General Motors Recalls Various Vehicles Due to Vacuum Pump

General Motors Recalls Various Vehicles Due to Vacuum Pump

September 17, 2019 Sean Reyes , ,

December 2, 2021 Update – GM has remedied 2,588,566 vehicles with the issue of vacuum pump issues in the 2018 GMC Yukon among others.  GM has deemed 21,474 vehicles including the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado unreachable with an additional 207 vehicles being removed from the vacuum pump recall.

Laguna Hills, CA – September 17, 2019 – The possibility that vacuum pumps in various General Motors vehicles may vary in performance has caused the company to conduct a recall of General Motors vehicles due to vacuum pump issues.

According to the “Frequently Asked Questions” document provided by the manufacturer, General Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in the following vehicles:

  • 2014 – 2018 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2014 – 2018 GMC Sierra
  • 2014 – 2018 GMC Yukon

The defect

Within the GM vehicles that contain the mechanical vacuum pump defect, the engine-mounted output may decrease over time, diminishing the power brake assist and therefore increasing the distance required to stop the vehicle.

Ultimately, this leads to a greater chance of an accident and adds to other risks that Chevrolet vehicles have presented during collision events.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of vehicles that potentially contain the defect is greater than 3,450,000, with GM estimating that 2 percent of the autos in that total are almost certainly affected by this issue.

The following vehicles make up the group possibly saddled with the vacuum pump problem:

  • Cadillac Escalade 2015 – 2017
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014 – 2018
  • Chevrolet Suburban 2015 – 2018
  • Chevrolet Tahoe 2015 – 2018
  • GMC Sierra 1500 2014 – 2018
  • GMC Yukon 2015 – 2018

There are certain symptoms that drivers may experience if their car is among those affected by the vacuum pump defect. For instance, they may feel a vibration in the brake pedal or experience a change in the amount of pressure required to depress the brake.

Other possible signs of the problem include a ticking noise coming from within the engine compartment and unintentional activation of the secondary hydraulic brake assist system, according to GM.

Finally, the manufacturer noted that if the vacuum level drops to a level below 10 kPA, a “Service Brake Assist” message will appear in the Driver Information Center within five minutes.

GM has determined that while the defect may potentially increase the possibility of collision, all of these vehicles are otherwise safe to drive before undergoing repair of the vacuum pump.

Timeline of events

According to a chronology provided by GM, the NHTSA opened a preliminary investigation into the subject in November 2018, at which point the manufacturer also began an internal investigation of the same issue.

In December, after reviewing the results of both investigations, GM’s Safety & Field Action Decision Authority decided to extend the warranty on vacuum pumps for all the vehicles listed above.

Then, in July 2019, GM received results of the additional investigation into the subject by the NHTSA, which prompted yet another internal inquiry on the part of the manufacturer.

This final study concluded on August 29, 2019, when GM decided to conduct an official recall on the automobiles to provide them with new software calibration.

Dealers were notified of the recall in early September 2019, with GM planning to send direct notifications to affected drivers in the near future.

The solution

Vehicles that contain the defect can be brought to a local dealership, where the dealer will reprogram the electronic brake control module with a new calibration that corrects the problem, should the vacuum assist become depleted.

As with the potentially dangerous Takata airbag issue reported in early 2021, drivers with a vehicle involved in the recall will be notified by mail. There will be no cost to vehicle owners for repair or repair. Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGeneral Motors Recalls Various Vehicles Due to Vacuum Pump
Spat of Hand Injuries Sparks Massive Ford Explorer Recall

Spat of Hand Injuries Sparks Massive Ford Explorer Recall

September 16, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Sept. 16, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is pulling hundreds of thousands of 2017 Explorer sport utility vehicles from the marketplace due to a seating flaw that likely occurred during manufacturing. When passengers reach for the power front seat lever, sharp edges along the seat frame may cause injury. Dozens of people have claimed as much to authorities.

