BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

Westwood, N.J. – March 29, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 121,000 vehicles with damaged driveshaft joints, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The recall, which follows a related campaign initiated in May 2016, impacts a number of models produced between November 2010 and April 2013, including:

  • X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X5 xDrive35d diesel sport utility vehicles
  • X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X6 ActiveHybrid sport utility vehicles

The Defect

The contact surface between the spider and the seal for the front driveshaft joint does not comport with internal quality standards. Consequently, contaminants and dirt may enter the fixture and degrade the universal driveshaft joint to the point of breakage. This would increase the likelihood of a wreck.

Timeline of Events

In April 2014, the German automaker decided to replace the driveshafts in numerous models due to improper contact-surface specifications. Four months later, BMW met with officials the NHTSA and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to discuss the defect, according to a report from the NHTSA. On July 29, the company reached out to affected owners and offered repairs free of charge under its extended warranty agreement.

In March 2016, customer complaints pertaining to the issue increased, forcing further investigations. On May 9, BMW issued an official voluntary recall.

The car company continued to monitor the situation as the recall progressed. Additionally, engineers evaluated driveshaft assemblies from other vehicles and compiled reviews. Over the course of November and December 2016, BMW officials reviewed the findings and found that other vehicles suffered from issues present in models involved in the 2014 quality assurance campaign. On Feb. 23, the automaker launched the latest recall. Dealers received notification March 3.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the front driveshafts in affected models, free of charge. It plans to notify owners April 24.

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Porsche Issues Recall Over Defect Passenger Detectors

Atlanta, GA – Mar. 28, 2017 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 17,800 vehicles equipped with defective passenger seat detectors, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects Macan GTS, Turbo and S sports utility vehicles produced between March and October of 2015.

The Defect

Impacted models have defective occupant detection systems that may not deploy in the event of a crash. Consequently, these fixtures fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard safety codes. The indicator reading “Passenger Air Bag Off” illuminates in affected vehicles. The NHTSA and Porsche advise owners with vehicles subject to the recall to heed this warning and reseat passengers elsewhere, as these individuals will not have protection should an accident occur.

Timeline of Events

Porsche field investigators discovered a string of crashes involving illuminated “Passenger Air Bag Off’ lights during inspections in October 2016, according to the NHTSA. The automaker looked into the problem further and found that the indicator was a symptom of damaged occupant detection system features, specifically the sensor mats installed beneath the passenger seat. Engineers from Porsche’s Research and Development group analyzed defective parts from the field throughout February 2016. The team determined that the sensor mats included cracked conductive fabric prone to failure.

The Porsche product safety committee reviewed the findings Feb. 23, 2016 and decided to issue a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Porsche will recall affected vehicles to workshops and install new sensor mats and seat cushions, free of charge. The German car company does not intend to directly reimburse owners, as the repairs will be covered under preexisting warranties. Porsche has implemented new sensor mat models within its production facilities. There is no timetable for owner notification.

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Roush Recalls Modified Ford Trucks

Livonia, Mich. – March 28, 2017 – Roush CleanTech, an alternative fuel technology firm, has recalled 434 modified Ford vehicles equipped with faulty fuel control valves, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts propane-operated Ford E-450 cutaway trucks and vans, F-59 stepvans and F-650 and F-750 heavy duty diesel pickups manufactured between August 2015 and February 2017.

The Defect

Affected models include fuel control valves that exhibit over-current and short-to-ground performance. This increases engine temperatures capable of degrading the non conductive coverings that protect the solenoid wiring coils contained within the valves. When these fixtures fall apart, the valve closes, halting the flow propane to the engine and prompting complete shutdown. This poses serious risks to drivers, as the vehicles could cease operation suddenly and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Timeline of Events

Three separate owners reported incidents of solenoid failure in December 2016, two involving supply valve solenoids and one involving return valve solenoids. Roush contacted the fuel control valve supplier, Parker Hannifin Corporation based in New Britain, Connecticut, and explained the incidents. Soon after, Roush initiated an internal investigation to better understand the problem and identify a solution.

The firm evaluated fuel control valves in the Parker inventory, focusing on the state of the solenoid wiring coils. Roush discovered that, due to the placement of a small plastic bobbin, the coil wiring was slightly eschew. This failed to create enough distance between the wiring and the metal coil casting, leading to the over-current and short-to-ground performance. The parts had gone through the inspection process without being flagged.

