Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

February 13, 2018 Ken Boyd

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 13, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 141,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective drive belt components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between March 20, 2008, and Nov. 17, 2011.
  • 2010-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Nov. 15, 2011.
  • 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between June 25, 2008, and Nov. 16, 2011.
  • 2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between Aug. 26, 2010, and Dec. 15, 2011.

The Japanese automaker suspects all the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The models included in the safety action could contain drive belt automatic tensioners whose flanges are prone to cracking. Such an event could lead to complete drive belt detachment, resulting in the immediate termination of engine and power steering operations, and increasing the likelihood of an accident. As a result, the defective part poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Drivers with vehicles on the verge of shutting down due to drive belt automatic tensioner fracturing will see the battery charge warning light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report in September 2010 describing an instance of automatic tensioner breakage. This prompted the company to launch an investigation into the issue to ascertain a root cause. In December 2011, engineers for the automaker found that production staff had swapped the bearing in the automatic tensioner for a lead-free alternative in March 2008 and suspected that the new product was cracking when operating in high-load environments. Mitsubishi reshaped the bearing to reduce surface stress and initiated a field monitoring campaign with an expiration date of November 2015.

In December 2015, the car manufacturer reviewed the results of the four-year field monitoring program and began another program scheduled to conclude in January 2018.

Last month, Mitsubishi conducted another data review and found the occurrence of automatic tensioner breakage was higher than expected and increasing. The company called for a voluntary safety recall Jan. 19 to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the drive belt tensioners in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mitsubishi customer service at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall identification code SR-18-001. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components
Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

February 8, 2018 Sean Reyes

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 8, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 56,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective sunroof framing components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between Jan. 15, 2007, and March 3, 2010.
  • 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedans produced between Sept. 1, 2008, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2007-2010 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between Sept. 8, 2006, and Nov. 3, 2009.

The automaker suspects all vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature improperly manufactured polyurethane sunroof frames that may degrade in humid or high temperature environments and lead to complete detachment of the sunroof glass. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants, as the falling glass could not only cause injury but also increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries of any kind.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report from the Japanese market in March 2015 detailing an instance in which the sunroof glass installed in a vehicle detached from the sunroof frame. This prompted the company to launch an investigation in collaboration with its sunroof assembly supplier, the Webasto Japan Company. Between April 2015 and December 2017, the two parties carried out detailed field investigations and performed internal tests in an effort to duplicate the outcome described in the original report.

In December 2017, Mitsubishi engineers confirmed that Webasto had changed the polyurethane material it used in its sunroof frames in 2009, switching to a more aesthetically appealing alternative that also seemed to exhibit better bonding. The report received in the March 2015 seemed to contradict this assessment and Mitsubishi deemed the material defective, postulating that it lost bonding power in hot, humid weather.

On Jan. 19, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the sunroof assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-003. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing
Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

February 8, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 8, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 56,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective sunroof framing components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between Jan. 15, 2007, and March 3, 2010.
  • 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedans produced between Sept. 1, 2008, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2007-2010 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between Sept. 8, 2006, and Nov. 3, 2009.

The automaker suspects all vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature improperly manufactured polyurethane sunroof frames that may degrade in humid or high temperature environments and lead to complete detachment of the sunroof glass. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants, as the falling glass could not only cause injury but also increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries of any kind.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report from the Japanese market in March 2015 detailing an instance in which the sunroof glass installed in a vehicle detached from the sunroof frame. This prompted the company to launch an investigation in collaboration with its sunroof assembly supplier, the Webasto Japan Company. Between April 2015 and December 2017, the two parties carried out detailed field investigations and performed internal tests in an effort to duplicate the outcome described in the original report.

In December 2017, Mitsubishi engineers confirmed that Webasto had changed the polyurethane material it used in its sunroof frames in 2009, switching to a more aesthetically appealing alternative that also seemed to exhibit better bonding. The report received in the March 2015 seemed to contradict this assessment and Mitsubishi deemed the material defective, postulating that it lost bonding power in hot, humid weather.

On Jan. 19, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the sunroof assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-003. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Hyundai recalling late-model sedans over braking issues [Video]

February 8, 2018 Ken Boyd ,

Welcome back to the recall blog.

Hyundai Motor America recently made the decision to recall nearly eighty-eight thousand late-model Azera and Sonata sedans due to concerns about their anti-lock brakes.

If moisture were to enter a powered anti-lock brake system, it could result in a short circuit that increases the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.

This can happen even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.

The issue affects about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles, which includes all 2006 to 2011 model year Azeras, and 2006 model year Sonatas.

Hyundai plans to notify affected owners in late February 2018, and will advise them to return the vehicles to a dealership, where the problem will be fixed free of charge.

Thanks for watching, and check back again for more recall updates!

Ken BoydHyundai recalling late-model sedans over braking issues [Video]
Aston Martin Recalls Cars with Defective Steering Components

Aston Martin Recalls Cars with Defective Steering Components

February 7, 2018 Sean Reyes

Gaydon Warwick, U.K. – February 7, 2018 – Aston Martin The Americas has recalled more than 1,000 sports cars potentially equipped with defective steering column control module clock springs, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects Aston Martin DB11 V8 and V12 coupes produced between June 9, 2016, and Nov. 20, 2017. The British luxury automaker suspects nearly three-quarters of the recalled vehicles contain the defective safety components.

This recall stems from an earlier action initiated by Mercedes-Benz USA in October 2017.

The defect

The affected vehicles involved in the recall may come equipped with steering control module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded and may produce electrostatic discharges capable of inadvertently activating driver-side airbag.

This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the unintentional, sudden deployment of safety features could increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Aston Martin has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

An alert signaling improper air bag operation may appear prior to deployment.

