FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

February 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,200 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUVs manufactured between Oct. 10, 2017, and Dec. 10, 2017. FCA suspects just 5 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain supercharged 6.2-liter engines featuring fuel lines prone to separation due to faulty connectors. When disconnected, the lines leak gasoline into the engine compartment, causing stalling and increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious risk to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 14, 2017, FCA received a Product-Related Issue complaint mentioning an instance of fuel line separation that occurred in a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, prompting the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group to open an official investigation. FCA collaborated with Martinrea International, the company that provided the fuel line assemblies used in these models, to analyze explore the issue and pinpoint a root cause. The parts provider soon discovered that a misaligned sensor in its insertion machine had resulted in the manufacture of defective fuel lines prone to disconnection.

Between Dec. 21, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018, engineers at FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, the production facility from which the defective vehicles originated, reviewed assembly records and identified all of the vehicles potentially equipped with the defective fuel lines. On Jan. 8, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the impending action Jan. 11.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect the vehicles involved in the recall and, if necessary, replace the fuel lines free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automotive firm intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 2. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U02. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines
Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

February 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesFord recalls SUVs with defective power windows
Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

Ford recalls SUVs with defective power windows

February 5, 2018 Ken Boyd

 

Dearborn, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2018 – Ford Motor Company has recalled approximately 363 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective second-row window electronic control modules, according to a company press release.

The campaign affects 2018 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs assembled between Nov. 27, 2017, and Dec. 9, 2017 at the automaker’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville. Ford estimates half of the models referenced in the action actually contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles may contain second-row window electronic control modules that were manufactured incorrectly and are therefore prone to malfunction, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Under certain conditions, the electronic modules in question may reach their thermal protection thresholds, inhibiting the automatic reverse function – a safety feature that goes into action when an obstruction is present. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. However, Ford has yet to receive reports connecting the defective electronic modules to any accidents or injuries.

The defective part also violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 118 Section 5, which requires vehicles of 10,000 pounds or more to contain power window systems that “minimize the risk of injury or death from their accidental operation,” according to The Federal Register.

Engineers for the automobile company have learned that occupants can move second-row windows without active automatic reverse functionality 500 millimeters at a time using the manual control switches on the doors. Additionally, the condition automatically resolves itself when electronic control modules fall below their thermal protection thresholds.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, engineers conducting end-of-line vehicles review processes at the Kentucky Truck Plant discovered two models with defective second-row windows. These personnel suspected there was an issue with the electronic control modules in these fixtures and asked the supplier, Kostal of America, to investigate the components it delivered to Ford for installation. The parts provider found that the electronic control modules were improperly assembled. Laboratory tests confirmed that the misconstructed features reached their thermal protection thresholds in “high window load” scenarios, leading to operational issues. These initial findings were sent to the Critical Concern Group for further review.

On Jan. 5, 2018, Ford conducted further tests to determine if the fixtures met the requirements of FMVSS 118, which they did not.

The Field Review Committee reviewed the matter Jan. 8 and ultimately decided to launch a voluntary safety recall. Ford notified dealers Jan. 17.

The Solution

Ford has directed dealers to inspect the second-row window electronic control modules installed in affected models and, if necessary, replace them free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgment document from the NHTSA. The automaker intends to notify owners via first-class mail between Feb. 5 and Feb. 9. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Callers should use the internal recall identification code 18C01. Concerned owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydFord recalls SUVs with defective power windows
FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

FCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines

February 5, 2018 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 5, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,200 sport utility vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel lines, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk SUVs manufactured between Oct. 10, 2017, and Dec. 10, 2017. FCA suspects just 5 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain supercharged 6.2-liter engines featuring fuel lines prone to separation due to faulty connectors. When disconnected, the lines leak gasoline into the engine compartment, causing stalling and increasing the likelihood of an engine fire. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious risk to occupants. However, FCA has yet to receive reports linking the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 14, 2017, FCA received a Product-Related Issue complaint mentioning an instance of fuel line separation that occurred in a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, prompting the Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group to open an official investigation. FCA collaborated with Martinrea International, the company that provided the fuel line assemblies used in these models, to analyze explore the issue and pinpoint a root cause. The parts provider soon discovered that a misaligned sensor in its insertion machine had resulted in the manufacture of defective fuel lines prone to disconnection.

Between Dec. 21, 2017, and Jan. 2, 2018, engineers at FCA’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, the production facility from which the defective vehicles originated, reviewed assembly records and identified all of the vehicles potentially equipped with the defective fuel lines. On Jan. 8, the FCA Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the matter and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. The automaker notified dealers of the impending action Jan. 11.

