Ferrari Adds More Than 11,000 Vehicles to the Takata Air Bags Recall List

Ferrari Adds More Than 11,000 Vehicles to the Takata Air Bags Recall List

February 26, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – February 26, 2019 – Ferrari North America (NYSE:RACE) is recalling 11,176 vehicles equipped with dangerous Takata airbag inflators. This is part of the larger international Takata air bag recall, which affects a wide range of vehicles (models, makes, and years) across multiple manufacturers. Affected models include:

  • 2014-Ferrari California
  • 2014-2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2014-2016 Ferrari FF
  • 2014-2017 Ferrari F12
  • 2015-2018 Ferrari California T
  • 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2016 Ferrari F60 America
  • 2016-2017 Ferrari F12 tdf
  • 2016-2018 Ferrari 488 GTB
  • 2017-2018 Ferrari GTC4Lusso
  • 2014-2015 458 Spider
  • 2016-2018 488 Spider

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed Jan. 9, 2019, the specified vehicles were equipped with a certain Takata air bag inflator as part of the fully assembled passenger frontal air bag module. These models were used both in originally equipped vehicles and as replacements in later years.

Vehicles with these inflators that are involved in a crash in which the front passenger air bag deploys are at risk of the inflators exploding. Such an explosion can be prompted by propellant degradation that may occur after long-term exposure to temperature cycling and absolute humidity. Inflator explosion may result in shrapnel bursting from the air bag mount area. Fragments could hit the driver or passengers in the vehicle, and cause serious injury or even death.

Timeline of Events

Takata filed a Defect Information Report with the NHTSA Jan. 2, 2019. Ferrari subsequently filed its own DIR on this incident. As yet, Ferrari is not aware of any confirmed field incidents, warranty claims or consumer complaints about their vehicles that included any of the indicated Takata passenger air bags equipped with the non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators.

Ferrari chose to conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles, and is prioritizing its recalls in accordance with the risk, as availability of replacement assemblies is limited and the age of the inflator is a factor in the risk.

This recall follows a previous recall which was issued in June 2018, and which listed the following models from the years 2009-2013.

• 2009-California
• 2010-California and 458 Italia
• 2011-California and 458 Italia
• 2012-458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF and California
• 2013-458 Italia, 458 Spider, FF, F12berlinetta and California

The Solution

Ferrari will notify owners, and dealers will replace the current front passenger airbag assembly which includes a PSPI-2 inflator, with an airbag assembly including a new non-ammonium nitrate inflator free of charge. Any customers who already incurred a cost associated with repair of this defect can send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for reimbursement. The recall is expected to begin March 9, 2019.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 11,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 9,900 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFerrari Adds More Than 11,000 Vehicles to the Takata Air Bags Recall List
BMW Recalls More Than 80,000 2007-2013 Vehicles Due to Takata Airbags

BMW Recalls More Than 80,000 2007-2013 Vehicles Due to Takata Airbags

February 25, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – February 25, 2019 – BMW of North America, LLC (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 83,016 vehicles as part of the larger Takata airbag recall, which spans decades of vehicles across multiple manufacturers. The recall includes:

  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 xDrive30i
  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35i
  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 xDrive48i
  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i
  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 M vehicles
  • 2008-2014 BMW X6 xDrive35i
  • 2008-2014 BMW X6 xDrive50i
  • 2008-2014 BMW X6 M vehicles
  • 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these vehicles are equipped with specific Takata-manufactured air bag inflators as part of their passenger frontal air bag modules. These non-desiccated propellant filled inflator types may have been original equipment or used as replacements.

Due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling, these inflators can become unstable and may explode in the event of a crash that triggers the deployment of the passenger frontal air bag. In the case of an inflator explosion, sharp metal fragments can fly out of the inflator, striking the driver or other occupants and potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Timeline of Events

Based upon Takata DIRs that were filed with the NHTSA Jan. 2, 2019, BMW vehicle assembly records were subsequently reviewed to determine what an appropriate potentially affected vehicle population would be, and made the following determination based on recall component differentiation to non-recall component: The recalled component contains a specific non-desiccated ammonium nitrate as the gas generator but the newer remedy part does not.

