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Chrysler Recalls Jeeps for Short Circuit Potential

January 7, 2016 admin Jeep Recalls

Auburn Hills, MI — January 07, 2016—According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32,784 Jeep Cherokees with 2015 and 2016 model years are part of a new recall. Although the start date is currently unknown, a good amount of information has been revealed, including the recall number (R67) and the possible threat from water gathering on the vehicle’s control module.

If a leak were to cause this module to short circuit, the affected vehicles could potentially catch fire. To keep the module safe and reduce the chance of corrosion, the manufacturer calls for the mastic shield to be replaced with a specialized water shield. Despite this, no injuries have been reported in connection to this problem.

This remedy is meant to improve upon a previous water shield that didn’t provide enough coverage. The NHTSA features a Part 573 Recall Report that explains the way the new shield has been a response to the old one.

“The mastic water shield was designed to protect the Module from pooling water in the spare tire tub as the original investigation showed this condition as the primary source,” the document states. “As the corrective action identified in the original investigation, a water shield that fully encapsulates the Module was introduced into production on September 10, 2015.”

The recall was announced on December 9 after the manufacturer determined that a recall was the best course of action on December 1. The “fully encapsulating” water shield first began production in September and will be installed free of charge. If necessary, corroded modules and connectors will be fully replaced.

Shifting Problem Leads to Nissan Rogue Recall

January 4, 2016 admin Nissan Recalls

Franklin, TN — January 04, 2016 — Last month, Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both acknowledged an issue potentially affecting 33,880 Rogue vehicles. According to documents from the Administration, these units could violate the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) by allowing vehicles to slip out of the parking gear unintentionally. The recall was scheduled for this month, with dealers notified as of November 19.

This source notes that the vehicles would be able to shift gears without the driver pushing down the brake pedal. Though the fault affects the transition, it traces back to the selector knob in the control system. As such, dealers can address the problem simply by replacing the knob.

A Noncompliance Information Report included on the NHTSA described the circumstances that would trigger this problem in greater detail. The first issues were reportedly discovered in a routine inspection, and concern two areas of focus: one in the selector knob, and the other in the shifter rod.

“In certain instances, the combination of both quality issues may cause the spring to bind during operation due to excessive clearance between the shifter rod and the shift selector knob hole,” this report said. “As a result, the shift lever can be cycled without depressing the brake pedal.”

The shift selector supplier involved in this case is Guangzhou Jofu Machinery Industry Co.,Ltd., from China, while the shift assembly supplier is Ficosa North America S. A. is Madison Heights, Michigan. The transmission issue, if present, specifically violates S5.3 of the FMVSS 114, but only this section.

New driveshaft-related recall for BMW vehicles starting in January [Video]

January 2, 2016 admin BMW Recalls, Video

More than 40 BMW vehicles are subject to a new recall action beginning on January 8. Although no accidents have been traced to this issue yet, Edmunds.com reports that drivers may experience a sudden loss of power while driving defective cars.

The recall specifically centers around sedans, coupes and convertibles under the M3 and M4 make, with 2015 and 2016 model years. As of December 15, the company was also advising owners to avoid scheduling an appointment with local dealers until the necessary replacement parts have been shipped.

Affected vehicles will have less grease in the slip-joints than is necessary. Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft once the recall begins.

Thank you for watching. Be sure to check this blog out for more on the latest BMW recalls.

New Subaru Vehicles Recalled for Driveshaft Concerns

December 23, 2015 admin Subaru Recalls

Cherry Hill, NJ — December 23, 2015 — A new set of Subaru recalls pertains specifically to vehicles produced this year, as recent as November 16, 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) acknowledged an action that targets both Legacy and Outback models, reported as of November 20. According to the official Safety Recall Report, the propeller shaft nuts can come loose, perhaps leading to a sudden risk of fire damage inside the vehicle.

This problem was first discovered on November 17, when Subaru of Indiana Automotive discovered that the torque was improperly fastened. Three days later, an official decision to launch the recall was made. A total of 3,251 vehicles are included in this recall, with the action originally scheduled for December 10, under the number WQV-57. Subaru dealers will tighten the loose nuts if necessary.

“If the propeller shaft detaches from the differential, the shaft could strike the fuel tank resulting in a possible fuel leak,” the report said. “There is a risk of fire if leaking fuel were to come in contact with an ignition source. This could happen without prior warning.”

As the official repair procedure describes, some dealers might not require extra parts at all to repair this condition. Bolts, nuts and washers must be replaced in the defective units, but only if nuts are found to be “finger-tight.”

Dealers are advised to be gentle and avoid damaging the dust cover on the differential seal, since a replacement might be required if the seal is broken. Those doing the installation can make sure the nuts, bolts and washers all line up by checking for telltale flange and yoke paint lines.

BMW Recalls MINI Coopers for Cushion Issues

December 22, 2015 MotorSafety.org Mini Recalls

Woodcliff Lake, NJ — December 22, 2015 — A problem with seat cushion replacement parts in some recently-produced MINI Coopers could interfere with safe airbag use. According to documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last month, nearly 40 vehicles suffer from a Capacitive Interior Sensing (CIS) system that could place front seat passengers at greater risk during a crash.

