Category Archives: Electric Cars

GM “Stop Delivery” On Certain Chevy Blazer, Chevy Equinox And GMC Terrain Vehicles

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Chevy Blazer EV Stop Delivery

General Motors (GM) has announced an immediate stop delivery order for certain 2024 model vehicles, including the Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. This decision, taken as a precautionary measure to ensure customer satisfaction and vehicle reliability.

The specific issue prompting this stop delivery order has not been publicly disclosed by General Motors. The order is categorized under “Global Safety Field Investigations,” suggesting that GM is actively working to identify and rectify the underlying problem. The lack of detailed information at this stage highlights the company’s cautious approach in handling potential vehicle issues.

Affected vehicles have been identified through their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), with a clear directive that these vehicles should not be sold or delivered by dealers until further details and solutions are provided. This restriction also prohibits dealer trades, auction releases, demonstration uses, or any other dealership activities involving these models. To facilitate this process, GM has updated the Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) screen in the Global Warranty Management (GWM) system, which now tags the affected vehicles with a “Stop Delivery” status and labels the VIN as “Incomplete Remedy Not Available.”

One significant concern that has emerged is related to software issues in the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which uses GM’s advanced Ultium battery system. A small number of Blazer EV owners have reported issues with the software quality, prompting Chevrolet to temporarily halt sales and deliveries of this model. This pause is intended to ensure that the vehicles delivered meet GM’s high standards for quality and reliability. Notably, the software problems cannot be resolved through an over-the-air (OTA) update, necessitating a visit to the dealership for service.

GM has assured customers and stakeholders that these software issues are not safety-related and do not pertain to the Ultium battery system or the Google Built-in features. The engineering teams at GM are actively working on a solution. Affected vehicle owners will be contacted by GM with instructions on scheduling their software updates.

This stop delivery order, labeled under GM number N232429910, is a measure by GM to preemptively address potential issues before they impact customers. As the situation evolves, GM is expected to provide further updates and guidance to both dealerships and vehicle owners.

Seat Belt Issue in Certain GMC Hummer EVs

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General Motors (GM) has recently identified a significant safety defect in some of its electric vehicles (EVs). This issue, affecting specific 2023-2024 model year GMC Hummer EV Pickups, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUVs, and certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EVs, revolves around a crucial component of vehicle safety: the seat belt.

Discovery and Investigation of the Defect

In August 2023, a GM seat engineer, utilizing the company’s Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) program, reported a potential flaw after being alerted by GM’s seat supplier. The concern was about a loose front seat belt buckle bolt in a seat built for a 2024 HUMMER EV. This prompted GM to initiate a thorough product investigation.

Working closely with the supplier, GM discovered that the assembly process might not have been consistently adhered to, leading to possible out-of-sequence torquing of seat frame assembly bolts. This irregularity could result in the seat belt buckle attachment bolt not being tightened to the required specifications. After reviewing the supplier’s manufacturing records, GM identified seat frame assemblies that deviated from the intended assembly order.

Upon inspecting 754 suspect seats, GM and the supplier found two seats with improperly torqued attachment bolts. Fortunately, as of now, GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The Importance of Seat Belt Safety

The seat belt is a fundamental safety device in any vehicle, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision or sudden stop. A properly functioning seat belt system can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death during an accident. It’s a vital line of defence, ensuring that passengers are securely restrained and minimizing their movement during a crash.

The Recall and Corrective Measures

In November, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority decided to conduct a safety recall. Vehicle owners will be notified and advised to return to their dealers for inspection. The specific focus will be on tightening the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts.

Owners of affected vehicles may notice a rattle near the seat belt buckle, signalling the potential issue. It is crucial for owners to heed this warning and take prompt action.

GM has designated the recall number as N232419280, and it is also recognized under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 23V-786.

This recall by GM underscores the importance of stringent quality control and responsive safety measures in the automotive industry. The seat belt, a simple yet vital safety component, must meet the highest standards of reliability. GM’s action in addressing this issue serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and regular vehicle maintenance to ensure the safety of all road users.

