Nissan recalls compacts with air bag issues

Nissan recalls compacts with air bag issues

April 26, 2017 admin

 

Franklin, Tenn. – April 26, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled more than 500 compacts with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The campaign affects Versa sedans produced between Feb. 16 and Feb. 21, 2017, as well as Versa Note hatchbacks that rolled off the line over the same span. The automaker has yet to determine what percentage of listed models contain these defective air bags.

The Defect
Affected vehicles are equipped with faulty air bag cushion housings. Specifically, the ringed plates that hold the cushioning in place are made of metal with low carbon content. These fixtures are therefore prone to failure in high temperatures and can even separate from the cushioning when safety features are deployed during accidents. When airborne at high speeds, the air bag housing assembly poses great risk to passengers. No accidents or injuries have been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events
In early February of this year, Takata engineers performed a round of quality assurance tests and discovered that some air bag assemblies suffered abnormal deployments. QA personnel conducted these trials in areas with temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Soon after the results registered, Takata engineers initiated an internal review to look into the problem. Weeks later, the provider connected with Nissan and shared the results of the air bag tests. The automaker immediately searched its inventory for affected parts, eventually instituting a worldwide quarantine of all Takata air bag assemblies included in the initial QA tests. Most of these fixtures were stored at Nissan production plants in Civac and Aguascalientes, Mexico.

In March, Takata came forward with conclusive results: A tier-two supplier had shipped out ring plates with faulty metallurgical compositions. The parts, which were light on carbon, failed in high-temperature environments. Nissan immediately initiated audits in its Mexican facilities in an effort to pinpoint and remove the defective air bag ring plates. Over the course of March and April, personnel reviewed more than 1,800 air bag assemblies and found that 616 Versa models included flawed safety features. Nissan QA personnel soon decided to launch a voluntary recall campaign.

The Solution
The automaker has ordered dealers to evaluate the air bag assemblies installed in affected vehicles using a quick scan tool, according to internal documents released to the NHTSA. Should the readings show parts that originate from the defective batch, dealers are to replace the passenger-side air bag module, free of charge. Nissan notified dealers April 27. The company is currently distributing owner notifications and is expected to finish this process by the end of June. Versa owners in need of additional assistance are encouraged to contact the NHTSA.

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Ford Edge recall addresses windshield header issues

Ford Edge recall addresses windshield header issues

April 25, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 19, 2017—A newly announced Ford Edge recall addressed problems with the windshield header in some 2017 Edge vehicles. The company announced this in a joint press release: This particular recall was both the last listed and contained the smallest number of possibly affected vehicles, with 111 total units under consideration, 84 of which are in the U.S.

The Defect

The windshield header in these Ford Edge models could be wrongly installed, according to the Part 573 Safety Recall Report attached to this issue. That document went on to say that the vista roofs in these vehicles may not have the right welds in the proper places, leaving them with weaker “lateral structural integrity.”

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 22, 2017: Although this is before the submission date of the Part 573 safety report, Feb. 22 is said to be when the company corrected the recall condition in production. This was also the last day of original production for the vehicles in question.
  • March 3, 2017: A review group began the process of analyzing the problem, a day after reports of spot weld issues.
  • March 20, 2017: The field action began.

Ford Edge Recall Resolution

Though the listed dealer notification date, March 28, has already passed as of this writing, owner notification is set for the four-day period between May 15 and 19. Dealers will fix the faulty headers for free, due to the existing warranty. The notices are will travel via first-class mail to owners starting on the beginning of that week.

A delivery hold notice for dealers said that they could possibly face a $21,000 penalty for every vehicle they deliver without first going through the recall service. This action specifically targets possible noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 214 for side impact protection.

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Ford recalls 2017 vehicles with power train problems

Ford recalls 2017 vehicles with power train problems

April 18, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 18, 2017—Ford Motor Company took part in a recall for 2017 Ford F-250 vehicles. This action intends to correct two noncompliance issues with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, as the vehicles in this recall could fail to meet the requirements for theft protection and transmission issues.

The Defect

The F-250 vehicles potentially affected in this case may not be able to reach Park mode because of park rod actuating plate damage during manufacturing. As said above, this single issue counts as both a transmission threat and a possible cause for theft. Exactly 48,443 are thought to be subject to this problem, but the Part 573 Safety Recall Report did not include an estimate for what percentage has the defect.

Timeline of Events

  • Oct. 9, 2015: Production on the vehicles began.
  • March 30, 2017: The review group discovered the cause of the issue in these vehicle’s plates. There were just three warranty claims traced to the defect by this point, but not any related accidents or injuries. This was also the final manufacture date of the group of potentially affected vehicles.
  • March 31, 2017: On the same day as the submission date of the Part 573 report, Ford also officially approved the recall. The component manufacturer involved was from Goodrich, Michigan.

The Resolution

While dealer notification was scheduled immediately for March 31, the owner notification date was given as April 10. The fix itself was simply listed as a replacement for the affected actuating plate, though the report said that owners should use the parking brake as a precaution whenever they want to put the vehicle into park.

