A small number of 2015 Volkswagen E-Golf, Golf, and Jetta owners will be receiving notices about a problem affecting the front passenger airbag in their vehicles. According to the defect report, an electromagnetic coil inside a module in the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have been manufactured with improper insulation between the coil layers. Over time, the characteristics of the coil could change and give erroneous front passenger classification readings. Vehicle occupants will be alerted of a problem by an illuminating airbag warning light or by false indication of the Passenger Airbag OFF indicator. Continue reading
Category Archives: Lemon Alert
2014-2015 Chevy & GM Trucks Added To Ignition Defect List
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles may have an ignition lock actuator manufactured out of specifications. The problem, combined with warm ambient temperatures, could make turning the ignition key difficult and/or the ignition key could get stuck in the start position. If the vehicle is driven with the key stuck in the start position a significant jarring event or cooling of the ambient temperature could result in the ignition snapping back into the accessory position, shutting off the engine, power steering, power brakes, and airbags. Continue reading
Defective ECM Could Result In Engine Stalls In 2016 RAM Trucks
Chrysler will be asking owners of certain 2016 RAM trucks equipped with a 6.7L Cummins Diesel engines, to return to their dealership for a problem that could result in a loss of engine power. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the Engine Control Module (ECM) in the affected vehicles could short circuit and cause the engine to stall without warning. Continue reading
GM Wiper Motors May Short And Overheat
General Motors has decided that a manufacturing defect which relates to vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles and they will be asking approximately 30,000 owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, wiper motor covers manufactured using a broken tool, may allow internal terminals to move and potentially contact each other, creating an electrical short. In some cases, the windshield wiper motor cover may melt, smoke, or catch fire. Continue reading
Cadillac ATS Window Defroster Could Overheat
General Motors have announced a safety defect affecting certain 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS sedans and will be asking owners to return to their dealership for repairs. According to reports, these vehicles may have a rear window defrost coil antenna that may have been manufactured with a weak terminal connection. If the weak connection is subject to excessive cycling or continuous operation a fire could develop inside the rear pillar on the driver’s side. Continue reading
Agreement Reached Over GM Ignition Switch Problems
General Motors and the Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a settlement last week over the handling of GM’s ignition switch problems which led to the high profile recall of certain Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G-6 and Saturn ion lines in 2014. The agreement ends the government investigation into how GM handled faulty ignition switches being blamed for approximately 250 injuries and 124 deaths. In addition to a $900 million fine, GM has been assigned an independent monitor to review its safety policies.
Officially, the automaker was charged with hiding the defect from regulators and defrauding consumers. There will be no individual charges in the case, and the agreement must still be finalized by the courts.
Chrysler TIPM Defects And Investigations
Owners experiencing problems with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) of certain Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may find help after a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges Chrysler sold and leased 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with defective TIPMs. The defect resulted a variety of problems including engine stalls; airbag non-deployment; random horn, headlight, taillight, door lock, instrument panel and windshield wiper activity; and failure of the fuel pump shutoff. Continue reading
Subaru Legacy And Outback Power Train Manufacturing Defect
A problem affecting certain 2015-2016 Subaru Legacy 4-door and Outback vehicles will have approximately 2,893 owners returning to their dealership for transmission repairs. Due to a manufacturing error, the process of pressing the seal cap onto the propeller shaft yoke may have resulted in the seal cap becoming deformed. The transmission could leak oil on to the the exhaust pipe, possibly resulting in a fire. Continue reading
