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Chrysler recalling nearly 27,000 Jeep Compasses

December 14, 2017 admin Jeep Recalls

Auburn Hills, Michigan – Dec. 14, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler USA recently announced the recall of 26,971 Jeep Compasses from the 2018 model year, over concerns that there may be loose inflator mounting nuts in the passenger airbag module assembly.

Specifically, it is believed that a small number of the 2018 Compasses were manufactured outside of specification, with some vehicles having a box of inflator mounting nuts kept above the module assembly area before the airbag inflator was installed. In those instances, nuts could be resting within the airbag assembly and, in case of a crash and airbag deployment, those nuts could become projectiles and significantly increasing the potential for injury.

It’s expected that this defect impacts only about 1 percent of the vehicles in the recall, and all of them were produced between Sept. 4 and Nov. 19, 2017.

The Defect

The issue was first noticed when Chrysler’s Supplier Quality Engineering organization noted a rattle inside the instrument panel of one of the vehicles that would later be recalled. That prompted an investigation, which determined that with the box resting above the assembly area, it was possible for loose nuts to fall into module assembly due to its having multiple openings.

In the event of a crash in which the airbags deploy, it’s possible that these nuts would be launched at high velocity toward an occupant, even through the cushion of the airbag itself.

Timeline of Events

Chrysler’s SQE reported the initial concern about the rattling in the instrument panel on in early November, prompting an investigation from the company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization. Once the cause of the potential issue was determined within the manufacturing process, it was discovered that five airbag module assemblies – all produced between Oct. 20 and Nov. 2, 2017 – were found to have loose mounting nuts inside. Of those five, two of the assemblies had the nuts outside the fabric of the airbag itself.

Then, on Nov. 17, the company determined it would conduct a recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

Chrysler is conducting a voluntary recall to replace all the airbag module assemblies for the vehicles in the recall, and will reimburse drivers for any repair costs they incur getting the airbag problem remedied. It asks that any proof of payment, such as the receipt for the transaction, be forwarded to the company.

The automaker announced in late November that it would notify both dealers and vehicle owners of the recall on Jan. 10, 2018.

Ford issues massive F-150, Explorer recall

December 13, 2017 admin Ford Recalls

Dearborn, Michigan – Dec. 13, 2017 – The Ford Motor Company recently issued a recall for more than 177,000 vehicles from the 2016 model year, for both F-150s and Explorers, stemming from concerns over power seats for both drivers and front-seat passengers.

For both types of seats, there is a concern with the upper left pivot bolt, which can loosen and fall out. This increases the risk of seat deflection and injury in the event of a crash if occupants are not properly restrained by their safety belts.

In all, Ford estimates that about 20 percent of the vehicles in the recall will be affected by the defect.

The Defect

Three separate factors can potentially come together to lead these bolts to loosen or fall out, including the extrusion height of the adjuster link being out of specification and side member extrusion heights not being properly specified in the first place. Furthermore, the threadlock material on the pivot bolts themselves may not meet required specifications.

Drivers or passengers of affected trucks or SUVs may be able to detect the problem if they find their seats sliding unexpectedly as the vehicle is speeding up or slowing down, or if they find a bolt on the floor of the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

Between June and July 2017, loose driver seats in certain F-150s were reported to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group, which requested a comprehensive search of data for any associated symptoms, as well as requesting parts in the field.

Over the next two months, the CCRG reviewed field reports and other information, and found that the driver’s seat bolts were most likely to fail on vehicles produced between February and March 2016, and Ford determined that the same seat mechanisms were used in Explorers produced during the same period.

In October and November, Ford analyzed the pivot bolt’s threadlock material, and identified performance lapses in the production months in question. On Nov. 20, the company’s Field Review Committee approved field action on the recall.

The Solution

Ford encourages F-150 owners with affected vehicles to call its toll-free hotline at 1-866-436-7332 or contact a local dealer that can give them more information from the company’s online database. This is important because the vehicles in question were not produced in VIN order, meaning that some may be affected while others are not.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail that they should take the trucks to their local dealers to measure the torque on power seat pivot link bolts. If the bolt passes the assessment, dealers will remove and clean it, apply a new threadlock and re-install it. However, if it fails the inspection, another threadlock will be added until parts are available for a final repair, slated to be completed in the first quarter of 2018. All these efforts will be completed free of charge, and Ford will also reimburse drivers for any repairs they covered out-of-pocket before the safety recall.

Dealers were first notified of the recall on Nov. 30, 2017, and owner notifications should arrive between Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, 2018.

