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Chrysler Recalls Over 47,000 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid Vehicles for Steering Issue

March 18, 2019 Sean Reyes Chrysler Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 18, 2019 – Chrysler is recalling certain 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm could separate from the steering knuckle, causing loss of directional control and increasing the risk of a crash.

As many as 47,771 vehicles are potentially affected by this issue.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, the right front lower control arm can separate from the steering knuckle in some 2018 MY Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

The issue came to light due to an increase in warranty claims for buzz, squeak and rattle relating to the suspect joint were reported.

If the right lower control arm separates from the steering knuckle, the driver may experience a loss of directional control, which can result in the vehicle crashing without advance warning.

Timeline of events

Chrysler’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization launched an investigation November 20, 2018 following the field report of a vehicle that exhibited a separated right front lower control arm ball joint separated from the steering knuckle.

Between November 4 – 17, Chrysler’s Chassis Engineering team completed dimensional component testing. From November 19 to January 14, 2019. Chassis Engineering did system level testing to confirm failure mode and the scope of the issue.

In addition, Chrysler and its Chassis Engineering team held meetings between November 20, 2018, and February 15, 2019 to review the issue and discuss customer consequences, potential root cause, the scope of vehicles affected, potential corrective actions being investigated and component and system test results.

Following receipt of five Customer Assistance and Information Requests and one field report, Chrysler decided on February 21, 2019 to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The solution

Starting April 19, 2019, Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage and replace as needed, replacing the right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt with a larger diameter pinch bolt free of charge.

Some of the affected vehicles may be in dealers’ new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires that repairs must be completed before retail delivery. These vehicles will be eligible for a reimbursement allowance through Chrysler.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V143000.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Honda Recalls Over 1.1 Million Vehicles Equipped With Faulty Takata Air Bag Inflators

Laguna Hills, CA – March 15, 2019 – Honda is recalling over 1.1 million vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags that could explode if deployed during a crash. The recall includes the following models:

2003 Acura 3.2CL
2013-2016 Acura ILX
2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid
2003-2006 Acura MDX
2007-2016 Acura RDX
2002-2003 Acura 3.2TL
2004-2006 and 2009-2014 Acura TL
2010-2013 ZDX
2001-2007 Honda Accord
2009 Honda Accord
2001-2005 Honda Civic
2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
2001-2005 Honda Civic GX NGV
2002-2007 Honda C-RV
2010-2011 Honda CR-V
2003-2011 Honda Element
2007 Honda Fit
2002-2004 Honda Odyssey
2003-2008 Honda Pilot
2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

The affected vehicles had previously received a driver air bag inflator or air bag module replacement as part of a massive recall of defective Takata air bags affecting many different automakers.

The defect

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed March 11, replacement driver air bag inflators or air bag modules had been installed in the affected vehicles as part of a previous Takata inflator recall. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash in which the air bag is activated, the inflator may explode, resulting in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Car and Driver said this latest recall came about after a crash involving a 2004 Odyssey, in which the driver’s arm was bruised. This happened after the company learned that the Takata replacement, a driver’s-side inflator that is supposed to resist moisture, had ruptured due to “excessive moisture” present at the Takata factory in Mexico.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the Takata air bag recall, which has been going on for over 10 years, involved over 37 million vehicles built by 19 automakers. At least 22 people were killed and hundreds permanently disfigured when the air bags exploded after deployment, spraying them with deadly shrapnel.

Timeline of events

Honda began using the Takata-made driver-side air bag inflators June 2014 as part of a regional safety improvement campaign. By March 2015, when the scope of the original Takata recall expanded, Honda began obtaining remedy air bag inflators from other manufacturers to supplement its supply of replacement parts.

Honda instructed dealers to stop installing the Takata inflators July 2016, and stopped ordering the replacement parts from Takata.