The 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall will officially begin Oct. 14. Owners who receive a notification are urged to take their vehicle to an area dealership. The SUV will be inspected and a replacement seat will be installed free of charge if it’s necessary.

The Defect

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Ford is recalling 311,228 2017 Ford Explorer SUVs from the supply chain over concerns that some of the passengers seats may have sharp components jutting out of the framing. If someone were to brush the problematic portions of the seat, or reach for something in proximity to what’s protruding, they may be hurt. Thus far, there have been 31 reports of individuals whose hands were scratched or scarred as a result of this flaw.

Timeline of Events

This 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall was precipitated by three reports submitted to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group. The automaker learned at least 30 people had been injured when reaching between the console and power seat. A month later, Ford determined that these injuries were likely due to the sharp edge of the metal seat frame, which apparently escaped the attention of quality control. The automaker determined a recall was the best path forward and contacted NHTSA this summer to make the action official.

The Solution

Ford intends to begin notifying owners in mid-October. Those that receive a mailer should take their vehicle to a dealership. A new seat will replace the problematic at no cost.

For more information on the 2017 Ford Explorer seat recall or other recent Ford recall actions, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesSpat of Hand Injuries Sparks Massive Ford Explorer Recall
Potential Air Bag Tear Raises Red Flag For Mercedes-Benz

Potential Air Bag Tear Raises Red Flag For Mercedes-Benz

August 30, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 29, 2019 – Mercedes-Benz is recalling hundreds of its sports cars due to the potential of the front passenger side air bag tearing upon deployment. Such a scenario could increase the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash. This 2018-2019 Mercedes-Benz air bag recall action is slated to begin in early fall, when the luxury automaker will officially alert owners of this safety issue. Motorists can take their vehicles to an area dealership so the problem can be addressed at no cost to them. 

The Defect

According to official paperwork filed through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mercedes Benz is pulling approximately 457 of its sports cars from circulation over the possibility that some of the installed air bags are flawed. At some point during the manufacturing or installation process, the problematic air bags may have been improperly sewn along the seams, which increases the risk that they may be unable to inflate once triggered in a collision. Here are the vehicles involved, each of which have model years between 2018 and 2019:

  • Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63
  • Mercedes-Benz AMG SL65
  • Mercedes-Benz SL450
  • Mercedes-Benz SL550

Of the 457 vehicles whose passenger-side air bags may be defective, the lion’s share – 232 – are SL450s. However, all the automobiles were built within the same time frame, stretching between March 20 and Nov. 22 of 2018.

Timeline of Events

The luxury automaker’s air bag supplier reached out to Mercedes-Benz in Sept. 2018 to alert the company that during testing of passenger side air bags, one broke apart. This led to a follow-up investigation a couple of months later to determine if this development was isolated or systemic. The inquiry ultimately concluded that “the potential for impaired air bag function could not be ruled out,” even though testing proved that the restraint function would not be fundamentally altered if a tear did occur.

The Solution

Mercedes-Benz plans on informing owners of this problem by first-class mail starting Oct. 1. Recipients of the notifications are asked to take their motor vehicle to an area dealership so a replacement bag can be installed as a precaution.

For more information on this recall or others involving Mercedes-Benz, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesPotential Air Bag Tear Raises Red Flag For Mercedes-Benz
Brace Bracket Design Flaw Results In Jaguar Recall

Brace Bracket Design Flaw Results In Jaguar Recall

August 30, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 28, 2019 – A small-scale recall is underway at Jaguar Land Rover North America, as a few dozen 2018 E-Pace models may contain compromised brake systems that could lead to leakages in brake fluid. Braking system failure could dramatically increase the risk of an accident and resulting injury.

Motorists affected by this recall should have already received their notifications from the automaker. If you think you may be affected by the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace recall but aren’t certain, contact your dealer.

The Defect

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 41 2018 Jaguar E-Pace crossover sport utility vehicles are under recall notice because certain automobiles may contain installed brake brace brackets that are not in line with the manufacturer’s design specifications. As a result, the poor fitting may allow the front brake hoses to come into contact with the tires, which increases the chances that brake fuel may leak out.