Propellant wafers in some of the subject inflators degrade over time, which could potentially lead to a violent explosion with flying metal shards in the event of air bag deployment. The potential for such an event occurs in some of the subject inflators after several years of exposure to persistent conditions of high absolute humidity or temperature.

Other factors, such as specific vehicle environment, the inflator and propellant configuration, and manufacturing variability, can also influence the likelihood of an event. Vehicles from southern and coastal areas of the U.S. appear to be more likely to have experienced this degradation. In the face of the latest information from Takata, BMW voluntarily choose to conduct a safety recall to replace the frontal air bags on the affected vehicles. This decision came to pass solely on the basis of information provided by Takata. BMW is unaware of any injuries arising from this issue at the time of the report.

The Solution

Recall notification to owners is planned to begin and end March 4, 2019. The passenger’s front air bag module will be replaced. Owners will be notified by first class mail and instructed to take their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed for free. Owners who have replaced the air bag module at their own expense prior to the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement according to the automaker’s reimbursement plan.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 83,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 64,623 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesBMW Recalls More Than 80,000 2007-2013 Vehicles Due to Takata Airbags
Chrysler adds nearly 1.5 million more vehicles to Takata recall list

Chrysler adds nearly 1.5 million more vehicles to Takata recall list

February 25, 2019 Sean Reyes , , , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 25, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) is recalling 1,413,222 vehicles whose front passenger airbag may explode while deploying, injuring or killing the passenger and other people in the vehicle with metal shrapnel.

The recall includes:

  • 2010 Ram 3500
  • 2010 Ram 4500
  • 2010 Ram 5500
  • 2010 – 2011 Dodge Dakota
  • 2010 – 2014 Dodge Challenger
  • 2010-2015 Dodge Charger
  • 2010 – 2015 Chrysler 300
  • 2010 – 2016 Jeep Wrangler 

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safety Report regarding this matter, Takata’s non-desiccated front passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant were installed in certain 2010 MY Dodge Ram 3500 vehicles and have not been addressed by prior recalls. These systems may experience propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high levels of heat, absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

The triggering of a non-desiccated PSAN inflator with degraded propellant, in a vehicle crash where the air bag would naturally deploy, may result in an inflator rupture. That, in turn, might cause metal fragments to pass through the air bag and into the vehicle interior at high speed, potentially injuring or even killing vehicle occupants.

Timeline of events

According to the chronology submitted to the NHTSA, in June 2014, the department’s Office of Defects Investigation opened a case based on six inflator rupture incidents involving vehicles produced by five manufacturers. All six cars were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their product lifecycle, and were equipped with Takata inflators. ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators as Takata’s testing of the passenger inflators to date continued to indicate hot and humid area as having the highest risk, but in light of eight more field incidents, the recall was expanded nationally.

On May 4, 2016, NHTSA expanded the scope of the original recalls to include additional vehicles built with non-desiccated PSAN air bag inflators. On May 16, 2016, Takata submitted a 573 Defect Information Report to NHTSA stating that the front programmable smokeless passenger inflator and non-desiccated air bag inflator could contain a safety defect. Since most of the inflator ruptures are associated with long-term PSAN propellant degradation (caused by years of exposure to temperature fluctuations and intrusion of moisture present in the ambient atmosphere), recall populations have occurred in segments with the oldest vehicles from hot and humid locations recalled first.

The solution

Chrysler is issuing a recall on all affected vehicles. The recall began February 4, 2019, and owners should be contacted on or around February 28. Owners who incurred the cost of repairing a problem may send adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense and a subsequent refund. Also, the automaker’s dealers will replace the defective non-desiccated passenger frontal air bag inflator desiccated PSAN inflator or GUNI inflator free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date for which information was available – 958,175 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 14, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section where drivers can check if their vehicle is part of this recall and included the recall completion rate. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Sean ReyesChrysler adds nearly 1.5 million more vehicles to Takata recall list
Chrysler to Recall More Than 150,000 Ram Vehicles for Potential Steering Issues

Chrysler to Recall More Than 150,000 Ram Vehicles for Potential Steering Issues

February 25, 2019 Sean Reyes

 

Auburn Hills, Mich. – Feb. 25, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Ram 1500 DT vehicles due to potential power steering issues caused by a battery ground fastener that was improperly secured at the manufacturing facility. Up to 159,740 units may be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the battery ground fastener on the driver-side front fender may have been improperly secured, possibly resulting in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering could vary the steering effort required, which may contribute to oversteer and understeer conditions. This, in turn, can cause a vehicle to crash without prior warning.

