Author Archives: admin

Nissan Leaf Fire Risk From Quick Charging Battery

Posted on by

Nissan Leaf Smoking BatteryCertain 2019-2020 Nissan Leaf vehicles, specifically those equipped with quick charge ports for Level 3 charging using the CHAdeMO connector, are facing a potential issue where the battery could overheat during quick charging. This issue is serious, as it significantly raises the risk of a vehicle fire, which could lead to injury or property damage. The affected LEAF models were produced at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant between August 29, 2018, and November 3, 2020. Nissan has identified this issue through their production records, confirming that it is limited to these specific Model Year 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles. Importantly, no other Nissan or INFINITI vehicles are known to be impacted by this defect, offering some reassurance to owners of other Nissan models.

Nissan is actively investigating the cause of this issue. Preliminary findings suggest that the problem stems from excessive lithium deposits forming inside the lithium-ion battery cells of these vehicles. These deposits increase the electrical resistance within the battery, which can cause fluctuations in the battery’s state of charge. This elevated resistance becomes particularly problematic during Level 3 quick charging, as it may result in the battery heating up more rapidly than intended. If the charging session continues under these conditions, the risk of a battery fire is significantly heightened, posing a serious safety concern.

Drivers may notice several warning signs during Level 3 charging that indicate something is wrong. These include the presence of smoke, unusual noises, interrupted charging sessions, or strange thermal odors emanating from the vehicle’s battery compartment. If any of these signs are observed, Nissan strongly advises stopping the charging process immediately and avoiding Level 3 charging altogether until the problem can be resolved.

Nissan is developing a solution for this issue in the form of a software update for the affected vehicles. Once available, this software update will be installed by dealers and is designed to correct the problem by managing the battery’s charging process more effectively. Nissan is taking steps to notify affected vehicle owners. Interim letters, alerting them to the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 2024. A second notice will follow once the software remedy is ready for deployment.

Until the fix is in place, Nissan advises owners to avoid using Level 3 quick charging stations and instead rely on slower charging methods, which do not present the same risk. For those affected, Nissan’s recall number is R24B2, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 24V-700.

Fiat Spider Airbag Could Deploy With Excessive Force

Posted on by

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has identified a software error in the airbag control module of certain 2017-2020 Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles. This issue can cause the airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash, which poses a safety risk. As a result, these vehicles do not comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for occupant crash protection, specifically FMVSS No. 208, which governs crash protection and performance requirements for automotive airbags.

The problem came to light in July 2024, when Mazda Motor Corporation, a partner in the development of these vehicles, notified Stellantis Europe S.p.A. about a potential issue with the airbag control module. Mazda discovered this error during the development of new airbag sensors for upcoming vehicle models. As part of the research and testing process for these sensors, engineers identified a misconfiguration in the calibration tool used to program airbag control modules.

This discovery prompted Mazda to take a closer look at the settings of airbag control modules in previous models, including the 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata. During extensive simulation tests, Mazda engineers uncovered a potential flaw in the collision detection sensitivity of the airbag system. This flaw could cause airbags in these models to deploy improperly, failing to meet the safety standards designed to protect passengers from serious injury. The main concern is that the system might trigger the deployment of the dual-stage front airbag rather than the single-stage deployment that is appropriate for certain types of collisions. This misconfiguration increases the risk of neck injuries during a frontal crash.

FMVSS No. 208 requires that vehicles meet specific performance standards related to neck injury prevention during a 26 km/h frontal impact. The dual-stage airbag deployment in the affected Fiat/Abarth 124 Spider vehicles increases the force of the airbag during deployment, potentially leading to a higher risk of neck injuries, which would prevent the vehicles from meeting these safety requirements.

The issue is not related to a defective part, but rather a design oversight in the programming of the airbag control module. The voltage specifications for the accelerometer, a key component of the system that detects a crash and triggers the airbags, were incorrectly set. This misconfiguration leads to improper airbag deployment, which could result in the failure to meet safety regulations.

To remedy this issue, Chrysler will reprogram the airbag control module in all affected vehicles with the correct specifications. This software update will ensure that the airbags deploy at the appropriate force in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of injury and bringing the vehicles into compliance with federal safety standards.

Chrysler plans to begin notifying vehicle owners about the recall on November 7, 2024. Once notified, owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles to authorized dealerships for the airbag control module to be reprogrammed at no cost. In the meantime, Chrysler has assigned the recall number A3B to this issue, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 24V-694.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Air Bag Control Module Safety Concern

Posted on by

Mazda will soon be reaching out to the owners of specific 2016-2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata vehicles due to a software issue affecting the airbag control module. This problem, first identified in April 2023, stems from a calibration error that may result in the front airbags deploying with excessive force during a crash. As a consequence, these vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection, potentially endangering the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Mazda became aware of the issue during the development of new airbag sensors for future models. During this process, engineers uncovered a misconfiguration in the calibration tool used to set up the airbag control modules. This discovery prompted Mazda to reevaluate and reassess the settings in control modules from earlier vehicle models. Through a series of rigorous simulation tests, Mazda found that the collision detection sensitivity in the 2016-2023 MX-5 Miata models could lead to improper airbag deployments that do not comply with safety standards.