The Solution

FCA has directed dealers to inspect the vehicles involved in the recall and, if necessary, replace the fuel lines free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automotive firm intends to notify owners via first-class mail March 2. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403. Callers should use the internal recall identification code U02. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminFCA recalls Jeeps with defective fuel lines
Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

January 31, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz U.S.A has recalled approximately 10 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective occupant classification systems, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Oct. 25, 2016 and Dec. 22, 2016, including:

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-S coupes.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-C Roadsters.

The automaker suspects just 10 percent of the vehicles involved in the recall actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Models included in the action may include defective passenger-side occupant classification features that incorrectly activate or deactivate air bag deployment. This issue is the result of a design flaw that impedes communication between the seat and the occupant detection sensors. Additionally, a software error exacerbates the problem. The defect poses a serious hazard to passengers, as it could leave them vulnerable to impact during a collision or cause them injury due to the sudden and unexpected deployment of safety features. That said, Mercedes and its parent company Daimler AG have yet to receive reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Mercedes-Benz engineers conducted internal vehicle validation tests and discovered that the passenger-side occupant classification components were prone to malfunction. DAG immediately launched an investigation in response to these findings. The inquiry revealed numerous seat cushion design flaws, which directly affected the performance of the the occupant classification system.

DAG initiated additional tests in September. These uncovered new insights into the defective, including the fact that the geometry of the seat cover and the occupant classification module was affecting performance. In October, the automotive conglomerate developed and tested a new seat cushion design. The refreshed model proved effective. In November the new seat cushion model went into production. One month later, additional tests revealed that a software error was exacerbating the defect.

In January 2017, DAG engineers rolled out updated software, which was officially introduced to the production line the following month. Vehicles that had been assembled but not delivered received the updated seat cushions and software, along with those awaiting sale at dealerships. However, in October DAG discovered that not all of the affected models were updated as required earlier in the year. In November, quality assurance teams assessed the extent of the problem. One month later, the company decided that a serious safety risk was present and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG has directed dealers to install the redesigned seat cushions and software in the vehicles named in the action. Mercedes-Benz service personnel will perform this work free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document submitted to the NHTSA. DAG intends to notify dealers and owners this month. Individuals affected by this recall who need more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

January 31, 2018 admin

 

Jacksonville, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz U.S.A has recalled approximately 10 vehicles believed to be equipped with defective occupant classification systems, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models produced between Oct. 25, 2016 and Dec. 22, 2016, including:

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-S coupes.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and GT-C Roadsters.

The automaker suspects just 10 percent of the vehicles involved in the recall actually contain defective components.

The Defect

Models included in the action may include defective passenger-side occupant classification features that incorrectly activate or deactivate air bag deployment. This issue is the result of a design flaw that impedes communication between the seat and the occupant detection sensors. Additionally, a software error exacerbates the problem. The defect poses a serious hazard to passengers, as it could leave them vulnerable to impact during a collision or cause them injury due to the sudden and unexpected deployment of safety features. That said, Mercedes and its parent company Daimler AG have yet to receive reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In August 2016, Mercedes-Benz engineers conducted internal vehicle validation tests and discovered that the passenger-side occupant classification components were prone to malfunction. DAG immediately launched an investigation in response to these findings. The inquiry revealed numerous seat cushion design flaws, which directly affected the performance of the the occupant classification system.

DAG initiated additional tests in September. These uncovered new insights into the defective, including the fact that the geometry of the seat cover and the occupant classification module was affecting performance. In October, the automotive conglomerate developed and tested a new seat cushion design. The refreshed model proved effective. In November the new seat cushion model went into production. One month later, additional tests revealed that a software error was exacerbating the defect.

In January 2017, DAG engineers rolled out updated software, which was officially introduced to the production line the following month. Vehicles that had been assembled but not delivered received the updated seat cushions and software, along with those awaiting sale at dealerships. However, in October DAG discovered that not all of the affected models were updated as required earlier in the year. In November, quality assurance teams assessed the extent of the problem. One month later, the company decided that a serious safety risk was present and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

DAG has directed dealers to install the redesigned seat cushions and software in the vehicles named in the action. Mercedes-Benz service personnel will perform this work free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement document submitted to the NHTSA. DAG intends to notify dealers and owners this month. Individuals affected by this recall who need more immediate assistance can contact Mercedes-Benz customer service at (877) 496-3691. They can also reach out the NHTSA directly using its toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

adminMercedes recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Mercedes Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Locks [Video]

January 30, 2018 admin

Hello, and welcome back to the recall blog.

Mercedes-Benz recently issued a recall for eighty seven hundred of its 4Matic and other light SUVs from the 2017 and 2018 model years.

The issue in question is that, in some cases, doors that may appear to be locked actually are not, potentially increasing the risk of injury or other mishaps.

About 1 percent of recalled vehicles are expected to be affected.

The defect comes from a faulty riveting parameter at a supplier, which produced affected vehicles between early January and early August 2017.

