Nissan recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

July 17, 2017 admin ,

Franklin, Tenn. – July 17, 2017 – Nissan North America (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled more than 515,000 vehicles believed to contain defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign includes 2007-2011 Nissan Versa sedans and 2007-2012 Versa hatchbacks. 

Recall summary

Affected vehicles could come equipped with air bag assemblies using Takata PSDI-5 inflators. These fixtures, which use calcium sulfate desiccant, emit metal fragments when deployed, putting drivers and passengers in grave danger.

This campaign follows numerous other recalls related to Takata air bag components. Since 2004, dozens of automakers have been forced to conduct safety recalls and orchestrate the removal and replacement of over 100 million Takata air bags, Bloomberg reported. The company finally filed for bankruptcy last month, citing financial damage brought on by multiple multimillion-dollar fines and settlements. Takata will pay $975 million in restitution costs to victims and carmakers and $25 million in fines as part of a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The PSDI-5 and other Takata inflators caused hundreds injuries and 17 reported deaths, according to Bloomberg.

The repair

Nissan is still working on a workable solution and plans to work with an alternative parts manufacturer to produce safe air bag inflators for the Versa, according to the NHTSA. When the remedy is available, the automaker plans to instruct dealers to install the replacement parts, free of charge. Nissan will send interim recall notification letters to owners sometime at the end of September.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 515,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of July 30, 2019, – the last date for which information was available – 238,431 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective parking brakes

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective parking brakes

July 16, 2017 admin

 

Montvale, N.J. – July 16, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 5,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective parking brake components, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Association. The campaign affects 2016 Smart Fortwo compact cars manufactured between June 16, 2015 and Aug. 12, 2016. Mercedes estimated that 1 percent of the total number of vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in the campaign could contain bowden cables with defective lock nuts, which may loosen over time and result in an increase in parking brake lever travel. The holding force of the parking brake might decrease as a result. This presents a serious safety hazard for owners, especially those who regularly park their vehicles on inclines and engage the parking brake. However, Mercedes-Benz has not received any field reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Daimler Automotive Group, which owns Mercedes-Benz, received a field report in mid-2016 that summarized an instance in which the parking brake on a customer’s vehicle failed to engage properly. The company immediately initiated a root-cause investigation to understand the cause of this mishap and ascertain whether a more widespread mechanical issue existed. Engineers involved in the inquiry immediately pinpointed a problem with the lock nut on the bowden cable. DAG then contacted its suppliers to identify possible fabrication issues.

In late 2016, the DAG team investigating the defect discovered that installation of the parking brake during the assembly process may have affected the microencapsulation process, resulting in lock nut hardware prone to slippage. During the opening months of 2017, the car company tested the affects of the defective lock nut assembly. In April, engineers performed additional tests, this time assessing how the feature stood up to vehicle vibrations. Two months later, DAG engineers were able to replicate the original customer complaint via multiple parking brake lever application and release. The automaker then reviewed manufacturing records to determine what vehicles might contain the defect.

In July 2017, DAG decided that the defect presented a serious safety risk to owners and launched a recall campaign. The organization notified dealers soon after.

The Solution

DAG has ordered dealers to replace the lock nuts in affected vehicles free of charge, according to additional documentation submitted to the NHTSA. The repairs are covered under existing new car warranties and therefore are not subject to official reimbursement plans. Owners should expect to receive notification in September. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Smart customer service at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out to the NHTSA directly through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Chrysler recalls vehicles with damaged alternator diodes

Chrysler recalls vehicles with damaged alternator diodes

July 14, 2017 admin , ,

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 14, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled an estimated 442,214 vehicles potentially equipped with damaged alternator diodes, according to a company press release. The campaign affects a variety of models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 sedans
  • 2011-2014 Two-door Dodge Challenger sports cars
  • 2011-2014 Four-door Dodge Charger sports cars
  • 2011-2014 Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles
  • 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles

Approximately 318, 781 of the vehicles originated from U.S. dealers, while 37,504 are circulating the Canadian and Mexican markets. The remaining 85, 292 are outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement zone. FCA estimates 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective part, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Administration.

The Defect

Vehicles named in the recall are suspected to contain alternators with diodes susceptible to thermal fatigue failure stemming from overstressed electric hydraulic power steering systems. In the event of a diode failure, the alternator ceases supplying the engine with electricity, leading to the unexpected loss of multiple features, including the antilock braking system, the electronic stability control system and the engine control module. In some cases, the vehicle my cease operation entirely. The diodes can also short circuit and cause fire, heat and smoke to rise from the engine.

