTSA was investigating numerous models using its ACU units.
Kia continued to investigate the matter throughout the remainder of 2015, 2016 and 2017. These analyses failed to reveal a root cause. However, owners continued to report air bag deployment issues, forcing the automaker to expand the group of potentially affected vehicles to include Optima and Koup sedans and Sedona minivans.
Between January and February 2018, the NHTSA reconnected with Kia on several occasions to discuss the defective ACUs and requested that it re-establish a partnership with ZRF TWR to finally resolve the issue. In March, Hyundai recalled a large population of vehicles suffering from ACU failure, an event that engineers had linked to ASCI degradation caused by electrical overstress. On March 14, 2018, Kia officials met with the NHTSA in Washington D.C. to discuss the ACU failures occurring in its vehicles in the context of the findings mentioned in the Hyundai recall disclosure. Following this meeting, the NHTSA requested that Kia open a new investigation to assess whether the ASCIs in its ACUs were susceptible electrical overstress.
Throughout May 2018, Kia engineers conducted several tests, including a number of trials at the Vehicle Research and Test Center. On May 24, 2018, the automaker met with the NHTSA to review the data collected during one such test and found that vehicle involved showed signs of ASCI breakdown as a result of electrical overstress. This finding compelled Kia to issue a voluntary recall May 28, 2018.

The Solution

Kia has not yet developed an effective remedy, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. However, the car company does intend to reach out to dealers July 24, 2018, and contact owners via first-class mail July 27, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Kia customer service staff by calling (888) 333-4542. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SC165. They can also connect with the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesKia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features
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