Timeline of Events

On Sept. 18, 2018, the automaker’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance Predictive Analytics group received a field service report regarding 2019 DT vehicles experiencing an intermittent loss of power steering caused by a loose ground fastener.

During October 2018, VSRC Product Investigations searched field data, warranty and assembly plant processes. An inquiry began Nov. 1, 2018, and between November and December, various Chrysler departments investigated the root cause of the issue and labored to identify risks to customers. Lab testing verified that a loose fastener may cause system voltage diagnostic trouble codes to set in the Electric Power Steering module. As a result of these DTCs, the EPS may shut down, causing failure of the power-steering assist function.

By Jan. 11, 2019, Chrysler identified approximately 24 reports related to this issue, but is unaware of any accidents or injuries. On January 17, 2019, the automaker determined it would be prudent to conduct a voluntary recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall began Feb. 11. Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers who sold the vehicles to their customers will remove the suspect ground fastener, inspect and clean the ground stud and cables as needed, and torque the ground fastener between 18 and 22Nm while ensuring both cables are properly secured. These services will be performed free of charge. Owners who paid to rectify this specific issue themselves may send the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense and eventual reimbursement.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V04. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V020000.

Sean ReyesChrysler to Recall More Than 150,000 Ram Vehicles for Potential Steering Issues
Honda recalls nearly half a million vehicles for fuel pump issues

Honda recalls nearly half a million vehicles for fuel pump issues

February 20, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Torrance, Calif. – February 20, 2019 – Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain:

  • 2016-2018 Acura MDX
  • 2015-2019 Acura TLX
  • 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles

These models were equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. The recall is due to potential fuel pump issues, and 437,032 units were potentially affected.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this incident, sodium particulates contained in low-quality fuels can adhere to certain internal components in the fuel pump.

This can eventually lead to build-up, which in turn increases the electrical and mechanical resistance inside the pump, and subsequently reduces fuel pump performance.

If a vehicle is operated in surroundings with high ambient temperatures, a reduction in fuel pump performance can restrict vehicle acceleration, cause an engine stall or both. If the engine stalls while the vehicle is moving, the chances of a crash greatly increase.

Timeline of events

Honda received the first report of an engine stall prior to August 2017. Claims were minimal and infrequent, so Honda made the decision to continue monitoring the market.

Between August and September 2017, after additional engine stall reports, Honda launched an investigation. Failed return parts were sent to the fuel-pump supplier.

It was known that the fuel pump operating voltage could vary between 10 V-13 V. The supplier was able to recreate the engine stalling condition while operating the fuel pump in 10 V mode.

Between October and November 2017, sodium deposits were found on the brush and commutator components in the failed fuel pumps, and between December 2017 and June 2018 Honda conducted additional tests, determining that low-quality fuels were to blame for the problematic presence of sodium.

Recreation tests confirmed that fuel containing greater than one part per million of sodium could result in the aforementioned restriction in regard to safe vehicle acceleration, or potentially result in a stalled engine.

Between July and November 2018, more testing confirmed that when the fuel pump operated in 10 V mode, more sodium could accumulate within it.

This situation was found to result in increased mechanical and electrical resistance, and caused a reduction in fuel pump performance. Poor pump performance can lead to an engine stall as well as restricted or rough vehicle acceleration.

On January 22, 2019, Honda determined that a credible defect related to motor vehicle safety existed. The automaker then made the decision to conduct a safety recall, having received 731 warranty claims and 102 field reports but no accounts of any crashes, injuries or deaths directly related to this issue.