Owners are asked to bring their vehicles to a local Mercedes-Benz dealer, where their locks will be tested and replaced if necessary.

Thanks for watching, and be sure to check back soon for more recall news.

adminMercedes Recalls Vehicles with Faulty Locks [Video]

Nissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]

January 30, 2018 admin ,

Hello and welcome to another Recall Masters video blog.

Nissan North America has recalled one hundred and eleven two thousand-eighteen Nissan Versa Note hatchbacks believed to be equipped with defective side curtain air bag inflators. The automaker suspects just one percent of the models named in the action actually contain the defective safety features.

The affected vehicles contain side curtain air bag assemblies with top hat diffusers that could detach during deployment, putting occupants at risk for injury.

Nissan notified dealers December 22, 2017 and plans to reach out to owners February 8, 2018. The automotive company plans to replace the defective features free of charge.

Thanks for watching and make sure to check back in for more recall updates.

adminNissan recalls vehicles with defective air bags [Video]
Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

January 28, 2018 Sean Reyes

Mahwah, New Jersey – Jan. 28, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 8,900 late-model Jaguar XF sedans as part of the broader Takata air bag recall, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes 2009, 2010, and 2014 Jaguar XF sedans

Recall Summary

As with all other vehicles in the Takata recall, the XF sedans – come with faulty passenger frontal air bag assemblies that were either original equipment or replacement parts.

If exposed over a long enough period of time to extreme temperature changes or high humidity, the propellant that ejects the air bag in the event of a crash could cause the bag to degrade.

Consequently, if a crash leads to deployment of that air bag, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments being ejected from the air bag compartment at high speeds. This can increase the risk of operators and passengers in the vehicle being struck with the fragments, which can lead to injury or death.

In mid-May 2016, Jaguar Land Rover learned of the broader issue with the frontal passenger air bags from Takata, and opened its own investigation into the problem just a few days later. The automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee quickly determined which of its produced vehicles had been outfitted with the faulty air bags, but that there had not been any incidents related to the issue, and no injuries have been reported to date. Nonetheless, it determined to conduct a recall of the vehicles to remediate the problem.

Since then, the company has worked with the NHTSA as part of the government organization’s coordinated remedy program.

The repair

Jaguar has already begun the process of notifying dealers about the recall, starting on Jan. 11, 2018. It likewise expects to begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or around Feb. 28, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 8,900 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 7,358 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesLate-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger
Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

Late-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger

January 28, 2018 Rebecca Rand ,

Mahwah, New Jersey – Jan. 28, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 8,900 late-model Jaguar XF sedans as part of the broader Takata air bag recall, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall includes:

  • 2009 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2010 Jaguar XF sedans
  • 2013 Jaguar XF sedans

As with all other vehicles in the Takata recall, the XF sedans come with faulty passenger frontal air bag assemblies that were either original equipment or replacement parts.

Specifically, 2009 model-year XFs sold in what has been designated Zone C are part of the recall, and were produced from Dec. 4, 2007, to Feb. 11, 2009. The 2010 XFs – all produced between Sept. 24, 2008, and March 2, 2010 – were sold or registered in Zone B. The model-year 2013 XFs sold or registered in Zone A were produced from May 15, 2012, to Sept. 13, 2013.

Zone A includes a number of southern states, Hawaii, Texas and outlying territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Zone B includes several populous states in the Midwest and Appalachia, as well as Washington, D.C.

Finally, Zone C includes all of New England, New York, a number of states in the Upper Midwest and Mountain region, as well as the Pacific Northwest.

All vehicles in the recall are believed to carry this defect.

Recall sumamry

If exposed over a long enough period of time to extreme temperature changes or high humidity, the propellant that ejects the air bag in the event of a crash could cause the bag to degrade.

Consequently, if a crash  leads to deployment of that air bag, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments being ejected from the air bag compartment at high speeds. This can increase the risk of operators and passengers in the vehicle being struck with the fragments, which can lead to injury or death.

In mid-May 2016, Jaguar Land Rover learned of the broader issue with the frontal passenger air bags from Takata, and opened its own investigation into the problem just a few days later. The automaker’s Product Safety and Compliance Committee quickly determined which of its produced vehicles had been outfitted with the faulty air bags, but that there had not been any incidents related to the issue, and no injuries have been reported to date. Nonetheless, it determined to conduct a recall of the vehicles to remediate the problem.

Since then, the company has worked with the NHTSA as part of the government organization’s coordinated remedy program. This recall as part of the program’s Phase 3.

The repair

Jaguar has already begun the process of notifying dealers about the recall, starting on Jan. 11, 2018. It likewise expects to begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles on or around Feb. 28, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 8,900 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 7,358 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Rebecca RandLate-model Jaguars Being Recalled Over Air Bag Danger
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