This is because the sensors could improperly register the occupant in the front seat, either activating or deactivating the air bags incorrectly. While a Part 573 Safety Recall report on the issue states that 53 vehicles were originally thought to have received the possibly faulty mats, the number has since been adjusted to 38. There are currently no reports of accidents related to this concern, and vehicles owners will still be able to use the “passenger airbag off lamp.”

The remedy for this recall requires replacing the front passenger seat. Both the report and a “Q&A” document available through the NHTSA explain the reasons behind the defective CIS system.

“The CIS mat is designed to differentiate between an installed child restraint system and an adult occupant,” they state. “In affected vehicles, incorrectly calibrated CIS mats may have been installed in the front passenger seat cushion replacement parts. Occupant classification could be impaired, leading to inappropriate air bag activation/deactivation.”

The Q&A clarifies that owners may still drive their vehicles, as long as they follow instructions from letters prompting them to get service done. Passengers should also avoid sitting in the front seats of vehicles when the “airbag off lamp” turns on.

Affected models in these BMW recalls include MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S autos produced between 2014 and 2015.

Ford Recalls Vehicles with Possible Fuel Tank Cracks

December 21, 2015 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Video

A new Ford recall addresses possible fuel tank problems in Fusion and Mercury Milan vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety administration, cars built as recently as 2011 could develop cracks in their fuel tanks. No related accidents have yet been reported.

This is because faulty canister purge valves, or CPV’s, could change the pressure in the fuel tank, causing a fracture. This could in turn lead to a dangerous fuel leak and fire hazard for owners. Although the leaks were sighted earlier this year, the report date is November 20.

More than 411,200 units are thought to be at risk. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace both the CPV and the tank, if needed, at no cost to the owner.

Thank you for watching!

Genesis Coupes Recalled for Alignment Problems

December 16, 2015 admin Hyundai Recalls

Fountain Valley, CA — December 16, 2015 — Manual Genesis Coupe vehicles produced between 2011 and 2015 are included in a new Hyundai recall scheduled to start January 11. According to documents filed with the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the rear driveshaft in these autos could detach from differentials.

The problem specifically affects both the differential units and rear suspension in 10,800 vehicles. The official manufacturer’s report dates to November 13, and the source states this was due to systems not being properly aligned when assembled. Model years for this recall range from 2013 to 2015.

This NHTSA letter includes a description of the affects of this loose alignment, as well as hints of what will happen once the recall begins.

“If the rear differential loosens from its mounting position, the driveshaft may disconnect from the differential, resulting in a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of a crash,” it says. “Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper assembly of the differential, free of charge.”

September saw other Hyundai recalls, including one for 470,000 Sonatas for a failure that could lead to possible fires. During that announcement, the manufacturer was unable to give a specific date due to a lack of engine parts. Debris in the engine of these vehicles reportedly made it harder for oil flow to pass through.

These Sonatas were produced between 2009 and 2012, and stems from warranty claims related to “loud noises and engine lights illuminating,” as Car Complaints reported. This came around the same time as a recall for the Hyundai Accent.

Tesla Motors Recalls Model S Sedan

December 15, 2015 Sean Reyes Tesla Recalls, Video

Fremont, CA – December 15, 2015 – Although no related injuries have yet been reported, Tesla Motors is spearheading an all-encompassing recall for every Model S sedan due to a faulty seat belt. Owners will be able to schedule a repair appointment to fix possible seat belt problems.

This voluntary action concerns 90,000 vehicles and is the largest Tesla Motors recall so far, according to USA Today. As of November 20, Tesla’s investigations had only discovered one vehicle with seat belt issues, the model in Europe that sparked concerns over these systems in the first place. Owners were notified via email earlier this month.

Owners could also test for the problem themselves by pulling lap portions of seatbelts with at least 80 pounds of force, although this isn’t a substitute for an official inspection, the source said. This inspection is expected to only take six minutes.

Thanks for watching!

Ford recalls vehicles with possible fuel tank cracks [Video]

December 14, 2015 admin Ford Recalls, Video

More than 411,200 units are thought to be at risk. Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace both the CPV and the tank, if needed, at no cost to the owner.

Thank you for watching!

New parts Will be Part of GM Oil Leak Remedy

December 14, 2015 admin GM Recalls

Warren, MI — December 14, 2015 — Earlier this year, General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted the engine compartment fire risk in certain units, including Buick Regal, Chevrolet Impala and Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles with model years between 1997 and 2004. In these cars, hard braking could result in oil landing on the exhaust manifold.

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report associated with this action described said that dealers could replace the engine valve front cover and gasket, as well as remove the oil fill tube extension. The report also stated that previous repairs related to the GM recalls may not be enough to resolve the condition entirely.

The official safety recall itself is set to begin on December 14, and the NHTSA also features a message from GM Customer Care and Aftersales to all of the manufacturer’s dealers. Instead of announcing the shipment of the replacement parts themselves, the company said that advisory letters are in the mail and will set the stage for improvements once the parts are available.

“Even though the parts needed to repair these vehicles are not currently available, the letter explains that when parts are available, their dealer will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design, and the engine’s plastic “beauty” cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension will be removed, if they haven’t been already,” this bulletin reads.

The recall stems from actions as old as 2008, in which the company issued the original recall. More than 1 million vehicles were said to be involved, with 100 percent estimated to have the defect.