Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

February 22, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Auburn Hills, MI – Feb. 22, 2018 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled more than 97,000 Audis equipped with defective Takata air bag inflators, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects the following models:

  • 2009-2012 Audi Q5
  • 2010-2012 Audi A5
  • 2010-2012 Audi S5

Volkswagen has concluded that all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective Takata air bag inflators. These fixtures are at the center of a massive, multiyear safety campaign spanning almost two dozen automotive brands and 37 million vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. The air bags have resulted in approximately 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

Recall summary

The models named in this recall contain Takata air bag inflators that are prone to rupture due to extensive propellant breakdown, which occurs in hot and humid environments. During front air bag deployment, the degraded propellant may rupture the metal inflator casing, causing high-speed projectiles to fly through the vehicle cabin at high speeds. As a result, the Takata air bag inflators pose a grave hazard to occupants.

The German automaker initiated an extensive field investigation in January 2016 after receiving word from Takata that several of its vehicles, including the Audi A5, S5 and Q5 models, contained the problematic inflators assemblies, according to an NHTSA safety recall report. The NHTSA advised the company to issue an immediate safety recall to accompany the inquiry, which it did in February 2016. The latest action taken by Volkswagen is a continuation of the initial campaign and a requirement under the NHTSA’s coordinated remedy order related to the defective Takata air bag components.

The car manufacturer notified dealers Jan. 30, 2018.

The repair

Volkswagen has directed dealers replace the air bag inflators installed in the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Owners can expect to receive official notice of the campaign between Feb. 13, 2018 and March 30, 2018 via first-class mail.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 97,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. Since then, the recall population has grown to 162,977 vehicles. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 122,954 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags
BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

February 22, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Westwood, N.J. – Feb. 22, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled a handful of vehicles potentially equipped with defective head air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost luxury sedans produced between Nov. 24, 2017, and Dec. 7, 2017.

BMW estimates that just 4 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include damaged head air bags that might not inflate properly upon deployment due to out-of-specification headliner installation. This poses a serious risk to passengers as the defect could leave the vulnerable to head trauma in the event of a crash. However, BMW has not received any reports connecting the defective safety features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

BMW quality assurance personnel on Jan. 23, 2018, learned that engineers had discovered a damaged air bag during assembly. The British automaker immediately quarantined and blocked shipment of potentially effected vehicles.

In the days following the initial discovery, BMW conducted several tests to determine the root cause of the damaged air bag and eventually learned that the headliners on the the problematic sedans had been installed incorrectly, interfering with the operation of the safety feature. The car company also reviewed production records to ascertain just how many vehicles might contain nonfunctioning head air bags.

On Jan. 31, 2018, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The organizations notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

BMW directed dealers to inspect and replace the head air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. None of the models involved in this recall have been sold to customers. Therefore, BMW will not be sending out customer notifications. However, any owners with related concerns can contact BMW customer service personnel at (877) 877-3735. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesBMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags
BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

BMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags

February 22, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Westwood, N.J. – Feb. 22, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled a handful of vehicles potentially equipped with defective head air bags, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost luxury sedans produced between Nov. 24, 2017, and Dec. 7, 2017.

BMW estimates that just 4 percent of the recalled models actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may include damaged head air bags that might not inflate properly upon deployment due to out-of-specification headliner installation. This poses a serious risk to passengers as the defect could leave the vulnerable to head trauma in the event of a crash. However, BMW has not received any reports connecting the defective safety features to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

BMW quality assurance personnel on Jan. 23, 2018, learned that engineers had discovered a damaged air bag during assembly. The British automaker immediately quarantined and blocked shipment of potentially effected vehicles.

In the days following the initial discovery, BMW conducted several tests to determine the root cause of the damaged air bag and eventually learned that the headliners on the the problematic sedans had been installed incorrectly, interfering with the operation of the safety feature. The car company also reviewed production records to ascertain just how many vehicles might contain nonfunctioning head air bags.

On Jan. 31, 2018, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The organizations notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

BMW directed dealers to inspect and replace the head air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. None of the models involved in this recall have been sold to customers. Therefore, BMW will not be sending out customer notifications. However, any owners with related concerns can contact BMW customer service personnel at (877) 877-3735. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its toll-free vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydBMW recalls luxury cars with defective air bags
Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

February 21, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Mahwah, N.J. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled more than 8,200 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel rail assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport sport utility vehicles produced between June 19, 2018, and Dec. 28, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque sport utility vehicles produced between July 21, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 2-liter gasoline engines featuring fuel rails with end caps that do not seal properly. Consequently, gasoline and fuel vapor can leak from the fuel rails into the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. This poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Jaguar Land Rover has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel rail assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of recalled vehicles have reported smelling gas fumes during operation.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Jaguar Land Rover received three electronic quality reports from U.S. dealers detailing instances in which owners reported smelling fuel while operating their vehicles, according to an NHTSA chronology document. One EQR included comments from an engineer who had inspected an owner’s vehicle and found gasoline leaking from the fuel rail. The British automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee opened an official investigation into the matter Nov. 21, 2017.

