According to a study done by the National Research Council (NRC), if electric and plug in hybrid vehicles are to be adopted by consumers, the Federal government must continue to provide incentives for buyers. Currently, vehicle cost, battery technology, and lack of consumer knowledge are some areas that the federal government need to address. Developing less expensive, better performing batteries to reduce cost, and a market strategy, is needed to create awareness and overcome customer uncertainty. Continue reading
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2013-2014 Dodge Viper Electrical Door Defect
After three warranty complaints and an investigation into unexpected door openings or failure to close events on the door, Dodge has issued a defect notice for certain 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles. According to the investigation report, the manufacturer of the door switches replaced the two part epoxy potting with a hot melt adhesive. This change allowed moisture to seep past the potting, shorting the switch. A driver or passenger door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion (even at low speeds), could increase the possibility of a crash and injury. Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz Smart ForTwo Steering Problem
Mercedes-Benz has determined that a steering defect affecting certain Smart ForTwo vehicles may exist. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the steering gear bolts on the front cross steering member may have been manufactured outside of production specifications due to a production deviation at a supplier. If the bolts do not meet the endurance requirements, they could break due to high loads and vibrations, making handling difficult and increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading
2013 Fiat 500e Powertrain Repeated Repair Attempts
In August 2013, Chrysler opened an investigation into certain 2013 Fiat 500e battery electric vehicles because drivers were experiencing excessive noise from the powertrain and loss of drive capability. The investigation found that due to product, process, and rework anomalies, the half shaft joints on the suspect vehicles may not have been engineered and developed for this application. Continue reading
Volkswagen Routan Repeated Repair Attempts
Certain 2009-2010 Volkswagen Routan owners will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem with their vehicle ignition switch system. These vehicles may experience inadvertent ignition key displacement from the “run” to the “accessory” position while driving. If this happens, the engine will turn off, depowering various key safety systems including; airbags, power steering, and power braking. The loss of these systems may increase the chance of injury during an accident. Continue reading
2014 Nissan Rogue Stalls & Will Not Start
Nissan will be asking owners of certain 2014 Nissan Rogue crossover vehicles to return to their dealership for a problem that could result in stalling and a no start condition. According to the defect report, nickel plating from the fuel pump casing/cover may detach due to fuel flow, vibration, and pressure. These particles could move into the gap between the impeller and casing/cover, causing the impeller to stop rotating and the fuel pump to stop working. The number of 2014 Rogue vehicles affected by this problem is approximately 76,242. Continue reading
Dealerships Propose Bill To Protect Consumers From Unfixed Recalls
In response to the NHTSA pushing congress to change rules that will force car rental companies and used car dealerships to fix recalls, California car dealers have come up with their own version of a fix they say will protect consumers. The organization is proposing a state bill that would require 100% disclosure of recalls for used car sales. Dealerships would be obligated to tell you about all defects and where you can go to get it fixed, same line dealerships would have to make repairs before they could sell a recalled car, and serious recalls, as defined by manufacturers, would have to be fixed no matter which type of dealership is selling it. Continue reading
2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV Loss Of Drive Power
After three field reports and eight warranty claims, Toyota has decided to ask owners of certain 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV’s to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Due to a software issue, the drive inverter electronic control unit may not be able to determine the rotational position of the motor. This will cause a speed sensor error code which will trigger a “Check EV System” warning message on the instrument panel, turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause the electric motor to shift into “neutral”. This complete loss of drive power may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
