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For GM SUVs, Faulty Brake Pedal Means Recall

February 19, 2016 admin GMC Recalls

Warren, MI — February 19, 2016 — According to Reuters, a new recall across North America will target vehicles with potentially loose brake pedal pivot systems. Currently, there are no reports of injuries stemming from this fault, which could be present in Chevrolet Silverado HD and Tahoe vehicles, as well as the GMC Sierra. Dealers will inspect and tighten the loose pivot nuts, using adhesive to keep them in place. This will reduce the chance of a brake pedal failure.

“Recall numbers exceed 473,000 across all of the endangered brands.”

Though the bulk of the recalled units are in the United States, 46,837 of these vehicles are in Canada. As of this writing, there are no reports on these new GM recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In the United States, recall numbers exceed 473,000 across all of the endangered brands. Multiple sources note that the targeted vehicles include those used for police action.

Last month, General Motors issued a statement expressing support for “proactive safety principles” as that organization works with major automakers.

“At GM, we are focused on the customer, and we put safety at the forefront of everything we do,” this release said. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to work with experts in government and industry on the vital issues of automotive safety and cybersecurity.” It also singled out Anthony Foxx of the Department of Transportation and Mark Rosekind of NHTSA for particular praise.

While owners wait for more information, the Associated Press reports that the brake pedal failure could trigger the brake lights to stay on unusually long periods of time, as Canadian regulators note.

Hood Latches in Subaru Recalls Could Fail

February 18, 2016 admin Subaru Recalls

Cherry Hill, NJ — February 18, 2016 — A new Subaru recall meant to address problems with hood latches includes vehicles with the model years between . A Recall Acknowledgement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that affected vehicles could include hoods that might accidentally open without warning.

The recall population contains a total of 77,000 Subaru Tribeca light vehicles, with manufacture dates ranging from 2004 to 2014 . As the official Part 573 Recall Report notes, this single recall actually centers around two possible causes, both of which could compromise the hood.

This is due to malfunctioning front hood safety and lock assemblies, both manufactured by Johnan America, Inc. The former system could cause a hook to seize up over time and cease functioning correctly: the latter may rust and leave the hood unlocked. Both of these problems have to occur simultaneously to cause an issue. Earlier this year, Subaru became aware of a lawsuit involving a 2006 vehicle in which the hood opened suddenly during use.

In a message to dealers, the manufacturer described the two-phase remedy process, which won’t be possible until the countermeasure parts are available “later this year.” Phase one will consist of an inspection and “interim repair.”

“Retailers will inspect, clean and lubricate the hood safety system and hood lock system,” the message reads. “After this is performed, they will check for proper operation. If it does not work properly, the hood safety system will be replaced with the current style part.”

This February 2 document also announced that owners would be informed within 60 days, with retailers notified as the Subaru recalls continue.

Two Recalls Affect Mazda CX-5

February 16, 2016 admin Mazda Recalls

Irvine, CA — February 16, 2016 — A pair of recent recalls bring consequences for the Mazda CX-5 vehicles. Most recently, Automotive News reports that more than 264,463 vehicles are subject to a possible fuel pipe issue. No injuries have been reported due to this problem, but the manufacturer still asserts that a possible fuel leak after a collision could lead to danger for occupants.

In addition to a recall, Mazda is also stopping the sale of all CX-5s with the model years between 2014 and 2016. Since repair parts aren’t yet available, dealers can provide a “loaner, demo or rental” to relieve the customer until repairs begin. The recall reportedly comes after testing revealed a lack of compliance.

Another recall announced last month also has ties to the CX-5, although this one comes not from the manufacturer but from supplier Pilkington North America. A Part 573 Safety Recall Report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that replacement windshields may have defective brackets.

“On a small number of parts, a bracket installed on the inside of the windshield may have been affixed improperly,” the report reads. “This bracket is used to hold a separate laser sensor or LIDAR device that is linked to the vehicle’s Smart City Brake Support System.” The brackets in 305 units may potentially break under pressure, posing problems for the CX-5 brake system. There may not be any warning signs for owners other than possible shaking.

The new brackets “will be firmly affixed with urethane” rather than the tape used in the old ones.

Volkswagen Moving Forward with Recall Plans in California

February 15, 2016 admin Volkswagen Recalls

Sacramento, CA — February 15, 2016 — With the revelation that Volkswagen vehicles were deliberately engineered to fool emissions tests, pressure has been on the manufacturer to correct this fault. Although the scandal involved hundreds of thousands of cars with 2.0 liter engines, Reuters reports that the auto company recently proposed to adjust the emissions levels of vehicles with 3.0 liter engines.