Roush decided to issue a recall March 8, 2017, following its investigation. Dealers received notification of the recall March 14.

The Solution

The company has pledged to replace the defective parts, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification between March 31 and April 30.

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Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Recall Masters – March 27, 2017

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issueses

Drivers in some Ford vehicles face possible risk from faulty air bag systems, according to a new recall from Ford. In a press release, the manufacturer announced the details surrounding a safety compliance recall that could possibly cause confusion among consumers: Although it involves Takata air bags, it is not a part of the massive international Takata air bag safety recall efforts.

The Defect
The manufacturer said that two possible problems could stem from this defect: Air bags in affected vehicles could either detach entirely or fail to inflate. Both cases are likely in exactly 31,867 vehicles across North America, the majority of which (27,531) are in the U.S. The models involved include Ford Edge vehicles as well as Lincoln Continental and MKX examples with the 2016 and 2017 model years…

Sean ReyesLincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Dearborn, Mich. — March 27, 2017 — Drivers in some Ford vehicles face possible risk from faulty air bag systems, according to a new recall from Ford. In a press release, the manufacturer announced the details surrounding a safety compliance recall that could possibly cause confusion among consumers: Although it involves Takata air bags, it is not a part of the massive international Takata air bag safety recall efforts.

The Defect

The manufacturer said that two possible problems could stem from this defect: Air bags in affected vehicles could either detach entirely or fail to inflate. Both cases are likely in exactly 31,867 vehicles across North America, the majority of which (27,531) are in the U.S. The models involved include Ford Edge vehicles as well as Lincoln Continental and MKX examples with the 2016 and 2017 model years.

Timeline of Events

  • Nov. 11, 2014: Lincoln MKX production began.
  • Oct. 8, 2015: Earliest production date for affected Ford Edge vehicles.
  • Jan. 13, 2016: Assembly for affected Lincoln Continental vehicles began.
  • Jan. 18, 2017: Last production date for affected 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles.
  • Feb. 15, 2017: Latest production date for both Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX autos involved in this recall.
  • Mar. 2, 2017: Ford published the press release online addressing the issue in all vehicles.

The Resolution

Though the press release did not delve into specifics, Ford mentioned that it would replace faulty air bag modules and help the vehicles comply with federal standards, particularly involving occupant crash protection, FMVSS 208. There were no issues connected to this defect as of March 2, the day of the recall statement’s publication.

In October 2016, the 2016 Ford Edge was involved in a different recall pertaining to electronic stability control within just 53 units. Ford said that its dealers would replace the anti-lock braking systems as part of the repair process, according to an official recall acknowledgement.

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Airbag Issues Prompt New 2017 BMW Recalls

Westwood, N.J. — March 27, 2017 — BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 36 cars with air bag inflators that may explode and to hurl metal shrapnel within the car, possibly harming occupants.  Multiple X5 models are affected. Though this is similar to the Takata airbag recalls, the case seems to be completely independent. The recall affects the following models:

  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive35i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive50i
  • 2017 BMW X5 xDrive40e

Recall Summary

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report, lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, explains the recall’s conditions. According to this source, the recall is only thought to account for 1 percent of this vehicle population. There are no reports of injuries currently connected to this action.

Without proper gas flow ventilation, airbags in these BMW models could accidentally propel harmful shards of metal into the vehicle’s interior, the report said. There was no known cause for this defect at the time of the report, but it did name the component manufacturer as Key Safety Systems, Inc.

The repair

BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2017.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

36 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of October 30, 2018, – the last date for which information was available – 34 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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Nissan Recalls 2017 Murano Vehicles for Possible Power Steering Leak

Franklin, Tenn. — March 25, 2017 — The power steering system in some Nissan SUVs could disconnect, according to a recent manufacturer’s recall. An official statement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that the action could involve as many as 56,766 vehicles, though there was no estimate as to how many could be potentially affected.

The Defect

Some power steering fluid hoses in these vehicles may come with a clamp that’s the wrong size. Because of this, the report said that the hose could dislodge, potentially spilling important steering fluid. The risk from this is twofold, as this could not just impact the steering but also pose a possible fire risk, as the fluid would be flammable. All of the involved vehicles are a Murano with the 2013 and 2014 model years.

