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Honda Recalls Over 1,350,000 Vehicles Due to Air Bag Defect

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes Acura Recalls, Honda Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling over 1,350,000 vehicles due to the passenger frontal air bag inflator being at risk of exploding. The recall includes:

2011- 2014 Honda Insight
2010-2014 Acura TSX
2011-2014 Acura TSX Wagon
2010-2011 Acura ZDX
2010-2015 Honda Crosstour
2011-2015 Honda Pilot
2014 Honda FCX Clarity
2010-2013 Honda Fit EV
2011-2014 Honda Fit EV
2010-2012 Honda Accord
2010-2011 Honda Civic NGV
2010-2011 Honda Civic
2010-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
2010-2011 Honda CR-V

Recall summary

The massive recall is part of a previous recall, but the schedule is being accelerated because the risk was determined to be more severe than previously thought. There are also enough replacement airbags to finish the whole recall ahead of schedule.

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, all these vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules.

The specific defective modules may explode due to propellant degradation, which can occur after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.

In the case of an inflator rupture, the force of inflation may cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed.

Contact with such high speed, flying pieces of metal, should the inflation occur and metal pieces be fragmented, may result in serious injury or death to vehicle driver and/or occupants.

The repair

The registered owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail by Honda. Honda will request all owners asked to take their vehicles to a Honda or Acura automobile dealer.

The dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator with a new inflator, at no cost to the vehicle owner. The recall is expected to begin November 13, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.34 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 1,104,463 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Mitsubishi Recalls Nearly 60,000 Vehicles For Faulty Safety System Software

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes Mitsubishi Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system, as well as 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the software for the Hydraulic Unit’s Electronic Control Unit (HU-ECU) may be incorrect. Due to this inappropriate software in HU-ECU electrical noise is generated when the pump motor of the H/U operates, which may cause the H/U-ECU to reset.

This defect could prevent the intervention of safety systems when in use, including automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function. If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash. There have been no reported injuries or accidents due to this condition.

Timeline of Events

In March 2017, a field report from Japan was received by MMC. The report stated that the “ACC CHECK” warning appeared in the multi-information display of combination meter while driving. From April 2017 to August 2017, MMC received two additional field reports. In the first case, MMC conducted a bench test with the returned part, but was unable to reproduce the problem. After the second field report, MMC conducted the vehicle test with the additional two returned parts and was able to reproduce the problem with one of the returned parts.

MMC subsequently conducted the bench test again using the driving data of the vehicle test which had formerly successfully reproduced the problem, but was not able to reproduce the problem again, so MMC and the supplier continued to conduct tests from December 2017 to April 2018

Upon conclusion of the company’s investigation, MMC determined that inappropriate software in the H/U-ECU could generate electrical noise when the pump motor operates, causing the H/U-ECU to reset. The flaw in the software was corrected in production, and MMC continued investigating with the purpose of analyzing the variations and estimating future occurrences.

MMC concluded that the failure would occur continuously in the future, and in September 2018 the manufacturer chose to initiate a field action in the US to address the condition and advised Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. to conduct a safety recall.

The Solution

Owners of all affected vehicles will be notified and asked to bring their vehicles in to reprogram the H/U-ECU software with countermeasure software. The repair will be performed with no cost to vehicle owners. The new software does not generate the electrical noise which may reset the H/UECU, eliminating the issue. New software for the H/U-ECU was used in production starting with vehicles built in and after April 2018. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-621

Owners seeking reimbursement for any expenses associated with this recall will be directed in the notification letter to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for reimbursement consideration. MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-18-008. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Mercedes Benz Recalls More Than 4,700 Vehicles for Incorrect Turn Signal Light Color

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 GLC300 4MATIC Coupe, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC350e 4MATIC, GLC43 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, and GLC43 AMG 4MATIC vehicles equipped with LED headlights.

Daimler AG (“DAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2018 GLC-Class (253 platform) vehicles, equipped with LED headlamps, the front turn signal lights may be pink/violet in color.