The problem particularly arises during minor collisions, where the airbags may deploy with a force higher than intended. This excessive force poses an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants, especially in situations where airbag deployment should be less aggressive. Although the issue seems isolated to the MX-5 Miata, Mazda has taken steps to conduct similar tests across other vehicle models to ensure that the problem does not affect a broader range of vehicles.

To resolve this issue, Mazda dealers will perform a software update on the Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) control module of the affected vehicles. This update is designed to re-calibrate the airbag deployment system to meet FMVSS 208 standards, ensuring that airbags deploy at appropriate force levels in the event of a collision. Mazda has scheduled owner notification letters to be mailed starting November 17, 2024, alerting owners to the recall and the necessary repairs.

Mazda’s recall number for this issue is 6924I, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned campaign number 24V-695 to this recall. It is crucial for MX-5 Miata owners to have their vehicles inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will not only bring the vehicles back into compliance with federal safety regulations but also ensure the continued safety of all passengers in the event of an accident.

Electrical Issues Affecting 2024 Ford Explorer and Bronco Sport Models

Posted on by

battery problemsFord Motor Company has announced two significant recalls affecting its 2024 Explorer and Bronco Sport vehicles. Both recalls involve electrical issues that could potentially lead to serious problems for vehicle owners. Here’s what you need to know about each recall:

2024 Ford Explorer Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-685)

Ford is recalling certain 2024 Explorer models equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The issue stems from the 12-volt battery cable, which may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG). If this occurs, it could lead to a short circuit.

This kind of electrical short can cause the vehicle to lose power, increasing the risk of a crash. In some cases, the short circuit could also result in a fire hazard. Ford is taking action to notify owners and replace or repair affected parts to ensure safety.

Key Concerns:

  • Affected Vehicles: 2024 Ford Explorers with 3.3L Hybrid engines
  • Problem: 12-volt battery cable could chafe against the BiSG, leading to a short circuit
  • Risks: Potential loss of power and fire hazard

2024 Ford Bronco Sport Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-683)

The second recall involves certain 2024 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles. In these models, the body and powertrain control modules may fail to detect changes in the state of charge of the 12-volt battery. This issue can lead to incorrect readings and could affect the vehicle’s performance.

If the control modules fail to detect the battery’s actual charge, the vehicle may stall unexpectedly, which could increase the risk of an accident. Ford plans to update the control module software to fix the issue.

Key Concerns:

  • Affected Vehicles: 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
  • Problem: Control modules may not detect changes in the battery’s state of charge
  • Risks: Vehicle stalling unexpectedly, raising the likelihood of accidents

Ford will notify owners of the affected vehicles and instruct them to take their cars to authorized dealers for inspection and repair. The repairs, include replacing cables or updating control module software.

If you own a 2024 Ford Explorer Hybrid or Bronco Sport, it’s important to stay alert for communication from Ford about these recalls. In the meantime, you can also contact Ford’s customer service or visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to check if your vehicle is part of the recall. By addressing these issues promptly, Ford aims to prevent potential accidents and ensure the continued safety of their customers.

Certain 2023-2024 GM Vehicles Fail to Meet FMVSS for Brake Systems

Posted on by

Certain 2023-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for light vehicle baking systems. The problem is, the driver may not receive an indicator of a loss of brake fluid before the level is below FMVSS 135’s requirement.

The FMVSS 135 requires that vehicles have a system in place to warn the driver when the brake fluid level drops to a certain point. This allows time for the problem to be addressed before it affects braking performance. However, in the affected vehicles, the brake fluid warning light may not illuminate in time to alert the driver before the fluid drops below the required level. This delay in the warning light could lead to reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

The following vehicle models are affected by this problem:

2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade
2023-2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2023-2024 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
2023 GMC Sierra 1500
2023-2024 GMC Yukon
2023-2024 GMC Yukon XL

GM became aware of this issue through its Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) program. A GM engineer noticed during a brake fluid leak test that the required warning light (referred to as the BRAKE telltale) did not illuminate as expected. This led GM to launch a full investigation. The issue was traced to a mismatch in the software and calibrations of the Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM). This software mismatch was preventing the vehicle from detecting a brake fluid leak in time to alert the driver. Fortunately, GM has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to this issue, but the potential for delayed notification of a brake fluid leak poses a safety concern.

In the event of a brake fluid leak, the vehicle’s brake pedal could become less responsive before the warning light appears. This degraded brake performance, combined with the delayed warning, could increase the likelihood of a crash. However, GM has confirmed that even in these circumstances, the vehicles still meet federal stopping distance requirements, meaning they should still be able to stop within the legally required distance.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting October 28, 2024. GM will provide a software update for the eBCM that will correct the issue. This update can be done remotely through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by visiting a dealership. If you own one of these vehicles, you do not need to take immediate action unless you notice any issues with your brakes. The recall is precautionary, and the software update will ensure that your vehicle meets all federal safety standards moving forward.