On March 21, 2018, Honda was informed of the Jan. 19, 2018 crash in which the driver air bag inflator had allegedly ruptured during air bag deployment; an initial incident report was then submitted to NHTSA March 23. A joint field inspection April 10 confirmed the driver air bag inflator had ruptured, and a final rupture incident report was sent to NHTSA.

From mid-April to early-February 2019, Honda continued its investigation in conjunction with the air bag inflator supplier and NHTSA. Ultimately, examination of the replacement parts did not turn up any conclusive explanation of the factors that led to the over-pressurization found in these inflators, with Honda concluding that all available evidence suggested a manufacturing anomaly.

Honda met with NHTSA Feb. 15 to share the results of the investigation. The automaker then decided on March 6 that a defect existed, launching the recall process as a result. As of March 16, Honda had received only one injury claim related to this issue.

The solution

Honda will notify owners beginning April 17, and dealers – which are already prepared to begin repairs – will replace the driver’s air bag inflator with another inflator from an alternative supplier, free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.1 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of October 12, 2020 – the last date information was available – 541,670 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Ford Recalls 2019 Ranger Vehicles Due To Automatic Transmission Issues

March 14, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 14, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2019 Ranger vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmissions. In some of these vehicles, the transmission shift lever can be moved from the “Park” position without the key in the starter and without depressing the brake pedal, raising concerns about theft protection as well as safety. As many as 2,992 vehicles could be affected.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, the brake transmission shift interlock override plunger may be depressed, allowing the shifter to move from the “park” position without the key in the starting system and without depressing the brake pedal. As a result, if the vehicle is able to be shifted out of Park without the brake applied, it may unexpectedly move, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Timeline of Events

The issue first came to Ford’s attention Jan. 10, 2019. The report of a 2019 Ranger shifting out of park without a key in the ignition or a depressed brake pedal was reviewed by Ford’s Critical Concerns Review Group, following a Jan. 8 vehicle audit at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.

Ford’s engineering investigation revealed that the PRNDL bezel wiring on the vehicle interfered with the BTSI plunger. As the result of a subsequent inspection of 985 vehicles at the Michigan Plant, the problem was also found in a second vehicle. Over 100 more vehicles at a different Ford facility were also inspected, with no additional evidence of the issue.

Ford then began a review of the vehicle assembly process and post-assembly vehicle update procedures, uncovering three more vehicles at the Michigan Assembly Plant with this condition, which were repaired.

A dealer warranty claim regarding a shifter interlock actuator repair was reported Jan. 21, with the Ford Field Review Committee reviewing the concern and approving a field action. Ford has not yet received any reports of accident or injury as a result of this issue.

The Solution

The recall was announced February 22 when Ford began notifying owners by mail. Owners are instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to verify proper shifter interlock functionality. If a vehicle fails either inspection, dealers will inspect for wiring interference with the interlock switch plunger and relocate the wiring as needed. There will be no charge for this service.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19C02. 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 19V071000.

Ford Recalls 4,212 Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator Vehicles for Instrument Panel Issues

March 12, 2019 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 12, 2019 – Ford Motor Company issued a recall for certain 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. When the vehicles start up, the instrument panel cluster assembly may not function, showing a blank display. As many as 4,212 vehicles are potentially affected by this issue.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, because of the potential failure of the instrument panel cluster assembly, the display may not light upon start-up. A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, fuel or temperature level or safety system warnings. Driving without an operating display can increase the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

This issue was first reported to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group Dec. 11, 2018. Ford supplier Visteon had discovered a potential problem with 2 GB memory chips in the Instrument Panel Cluster causing a failure of data to load properly, resulting in a blank display. The issue surfaced during bench testing at higher temperatures. Ford then initiated a shipping freeze for all affected vehicles while the problem was investigated.

During the following month, the Ford team reviewed and confirmed a potential data transfer timing issue between the 2 GB memory chip and the graphics processor. The team worked with the supplier and three assembly plants to identify the affected vehicles, while the Engineering team searched field data for reports related to this issue. Ford found one warranty report.

