![Software Bug Causes Maserati to Issue Recall [Video]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIj48YW5pbWF0ZSBhdHRyaWJ1dGVOYW1lPSJmaWxsIiB2YWx1ZXM9InJnYmEoMTUzLDE1MywxNTMsMC41KTtyZ2JhKDE1MywxNTMsMTUzLDAuMSk7cmdiYSgxNTMsMTUzLDE1MywwLjUpIiBkdXI9IjJzIiByZXBlYXRDb3VudD0iaW5kZWZpbml0ZSIgLz48L3JlY3Q+PC9zdmc+)
Software Bug Causes Maserati to Issue Recall [Video]
March 22, 2017
Video
Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft
March 22, 2017
Suzuki Recalls
Recall Masters – March 22, 2017
Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft
Suzuki Motor Company of America has recalled almost 800 vehicles due to shift shafts. The recall impacts Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles with manual transmissions produced between June 2008 and October 2012, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The affected models include gearshift rear shafts – fixtures responsible for the shift lever to the transmission – that are prone to breakage due to defective materials. Shifters can snap during normal operational movements, especially when maneuvered right-to-left or left-to-right repeatedly. This poses serious risks for customers, as it prevents them from changing gears while driving, increasing the risk of a traffic accident. No injuries have been linked to this defect as yet…
Suzuki Recalls SUV with Defective Shift Shaft
March 22, 2017
Suzuki Recalls
Brea, Calif. – Mar. 22, 2017 – Suzuki Motor Company of America has recalled almost 800 vehicles due to shift shafts. The recall impacts Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles with manual transmissions produced between June 2008 and October 2012, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The affected models include gearshift rear shafts – fixtures responsible for the shift lever to the transmission – that are prone to breakage due to defective materials. Shifters can snap during normal operational movements, especially when maneuvered right-to-left or left-to-right repeatedly. This poses serious risks for customers, as it prevents them from changing gears while driving, increasing the risk of a traffic accident. No injuries have been linked to this defect as yet.
Timeline of Events
- In July 2012, Suzuki learned that drivers were experiencing trouble when shifting gears from a distributor in Nigeria, according to a document filed with the NHTSA. Quality control specialists investigated the issue and discovered that broken gearshift rear shafts were the cause.
- More than one year later, the automaker was forced to investigate further as more incidents involving broken shafts had been reported. Suzuki engineers eventually decided that operator overuse was to blame. It altered production practices and changed the shaft design to accommodate more aggressive gear-shifting. Suzuki implemented the new fabrication workflows in June 2013.
- In July 2015, the company looked into the defect once more in response to an influx of new incident reports. Engineers tested the materials used in the original production process and found that they failed to comply with internal quality metrics. By then, Suzuki had fielded 29 complaints related to the defective transmission components.
- Four months later, similar tests were performed using the alternative shafts introduced in 2013. The new fixtures met durability standards.
- In April of last year, Suzuki engineers altered the Grand Vitara production process once more, replacing circular shafts with square-shaped models. This new design complied with company standards. Production of the new shaft began in August.
- On Feb. 2, 2017, the automaker chose to initiate an official recall, citing more than 100 separate incident reports involving the original gearshift rear shafts. While none were filed in the U.S., the defect was mentioned in various warranty claims, necessitating the involvement of the NHTSA.
- Dealers received notification Feb. 24.
The Solution
Suzuki has instructed dealers to replace the original shaft with the newly designed square alternative, free of charge. The automaker intends to notify affected customers March 1.
Maserati Issues Recall Over Software Glitch
March 22, 2017
Maserati Recalls
Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – March 22, 2017 – Maserati North America has recalled more than 3,000 vehicles with faulty software. The recall impacts Levante sport utility vehicles produced between July and December 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of the models named in the action include defective software.
The Defect
Affected models are equipped with damaged engine software that may shift the vehicles into neutral or cut engine operations without notice. This normally occurs when the vehicles are traveling 2 miles per hour or slower, such as in heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic. This fault increases the likelihood of crash, especially when road conditions improve, causing trailing drivers to accelerate rapidly. Even so, no injuries have occurred as a result of the software defect.
