Chrysler recalls trucks with software error

Chrysler recalls trucks with software error

May 12, 2017 admin

Auburn Hills, Mich. – May 12, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled more than 1.25 million trucks due to a serious software error, according to The New York Times. The recall affects Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups produced between 2013 and 2016, as well as Ram 3500 pickups assembled between 2014 and 2016. Ram pickup trucks are the company’s best-selling vehicles, accounting for roughly 25 percent of all of the company’s sales in the U.S.

More than 1 million of the affected trucks were sold in the U.S. Roughly 216,000 came from dealerships in Canada, while just over 21,000 originated from Mexican dealers.

The Defect
Models named in the recall are equipped with faulty software that switches off airbags and seatbelt tension assemblies, presenting serious risks to both drivers and passengers. In fact, multiple accidents involving Ram owners precipitated the recall, the Los Angeles Times reported. FCA has received reports of at least one fatality and two injuries directly linked the software error. In addition to this defect, FCA officials found that computer components could fail during accidents in which the undersides of the Ram trucks sustained impact.

Timeline of Events
FCA began investigating the issue in December 2015 following an owner lawsuit, The Times said. The plaintiff argued that both the air bags and seatbelts in his Ram truck had failed during a roll-over crash. The carmaker called for an official inquiry. Engineers eventually discovered that the vehicle was equipped with badly designed software that could malfunction in accidents involving underside impact. Specifically, such collisions disrupt normal CPU processing operations and generate errors that ultimately halt computerized air bag and seatbelt components. FCA has declined to say whether the problem is the result of internal or external production processes, according to SpeedLux.

The Solution
The vehicle manufacturer has yet release plans for addressing the issue but has advised owners to carefully monitor their pickups. In the event that the air bag and seatbelt systems fail during normal operation, warning lights on the dash illuminate. When this occurs, owners should turn off and restart their vehicles. FCA claims this action clears the error codes. In the meantime, FCA has agreed to review its production processes and mitigate the issue with the help of a third party, as well as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall is scheduled to begin next month. Owners are encouraged to contact the NHTSA should they have any pressing concerns prior to the recall start date.

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Honda issues recall over defective certification labels

Honda issues recall over defective certification labels

May 11, 2017 admin

 

Torrance, Calif. – May 11, 2017 – American Honda Motor Company has recalled more than 1,400 sport utility vehicles with faulty certification labels, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign impacts Acura RDX and Honda CR-V models produced between April 3 and April 11, 2017. The automaker has yet to ascertain how many of the recalled vehicles contain these problematic markers.

The Defect
Affected models feature certification labels that can be altered using alcohol or other caustic solvents. Honda engineers traced the problem to improper labeling methods, which included the use of incompatible printing ribbons. While not safety hazards, these defective labels fail to comply with certification requirements established in section 567 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This portion of the regulatory document states that a certification label must be applied “in such a manner that it cannot be removed without destroying or defacing it.” Additionally, the regulations require labels to contain key information, including the vehicle identification number, manufacturer details and general specifications such as axle-weight rating.

Timeline of Events
On April 3, 2017, assembly personnel at an unnamed Honda production facility installed an incorrect printer ribbon in a certification labeling device. Days later, a crew member affixing labels to new vehicles noticed the mishap and performed a spot quality assurance check to test label strength. The employee was able to rub off the ink using alcohol. Then, on April 12, QA personnel performed a follow-up trial and confirmed that an incorrect printing ribbon had indeed been used. This lead to a more in-depth inquiry, which came to a close April 18. Honda officials confirmed that Acura RDX and Honda CR-V models with certification labels originating from the faulty device were non-compliant with FMVSS. The automaker then launched a voluntary recall campaign.

However, investigations continued. Despite the campaign initiation, QA teams had yet to understand the full scope of the problem. On May 11, after almost a month of review, Honda confirmed that the problem affected more than 1,400 vehicles, according to amended documentation filed with the NHTSA.

The Solution
Honda has ordered dealers to replace defective certification labels, free of charge. The company sent out owner notifications via mail May 22. Those in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact the NHTSA.

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Mercedes recalls vehicles with faulty brakes

Mercedes recalls vehicles with faulty brakes

May 9, 2017 admin

 

Montvale, N.J. – May 9, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 5,000 coupes equipped with faulty brakes, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects SLC 43 AMG, SLC 300, SLK 250 and SLK 350 models produced between March 19, 2015 and Feb. 3, 2017. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of these vehicles contain defective braking systems.

The Defect
The models mentioned in the recall are said to feature improperly installed electronic stability program software. Under normal conditions, ESP software helps drivers slow their vehicles, intervening automatically to initiate stoppage when a certain amount pressure is applied to the brake pedal. When drivers release the brake pedal, the system switches off. Overall, EPS software helps prevent increased wear on hydraulic components and eases overall operation.

