Toyota Recalls 1 Million Toyota Prius Models Due to Fire Risk

Toyota Recalls 1 Million Toyota Prius Models Due to Fire Risk

September 15, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

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.

Sean ReyesToyota Recalls 1 Million Toyota Prius Models Due to Fire Risk
Ford Recalls Nearly 2 Million 2015-2018 Year F150 Pickup Trucks for Fire Risk

Ford Recalls Nearly 2 Million 2015-2018 Year F150 Pickup Trucks for Fire Risk

September 10, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Lilburn, Georgia – Sept. 10, 2018 – Ford Motor Company is recalling almost 2 million F150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles equipped with driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners capable of creating “excessive” sparks, which could lead to a fire, according to a Ford company press release.

Affected vehicles include:

  • 2015-18 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Assembly Plant, March 12, 2014 through Aug. 23, 2018
  • 2015-18 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 20, 2014 through Aug. 23, 2018

Of the nearly 2 million affected vehicles, over 1.6 million are located in the U.S., with the rest registered across Canada and Mexico.

The Defect

Seat belt pretensioners, like many other vehicle safety devices (such as airbags), are triggered by a tiny explosive that allow only a split second to elapse between a collision and deployment of the safety feature. The explosive itself is set off by a crash, and in the case of seat belt pretensioners, the feature design allows the seat belt to instantly tighten to provide more protection for the seat occupant. The seat belts work in tandem with the airbags to reduce the likelihood of injury, securing the driver and passenger in position and limiting excessive movement.

However, Ford’s investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners in specific F150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles can generate excessive sparks when they deploy. If sufficient sparks are present, it is possible for gases exhausted inside the lower portion of the B-pillar by the pretensioners to ignite. Once the gas ignites, components behind the B-pillar (including insulation and carpet) can subsequently catch fire and may lead to the destruction of the entire vehicle.

Timeline of Events

As Consumer Reports noted in early August, the NHTSA opened an investigation into the F150 after five consumer complaints about fires were filed with the agency. It was reported that the fires began inside the pillar housing the seat belt mechanism. All five vehicles had been involved in a crash immediately preceding the start of the fires. Four incidents included airbag deployment, and three of the trucks were a total loss.

Ford claims there have been 17 reports of smoke or fire in the U.S. and six in Canada, although the manufacturer says they are not aware of any injuries or additional accidents associated with the defect. It is unusual for a recall to be issued after so few reports, but the ramifications of each incident are significant enough to trigger a recall.

The Solution

According to Ford, all repairs will be provided at no cost to customers. Dealers have been instructed to remove insulation material from the B-pillar trim, remove remnants of wiring harness tape in the B-pillar area, and apply heat-resistant tape to the carpet and its insulation. Dealers have also been instructed to modify the back interior panels of Regular Cab vehicles.

F-150 owners should not stop using their seat belts, according to the automotive safety engineer at Consumer Reports, as all major incidents have occurred only after a crash, and most after a crash severe enough to deploy the airbag in the vehicle. The risk of injury from not wearing a seat belt is deemed much higher than that of a potential fire following a severe crash.

There are approximately 1,995,776 vehicles in North America affected by this recall. Of these, 1,619,112 vehicles have been identified as being registered in the U.S. and its federalized territories. An additional 339,884 are currently in Canada and 36,780 in Mexico.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S27. 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 18V568000. The recall is expected to begin Sept. 24, 2018. Ford had no additional comment beyond their press release.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls Nearly 2 Million 2015-2018 Year F150 Pickup Trucks for Fire Risk
Large Nissan Recall in U.S. and Canada Over Ignition Switch

Large Nissan Recall in U.S. and Canada Over Ignition Switch

August 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 31, 2018 – In a recent announcement affected the U.S. and Canada, the Nissan Motor Co. is recalling 166,000 vehicles, according to Consumer Reports. There is a potential issue with the ignition switch, which may be connected to the deployment of airbags or the engine cutting off unexpectedly. Nissan has also been a part of the massive Takata airbag recall this year.

The Defect

The ignition switch where the key is inserted into certain Nissan vehicles is potentially wearing down prematurely. The risk is cars shutting off while the vehicle is in motion if the ignition switch wears down over time. This could offer a risk of an accident, loss of vehicle control or a crash.