Timeline of Events
On Oct. 18, 2016, Maserati North America received a complaint from one driver who claimed his vehicle shifted into neutral without his assistance. The car maker immediately opened an investigation into the report and called for testing in an attempt to replicate and evaluate the possible issue. These trials concluded Nov. 9. Engineers were indeed able to replicate the issue, ordering follow-up diagnostics to better understand the underlying cause. These tests indicated that the engine software was to blame.
On Dec. 9, developers at the car company announced that they had coded and validated a patch to address the glitch. Over the next five days, engineers performed emissions tests on vehicles with the updated software to ensure that exhaust levels remained in step with federal regulations. The new software had no impact on emissions and was approved for use.
Maserati North America issued an initial recall on December 11, 2016. However, field tests revealed that the problem still persisted, despite the patch. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 20, 2017, engineers and programmers replicated the issue on site and developed a newer iteration of the engine software that worked. The car maker integrated the new software into its production lines on Feb. 21. It issued a second recall three days later. Dealers made aware of the problem March 17.
The Solution
The car manufacturer has ordered dealers to update the engine software in all impacted models, free of charge, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. Owners should receive notification March 31, 2017.
Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect
March 21, 2017
Volvo Recalls
Recall Masters – March 21, 2017
Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect
Volvo Cars has recalled more than 5,500 vehicles due to a serious side-curtain air bag defect. The recall impacts Volvo S90 sedans manufactured between November 2016 and January 2017, as well as V90 Cross Country and XC90 luxury sports utility vehicles produced over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The bolts securing side-curtain air bag structures in these models are likely to break due to manufacturing error. Hydrogen embrittlement is the primary cause, an issue that arose due to variability in the bolt fabrication process. Once applied, the fasteners quickly deteriorate, showing signs of failure within 48 hours installation. Fixtures that manage to effectively secure side-curtain air bag assemblies for at least 48 hours are deemed structurally sound, while those that fail or falter must be replaced…
Volvo Issues Recall Over Side-Curtain Air Bag Defect
March 21, 2017
Volvo Recalls
Rockleigh, N.J. – Mar. 21, 2017 – Volvo Cars has recalled more than 5,500 vehicles due to a serious side-curtain air bag defect. The recall impacts Volvo S90 sedans manufactured between November 2016 and January 2017, as well as V90 Cross Country and XC90 luxury sports utility vehicles produced over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The bolts securing side-curtain air bag structures in these models are likely to break due to manufacturing error. Hydrogen embrittlement is the primary cause, an issue that arose due to variability in the bolt fabrication process. Once applied, the fasteners quickly deteriorate, showing signs of failure within 48 hours installation. Fixtures that manage to effectively secure side-curtain air bag assemblies for at least 48 hours are deemed structurally sound, while those that fail or falter must be replaced.
The defect poses serious safety risks, as the side-curtain air bags may not deploy properly in the event of a crash. No injuries have been connected to this defect.
Timeline of Events
Engineers at the Swedish automaker first caught wind of the defect in early February, when a report chronicling the discovery of broken bolts in one vehicle was submitted to corporate. Volvo representatives investigated the event further and found that the fasteners had come from the side-curtain air bag assembly. The automaker then contacted the parts supplier, Autoliv Poland, and reported the issue.
On Feb. 10, Volvo’s Critical Concern Management Team elected to start the recall process. The internal group then blocked new vehicles containing the faulty bolts from shipping out three days later. Volvo notified the NHTSA officials and dealers Feb. 16.
The Solution
The automaker has ordered dealers to replace the bolts free of charge, according to NHTSA documentation. Owners are expected to receive notification April 1.
Volkswagen Recalls Convertibles with Defective Safety Belts
March 20, 2017
Audi Recalls, Volkswagen Recalls
Auburn Hill, Mich. – March 20, 2017 – Volkswagen Group of America has recalled more than 1,600 vehicles equipped with defective safety belts. The recall affects Audi A5 and S5 cabriolets produced between June and November 2016, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The Defect
Impacted vehicles have safety-belt pretensioners that could detach during a high-velocity crash. Consequently, the microgas generators contained within these fixtures may also disconnect and become airborne within the cabin, putting passengers at risk. While the pretensioners addressed in this recall are installed in a whole range of Audi models, engineers have discovered that microgas generators only come loose in A5 and S5 cabriolets. This is a result of ineffective crimping unique to these vehicles.
