Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags

July 10, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 10, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 800 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Volkswagen Atlas sport utility vehicles produced between April 18, 2018, and May 3, 2018, along with 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SUVs manufactured between March 10, 2018, and May 19, 2018.

The German automaker is unsure just how many of the vehicles actually contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature frontal air bag assemblies that may unfold improperly or tear during deployment. This defect drastically increases the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident and therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic components to any collisions or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On April 17, 2018, Key Safety Systems of Mexico, an air bag supplier, informed Volkswagen of Mexico that some of its shipped assemblies failed to pass conformity of product tests. The vendor initiated root cause internal analysis following this communication.

On May 7, 2018, members of the Volkswagen of Mexico Preproduct Safety Committee convened to evaluate the issue. The group decided that further analysis was required and referred the matter to its global counterpart, the Volkswagen AG Preproduct Safety Committee.

Nine days later, the Volkswagen AG PPSC received a report that revealed vehicles assembled at the company’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee had been equipped with seemingly defective air bags. This prompted the Volkswagen of Mexico Product Safety Group to intervene on May 17, 2018. This group, in conjunction its global peer, decided on May 30, 2018, that the defect posed a serious hazard to occupants and therefore warranted a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to replace the frontal air bags in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to inform dealers of the forthcoming action Aug. 2, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail Aug. 3, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach Volkswagen customer service by calling (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall reference codes 69W8 and 69W9. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA through its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags

July 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 5, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 2,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan and EuroVan Camper minivans produced between July 15, 2002, and Aug. 21, 2002.
  • 2003 Volkswagen EuroVan Chassis produced between July 22, 2002, and Aug. 13, 2002.
  • 2003 Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks produced between Oct. 29, 20002, and Dec. 18, 2002.
  • 2003 Volkswagen Jetta sedans produced between Aug. 14, 2002, and Sept. 28, 2002.
  • 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagons produced between July 25, 2002, and Aug. 10, 2002.
  • 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedans produced between June 27, 2002, and Sept. 5, 2002.

The German automaker suspects all of the models named in the recall contain the defective safety features.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain front air bag assemblies with inflators prone to humidity-driven propellant deterioration. In the event that this phenomenon occurs, the metal inflator my explode during air bag deployment, sending shrapnel flying throughout the vehicle cabin. The defect therefore poses a serious hazard to occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective air bag components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In November 2017, Volkswagen, in partnership with its air bag supplier, the ZF Group, launched an investigation following an apparent inflator rupture in the Chinese market. The inquiry revealed that such an event had not unfolded. However, the two companies decided to conduct further tests in house to assess the potential for inflator rupture. These analyses, which began in January 2018 and concluded in March 2018, revealed that humidity-related propellant deterioration was possible. This prompted the ZF Group to launch its own series of tests.

Soon after the vendor initiated its internal inquiry, it received word of another possible inflator rupture. The parts installed in the vehicles were from a suspect lot produced in 2002. This allowed Volkswagen and the ZF Group to narrow down the population of affected vehicles.

The Volkswagen Pre Product Safety Committee reviewed the matter May 14, 2018, and requested additional information. Following the delivery of this data, the issue was passed to the Product Safety Committee, whose members determined on June 6, 2018, that a voluntary recall campaign was necessary.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to replace the frontal air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners of the forthcoming Aug. 12, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can reach out to Volkswagen customer service personnel by calling (800) 893-5298. They can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Volkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Brake Components

Volkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Brake Components

July 5, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Auburn Hills, MI – March 20, 2022  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 10,086 vehicles including the 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 Volkswagen Atlas dealing with brake system failures. So far, two of these Volkswagen vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. Three groups of these  2018 Audi Q5 models were remedied in 2018, and four groups were remedied in 2019 due to this issue with insufficient coating on brake caliper pistons.

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 5, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 10,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects models across multiple brands, including:

  • 2018 Audi Q5 sport utility vehicles produced between March 20, 2018, and May 12, 2018.
  • 2018 Audi SQ5 performance sport utility vehicles produced between March 20, 2018, and May 11, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen Atlas sport utility vehicles produced between April 9, 2018, and June 4, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen Beetle sedans and convertibles produced between March 21, 2018, and May 16, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen GTI hatchbacks produced between March 21, 2018, and May 23, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks produced between March 21, 2018, and May 25, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen sedans produced between March 21, 2018, and May 23, 2018.
  • 2018 Volkswagen Passat sedans March 21, 2018, and May 16, 2018.