On Feb. 4, 2019, the Ford Field Review Committee announced a compliance recall action for all affected vehicles. Ford is not yet aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

The Solution

The recall began March 8, 2019. Ford has notified all affected owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster assembly, free of charge.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 19C03. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V076000.

Subaru Recalling 10,417 Vehicles Because of Power Steering Problem

March 12, 2019 Sean Reyes Subaru Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 12, 2019 – Subaru of America, Inc. announced the recall of over 10,000 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. Similar to the 2019 Subaru power steering recall in the midst of a production shutdown that affected the Forester, XV, as well as the Impreza. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering unit may short-circuit, causing a loss of electric power steering assistance. Up to 10,417 vehicles are potentially affected by this issue.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, a connector inside the Electronic Power Steering control unit may form small gaps in the plastic material molding during the manufacturing process. Consequently, connector terminals inside the plastic molding may have insufficient isolation between terminals. If a loss in isolation happens, the EPS warning lamp will light and the EPS assist may be disabled. When this occurs, steering will become more difficult, increasing the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

Subaru received the first report of a vehicle experiencing loss of power steering assist on Jan. 8, 2019. The report came from a transport truck driver who had just restarted the engine to load the vehicle for transportation. The problem occurred before the vehicle was in motion. Subaru requested part collection to begin a supplier investigation. This comes after a separate 2016 Subaru steering column shaft recall that dealt with steering issues on the 2016 and 2017 Subaru Legacy & Outback models.

In the following week, Subaru received ten additional incidents of vehicles with disabled EPS assist. In all ten new cases, the issue happened shortly after the engine was restarted but prior to driving the vehicle, similar to the original occurrence. All eleven of these cases surfaced in Japan, while still under the automaker’s control.

The Investigation proceeded with a supplier-conducted examination of the failed parts, a review of the manufacturing process, and an inquiry into the history of the composition of raw materials involved in the connector’s fabrication.

On Jan. 16, Subaru received the first report of this problem occurring while a vehicle was in motion. Like the previous incidents, the failure was reported by a transport truck driver while the vehicle was still in Japan under manufacturer control. As a result, all production and shipping of potentially affected vehicles were halted.

Subaru of America subsequently placed a hold on these vehicles on Jan. 21. Since all the vehicles were in the shipping process and hadn’t yet arrived in the U.S., the hold kept the automobiles at their various ports of entry. Back in Japan, a safety recall was announced on Jan.30 by Subaru for the Japanese market, because some of the potentially affected Forester and Crosstrek vehicles had already been sold.

In the U.S., Subaru went ahead with distribution of the vehicles to retailers beginning Feb. 4, so that dealers could make repairs. A voluntary safety recall was issued at that time.

The Solution

The recall of potentially affected vehicles began on Feb. 7, 2019. As of that date, none of the affected vehicles had been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers of the issue, and they will inspect the steering gearbox and replace it as necessary, free of charge.

Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru’s number for this recall is WUC-88. 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 19V065000.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Chrysler recalls 8,933 Fiat Spider 124 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions

March 11, 2019 Sean Reyes Fiat Chrysler Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 11, 2019 – Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Fiat Spider 124 vehicles equipped with Aisin Rear Wheel Drive automatic transmissions. Because of incorrect programming within the transmission control module, certain conditions may cause the vehicle to downshift without warning and abruptly slow down.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, incorrectly programmed transmission control modules may cause vehicles to unexpectedly downshift and suddenly decelerate under certain conditions. Electrical noise in the range signal may be detected while driving in Drive mode (including “Manual” mode). Due to inappropriate control logic of the clutch control software in the transmission control module, this signal noise may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels. This would negatively affect directional stability, increasing the risk of lost control and potentially causing a vehicle crash without prior warning.

Timeline of Events

On Jan. 22, 2019, Chrysler first became aware of another automaker encountering a comparable issue with its vehicles. Mazda had announced its intention to announce a voluntary safety recall on a similar vehicle, and subsequently conducted a field action to remedy the problem.

