Mazda recall: Older vehicles may have fuel pump issue [Video]

June 23, 2017 admin ,

Poor welding in some Mazda vehicles has led to a recall. In one of two recent recalls, the manufacturer plans to address problems with a fuel pump. In some vehicles, heat and bad production can fracture one of the key pipes for the existing fuel system.

Although this is a recent recall, with the first U.S. field report happening this year, the issue goes back some time. The production dates for the R-X-eight vehicles themselves fell between 2003 and 2008, and the preliminary investigation began in 2007. A total of sixty-nine thousand, four hundred and forty-seven vehicles are reportedly involved.

Dealers can fix the issue by installing a new fuel pump filter kit, and Mazda has offered the improved version since 2008.

Stay tuned for more recall updates.

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Honda recall minivans with faulty seat belts

Honda recall minivans with faulty seat belts

June 23, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – June 23, 2017 – Honda has recalled nearly 4,000 minivans with potentially faulty seat belt assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2018 Honda Odyssey models produced between May 9, 2017 and June 1, 2017. The car maker is unsure what percentage of the vehicles named in the recall actually contain the defective seat belt system.

The Defect

The models mentioned in the recall could contain seat belt assemblies for third-row passenger seating with mismatched tongues. Specifically, center seat belt fixtures might come equipped with tongues made for outer seat belts. In this instance, passengers would not be able to secure their seat belts, increasing their chances of suffering injuries in the event of a crash. However, Honda has not received reports of any injuries connected to this defect.

The defective seat belt assemblies are in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208, which dictates that car companies offer proper passenger protection.

Timeline of Events

On May 31, 2017, Honda received a field report for a vehicle in the American market that featured non-functioning third-row center seat belts. The car maker launched an investigation soon after, which revealed that the center seat belt fixtures contained tongues designed for outer seat belts, making it impossible for passengers to securely fasten themselves. Honda closed out the internal inquiry June 22, determining that the defect violated FMVSS 208 and required immediate action. The organization initiated a non-compliance safety recall.

Dealers received notification June 23, according to the NHTSA.

The Solution

Honda has ordered dealers to replace the third-row seat belt assemblies in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive notification July 24. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Honda customer service or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Mazda recalls sedans with defective braking systems

Mazda recalls sedans with defective braking systems

June 22, 2017 admin

 

Washington, D.C. – June 22, 2017 – Mazda North American Operations has recalled more than 227,000 sedans with potentially corrosion-prone braking systems, according to documentation failed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2014-2016 Mazda3 sedans manufactured between Jan. 6, 2014 and Sept. 2, 2016, as well as 2014-2015 Mazda6 sedans made between Oct. 25, 2012 and Dec. 1, 2014. The Japanese automaker does not know at this time what percentage of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective parts.

The Defect

Affected vehicles might feature rear brake calipers that are improperly protected and sealed, and therefore are vulnerable to water damage. Moisture may be able to enter the calipers and degrade the brake actuator shaft. This phenomenon, paired with continuous use, can increase the diameter of the shaft and inhibit its operability. In some instances, the shaft could become lodged within the brake caliper assembly and reduce parking brake stopping power. This poses a serious hazard to drivers, as the brake could suddenly disengage and cause an accidental collision.

Timeline of Events

In April 2015, Mazda received a field service report from the Canadian market detailing an instance of brake drag, according to the NHTSA. Engineers inspected the vehicle involved, a Mazda6 sedan, and discovered that the actuator shaft in the rear brake caliper had seized. The automaker assumed that high pressure spraying around the caliper was the cause and instituted a field monitoring initiative to look for similar occurrences.

In August, Mazda received seven field reports from the U.S. referencing that same problem. The carmaker initiated an investigation. Three months later, the company identified the root cause: improperly protected and corrosion-coated brake calipers. In December, Mazda engineers reviewed the original specifications for the brake caliper protective boot and tested its corrosion mitigation capabilities. Within the two months, the carmaker had introduced new protective boots at the point of assembly. However, this production change did not apply to Mazda6 sedans produced after January 2014, as Mazda had switched from mechanical braking systems to electric alternatives with more effective corrosion protections. The carmaker issued a similar decision on Mazda3 models, which featured an improved actuator shaft design.

Over the summer of 2016, Mazda received multiple collision reports from the German and U.K. markets for Mazda3 and Mazda6 models with corroded brake actuator shafts, including some that had rolled off of the assembly line after January 2014. In August, the company received an additional nine reports from dealers in the U.S. market and decided to take action. Throughout late 2016, the carmaker conducted an additional root cause investigation and worked on designs for new brake caliper protective boots.

Mazda produced a boot replacement kit for the Mazda6 in January 2017. In February, the company introduced new manufacturing methods to address defective Mazda3 sedans. Three months later, it produced a boot replacement kit for this model. In May, the carmaker initiated a voluntary recall for both vehicles.

