Daimler Vans Recalls Vehicles For Faulty Brake Lights

Daimler Vans Recalls Vehicles For Faulty Brake Lights

December 1, 2016 admin ,

Atlanta – Nov. 11, 2016 – Daimler Vans USA has announced a recall of Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans due to problems with brake warning light illumination.

The Defect

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Daimler will recall vans from the 2003-2006 model years – specifically, those manufactured between June 30, 2003 and Aug. 31, 2006. The problem is that the brake warning lamps located on the vehicles’ instrument clusters are failing to illuminate during startup.

This initial illumination is a good way to let the driver know that the light is functioning as intended. After that point, as long as the light remains off, drivers can be reasonably confident that they do not have any serious brake issues to address. The purpose of the lamp is to warn occupants of low brake fluid, which could severely impact their ability to stop on command.

Timeline of Events

April 2015 – Fiat Chrysler reportedly asked Daimler Vans for support with Dodge vehicles that failed the bulb check during New York State inspections. Daimler Vans examined numerous vehicle models from different years, as well as different instrument clusters, to locate the problems. This was a challenging process that required the manufacturer to study instrument cluster coding and analyze each system to determine the underlying cause. At first, Daimler Vans did not have access to all of the information necessary, forcing it to use other methods to replicate the problem.

October 2016 – Daimler Vans received more information about the faulty bulb, including the proper instrument coding. This allowed the manufacturers to determine exactly which vehicles were being affected.

The Solution

Daimler Vans will conduct a voluntary recall to examine each vehicle’s instrument cluster coding and fix any problems that can be found. This will be done free of charge. A schedule has not yet been announced.

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Takata Airbags A Problem For Chevrolet

Takata Airbags A Problem For Chevrolet

November 14, 2016 admin

General Motors has announced a recall of Chevrolet Malibu vehicles from the 2016 model year. These cars are suffering a defect in their Takata-manufactured airbags – marking yet another problem for the embattled company.

The Defect

General Motors will recall 2016 Chevrolet Malibu models manufactured between Nov. 18, 2015 and June 7, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. The cars have defective modules in their seat-mounted side-impact airbags that may cause the fabric of the airbag cushions to tear during deployment. This increases the risk that the airbags will not perform as designed, threatening the safety of the vehicles’ occupants.

Timeline

  • June 13, 2016 – Airbag supplier Takata discovered the fabric tear during a routine Lot Acceptance Test. Takata informed General Motors and then quarantined the entire shipment of supplies to confirm that the module was the cause of the problem. Specifically, the inflator may have been loaded with more propellant than necessary.
  • June 24, 2016 – General Motors opened an investigation into the issue after a report was filed on its Speak Up for Safety System.
  • July 13, 2016 – General Motors assigned a product investigator to look closely into the module issue.
  • Aug. 11, 2016 – General Motors learned that other inflators not included in the original quarantine may have similar problems, requiring further testing. The company’s Open Investigation Review then sought more data regarding the inflators.
  • Aug. 26, 2016 – Takata told General Motors that it found 18 modules with inflators that were heavier than they were supposed to be – meaning they could contain too much propellant.
  • Oct. 19, 2016 – General Motors decided to conduct the safety recall.

Resolution

Chevrolet dealers will inspect side airbags and replace them at no charge if faulty inflators are detected. Buyers are encouraged to contact their dealer as soon as possible.

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Isuzu Faces Accelerator Problems

Isuzu Faces Accelerator Problems

November 10, 2016 admin

Isuzu Technical Center has recently announced the recall of NPR and NPR HD vehicles, as well as the Chevrolet Low Cab Forward 3500 and 4500, due to faulty throttle pedals. These components have flaws that could prevent vehicles from decelerating as expected.

The Defect

Isuzu will recall vehicles from the 2014-2016 model years. The throttle pedals on these cars may get stuck under steel stopper bolts, causing the pedal to remain in the full-throttle position, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This makes it difficult for drivers to safely stop their vehicles and maintain control while on the road.

Timeline

  • July 2016 – Isuzu learned about a driver of a Model Year 2015 N-Series Gas vehicle who struggled to slow down when letting off the gas. The driver had to hit the brake in order to lose speed.
  • August 2016 – Isuzu received a warranty claim for another vehicle of the same model. Further investigation uncovered that some accelerator pedals may be susceptible to additional lateral force. In addition, the company reopened several prior investigations to see if there was a larger trend that had been missed. One pedal assembly was missing a fastener, while another had an excessively deformed bracket.
  • October 2016 – Isuzu issued the recall for all model years where similar issues have been reported.