Mazda announces recalls for CX-5 over trailer hitches

December 13, 2017 admin Mazda Recalls

Washington, D.C. – Dec. 13, 2017 – Mazda North America recently issued a recall for nearly 1,100 CX-5 sport utility vehicles from the 2017 model year, citing an issue with genuine Mazda trailer hitch harness accessories.

Specifically, as a result of inappropriate routing of that harness, there may not be enough space between the harness itself and the main exhaust silencer. Consequently, if the exhaust silencer and trailer harness come into contact with each other during operation of the vehicle, it could lead to damage to the harness that causes its internal wires to short-circuit.

All CX-5s in the recall were produced between Oct. 27, 2016, and Oct. 31, 2017, and 100 percent of the vehicles in the recall are expected to be affected by it.

The Defect

If the wires in the trailer harness short-circuit, it can lead to failure of the trailer’s turn signals, tail lights and brake lights, which can increase the risk of accident – and injury – because trailing traffic may not be able to determine that the CX-5 intends to turn or is slowing down. However, the lights themselves are not affected directly by the defect.

Timeline of Events

In late September 2017, a Mazda employee noticed that the tail lights on an affected trailer were not working properly during an installation inspection, prompting an investigation the next day. That inspection found that the trailer hitch wire had been melted, and the fuse blow in the harness circuit. Another vehicle was also discovered to have the same problem, which led to a field report being issued, and a companywide investigation started in early October.

Then, on Nov. 15, Mazda’s Quality Audit Committee decided to issue a recall for all affected CX-5s.

The Solution

Dealers received the recall notifications on Nov. 30, and owners will be notified by Jan. 20, 2018. Those owners will be able to take their cars to local Mazda dealers for repairs, conducted free of charge. In the event that a trailer harness has been damaged, it will be replaced, and in either event, will be rerouted away from the exhaust silencer.

So far, Mazda has been able to identify 826 vehicle ID numbers with associated trailer hitch harness kits, but those accessories are not always traceable within the company’s systems, so dealers are being asked to contact purchasers directly.

Chrysler recalling thousands of vans over impact sensors

December 12, 2017 admin RAM Recalls

Auburn Hills, Michigan – Dec. 12, 2017 – Chrysler recently issued a recall order for more than 3,500 of its 2018 Ram ProMaster cargo vans, citing an issue with the vehicles’ front door impact pressure sensors, according to a letter submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The affected ProMaster vans have a new pressure sensor, but use the same fastening rivets as the vehicles with the older sensors, potentially leading to the driver’s side door airbags to unexpectedly deploy in certain situations. These vehicles were produced from late July to late August of 2017. Only about 13 percent of the 2018 ProMasters are estimated to have this defect.

The Defect

The existing fastening rivets in question were incorrectly fastened to the new sensors, which are designed to expand within a plastic attachment. Due to the incorrect installation, those sensor housings could fracture and potentially affect either sensor retention overall or the gasket seal-to-door area. If that happens, it could trigger the deployment of the driver’s door airbags in some crashes. That, in turn, could lead to additional injury risk for drivers.

Timeline of Events

While production with the existing fastening rivets began July 24, the investigation into the potential flaw did not begin until Aug. 18, initiated by Chrysler’s Manufacturing Quality organization. Two days later, the investigation determined that there was nothing materially wrong with either the rivets or sensors, so further information was sought. On Aug. 22, the rivet issue was discovered, prompting an effort to replace more than 1,300 affected vehicles built from Aug. 18 to 23 that were held back during the investigation.

Then, on Sept. 20, the full investigation was completed, and found that because of how random the causes behind any potential fractures were, it was advisable to recall all 2018 ProMasters built before Aug. 23. Through early November, Chrysler was unaware of any accidents or injuries that may have stemmed from this defect.

The Solution

Chrysler’s voluntary recall of the affected vehicles will replace both the front door impact pressure sensors, and fasten them with the proper rivets. The company will also ask in the letters it mails to affected owners that they include the receipts or other proof of payment for these repairs, so that it can reimburse customers for whatever expenses they incur.

Both owners and dealers will be notified on or about Jan. 3, 2018.

Jaguar Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective instrument clusters [Video]

December 12, 2017 admin Land Rover Recalls, Range Rover Recalls, Video

Hello, and welcome to another vehicle recall update.

Jaguar Land Rover has recalled more than twenty-one thousand vehicles potentially equipped with defective instrument clusters. The campaign affects 2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport sport utility vehicles. The automaker suspects all of the models referenced in the recall have the defective equipment installed.

The affected vehicles likely contain thin film transistor instrument clusters that go blank intermittently during operation due to a software error. Engineers discovered the issue following the receipt of numerous customer complaints.

Jaguar Land Rover has directed dealers to refresh the software in the recalled vehicles. The car company intends to notify owners on or around December fifteenth, two thousand and seventeen.