The recall covers over 4,700 vehicles, with an estimated 10% being subject to the defect. The front turn signals may have an incorrect color of pink or violet, thus failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, although the function of the turn indicators is not affected, legal requirements may not be met. Turn signals that are the wrong color may not be as easily recognized by other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners may notice the unusual color when unlocking or locking their vehicle doors, which can cause the lights to flash.

Timeline of Events

In March 2018 DAG initiated initial investigations based on a single vehicle detected in the production plant, and subsequently, in April 2018, DAG and the headlamp supplier analyzed the exemplar headlamp.

In May 2018 it was determined that a production deviation at the supplier resulted in damaged LED phosphor layers and by June 2018 the supplier had determined the potentially affected batches of headlamps

In July and August 2018 DAG determined the potentially affected vehicles equipped with the suspect headlamps, and in early September 2018 DAG determined that a potential non-compliance of subject vehicles with legal light colors could not be excluded. The recall is voluntary, and the issue was corrected on the manufacturing line for all vehicles produced after the defect was discovered.

The Solution

As a precautionary measure, an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer will check the color of the turn signal on the affected LED headlamps, and replace the LED module, if necessary.
MBUSA will not provide notice about pre-notice reimbursement to owners since all involved vehicles remain covered under the new vehicle warranty, and the replacement will be done free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin November 9, 2018. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Number for this recall is 18V-610.

Mitsubishi Recalls More Than 9,000 Vehicles Over Faulty FCM Software

September 26, 2018 Sean Reyes Mitsubishi Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Only vehicles that were equipped with Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system are affected, with the total number of vehicles being recalled totaling 9,166.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed. The error may occur when a pedestrian was registered as being in front of the vehicle, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected. If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle has been suspected to increase the risk of a rear-end collision or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

During March through May 2017, MMC received three field reports from the Czech Republic and Japan indicating that the vehicle brake was activated by FCM system. The reports stating the brake activation occurred when there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the vehicle. MMC began an investigation. Between May and October 2017, as a result of the investigation, it was concluded that the FCM system operated properly. However, in February 2018, MMC received an accident report from Australia which stated that rear-end collision had occurred due to the vehicle brake being activated by the FCM system. Again, MMC concluded the FCM system operated properly.

In May 2018, two additional accident reports from Singapore and Japan were received, and it was confirmed that the driver of each vehicle had depressed the brake pedal strongly when the brake was activated by the FCM system. This caused the vehicles to be decelerated rapidly. In June 2018, MMC completely reprogrammed the software of the FCM-ECU in production, in order to specifically shorten the operation time of the brake by the FCM system. This safeguard is designed to help prevent the driver from choosing to apply a stronger brake when the danger is already past or when not necessary.

MMC subsequently continued its investigation to assess the safety risk of affected vehicles, and in September 2018, MMC determined that a field action was necessary in the US to address the potential risk, although there had been no adverse reports from the US. MMC advised Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. to conduct a safety recall.

The Solution

Owners of all affected vehicles will be notified and encouraged to bring their vehicles in to reprogram the FCM-ECU software with countermeasure software. The repair will be performed at no charge to vehicle owners. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2018.

Any owners seeking reimbursement for any expenses associated with this recall will be directed in the notification letter to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for reimbursement consideration.

Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-18-007. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Ford Recalls Around 555 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles for Incorrect Door Striker Bolt

September 25, 2018 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 25, 2018: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles in North America to replace door striker bolts in all four doors.
These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Door Locks and Door Retention Components.In the event of a crash, a shorter bolt may allow the door to open, increasing the risk of injury.

According to a release from the Ford Media Center, affected vehicles include 2018 Ford Edge and 2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, July 27-31, 2018. There are approximately 555 vehicles in North America relating to this concern, with 503 vehicles in the United States and its federalized territories, 51 in Canada and one in Mexico. Vehicles assembled before July 27, 2018 and after July 31, 2018 were assembled using the correct length door striker bolts and are not affected by this concern.

The Defect

The affected vehicles may have a door striker assembled to the vehicle body with one or both striker bolts that may be 5mm shorter than design intent length. In the event of a vehicle crash, a door striker with a shorter bolt may not withstand the minimum ultimate loads required. This may allow the door to open in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

The supplier mislabeled and delivered striker bolts 5mm shorter than the design intent bolts. Because of the mislabeling, the shorter bolts became mixed with the design intent bolts at the assembly line.

