Battery Problem – Jeep Wrangler PHEV

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In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with hybrid models like the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) gaining popularity. However, this transition has not been without challenges, particularly concerning battery reliability and safety. A case in point is the recent issue with certain 2021-2023 model year Jeep Wrangler PHEVs.

The Core Issue

The heart of the problem lies in the high voltage (HV) battery of some Jeep Wrangler PHEVs, which have been reported to fail internally. This issue first came to light in May 2023 when the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received two field reports of 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs catching fire due to the HV battery. Following these alarming reports, FCA bought back the vehicles for in-depth analysis. By November 2023, seven such incidents had been reported, prompting FCA US to initiate a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Investigating the Cause

The root cause of these battery failures remains unidentified and under investigation. The suspect period for these faults began on September 18, 2020, with the issue being potentially linked to battery cells manufactured between January 21, 2021, and October 2, 2021. These dates were determined using supplier manufacturing records, indicating a specific window during which the faulty cells were produced.

Broader Challenges with EV Batteries

This situation with Jeep Wrangler PHEVs brings to light broader concerns in the EV industry regarding battery safety and reliability. Battery issues in electric vehicles can stem from various factors, including manufacturing defects, improper management of battery temperature, overcharging, or physical damage to the battery. Such problems can lead to reduced battery life, decreased performance, and in extreme cases, safety hazards like fires.

The recall of the Jeep Wrangler PHEVs underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control in the production of EV batteries. Manufacturers must implement stringent quality checks and improve battery technology to prevent such incidents. Furthermore, understanding and rectifying the root cause of these failures is crucial for the advancement and consumer confidence in EV technology.

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 89A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-787.

The case of the Jeep Wrangler PHEV batteries serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the EV revolution. While the shift to electric mobility is imperative for sustainable transportation, it also demands heightened attention to the safety and reliability of EV components, especially batteries. As the industry evolves, continuous improvements and vigilance in battery technology and manufacturing processes will be key to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of EV users worldwide.

Blank Instrument Display in Select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet Vehicles

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Owners of certain 2024 Buick and Chevrolet models should be aware of a critical software issue affecting their vehicles. This concern, primarily impacting the Buick Encore GX, Buick Envista, and Chevrolet Trax, has prompted a safety recall due to the risk of instrument panel displays going blank, either at startup or while driving.

In August 2023, General Motors’ Safety and Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) initially addressed this issue through a service update bulletin. The bulletin aimed to update the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) software in the affected models. However, this measure escalated to a safety recall after an intervention by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI).

During a meeting in September 2023 between GM Korea representatives and KATRI officials, KATRI determined that the issue warranted a safety recall rather than a mere service update. This decision was influenced by the potential danger posed by the software malfunction.

To date, GM has received 255 global complaints regarding the instrument panel blackout, though, fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue. Nonetheless, the risk cannot be understated. A blackout of the instrument panel while driving can dangerously divert the driver’s attention, escalating the risk of a crash.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified about the recall, identified by GM’s number A232424320 and the NHTSA campaign number 23V-744. To resolve the issue, owners can opt for a dealer visit to update the VCU software or choose an over-the-air (OTA) update.

The initiative to convert the service update into a safety recall underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the automotive industry. The issue of the blank instrument displays in select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles is concerning and vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to the notice to ensure their safety on the road.

2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV Fire Risk

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A small number of 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) have encountered a significant safety issue, prompting concerns and a recall. A flaw in the battery system could potentially lead to vehicle fires, a risk that poses a serious threat to both vehicle occupants and property.

At the core of the problem is an off-location 12V isolator post in some of these vehicles. This defect may cause a short circuit in the 12V battery positive (“B+”) circuit, leading to a vehicle fire, regardless of whether the ignition is on or off. The gravity of this issue is evident, as vehicle fires can significantly increase the risk of injury to both the occupants and bystanders, as well as cause extensive property damage.

In response to this discovery, FCA US (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles United States) has initiated a voluntary safety recall for all affected Chrysler Pacifica PHEV models. This recall, identified as B0A by FCA US and 23V-753 in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign, aims to address this critical issue.

It’s important to note that the recall stems not from a defective part, but rather from an assembly issue. Specifically, the vehicles in question may have been built with a 12V anti-rotation stud that is incorrectly positioned. The solution involves modifying the isolator to correctly fit this anti-rotation stud, thereby mitigating the risk of a short circuit and subsequent fire.

In the meantime, owners of the affected vehicles are strongly advised to take precautionary measures. FCA US recommends that these vehicles should not be parked inside buildings, structures, or near other vehicles. The reason for this guidance is clear: to minimize the risk of fire spreading and causing further damage and potential injuries. Owners are encouraged to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed.