Stay tuned for more vehicle recall breaking news.

Toyota recalls tens of thousands of SUVs with faulty e-brakes

December 7, 2017 admin Toyota Recalls

Plano, Texas – Dec. 7, 2017 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing recently issued a recall for nearly 28,600 new vehicles due to concerns about the efficacy of their electric parking brakes and skid control computers, according to a letter submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Specifically, the recall affects 2018 Toyota C-HR sport utility vehicles, which were first introduced this year and produced between Feb. 2, 2017 and Oct. 17, 2017. Currently, Toyota is unable to estimate what percentage of these vehicles were affected by the potential issues, noting in its filing, ” Whether the condition will occur prior to first sale and constitute a noncompliance will differ depending on the environment and conditions that the vehicle is exposed to.”

Not all of the vehicles in the recall were actually sold in the U.S., however, as the issues were first spotted in Japan.

The Defect

The recall notice states that Toyota discovered a possibility the computer that controls the C-HR’s skid control function may “incorrectly identify a small increase in circuit resistance” due to a film applied to the electric parking brake motor’s open circuit. Most often, this is likely to occur when a parking brake hasn’t been used in a while.

When this issue arises, the vehicle’s dashboard will light up, advising the driver that there has been an “EPB Malfunction” and that they should visit a dealer, as well as the inability to disengage the parking brake, or to apply it in the first place.

The latter issue, in turn, creates a potential rollaway risk if vehicles are stopped on a significant enough slope and not put into park properly.

Timeline of Events

The recall came in the wake of a few C-HRs in Japan reportedly having their EPBs stick after being applied, prompting an investigation into the issue from Toyota. As a result of that effort, which concluded in late October, the automaker determined the potential cause of the issue to be the oxide film on the EPB motor. However, C-HRs were not intended to go on sale in the U.S. before Nov. 9, so many of the issues might have cropped up before the vehicles got into consumers’ hands.

The Solution

Nonetheless, Toyota is issuing letters to all known owners of C-HRs to return their vehicles to the dealerships where the SUVs were purchased, for a quick, no-cost update to the programming on the skid control computer, rather than fixing anything to do with the EPB itself. All such repairs will fall well within the window of the company’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty. These notifications were expected to reach most owners by late November, but some could arrive as late as mid-January.

For more information about the recall, owners will be able to call either Toyota’s hotline at 1-800-331-4331, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. They can also visit www.safercar.gov for more information.

Ford recalls trucks with defective shift linkage components

November 30, 2017 admin Ford Recalls

Dearborn, Mich. – Nov. 30, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled more than 11,700 vehicles potentially equipped with defective shift linkage components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Ford F-150 pickup trucks produced between between Aug. 23, 2016 and Aug. 9, 2017. The car manufacturer suspects just 7 percent of the models referenced in the action contain the defective features.

The Defect

The affected vehicles contain transmission shift linkages with pins that are prone to slipping out due to the presence of non-uniform gaps between the inner and outer coils. Engineers at Ford believe the pins may also feature undersized diameters, further increasing the likelihood of pin slippage. Should this occur, gear changes initiated by drivers will not register. Owners who have experienced this have reported viewing inaccurate information on the shift indicator. The condition may result in unintended vehicle movement, which poses a serious threat to owners. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective pins to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In June 2017, the Ford‘s Critical Concern Review Group received a report detailing an instance in which the 10-speed transmission in one vehicle failed to function properly. Engineers reviewed parts from the vehicle and found evidence that the transmission shift linkage pin could come out with ease. The CCRG launched an investigation and directed production personnel to alter assembly line processes to ensure that pin diameters were correct.

Over the course of July and August, Ford reviewed numerous reports wherein customers attested to experiencing “looseness” when attempting to operate the shift lever, which failed to move the gears. Quality assurance personnel tested the problematic shift assemblies mentioned in the reports and compared them to functioning alternatives. There was an immense difference in usability, indicating that there was a significant problem.

In September, the automaker continued to review incoming field reports related to the defect while also checking production records to ascertain the extent of the issue. Meanwhile, engineering personnel conducted further tests and discovered a connection between assembly line pin insertion force and pin dislodgment susceptibility. These technical experts also found that the the problematic transmission shift linkage pins had irregular coil spacing.

On Oct. 16, the Ford Field Review Committee evaluated all of the available evidence related to the potentially defective features and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers of the action Oct. 24.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to replace the defective transmission linkage pins with new parts free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to contact owners Dec.11 via first-class mail. Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 17S36. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pump housings

November 30, 2017 admin Chrysler Recalls, Jeep Recalls

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Nov. 30, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 350 vehicles potentially equipped with defective oil pump housings, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Jeep Compass sport utility vehicles produced on Sept. 11, 2017 and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles produced between Sept. 9, 2017 and Sept. 28, 2017. FCA estimates that just 1 percent of the vehicles referenced in the action possess the defective features.

