February 16, 2017 report from ABC St. Louis News
![Recall Danger: 63 Million Vehicles on the Road Have Unchecked Recalls [Video]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHdpZHRoPSIyMDAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAwIj48cmVjdCB3aWR0aD0iMTAwJSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMDAlIj48YW5pbWF0ZSBhdHRyaWJ1dGVOYW1lPSJmaWxsIiB2YWx1ZXM9InJnYmEoMTUzLDE1MywxNTMsMC41KTtyZ2JhKDE1MywxNTMsMTUzLDAuMSk7cmdiYSgxNTMsMTUzLDE1MywwLjUpIiBkdXI9IjJzIiByZXBlYXRDb3VudD0iaW5kZWZpbml0ZSIgLz48L3JlY3Q+PC9zdmc+)
Recall Danger: 63 Million Vehicles on the Road Have Unchecked Recalls [Video]
February 16, 2017
Video
Chrysler Recalls 300 and Charge Models Over Loose Bolts
February 16, 2017
Chrysler Recalls, Dodge Recalls
Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 16, 2017 – Chrysler has recalled more than 69,000 vehicles due to loose driveshaft bolts. The recall affects Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger all-wheel-drive sedans produced between 2014 and 2017, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
The affected all-wheel-drive models feature abnormally loose driveshaft bolts. These fixtures can slacken to such an extent that the driveshaft disconnects completely and the vehicle loses power. This poses a serious hazard to drivers and can result in injury. There have been no reports of related injuries, according to the car manufacturer.
Timeline of Events
- In January 2016, police departments across the country reported loose driveshaft bolts in interceptor versions of the Dodge Charger. Chrysler investigated the claim, and one month later evaluated fabrication procedures at its assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario.
- On March 2, 2016, Chrysler launched an additional investigation into consumer models with the same driveshaft assembly. This included all-wheel-drive Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models produced between 2014 and 2017.
- On June 30, 2016, the automaker advised engineers at the Brampton plant to increase the torque on driveshaft bolts to achieve optimal clamp load. Field reports following this change showed no signs of looseness.
- Between June 2016 and February 2017, Chrysler collected and analyzed vehicle and warranty data to determine the scope of the problem.
- On Feb. 3, 2017, Chrysler closed its review, identifying 69,298 potentially affected models.
- On Feb. 7, 2017, the vehicle manufacturer initiated a voluntary recall.
The Solution
Chrysler has directed dealers to replace the driveshaft bolts in affected models free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin March 31, 2017. Owners should expect to receive notice soon.
Mazda Recalls Sedans With Broken Seats
February 15, 2017
Mazda Recalls
Washington, D.C. – Feb. 15, 2017 – Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will recall almost 174,000 vehicles due to faulty driver seats. The recall affects 2011 Mazda 2 subcompacts, along with Mazda 3 and Mazdaspeed 3 compacts produced in 2010 and 2011, according to documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
Faulty seat height adjustment links lie at the heart of the problem. These fixtures are abnormally weak in the affected models and can loosen, or in some cases detach completely, causing the driver seat to recline dramatically. This increases the likelihood of an accident.
Timeline of Events
Several Mazda owners have filed NHTSA complaints mentioning the issue. The earliest dates back to April 2012, when one Mazda 3 owner in Decatur, Alabama discovered that the adjustment rail on the front driver seat had snapped. Another Mazda 3 owner in Port Jefferson Station, New York filed a complaint earlier this month, telling the NHTSA that the adjustment link gave way suddenly during operation. The driver urged the agency to address the issue with Mazda.
“The manufacturer should have a recall on this problem immediately before someone gets killed,” the complaint read.
The NHTSA submitted the official recall Feb. 8 and contacted Mazda five days later.
The Resolution
Mazda dealers have been instructed to evaluate affected vehicles, specifically the driver seat adjustment link. If this fixture is cracked, on-site personnel will replace it entirely with a modified part. Should the adjustment link show no damage, it will be reinforced with an additional bracket. Mazda has also advised dealers to install two extra push nuts per link in these cases. These repairs will be performed free of charge.
The carmaker is expected to notify all dealers by March 15, while owners should receive confirmation by March 31.
Recently Produced Trucks Part of Bumper-Related Toyota Recalls
February 14, 2017
Toyota Recalls
Torrance Calif. — Feb. 14, 2017 — Some of the 2016 and 2017 Toyota Tundra vehicles produced in recent years could be subject to a new recall for exterior issues that could affect safety. Late in January, a safety recall report appeared online in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database, describing an ongoing effort.