Chrysler had not received any field reports or warranty claims as of Jan. 29, reporting that it was unaware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue. Nevertheless, on that date, Chrysler’s Vehicle Regulations Committee decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The Solution

Beginning March 27, Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission control module software free of charge.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V20. 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 19V068000.

Honda Recalls 4,455 Acura ILX Vehicles

March 8, 2019 Sean Reyes Acura Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – March 8, 2019 – Acura (American Honda Motor Company) is recalling 4,455 model year 2014-2019 Acura ILX vehicles. The vehicles may have a deformed fuel tank, resulting in the raised height of the fuel pump causing the fuel level float to stick. This could lead to inaccurate fuel levels displayed on the fuel gauge.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report, an improper manufacturing process produced deformities in the bottom of certain fuel tanks, which could raise the fuel pump height, decreasing the clearance between the fuel float and the inner wall of the tank.

Fuel movement in the tank can then cause the float to stick along the inner wall, leading to incorrect gauge readings. In a worst-case scenario, the vehicle could run out of fuel and stall, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Timeline of events

Honda received the first report of an inaccurate fuel gauge in February 2018. At that time, troubleshooting did not result in tank replacement.

Following additional reports of inaccurate fuel gauge readings, investigation continued from October 2018 through January 2019. Recreation tests by the supplier confirmed the problem, and revealed that an inappropriate cooling jig adjustment setting was used during a specific production period, resulting in the deformed tanks.

Further review also showed an inadequate cooling water flow rate during another phase of production, separate from the one in which the original fuel tank problems occurred. Records from this time confirmed that the tanks shrank and deformed due to the improper flow rate of cooling water.

On January 17, 2019, Honda determined that a motor vehicle safety defect existed, and decided to issue a safety recall. As of that date, Honda had received 621 warranty claims and 264 field reports. However, no reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue have been received.

The solution

In a statement issued Feb. 8, Acura announced that it is voluntarily recalling 4,455 model-year 2014-2019 ILX vehicles in the U.S. for inspection and, if needed, complimentary replacement of the fuel tanks, free of charge.

Acura is encouraging owners of affected vehicles to bring them to an authorized dealer for repair as soon as they receive notification from Acura. Notification will occur by mail, beginning in early March 2019.

MotorSafety.org can help you determine whether your vehicle is subject to a government-mandated recall or whether there is some factory notice that you should be informed of.

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

Subaru vehicles recalled for brake light issue, loss of safety functions

March 7, 2019 Ken Boyd Subaru Recalls

November 18, 2021 UPDATE – Subaru Corporation (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has remedied 993,791 Subaru vehicles with brake light issues such as the 2013 Subaru Crosstrek. 974 vehicles have been deemed unreachable with an additional 34,370 vehicles removed from Subaru’s brake light recall.

Camden, NJ – February 19, 2019 – Subaru Corporation (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has recalled 1,303,530 vehicles, due to faulty brake lights. If brake lights do not illuminate as designed, other vehicles will not be alerted when the vehicle is slowing or stopping. This issue increases the risk of a crash. This mirrors a 2021 Nissan Recall of 807,376 Nissan Sentra vehicles with malfunctioning brake lights. The recall includes:

2014-2016 Subaru Forester SUVs
2008-2016 Subaru Impreza sedans
2012-2016 Subaru Impreza station wagons
2008-2014 Subaru WRX sedans (including STI)
2013-2017 Subaru Crosstrek SUVs

Recall summary

The brake light switch is built inside of a housing and turns the lights on and off. In recalled vehicles, contaminants may seep into the switch housing and disable it. The brake will still work even if the light switch is not operating correctly.

But depending on the model, the failure may also result in the inability to start the Subaru Forester, Impreza, WRX, or Crosstrek or shift out of “Park” when trying to go somewhere. In some cases, it may also disable the anti-lock brake (ABS) system and some important safety features, including EyeSight driver-assist and vehicle dynamics control (VDC).

