![Ford Issues Recall of 6,000 2017 Ford Mustangs [Video]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIj48YW5pbWF0ZSBhdHRyaWJ1dGVOYW1lPSJmaWxsIiB2YWx1ZXM9InJnYmEoMTUzLDE1MywxNTMsMC41KTtyZ2JhKDE1MywxNTMsMTUzLDAuMSk7cmdiYSgxNTMsMTUzLDE1MywwLjUpIiBkdXI9IjJzIiByZXBlYXRDb3VudD0iaW5kZWZpbml0ZSIgLz48L3JlY3Q+PC9zdmc+)
Ford Issues Recall of 6,000 2017 Ford Mustangs [Video]
March 15, 2017
Ford Recalls, Video
Nissan Recalls Vehicles With Air Bag Defects
March 15, 2017
Nissan Recalls
Franklin, Tenn. – March 15, 2017 – Nissan North America has recalled 79 vehicles with faulty side-curtain air bag inflators. The recall impacts Infiniti QX30 hatchbacks manufactured between Oct. 10-16 last year, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The Defect
Affected models contain side-curtain air bag assemblies from the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based parts provider Autoliv ASP. These fixtures contain inflator initiators with incorrect mix ratios, which expressly violate Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Consequently, the side-curtain air bags may malfunction and fail to deploy in the event of a crash, leaving the operator and passengers without proper impact protection. This poses a serious risk to owners.
Timeline of Events
On Dec. 16, 2016, Autoliv contacted Nissan representatives and explained that it intended to recall its air bag inflators based on the results of a recent quality assurance evaluation. The parts provider had initiated an investigation into its inflator assemblies on Oct. 3, due to nonconforming QA test results, according NHTSA documents. After reviewing production processes, Autoliv discovered that an improperly configured programmable logic controller had altered the generant chemical mix and produced defective inflator initiators. The automated devices were reprogrammed with the incorrect mix ratio on June 16, 2016 in two separate fabrication facilities.
On November 30, the parts provider discussed the issue with NHTSA officials and roughly two weeks later began contacting affected customers.
After receiving confirmation of the defect, Nissan immediately initiated a recall. The car maker received updated information regarding the inflators throughout February 2017 and on the 28 of that month launched another recall campaign to address Infiniti QX30 models with faulty side-curtain air bags. Dealers received notification March 9.
The Solution
Nissan has ordered dealers to replace the air bag assemblies, according to the NHTSA. The car maker is expected to notify owners within 60 days of the initial recall date.
Fiat Recalls Defective Tire Pressure Indicators
March 15, 2017
Fiat Chrysler Recalls
Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective tire-pressure sensors and dash lights. The recall impacts Fiat 500X compact sport utility vehicles produced between December 2017 and January 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Approximately 100 percent of vehicles named in the recall have damaged tire-pressure sensor assemblies.
The Defect
Tire-pressure sensors and dash lights may malfunction in affected models. This increases the likelihood of an accident, as pressure could suddenly decrease and cause the vehicles to swerve. Even minor air unknown air leakage can impact driving capabilities and result in an accident. The defective features do not comport with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which dictate that dash lights must illuminate in the event that one or more tires loses pressure while operating.
Timeline of Events
On Feb. 17, 2017, the Auburn Hills-based electronics manufacturer that supplied the pressure sensor components conducted a quality assessment and noticed that the parts did not comply with American vehicle standards. The firm, Magneti Marelli Electronics, then notified Fiat Chrysler. The car maker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the results of the review and decided to conduct a voluntary recall on Feb. 28. Simultaneously, Magneti evaluated its production methods and introduced a new workflow that yielded parts compliant with U.S. vehicle fabrication regulations. These new processes were launched March 3, mitigating the likelihood of any future defects.
The Solution
Fiat Chrysler intends to notify both dealers and owners on April 21. Dealers will be required to replace the instrument panels in affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Owners will pay for these repairs up front and then submit receipts to Fiat Chrysler for reimbursement.