FCA has received reports of two accidents related to the faulty diodes. However, the car company has yet to receive notification of any injuries connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

FCA has not released details into the internal investigation that uncovered the problem. The company is expected to notify dealers on or around Aug. 24.

The Solution

FCA will direct dealers to replace the alternators in affected vehicles, free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document filed with the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification via first-class mail on or around Aug. 24. However, those in need of more immediate assistance can contact the FCA U.S. Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Chrysler recalls vehicles with faulty wiring

Chrysler recalls vehicles with faulty wiring

July 14, 2017 MotorSafety.org ,

Auburn Hill, Mich. – July 14, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled approximately 363,480 vehicles thought to contain defective air bag wiring fixtures, according to a press release from FCA. The campaign affects 2011-2015 Dodge Journey crossover models produced between Oct. 14, 2010 and April 20, 2015, as well as 2011-2015 Fiat Freemont crossovers sold outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement zone. FCA estimates that 1 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the faulty wiring fixtures, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

The affected vehicles could come equipped with air bag wiring fixtures that chafe against steering wheel components. In this scenario, short-circuiting is likely. This may lead to unexpected driver-side air bag deployment. FCA has received reports of six injuries connected to the defect. In these cases, the air bag warning light illuminated prior to deployment. Drivers also observed unintended windshield wiper operation.

The car company has yet to receive reports of any accidents related to the defective wiring fixture.

Timeline of Events

In October 2014, FCA investigated an instance of inadvertent air bag deployment involving a Dodge Caravan minivan, according to a chronology document filed with the NHTSA. Engineers reporting to the auto maker’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group analyzed the issue and suggested the steering column clockspring conductor tape was to blame.

FCA continued the investigation and in March 2015 determined the actual root cause of the IAD: shorted wires due to friction between the air bag wiring harness and the metal horn plate located within the steering wheel assembly. In May, FCA engineers successfully tested tape-based wiring harness protection, which was then implemented in production facilities in September. This improvement applied to both Caravan and Journey models.

The car company continued to monitor the issue throughout 2015, while also identifying and quarantining damaged steering wheel assemblies.

In January 2016, FCA confirmed all of the updated wiring protections for Caravan and Journey vehicles were successfully installed in September 2015. One month later, the company requested a series of vehicle inspections to assess the efficacy of these production improvements.

In March, engineers conducted 26 corporate vehicle inspections and discovered that three models showed signs of contact between air bag wiring fixtures and steering wheel components. The FCA Quality Engineering Center obtained the inspection results the following month. After an initial review, QEC sent the results to the engineering laboratory, which conducted vehicle vibration tests and found that steering wheel components penetrated the air bag wiring protection. FCA continued to investigate and monitor the issue throughout 2016.

In January 2017, the VSRC received reports of IADs linked to other causes not addressed in previous investigations. One month later, FCA engineers opened a new inquiry and reviewed parts from the vehicles named in these reports and discovered a separate production anomaly limited in scope.

FCA closed this new investigation in early February but continued to monitor the issue. Over the course of late February, March and April the auto maker received new IAD reports involving shorted air bag wiring fixtures. It re-opened the brief investigation initiated in January. FCA received additional IAD reports in May.

On June 6, the Vehicle Regulations Committee conducted voluntary recall for Caravan models and requested more information on the Journey crossover. On June 20, engineers determine that shortened clockspring assemblies were the root cause in IAD instances involving Journeys.The VRC extended the campaign on June 30 to apply to Journey models.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect the air bag wiring on affected vehicles and replace and reinforce these fixtures, free of charge. Owners are expected to receive notification via first-class mail between Aug. 7 and Aug. 21. Those in need of more immediate help can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

MotorSafety.orgChrysler recalls vehicles with faulty wiring
Battery risks lead to large Honda recalls

Battery risks lead to large Honda recalls

July 14, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, California—July 14, 2017—In certain Honda vehicles, an issue with the battery sensor could lead to a risk of fire as the result of an electrical short. According to a Part 573 Safety Recall Report from Honda, submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration July 12, more than 1.1 million vehicles are potentially involved.

