![Fiat Chrysler Recalls 89K Vehicles For Fuel Leak, Wiper Problems [Video]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIj48YW5pbWF0ZSBhdHRyaWJ1dGVOYW1lPSJmaWxsIiB2YWx1ZXM9InJnYmEoMTUzLDE1MywxNTMsMC41KTtyZ2JhKDE1MywxNTMsMTUzLDAuMSk7cmdiYSgxNTMsMTUzLDE1MywwLjUpIiBkdXI9IjJzIiByZXBlYXRDb3VudD0iaW5kZWZpbml0ZSIgLz48L3JlY3Q+PC9zdmc+)
Fiat Chrysler Recalls 89K Vehicles For Fuel Leak, Wiper Problems [Video]
November 18, 2016
Dodge Recalls, Jeep Recalls, Video
Takata Airbags A Problem For Chevrolet
November 14, 2016
Chevrolet Recalls
General Motors has announced a recall of Chevrolet Malibu vehicles from the 2016 model year. These cars are suffering a defect in their Takata-manufactured airbags – marking yet another problem for the embattled company.
The Defect
General Motors will recall 2016 Chevrolet Malibu models manufactured between Nov. 18, 2015 and June 7, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. The cars have defective modules in their seat-mounted side-impact airbags that may cause the fabric of the airbag cushions to tear during deployment. This increases the risk that the airbags will not perform as designed, threatening the safety of the vehicles’ occupants.
Timeline
- June 13, 2016 – Airbag supplier Takata discovered the fabric tear during a routine Lot Acceptance Test. Takata informed General Motors and then quarantined the entire shipment of supplies to confirm that the module was the cause of the problem. Specifically, the inflator may have been loaded with more propellant than necessary.
- June 24, 2016 – General Motors opened an investigation into the issue after a report was filed on its Speak Up for Safety System.
- July 13, 2016 – General Motors assigned a product investigator to look closely into the module issue.
- Aug. 11, 2016 – General Motors learned that other inflators not included in the original quarantine may have similar problems, requiring further testing. The company’s Open Investigation Review then sought more data regarding the inflators.
- Aug. 26, 2016 – Takata told General Motors that it found 18 modules with inflators that were heavier than they were supposed to be – meaning they could contain too much propellant.
- Oct. 19, 2016 – General Motors decided to conduct the safety recall.
Resolution
Chevrolet dealers will inspect side airbags and replace them at no charge if faulty inflators are detected. Buyers are encouraged to contact their dealer as soon as possible.
Isuzu Faces Accelerator Problems
November 10, 2016
Chevrolet Recalls
Isuzu Technical Center has recently announced the recall of NPR and NPR HD vehicles, as well as the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 and 4500, due to faulty throttle pedals. These components have flaws that could prevent vehicles from decelerating as expected.
The Defect
Isuzu will recall vehicles from the 2014-2016 model years. The throttle pedals on these cars may get stuck under steel stopper bolts, causing the pedal to remain in the full-throttle position, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This makes it difficult for drivers to safely stop their vehicles and maintain control while on the road.
Timeline
- July 2016 – Isuzu learned about a driver of a Model Year 2015 N-Series Gas vehicle who struggled to slow down when letting off the gas. The driver had to hit the brake in order to lose speed.
- August 2016 – Isuzu received a warranty claim for another vehicle of the same model. Further investigation uncovered that some accelerator pedals may be susceptible to additional lateral force. In addition, the company reopened several prior investigations to see if there was a larger trend that had been missed. One pedal assembly was missing a fastener, while another had an excessively deformed bracket.
- October 2016 – Isuzu issued the recall for all model years where similar issues have been reported.
Resolution
Isuzu will remove stopper bolts and replace them with flanged plates that will be bolted to the floor. This will prevent lateral movement and lessen straining on the components. This will be done free of charge, and any customer who has already paid for a replacement will be reimbursed.
Subaru Addresses Potential Engine Fires
November 9, 2016
Subaru Recalls
Subaru is recalling several vehicle models in the U.S. due to engine problems that have the potential to cause fires. The defect was the result of an inappropriate manufacturing process, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
Subaru is recalling 100,127 Foresters from 2009-2013, Legacy and Outback models from 2007-2009 and WRX and STI models from 2008-2014. All models are equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The problem is that a faulty relay in these engines can cause the secondary air injection pump to fail. The pump may then end up working constantly, possibly overheating and melting and then igniting. Subaru believes that the check engine light would be lit if this had a chance of occurring in an affected vehicle.
Timeline
April 25, 2011: Fuji Heavy Industries, Inc. learned of a secondary air injection pump failure that caused the check engine light to go off, but did not result in fire. Fuji investigated and found that the relay associated with the pump had insufficient contact point pressure.
Oct. 10, 2013: Fuji learned of another secondary air injection pump catching fire, but could not investigate it properly.