The Solution

Mazda will request dealers to survey the rear brake assemblies on vehicles named in the campaign and replace brake actuator shafts that show signs of corrosion, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The carmaker plans to notify dealers Aug. 7, 2017 and contact vehicle owners Aug. 21, 2017.

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Aston Martin recalls sports cars with faulty software

Aston Martin recalls sports cars with faulty software

June 21, 2017 admin

Warwick, U.K. – June 21, 2017 – Aston Martin Lagonda of North America has recalled more than 300 sports cars with faulty software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports cars manufactured between Nov. 25, 2010 and Aug. 16, 2012. The car maker estimates that approximately 2 percent of the vehicles mentioned in the recall contain the defective software.

The defect

Vehicles named in the campaign could be equipped with engine control and transmission software that is incompatible automatic clutch settings. This can cause the transmission to miss gearchanges in some throttle positions.

The clutch can also slip and overheat, prompting the vehicle to switch to clutch protection mode. In this instance, the Malfunction Indicator Light will illuminate and gearchanges will become abrupt.

The defect is detrimental to overall driveability, putting drivers and passengers at risk. However, Aston Martin has not received reports of any collisions or injuries connected to software issue.

Timeline of events

In 2012, Aston Martin released an update for engine control and transmission software in the V8 Vantage.

After installing the updated software, technicians were supposed to delete existing automatic clutch settings and input new configurations to comport with the update. However, this did not happen.

More than five years later, in April 2017, the car manufacturer received multiple reports from V8 Vantage owners who were experiencing driveability issues.

Aston Martin immediately launched an investigation to determine the root cause. Engineering teams were able to replicate the issues in internal tests and quickly discovered the existing automatic clutch settings were incompatible with the updated software.

Aston Martin’s Critical Concerns Review Group recommended the Recall Committee take up the matter June 15, 2017. The group met that same day and decided to conduct a voluntary recall campaign.

Dealers received notification of the action June 23, according to the NHTSA.

The solution

Aston Martin has ordered dealers to reinstall the engine control and transmission software on vehicles named in the recall and configure automatic clutch settings to match the updated systems.

Dealers are also required to replace clutch systems in V8 Vantage models with transmission damage stemming from the incompatibility issue. Technicians are to perform these repairs free of charge. Aston Martin is expected to notify owners between July 7 and Aug. 7.

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

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Stalling risks prompt Porsche recalls [Video]

June 20, 2017 admin

Atlanta, Ga.—June 20, 2017—Seven models of Porsche vehicles are part of the manufacturer’s recent recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that nearly 18,000 potentially affected units are part of this action.

The risk comes from loose camshaft controllers in these affected vehicles. According to the recall acknowledgment statement, a dislodged camshaft could cause one of the vehicles’ engines to stall, posing a possible safety hazard. Of the seven models, five are for the Panamera brand and two are for Cayenne. The combined model years stretch from 2010 to 2012.

As of June 13, there was no official notification schedule listed for this recall. However, the statement did say that dealers will address the problem by replacing the screws for the camshafts.

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2017 Volvo XC90: Recall Alert

2017 Volvo XC90: Recall Alert

June 15, 2017 Sean Reyes

Cars.com – June 15, 2017


2017 Volvo XC90: Recall Alert

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 1,300 model-year 2017 Volvo XC90 luxury SUVs
The Problem: The micro gas generator — a part used within the right-hand side seat belt retractor for third-row seats — may detach after the seat belt retractor pretensioner is deployed to become a projectile in the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of an injury.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the third-row passenger-side seat belt retractor for free…

Read the entire article on the Cars.com website

Sean Reyes2017 Volvo XC90: Recall Alert
BMW recalls sedans with oil coolant line leaks

BMW recalls sedans with oil coolant line leaks

June 14, 2017 admin

 

Westwood, N.J. – June 14, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 200 vehicles with potentially defective engine oil coolant lines, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017-2018 BMW M760Li xDrive sedans produced between May 10, 2016 and June 1, 2017. The German automaker estimates that roughly 1 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain the defective cooling component.

The Defect

Affected models could come equipped with incorrect engine coolant lines. These fixtures are prone to leakage and might cause coolant to come into contact with the front brake assembly or the road. This increases the likelihood of an accident. However, BMW has not received any accident reports involving the defective part.

Timeline of Events

In April of this year, BMW issued a recall for M760Li xDrive sedans with incorrectly crimped engine oil coolant lines, according to the NHTSA. The campaign covered nearly 100 vehicles, an estimated 1 percent of which contained the defect. In early May, a BMW parts supplier, Cohline GmbH based in Germany, notified the car company that the root cause identified in the April recall was incorrect. The manufacturer conducted an additional internal review and discovered that a sub-supplier had provided the wrong coolant line hoses. In fact, these components were selected for vulcanization and not fit for production.