The source says that Volkswagen’s plan will address the high emissions generated by 80,000 units, including VW, Porsche and Audi models dating as far back as the 2009 model year. The engines in these vehicles reportedly produce pollution “nine times” higher than regulations allow, while emissions from the 2.0 liter engines were as high as 40 times the acceptable amount.

Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are reviewing the proposal. The latter organization published a press release announcing its intent to do so.

“VW has stated this plan is intended to remedy the presence of one or more defeat devices in 2009-2015 model year 3.0 liter diesel vehicles,” it said. “CARB will respond following a thorough and complete review to make sure the plan addresses the presence of the illegal defeat device and follows the necessary environmental, vehicle and public health and safety regulations,” the statement adds.

The Federal Transport Authority in Germany recently approved Volkswagen recalls for its 2.0-liter engine vehicles in Europe. Altogether, the company will need to recall 11 million vehicles from around the world, with the majority in Europe.The Wall Street Journal reports that this action is scheduled to conclude by the end of this year.

New Nissan Recall Addresses Hood Latch Issues

February 11, 2016 admin Nissan Recalls

Franklin, TN — February 11, 2016 — Because of issues with the hood latches in hundreds of thousands of Altimas, Nissan has issued a recall, set to take effect sometime later this month. The Part 573 Safety Recall Report, submitted through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on January 21, states that 846,000 vehicles manufactured at plants in Tennessee and Missouri are at possible risk in this action.

“The new remedy replaces the latch entirely.”

The report further describes the latch problem as the result of improper plating at the supplier, Ontario-based Intier Automotive, Inc. Paint can flake off of the affected latches, potentially leading to corrosion that leaves the secondary hood latch in a vulnerable open position.

The hood could then open while the vehicle is moving, causing a visual hazard for the driver. Model years for these 4-door light vehicles range from 2013 to 2015.

This issue was the subject of previous recalls, in which the solution involved lubricating the latch joint after a sufficient inspection. The new remedy replaces the latch entirely, and should be taken by owners that were part of the earlier recall actions.

“The hood latch in the subject vehicles will be replaced with a new one, even if the customer received a new latch as part of the repair for the previous recall,” the report reads.

While there are no crashes currently connected to this problem, Reuters notes that the manufacturer has received complaints regarding hoods that unlatch and open unexpectedly, and that the two other similar Nissan recalls happened within the past two years. The new recall also reportedly concerns 58,644 vehicles outside of North America.

More than 300,000 Vehicles Recalled in New Toyota Action

February 10, 2016 admin Takata Airbag Recalls, Toyota Recalls

Tokyo, Japan — February 10, 2016 — Toyota’s new recall involves roof-mounted side airbags in a variety of models. The Associated Press featured a list of the affected vehicles, which include Tundras, Sequoias, Land Cruisers, 4-Runners and Lexus LX and GX 470s with model years ranging from 2003 to 2006. According to this source, occupants of these vehicles are at risk due to badly programmed air bag control computers.

“Occupants of these vehicles are at risk due to badly programmed air bag control computers.”

Altogether, the recall will involve 320,000 vehicles, which will be inspected by the appropriate dealers. Although no official notification date was listed, a press release from the manufacturer said that owners will be notified “by first class mail” as part of the recall.

This statement also added that the replacement airbag control module will have “improved programming” that unnecessarily triggers the Curtain-Shield-Airbags (CSAs), which could actually cause more danger. Earlier this month, a similar recall concerned thousands of Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h vehicles for knee airbag modules: in that case, the modules were said to be improperly manufactured.

“Due to improper programming in the airbag control modules, there is a possibility that, under certain specific and limited conditions shortly after startup, the CSAs and seat belt pretensioners could activate when not necessary,” the statement said. “Unexpected activation of the CSAs could increase the risk of injury to the occupant,” it added.

As Automotive News stated, neither of these Toyota recalls are connected to the Takata airbag inflator concerns that have affected millions of units. However, 2015 Toyota vehicles are reportedly part of the ongoing investigations.

BMW i8 Vehicles Recalled for Stability Issues [Video]

February 9, 2016 admin BMW Recalls, Video

Westwood, NJ — February 22, 2016 — Just 16 vehicles are part of a BMW recall expected this February. However, a recall acknowledgement document suggests that this issue could lead to serious operator risks.