GM’s recall number for this issue is N242447990, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-674.

Ford And Lincoln Engine Intake Valves May Break

Posted on by

Ford Motor Company (Ford) have discovered a defect affecting certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

The following vehicle models are affected by this recall:

2021-2022 Ford Bronco
2021-2022 Ford Edge
2021-2022 Ford Explorer
2021-2022 Ford F-150
2021-2022 Lincoln Aviator
2021-2022 Ford Bronco

In January 2022, an investigation was opened into certain 2021 Lincoln Aviator and Nautilus vehicles equipped with 2.7L and 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engines after 22 instances of engine failure were reported within three months of service. The issue involved left-hand engine intake valve fractures, which led to catastrophic engine damage and Loss of Motive Power (LOMP). A tear down analysis confirmed intake valve fractures in 251 engines from warranty repairs.

Ford traced the problem to intake valves exceeding the hardness specification due to faulty grinding processes by the supplier. The intake valve material was changed for vehicles produced after October 31, 2021, to improve robustness.

On May 5, 2022, Ford opened an internal investigation into early intake valve fractures, and on May 27, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began its own investigation after receiving reports from Ford Bronco owners. NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation in July 2022.

On September 29, 2023, NHTSA expanded their investigation to include all 2021 and 2022 Ford/Lincoln models with 2.7L and 3.0L engines. As of August 9, 2024, Ford reported 811 global warranty claims and 267 field reports related to fractured intake valves. On August 16, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved a field action to address the issue.

Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 7, 2024. Ford’s number for this recall is 24S55 and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-635.

Jeep Gladiator And Wrangler Instrument Panel Failure

Posted on by

Jeep Instrument Panel FailureFiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) US have decided that there is a safety related problem affecting certain 2020-2024 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The recall was prompted by an issue that could cause the instrument panel cluster (IPC) to fail, leading to a blank display. This defect may occur due to an internal short circuit, which could compromise the instrument panel’s functionality and cause the vehicle to fall out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, which governs controls and displays in vehicles.

The problem was first identified by FCA’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization, which had received reports of blank IPCs in affected models. Following this, the TSRC conducted a detailed analysis, including reviewing patterns of IPC failures and performing warranty part return inspections. After collaborating with suppliers and conducting rigorous testing, it was determined that the IPCs in certain vehicles might experience an internal short circuit, causing the display to go blank unexpectedly.

A non-functional instrument panel cluster is a serious concern, as it can result in drivers losing access to critical vehicle information such as speed, fuel levels, and warning indicators. This increases the risk of accidents and reduces the driver’s ability to make informed decisions while operating the vehicle.

On August 30, 2024, FCA US decided, through its Vehicle Regulations Committee, to issue a safety recall for the affected vehicles. The recall applies to Jeep Wrangler models manufactured between 2018 and 2024, as well as Jeep Gladiator models produced from 2020 to 2024. To address the issue, FCA will replace the faulty instrument panel cluster in affected vehicles.

The recall is identified as FCA campaign number 30B, and the corresponding National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-652.

Jaguar I-Pace Battery Could Overheat

Posted on by

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) are reaching out to the owners of specific 2019 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles regarding a significant safety concern involving the high-voltage battery. The issue, which could potentially cause the battery to overheat, has prompted a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicle owners.

This recall comes after a series of events beginning in July 2024, when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group identified a problem related to a warranty report. The issue involved a fuel injector with a missing o-ring support disc, which could lead to fuel system malfunctions. Ford’s Supplier Technical Assistance team, in collaboration with the supplier, conducted an in-depth review of images taken during the production of all fuel injectors to pinpoint the parts that could be affected. They then compared these findings to vehicle production records to identify the specific vehicles at risk.

On August 16, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee evaluated the concern and decided to approve a field action to address the problem. Up to that date, Ford had identified 10 reports of vehicles with fuel injectors missing the crucial o-ring support disc. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fires, accidents, or injuries related to this condition. However, the potential risk was significant enough to warrant immediate action.

Jaguar is advising all affected vehicle owners to take precautionary measures until the recall repair is completed. Specifically, owners are urged to park and charge their vehicles outdoors and away from any structures. This precaution should continue for 30 days even after the repair has been completed, ensuring the safety of both the owners and their surroundings.

As an interim solution, Jaguar dealerships will update the software of the battery energy control module to help mitigate the risk. However, the final, long-term remedy for the issue is still being developed. Jaguar plans to send out official owner notification letters by October 18, 2024, providing detailed instructions on the next steps. For reference, Jaguar has assigned the recall number H514, and it has been registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the campaign number 24V-633.

It’s important to note that this isn’t the first recall related to this issue. The same vehicles were previously recalled under multiple recall numbers, including 24V-085 (H471), 23V-709 (H459), and 23V-369 (H441). If you own one of these vehicles, you will need to have the latest remedy performed, even if your vehicle has already undergone previous repairs for this issue.