However, the Mercedes vehicles mentioned above come with defective EPS solutions that fail to abort when the brake pedal is decompressed. This creates prolonged contact between the pad and the rotor and leads to overheating. When such a situation occurs, pressure builds and ultimately reduces drivability. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants. Owners have reported seeing smoke rise from wheel wells as a result of the issue. However, the defect does not reduce braking effectiveness or EPS operability.

No accidents or injuries have been linked to this software error.

Timeline of Events
Throughout 2016, Daimler AG, Mercedes’ parent company, received consistent reports of brake overheating. In April of that year, the company created an internal team to evaluate the reports and search for an underlying cause. Engineers tested braking hardware but found that it met all mechanical performance thresholds. The grouped moved on to field tests and saw the same results, leading them to rule out defective hardware as the root problem.

From August onward DAG engineers analyzed ancillary mechanical systems and vehicle software. In September, the internal team decided to design new EPS software to test against existing installations. By early 2017, the new program was complete and ready for testing. DAG initiated field trials and uncovered performance discrepancies between the two systems. In March engineers reviewed the EPS testing data and once again reviewed customer claims. A little more than one month later, DAG decided to launch a voluntary recall campaign.

The Solution
The car makers has ordered Mercedes-Benz dealers to update EPS software in affected vehicles. However, since the models covered in the recall retain their factory warranties, DAG will not be offering reimbursement for these repairs. Dealers received notification earlier this month. Owners with vehicles named in the recall should expect communications next month. Those who need immediate assistance prior to the campaign launch date can contact the NHTSA.

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Nissan recall electric model with defective air bags

Nissan recall electric model with defective air bags

May 4, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – May 4, 2017 – Nissan North American has recalled more than 28,000 vehicles equipped with defective air bags, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects Leaf hybrid-electric hatchbacks produced between Sept. 20, 2014 and Dec. 12, 2016, as well as Sentra sedans with production dates ranging from Sept. 25, 2014 to Sept. 22, 2016. It is unknown what percentage of these vehicles actually contain the problematic air bag assembly.

Just over 24,000 of the vehicles originated from dealers in the U.S. Roughly 2,600 were sold in unspecified foreign markets, while over 1,400 went to Canadian showrooms. Approximately 10 were shipped to Mexico.

The Defect
Vehicles named in this recall contain front passenger-side air bag assemblies with faulty components. Specifically, the inflator modules in these safety systems may hold defective coolant with diminished compression strength. As a result, the air bags may not inflate properly in the event of an accident, leaving occupants defenseless. Nissan has traced the coolant issue to two separate phenomena: oxidization due to ineffective storage methods and excessive wear from factory tooling practices. This defect obviously poses serious risk to owners. However, Nissan has not learned of any accidents or injuries connected to the faulty air bag inflator modules.

Timeline of Events
In October 2016, Nissan conducted safety tests and discovered that air bag assemblies in Leaf and Sentra models failed to fire properly. The automaker soon notified Japanese chemical firm Daicel Corporation, which supplied the coolant used in the fixtures. Daicel initiated an internal evaluation. Between November and December 2016, engineers for both companies reviewed the production workflows at the Daicel plant to determine the cause of the issue. The two teams also reached out to other suppliers involved in the production of the inflator modules, including Fuji and the Japanese vehicle design company Nihon Plast. The latter began internal testing.

Nihon Plast completed its evaluation in February 2017 and summoned Nissan officials to review the results. As this unfolded, the automaker launched field tests to pinpoint any accidents that could have been attributed to the malfunctioning air bar assembly. Nissan ultimately found none. In March, Nissan completed its review of the Nihon Plast product evaluation  and determined that a voluntary recall was necessary. The company launched the campaign April 6, 2017 but has since amended it twice – once April 28, 2017 and another time May 4, 2017.

The Solution
Nissan notified dealers April 27, 2017, requesting that they replace passenger-side air bags in affected models, free of charge, according to an internal communication submitted to the NHTSA. The car company has agreed to reimburse individuals with vehicles out of warranty for repairs. Models with active factory warranties should receive coverage for the recall work. Owners should expect to receive notification June 1, 2017. Those in need of more immediate assistance are encouraged to contact the NHTSA or the Nissan customer service department.

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Vaporizing fuel an issue in 2017 Subaru recall [Video]

May 3, 2017 admin ,

Cherry Hill, N.J.—April 20, 2017—A new Subaru recall will target more than thirty-three thousand vehicles for a fuel system risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report said that the recall impacted 2017 Subaru Impreza 4D and 5D vehicles.

In these autos, drivers could have trouble starting the engine or keeping it going. This could signify an internal problem processing winter fuel. If the engine vaporizes the fuel, it could cause pressure to drop.

Although the problem concerns the fuel itself, it actually stems from the software installed within the engine control unit. The fix therefore will require new software for this system. Production for these impacted vehicles only recently ended March fifteenth, and the report estimated that all of the suspected vehicles likely had the defect.