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.

Ford Mustang Mach E Battery Contactor Could Overheat

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Certain 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E cars might face a power problem due to an overheated high voltage battery contactor, potentially leading to an increased risk of accidents.

In June 2022, Ford’s Field Review Committee (FRC) gave the green light to a Field Service Action (FSA) named 22S41, specifically designed to tackle concerns regarding the overheating of the high voltage battery main contactor in select 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E vehicles. To fix this issue, dealers updated the software for the Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) and the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The enhanced SOBDMC software keeps an eye on the contactor’s temperature and smartly reduces the battery’s power output to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, the upgraded BECM software checks the contactor’s resistance to identify any damage, then it generates a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and lowers the vehicle’s power to avoid more harm.

At the time of approving this FSA, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) and Electrical Propulsion Engineering (EPE) teams found the software updates for BECM and SOBDMC to be a suitable way to minimize the safety risks linked to power loss. The software update, by monitoring contactor resistance, warns customers if the resistance exceeds a certain limit. Alongside the warning, the software reduces power to prevent further contactor damage and the associated power loss risk. Even with the reduced power, customers can safely accelerate to highway speeds. This approach was also reviewed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In June 2022, Ford Motor Company decided to issue a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-412) for 48,924 model year 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles produced between May 27, 2020, and May 24, 2022. This recall was prompted by concerns about high voltage battery contactors overheating, primarily due to direct current (DC) fast-charging and repeated full-throttle pedal events. This overheating could lead to arcing or deformation of the electrical contact surfaces. If this occurs, the contactor could either remain open or get welded shut. An overheated contactor that opens while driving may lead to an immediate loss of power without re-engagement.

Following consumer complaints, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated a Recall Query (RQ) for 2021-2022 Ford Mach-E vehicles included in Recall 22V-412. These vehicles had previously received a remedy involving a Secondary On-Board Diagnostic Control Module (SOBDMC) software update to monitor contactor temperature and reduce battery power to protect the contactor, as well as a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software update to monitor contactor resistance and reduce vehicle power in case of an overheated contactor.

To address this issue, dealers will replace the high voltage battery junction box. This recall is identified by Ford as 23S56, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 22V-687. Vehicles included in this recall that were previously repaired under recall 22V-412 will need to have the new remedy completed.

2021 Porsche Taycan: Repeated Problems and the California Lemon Law

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The 2021 Porsche Taycan, with its promise of cutting-edge design and electric power, appeared to be a remarkable addition to the world of electric vehicles. However, it has encountered a series of repeated vehicle problems, predominantly concerning its electronics. A total of 13 recalls have shaken the reputation of this luxury electric car, raising doubts about its reliability.

1. Incorrect Brake Pad Wear Indicator (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-347, May 2023) One of the most recent issues has been the inaccurate activation of the brake pad wear indicator. This not only creates an unnecessary panic for owners but can also lead to unneeded brake replacements, adding to financial and environmental concerns.

2. Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-176, March 2023) In March 2023, a recall was issued due to a malfunction in the seat belt warning system. This is a crucial safety feature in any vehicle, and its reliability is paramount.

3. Loose Retaining Ring May Cause Dislodged Air Strut (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-921, December 2022) In December 2022, a recall was prompted by the potential for a loose retaining ring to dislodge the air struts. This poses risks to the vehicle’s safety and passenger well-being.

4. Vehicle Display Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-404, June 2022) Another electronic problem emerged in June 2022 with a recall addressing vehicle display malfunctions, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in modern vehicles.

5. Driver and Passenger Seat Wire Harness Damage (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-278, April 2022) Reports of wire harness damage in driver and passenger seats led to a recall, underscoring the need for safety and comfort in the Taycan.

6. Child Seat Anchors May Be Obstructed (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-100, February 2022) In February 2022, a recall highlighted the potential obstruction of child seat anchors, compromising child safety in the Taycan.