The German automaker unsure how many of the recalled vehicles actually contain the defective parts.

The defect

Affected vehicles contain brake caliber pistons with flawed chrome coating. This defect may allow gas bubbles to form within the braking system, ultimately inhibiting brake performance.

Consequently, the problematic coating poses a serious safety hazard for occupants. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of events

On May 17, 2018, Volkswagen engineers at an assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee came across multiple finished vehicles with low or soft brake pedals.

This finding forced the vehicle manufacturer to stop shipment immediately and initiate an official investigation. 24 hours later, Volkswagen initiated a stop-shipment order for in-transit vehicles.

Then, on May 21, 2018, Kelsey-Hayes Company, the vendor that supplied the problematic brake calibers, informed Volkswagen that some of its brake calibers were not properly coated.

Following this revelation, the Volkswagen Product Safety Committee reviewed the issue and decided to halt the sale of all vehicles potentially equipped with the defective parts.

Over this time, Audi engineering teams also discovered newly manufactured vehicles with low or soft braking systems. Audi launched a stop-sale initiative June 1, 2018.

Members of the Volkswagen PSC reconvened June 29, 2018, and chose to initiate a voluntary safety recall campaign.

The solution

The German automaker will direct dealers to inspect the braking systems installed in affected vehicles and, if necessary, bleed them free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document.

Volkswagen intends to notify dealers of the forthcoming action July 30, 2018, and reach out to customers via first-class mail July 31, 2018. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen Recalls Vehicles with Defective Brake Components
BMW recalls vehicles with defective steering wheels

BMW recalls vehicles with defective steering wheels

July 3, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Westwood, N.J. – July 3, 2018 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 50 vehicles potentially equipped with defective steering wheels, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2018-2019 BMW X-3 xDrive30i, sDrive30i and M40i sport utility vehicles produced between April 26, 2018, and May 2, 2018. The German automaker suspects one-quarter of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models feature steering wheels with defective Active Lane Keeping Assistant sensors. In the event that these sensors fail, drivers may not be alerted when the steering wheel is unattended, increasing the likelihood of a collision. However, BMW has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

On April 30, 2018, BMW’s steering wheel supplier reported that some previously installed assemblies may not have Active Lane Keeping Assistant functionality. Specifically, the sensors installed in the wheels were deemed incompatible with this advanced feature. The car company immediately initiated an engineering, during which time technicians performed field tests and confirmed the suppliers’ suspicions.

Following these findings, BMW reviewed its production records and cross-checked them with data from the parts vendor to determine the breadth of the issue. Then, on May 30, 2018, quality assurance personnel reviewed the matter and called for a voluntary safety recall.

BMW notified dealers of the forthcoming action June 6, 2018.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering wheels in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. BMW intends to notify owners via first-class mail July 23, 2018. Those in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall campaign can speak with BMW customer service by calling (800) 525-7417. Owners can also reach out to the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesBMW recalls vehicles with defective steering wheels
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective seat belts

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective seat belts

July 3, 2018 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 3, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 54,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective seat belts, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Volkswagen Atlas sport utility vehicles produced between Nov. 17, 21016, and June 5, 2018. The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain second-row, bench-seat buckles that may release unexpectedly following prolonged contact with child safety seats and resulting damage. This defect poses a serious safety hazard to passengers. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic parts to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

A Volkswagen employee in May 2017 spotted a vehicle with damaged second-row seat belt buckles. Initially, the automaker treated this as an isolated incident. However, throughout September and October 2017, Volkswagen received multiple field reports referencing vehicles with damaged second-row seat belt buckles. This prompted the car manufacturers to launch internal tests to discover the root cause. Engineers equipped test vehicles with various child safety harnesses and were able to replicate the damage outlined in the field reports.

On April 18, 2018, members of the Volkswagen Pre-Product Safety Committee reviewed the matter and requested more information. The Product Safety Committee then evaluated the potential issue May 30, 2018, and determined that the defect posed a serious hazard to passengers and therefore warranted a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to inspect the recalled vehicles and install replacement buckles if necessary, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will also distribute new owners manuals detailing modified child safety seat installation procedures. Volkswagen intends to notify dealers Aug. 2, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail Aug. 3, 2018. Owners in need of more immediate assistance can contact Volkswagen customer service personnel at (800) 893-5298. Callers should use the internal recall campaign reference code 69X1. Owners can also connect with the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective seat belts
Ferrari recalls vehicles with defective air bags

Ferrari recalls vehicles with defective air bags

July 2, 2018 Sean Reyes

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – July 2, 2018 – Ferrari North America (NYSE: RACE) has recalled more than 1,500 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia coupes 
  • 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider convertible coupes 
  • 2012 Ferrari California convertible coupes 
  • 2012 Ferrari FF hatchback coupes

The Italian automaker suspects all of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective components.