The Defect

The risk comes from the chance of moisture coming into contact with the affected vehicle batteries. If this happens, the battery could short out and subsequently cause a fire. The moisture could potentially enter the batteries, the report said, because of spaces in the battery sensor casing. All of the vehicles in this recall are Honda Accord types, with the model years ranging from 2013 to 2016.

Timeline of Events

  • March to August, 2015: A chronology document, also filed with the NHTSA, said that the first claim related to this issue (a “thermal event” from under the car hood) surfaced in Canada on March 3, 2015. The following months saw the manufacturer attempt to counter the problem through temporary checks.
  • June to July, 2016: The summer months of this year saw Honda implement a new design while also receiving reports of the defect in the U.S. for the first time, after previously hearing a claim from China.
  • June 2017: The company decided to initiate a recall at this time. Though there have been no injuries or accidents associated with the issue to date, the car company has recorded four “thermal events” in the U.S. alone and several more worldwide.

The Resolution

The original dealer notification date was June 30, and owner notification will begin on July 31, as the report said. Depending on the condition of the battery sensor, the dealer may do a temporary or more final repair.

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Honda recall SUVs with defective fuel feed pipes

Honda recall SUVs with defective fuel feed pipes

July 13, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – July 13, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 24,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective fuel feed fixtures, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 CRV sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 10, 2016 and April 30, 2017. Honda is unsure what percentage of the models named in the recall actually contain the flawed features.

The Defect

The vehicles referenced in the campaign could contain fuel feed pipes fitted with incorrectly manufactured end-form connectors. These components, which link fuel feed pipes to fuel feed hoses, were fabricated using an incorrect die that compromises their connective capabilities. Consequently, these fixtures are liable to disconnect and cause fuel leaks, which pose a serious hazard to both drivers and passengers. However, Honda has yet to receive field reports connecting the defect to any injuries or accidents.

Timeline of Events

On May 1, 2017, Honda received one field report from the American market detailing an instance of fuel leakage in a 2017 CRV. Soon after reviewing the report, the car company launched an investigation, eventually connecting the leak to the Findlay, Ohio-based parts producer Sanoh America. The third-party manufacturer reviewed its production records and discovered that fuel feed end-form connectors shipped to Honda had been produced using improper die. On July 11, Honda personnel determined that the defective features presented a serious safety hazard to drivers and called for a voluntary recall. The automaker notified dealers three days later.

As of July 11, Honda had received seven warranty claims and four field reports related to the defect.

The Solution

Honda directed dealers to replace the fuel feed pipes and related fixtures in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an internal communication submitted to the NHTSA. The car company is expected to notify owners via first-class mail Aug. 25. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda Customer Relations at (800) 999-1009 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Ford recalls vehicles in need of torque converter replacement

Ford recalls vehicles in need of torque converter replacement

July 11, 2017 admin

 

Dearbon, Mich. – July 11, 2017 – Ford has recalled more than 6,600 vehicles equipped with defective torque converters, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2017 Ford Edge sport utility vehicles produced between April 25, 2017 and June 20, 2017; 2017 Ford Fusion sedans produced between May 4, 2017 and June 15, 2017; and 2017 Lincoln MKZ sedans produced between May 4, 2017 and June 19, 2017. Approximately 5,914 of the vehicles were sold in the American market, while the remainder came from dealers in Canada and Mexico.

The Defect

The models named in the recall, all of which are equipped with 6F35 transmissions, could contain torque converters with inadequate welds, according to Ford. Consequently, these fixtures might decouple from the engine flex plate while operational, resulting in an immediate loss of power.

Although other features like the electronic braking and restraint systems will continue to operate, the vehicle itself will lose function. This could increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Ford has not received reports of any injuries or wrecks connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

The car manufacturer did not release details on the internal investigation that precipitated the recall campaign. However, it did mention that the affected vehicles came from two different Ford assembly plants in Oakville, Ontario, Canada; and Hermosillo, Mexico.

The Solution

Ford has instructed dealers to replace the torque converters in affected vehicles, free of charge. The internal reference number for the recall is 17S16. Owners should receive notification via mail soon, CBS Detroit reported.

Those in need of immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service personnel at (800) 392-3673 or call the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4263.