Warning signs

The vehicle should display an appropriate warning light if any of the above systems malfunction.

Subaru Forester recalls

The Forestor platform was involved in a December 2019 recall when the 2019 Subaru Forester struggle with stalling issues and earlier that year for Forester’s loss of electric power assist.

Risks

Trailing vehicles must be alerted when the driver applies the brakes. If the brake light is out, the risk of a rear-end collision greatly increases.

If the vehicle’s ABS fails, the brake pedal may become unresponsive. Both this and the loss of other essential safety features – such as EyeSight driver assist, which helps the driver to stay in his or her lane – augments the risk of crash and subsequent injury or death to the occupants of the car and other people on the road.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the brake light switch. The repair is free of charge and is available now. The Subaru brake light switch replacement is expected to take 30 minutes, but your dealer may need to keep your vehicle longer, depending on scheduling.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1,300,000 vehicles were originally included in this Subaru recall. As of October 2020 – the last date for which information is available – close to a million have been fixed or removed. To see if your car is amongst those that still need to be fixed, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Note: February 16, 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.

Audi Recalls 22 Vehicles with Loose Shock Absorbers

March 6, 2019 Sean Reyes Audi Recalls, Video

Volkswagen Recalls More Than 100,000 Vehicles Equipped With Defective Takata Air Bags

February 28, 2019 Sean Reyes Audi Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls, Volkswagen Recalls

Herndon, VA – February 28, 2019 – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling over 100,000 vehicles equipped with Takata airbags that could explode and injure vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following models:

2017 Audi R8
2016-2017 Audi TT
2015-2017 Volkswagen CC
2015-2016 Volkswagen Eos
2015 Volkswagen Passat

This is part of a vast and ongoing scheduled recall of vehicles with Takata air bags. The estimated number of units affected is 119,394.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Report filed January 11, the non-desiccated ammonium nitrate used as a propellant in the air bag inflators in the passenger side airbags of these vehicles poses a risk at some point in the future for all vehicles thus equipped.

If the driver’s frontal air bag deploys, the defective inflator could potentially rupture. The degrading ammonium nitrate present in the propellant wafers may explode under excessive internal pressure in the event of a crash which causes deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag.

In very rare cases, the explosion might mean that metal fragments could pass through the air bag cushion material and go flying into the interior of the vehicle from the passenger front side, potentially striking the vehicle occupants and conceivably resulting in serious injury or death.

This recall is part of a massive worldwide recall of vehicles with Takata airbags that is being conducted in waves starting with the vehicles that are at highest risk of propellant degradation (older vehicles and vehicles in Zones 1, 2, and 3.)

All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from regions subject to high absolute humidity.

Timeline of events

The filing was made as required per the NHTSA Coordinated Remedy Order. The date of determination for Audi was January 2, and the date of determination for Volkswagen was January 9, 2019.

Volkswagen will cooperate with NHTSA to prioritize and stagger vehicle repairs by joining NHTSA’s coordinated remedy program. The remedy components for this defect are not ammonium-nitrate based accelerant air bag inflators.

According to Consumer Reports, the investigation began in 2008, after reports of exploding air bags and flying metal shrapnel surfaced.

The cause turned out to be degraded propellant wafers in the air bag inflators manufactured by Takata, which were installed in millions of cars between 2002 and 2015.

Vehicles made by 19 different automakers have been recalled in what may turn out to be the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.

The solution

The recall is expected to begin in March 2019. Volkswagen will notify owners by mail, and be instructed to take their vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer.

Dealers will replace the driver’s frontal air bag inflator with an alternative part, free of charge. Audi and Volkswagen are excluding reimbursement for costs associated with replacement of air bag inflators.

The Audi recalled component description is 4S0.880.201, and the Volkswagen’s part numbers are 3C8.880.201 and 561.880.201

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 100,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 99,216 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

Recall summary

Warning signs

Subaru Forester recalls

Risks

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

The defect

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Is your vehicle part of the recall?

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