May 8, 2015: Fuji was able to investigate a separate fire report and determined the cause.
Sept. 30, 2016: Fuji advised Subaru that it would have to conduct a recall of all affected vehicles in the United States.
Proposed Remedy
Subaru dealers will replace the affected secondary air injection pump with a countermeasured replacement pump. This will be done free of charge for all owners.
Ford Recalls Mustangs Over Engine Defect
November 8, 2016
Ford Recalls
Detroit, MI – November 08, 2016 – Ford has announced the recall of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs, due to a defect that could lead to serious oil leaks, engine damage and possible fire hazards.
The Defect
Autoblog reports that Ford will be recalling 8,000 total vehicles of both models from the 2015-2017 model years. The issue is an engine oil cooler tube that could have poorly designed or insufficient crimps, which could lead to hose separation during operation. This could potentially result in an oil leak and engine failure. Owners could face an increased risk of crash or fire.
As yet, Ford says that it has no knowledge of any fires or accidents that have been caused by this defect.
Timeline Of Events
August 2016 – Ford received reports of an engine oil cooler tube replacement. The Ford Critical Concern Review Group determined that the hose in question had separated from a crimp joint.
September-October 2016 – Ford’s engineering teams attempted to analyze parts collected from the field, and determined that the hoses had not been secured properly. Specifically, the crimp process was conducted improperly, making it difficult to control crimp jaw location and hose insertion depth.
The Solution
Ford will soon notify owners of the recall, and will begin the repair process Dec. 12, 2016. Ford will replace the engine oil cooler tube at no cost to owners. Meanwhile, AutoBlog reports that Shelby GT350 Mustangs are still available for purchase, though they will not be delivered to customers and may not be driven until new parts are procured.
Takata Airbags In Jeeps Leads To Recall
November 7, 2016
Jeep Recalls
Fiat Chrysler has announced the recall of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles after a problem was discovered that could prevent airbags from properly inflating. Takata Corporation, the maker of these airbags, has already been involved in a major safety recall.
The Defect
Some 2017 Jeep Cherokees manufactured between Oct. 13, 2016 and Oct. 17, 2016 may have improper welds on the driver’s knee airbag inflator. During a crash, these defects could stop the airbags from opening and protecting the driver.
Timeline
Sept. 24, 2016 – The Tier 2 ARC Automotive Inc. KAB inflators were produced. Maintenance was done on the optical lens covers of the welders used on the inflators.
Oct. 14, 2016 – The Takata Corporation reported two inflator failures in tests.
Oct. 17, 2016 – Takata notified Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Supplier Quality that some inflators had been welded improperly.
Oct. 18, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Suppliers Quality told Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance that an investigation would be needed.
Oct. 18-24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, Takata and ARC considered their immediate response, as well as correctives that could be taken in the long term to address this issue and prevent the problem from spreading to additional parts.
Oct. 23, 2016 – Takata made plans to keep inflators and ensure that they are all validated before being shipped out.
Oct. 24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US determined that it would be best to issue a voluntary recall.
Resolution
Fiat Chrysler will conduct a voluntary recall on all affected vehicles in order to replace the defective inflators. The company also plans to reimburse drivers for any expenses associated with repairing this problem on their own.
Toyota recalls 337,000 crossover vehicles [Video]
November 3, 2016
Toyota Recalls
In September, Toyota announced a recall of 337,000 S-U-Vs and Lexus sedans because of a defect with the tie rod. The problem is that the threads on the tie rod can start to rust if a nut isn’t tightened properly. That causes the rod to break and drastically alter the suspension of the car. It’s dangerous to the driver because the car can veer off suddenly in one direction.
The recall includes Toyota R-A-V-4s built from October 31, 2005, to September 7, 1010, as well as Lexus H-S-250-h vehicles built between July 6, 2009, and August 26, 2010.
If you have one of those vehicles, take it into your dealership for a rear suspension replacement at no cost to you.
Toyota Halts Prius Sales Over Faulty Parking Brakes
November 2, 2016
Toyota Recalls
Toyota has ordered a halt to Prius sales after receiving reports that parking brakes may fail to engage. The issue could lead to vehicles rolling away without warning. The automaker is also recalling vehicles that may have been affected, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
Toyota is recalling 91,585 vehicles from the 2016 and 2017 model years, produced between Aug. 5, 2015 and Oct. 3, 2016. Of these cars, about 19,500 have not yet been sold and are still in dealer inventory. The cause appears to be brake cables disengaging from the crank lever of the foot-operated parking brake pedal. If an affected vehicle is left in any other gear than “Park” while the ignition is on, it could roll away.
Timeline
In May 2016, Toyota began to receive reports from drivers about the issue. The end result was three separate Toyota field reports, as well as 64 warranty claims that are believed to be related to this issue.
On Oct. 12, 2016, Toyota filed a Defect Information report with the NHTSA, informing the agency about its voluntary recall.
