Brake, Axel Defects Lead To Mercedes Recalls

Brake, Axel Defects Lead To Mercedes Recalls

January 10, 2017 admin

Montvale, N.J. – Jan. 10, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has just announced a series of recalls related to assembly problems. In one instance, an improperly fitted connection threatens to make brake pedals less effective over time. In another, faulty axle bolts risk fracture, possibly causing vehicles to lose control during operation.

These issues affect a range of vehicles and will be addressed early in the year.

Description of Defects

The first defect affects model year 2014 CLA250 vehicles that are equipped with gasoline engines and were manufactured between Dec. 14, 2012 and April 24, 2013. According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these vehicles contain fittings that connect vacuum lines to brake boosters. These may be poorly fitted and can break during use. If that happens, the brake booster would no longer exist in a vacuum, causing brake force to steadily decrease over time.

Eventually, as drivers use the brake pedal, brake force would diminish to nothing, severely increasing the risk of control loss and crashes.

The second defect affects the following seven vehicles models:

  • The model year 2015 GL350 4MATIC BLUETEC with diesel power train.
  • The model year 2015 GL450 4MATIC with gas power train.
  • The model year 2015 GL550 4MATIC with gas power train.
  • The model year 2015 and 2016 GL63 AMG 4MATIC with gas power train.
  • The model year 2015 ML250 BLUETEC with diesel power train.
  • The model year 2015 ML350 with gas power train.
  • The model year 2015 ML350 4MATIC with gas power train.

All of these vehicle models were manufactured between Sept. 29, 2014 and March 27, 2015.

According to NHTSA documents, they all have improperly assembled front and/or rear axle bolts, which risk fracturing during operation. This could leave the vehicles in unstable condition and increase the risk of a serious crash.

Timeline of Events

Brake Defect

  • 2014: Mercedes-Benz manufacturer Daimler AG initially received field reports of customers experiencing sudden, unexplained brake failure. The manufacturer conducted an initial investigation to determine the source of the problem. It identified the broken connection piece of the brake booster vacuum line in affected vehicles. Months later, Daimler AG had analyzed the break, as well as the production process, but could not determine a cause of the problem.
  • 2015: The company initiated a Six Sigma Black Belt project late in the year to make another attempt at discovering a cause. This time, the search revealed that there were certain material deficiencies along specific portions of the assembly line, which lead to the defect. Specifically, the application of high levels of force during the assembly process led to weakened components.
  • December 2016: Daimler AG determined that a safety risk existed as a result of the defect.

Axle Bolt Defect

  • April 2016: Two vehicles with weak axle carrier bolts were reported in the Chinese market. Daimler AG launched an investigation and determined that the problem was not the result of an initial production error, but rather that it occurred during a rework. Further review of other reworks led to the identification of all other affected models.
  • December 2016: Daimler AG determined that a serious safety risk existed and recommended a recall.

Resolution

Owners will be notified of all defects and asked to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers, who will repair or replace the affected components at no cost to the owner.

adminBrake, Axel Defects Lead To Mercedes Recalls

Hyundai Faces Transmission Lawsuit [Video]

January 9, 2017 admin ,

Plaintiffs in a recent lawsuit are alleging that Hyundai vehicle models with 7-speed automatic transmissions have defects that can cause them to stop moving.

The cars named in the lawsuit include the Hyundai’s Electra Eco, Sonata Eco, Tucson and Veloster Turbo. Plaintiffs claim that shortly after they purchased their Veloster Turbo, they lost the ability to accelerate while driving on the highway.

The problem may be related to a dual-clutch transmission control module, which determines the best gear-shifting option for optimal fuel efficiency. A malfunction could cause acceleration problems or stalling without warning.

Hyundai has conducted related vehicle recalls for transmission issues in the past, but the plaintiffs state that nothing has been done to solve this particular problem.

adminHyundai Faces Transmission Lawsuit [Video]
Chrysler Recalls Vans Over Airbag Defect

Chrysler Recalls Vans Over Airbag Defect

January 6, 2017 admin

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Jan. 06, 2017 – Chrysler recently announced that it will be recalling certain model year 2017 RAM ProMaster cargo vans as a result of a defect that may affect the ability of the side air bags to function properly.

The Defect

Some vehicles appear to have been manufactured with faulty airbag inflator initiators, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the event of an accident, these inflators may fail to ignite when the car senses a collision, even if it sends the correct voltage. These inflators govern side air bags, and if those do not deploy properly, vehicle occupants could be at higher risk of injury or death during crashes.