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Audi recalls SUVs prone to gas leaks

Audi recalls SUVs prone to gas leaks

May 3, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hill, Mich. – May 3, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 240,000 sport utility vehicles with defective fuel pump flanges, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall, which is an expansion of two earlier campaigns, affects Audi Q7 SUVs produced between May 2012 and July 2015, as well as Q5 models that rolled off the assembly line from July 2012 to March 2017. The automaker estimates that this problem affects 100 percent of these vehicles.

The Defect
The vehicles named in the recall are equipped with defective fuel-pump flanges that are prone to cracking. Should fissures develop, fuel could leak into the engine compartment and catch fire, posing a serious risk to occupants. Owners are likely to smell fuel while operating the vehicle or standing near it when leakage has occurred. There have been no accidents or injuries linked to this defect.

Timeline of Events
Earlier this month, Volkswagen recalled a large number of Porsche Macan crossovers due to the same issue, CNET reported. However, this fuel flange problem can be traced back to a recall initiated in September of last year that included the Audi Q7 and Q5, according to the NHTSA.

In the fall of 2015, the automaker became aware of customer complaints and NHTSA filings that mentioned the possibility of fuel leakage. Engineers investigated these assertions and found that the vehicles mentioned in the reports had faulty fuel flanges that tended to develop fissures. Further evaluations took place over an eight-month period between December 2015 and July 2016. Unfortunately, inspectors were unable to discover the root cause. However, Volkswagen developed a workable solution to the problem: a butyl rubber film that could cover the fuel pump flange and seal off leaks.

In September of 2016, the Audi Product Safety Committee chose to issue an official recall. Volkswagen has since discovered the defect in other vehicles, including the Porsche Macan, and has expanded the campaign to account for new models.

The Solution
Volkswagen has ordered dealers to reinforce the fuel pump flanges on affected vehicles with protective butyl rubber film. However, models that exhibit extensive cracking will receive replacement fuel pump flanges of a new, more durable design. This latest recall extension involving the Audi Q7 and Q5 is expected to begin in July, according to Volkswagen. Owners in need of more immediate assistance prior to the official campaign launch date are advised to contact the NHTSA. Those with affected vehicles will receive notification via first-class mail.

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Volkswagen recalls sedans with improper hear restraints

Volkswagen recalls sedans with improper hear restraints

April 28, 2017 admin

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – April 28, 2017 – The Volkswagen Group of America has recalled a number of sedans with improper head restraints, according to documents filed with National Highway Safety Administration. The recall affects Volkswagen CC four-door models produced between November 2015 and June 2016. The automaker estimates 100 percent of the models named in the campaign include the problematic part.

The Defect
The affected models include head restraints that do not comport with U.S. vehicle safety codes, specifically Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards section 202a, which states that head restraints should meet certain design and performance qualifications, according to the Department of Transportation. The assemblies installed in these vehicles do not comply with these regulations and were instead made for use with Volkswagen vehicles that would be sold in foreign markets. Most notably, the installed head restraints allow occupants to rotate more than 12 degrees while seated, a range of motion deemed unsafe in the FMVSS.

While the head restraints pose no immediate danger to drivers or passengers, they do lead to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. However, Volkswagen has yet to receive in reports of injuries connected to these fixtures.

Timeline of Events
Volkswagen engineers first detected the incorrectly installed head restraints in May of last year. Roughly one month later, quality control personnel reported the problem to technical teams and initiated an internal review. Over the course of these investigations, the manufacturer’s employees learned that the head restraints destined for international models had been installed on American CC sedans, due to a stocking issue. Assembly crew members at one of Volkswagen’s primary U.S. production facilities had mistakenly brought head restraint assemblies marked “RoW” – an acronym meaning “rest of world” – to the shop floor, where they were installed.

In early April, engineers met with the Volkswagen Product Safety Committee to determine the extent of the error. Weeks later, these two parties met once more and determined that American CC models equipped with RoW head restraints should be subject to recall.

The Solution
Volkswagen has ordered dealers to replace the head restraints, free of charge. The campaign is scheduled to begin in June. The automaker has agreed to notify dealers and owners after the official launch date. Individuals who require assistance prior to the recall are encouraged to contact the NHTSA.

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Kia recalls vehicles for engine wear problems [Video]

April 26, 2017 admin ,

The engines in some Kia vehicles could have debris in them that puts operators at risk. A new late March recall attempts to fix this through a campaign. The action includes more than six hundred and eighteen thousand vehicles, with affected model years ranging from 2011 to 2014.

Official documents said that the issue could lead to a bearing rod in affected engines failing, leading the vehicle to stall entirely and sometimes creating a noticeable knocking noise. Prior to this, owners could see warning lights, specifically those for engine or oil pressure issues.

Dealer’s wont be notified until May twenty-second, with the owners informed between the twenty-fifth and thirtieth. Dealers can replace the engine assembly entirely to address the issue.

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