On May 18, BMW engineers conducted a test designed to replicate the leakage detailed in the field reports that led to the April recall. The results indicated that incorrect coolant lines were to blame. The supplier immediately examined its production and shipment logs to determine which vehicles had been fitted with oil coolant assemblies containing the wrong tubing. BMW performed a cross-check of its own production logs.

The carmaker initiated a voluntary recall June 7.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the engine oil coolant lines in affected vehicles, free of charge. The automaker plans to notify owners Aug. 7. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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Chrysler recalls vans with faulty wiring

Chrysler recalls vans with faulty wiring

June 13, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – June 13, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 200,000 minivans that could be equipped with defective wiring. The campaign affects Dodge Caravans manufactured between August 2010 and July 2015, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that the defect is present in 1 percent of the vehicles named in the recall, 87,000 of which came from Canadian showrooms.

The Defect
Models named in the recall contain steering wheels with trapped wire harnesses. The electrical lines within these fixtures, some of which support driver-side front air bag functionality, can snag on a tab located between the back of the steering wheel cover and the horn plate. This contact can wear down the wire insulation, eventually causing complete breakage and resulting in inadvertent air bag deployment. This increases the likelihood of an accident. Vehicles with this issue have been shown to warn drivers when a dangerous situation is developing. The illuminated air bag indicator may come on prior to untriggered air bag deployment. Additionally, tests revealed that windshield wipers switch on and steering capabilities decrease immediately following the severance of air bag wires within the steering wheel.

The defect has caused no accidents to date, according to FCA. However, the automaker has connected eight driver injuries to inadvertent air bag deployment stemming from disconnected wires.

Timeline of Events
A recent internal investigation revealed the problem, according to a press release from FCA.

The Solution
The car maker has ordered dealers to inspect steering wheel wiring harnesses and replace them if necessary. FCA will reimburse owners for the expense. However, they must submit proof of payment before receiving refunds. The company notified dealers June 13, 2017 and plans to send communications to owners on or around July 28, 2017, according to a recall acknowledgment filed with the NHTSA. Owners in need of more immediate assistance are encouraged to contact the FCA customer service department or call the NHTSA Safety Hotline, (888) 327-4236.

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New Hyundai recall to address faulty hood latches

New Hyundai recall to address faulty hood latches

June 12, 2017 admin

 

Fountain Valley, Calif.—June 9, 2017—In a much-publicized recall, Hyundai launched an effort to address possible latch issues in two models: the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. The model year ranges for these vehicles are the same, spanning 2013 to 2017. This was part of a pair of recent Hyundai recalls for different causes, and was the larger of the two unrelated actions.

The Defect

A recall acknowledgement statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 437,400 units were potentially affected. The secondary hood latch in these vehicles could stay unlatched even after the hood is closed, depending on whether or not the actuating cable corrodes and binds. The risk comes from whether or not the hood would then open during travel, as it could potentially do.

The Resolution

The same statement said the manufacturer report date for this recall was June 5, with the recall itself expected to begin on June 30 as of that statement. To fix these affected vehicles, dealers will replace the latch.

The other recent Hyundai recall also concerned corrosion, although this separate case applied to a parking brake warning light switch that could deteriorate and cause potential safety concerns and confusion, as The Car Connection reported.

In 2016, Hyundai also oversaw a recall about hood latches. In a statement about recall campaign details for that action, the manufacturer said that dealer principals and other manager-level staff should inform customers to inspect the latch and hood before driving, and that interim repairs made to the affected vehicles did not indicate that the finished recall repairs were done.

That recall announcement came in June as well, with the recall itself continuing into the July of that year. The solution to that recall also involved dealers replacing the faulty hood latches.

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Chrysler recalls hybrid minivans with defective batteries

Chrysler recalls hybrid minivans with defective batteries

June 9, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – June 9, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1,600 hybrid minivans equipped with defective batteries, according to a company press release. The campaign affects 2017 Chrysler Pacific minivans, roughly 1,300 of which originated from American showrooms. The remaining vehicles were sold on the Canadian market. The car manufacturer is unsure how many of the models named in the recall contain the defective battery.

The Defect
Affected vehicles may include hybrid batteries with improperly functioning control module diodes. These fixtures, which manage the flow of electrical current between the battery and dependent parts, are prone to involuntary shutoff. If this occurs, the vehicle loses propulsion and ceases to operate. This possess a risk to owners, as such a stoppage could result in an accident. However, the automaker has found no accidents or injuries related to the faulty battery diode as yet. Should propulsion suddenly halt due to the defect, drivers will be able to continue their forward momentum and pull over, Road Show by CNET reported.

Timeline of Events
FCA discovered the defect after receiving reports from customers who experienced propulsion loss while driving. Engineers with the car maker investigated the issue and eventually found that defective diodes were to blame.

The Solution
The automaker has requested dealers replace the control modules in affected vehicles with models equipped with working diodes, free of charge. However, FCA is still working on developing a workable alternative, meaning owners will have to wait some time for service. Those in need of immediate assistance can contact the FCA Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403. They can also call the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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