Timeline of Events

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, in August 2018, Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) brought into Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) an issue concerning Edge and MKX vehicles that may have been built with the incorrect length fastener used to attach the door striker to the vehicle body.

After a line operator observed that the fastener was not the correct length, a stop-ship was initiated, and the supplier was notified. Further investigation identified that the supplier had mistakenly shipped boxes labeled with the correct part number, but which actually contained fasteners that were 5mm shorter than design intent.

The error was limited to a single batch of mis-labeled door striker bolts. The supplier took corrective action and preventative action at their facility and resumed delivery to OAC on July 30, 2018.

Engineering was asked to study the effect of a 5 mm shorter length bolt on the strength of the door striker. In September 2018, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a field action to recall vehicles with the incorrect part, as it was determined that the shorter bolt could cause a hazard in case of a crash by failing to properly secure the door.

Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition.

The Solution

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The Ford reference number for this recall is 18C06.

GM Recalls Over One Million 2015 Vehicles Due to Faulty Steering Assist

September 22, 2018 Sean Reyes Cadillac Recalls, Chevrolet Recalls, GMC Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 22, 2018 – General Motors has discovered a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety in the following vehicles:

2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD
2015 Suburban and Tahoe vehicles
2015 GMC Sierra LD and Yukon vehicles
2015 Cadillac Escalade

GM has issued a recall for over one million vehicles.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of EPS assist, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.

This is most likely to happen during low-speed turning maneuvers. The loss and sudden return of EPS assist typically occurs within a 1 second period. The steering malfunction is caused by an electrical/software issue.

The danger lies in the fact that if EPS assist is lost and suddenly returned, the driver could have difficulty steering the vehicle. The likelihood of a crash is increased, especially at low speeds.

Low speed turns can cause temporary low voltage conditions, and if system voltage drops below 8.8 volts for more than 1 second, EPS assist is disabled. When voltage returns to 9 volts for a minimum of 40 milliseconds, EPS assist returns.

If power steering assist is lost a driver information center message may alert the driver to an EPS problem, and other electrical sub-systems may shut down just prior to or at the same time as the EPS event.

This can cause disruption to operation of the radio, stabilitrack, the DIC, chimes, door-lock cycling, air conditioning, or cruise control.

Timeline of events

In late June 2018, an increase in field reports and customer complaints about EPS issues led GM to open a safety investigation into loss of EPS in the subject vehicles.

GM’s safety investigator and engineering-analysis experts determined the loss-of-EPS issues was caused by the same electrical issue discovered in trucks that GM recalled in 2017. GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority subsequently chose to conduct a safety recall.

The solution

According to an NHTSA FAQ published for the recall, customers who own a vehicle involved in the field action will be notified by mail by General Motors, but the exact date the recall will begin is not yet set and the manufacture has not published a notification schedule.

Dealers will perform a reflash of the EPS module software. The inspection/repair will be done at no cost to the customer, and is available at Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC dealers. Customers are strongly urged to repair their vehicle as soon as possible.

Courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in the recall, and whose vehicles are still within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with the recall.

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

Honda Recalls 793 Acura NSX Vehicles for Brake Light Malfunction

September 22, 2018 Sean Reyes Acura Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – September 22, 2018: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017 Acura NSX vehicles due to a faulty mounting of the circuit board for the high mounted center brake light.

The recall population was determined based on manufacturing records, and only 793 vehicles are potentially affected. All vehicles built from the start-up of production through July 31, 2017 are affected.

The supplier provided updated HMSLs for vehicles built after July 31, 2017 to improve production quality, so no vehicles built after that date were affected.

The defect

According to an Acura service bulletin, there is an internal issue with the circuit board in the high mount brake light (also referred to as the center high mount brake light).

Normal road vibrations can cause the metal screws securing the printed circuit board for the high mounted center brake light to loosen and contact the circuitry.

If this happens during illumination (when the brake pedal is depressed), the circuit board may short, causing the corresponding fuse to blow.