Proposed Remedy
Toyota expects to begin notifying owners and dealers of the recall in November 2016, and the recall process itself will begin Dec. 11, 2016. Owners will be asked to return their vehicles to their nearest dealer. Toyota will install a clip at the parking brake cable that will prevent it from disengaging. This work will be done free of charge, as all affected vehicle owners are still within their warranty periods.
BMW Contends With Fuel Leak
October 31, 2016
BMW Recalls
Improperly crimped wiring for the fuel pumps in gas tanks found in numerous BMW models may cause small fuel leaks, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drivers may notice the smell of gasoline inside their vehicles, and might also see their check engine lights turn on. In addition, the fuel pumps could stop working, causing engines to stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
The Defect
BMW is recalling 136,188 vehicles in the U.S. and 18,284 in Canada as a result of loose wiring that could cause connectors to melt, resulting in the fuel leak. The list of affected models includes the 2007-2011 X5, the 2008-2011 X6, the 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, the 2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo, the 2011-2012 528I, the 2011-2012 535I, the 2011-2012 550I, the 2012 640I and the 2012 650I.
Timeline
- June 2011 – BMW first learned about customer complaints of a fuel odor. Further analysis found that the evaporative fuel tank leak diagnostic system could detect the issue. BMW began to alert customers.
- September 2014 – The growing number of warranty claims related to this issue caused BMW to issue a worldwide extended warranty program, providing coverage for 10 years and unlimited mileage.
- October 2014 – BMW conducted a part recall in China for the same issue, and submitted a Part 579 report to the NHTSA, referencing the existing warranty program.
- February 2015 – BMW extended its recall to Japan. It amended the Part 579 report and resubmitted it to the NHTSA.
- June 2016 – BMW performed a service action in South Korea in response to a request from the Korean government over this issue.
- October 2016 – BMW found that the issue was still common in vehicles that had not already had their fuel delivery modules replaced. BMW conducted a voluntary recall on all vehicles that had not been repaired.
Resolution
BMW will notify all owners of the issue and offer fuel pump replacements free of charge. This will begin Dec. 5, 2016.
Ford Doors May Open Unexpectedly
October 28, 2016
Ford Recalls
Dearborn, MI – October 27, 2016 – A component in the door latches may break in select Ford vehicles which prevents the doors from latching shut and may lead to a driver believing all the doors are shut when in fact, they are not, according to a report from the National Traffic Safety Administration. Besides the obvious inconvenience of having doors that don’t lock, doors that are closed the wrong way run the risk of flying open without a moment’s notice. For plenty of reasons, such a scenario would not be ideal for the driver or any passengers.
The Defect
Ford is recalling certain model year Ford Focuses manufactured anytime from 2012 to 2015, Ford Escapes from 2013 to 2015, C-MAXs, Lincoln MKC and Ford Mustangs from 2015 as well as Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2016. Keeping drivers and passengers inside the car while it is moving is paramount to safety, but the bad latches may make that a problem. As of September 2, 2016, Ford’s investigation into the matter had found one accident and three alleged injuries as a result of the faulty latch. There are more than 2.3 million vehicles affected by this recall.
Timeline of Ford’s Response
- October 2015: Ford’s analysis of warranty and field data discovered the problem in the door latches and submitted the issue to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group.
- December 2015 – March 2016: Ford conducted a return analysis and comprehensive data analysis of reports. The Fiesta and Fusion models were recalled as well.
- January 7, 2016: Ford opened an earlier investigation as the result of 2013-2015 investigation into similar reports that occurred from 2013 to 2015. Ford Escapes were mentioned a lot on those reports.
- March 3, 2016: The 2013 Ford Focus vehicles had notable problems with latches the ability to open.
- April 14, 2016: Although specific causes for the door latch malfunction could not be readily identified, Ford took notice of the fact that there were several instances of faulty door latches across various Ford vehicles.
- April – June 2016: Although there was a pattern in the gathered data, there was no hard evidence to prove the pinpoint location of the problem. Although the potential for a problem existed, there was no evidence of a precise solution.
- June 23, 2016: Ford noted patterns emerging from the data, but did not acknowledge anything specific.
- July 2016: Ford Focus and Escape vehicles with latches made from the same facility in Mexico reported issues with the vehicles. On July 29, 2016, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a safety recall for the most at-risk vehicles based on the data presented to them.
- August 4-26, 2016: Through ongoing discussions with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford extended their safety recall for every vehicle that falls under this category.
- September 1, 2016: Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved action.
The Solution
Ford’s solution to the defect starts with notifying all of the owners of the problems associated with their vehicles. Next, dealerships will schedule appointments with the customers to replace the faulty door latches with improved parts, free of charge. Because replacement parts are limited, individual owners will be sent an interim notification beginning on October 3, 2016. Parts should become available during the second quarter of 2017, and customers will be notified when parts are available.
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