A notice to manufacturers said that new in-stock vehicles affected by this recall were not to be delivered while the action was in motion.

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Ford recalls vehicles for possible driveline fractures

April 17, 2017 admin

 

Dearborn, Mich.—April 14, 2017—In a statement released on March 29, Ford announced several recalls addressing a range of issues in their vehicles. One of these concerned fears if transmission or driveline fractures in F-450 and F-550 Superduty models, both of which with the model year of 2017.

The Defect

This is a speed-based problem in which the risk is higher for when operators drive faster than 75 miles per hour. The two groups of vehicles together make up 509 units in the U.S., with the last relevant manufacture date being Feb. 21, 2017.

An unstable driveshaft could lead to transmission or component fractures depending on the speed, perhaps causing the driveline to vibrate noticeably, according to the Part 573 Safety Recall report. The problem could have more than one result, leading to the vehicle either moving unexpectedly while parked or stopping without warning.

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 16, 2016: Production on both of the affected models began at the company’s Ohio Assembly Plant.
  • Feb.-March, 2017: The manufacturer’s review group responded to warranty claims and reports of fractures related to this issue. After testing the vehicle with speeds as high as 81 miles per hour, the group started looking more closely at possible evidence of the issue.
  • March 20, 2017: The company officially decided to move forward with the field action.

The Resolution

Ford’s fix for this action involves dealers replacing the driveshaft. The report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the new unit will include a “three-piece driveshaft and two center bearing brackets.”

The planned dealer notification date was listed as March 28, and the owner date as April 4. Other Ford recalls announced in the same group release included actions concerning door latches, windshield header welds and possible risk under hoods.

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Volkswagen recalls Audi vehicles with forceful air bag deployment risk [Video]

April 17, 2017 admin

Volkswagen has a new recall action in motion. Around twelve thousand Audi S three sedans, all of which are from model year 2017, could feature a dangerous bug that deploys air bags more forcefully than necessary.

This fault comes from the in-vehicle control module software. If this software has the wrong parameters in it, the air bags may deploy with a heavy impact. This not only puts vehicle occupants at risk but could also fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number two hundred and eight.

Production for the earliest of these vehicles began in July 2016. To fix the problem, dealers will update the software in the vehicle modules with a new version developed during February. This action will fall under vehicle warranty. Both owner and dealer notification is scheduled for April.

Thank you for watching.

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Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective power steering

Hyundai recalls vehicles with defective power steering

April 13, 2017 admin

Fountain Valley, Calif. – March 28, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America has recalled a number of vehicles equipped with defective power steering systems. The recall impacts Elantra sedans produced between Dec. 22 and Dec. 31, 2016. In 2016 Hyundai recalled several Elantra models also due to stability issues.

The Defect

According to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, affected vehicles include electronic power steering motors that fail to connect to the control unit; a similar recall affected Hyundai Sonata models in 2016. The steering assist feature is deactivated, producing an indicator on the instrument cluster. The loss of steering assist requires motorists to manually control the vehicle which can be difficult, especially at low speeds. This increases the likelihood of an accident. No accidents or injuries have been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events

On March 6, 2017, representatives from Hyundai’s international headquarters contacted Hyundai Motor America and communicated a possible defect in EPS systems installed in recently produced Elantra sedans. Engineers at the car company’s HQ discovered that the power steering motors installed in these vehicles had been damaged during production, could not properly connect to EPS control units and might malfunction, leaving drivers without the steering assist feature. Hyundai Motor America reviewed the claim and the attached field data. No U.S. drivers had come forward with EPS-related problems. Even so, the stateside Hyundai division chose to initiate a voluntary recall on March 24. Dealers were notified on March 31.

The Solution

Hyundai Motor America has ordered dealers to replace defective EPS motors in affected vehicles. This particular part falls under the original factory warranty, which covers the EPS system and other components for five years or 60,000 miles. Therefore, owners should not incur expenses when taking their vehicles in for service. The automaker intends to notify affected Elantra owners via first-class mail by April 28.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Many vehicles are part of this Hyundai recall. To do a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

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Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective software

Chrysler recalls vehicles with defective software

April 13, 2017 MotorSafety.org

Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 21, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler has recalled more than 25,000 vehicles with incorrectly calibrated software. The recall affects Fiat 500L compact cars produced between March 6, 2013 and Oct. 21, 2014, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Models named in the recall are equipped with incorrectly calibrated powertrain control module software, which has been shown to limit engine capabilities. Drivers have experienced instances in which their vehicles will only idle even when the accelerator is fully engaged. Many have been able to regain normal operation after depressing and then releasing the gas pedal, but this can make it difficult to maintain consistent speeds when navigating roadways. This can increase the likelihood of an accident, though no crashes or injuries have yet been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events