Without the proper amount of lubrication fluid, the brakes may increase chafing and take longer for the vehicle to come to a complete stop when the operator engages the pedal. This could potentially result in a crash and occurrence of injury.

Timeline of Events

This problem first came to light back in December 2017, when Jaguar’s product safety and compliance committee was alerted to the issue, which affected shipment of the models to dealerships. This forced Jaguar to reach out to dealers later that month, advising them to cease and desist selling any additional E-Pace vehicles, whose VINs all fell within a certain range. 

Safety testing was carried out two months later to see what, if any, consequences resulted from motorists using models with the improper brake brace brackets. The results showed that in a worst-case scenario, the brake flexi hose could come into contact with the tires when the full steering lock was applied. Jaguar’s recall determination committee decided in February that the potential for this issue to occur was high enough to warrant a recall, and subsequently informed NHTSA.

No accidents, fires or injuries related to the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace recall have been reported to either the NHTSA or the automaker.

There haven’t been too many Jaguar Land Rover safety recalls over the past year, but several affect more recently built models. For example, approximately 8,200 2018 Discovery Sport SUV were pulled from the marketplace in the early portion of the same year over defective fuel rail assemblies. The automaker determined that the offending end caps may not seal properly. A resultant leak could ultimately lead to an engine fire.

Meanwhile, Jaguar also recalled 3,083 2019-2020 I-Pace SUVs for potentially flawed regenerative brakes. A system failure would increase the amount of time needed for the vehicle to slow down once the brake pedal is engaged. Owners began to be informed of this issue by first-class mail July 1.

The Solution

Those that have received an alert pertaining to the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace recall are strongly urged to take their automobile to an area dealership so the brake flexi hose bracket can be more closely examined. If the problem exists, the issue will be corrected free of charge.

For more information on this or any other vehicle safety recall, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesBrace Bracket Design Flaw Results In Jaguar Recall
Audi Recalls E-Trons Shortly After Model Debut

Audi Recalls E-Trons Shortly After Model Debut

August 30, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – August 22, 2019 – Volkswagen Group says it will recall certain Audi E-Tron electric automobiles after discovering that the sport utility vehicle’s battery may pose a fire hazard.

The problem is related to moisture-rich air which could seep into the structure that holds the battery and cause an adverse reaction. VW says it will reach out to owners to brief them of what they should do to resolve this issue when the time comes. 

The defect

Volkswagen AG, the parent company of Audi, may recall an estimated 7,000 E-Tron automobiles worldwide due to fears that its onboard battery may start a fire, Bloomberg reported.

According to the spokesperson Mark Dahncke, a small-scale voluntary Audi E-Tron recall was initially ordered – affecting 540 vehicles – but the company now believes the problem may impact more luxury models than it initially determined.

Triggering this decision are built-in flaws within the E-Tron’s cell wall. In certain circumstances, moisture – such as condensation – could come into contact with the battery through a wiring harness, which is believed to be the source of the issue, Bloomberg reported.

Approximately 1,644 E-Trons were shipped from the company’s corporate headquarters, roughly a third of which have since been purchased by consumers, Dahncke stated. VW noted affected E-Trons that remain unsold will be fixed so the problem isn’t passed on to buyers.

Timeline of events

The E-Tron SUV is VW’s very first electric vehicle offering, which went on sale in April 2019 in the U.S.

It’s been a tumultuous first few months, however, as at least five instances have been brought to the company’s attention in which battery problems led to inexplicable “check engine” dashboard alerts for motorists.

Because some of these reports emanated from outside the U.S., the Audi E-Tron recall may reach 7,000 globally, a substantial portion of which would likely affect customers in Germany, said Audi spokesperson Udo Ruegheimer.

That said, the company is unaware of any accidents or injuries stemming from this issue.