Recall summary

Affected models include air bag assemblies with non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators prone to propellant degradation. In the event that the propellant in these fixtures does deteriorate, the material may combust upon air bag deployment, exploding the metal inflator casing and sending steel shards flying through the vehicle cabin at high speeds. This defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants.

These defective air bag assemblies, 50 million of which have been recalled worldwide, according to the NHTSA,  have claimed the lives of approximately 23 people and injured more than 100 others, Car and Driver reported. However, Ferrari has yet to receive field reports linking the Takata air bags involved in this action to any accidents or injuries.

On Jan. 3, 2017, Takata filed a Defect Information report with the NHTSA, indicating that it intended to recall a slew of new air bag assemblies installed in numerous models across multiple brands. Ferrari immediately reviewed its stock and issued a recall of its own soon after the Takata filing. In May 2018, the car manufacturers reassessed the issue and decided to expand its previous action.

Ferrari notified dealers of its intentions June 15, 2018.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the air bag inflators in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Ferrari notified owners via first-class mail June 22, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1,500 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of January 8, 2020, – the last date for which information was available – 1,263 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFerrari recalls vehicles with defective air bags
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection systems

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection systems

July 2, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Auburn Hills, Mich. – July 2, 2018 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled almost 140,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective passenger occupant detection systems, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects multiple models across the Audi brand, including:

  • 2012-2018 Audi A6 sedans produced between April 4, 2011, and April 30, 2018.
  • 2012-2018 Audi A7 sedans produced between Jan. 27, 2011, and April 6, 2018.
  • 2014-2018 Audi RS7 sedans produced between July 25, 2013, and April 4, 2018.
  • 2013-2018 Audi S6 sedans produced between June 25, 2012, and April 26, 2018.
  • 2013-2018 Audi S7 sedans produced between June 27, 2012, and March 23, 2018.

The German automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles contain PODS with control modules that are prone to overstress and failure. In the event that this occurs, the PODS system may not deploy passenger air bags during collisions. As a result, this defect poses a serious hazard to passengers. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Volkswagen on Sept. 14, 2016, initiated an internal investigation after an active field monitoring program centered on the PODS modules indicated increased failure rates. Between October 2016 and April 2017, the automaker investigated the issue. Then, in December 2017, the car manufacturer requested engineering staff to develop potential solutions and called for a life-time field monitoring initiative.

The Audi Product Safety Committee reviewed the matter in January 2018. The group then re-evaluated the issue May 28, 2018, and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Volkswagen will direct dealers to install PODS repair kits in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The automaker intends to notify both dealers and owners July 31, 2018. Owners can use MotorSafety’s free vehicle look up tool to find out if their vehicle is effected.

Sean ReyesVolkswagen recalls vehicles with defective occupant detection systems
Jaguar recalls vehicles defective fuel gauges

Jaguar recalls vehicles defective fuel gauges

June 29, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

Mawwah, N.J. – June 29, 2018 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled almost 2,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective fuel gauges, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models across the Land Rover brand, including:

  • 2017 Land Rover Range Rover sport utility vehicles produced between Oct. 25, 2016, and Jan. 17, 2017.
  • 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUVs produced between Aug. 30, 2016, and Jan. 20, 2017.
  • 2017 Land Rover Discovery SUVs produced between Sept. 28, 2016, and Jan. 10, 2017.

Jaguar suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected models contain fuel gauges that incorrectly indicate low fuel levels. In the event that the defective features misinterpret gasoline levels, sudden engine shut off may occur as the vehicles in question are designed to cease operation when the available fuel range drops below 17 miles. Such an event may increase the likelihood of an accident.

Therefore, Jaguar Land Rover believes the defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, the British automaker has yet to receive reports connecting the problematic fuel gauges to any accidents or injuries.

Owners of recalled vehicles will see low fuel warning lights prior to engine shut off. In some cases, owners may be able to restart their vehicles and regain motive power following such an event. However, engineers have found that the vehicles never fully regain full operability.