  • On June 14, 2014, engineers at Fiat Chrysler discovered the issue after updating the PCM software on newly produced 500L models, according to the NHTSA. Roughly one month later, the automaker initiated an investigation and ultimately correlated the problem to faulty accelerator calibration. In September, production staff implemented new gas pedal assemblies to improve accelerator calibration.
  • On Dec. 2, 2016, Fiat Chrysler received a field report that indicated diminished drivability among 500L models. The car company launched an investigation and reviewed the performance data included in the field report. Seven days later, engineers determined that accelerator calibration was once again to blame. On Dec. 14, engineers developed revised calibration standards, which were finally published Feb. 6, 2017.
  • On Feb. 10, Fiat Chrysler’s Technical Service Organization issued a service bulletin outlining proposed PCM software updates for 500L models. The car company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance group reviewed the draft document and outlined risk factors associated with the vehicle, including delayed throttle response and vehicle hesitation. Six days later, the VSRC launched an investigation into the 500L, and after an initial data review upgraded the inquiry Feb. 21.
  • On March 2, VSRC notified the Fiat Chrysler home office in Italy and continued to review field reports and other data. By March 6, the group had seen 35 warranty claims, 16 computerized accident reports and 13 field reports related to the defect. On March 9, Fiat Chrysler connected with NHTSA to review the investigation. On March 16, the car maker decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Fiat Chrysler is expected to request that dealers update the PCM software on affected models. The car company will reimburse owners for the repair. However, owners must submit service receipts or alternative proof of payment following the update. Both owners and dealers will receive official notifications May 5, 2017.

MotorSafety.orgChrysler recalls vehicles with defective software
Porsche Recalls Vehicles with Defective Windshield Bonding

Porsche Recalls Vehicles with Defective Windshield Bonding

April 11, 2017 admin

Atlanta, GA – Apr. 11, 2017 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled a number of sports cars with defective windshield bonding, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts various models produced in January 2017, including:

  • 911 Carrera cabriolet
  • 911 Carrera S cabriolet
  • 911 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4 cabriolet
  • 911 Carrera 4S cabriolet
  • 911 Targa S
  • 911 Targa 4S
  • 911 Turbo cabriolet
  • 718 Boxster and Boxster S

The Defect

Affected models have improperly bonded windshields that fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard regarding windshield mounting. The adhesive used during the manufacturing loses its sticking properties, allowing for separation between the windshield and vehicle frame. Should a crash occur, the windshield may separate from the vehicle body, further endangering occupants.

Timeline of Events

Porsche engineering personnel discovered the ineffective windshield bonding during post-production repairs Jan. 24, 2017. All of the vehicles in the batch were reviewed and deemed defective. Porsche then analyzed the fabrication process and other associated vehicles to determine a root cause. On Feb. 17, 2017, quality control officials at the automaker came to the conclusion that the defectives were the result of faulty production methods out of step with established company standards. Due to this deviation, the windshield adhesive was improperly mixed, rendering it ineffective. Porsche also found that the defect only affected convertibles, as these models exhibit unique windshield stress ratios.

The Porsche product safety committee reviewed the information and chose to launch a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Porsche has directed dealers to replace the windshields in affected vehicles, free of charge. Because the models are still under warranty, the automaker does not intend to issue reimbursements, according to NHTSA documents. The timetable for dealer and owner notification has not yet been established.

 

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Hyundai Recalls SUVs with Possibly Faulty Tire Pressure Sensors

Hyundai Recalls SUVs with Possibly Faulty Tire Pressure Sensors

April 10, 2017 admin

Fountain Valley, Calif. — Apr. 10, 2017 — According to Hyundai and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some vehicles may have ineffective tire pressure monitoring systems that don’t comply with federal standards.

In 190 2017 Santa Fe SUV’s, the tire pressure monitoring systems may fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. All of the potentially affected vehicles are estimated to have the defect, and were produced between Feb. 1 and Nov. 15 last year in Georgia, as the Part 573 Safety Recall report stated.

The Defect:

The problem comes from the mode the sensors were set to during manufacture. These models reportedly could fail to detect underinflated tires, leading to possible safety issues for occupants, as well as lack of compliance. No injuries have been traced to this recall as of yet. A warning light could turn on if the defect is present.

Timeline of Events:

  • Feb. 2, 2017: As the official chronology said, Kia Motor Manufacturing Georgia, where the vehicles were built, collaborated with Hyundai from Feb. 2 to Feb. 9, specifically looking at vehicles that may have been affected.
  • Feb. 28, 2017: Hyundai decided to conduct the recall.
  • March 6, 2017: This was both the official submission date for the Safety Recall Report and the listed Planned Dealer Notification Date.
  • March 31, 2017: The Planned Owner Notification date is set for this date, according to the report.

The Resolution:

Dealers may have to both inspect and replace the sensors to resolve the matter. The official Technical Service Bulletin on this procedure said the replacement will require just two parts: the new sensor and a wheel sensor nut.

The procedure should also confirm that the replacement sensor works and doesn’t cause any in-system warning lights after installation. The sensor should fall under vehicle warranty and therefore not cost the owner.

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