The Defect
According to the report, the issue involved bumper resin brackets on the rear steps of these vehicles. These brackets may not be able to withstand some damage, the source said, and could weaken the bumper, causing it to fall off if someone stepped on it. The problem seems to stem, at least in part, from the use of ineffective brackets, and affects 72,847 vehicles produced within a time span of more than a year, from July 29, 2015 to Dec. 22, 2016.
Timeline of Events
- Early 2016: Although a Toyota field report claimed that a customer had broken off a piece of a vehicle bumper, the company was unsure of the source of the defect and determined that it was not due to “external influence,” according to an official chronology.
- Mid 2016 to Early 2017: Further investigation by the company revealed the link between initial damage to bumper brackets and subsequent damage to the bumper itself. More reports about this issue also spurred Toyota’s efforts to discover the cause, eventually leading to 40 total related warranty claims (only seven of which are confirmed).
- Early 2017: The recall safety campaign was confirmed Jan. 18 and the manufacturer reported it Jan. 24. The Recall Acknowledgement letter submitted to the NHTSA is dated for Feb. 6, 2017.
The Resolution
While the dealer notification date has already passed, the owner notification dates were listed to fall between Feb. 15 and March 25, 2017. The remedy will reportedly involve replacing the bumper tread covers in affected vehicles, as well as steel brackets to replace those made of resin.
Ford Safety Compliance Recall Addresses Display Issues
February 13, 2017
Ford Recalls
Dearborn, Mich. — Feb. 13, 2017 — As part of a joint recall announcement, Ford Motor Company recently explained an effort to correct an instrument cluster display problem. Affected vehicles could end up failing the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard if the instrument clusters lose power.
Released in January, the statement has added timeliness because the issue is increasingly likely in cold conditions. The company noted that the recall involved around 8,000 vehicles, with 6,792 of them in the U.S. and the rest in Canada and Mexico.
The Defect
The Part 573 Safety Recall Report said that the panel cluster’s display could fail to show important indicators. These include some warning chimes and lights, as well as the transmission gear a driver has currently selected. The display could be affected for up to several minutes, leaving the driver confused and liable to make a critical mistake. This is a particular risk while driving in low temperatures, as this could cause the power supply to function incorrectly.
Timeline of Events
- Oct. 4, 2016: The earliest production date for the affected Ford F-150 vehicles.
- November 2016: Multiple display problems caused Ford to halt the F-150 from shipping, with the company undertaking an investigation based on initial observations.
- December 2016: Ford and the supplier, Visteon, continued looking into the matter as engineers discovered the link between the defect and cold temperatures. While Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group asked for more details, the engineering department investigated further.
- January 2017: The offending power supply chip was discovered, and the Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall after review, similar to another recall announced around the same time.
Resolution
The recall report said that owner notification would be finished by Feb. 13, 2017. The repair, covered by the affected vehicles’ original warranties, would reportedly involve reprogramming the instrument clusters as necessary, with no cost to the consumer.
Pair of 2016 Models Part of New Ford Recalls
February 10, 2017
Ford Recalls
Dearborn, Mich. — Feb. 10, 2017 — A shared defect has two different Ford models from 2016 included in a new recall. This action stems from structural issues within just 17 vehicles across these models, which had already prompted attention.
The Defect
The apron joints on the left side of floor pans in affected vehicles are, according to documents from the NHTSA, incorrectly welded in these autos. The 17 vehicles included in the recall are all in the U.S. and cover 2016 Ford Focus and C-Max vehicles from the company’s Michigan assembly plant. Both of the models were produced in the last full week of October last year.
As the source described, the improper welding means the fronts of these vehicles would be weakened, making them more susceptible to damage. In a Jan. 26 statement, Ford said that no accidents or injuries were yet connected to this problem.
Timeline of Events
- Oct. 25, 2016: The day before the first production for both of these brands. The joints were actually already repaired before the vehicles were originally released with rivets, but later tests showed possible dangerous errors in the process.
- Jan. 17, 2017: After two months of analysis, the manufacturer’s Field Review Committee approves the recall action, which is covered under the original vehicle warranties and will therefore be free of charge for owners. The decision only came after the Critical Concerns Review Group prompted analysis in an earlier response.
Resolution
To fix the issue, car owners will be instructed to take the vehicles to their dealer to get them fixed. This could involve inspecting the rivets and replacing as needed. While the original Part 573 Safety Recall Report said the dealer notification date was set for Jan. 25, owners are not slated for notification until the first full week of March.
Nissan Recalls Altima Vehicles for Rear Door Problem
February 7, 2017
Nissan Recalls
Washington, D.C. – Feb. 7, 2017 – A Nissan recall could target certain newer Altima models over possible door latch concerns. This represents the most recent door-related issue for this vehicle in a series of several.