Initial reports suggested that the affected vehicles were manufactured between June 6, 2016 and December 7, 2016. However, updated documents filed with the NHTSA have narrowed that gap to Oct. 1, 2016 and Dec. 7, 2016.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 7, Autoliv Group, the makers of the inflator component, discovered a potential defect and informed Chrysler of the problem. Further investigation allowed the manufacturer to narrow down the specific serial numbers of the parts that were affected, allowing Chrysler to pinpoint the relevant manufacturing dates. The automaker then opted to conduct a recall.

Resolution

Chrysler will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles Jan. 28, 2017. The airbags on these vehicles will be replaced, and owners will be reimbursed for any costs they have incurred as a result of the defect or the subsequent recall.

adminChrysler Recalls Vans Over Airbag Defect
Nissan Announces Recall Over Mislabeled Seat Component

Nissan Announces Recall Over Mislabeled Seat Component

January 5, 2017 admin ,

Franklin, Tenn. – Jan. 05, 2017 – Nissan has announced that it must recall several vehicle models due to labeling errors on crucial components that may result in improper configurations and malfunctions.

The Defect

The problem appears to stem from a supplier error. Calsonic Kansei, a Tier 2 supplier, incorrectly labeled boxes of occupant classification system electronic control units. As a result, these parts were incorrectly installed into car seats, which meant that they may not have received the correct software. The purpose of these sensors is to determine whether a seat is occupied so air bag deployment can be governed. Any error could inadvertently prevent air bag deployment in the event of an accident, which could lead to injury or death.

Specifically, the defect affected model year 2013-2015 Altima vehicles manufactured between Jan. 3, 2013 and July 29, 2013, model year 2015-2016 Rogue vehicles manufactured between Oct. 14, 2014 and Aug. 12, 2016, and model year 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured between June 4, 2015 and Aug. 19, 2015.

Timeline of Events

  • August 2016 – A Nissan dealer reported to the manufacturer that it had experienced an error while reprogramming the electronic control units.
  • October 2016 – Further analysis revealed that the wrong components had been installed, due to the mislabeling.
  • November 2016 – Nissan reviewed millions of production records to identify all vehicles that may have received a mislabeled component.
  • December 2016 – Nissan announced a voluntary recall of the vehicles.

Resolution

Nissan will replace the affected components and reprogram them with the latest software. This will be done free of charge.

adminNissan Announces Recall Over Mislabeled Seat Component
Ford Contends With Oil Leak

Ford Contends With Oil Leak

January 4, 2017 admin

Dearborn, Mich – Jan. 04, 2017 – Ford has announced a recall of multiple vehicle models as a result of oil supply tubes that may leak oil onto engine components, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Defect

The problem stems from improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes that can leak oil on engine components, which could potentially start fires during operation.

The automaker will be recalling the following vehicles:

  • Model year 2016 Ford Taurus manufactured at the Chicago plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 2, 2016.
  • Model year 2016-2017 Ford Flex made at the Oakville plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2016.
  • Model year 2017 Explorer made at the Chicago plant and between Oct. 15, 2016 to Nov. 12, 2016.
  • Model year 2017 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility made at the Chicago plant on Nov. 2, 2016.
  • Model year 2016-2017 Flex made at the Oakville plant and between Oct. 18, 2016 and Nov. 10, 2016.

Timeline of Events

  • Oct. 28, 2016 – Ford plant operators discovered an oil leak during a routine inspection, prompting further review.
  • Nov. 1, 2016 – Additional inspections revealed that of nearly 15,000 oil supply tubes, 38 had leaks.
  • Dec. 12, 2016 – Ford approved a recall of the affected models.

Resolution

Ford will notify vehicle owners by mail if they have an affected model. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and provide replacement parts, free of charge, if necessary. The recall process is scheduled to begin Jan. 23, 2017, though owners may contact Ford earlier if they wish.

adminFord Contends With Oil Leak

NHTSA Speeds Takata Recall Process [Video]

January 3, 2017 admin

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is attempting to speed up the recall of Takata air bags, which so far are believed to have been responsible for 180 injuries and 11 deaths in the U.S.

Though automakers have already recalled 46 Takata air bag inflators in 26 million vehicles across the U.S., the NHTSA just issued an amended order that will set a timetable for when repairs must be carried out. Under the rule, automakers will have to notify the agency when they have enough replacement parts to begin making repairs.