In such a situation, all the brake lights will stop working, which increases the risk of a collision. In the dash, several malfunction indicator lamps will turn on to indicate the brake light failure.

Once the fuse is blown, the vehicle will be prevented from being restarted once it has been turned off. The 793 vehicles affected by this recall fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard regarding Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.

Timeline of events

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Notice in June 2017, Honda received the first claim of a no-start condition, and subsequently began an investigation with the HMSL’s supplier to determine the root cause.

The supplier’s initial analysis suspected the failure to be short circuit related and identified a potential issue with contact between the metal screw and the PCB circuitry. They supplied an updated part for future builds.

In January 2018, Bully tests were performed on the PCB to determine the extent of coating wear from the metal screws. By September 2018 Honda completed the investigation.

It was determined that FMVSS non-compliance existed, and Honda chose to conduct a safety recall. As of September 4, 2018 Honda has received only 19 warranty claims. There have been no field reports or reports of injuries related to this issue.

The solution

According to a public statement from Acura, due to the relatively small number of affected vehicles, where possible, Acura will attempt to directly contact registered owners of affected vehicles by phone to schedule repairs, and in November any unreached registered owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an NSX Authorized Acura dealer.

The dealer will replace the center high mount brake light at no charge to owners.

The recall is expected to begin November 6, 2018. Owners of 2017 NSX vehicles can determine if their vehicles require repair by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Over 1,600 2019 Infiniti vehicles recalled by Nissan for faulty air bag modules

September 21, 2018 Sean Reyes Infiniti Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 21, 2018: Nissan North America, Inc. is recalling certain 2019 INFINITI QX50 vehicles due to an air bag module defect that increases risk of injury for passenger seat drivers in the event of a crash.

The recall includes just over 1,600 vehicles manufactured between July 4, 2018, and August 24, 2018, with the chances of any specific vehicle suffering a defect being 1 percent, according to the NHTSA safety recall report. No other INFINITI (or Nissan) vehicles are affected by this issue because the affected passenger-side knee air bag module is unique to this model and those dates of manufacture.

The Defect

In the event of a crash in very cold temperatures, the trim cover may separate unexpectedly from the passenger-side knee air bag module instead of splitting at the trim cover tear seam as designed. If the passenger-side knee air bag cover detaches during deployment, it can increase the risk of injury.

According to an INFINITI campaign bulletin, the manufacturer strongly recommends that if a vehicle is confirmed to be affected, this safety recall repair performed as soon as possible. Owners are urged to contact their retailer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment, and in the meantime to not allow passengers to ride in the front passenger seat.

Timeline of Events

In August 2018, while a supplier was conducting a low temperature lot acceptance test, the passenger-side knee air bag cover detached from the air bag module during deployment. The supplier launched an investigation, and two weeks later the plant and supplier quarantined all passenger-side knee air bag modules.

The investigation found that certain passenger-side knee air bag modules had been manufactured with an out-of-specification tear seam thickness, and the knee air bag cushion was incorrectly folded. Nissan identified the affected vehicles and chose to conduct a voluntary recall campaign to replace the passenger-side knee air bag module.

The Solution

The dealer will replace the passenger-side knee air bag module, including the module trim cover, with a new one. INFINITI will notify owners, and retailers will complete the replacement free of charge. Rental car coverage will be available up to a max of $180. The recall is expected to begin October 22, 2018, and the Campaign ID is PC644.

Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200, or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). Owners may also use the INFINITI recall tool to enter their VIN and find out if their vehicle is affected by the recall.

Nissan and INFINITI Recall More Than 200,000 Sedans and SUVs Over Fire Hazard Concerns

September 20, 2018 Sean Reyes Infiniti Recalls, Nissan Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 20, 2018 – Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) and the company’s luxury brand, INFINITI, are recalling more than 200,000 sedans and SUVs. The recall is designed to allow the replacement of a faulty brake component that could cause a fire if brake fluid were to leak out onto a circuit board, according to Consumer Reports.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles, according to documentation provided by Nissan to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The Defect

According to safety recall campaign bulletins from Nissan and INFINITI, the Antilock Braking System (ABS) actuator pump seal may leak brake fluid onto the control electronic circuit board, which can cause an electrical short and potentially start a fire.