Ford Recalls Mustangs With Defective Door Handles
March 15, 2017
Ford Recalls
Dearborn, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Ford Motor Company has recalled 5,470 Mustang sports cars with defective interior door handles. The recall impacts models produced between Jan. 13 and Jan. 31 of this year, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
The Defect
Affected models include left interior door handles equipped with misoriented spring mechanisms. This defect may cause the door to open when subjected to inertia loads of 30gs or more. Motorists involved in accidents that impact the driver side are likely to suffer serious injury due to the faulty door handle. However, there have been no reported injuries connected to the defect.
Timeline of Events
In early January, a tier-two supplier noticed a missing spring in the left-hand door latch assembly designated for the Mustang. The company began an internal investigation, notifying both Ford and the original OEM parts producer, Key Plastics of Felton, Pennsylvania. Key Plastics immediately froze shipments containing the component and started its own inquiry. At the same time, engineers at the Ford assembly plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, found one vehicle containing a left-hand door handle with loose springs. This lead to a widespread evaluation in which 843 vehicles were reviewed. Approximately 14 contained the defective door handle assembly.
In February, the Critical Concerns Review Group at Ford looked over the data collected and determined that the fixture may be in violation of one or more Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The body ordered tests to determine how the door handles performed with one loose or missing spring. Engineers conducted the trials in early March and determined that the fixture was a serious safety hazard, as it came unlatched when subjected to a 30g force.
The Field Review Committee looked over the test results and soon after recommended that vehicles containing the defective left-hand door assemblies be recalled. Dealers received notification March 14.
The Solution
Ford has ordered dealers to inspect affected models and replace door handle springs, if necessary, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car maker intends to notify impacted Mustang owners, via mail, April 24.
Isuzu Recalls Trucks Due to Transmission Mounting Defect
March 15, 2017
Isuzu Recalls
Plymouth, Mich. – Mar. 15, 2017 – Isuzu has recalled 21,000 trucks due to transmission mounting issues. The recall impacts NPR HD, NPR XD, NRR and NQR commercial truck models produced between 2015 and 2017, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
Equipment used in the fabrication process burred the transmission mounting fixtures in these models. The resulting rough edges can degrade mounting studs, and in some cases cause complete breakage. This leaves the transmission unsupported, preventing it from shifting correctly and increasing the likelihood of failure. This poses serious risks to drivers and passengers, as the interruption in operation can lead to a crash.
Timeline of Events
In March 2016, the automaker received warranty claims related to degraded or failing transmission mounting brackets, according to an internal document. Investigators inspected some of the affected vehicles and discovered burrs near hole stamping locations meant to accommodate crossbars. Inspectors calculated a projected failure rate of .085 percent and established that serious problems began developing after the 60,000 mile mark.
Three months later, Isuzu engineers reviewed production protocols and added a new phase to fabrication process, which required shop-floor personnel to grind away burred edges. They also conducted road tests to replicate the issue. In June, the car manufacturer decided the problem posed few safety risks but continued to investigate.
Further testing occurred throughout fall 2016 and winter 2017. In January, Isuzu broached the idea of initiating a recall and discussed possible solutions to the problem. On Feb. 10, the automaker chose to launch an official recall.
The Solution
Isuzu has ordered dealers to install metal buffers to cut down on mounting stud stress. This repair is to be done free of charge. Owners are expected to receive communications regarding the recall in April.
Subaru Recalls Impreza Vehicles Due to Display Glitches [Video]
March 15, 2017
Subaru Recalls
Cherry Hill, N.J. — March 15, 2017 — Some Subaru Impreza vehicles are subject to a new recall, according to CNet.
The source said that these vehicles had display screen problems. Drivers attempting to use the backup camera could instead be greeted with an empty or frozen screen. The recall concerns approximately 26,564 autos. To fix this problem, dealers will install new software, supposedly as soon as March 20.
A user complaint from North Carolina addressed a similar concern with this same make and model last month. In a statement on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, this unnamed owned said that the radio presets disappeared days after using the vehicle, and that the in-car Starlink system was making noise due to a problem with system code.
According to this note, Subaru customer service verified this unnamed person’s vehicle defect.