This will still be a lengthy process. The NHTSA’s most recent timeline calls for the final batch of repairs to begin by September 2020.

adminNHTSA Speeds Takata Recall Process [Video]
Additional Chevy Malibus Recalled Over Takata Air Bag Defect

Additional Chevy Malibus Recalled Over Takata Air Bag Defect

December 29, 2016 admin ,

Warren, Mich. – Dec. 29, 2016 – General Motors will recall certain 2017 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles for defects with Takata air bag inflators. These problems were similar to the reasons that led to a recent recall of 2016 Malibu vehicles.

The Defect

General Motors will recall all 2017 Malibu vehicles manufactured on Nov. 10, 2016, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The right-hand rear side air bag inflators in these cars appear to lack sufficient welds, which could cause the inflators to separate at random. As a result, these air bags are at risk for spontaneous deployment that can project debris and cause injury or death among vehicle occupants.

Timeline of Events

  • November 13, 2016 – Takata informed General Motors inflators have ruptured during lot tests of modules.
  • November 14, 2016 – General Motors opened an investigation into the issue and attempted to locate all of the other inflators that originated from the same lot as the failed component.
  • November 16, 2016 – Further tests of the failed inflator confirmed the underlying issue was an incorrect seam weld. No other issues could be found in inflators from the same lot.
  • November 18, 2016 – General Motors decided to conduct a recall on the entire lot, affecting every Malibu vehicle made on November 10.

Resolution

General Motors will send notifications to all vehicle owners containing additional information about the recall schedule. As these cars are still under warranty, no reimbursement will be offered, but dealers will replace the side air bag modules free of charge.

adminAdditional Chevy Malibus Recalled Over Takata Air Bag Defect
Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

December 28, 2016 Sean Reyes

Recall Masters – December 28, 2016.

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesMitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution
Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

December 28, 2016 admin

Dec. 28, 2016 – Cypress, Calif. – Defective lift gates on several vehicles models have led Mitsubishi to conduct a recall of those that have been affected.

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury.

Timeline of Events

January 2016 – A supplier informed Mitsubishi that corrosion in a similar outer lift gate tube had caused the inner spring to snap off. The supplier suggested that Mitsubishi investigate its own components as well.

December 2016 – After a full investigation, Mitsubishi had no knowledge of any documented cases of failure on any of its vehicles. The company decided to conduct the recall out of a sense of caution, to ensure no future problems will arise.

Resolution

Mitsubishi is currently working with dealers to determine the best date in which to inform customers of the recall. Owners will be encouraged to visit their nearest dealer to have their existing lift gate replaced, free of charge.

adminMitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution
Ladder Weakness Leads To Motor Home Recall

Ladder Weakness Leads To Motor Home Recall

December 26, 2016 admin

Dec. 26, 2016 – Elkhart, Ind. – Forest River Inc. has announced the recall of several model motor homes with defective ladders, which could prove to be dangerous.

The Defect

The recall will affect the following four model years of vehicles:

  • 2015-2017 FR3 motor homes manufactured between Sept.24, 2014 and May 12, 2016
  • 2015-2017 Prime Time Spartan toy haulers manufactured between June 10, 2014 and May 31, 2016
  • 2013-2016 Palomino Columbus toy haulers manufactured between Oct. 4, 2012 and Dec. 4, 2015
  • 2015-2016 XLR Thunderbolt and Nitro toy haulers manufactured between May 23, 2014 and Nov. 23, 2016

The ladders on these vehicles are welded to mounting plates that may separate from their hinges, according to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The inadequate welding meant that if too much weight was applied to the ladders, they might separate from their vehicles.

Timeline of Events

  • Nov. 2, 2016 – The Office of Corporate Compliance at Forest River learned of the possible defect from Christianson Industries and launched an investigation of the problem.
  • Nov. 3-4, 2016 – Forest River confirmed that the ladders it had installed on its vehicles were made by Christianson Industries. The company then concluded that a recall would be the best course of action.

Resolution

All owners will be notified of the recall. Forest Hills plans to mail out a repair kit to all owners that will allow them to make the necessary fixes. This kit will contain six brackets, six bolts and six lock washers, as well as mechanical fasteners. These will be shipped out free of charge.

adminLadder Weakness Leads To Motor Home Recall

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