The solution

According to a media release from Honda, all owners of registered vehicles are being contacted by mail. The notice will request that each owner take their vehicle to an authorized Acura or Honda automobile dealer.

Once the car has been brought to the seller, the FI-ECU will be updated with software programming that disallows fuel pump operation in the 10 V range and thus prevents the potential for sodium accumulation.

If the vehicle owner informs the dealer that they have experienced an engine stall, and this is confirmable via a diagnostic scan, the fuel pump will also be replaced.

Both services will be completed at no cost to the owner. Additionally, any owners who previously paid to have one, or both repairs, completed out of their own pocket will be eligible for reimbursement. The recall is expected to begin March 25, 2019.

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

Sean ReyesHonda recalls nearly half a million vehicles for fuel pump issues
Ford recalls 1.2 million F-150s for faulty automatic transmission

Ford recalls 1.2 million F-150s for faulty automatic transmission

February 11, 2019 Rebecca Rand

Dearborn, MI – February 11, 2019 – Ford  (NYSE:F) has recalled 1,263,051 F-150 trucks that may suddenly downshift to first gear, possibly causing the driver to lose control of the truck, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2011-2013 Ford F-150 trucks with six-speed automatic transmission.

Recall summary  

The recall concerns issues with Ford’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) which is the car’s brain, responsible for over 100 elements, including changing gears in an automatic transmission. The module needs information from an Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor to know how fast the car is going, and thus which gear to use. The recalled vehicles may intermittently lose the signal between this sensor and the PCM, potentially resulting in the car unexpectedly shifting into first gear.  This may cause it to suddenly slow down or the rear tires to slide or lock, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other F-150 recalls and causes 

Previously, Ford recalled several F-150 models with a particular automatic transmission, including the 2011 and 2012 F-150, for the same issue. This action expands that recall to include all 2011-2013 F-150s with six-speed automatic transmission.

“Various causal factors” may be to blame for the defect, including “contamination, power short to ground, connector corrosion, connector pin swaging, and incorrect outputs from the OSS sensor.” In the previous recall, Ford blamed the problem on a manufacturing error by a molded lead frame supplier which caused the circuit carrying the OSS sensor signal to break.

Safety concerns and complaints

Sudden downshifting may increase the risk of an accident that can hurt the drivers and other people on or off the road.  In fact, an investigation into the Ford transmission downshifting issue uncovered 10 crashes and three injuries caused by this defect. 

Over 1,000 complaints were logged by the distressed F-150 owners to both NHTSA and Ford and there were  “many instances” where the issue caused drivers to swerve out of their lanes or off the road.

One  of them said when the gears changed without warning, “it [felt] like you got hit from behind, causing you to slam your head and body on the seat.” Another one said that its 2013 F-150 would lose power, stall or shift on its own, “leaving the truck a wreck waiting to happen at any time.”

Warning signs 

Downshifting in these instances typically happened without warning. Besides the gear switch, drivers may notice problems with their speedometers, erratic gear shifting, and the transmission stuck in one gear. Most drivers who complained reported that they were able to continue driving after stopping and restarting the car.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the recalled Ford F-150’s PCM, free of charge. The repair is currently available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

As of July 29, 2020 – the last date for which information is available – 756,000 vehicles in this Ford truck recall have been repaired.  To see if your F-150  is amongst those that still need to be fixed, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Note: February 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have rewritten it to include the best, most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandFord recalls 1.2 million F-150s for faulty automatic transmission
Fiat Chrysler Recalls More Than 660,000 Ram Pickups for Faulty Steering Linkage

Fiat Chrysler Recalls More Than 660,000 Ram Pickups for Faulty Steering Linkage

February 7, 2019 Sean Reyes

 

London – Feb. 7, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 573,000 heavy-duty trucks in the U.S. alone, including 2014-2017 Ram 2500 pickups and 2013-2017 Ram 3500 pickups and chassis-cab trucks, due to a serious potential steering issue. The problem stems from a steering-linkage configuration that can catastrophically fail over time. The recall will ultimately affect more than 660,000 heavy-duty trucks worldwide.