Members of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering and Supplier Technical Assistance groups reviewed the issue and determined that a vendor evaluation was required. The Winkelmann Group, the company that provided the fuel rail assemblies, assessed its manufacturing processes and components throughout November and December 2017, and determined that the end caps used on the installed fixtures were not properly brazed. This production fault inhibited their sealing power and led to fuel leakage.

Both parties continued to evaluate the defect throughout December 2017 and January 2018. This additional inquiry involved reviews of the fuel rail pipe stock and returned fixtures from the vehicles involved in the initial reports. These assemblies showed signs of inconsistent and ineffective brazing on the internal surface area of end caps. During this time, investigators also discovered that the Winkelmann Group maintained an “uncontrolled” fuel rail annealing workflow, which resulted in variation in interior rail surfaces and affected the sealing power of the end caps. Engineers found that the parts supplier’s fuel rail leak test was not reliable, as well.

Officials from the PSCC reviewed investigation reports Jan. 9, 2018 and determined that the problematic end caps were the root cause of the fuel leakage. They also determined that end cap breakdown did not necessarily correlate to mileage or vehicle age. PSCC personnel evaluated engineering test results that showed the pressurized environment of the fuel rail exacerbated the end cap sealing issue. The PSCC eventually moved the issue to the Recall Determination Committee, which reviewed all of the data related to the investigation Jan. 12, 2018, and requested further information related to mechanics of the fuel rail end cap failure. The PSCC fulfilled this request Jan. 23, 2018.

On Jan. 25, the RDC reviewed the latest data from the PSCC and launched a voluntary safety recall. Jaguar Land Rover notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace the fuel rails in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Jaguar Land Rover intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 23, 2018. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesLand Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails
Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

February 21, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFord recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses
Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

Ford recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses

February 21, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 92 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake jounce hoses, according to an organizational press release. The campaign affects 2018 Ford Escape and Lincoln MKZ sport utility vehicles. According to the American automaker, 88 of the recalled vehicles originated from dealerships in the U.S. while four came from dealers in Canada.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may feature out-of-specification brake jounce hoses that collide with surrounding vehicle components during operation. Due to this constant contact, the likelihood of hose wear and, eventually, brake fluid leakage increases. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the loss of break fluid could inhibit the braking system. That said, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective brake jounce hoses to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The car company has not released details into the investigation that uncovered the defect. However, Ford did announce the the vehicles included in the recall were produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky between Oct. 29, 2017 and Oct. 30, 2017.

The Solution

Ford will direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake jounce hoses in the recalled models free of charge. The automaker has not yet announced a timetable for the recall action. Owners in need of assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18S04. Owners can also reach out to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with defective brake jounce hoses
Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails

February 21, 2018 Ken Boyd

Mahwah, N.J. – Feb. 21, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled more than 8,200 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel rail assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport sport utility vehicles produced between June 19, 2018, and Dec. 28, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque sport utility vehicles produced between July 21, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.
  • 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2017, and Dec. 19, 2017.

Jaguar Land Rover suspects all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain 2-liter gasoline engines featuring fuel rails with end caps that do not seal properly. Consequently, gasoline and fuel vapor can leak from the fuel rails into the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. This poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Jaguar Land Rover has yet to receive reports connecting the defective fuel rail assemblies to any accidents or injuries.

Owners in possession of recalled vehicles have reported smelling gas fumes during operation.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Jaguar Land Rover received three electronic quality reports from U.S. dealers detailing instances in which owners reported smelling fuel while operating their vehicles, according to an NHTSA chronology document. One EQR included comments from an engineer who had inspected an owner’s vehicle and found gasoline leaking from the fuel rail. The British automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee opened an official investigation into the matter Nov. 21, 2017.

Members of the Jaguar Land Rover engineering and Supplier Technical Assistance groups reviewed the issue and determined that a vendor evaluation was required. The Winkelmann Group, the company that provided the fuel rail assemblies, assessed its manufacturing processes and components throughout November and December 2017, and determined that the end caps used on the installed fixtures were not properly brazed. This production fault inhibited their sealing power and led to fuel leakage.

Both parties continued to evaluate the defect throughout December 2017 and January 2018. This additional inquiry involved reviews of the fuel rail pipe stock and returned fixtures from the vehicles involved in the initial reports. These assemblies showed signs of inconsistent and ineffective brazing on the internal surface area of end caps. During this time, investigators also discovered that the Winkelmann Group maintained an “uncontrolled” fuel rail annealing workflow, which resulted in variation in interior rail surfaces and affected the sealing power of the end caps. Engineers found that the parts supplier’s fuel rail leak test was not reliable, as well.

Officials from the PSCC reviewed investigation reports Jan. 9, 2018 and determined that the problematic end caps were the root cause of the fuel leakage. They also determined that end cap breakdown did not necessarily correlate to mileage or vehicle age. PSCC personnel evaluated engineering test results that showed the pressurized environment of the fuel rail exacerbated the end cap sealing issue. The PSCC eventually moved the issue to the Recall Determination Committee, which reviewed all of the data related to the investigation Jan. 12, 2018, and requested further information related to mechanics of the fuel rail end cap failure. The PSCC fulfilled this request Jan. 23, 2018.