Certain Juke SUVs, Frontier pickup trucks, Sentras, Versas, NV and NV200 van models from 2017 and 2018 are part of this particular recall. Nissan vehicles that have keyless ignition are not a part of this specific recall. About 13,000 of these vehicles are in the U.S, while the remaining 153,000 are in Canada. For now, Nissan recommends that all owners and drivers remove additional objects from their key ring that could cause issues, such as key chains and additional keys.

Nissan is also involved in the massive Takata airbag recall this year too, according to Fortune. Airbags are susceptible to explode if exposed to high heat or humidity. Tens of millions of cars are affected by this recall, including Nissan. The Takata recall is the biggest recall in U.S. history, and linked to at least 180 injuries and 20 deaths. 19 different automakers have been affected by the recall, with companies such as Ford, Toyota and Nissan having to pay out large settlements for consumer loss claims.

On the Nissan website, it’s reported that only 39 percent of the recall has been completed to date, meaning there are many more vehicles still on the road with this airbag risk. The automaker is offering incentives such as free repairs and free alternative transportation to those waiting on fixes. They advise to take the airbag recall seriously, as the defect can seriously injure those inside the car, or even be fatal in certain situations.

Timeline of Events

In late August, spokespeople from Nissan confirmed that they would perform the recall on certain vehicle models. There will be official announcements about the plan and execution in the coming days in the U.S., following the announcement by Transport Canada already this week.

Next month, Nissan will officially begin contacting those who may be affected by their recall, including drivers, owners and dealerships. Most likely, Nissan will offer complimentary inspections and repairs to the ignition switches of any of their cars and SUVs that are a part of this specific recall.

The Solution

If drivers, owners and dealerships are concerned about the recent Nissan recall, they can find more information from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via their website, or call their hotline at 1-800-424-9153. However, the recall has not yet been officially announced on the NHTSA website. To contact Nissan directly in the U.S., those looking for more information can call 1-800-647-7261.

Sean ReyesLarge Nissan Recall in U.S. and Canada Over Ignition Switch
Rear Seat Lock Striker Issue Causes Volvo Recall

Rear Seat Lock Striker Issue Causes Volvo Recall

August 30, 2018 Sean Reyes

U.S. – Aug. 30, 2018 – According to US Recall News, Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) has announced a recall for some of its vehicles that have potential faulty seat backs. In the event of a crash or accident, these seat backs could move rapidly and unexpectedly, posing a risk for injury to passengers inside the car. This recall is in line with several others this year by Volvo over interior faulty components, including oil pressure indicators, headlights and starter motor fuses.

The Defect

In the back rear seats of certain Volvos, there might be a missing key component that secured the back of the seat in place. The rear seat back lock strikers are part of the seat back that moves backward and forward for adjusting. In the event of sudden movement, such as hard braking, stopping rapidly or a crash, this lock striker could come loose and not have the seat secured properly. This put the passenger at risk of injury in crash circumstances.

The vehicle model involved in this particular recall is the 2019 Volvo XC40. This is a compact SUV in the Volvo line that comes in three styles: the Momentum, the Inscription and the R-Design. According to Volvo’s website, there will be a full electric version of the XC40 manufactured in 2020.

About 25 vehicles are being recalled for this specific faulty part in the rear seats. So far, there has been no reports of injury or accidents due to the problem with the rear seat backs and lock strikers.

According to Fortune, one of Volvo’s biggest recalls in recent history involved 74,000 vehicles in 2016. It posed a potentially dangerous situation, as there was issues with the seat belt mechanisms found in 2016 and 2017 Volvo S60, S90, V60, VC60 and XC90 models. The lock was not working correctly, putting drivers and passengers at risk for not being secure in the moving vehicle. Volvo offered full inspections of the seat belts and notified all owners by mail, and did further checks at dealerships to unsold cars. No injuries or accidents were reported relating to the specific recall.

This year has seen several other recalls for Volvos, according to Edmunds. More than 7,700 models from 2014 have been recalled due to potential signaling and headlight malfunctions, as well as another 7,800 from 2016 that could have issues with the starter motor fuse. Certain Volvo S60s, about 30,000 total, are also being recalled over a problem with the indicator that alerts drivers of low oil pressure.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month, Volvo made the recall announcement for certain XC40 models. They are offering repairs to the faulty seat components and vehicle interior checks for owners. If the seat back lock striker is missing from the vehicle, Volvo will replace it free of charge during the inspection. Officially, the recall will begin on October 15, 2018. Owners and drivers will be notified of the issue so they can take measurements to rectify the recall.