This action affects i8 vehicles with improper Dynamic Stability Control systems. These affected cars could have holes that were incorrectly drilled, which could keep the brakes from functioning. This action specifically affects i8’s produced between May 29 and June 5 with the model year 2015. Fixing this may require the entire DSC unit to be replaced after inspection.

The manufacturer decided to conduct a recall on December 17, although it isn’t scheduled to take place until next month. There are no reports of accidents traced to this defect, and the supplier first informed BMW of the possible problem this past November.

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Airbag Module Concerns Lead to Lexus Recall

February 8, 2016 MotorSafety.org Lexus Recalls

Washington, D.C. — February 08, 2016 — Thousands of vehicles are part of a new recall effort in response to airbag concerns in certain Lexus vehicles. Though owners won’t be notified until March, Toyota recently announced the recall effort in a January 27 press release in its official online newsroom.

“This recall specifically affects RX 350 and RX 450h models.”

According to this statement, the manufacturer is recalling “approximately 5,000” 2016 Lexus vehicles that could contain badly-manufactured airbag modules. The company has called for dealers to inspect these faulty assemblies and replace them as necessary to avoid putting operators at risk.

This recall specifically affects RX 350 and RX 450h models, and comes in the same month that Lexus announced the LC 500 luxury coupe. So far, no injuries have been traced to the RX Lexus recalls, and it does not appear to be related to other similar issues like the Takata airbag recalls.

“The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver’s knee airbag module that may not have been properly manufactured,” the most recent statement says. “This could affect the performance of the airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash.”

With a new death linked to the Takata airbag inflators, Toyota is still involved with the ongoing recall effort, one that has expanded to include millions of cars.

Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that this auto manufacturer had worked with Takata to test some of the recalled vehicles for ruptures. Results revealed three RAV-4 airbag inflators ruptured during the test, triggering a recall for those that use these and similar systems. Ford also tested 1,900 inflators for defects and found none.

New Death Leads to Ford Ranger Recall

February 4, 2016 admin Ford Recalls

Dearborn, MI — February 04, 2016 — In a continuation of the Takata airbag recalls, Ford is recalling 361,692 vehicles equipped with the potentially dangerous airbags. The recall includes 2004-2006 Ford Rangers.

Recall summary

As a chronology document from Ford notes, a tenth death was recently connected to the inflator issue after a 52-year-old man from South Carolina was struck by shrapnel from the exploding airbag inflator canister. While the root cause of the possible defects in these vehicles is not known, the source says that driver-side airbag inflators could rupture in a crash after “excessive internal pressure.” Owners are instructed to take their vehicles to the nearest dealer to have the inflator replaced. The vehicles included in this recall were manufactured as far back as March 24, 2003.

“On January 22, 2016, Ford participated in a vehicle inspection coordinated by NHTSA’s Special Crash Investigation team and observed an inflator anomaly in this vehicle,” this statement reads. “NHTSA requested that Ford file a defect notification based on a defect notification filed by Takata.”

The document notes that Takata had previously tested more than 1,940 airbag inflators “without incident” for vehicles in the 2004 and 2005 model year ranges.

The repair

Ford will notify owners included in this recall beginning March 7. The dealer notification date was scheduled for January 26. The recalled vehicles will receive an “interim repair”⏤essentially the same Takata airbag, but not as old, so less of a risk⏤and will eventually be replaced with an entirely different airbag altogether.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 360,000 Ford Rangers were originally part of this recall. As of July 28, 2017, only 528 cars had gotten an “interim” airbag installed. On December 11, 2017, the final repair became available. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 193,653 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

GM Trucks Recalled for Compartment Spring Error

February 3, 2016 admin GMC Recalls, Video

Warren, MI — February 03, 2016 — Some General Motors-produced trucks include door latch assemblies that may not comply with regulations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles with this fault may have console compartment doors that will open during a crash.

The NHTSA states this is a possible passenger risk, because the contents of the compartment could fall out. Nearly 9,000 vehicles may potentially be involved in this recall, issued because these doors were built with the incorrect spring in the latch assembly. General Motors’ console supplier, Yanfeng, noticed the issue last September, and the Manufacturer’s report was issued on November 30, the same date on which dealers were notified.

To fix the error, dealers have to replace the wrong assembly spring with the right one. The NHTSA notes that the GM recall affects Chevrolet and GMC Colorado vehicles, both made for the model year 2016.

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