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2020-2021 Ford Explorer and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator Engine Vibrations

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Drivers experiencing engine vibrations in their 2020-2021 Ford Explorer and 2020-2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs could have vehicles manufactured with engine mounting fasteners that were not correctly installed.

According to a defect report filed with the NHTSA, the automated tool used to secure the right-hand motor mount fasteners was not functioning properly and a manual handheld tool was used.  The manual backup process was not calibrated correctly and the motor mounts were improperly torqued.  Over time, one or more of the mounts could loosen and the engine will begin to vibrate.  If the problem is not fixed the engine mounts could eventually break.

Ford will notify owners to return to their dealers to have the right-hand motor mount fasteners replaced. The recall is expected to begin February 8, 2021. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S72 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-788.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Dim Seatbelt And Airbag Warning Lights

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Some 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles may fail to comply to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for controls and displays of the occupant crash protection system.

According to the defect report, the front passenger seat belt and airbag status lights on the overhead console could be unknowingly set to night mode, making them not visible to vehicle occupants.  The body control module (BCM) software in these vehicles may inadvertently set the “night mode” in the daytime when the remote start is used or when the vehicle is turned off and re-started without opening the door for ten minutes.  If night mode is active during the daytime the driver and front passenger may not notice the warning that the seat belt is unbuckled or that the airbag is deactivated.  This problem can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

General Motors will be notifying owners of affected vehicles beginning in February.  Dealers will correct the problem by updating the BCM software.  GM’s number for this recall is N202319980 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-790.

Honda Accord & Honda Insight Electrical Problem

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Honda will be asking owners of certain 2018-2020 Accord, 2018-2020 Accord Hybrid and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles, to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could affect various electrical systems in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, a software programming error combined with certain driver actions could disrupt the communication between the body control module (BCM) and other systems. The problem could result in illumination of several warning indicators and the malfunction of one or more electronic components. The affected components include:

  • Windshield defrosting and defogging.
  • Windshield wiping and washing.
  • Headlights and turning indicators.
  • Rear view camera display.
  • Warnings for electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection on electric powered vehicles.
  • Audible warning of a stopped vehicle and placing it into park.
  • Powered windows, partition and roof panels.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the BCM software updated. Honda’s number for this recall is X95 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-771.

 

GM, Nissan and VW Recalled For Defective Tires

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The owners of certain 2020-2021 General Motors, Nissan and Volkswagen vehicles will be contacted by the automobile manufacturer regarding a problem that could exist with their tires. Continental Tires of America (CTA) have initiated a recall for tires that may have been installed as original equipment on some models.

General Motors Vehicles Affected
2020 Buick Enclave
2020 Cadillac XT5
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2020 GMC Acadia
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Nissan Vehicles Affected
2020 Nissan Altima
Volkswagen Vehicles Affected
2021 Volkswagen Atlas
2020-2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

According to CTA, over-cured tires could experience a break in the sidewall with sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation that could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. These conditions could increase the risk of an accident.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Problem

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An investigation into battery fires in certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs has resulted in a recall involving approximately 50,000 vehicles.

According to the defect report, if the batteries in certain vehicles within this population are charged to full capacity or close to full capacity, they could be at risk of overheating and catching fire. GM is still investigating the cause of the problem and will notifying owners of an interim repair where the hybrid propulsion control module will limit the battery to a 90% charge. A final remedy is still under development.

Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed.

GM’s number for this recall is N202311730 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-701.

Weak Driveshaft Welds – Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks

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General Motors will be contacting a small number of 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2019-2020 GMC Sierra 1500 owners. because of a manufacturing problem affecting the power train in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, these trucks may contain a drive shaft with an improperly welded yoke to tube joint. This defective weld could case the drive shaft to separate under load, causing a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of an accident.

GM will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have the driveshaft replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N202314870 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-650.

Engine Stall From Insufficient Fuel Supply

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General Motors will be asking the owners of certain 2020 GM automobiles to return to their dealerships to fix a problem affecting the fuel supply system in their vehicles. The vehicles affected include 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.

According to the defect report, the fuel pump assemblies in these vehicles may have been produced with burrs inside the mixing tube. Over time, these burrs could prevent the transfer of fuel from the secondary side of the fuel tank to the primary side. At low fuel levels, the engine may not receive enough fuel and the engine could stall unexpectedly. A stall without warning, especially at high speeds, could increase the risk of an accident.

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the fuel pump module. GM’s number for this recall is N202314760 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-639.

GM Transmission Oil Leak

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General Motors has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2018-2020 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. They will be notifying owners with instructions about how to get their vehicle repaired.

According to the defect report, some of these vehicles are equipped with a start / stop accumulator that may have missing bolts on the end cap. These loose bolts could result in a transmission oil leak that could progress into a complete loss of vehicle propulsion. A transmission leak in the presence of an ignition source could also result in a vehicle fire.

Vehicles Affected Include
2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse
2019-2020 Buick Encore
2019-2020 Buick Enclave
2019-2020 Cadillac XT4
2020 Cadillac XT6
2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze
2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2018-2020 GMC Terrain
2019-2020 GMC Acadia

Dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace any missing bolts. GM’s number for this recall is N202313440 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-668.