Winnebago Industries have identified a problem affecting the alternator and serpentine belt in certain 2021 Revel motorhomes.

According to the defect report, a misalignment of pulleys associated with the installation of the auxiliary alternator could cause the alternator belt to wear and become completely disengaged. If this happens, the engine serpentine belt could also become disengaged and result in immediate loss of power steering control and other belt controlled components. This loss of power steering changes the expected handling of the vehicle and can increase the chances of an accident. Drivers may experience a flapping sound prior to disengagement of the belt.

Dealers will inspect the alignment of the belt pulleys and repair problems as necessary. Winnebago’s number for this recall is 162 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-474.

Owners of certain Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUV’s will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the power steering. According to the defect report, events that demand high current, such as low speed turns, could cause a temporary low voltage condition that could disable power steering assist. If power steering assist is lost the driver will be alerted through an illuminated warning on the driver information center (DIC). Also, other electrical systems may shut down at the same time or just prior the event. These systems include: the radio, stabilitrack, DIC, chimes, door lock cycling, air conditioning or cruise control.

The vehicles affected by this recall include:

  • 2015 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 GMC Yukon

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the EPS module software. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. GM’s number for this recall is 18289 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-586.

General Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2014 Chevy Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra trucks regarding a problem affecting their vehicles safety. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles could experience a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist during low speed turns. If power steering assist is lost, the driver may experience problems with the radio, stablilitrack, driver information center, chimes, door locks, air conditioning or cruise control.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EPS module software updated. For more information about the recall, owners can contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-432-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 17276. and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-414.

General Motors has decided that certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet SS cars may have a defect affecting vehicle safety. According to the defect report, corrosion on the connector between the electric power steering (EPS) module and the torque sensor could result in loss of assisted steering. If power steering is lost, manual steering functionality will be retained, but an increased effort will be needed steer the vehicle. Drivers will also be alerted through a malfunction indicator light and warning chime.

Dealers will inspect the steering gear assembly and replace it as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 17248 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-382.

Certain 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4Matic vehicles could experience a loss of power steering assist. According to the defect report, an incorrect torque sensor control calculation may cause a software issue that could lead to temporary deactivation of the power steering assist. The problem will result in increased steering effort, a warning message in the instrument cluster, and an audible warning chime. Continue reading

Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2009-2016 Dodge Journey owners about a problem affect the power steering assist. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the power steering return hose could rupture at engine start up after exposure to cold temperatures. Loss of power steering assist will require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading

Hyundai will be sending notices to certain 2011 Sonata owners instructing them to return to their dealership to fix a problem affecting the Electronic Power Steering (EPS). According to the defect report, a change in the manufacturing process of the protective coating on the circuit board in the EPS control unit could result in damage to the circuit board over time. If this happens, drivers may notice an illumination EPS warning lamp accompanied by a loss of steering assist and increased steering effort. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks could experience an unexpected loss of power steering assist. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, contamination to the top side of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) control circuit boards may result in a short of the control circuit components. Drivers could experience an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), difficult steering at slow speeds, and an intermittent or permanent loss of power steering assist without warning. Continue reading