This recall and the associated risks highlight the complexities and potential dangers inherent in modern automotive technologies, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles. While these technologies offer numerous benefits, including environmental advantages, they also introduce new challenges in terms of vehicle safety and reliability.

The Chrysler Pacifica PHEV’s recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality control and thorough testing in vehicle manufacturing. It also underscores the need for quick and decisive action by manufacturers and regulatory bodies when potential safety issues are identified, ensuring the safety and well-being of vehicle users and the general public.

Volkswagen ID.4 Door Handle Malfunction

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Door handle water intrusion Recent developments in automotive safety have brought to light a significant issue with the 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 models. These vehicles have been identified as having door handles that fall short of the required standards for water ingress protection. This defect poses a serious safety risk, as it can lead to malfunctions in the door lock system, causing doors to open unexpectedly.

The Central Safety Concern

The main safety hazard is the risk of doors opening spontaneously under high lateral forces, particularly at speeds below 9 mph (15 km/h). This can be dangerous for both the vehicle’s occupants and those outside, including pedestrians and nearby objects. The problem stems from water entering the printed circuit board within the door handle, leading to miscommunications with the door control unit.

Signs of the Malfunction

Drivers and passengers in the affected Volkswagen ID.4 models may notice an unusual clicking sound, similar to that of doors locking or unlocking, which can indicate the onset of this issue.

Timeline of the Volkswagen ID.4 Door Handle Issue

  • June 2021: The first signs of this issue in the Volkswagen ID.4 were reported in the U.S., with two cases of door openings. Investigations pointed to wiring harness damage as a cause of water ingress.
  • April 2022: Additional reports confirmed the presence of water in the circuit board.
  • April-November 2022: Volkswagen conducted in-depth analyses using malfunctioning parts, signal debugging, and accelerated aging tests.
  • November 2022: Tests on field vehicles identified the issue at speeds below 15 km/h.
  • January-February 2023: In collaboration with suppliers, Volkswagen analyzed and tested deconstructed field parts.
  • February 2023: Environmental tests commenced on serial parts to better understand the ingress of water.
  • February 28, 2023: The NHTSA called for a meeting with VWGoA to discuss the ID.4 door handle issue.
  • March 2023: Continued investigations by VWGoA and NHTSA, with no definitive root cause identified initially.
  • March 28, 2023: Completion of climate chamber tests led to the identification of the root cause.
  • April 2023: Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee started identifying affected ID.4 vehicles.

Recall Decision and Implications

By April 26, 2023, Volkswagen’s Product Safety Committee had decided to recall the affected 2021-2023 ID.4 models, following 28 reported instances of door openings. This recall is a vital step in rectifying a crucial safety defect, highlighting the need for stringent quality control and proactive measures in the automotive industry.

Airbag Issue in Tesla Model S and Model X

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Tesla has identified a significant safety issue affecting certain 2021-2023 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles. The problem lies in the installation of incorrect steering wheel airbags during vehicle servicing. This issue predominantly arose during the retrofitting of vehicles with alternate steering wheels based on customer requests.

Discovery of the Issue

The problem came to Tesla’s attention in October 2023, when Tesla Service in Europe encountered 12 instances where vehicles with round steering wheels were retrofitted with yoke steering wheels. However, there was no confirmation of the appropriate driver airbag variant installation for the yoke steering wheels. This prompted Tesla to initiate an engineering study in the U.S., encompassing 10 vehicles. Of the three vehicles inspected, one was found to have the wrong driver airbag variant, meant for the round steering wheel.

The Nature of the Problem

At the core of this issue is the mismatch between the steering wheel design and the driver airbag variant. The round steering wheel and the yoke steering wheel each require a distinct driver airbag design. During servicing, some vehicles were erroneously equipped with a driver airbag variant mismatched to the steering wheel type. This discrepancy can potentially compromise airbag performance during deployment, elevating the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Recall and Safety Concerns

As a result of these findings, Tesla decided to recall all vehicles that underwent a steering wheel retrofit – either from a round to a yoke steering wheel or vice versa. This decision underscores the potential safety risks associated with the airbag performance in these retrofitted vehicles.

Official Recall Information

Tesla has issued a recall with the number SB-23-20-005. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-743 to this recall. This recall highlights the critical importance of matching the correct airbag variant to the specific design of a vehicle’s steering wheel.

2020-2023 Ford Mustang No Low Brake Fluid Warning

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brake light warningSome Mustang cars made between 2020 and 2023 have a problem with their brake fluid level sensor. This sensor doesn’t activate a warning light when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for light vehicle brake systems.