As for Audi of America, the luxury automaker wants to get out ahead of this issue, indicating as such in a statement to Jalopnik.

“The recall is in response to a potentially faulty seal that may allow moisture to enter the battery compartment which could lead to a short circuit or in extreme cases to a thermal event,” Audi explained.

We are applying an abundance of caution … The recall repair is expected to become available in August 2019.”

Audi and its parent company VW have a reputation to uphold with the E-Tron. The luxury electric SUV recently received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation, the highest rating possible.

E-Tron scored “good” in several different crash testing classifications, include overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, roof strength, side, passenger-side small overlap front and head restraints. It also received a “superior” score for its automatic emergency braking.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group is dealing with other recalls beyond the most recent Audi E-Tron recall.

In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker pulled nearly 138,900 various Audi brand nameplates from the marketplace in July over defective air bags, including the A3 Cabriolet, S3 Sedan and RS3. Model years ranged from 2016 to 2019. Mailers informing owners were just recently issued.

The solution

Although neither VW nor Audi know the precise date for when the recall begin, E-Tron owners impacted will receive a loaner vehicle and an $800 cash card to cover the cost of gas while their automobiles get serviced, Bloomberg reported.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesAudi Recalls E-Trons Shortly After Model Debut
Ford Recalls 108,000 Midsize Cars Over Seat Belt Failing

Ford Recalls 108,000 Midsize Cars Over Seat Belt Failing

August 30, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 21, 2019 – Ford Motor Company says it will pull 2015 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs from circulation by the tens of thousands due to a seat belt pretensioner issue. Once the front-passenger seat belt is pulled from its anchor to lock into the clasp, the heat that’s generated over time can reduce the tensile strength of the cable. This could prevent the occupant from being properly strapped in. Riding unbuckled dramatically increases the risk of injury or death during a crash.

This recall will get underway soon, but the specific timeline for when owners will received word has not yet been disclosed.

The Defect

In a press release by Ford, the automaker plans to recall 108,000 midsize cars  – the 2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ – over a manufacturing flaw that affects the seat belt. In the problematic population, the high temperature generated from deploying the belt may cause the pretensioner to not perform its main function, which is to keep the belt taut and restrain occupants. Over time, the heat that emanates and causes wear could render the seat belt assembly useless.

Ford says it believes the automobiles that contain this flaw came from its manufacturing and distribution plants in either Flat Rock, Michigan or Hermosillo in Mexico. Additionally, the Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles were developed between Aug. 1, 2014 and Jan. 30 2015 (Flat Rock) or Aug. 1 and Nov. 21 (Hermosillo).

Timeline of Events

This latest Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ seat belt recall appears to be an expansion of the original one, which occurred a few years ago. At that time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Ford coordinated to recall nearly 603,400 Fusions and MKZs also because of a seat belt pretensioner defect. This may have spurred the automaker to look into other models whose seat belt assemblies were potentially compromised. Typically when recalls are announced, NHTSA provides a timeline of events that led up to the action, but this wasn’t available at the agency’s website as of Aug. 21.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker has a separate seat belt recall underway affecting approximately 7,600 2019 Ford Rangers. The flaw involves the truck’s poke yoke fixture, a component that when compromised can prevent the seat belt from locking. This recall is already underway and began July 29.

Seat belts are proven to save lives – when there’s an issue with them, they almost always result in a recall. In 2018, the most recent year in which data is available, 89.6% of Americans used his or her seat belt while on the road, according to NHTSA data. Of the 37,133 individuals who died in car accidents the year prior, close to 50% were not wearing one at the time of the crash. Had they been, an estimated 2,549 lives might have been spared.

States are serious about ensuring motorists buckle up, as 35 states have primary enforcement laws, meaning motorists can be pulled over and ticketed if they’re not wearing a seat belt. The usage rate is higher in states where these laws are in place, averaging 90% to 86%, NHTSA data shows.

Ford says it’s not aware of any fatalities linked to this seat belt issue but one person was injured, The Associated Press reported.