The Solution

If drivers, owners and dealerships are concerned about the recent Volvo recall, they can find out if their vehicle is affected by this recall by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesRear Seat Lock Striker Issue Causes Volvo Recall
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to Recall One Million Dodge Trucks Over Tailgate

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to Recall One Million Dodge Trucks Over Tailgate

August 29, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 29, 2018 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a recall for more than 1.1 million Dodge Ram trucks. According to USA Today, FCA is calling to fix vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and in other countries globally due to a faulty tailgate issue. The official recall will begin in September of this year.

The Defect

Through an investigation by the automakers, it was discovered that certain power locking mechanisms in the tailgate system have problems. The component that helps automatically latch the tailgate can corrode over time at a faster rate than normal, which can cause the system to not operate correctly. If the tailgate unlatches unexpectedly, it could cause cargo to fall out the back of the pickup truck. This can put drivers and others on the road in danger of an accident, injury or crash.

The trucks affected in the recall include models with the 5′ 7″ or 6′ 4″ truck bed. They are the 2015-2017 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks. The current models of 2018 and 2019 Ram trucks are not part of this recall over tailgate issues, as they are equipped with new features such as lift-assist.

According to The Drive, the overall average for car recalls per make and model is 0.79 per 100,000 units sold. In the list of top 10 vehicles with the most recalls, the Ram Pickup comes in at number six, behind the Nissan Pathfinder and Dodge Durango. The Ram Pickup has a 1.99 rating per 100,000 units sold, more than double the average. Domestic automakers take up six of the top 10 spaces for the most recalled vehicles, while Japanese automakers are among the lowest.

Four of the top 10 vehicles are offered by FCA: Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler or Fiat. Due to a large recall in May involving 4.8 million vehicles, this tipped the scales for the averages this year. In comparison, some of the least recalled makes and models in the U.S. include the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota Corolla.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month, FCA announced the recall for the Ram trucks. So far, there have been no injuries or accidents relating directly to this specific recall. There are exactly 1,149,237 trucks involved in the recall in the U.S. An additional 260,315 vehicles in Canada; 19,432 in Mexico and 25,361 trucks in other countries worldwide are also part of the recall.

Beginning September 14, FCA will officially begin the recall. Any trucks at risk for the faulty tailgate will be able to take their truck in for repairs and fixes of the parts. In the meantime, spokespeople from FCA urge owners to make sure cargo is extra secure and all safety precautions are followed in the Dodge RAM manual.

The Solution

Chrysler announced plans to notify owners of the problem with the tailgates. The automaker also suggests using some of the other features and equipment included in the tailgate mechanisms to ensure cargo can be as secure as possible. This includes (but is not limited to) investing in higher friction truck bed liners, bulkhead dividers, bed extenders and tie-down rings.

If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Chrysler directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-334-9200. For reference, the recall official number from FCA is U74. People concerned about the recall globally can reach the FCA helpline for Dodge specifically at 00800-3634-3000.

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler Automobiles to Recall One Million Dodge Trucks Over Tailgate
Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment

Mercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment

August 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) announced a recall of certain 2018 and 2019 vehicles that may have a problem with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), according to Car Complaints. This could cause air bags not to deploy in certain situations. MBUSA is looking further into the potential matter to take action on the official recall.

The Defect

The OCS is the electrical system that makes the driver aware if other passengers in the car need to fasten a seat belt. It also allows the car to know if it should deploy an airbag in the event of an accident. Indicators include features like pressure-sensitive mats and weight sensors, which can carry information about the particular passenger. All modern vehicles today have similar systems installed, such as the Seat Occupant Sensors (SOS), Passenger Weight Systems (PWS) or the Occupant Detection System (ODS). In the recalled vehicles, this indicator is said to not react if there is a child or child seat in the front passenger side of the car. This means if there was a crash, the airbag would not be deactivated and the child runs the risk of serious injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 17-23. The CDC advises that no children under 12 years of age should be in the front seat of a vehicle. Child seats should not be in the front seat passenger side, because airbags can pose a risk to the child. This is especially risky for children under 2 who are strongly suggested to be in rear-facing car seats.