The Defect
This recall affects 341,005 Altima vehicles with the 2015, 2016 and 2017 model years. According to the recall acknowledgement statement submitted Jan. 18, a poorly routed lock could mean the rear door in some of these vehicles accidentally opens when the rear window is lowered. This is because the latch-lock cable in affected vehicles could interfere with the window regulator.
Timeline of Events
According to an official Part 573 Recall Report, the manufacturer noticed the defect between July and August. Although Nissan determined the cause by the start of October, it didn’t confirm the need for a recall until later in the year, making the official decision on Jan. 10, 2017. Despite early estimates that this was confined to a single vehicle, later tests showed how the production process could create the same defect again.
Resolution
As of this writing, there was no official owner notification date listed on the latest recall report. However, the initial acknowledgement did state that the fix would involve an update to the cable to prevent this issue in the future.
Last January, a different Nissan recall concerned the hood latches in 2013, 2014 and 2015 Nissan Altima vehicles. That error left affected vehicles at risk of opening hoods while driving, as the secondary latches stuck in open position. A patch will reportedly make the door’s sealing screen more effective, as the vehicle accommodates the proper cable housing.
The recall affected 846,000 vehicles subject to earlier recalls, and the 2016 recall was meant to replace the earlier efforts as dealers installed more up-to-date hood latches into these vehicles.
Honda Recalls World’s Only Air Bag-Equipped Motorcycle
February 6, 2017
Honda Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls
Torrance, Calif. – Feb. 06, 2017 – Honda is recalling 882 motorcycles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags. The recall affects the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle – the only motorcycle in the world today equipped with an air bag. The recall covers the following models:
- 2006-2007 Honda GL1800 Gold Wings
- 2012 Honda GL1800 Gold Wings
Recall Summary
According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the propellant wafers in some air bag inflators may degrade over time due to excessive heat or humidity. If the air bags are activated, they could do so with excessive force, causing the inflators to rupture and spread shrapnel at the rider. In addition, some defective air bags in automobiles have inflated without warning, causing injury and death. As of this year, 11 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been attributed to faulty Takata air bags around the world.
Due to the impact of climate on the air bags, the recall will focus on specific regional zones:
- All of the above models sold and registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Island.
- Model year 2006-2009 motorcycles sold and registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
- Model year 2006 – 2008 motorcycles sold and registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Honda previously recalled 2,701 2006 – 2010 Gold Wing motorcycles for a similar air bag issue in June 2016. The effort was also largely focused on areas of the U.S. where high heat and humidity was the norm.
The repair
Honda will notify all motorcycle owners of the recall, and dealers will replace the air bag module, free of charge. The recall will occur in phases, based on risk levels. Those manufactured between 2006 and 2010 will be recalled first, while the rest will be handled next. If customers have already chosen to have a dealer deactivate the air bag while they wait for replacement parts, it is important for them to determine that the module has indeed been completely turned off before getting a replacement. This can be done by disconnecting the negative battery terminal and checking the fuse plate.
Is your vehicle part of the recall?
Over 800 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 24, 2018, – the last date for which information was available – 434 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.
BMW recalling 230K vehicles that may have Takata air bags [Video]
February 3, 2017
BMW Recalls
February 3, 2017 report from WSVN-TV Channel 7 News from Miami
Bus Manufacturer Addresses Emergency Brake Problems
February 2, 2017
Miscellaneous Recalls
Middlebury, Ind. – Feb. 02, 2017 – ARBOC Specialty Vehicles, LLC, announced that it would have to recall some of its buses in response to a defect that may lead to sudden, accidental brake engagement.
The Defect
ARBOC will recall model year 2015-2016 ARBOC Spirit of Liberty buses manufactured between Nov. 7, 2014 and July 29, 2016. According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the parking brake on these vehicles can engage if the doors are opened at any speed. If the door happens to open accidentally, this could cause the bus to suddenly slow down and stop. It is believed that an electrical flaw in the system caused the two functions to connect.
Timeline of Events
- Oct. 10, 2016 – The manufacturer received a notice that a driver had experienced a sudden parking brake activation when the entry door was opened. This notice was then sent to dealers.
- Dec. 6, 2016 – A Freightliner repair shop told the manufacturer that a bus had come into the shop after its parking brake failed while driving at highway speeds. The bus had not been fixed yet, and at the time the repair was considered optional. However, the high-speed failure led the manufacturer to consider a full recall.
Resolution
All dealers will notify affected customers, the process of which may take up to two weeks to complete. Once this is done, vehicle owners will be able to bring their buses in to dealers, who will make adjustments to the parking brake. Owners will then be able to file warranty claims with the manufacturer.