Subura Recalling Cars for Problems with Rearview Camera [Video]
March 14, 2017
Subaru Recalls, Video
March 14, 2017 report from WILX NBC Channel 10 in Lansing, Michigan
Mercedes Issues Recall Over Faulty Software
March 14, 2017
Mercedes-Benz Recalls
Montvale, N.J. – March 14, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled dozens of vehicles with faulty software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts a variety of models with disparate production dates, including:
- AMG GT-S coupes produced between January 2008 and March 2017
- C 250 sedans produced between January 2008 and March 2017
- C 300 sedans produced between January 2008 and August 2014
- C 300 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- C 350 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- CLA 250 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- CLS 550 and 550 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- E 350, E 350 4Matic and BLUETEC sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- E 350 4Matic coupes produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- E 350 4Matic wagons produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- G 63 AMG sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- GL 450 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- GLC 300 AMG sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- GLE 300d 4Matic sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- GLK 350 sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- ML 350 4Matic and 4Matic BLUETEC sport utility vehicles produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- S 550 and S 550 4Matic sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- SL 550 sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
- SL 63 AMG sedans produced between January 2008 and January 2017
The Defect
Affected vehicles contain unit control software that has been improperly coded. This defect could manifest in various ways, depending on the model. It has been known to disrupt air bag deployment, seat belt recognition status and maximum speed settings. These issues could increase the likelihood of a crash, putting drivers and passengers at increased risk.
Timeline of Events
in December of last year, engineers at multiple Mercedes workshops notified the company that the unit control software in various models would not update. The car maker launched an investigation and determined that software was defective due to a coding error at the time of production. Over the next month, Mercedes personnel conducted additional reviews and compiled a list of models that could include the damaged code. In February 2017, engineers tested the defective software to determine how it might impact driveability, discovering multiple risk factors. In March, they performed further tests and concluded that the software might also affect emissions and therefore may not comply with regulations.
Mercedes chose to conduct a voluntary recall as result.
The Solution
The car maker will order dealers to update the software in affected models, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. There is currently no timetable for dealer or owner notification.
Jaguar Recalls Vehicles with Cracked Panels
March 14, 2017
Jaguar Recalls
Mahwah, N.J. – Mar. 14, 2017 – Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled a number of vehicles with cracked inner paneling. The recall impacts approximately nine Jaguar XF sport utility vehicles produced in December last year, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The left-hand inner still panels in the affected vehicles could be cracked. This damage leaves nearby fuel lines unprotected and prone to ignition in the event of a crash. This poses obvious risks to motorists, especially those involved in traffic incidents. There have been no reported injuries related to this defect.
Timeline of Events
On Dec. 19, 2016, an engineer assigned to the trim and final assembly team at the Jaguar Land Rover production facility in Castle Bromwich, U.K. spotted a crack in the inner still panel of a soon-to-be-shipped XF. On-site personnel investigated, while the automaker instituted an immediate freeze on shipments from the Castle Bromwich plant. Almost one month later, operations personnel reviewed the situation and elected to launch an official investigation into the problem. The stop shipment notice was renewed.
Jaguar Land Rover engineers investigated the fabrication process and concluded that friction between the press machine die and the material was the cause of the breakage. On Jan. 31, company engineers and executives met again to review engineering reports highlighting the proximity of fuel lines to the cracked left-hand inner still paneling. The group concluded the defect posed a serious risk to customers and issued a recall Feb. 2.
The Solution
Jaguar Land Rover has instructed dealers to inspect affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Should cracking appear, dealers are to repurchase the damaged XFs and provide new ones, free of charge. Owners are expected to receive notification by April 7.
New Volkswagen Recalls Concern Tire Label Issues [Video]
March 14, 2017
Volkswagen Recalls
Herndon, Va. — March 14, 2017 — A series of Volkswagen recalls address a possible Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards violation. The recalls, set to begin this month, concern tires with the wrong information, which could confuse drivers and lead them to make dangerous mistakes. In particular, they could put too much pressure on the tires, causing them to weaken.
Thousands of vehicles are part of this action all of which have the 2017 model year. According to Car Complaints, the tires give incorrect loading figures, possibly misleading owners. The manufacturer plans to fix the Beetle, Jetta and Jetta GLI cars included in this measure by replacing the labels. The new labels will display the right pressure information.
The particular relevant standard here, number one hundred and ten, requires certain vehicles to place important information on a vehicle placard. This includes the vehicle’s capacity weight and seated capacity.