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Volkswagen recalls Audi vehicles for parking brake/warning light disconnect

Volkswagen recalls Audi vehicles for parking brake/warning light disconnect

July 10, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich.—July 10, 2017—In an action expected to begin this July, Volkswagen said it will recall Audi vehicles to address a possible safety issue. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration letter dated for July 6 said that the recall would include 24,754 Q3 vehicles from the 2016 and 2017 model years, all of which were estimated to have the defect.

The Defect

This recall concerns a defect that could go against Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, which pertains to “lamps, reflective devices, and assoc. equipment,” as an NHTSA report said. Specifically, the affected vehicles may contain a software error that prevents the brake lights from turning on when the parking brake is in use.

Though the source stressed that the brake system itself was unaffected, it did note that the lack of brake lights could be a hazard. It also did not list any specific signs for owners to look out for.

Timeline of Events

  • March to November, 2016: This period included several events, such as the company’s first discovery of the issue, leading to the time when the company developed the improved software to resolve the problem.
  • February to May, 2017: After the previous efforts, the manufacturer took a closer look at the particular compliance problem to determine the right way to respond.
  • June, 2017: The above deliberation finally led to the decision that the vehicle issue did actually constitute a non-compliance concern in response to the FMVSS, with June 19 listed as the “Date of Determination” in the Part 573 Safety Recall Report.

The Resolution

Though the report didn’t include a specific date, it did state that the recall was “anticipated” for July 17. The repair effort will include a software update, using the program developed and put into use last year.

adminVolkswagen recalls Audi vehicles for parking brake/warning light disconnect
GM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

GM Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Seat Belts

July 10, 2017 admin , , ,

Warren, Mich. – July 10, 2017 – General Motors has recalled more than 40,000 vehicles possibly equipped with dysfunctional software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects over one dozen models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2014 – 2017 Buick Encore sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Buck Lacrosse sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicles
  • 2015 – 2016 Cadillac Escalade ESV sport utility vehicles
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit sedans
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Corvette sports cars
  • 2014 – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 pickups
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet Spark compacts
  • 2014 – 2016 Chevrolet SS sports sedans
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe sport utility vehicle
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Trax sport utility vehicle
  • 2014 – 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2017 GMC Sierra 3500 pickups
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL sport utility vehicles

GM suspects 75 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the outdated software.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain sensing and diagnostic module software that may not properly deploy front air bags and seat belt pre-tensioning features in the event of an accident.

This poses serious safety risks to drivers and passengers, as they may be left unprotected during collisions. However, the car company has not reports connecting the defective software to accidents or injuries as yet.

Timeline of events

In September of last year, GM recalled more than 3 million vehicles believed to contain problematic SDM software, according to the NHTSA. Approximately 100 percent of the cars involved in the campaign contained the defect.

GM ordered dealers to update the software in all recalled vehicles free of charge, a process that began that very month. Roughly 2.9 million were eventually serviced.

In April 2017, GM personnel conducted an internal audit, reviewing recall and repair records for recent campaigns.

Auditors discovered three instances in which dealers had failed to update the SDM software on vehicles involved in the September 2016 yet reported that the repairs had been successfully executed.

These findings prompted the auditors to evaluate additional repair records and OnStar diagnostic data for approximately 30,000 vehicles named in the aforementioned campaign.

This data indicated that many more models connected to the campaign, an estimated 41,000, might have never received the SDM software update. On May 18, the auditors filed an internal report via the GM Speak Up program.

The GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority chose to conduct an official safety recall June 30. Dealers received notification July 10.

The solution

GM has once again ordered dealers to update the SDM software in affected models. The automaker has pledged to reimburse owners for the repair, according to documents submitted to the NHTSA.

However, GM has not publicized an official notification date for owners.

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

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Hyundai recalls vehicles for parking brake indicator issue [Video]

July 8, 2017 admin ,

Fountain Valley, Calif.—June 9, 2017—In one of a pair of Hyundai recalls, the manufacturer is taking action on vehicles with possible warning light issues for their parking brakes. This recall concerns more than 161 vehicles, with 1 percent estimated to have the defect .

If the electrical switches in these vehicles corrode, then the parking brake light could fail to display at the right times. Some of the signs of this issue are noise, smoke or extra resistance from the parking brake.

Owner notification was set for June 30. Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the parking switch with a new one made of different material. As of June 5, the manufacturer was not aware of any accidents due to this defect.

Stay tuned for more recall updates.

adminHyundai recalls vehicles for parking brake indicator issue [Video]
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