On Jan. 25, the RDC reviewed the latest data from the PSCC and launched a voluntary safety recall. Jaguar Land Rover notified dealers of the action Feb. 7, 2018.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace the fuel rails in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Jaguar Land Rover intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 23, 2018. Those in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to Jaguar Land Rover customer service personnel at (800) 637-6837. Callers should use the internal recall identification code N138. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydLand Rover recalls vehicles with defective fuel rails
Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system

February 20, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 180,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake transmission shift interlock modules, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple vehicles, including:

  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 13, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018.
  • 2017-2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup trucks produced between Jan. 1, 2017, and Jan. 24, 2018.

FCA suspects 3 percent of the models referenced in the recall actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles, all of which feature column gear shifting assemblies, come with BTSI systems that prone to dysfunction after long periods of use. Specifically, the plastic housing surrounding the BTSI components swells in high temperatures and causes the locking pin to remain in open position. When this occurs, drivers are free to shift the vehicle transmission out of park without depressing the brake pedal or even switching on the car. This defect poses increases the likelihood of unintended rollaway and therefore poses a serious threat to occupants. However, FCA has not received reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

The FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee on Dec. 8, 2017, requested an internal investigation into vehicles produced after Dec. 31, 2016, suspecting that some may suffer from mechanical flaws. Roughly one month later, engineering personnel tested a BTSI solenoid by heating in an oven set to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The component reached 250 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes, indicating that problems could development in real-world operational environments. Soon after, members of the VRC requested insight into the production processes behind the development of the BTSI housing and pin components. FCA engineers looked into the matter and found that the fabrication process had remained consistent prior to and following Dec. 31, 2016.

The VRC continued to investigate the matter throughout January 2018, opening a nationwide field review and repair order search. The latter effort yielded three reports that referenced vehicles that suffered BTSI failure and were produced after Dec. 31, 2016. Owners reported being able to shift out of park without pressing the brake pedal or turning the ignition. On Jan. 26, 2018, the VRC found two additional field reports outlining the same issue.

On Feb. 1, 2018, the VRC decided that a voluntary safety recall was required.

The Solution

FCA is currently working on a mechanical remedy, which it will offer free of charge through an owner reimbursement program. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners March 30, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can reach out to the NHTSA directly using its vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesChrysler recalls vehicles with defective braking system
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

February 20, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective tire labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014-2015 Audi S7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2015, along with 2016-2018 Audi RS7 sport sedans produced between Feb. 16, 2015, and Oct. 20, 2017. Volkswagen estimates all of the vehicles named in the recall possess the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected models feature tire placards that list an incorrect maximum load weight of 1146 pounds instead of the correct figure, 992 pounds. These fixtures make the recalled vehicles noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states vehicles must have placards “with the vehicle capacity weight and seating designations as finally manufactured.” While relatively minor, the defect does create some risk as owners could accidentally overload their vehicles based on the incorrect information, thereby affecting maneuverability and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Volkswagen has not received field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen engineers conducted conformity of production tests in October 2017 and found that multiple recently manufactured vehicles were equipped with tires affixed with placards displaying incorrect vehicle weight information. Production staff immediately amended existing assembly processes to prevent recurrences.

In November 2017, the Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed information related to the conformity test results and initiated an investigation that concluded in January 2018. Following the inquiry, which revealed the the defective placards violated FMVSS 110, the APSC requested for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the tire labels on the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The German automaker will notify both dealers and owners April 8, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Audi customer service personnel at (800) 253-2834 using the internal recall identification code 44N9. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels

February 20, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 20, 2018 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 3,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective tire labels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects:

2014-2015 Audi S7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2015, along with

2016-2018 Audi RS7 sport sedans produced between Feb. 16, 2015, and Oct. 20, 2017.

Volkswagen estimates all of the vehicles named in the recall possess the defective labels.

The Defect

Affected models feature tire placards that list an incorrect maximum load weight of 1146 pounds instead of the correct figure, 992 pounds. These fixtures make the recalled vehicles noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110, which states vehicles must have placards “with the vehicle capacity weight and seating designations as finally manufactured.” While relatively minor, the defect does create some risk as owners could accidentally overload their vehicles based on the incorrect information, thereby affecting maneuverability and increasing the likelihood of an accident. However, Volkswagen has not received field reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen engineers conducted conformity of production tests in October 2017 and found that multiple recently manufactured vehicles were equipped with tires affixed with placards displaying incorrect vehicle weight information. Production staff immediately amended existing assembly processes to prevent recurrences.

In November 2017, the Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed information related to the conformity test results and initiated an investigation that concluded in January 2018. Following the inquiry, which revealed the the defective placards violated FMVSS 110, the APSC requested for a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen intends to direct dealers to replace the tire labels on the recalled vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The German automaker will notify both dealers and owners April 8, 2018.

To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen recalls vehicles with incorrect tire labels
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