Resolution

Isuzu will remove stopper bolts and replace them with flanged plates that will be bolted to the floor. This will prevent lateral movement and lessen straining on the components. This will be done free of charge, and any customer who has already paid for a replacement will be reimbursed.

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Subaru Addresses Potential Engine Fires

Subaru Addresses Potential Engine Fires

November 9, 2016 admin

Subaru is recalling several vehicle models in the U.S. due to engine problems that have the potential to cause fires. The defect was the result of an inappropriate manufacturing process, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

Subaru is recalling 100,127 Foresters from 2009-2013, Legacy and Outback models from 2007-2009 and WRX and STI models from 2008-2014. All models are equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The problem is that a faulty relay in these engines can cause the secondary air injection pump to fail. The pump may then end up working constantly, possibly overheating and melting and then igniting. Subaru believes that the check engine light would be lit if this had a chance of occurring in an affected vehicle.

Timeline

April 25, 2011: Fuji Heavy Industries, Inc. learned of a secondary air injection pump failure that caused the check engine light to go off, but did not result in fire. Fuji investigated and found that the relay associated with the pump had insufficient contact point pressure.

Oct. 10, 2013: Fuji learned of another secondary air injection pump catching fire, but could not investigate it properly.

May 8, 2015: Fuji was able to investigate a separate fire report and determined the cause.

Sept. 30, 2016: Fuji advised Subaru that it would have to conduct a recall of all affected vehicles in the United States.

Proposed Remedy

Subaru dealers will replace the affected secondary air injection pump with a countermeasured replacement pump. This will be done free of charge for all owners.

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Ford Recalls Mustangs Over Engine Defect

Ford Recalls Mustangs Over Engine Defect

November 8, 2016 admin

Detroit, MI – November 08, 2016 – Ford has announced the recall of Shelby GT350 and GT350R Mustangs, due to a defect that could lead to serious oil leaks, engine damage and possible fire hazards.

The Defect

Autoblog reports that Ford will be recalling 8,000 total vehicles of both models from the 2015-2017 model years. The issue is an engine oil cooler tube that could have poorly designed or insufficient crimps, which could lead to hose separation during operation. This could potentially result in an oil leak and engine failure. Owners could face an increased risk of crash or fire.

As yet, Ford says that it has no knowledge of any fires or accidents that have been caused by this defect.

Timeline Of Events

August 2016 – Ford received reports of an engine oil cooler tube replacement. The Ford Critical Concern Review Group determined that the hose in question had separated from a crimp joint.

September-October 2016 – Ford’s engineering teams attempted to analyze parts collected from the field, and determined that the hoses had not been secured properly. Specifically, the crimp process was conducted improperly, making it difficult to control crimp jaw location and hose insertion depth.

The Solution

Ford will soon notify owners of the recall, and will begin the repair process Dec. 12, 2016. Ford will replace the engine oil cooler tube at no cost to owners. Meanwhile, AutoBlog reports that Shelby GT350 Mustangs are still available for purchase, though they will not be delivered to customers and may not be driven until new parts are procured.

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Takata Airbags In Jeeps Leads To Recall

Takata Airbags In Jeeps Leads To Recall

November 7, 2016 admin

Fiat Chrysler has announced the recall of certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles after a problem was discovered that could prevent airbags from properly inflating. Takata Corporation, the maker of these airbags, has already been involved in a major safety recall.

The Defect

Some 2017 Jeep Cherokees manufactured between Oct. 13, 2016 and Oct. 17, 2016 may have improper welds on the driver’s knee airbag inflator. During a crash, these defects could stop the airbags from opening and protecting the driver.

Timeline

Sept. 24, 2016 – The Tier 2 ARC Automotive Inc. KAB inflators were produced. Maintenance was done on the optical lens covers of the welders used on the inflators.

Oct. 14, 2016 – The Takata Corporation reported two inflator failures in tests.

Oct. 17, 2016 – Takata notified Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Supplier Quality that some inflators had been welded improperly.

Oct. 18, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Suppliers Quality told Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance that an investigation would be needed.

Oct. 18-24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, Takata and ARC considered their immediate response, as well as correctives that could be taken in the long term to address this issue and prevent the problem from spreading to additional parts.

Oct. 23, 2016 – Takata made plans to keep inflators and ensure that they are all validated before being shipped out.

Oct. 24, 2016 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US determined that it would be best to issue a voluntary recall.

Resolution

Fiat Chrysler will conduct a voluntary recall on all affected vehicles in order to replace the defective inflators. The company also plans to reimburse drivers for any expenses associated with repairing this problem on their own.

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