Timeline of events

In April 2015, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that owns and operates Mercedes-Benz, received two field reports detailing instances in which owners experience inadvertent air bag deployment.

The company immediately launched an investigation in response. However, the inquiry, which was performed using recovered parts from the vehicles referenced in the original field reports, did not lead to root cause identification. DAG suspended the action as a result.

The organization reopened the investigation in late 2016 after receiving an additional report outlining the an instance of inadvertent air bag deployment.

Investigators found that this vehicle contained a defective steering column, which prompted DAG to launch a more focused inquiry into the matter in January 2017.

In June 2017, the engineers leading this investigation discovered the root cause of the issue: electrostatic discharge emanating from damaged steering column control module clock springs.

In October 2017, DAG contacted Aston Martin to share the results of its investigation, as the British automaker used the same steering column assemblies at the center of the inquiry.

Aston Martin launched its own investigation to assess the potential impact on its DB line, which used the component. In January 2018, the car company’s Recall Committee convened to assess the issue. The group decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

Aston Martin notified dealers January 29.

The solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install contact bridges and springs in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These components should facilitate proper grounding and prevent instances of unintentional air bag deployment.

Aston Martin intends to contact owners via first-class mail March 1 through March 11.

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

Sean ReyesAston Martin Recalls Cars with Defective Steering Components
Aston Martin recalls cars with defective steering components

Aston Martin recalls cars with defective steering components

February 7, 2018 Ken Boyd

Gaydon Warwick, U.K. – Feb. 7, 2018 – Aston Martin The Americas has recalled more than 1,000 sports cars potentially equipped with defective steering column control module clock springs, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects Aston Martin DB11 V8 and V12 coupes produced between June 9, 2016, and Nov. 20, 2017. The British luxury automaker suspects nearly three-quarters of the recalled vehicles contain the defective safety components.

This recall stems from an earlier action initiated by Mercedes-Benz USA in October 2017.

The Defect

The affected vehicles involved in the recall may come equipped with steering control module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded and may produce electrostatic discharges capable of inadvertently activating driver-side airbag. This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the unintentional, sudden deployment of safety features could increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Aston Martin has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

An alert signaling improper air bag operation may appear prior to deployment.

Timeline of Events

In April 2015, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that owns and operates Mercedes-Benz, received two field reports detailing instances in which owners experience inadvertent air bag deployment. The company immediately launched an investigation in response. However, the inquiry, which was performed using recovered parts from the vehicles referenced in the original field reports, did not lead to root cause identification. DAG suspended the action as a result.

The organization reopened the investigation in late 2016 after receiving an additional report outlining the an instance of inadvertent air bag deployment. Investigators found that this vehicle contained a defective steering column, which prompted DAG to launch a more focused inquiry into the matter in January 2017. In June 2017, the engineers leading this investigation discovered the root cause of the issue: electrostatic discharge emanating from damaged steering column control module clock springs.

In October 2017, DAG contacted Aston Martin to share the results of its investigation, as the British automaker used the same steering column assemblies at the center of the inquiry. Aston Martin launched its own investigation to assess the potential impact on its DB line, which used the component. In January 2018, the car company’s Recall Committee convened to assess the issue. The group ultimately decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

Aston Martin notified dealers Jan. 29.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install contact bridges and springs in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These components should facilitate proper grounding and prevent instances of unintentional air bag deployment. Aston Martin intends to contact owners via first-class mail March 1 through March 11. Owners in need of more immediate help can contact Aston Martin customer service at (888) 923-9988. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydAston Martin recalls cars with defective steering components
FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

February 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,200 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUVs manufactured between Oct. 10, 2017, and Dec. 10, 2017. FCA suspects just 5 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain supercharged 6.2-liter engines featuring fuel lines prone to separation due to faulty connectors. When disconnected, the lines leak gasoline into the engine compartment, causing stalling and increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious risk to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 14, 2017, FCA received a Product-Related Issue complaint mentioning an instance of fuel line separation that occurred in a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, prompting the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group to open an official investigation. FCA collaborated with Martinrea International, the company that provided the fuel line assemblies used in these models, to analyze explore the issue and pinpoint a root cause. The parts provider soon discovered that a misaligned sensor in its insertion machine had resulted in the manufacture of defective fuel lines prone to disconnection.

Between Dec. 21, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018, engineers at FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, the production facility from which the defective vehicles originated, reviewed assembly records and identified all of the vehicles potentially equipped with the defective fuel lines. On Jan. 8, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the impending action Jan. 11.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect the vehicles involved in the recall and, if necessary, replace the fuel lines free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automotive firm intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 2. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U02. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines
Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

February 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFord recalls SUVs with defective power windows
Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

February 5, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydFord recalls SUVs with defective power windows
FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

February 5, 2018 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,200 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUVs manufactured between Oct. 10, 2017, and Dec. 10, 2017. FCA suspects just 5 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain supercharged 6.2-liter engines featuring fuel lines prone to separation due to faulty connectors. When disconnected, the lines leak gasoline into the engine compartment, causing stalling and increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious risk to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 14, 2017, FCA received a Product-Related Issue complaint mentioning an instance of fuel line separation that occurred in a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, prompting the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group to open an official investigation. FCA collaborated with Martinrea International, the company that provided the fuel line assemblies used in these models, to analyze explore the issue and pinpoint a root cause. The parts provider soon discovered that a misaligned sensor in its insertion machine had resulted in the manufacture of defective fuel lines prone to disconnection.

Between Dec. 21, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018, engineers at FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, the production facility from which the defective vehicles originated, reviewed assembly records and identified all of the vehicles potentially equipped with the defective fuel lines. On Jan. 8, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the impending action Jan. 11.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect the vehicles involved in the recall and, if necessary, replace the fuel lines free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automotive firm intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 2. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U02. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminFCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines
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