Once a child is of the age or weight requirement, they can sit in the passenger seat with a normal-sized belt. Children are said to be safest in a vehicle, in either a regular belt or child seat, that is located in the middle back seat. If parents and guardians are concerned, they can have a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician check seats and anchoring components for proper installation.

Timeline of Events

On August 3, MBUSA made an announcement regarding the recall for the problematic OCS.

The 345 cars included in this recall are certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300, E300 4Matic, E43 AMG 4Matic, E400 4Matic, E63S AMG 4Matic+, and 2019 CLS450 4Matic models. An additional 86 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic 2018 vehicles are also part of the recall.

As a small side recall, four additional cars of the same models are part of the series that have defective sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof runs a risk of coming detached while driving, which could cause potential injury or a crash.

Starting October 3, MBUSA will start to offer inspections, part replacements and repairs to the vehicles affected by the recall. The OCS can be re-calibrated and corrected to perform like normal.  This protocol is free of charge to consumers and dealerships as needed.

The Solution

MBUSA announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Mercedes-Benz directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-367-6372.

Sean ReyesMercedes-Benz Recalls Vehicles Over Issue With Air Bag Deployment
Volkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem

Volkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem

August 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

U.S. – Aug. 27, 2018 – According to Consumer Affairs, the Volkswagen Group of America Inc. is recalling certain 2017 and 2018 models for a potential brake issue. Consumers and dealerships will be notified of the problem, which could lead to injury or a crash if not properly addressed for repairs and replacement. More than 8,400 cars are involved in the recall.

The Defect

Mounting bolts found in the brake caliper bracket could have a deficiency due to a manufacturing issue. The fasteners directly affect how the brake system operates. If loose or not installed correctly, drivers could potentially lose the ability to brake or control the vehicles, causing a crash or injury to those inside the car.

According to How Stuff Works, the brake calipers are part of the mechanism that squeezes break pads against the brake rotor. Most modern vehicles have disc brake systems in the front, and often in the back, where these calipers would be found. Break fluid is released when the brake pedal is operated, which causes friction between pad and rotor. As the rotor slows down, so does the wheel, completing the braking system. If there’s a compromise in the power of the friction, it’s known as brake fade. So when the caliper potentially has loose bolts, this can put the metal caliper off-kilter to the rotor. The driver will be unable to use brakes correctly, resulting in loss of control or a crash.

When Volkswagen notifies the owners, they will offer replacement parts and complimentary repairs. This includes tightening the brake caliper bolts or re-torqueing them. Mechanics can also check bleeder valves, brake hose bolts and fasteners to ensure all parts are in correct working order. On certain Passat models, the braking cable will also be checked.

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month, Volkswagen made the announcement to recall the vehicles. Those included are some 2018 Volkswagen Atlas models and 2017-2018 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. In total, 8,416 cars are involved in this particular recall.

The official recall is expected to begin by October 14, when owners will be notified, and repairs will start to be offered.

Earlier this year, there was an international recall of more than 700,000 Volkswagen vehicles, according to Industry Week. There was an issue with built-in lights that could potentially short circuit. This ran the risk of causing damage to parts of the roof and even fires to the interior of the cars. Models part of the recall were specific Tiguan and Touran vehicles manufactured before July 5 of this year. There is an ongoing investigation into the issue before the cars are officially asked to be brought in for repairs by Volkswagen spokespeople. Drivers in this instance were asked to watch for visible signs of singeing on the roof panels.

Volkswagen vehicles have undergone several recalls this summer, including another 124,000 electric cars. These Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche automobiles had potential carcinogenic cadmium in the batteries that need to be fixed or replaces due to poisoning risk over time.

The Solution

Volkswagen announced plans to directly notify owners of the potential airbag problem. If auto dealerships and drivers would like more information, they can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which can be reached via their website. Costumers who would like to contact Volkswagen directly in the US can call their helpline at 1-800-893-5298. The recall number provided by Volkswagen is 46H6.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls 8,416 Vehicles for Breaking Bolt Problem
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