Failure to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 118, “Power-Operated Window, Partition, and Roof Panel Systems”, will have 3,646 owners of certain 2015 Audi Q3 vehicle’s returning to their dealership for repairs. According to the defect report, the sunroof may not stop closing when the vehicle is turned off. If the sunroof is closing while the vehicle is shut off and a vehicle occupant is in its path, there is an increased risk of injury. Continue reading
Jeep & Dodge SUVs Investigated For Repeated Electrical Problem
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, an investigation has been opened to examine the effectiveness of a recall repair affecting certain 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.
On July 1st, 2014 Chrysler issued safety recall 14V-391 (Recall #9) to remedy a wiring related fire hazard in which an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring in the sun visors could overheat and ignite. The Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has received 8 reports of fires occurring after the remedy was installed. Some occupants report smoke, sometimes followed by flames, coming from the headliner. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 661,888 SUVs could be affected.
Volkswagen & Audi Fuel Pump Failure
Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2015 Audi a VW vehicles about a manufacturing error affecting certain components within the fuel pump. Contamination due to improper nickel plating of these components may cause excessive pump friction and eventual pump failure. If the pump becomes inoperative because of this condition, it may result in a no start condition or a stall while driving. Stalling without warning while driving could increase the chance of an accident. Continue reading
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Repeated Repair Attempts
Despite numerous complaints and nine (9) unsuccessful repair attempts, the owner of a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was still driving a vehicle with defects. The problems included an air bag warning light that would illuminate; an engine that would stall and not start; white smoke from the exhaust system; a check engine light that remains on; and a defective drivers seat, door locks, and A/C system. These defects made the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner reluctant to drive her vehicle, so she decided to contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. for advice. Continue reading
Government Incentives Recommended To Improve EV & Hybrid Sales
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
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