Timeline of Events

In April 2018, the Jaguar Land Rover Product Safety and Compliance Committee received several electronic product quality reports from dealers in the U.S. market outlining instances in which multiple Land Rover models seemed to display incorrect fuel level readings. The group reviewed these reports April 10, 2018, and decided to initiate an official investigation. Throughout April and May 2018, Jaguar engineering personnel tested 2017 Land Rover Range Rover and Discovery models and successfully replicated the issue. Technical specialists also found that the defective fuel gauges initiated engine shut off.

Following this initial inquiry, Jaguar embarked on a more exhaustive root cause investigation. This evaluation revealed that the body control modules installed in the affected vehicles were transmitting incorrect fuel levels to fuel gauges due to misconfigured microcontrollers, which were communicating incorrect fuel levels during their transitions from initialization to sleep-wake mode. The PSCC evaluated these findings May 8, 2018, and moved the issue on to the Jaguar Land Rover Recall Determination Committee.

The RDC reviewed the situation May 17, 2018, and determined that a recall was necessary due to the safety hazard posed by engine condition that accompanies the defect. The automaker informed dealers of the forthcoming recall campaign June 7, 2018.

The Solution

Jaguar Land Rover has directed dealers to install new software in the affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. The car manufacturers intends to reach out to owners via first-class mail on or around July 16, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can connect with Jaguar Land Rover customer service representatives by calling (800) 637-6837. Callers should use the internal recall identification code N206. Owners can also contact the NHTSA directly using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesJaguar recalls vehicles defective fuel gauges
Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine parts

Toyota recalls vehicles with defective engine parts

June 29, 2018 Sean Reyes

Plano, Texas – June 29, 2018 – Toyota Motor North America has recalled more than 115,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective engine parts, according to a company press release. The campaign affects multiple vehicles across the Lexus brand, including:

  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 350 sedans.
  • 2006-2013 Lexus IS 350 sedans.
  • 2010-2014 Lexus IS 350C sedans.
  • 2007-2011 Lexus GS 450H sedans.

The Defect

Affected models contain six-valve engines with fuel pulsation dampers whose diaphragms were constructed with faulty material and are therefore prone to cracking. Should diaphragm deterioration occur, a fuel leak may materialize, increasing the likelihood of engine fire. As a result, this defect poses a serious safety hazard to occupants. However, the Japanese automaker has yet to receive field reports that connect the defective engine components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

Toyota has yet to release information about the internal investigation that uncovered the defect.

The Solution

The car manufacturer has directed dealers to replace engine fuel delivery pipes in affected vehicles free of charge. The company intends to notify owners via first-class mail sometime in August 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Toyota customer service representatives by calling (800) 331-4331. They can also connect with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration through the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesToyota recalls vehicles with defective engine parts
GM recalls vehicles over software update error

GM recalls vehicles over software update error

June 29, 2018 Sean Reyes ,

 

Warren, Mich. – June 29, 2018 – General Motors has recalled an estimated 3,233 vehicles after a recent update to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 could potentially disable the cell balancing function and result in a low-voltage condition. The recall affects select 2013 Chevrolet Volts, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The estimated figure of cars with this particular defect is 2 percent.

The Defect

Vehicles that received a software updated in a service procedure from a dealer may contain an error in the software update that could prevent the batteries from balancing the voltage in singular battery cells. Under certain circumstances, this may result in a low-voltage condition in one or multiple battery cells. The vehicle will notify drivers if the battery cells fall below a certain level and if the driver continues on the road after entering reduced power mode, the vehicle may lose propulsion. This incident may increase the risk of crash and injury.

Timeline of Events

A GM engineer sent in a Speak Up For Safety report on May 11 after finding that a software update used on select 2013 model-year Chevrolet Volt vehicles contained an error that could potentially prevent batteries in some of these vehicles from effectively balancing the voltage among individual battery cells, according to internal reports. Following this report’s submission, GM launched an investigation, where the investigator reviewed field data, which demonstrated elevated rates of the condition in the field for vehicles with this update.

Afterward, GM’s Open Investigation Review board reviewed the investigation June 6, and the GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority ultimately decided further action was necessary and issued a safety recall for these vehicles on June 7.

GM notified dealers of this safety recall June 14 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration June 20. Owners will receive recall details and dates will available.

The Solution

According to an internal communication, GM will notify drivers, while dealers will reprogram the Vehicle Interface Control Module module at no cost to the cars’ owners. A notification schedule has not yet been provided, but customers who own this vehicle will be notified by mail or can check their Vehicle Identification Number on GM’s website. Owners who want further information can contact Chevrolet customer service at (800)-222-1020. They can also call the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888)-327-4236.

Sean ReyesGM recalls vehicles over software update error

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