Timeline of Events
In December 2016, Autoliv, the OEM manufacturer that supplied the safety belt pretensioner assemblies, notified Volkswagen that its products were defective due to an assembly line oversight. It also communicated that a 573 report on its pretensioners and microgas generators was forthcoming. Members of the car maker’s Product Safety Committee discussed the matter over multiple sessions that took place throughout December 2016 and January 2017. The group ultimately decided there was not enough data to call for a voluntary recall and asked Autoliv to supply further information.
The parts producer submitted specific serial numbers for installed pretensioners and microgas generators in January. Volkswagen engineers reviewed the information and conducted field tests that lasted through the following month. On March 1, the auto manufacturer decided to initiate a voluntary recall for Audi A5 and S5 models, both of which performed poorly in trials.
The Solution
Volkswagen will order dealers to replace defective safety belt pretensioners and microgas generators. It does not plan to reimburse owners for these repairs. There are no timelines for dealer or owner notification.
Daimler Recalls Trucks Due to Instrument Cluster Problem
March 20, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Recalls
Portland, Ore. – Mar. 20, 2017 – Daimler Trucks North America has recalled almost 800 semi-trailer trucks due to malfunctioning instrument clusters. The recall impacts Freightliner 108SD and 114SD models produced between 2016 and 2017, as well as Freightliner Business Class M2s built over the same span, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The Defect
The impacted trucks include OEM gauges on the left side of the cab – and a second cluster on the right – from third-party parts supplier Fontaine Modification. The body builder installs the latter before the vehicles are delivered to Daimler for completion. The disparate displays can become unresponsive due to hardware and software compatibility issues. When this occurs, a complete system shutdown is required to regain functionality. Vehicle turn signals can also lose power as a result of cluster integration problems.
Together, these issues can increase the likelihood of an accident. No injuries related to the display malfunctions mentioned above have been reported.
Timeline of Events
Engineers at Daimler discovered the flaw in November 2016 and immediately launched an official investigation. In January 2017 the automaker issued a voluntary recall of all affected vehicles, according to internal documents related to the event.
The Solution
Daimler has ordered dealers to inspect left-hand-side instrument clusters in affected vehicles and offer compatible replacement displays, free of charge. The company plans to notify dealers and vehicle owners March 19. It encourages customers with pressing concerns related to the recall to contact the Daimler customer service department or the NHTSA. Daimler has not yet announced how it plans to address future fabrication workflows, or provided details on its use of Fontaine Modification equipment.
Hyundai To Recall Almost 1 Million Sonata Cars In U.S. [Video]
March 16, 2017
Hyundai Recalls, Video
March 16, 2017 report from Wotchit Business
Ford Recalls Trucks with Defective Instrument Clusters
March 16, 2017
Ford Recalls
Dearborn, Mich. – Mar. 16, 2017 – Ford has recalled 8,000 trucks due to defective instrument clusters. The recall impacts F-150 models produced between October and November 2016, according to a company news release.
The Defect
Instrument clusters in the affected trucks can lose functionality in cool temperatures. For instance, the transmission gear indicator may not illuminate. Additionally, warning lights may shutdown unexpectedly. These occurrences poses serious risks to occupants, as key vehicle status indicators being unavailable can increase the likelihood of a crash. No injuries have been reported as a result of inoperable instrument clusters. A large majority of the impacted trucks are registered in the U.S., while just over 1,100 more are located in Canada and Mexico.
Timeline of Events
Ford began investigating the problem after receiving customer complaints. The car manufacturer eventually tied the issue to faulty quality control processes at fabrication facilities in Dearborn, as well as Kansas City, Missouri.
The Solution
The automaker has ordered dealers to reprogram instrument clusters in affected vehicles, free of charge. Owners can contact Ford customer service for more information.