The Defect

According to Consumer Reports, the linkage that connects the truck’s steering with its front wheels could separate over time, due to a loose nut. As a result, drivers may experience a loss of steering control. Loss of steering, especially at high speeds, can increase the risk of serious crash and potentially cause injury or even death.

Timeline of Events

According to a safety bulletin released by FCA, the recall follows a December 2018 investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into steering failures on some Ram trucks. The inquiry began after the agency received two complaints from owners that the linkage between the steering box and the front wheels can separate. In the FCA’s press release, the auto manufacturer announced that it is currently aware of one injury and eight crashes that may have been caused, at least in part, by this issue.

Vehicles recalled include:

  • 2014-2017 Ram 2500 pickups
  • 2013-2017 Ram 3500 pickups
  • 2013-2017 Ram chassis cab trucks

Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (an estimated 62,734 trucks), Mexico (est. 17,682) and certain markets outside the three biggest North American nations (est. 5,837). The NHTSA has not yet provided more details on this recall, or the sequence of events leading to the announcement.

The Solution

According to reporting from CBS, customers will be advised regarding when they may schedule service to address the potential linkage issue. FCA doesn’t have a specific date yet for owners of the affected trucks to be notified, but stated that it will do so before April 2019.

Dealers will inspect a steering linkage nut: If it’s properly tightened, it will be welded to a sleeve to keep it in place, and if it’s loose, the steering assembly will be replaced outright. The replacement or repair of any faulty parts will be completed at no charge to owners. Owners can contact FCA at 1-800-853-1403 to learn more. They can also reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA has yet to issue a recall number for this campaign.

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler Recalls More Than 660,000 Ram Pickups for Faulty Steering Linkage
Fiat Chrysler Recalls More than 220,000 2019 Ram 1500 Pickups Due to Detachable Brake Pedal.

Fiat Chrysler Recalls More than 220,000 2019 Ram 1500 Pickups Due to Detachable Brake Pedal.

February 6, 2019 Sean Reyes

 

Laguna Hills, CA – February 6, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 193,000 of their newly released 2019 Ram 1500 pickup trucks with adjustable pedals due to a possibility that the brake pedal may detach. The recall is expected to affect roughly 222,000 model-year 2019 Ram 1500 pickups worldwide that are equipped with the adjustable pedals. The 2019 Ram Classic is not affected by this recall.

The Defect

According to Consumer Affairs, affected vehicles have electrically operated adjustable brake pedals to allow drivers of different heights to comfortably position the gas and brake pedals closer to them, or further away from them, depending on their height and leg length. FCA said these Ram brake pedals may detach if drivers adjust them to their rearmost positions. Lack of braking power can potentially lead to a crash, injury and even death.

Timeline of Events

According to a safety bulletin released by FCA, an FCA US investigation researched vehicles that have been equipped with the pedal adjustment feature. The adjustment process, which is activated by a switch and operated with an electric motor, is recommended for use only when the vehicle is stationary as it enables a driver to adjust pedal position.

The investigation found that drivers activating the feature to move pedals to their rear-most position may, in vehicles that have a particular defect in design, cause the integrity of the brake pedal assembly to become compromised which can lead to detachment of the brake pedal.

Additional vehicles will be subject to recall in Canada (est. 22,111), Mexico (est. 783) and certain regions outside the North American market (est. 5,487). The NHTSA has not yet provided more details on this recall or the sequence of events leading to the announcement.

FCA US stated that the company is currently unaware of any related injuries or accidents. However, customers affected by this recall are urged to refrain from using the adjustable-pedal feature until their vehicles are serviced, and also to never use the adjustable-pedal feature while driving. More information can be found in owner manuals.

The Solution

According to the FCA bulletin, dealers will “further secure the brake pedal” at no charge to owners. FCA says it will notify owners of affected trucks. More than 33% of affected vehicles are still at dealerships, and all of those vehicles will be repaired before they are sold. Owners can contact FCA at 800-853-1403. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to issue a recall number for this campaign.

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler Recalls More than 220,000 2019 Ram 1500 Pickups Due to Detachable Brake Pedal.
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