The Solution

To ensure drivers observe the law and stay safe, the automaker urges those that receive notifications pertaining to the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ seat belt recall to have an area dealer replace the unit with a fully functional one. This will come at no cost for the repair.

For more information, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Recalls 108,000 Midsize Cars Over Seat Belt Failing
Daimler Orders Recall For Certain Cars Containing Wrong Manual

Daimler Orders Recall For Certain Cars Containing Wrong Manual

August 21, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 21, 2019 – Daimler Vans USA seeks to recall a limited number of Mercedes-Benz Metris vehicles due to the fact that some of the 2019 models were sold without the correct operator’s manual. These booklets contain key vehicle performance and functionality instructions, which if not followed may ultimately risk drivers’ or passengers’ safety should they encounter a crash.

Unlike other recalls, which usually entails a repair of some kind, the those receiving notifications for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris recall can simply stop by their local dealership to pick up the correct manual.

The Defect

Daimler Vans is recalling two 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over concerns the automobiles were sent to dealerships sans the proper manual that details the various care instructions, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Daimler Vans produces several different truck nameplates aside from luxury brand, including FUSO Freightliner, Western Start and BharatBenz. The Mercedes-Benz Metris has a booklet, but the company determined that a select number of those manufactured between Jan. 16 and March 29 contained an earlier version of the operator’s manual, as it has apparently been updated since the first one was produced. 

The fact that the Metris van doesn’t include the right owner’s manual, of course, doesn’t pose an immediate threat to safety, but relying on the wrong information to address problems with the vehicle could lead to the improper operation of the car, thus raising the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

The quality control division of Daimler’s production plant learned in March that some of the Mercedes-Benz Metris cars delivered to dealerships had the wrong paperwork. Upon further review to confirm whether these initial reports were accurate, Daimler confirmed as much but also said that these incidents were highly isolated. More to the point, the problematic population was likely in the single digits.

Ultimately, Daimler determined July 17 that an official Mercedes-Benz recall was the best path forward after comparing the two versions of the owner’s manual and finding that the accurate one contained “necessary warnings that were not included in” the earlier manual issuing, as detailed in NHTSA’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report.

This isn’t the first recall for Daimler in 2019. In June, the company announced the recall of 253 commercial trucks related to an air brakes defect. All 2019 models, they included Freightliner 108SD, Business Class M2, 114SD, Cascadia, Western Star 5700, FCCC XCL, FCCC XCM, FCC XCR and FCCC XCS. Prior to that, Mercedes-Benz USA pulled close to 288,800 that contained defective air bags, part of the massive Takata air bag recall that involved tens of millions of automobiles. NHTSA puts the number at roughly 41.6 million vehicles and 56 million air bags.

The Solution

As for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris recall, the fix is simple. Daimler says it will replace the wrong informational package with the correct one free of charge. Owners may receive it in the mail subsequent to the notifications pertaining to this issue, which the automaker says will commence most likely in mid-September.

For more information on these and other new and previous recalls, visit MotorSafety.org. Enter your VIN to find out if you have a car that’s under recall notice and what to do if that’s indeed the case.

Sean ReyesDaimler Orders Recall For Certain Cars Containing Wrong Manual
Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers

Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers

August 21, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 21, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling over 14,100 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator sport utility vehicles after discovering that some of the models may be missing a piece that goes over the manual park release component. When this cover is missing, it can increase the risk of the lever being unintentionally manipulated, which could cause the SUV to move from its parked position and crash.

Given that most of the affected Explorers are in inventory, the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall action primarily impacts the automaker’s dealerships. When this action will take place has yet to be determined.

The Defect

In a release made available on the company’s website, Ford plans to recall a combined 14,135 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs over the possibility that the manual park release component may be missing its cover. This is in violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Under normal circumstances, these covers should only be removable with a tool.