Timeline of Events

  • August, 2014: This was the final month the affected vehicles were produced.
  • January, 2017: Both the recall report and a Defect Information Report on the action said that the first investigation into a related case began last year. The U.S. investigations intensified in January, though, to respond to claims of related incidents in other markets.
  • February, 2017: Targeting the U.S. vehicles specifically, Nissan began gathering relevant vehicle parts.
  • March, 2017: After the results of equipment tests, Nissan concluded that the defect originated with the clamps involved in affected vehicles and agreed to begin a safety recall effort to address the issue. The Part 573 report contained a March 16 submission date.

The Resolution

As of the March 16 report, there was no owner notification date listed, although the statement did say that it would reach out to owners “within 60 days.”  April 4 was scheduled as the dealer notification date. The fix itself will reportedly include a replacement for the hose.

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GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

March 24, 2017… General Motors Co. has recalled more than 2,000 Buick sedans due to a serious power steering defect.

The recall impacts LaCrosse models produced between August and November 2016, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The defect

Affected vehicles include electric power steering connector cables that may not be properly sealed. These unprotected features are vulnerable to corrosion and could fail due to extreme oxidization or the development of high resistance, which can cause melting.

This poses a serious risk to drivers, as the sudden loss of power steering can hinder vehicle operation and lead to crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the defect…

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

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

Warren, Mich. – Mar. 24, 2017 – General Motors Co. has recalled more than 2,000 Buick sedans due to a serious power steering defect. The recall impacts LaCrosse models produced between August and November 2016, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include electric power steering connector cables that may not be properly sealed. These unprotected features are vulnerable to corrosion and could fail due to extreme oxidization or the development of high resistance, which can cause melting. This poses a serious risk to drivers, as the sudden loss of power steering can hinder vehicle operation and lead to crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the defect.

Timeline of Events

GM engineering personnel performed two separate wire-harness assessments at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly factory on Oct. 8 and Nov. 1, 2016, according to the NHTSA. The evaluations targeted Buick LaCrosse models produced at the facility. The vehicles were found to contain unsealed EPS connectors. GM immediately modified its production workflows to address the mistake. Two day later, one vehicle systems engineer at the plant submitted a report detailing the issue. The automaker immediately launched a formal investigation into the defect Dec. 10, 2016.

Inspectors reviewed the faulty connectors and discovered that the OEM parts provider, Delphi Automotive Systems, had provided cables with badly crimped seals. GM personnel were able to remove the connectors without using tools or extreme force. The Safety Field Action Decision Authority division reviewed the results and called for an official recall Feb. 16.

The Solution

GM has ordered dealers to replace faulty EPS connector seals, free of charge. However, the automaker has yet to release an owner notification period, according to NHTSA records. Affected owners are encouraged to contact Buick customer service should they need more immediate help.

MotorSafety.orgGM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

Mercedes Recalls Vehicles Due to Starter Defect

Montvale, N.J. – Mar. 23, 2017 – Mercedes Benz USA has recalled more than 354,000 vehicles due to a defective starter assembly, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts over a dozen models produced between February 2014 and 2017, including:

  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic sedans
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic coupes
  • C 300 and C 300 4Matic cabriolets
  • C 350e hybrid sedans
  • C 450 4Matic AMG sport sedans
  • CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic sedans
  • CLA 45 AMG sedans
  • E 300 and E 300 4Matic sedans
  • E 400 4Matic wagons
  • E 43 AMG 4Matic sedans
  • GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 and GLC 300 4Matic sport utility vehicles
  • GLC 300 4Matic coupe sport utility vehicles

The Defect

Affected models are equipped with starter assemblies featuring current limiters that can overload in certain conditions. For example, vehicles that have sustained engine or transmission damage, and have blocked starters as a result, may experience high-voltage electrical currents when started repeatedly. This can damage the limiter, and in some cases melt surrounding components and catch fire. This increases the likelihood of occupant injury.

Timeline of Events

Daimler AMG, Mercedes’ parent company, received reports of limiter damage in June 2016. The automaker launched an investigation and in August determined that the damage resulted from electrical overload. Over the course of September and October, engineers for Daimler preformed further tests. In November, the company learned that the limiter was not designed to handle high-voltage currents generated during repeat starts. Two months later, engineers determined the range of affected vehicles. Last month, Daimler issued an official recall.

The Solution

The automaker has ordered dealers to install an additional fuse within the starter electrical lines in affected models, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. This repair is to be done free of charge. Owners will receive recall notifications later this month.

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