The Defect

The affected models include 2.4 liter engines that were constructed using cracked oil pump housings that are prone to failure. Should failure occur, the vehicle engine will stall without warning. This poses a serious safety threat to owners as an unexpected stall could result in a collision. That said, FCA has not received any reports connecting the defective feature to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 13, 2017, an oil pump supplier collaborating with FCA notified that company that cracks had been discovered in the housing for multiple oil pumps. Two days later, the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance committee launched an investigation into the matter, which engineers at assembly plants in Toluca, Mexico and Belvedere, Illinois had independently confirmed via separate Product Related Issue reports.

Throughout September and October, FCA confirmed the existence of the defective components in finished vehicles through production inspections and parts data. On Oct. 5, the automaker finished gathering data and submitted the evidence to the Vehicle Regulations Committee, which decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall Oct. 17. FCA notified dealers Oct. 24.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to inspect and replace the oil pump housing assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. FCA plans to notify owners on or around Dec. 13. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code T65. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Subaru recalls vehicles with defective floor mat brackets

November 30, 2017 admin Subaru Recalls

Cherry Hill, N.J. – Nov. 30, 2017 – Subaru of America has recalled more than 2,300 vehicles potentially equipped with defective floor mat brackets, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Subaru Crosstrek sport utility vehicles produced between May 16, 2017 and Sept. 7, 2017. The automaker estimates that all of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The affected models feature defective driver-side floor mat retention brackets that do not sufficiently secure floor mats. As a result, these fixtures can move out of position during vehicle operation and interfere with pedal usage, posing a serious threat to drivers. However, Subaru has yet to receive any reports linking the defective components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Oct. 17, 2017, the automaker received a field report detailing an instance in which the driver-side floor mat in a 2018 Crosstrek slipped out of position. Over the next 12 days, Subaru engineers conducted an internal investigation, eventually determining that the floor mat retention brackets installed in the vehicle were defective. On Oct. 31, quality assurance and safety officials for the company decided that the features posed a serious hazard to owner and chose to launch a voluntary safety recall.

Subaru notified dealers of the impending recall Nov. 1.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to inspect the floor mat retention brackets in affected and replace them, free of charge, if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Subaru began contacting owners Nov. 14. Those who need additional assistance can contact Subaru customer service at (800) 782-2783. Callers should use the internal recall reference code WTR-77. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Honda recalls vehicles with defective driveshafts

November 30, 2017 admin Honda Recalls

Torrance, Calif. – Nov. 30, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 5,400 believed to contain defective right halfshafts, according to an internal defect information report submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Honda Civic sedans produced between Aug. 30, 2017 and Sept. 30, 2017, as well as Honda Civic coupes that rolled off the assembly line between Aug. 10, 2017 and Oct. 3, 2017. The automaker is unsure how many of the vehicles referenced in the action are equipped with the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models could be equipped with right halfshafts that did not receive proper heat treatment during production and are therefore not structurally sound. As a result, vehicle load and operational stress may fracture these components, leading to the immediate loss of motive power. Should this breakage occur while the vehicle is parked without the emergency brake engaged, it could roll away.

The defective halfshafts pose a serious hazard to owners. However, Honda has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries as yet.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 30, 2017, engineers at a Honda production facility conducted a post-assembly road test during which a new vehicle lost motive power due to the sudden fracture of the right halfshaft. The automaker immediately instituted a yard hold and launched an internal investigation into issue. Quality assurance personnel reviewed existing production processes and found that a parts supplier had used defective equipment to cool halfshafts following heat treatment. This oversight inhibited the parts’ structural integrity.

On Nov. 2, Honda decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to address the issue. The vehicle manufacturer notified dealers Nov. 3.

The Solution

Honda has directed dealers to replace the halfshafts in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail Dec. 15. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service at (888) 234-2138. Callers should use the internal recall reference code K0E. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Chrysler recalling nearly 27,000 Jeep Compasses

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Ford issues massive F-150, Explorer recall

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Mazda announces recalls for CX-5 over trailer hitches

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Chrysler recalling thousands of vans over impact sensors

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Jaguar Land Rover recalls vehicles with defective instrument clusters [Video]

Toyota recalls tens of thousands of SUVs with faulty e-brakes

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Ford recalls trucks with defective shift linkage components

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective oil pump housings

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Subaru recalls vehicles with defective floor mat brackets

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Honda recalls vehicles with defective driveshafts

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

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