Additionally, Ford noted that the problematic Explorers and Aviators may have settings that remain in factory mode that could prevent the accurate display of gear positions when manipulated by the operator of the vehicle. These positions are represented by a letter ( “P” for Park, “R” for Reverse, “N” for Neutral, etc.). The display of these gear positions is also required by law under the FMVSS.

Timeline of Events

Automakers typically coordinate with the NHTSA for car safety recalls. However, given the recency of this announcement – Aug. 7 – the associated documentation detailing when Ford first learned of these issues was not available.

It’s been a busy summer for Ford recalls, as the Dearborn, Michigan-based brand has pulled from the marketplace hundreds of thousands of vehicles unrelated to the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator recall. For instance, in late July, approximately 7,579 Ford Rangers were pulled from the marketplace because of seat belt functionality issues that prevented the belt buckle from latching. Additionally, 57,500 Ford Focus and Focus ST sedans were recalled over defective engine software.

A month earlier, Ford announced the recall of 1.1 million Explorers – from model years ranging between 2011 and 2017 – due to a rear suspension system flaw affecting the toe links. In all of these instances, the vehicles were recalled because the problems risked riders’ safety.

While the chronology of events leading up to the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator has yet to be determined, what is known is where the potentially flawed models were built and where. The vehicles were put together at one of the automaker’s Chicago-based locations between March 27 and July 24 for the Explorer, and April 10 and July 24 for the Lincoln Aviator.

Ford said it’s unaware of any consumer crashes or injuries stemming from this flaw but also stated there was an incident that led to cosmetic damage, which occurred at some point during the manufacturing process. No workers were hurt.

The Ford Explorer is one of the nameplate’s longest-running model types, introduced back in 1990. Lincoln Aviator is also a veteran model but first hit the showroom floor roughly a decade later in 2002.

The Solution

Ford Motor Company is in the process of informing dealerships that may have received some of these potentially compromised vehicles. Dealers will examine the manual park release to see if the cover is missing and whether the PRNDL gear positions remain in factory mode.

For more information on this or any other automotive safety recall, enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number at MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesFord Explorer, Lincoln Aviators Recalled Over Missing Covers
Mazda3s Recalled For Possible Detachment of Rearview Mirrors

Mazda3s Recalled For Possible Detachment of Rearview Mirrors

August 15, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 15, 2019 – Mazda North American Operations recently announced the recall of tens of thousands of 2019 Mazda3 automobiles over an apparent problem that affects the model’s manual dimming mirror. In certain units, the adhesive that connects the rearview mirror with the unit upon which it’s affixed may not suddenly detach due to an assembly flaw. An inability to see what’s coming from behind can lead to an accident and thus warrants the Mazda3 mirror recall. The automaker says it will replace any flawed units for free, as soon as owners make an appointment to have this issue addressed.

The Defect

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Mazda plans to recall 22,571 Mazda3 vehicles over built-in defects with the manual dimming mirror. In certain instances, the mirrored glass that connects to the backing plate was improperly bonded at some point during the manufacturing process. Officials can’t point to a narrow window of time in which this issue originated, but are confident it occurred between Sept. 25, 2018 and June 24, 2019.

Unlike other vehicle-related failures in which certain sounds or circumstances may portend that there’s an issue (e.g. brakes pads that squeak when applying the brake pad), there are no obvious indications as to whether the rearview mirror unit is defective, according to NHTSA’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report.

Timeline of Events

The first time the automaker was alerted to what would eventually become a Mazda3 mirror recall was Feb. 20, wherein a customer contacted Mazda about the mirror randomly detaching from the unit that holds it. The part supplier figured that the easiest way to remedy this issue – assuming it was isolated – was to manually apply pressure to the glass and the backing plate by pressing the two together. When this didn’t work, Mazda opened up an investigation and determined March 9 the original problem stemmed from poor bonding.