If a leak occurs, the ABS warning lamp will illuminate to warn the driver. If the vehicle continues to be operated with the ongoing leak, the brake fluid may seep down onto the actuator circuit, creating an electrical short which could lead to a fire breaking out.

This is not the first issue with Nissan and/or INFINITI sedans and/or SUVs. In 2016, an almost identical issue with a faulty brake fluid seal allowing brake fluid to drip onto the ABS circuit board caused Nissan to recall 134,000 2016-2017 Maxima sedans, 2015-2017 Murano SUVs, and 2015-2016 Murano Hybrid SUVs across the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, in 2017 nearly 57,000 Murano crossovers from the 2013 and 2014 model years were recalled by Nissan for faulty power steering fluid hose clamps, which allowed the lines to separate, causing difficulty in steering. The leaked fluid also posed a fire hazard, as if it leaked onto hot surfaces it could start a vehicle fire.

Timeline of Events

The report about this recall was officially issued on September 7, 2018.

When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle outside and contacting INFINITI or Nissan Roadside Assistance to have the vehicle towed to an authorized INFINITI or Nissan service department as soon as possible.

The Solution

Owners of potentially affected vehicles will be notified beginning in October 2018 and asked to bring their vehicle to an authorized INFINITI or Nissan retailer to have their ABS actuator checked and the remedial work completed if required (incurring no cost for the vehicle owner for either parts or labor.)

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Vehicles identified under the previous recall in 2016 are still covered under this recall as well. The recall is expected to begin October 15, 2018.

Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 18V601000. Vehicle owners can also enter their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Toyota Recalls 1 Million Toyota Prius Models Due to Fire Risk

September 15, 2018 Sean Reyes Toyota Recalls

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 15, 2018 – Toyota is recalling 192,000 of its 2016 to 2018 Prius hybrids that were sold in the U.S. due to a fire risk. According to a company press release, wiring in the front of the vehicle may wear over time, potentially resulting in a short circuit, which could cause a fire.

Affected vehicles include certain 2016 to 2018 Toyota Prius cars manufactured between June 2015 and May 2018. These vehicles are part of a larger 1 million vehicle worldwide recall, with the majority of the remaining vehicles sold in Japan, as well as some located in Canada, the U.K., Europe and Australia.

The Defect

These vehicles have an engine wire harness consisting of a bundle of wires wrapped in a protective sleeve. The wire harness is connected to the hybrid vehicle Power Control Unit, which controls electricity within the hybrid drivetrain. A portion of the wire harness can potentially contact the cover at this connection and wear over time. The resulting friction can cause an electrical short circuit, which can generate heat, leading to a vehicle fire.

Timeline of Events

As noted by Consumer Reports in early September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that Toyota discovered the defect after a dealer in Japan reported “abnormal odor, smoke, and flames” from a customer’s vehicle. To date, Toyota says that a single warranty claim in the U.S. may be related to the issue, but this has not been confirmed.

The recall covers all Toyota Prius and Prius Plug-in models built between June 2015 and May 2018, and also affects Toyota C-HR plug-in hybrid models sold in Europe, Japan, and Australia, but not in the U.S. Former Toyota recalls for Prius models over the past few years have included brake issues and software failures.

The Solution

According to Toyota, all repairs will be provided at no cost to customers. All known owners will receive a notification by first class mail starting in late October.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers have been instructed to check the engine wire harness assembly to see if a wire core is exposed. If there is visible exposure, the engine wire harness assembly will be replaced with a new one that includes a stronger protective sleeve. If a wire core is not currently exposed, specialized protective tape will be installed on the engine wire harness assembly to prevent wear at the point of contact.

Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Customers can also access current information on open safety recalls by Toyota by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at: www.toyota.com/recall. or nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Owners may also connect with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 18V579, or get more current information on current or potential recalls by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

The recall is expected to begin in early October 2018. Toyota had no additional comment beyond their press release.

Recall summary

The repair

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

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