7. Suspension May Be Misaligned (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-052, February 2022) Two separate recalls in February 2022 and March 2021 dealt with suspension issues. These problems included suspension misalignment and components not being tightened properly, affecting the vehicle’s stability and safety.

8. Incorrect Activation of Hazard Lights (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-794, October 2021) Another problem in October 2021 was the incorrect activation of hazard lights, which may confuse and inconvenience drivers.

9. Pressure Input Rod On Brake Booster May Be Loose (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-697, September 2021) A recall in September 2021 addressed the potential of a loose pressure input rod on the brake booster, which could impact braking efficiency.

10. Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-608, August 2021) August 2021 witnessed a recall due to seat belt locking retractor malfunctions, once again emphasizing safety concerns.

11. Software Error Can Cause Loss of Motive Power (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-486, June 2021) One of the most troubling recalls in June 2021 reported that a software error could lead to a loss of motive power, compromising safety and performance.

12. Front Lower Trailing Arms Not Forged Correctly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-362, May 2021) In May 2021, it was discovered that the front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly, raising manufacturing concerns regarding suspension components.

13. Suspension Components Not Tightened Properly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-157 March 2021.) Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

These repeated vehicle problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan cast doubts on its reliability. As electric vehicles gain popularity, customers are seeking dependable alternatives. For Taycan owners facing these recurring issues, the California Lemon Law can be a saving grace.

California Lemon Law:

The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from persistently defective vehicles. If your Porsche Taycan is suffering from repeated issues that impair its safety, use, or value, the California Lemon Law may offer recourse. Under this law, if your vehicle continues to have issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

The electronic problems experienced by the 2021 Porsche Taycan raise concerns about the quality control in manufacturing. Potential buyers should consider the reliability of this luxury electric vehicle carefully. For those who’ve already invested in the Taycan and are facing repeated vehicle problems, the California Lemon Law could be the solution to rid themselves of a problematic vehicle and seek compensation for their troubles.

Battery Fire Risk in Certain Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer Vehicles

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is taking action to address a safety concern with specific 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Ford Explorer vehicles that are equipped with 3.0L PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) engines. These vehicles may have a manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells, which could lead to an internal short circuit and a potential battery fire.

Discovery of the Issue

Ford became aware of this issue in June 2023 when they received a report regarding thermal venting problems with the PHEV battery used in these vehicles. The report highlighted a 2021 model year Transit Custom in France experiencing PHEV battery thermal venting. Subsequent analysis, conducted by the battery cell supplier, revealed an internal short circuit in the vehicle’s high voltage battery pack, partly due to the presence of a folded anode tab, which occurred during the cell manufacturing process.

Ongoing Investigation

The supplier’s investigation indicated that another, as yet unidentified, factor is necessary for the folded anode tab condition to lead to battery thermal venting. The supplier is actively conducting component-level testing to pinpoint this second factor. While this factor remains unknown, the Ford Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) has been working to identify the group of vehicles that may potentially have the cell folded anode tab condition.

Additional Incidents

Ford was aware of three more instances of cells with folded anode tabs in the field. These incidents involved a 2020 model year Aviator in the United States, resulting in PHEV battery thermal venting, another 2020 model year Aviator in the United States resulting in a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) but no battery thermal venting, and a 2020 model year Aviator in Canada, also resulting in an MIL but no battery thermal venting.

Preventive Measures

To address this issue, Ford has reviewed the cell supplier’s manufacturing process and made improvements during cell production to reduce the occurrence of the folded anode tab condition. The timing of these process enhancements has been used by the CCRG to determine the affected population of vehicles.

Recall Procedure

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and requested to visit their authorized Ford dealers for a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test. If the test identifies a battery problem, the high voltage battery pack will be replaced at no cost to the owner. To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, refer to Ford’s recall number 23S53 and the NHTSA campaign number 23V-626.