At the time, Mazda had reason to believe this issue was isolated to a vehicle assembly plant in Japan and made the appropriate manufacturing adjustments to prevent something similar from happening again. However, the automaker was alerted to several similar manual mirrors detaching from their housing units in other parts of the world, such as Mexico. These field reports came in sporadically from April to June. Once the necessary corrective countermeasures were implemented in Mexico, Mazda convened a meeting July 23 and determined a more wide scale recall was in the company’s – and passengers’ – best interest.

Mazda has several recall actions in place prior to this most recent announcement, including a separate one that also affects the Mazda3 sedan. Approximately 17,000 2019 Mazda3s may have dashboard assemblies that provide wrong information to operators regarding the automobile’s diagnostics. Mazda3 owners were first alerted to this problem starting July 13. Meanwhile, in June, a recall action moved forward on 49,300 Mazda6s, which related to the premature development of corrosion and how that could impair the sedans’ power steering functionality . This problem affected owners in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

The Solution

As for the Mazda3 mirror recall, the automaker knows how this problem can be remedied. As such, it’s encouraging those that receive a notice by first-class mail to take their sedans to their nearest Mazda dealer, where a replacement rearview mirror unit will be installed. Dealers are receiving their alerts presently and customers should start getting their notifications no later than Aug. 30.

For more information on this or other recalls, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesMazda3s Recalled For Possible Detachment of Rearview Mirrors
Nissan Yanks Titan Trucks Over Alternator Harness Defect

Nissan Yanks Titan Trucks Over Alternator Harness Defect

August 15, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – Aug. 15 – A wide-reaching recall is underway on 2017-2019 Nissan Titan pickup trucks, after the automaker discovered damaged alternator harnesses were installed in certain cars. The impairment is believed to have occurred during the manufacturing process, but it’s not clear how. As a result of this flaw, an electrical short may occur while the vehicle is on the road, which would could cause the engine to stall and potentially lead to an accident. The Nissan Titan alternator recall is also being ordered over the risk of an engine fire.

The Defect

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 91,319 Nissan Titan pickups are being pulled from the marketplace due to the potential for an electrical short to occur in the vehicle’s gasoline-powered engines (as opposed to diesel). The flaw affects the light duty truck’s alternator harness, which is a wiring cluster that attaches to the alternator itself. This portion of the engine is what charges the battery when the ignition is turned on and is what generates power for the electrical system.

As referenced in NHTSA’s Part 573 Safety Recall Report, at some point during assembly, the harness was damaged and the fraying may cause contact with the square edge of the truck’s metal frame bracket. In doing so, it could result in the harness having relocated from where it’s normally positioned. The harness that’s still in contact with the square edge may lead to a breach and damage the wires to such an extent as to cause an electrical short, which may prevent the battery from functioning.

Timeline of Events

Typically, NHTSA and the automaker in question provide a chronology that details what led to the recall and when the events occurred. Those specifics have not been made available as of yet but the company says it will provide the particulars pertaining to the Nissan Titan alternator recall “when it is available.”

For the most part, Nissan North America hasn’t had many recalls to speak of in 2019, but the automaker did provide an update on a voluntary recall that occurred around this time last year. In September 2018, roughly 1,600 Infiniti QX50s were recalled because of an air bag module defect that raised the risk of the passenger-side knee air bag detaching during deployment. Such a scenario could worsen the effects of an injury if the crash was impactful enough for the air bags to release from their holding units. Separately, Nissan also recalled an additional 200,000 EX35 sedans, which were originally pulled from the market in 2008, over a faulty passenger-side air bag sensor.

The Solution

On July 23, Nissan began notifying owners and dealers have also been made aware. Motorists who receive mailers should have their pickups examined by an authorized Nissan dealer so a repair can be performed if necessary. Only 1% of the 91,300-plus Titan are believed to contain the flaw, so an adjustment may not be needed. If it is, however, owners will not be charged for parts or labor.

For more information on the Nissan Titan alternator recall and other recalls that are in progress or soon will be, visit MotorSafety.org.

Sean ReyesNissan Yanks Titan Trucks Over Alternator Harness Defect
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