Ford became aware of the problem in August 2023 when an issue pertaining to 2020-2023 model year Mustang brake fluid level warning systems was brought into Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review. They discovered that the problem lies with the Body Control Module (BCM), a part that manages the brake fluid sensor. This BCM should turn on the brake warning light if there’s a problem. In Mustangs made from 2018 to 2023, the brake fluid sensor is directly connected to the BCM. However, in the 2020 Mustang, they switched to a different BCM design, called “Gen1m,” which incorrectly looks for a message from the brake fluid sensor over a network (CAN) instead of the direct connection.

After investigating, Ford confirmed that this problem only affects Mustangs from 2020 to 2023. They also verified that the 2024 Mustang doesn’t have this issue because the brake system and BCM are set up correctly. The Brake Development team tested Mustangs from 2019 to 2024 and found that the 2020 to 2023 models fail to meet the requirements for warning about low brake fluid. However, these vehicles meet all other brake system warning lamp requirements.

Ford initially didn’t run certification tests on the 2020 to 2023 Mustangs because they thought the brake system was the same as in the 2018 model. They didn’t know that the BCM was incorrectly configured to use a network message.

As of September 12, 2023, Ford received 123 warranty claims related to a brake fluid loss on these vehicles, but there were no reports of the brake fluid level sensor not working.

To fix the problem, Ford dealers will update the software in the body control module. They plan to send out initial letters in December 2023 to notify owners about the safety issue and will send second letters when the solution is available. This recall is identified by Ford as number 23C35, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-727.

2019-2023 Jaguar I-PACE Potential Fire From Overheating Battery

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Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is taking steps to address a potential safety concern involving certain 2019-2023 I-PACE vehicles. These vehicles were previously subject to recall 23V-369, but the earlier repairs may not have been executed correctly. This oversight could still leave the high-voltage battery at risk of overheating, potentially posing significant safety hazards.

Jaguar became aware of this issue in September 2023, triggered by a field report regarding a thermal overload incident in a vehicle that had previously undergone repairs as part of a prior recall (H441). An in-depth investigation into the matter revealed that the recall action for H441 had been mishandled by a retailer. In particular, the retailer had used an unauthorized service diagnostic tool, leading to the incorrect installation of essential software on the vehicle in question. Consequently, the safety defect persisted, even though the retailer had reported that the safety recall had been successfully completed.

This situation creates a lingering safety risk for affected vehicle owners. An improperly repaired vehicle continues to be vulnerable to conditions like thermal overload, which can result in potential fire or smoke issues. Such incidents can not only jeopardize the safety of vehicle occupants but also pose risks to individuals outside the vehicle and may cause property damage. What’s even more concerning is that the owners may remain unaware that the previous repair was not carried out correctly.

Fortunately, Jaguar is taking action to rectify the situation. Dealers will address the issue by updating the battery energy control module software, ensuring that the vehicles are brought up to the necessary safety standards. In the meantime, owners are strongly advised to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures, as well as to charge them in the open until the recall repair is completed. This precautionary measure should be adhered to for 30 days after the repair has been finalized.

To help facilitate this important safety recall, Jaguar has assigned it the reference number H459, and it has been officially registered with the NHTSA under campaign number 23V-709.

Honda Civic – Noise From Front Suspension While Turning

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In a concerning development affecting certain 2022-2024 Honda Civic vehicles, an incorrectly assembled steering rack has raised concerns. This assembly issue may lead to potential tire damage, as the tire could come into contact with the lower suspension or tie rod ends. Specifically, the vehicles affected are those 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door models that had a replacement power steering rack installed as part of a service repair.

Honda became aware of the problem in July 2023, when they were contacted by their steering rack assembly manufacturer about certain assemblies that may have been improperly put together. As a result, Honda swiftly initiated an investigation into this matter, which eventually revealed a defect posing a risk to vehicle safety. In response, Honda made the responsible choice to launch a safety recall.

Flat tire

According to the defect report, the steering racks produced as replacement parts for Honda dealerships had been assembled with an incorrect stroke length setting. When the steering rack’s stroke extends beyond a certain length during driving, it brings the tire into proximity with the lower suspension arm and/or tie rod end. Such contact can lead to tire damage or a potential puncture, thereby heightening the likelihood of an accident or injury.

An early indicator that the issue exists includes an unusual noise emanating from the front tire/suspension area, particularly when making turns.

Honda is taking measures to address this concern. Owners who receive notifications will be urged to return to their Honda dealerships to have the electric power steering rack carefully inspected. If necessary, the steering rack will be replaced to ensure the vehicle’s safety. It’s anticipated that notification letters will be dispatched to owners starting on December 4, 2023. For reference, the recall is identified by Honda as YFW, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-704.