Tag Archives: Automobile Safety

Front Wheels May Lock Up in 2023 Ford Trucks and SUVs

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Ford is reaching out to the owners of certain 2023 Ford trucks and SUVs regarding a power-train issue that could lead to a loss of 4-wheel drive. The front wheels could also lock up as a result of the defect. This problem has been discovered in the 2023 model year Ford F-150 4×4, as well as the Ford Expedition 4×4 and Lincoln Navigator 4×4 vehicles.

The problem was first detected in January 2023 during the loading process, when reports of front axle pinion fractures on three F-150 4×4 vehicles were received by Ford’s critical concern review group (CCRG). An investigation into the issue found that the same pinions were installed on the Expedition and Navigator 4×4 vehicles.

Further investigation showed that the fractured pinions did not undergo the required heat treatment process at Ford’s axle manufacturing plant. This heat treatment process is crucial to reduce the hardness and brittleness of the pinion stem threads. The problem was limited to pinions in 3.73:1 gear ratio axles, and a team was dispatched to conduct eddy current hardness checks of all available stock at affected assembly plants. The CCRG investigative team also reviewed plant process records to determine the build population of suspect dates.

The pinion can break at any time in 4×4 applications, but it is expected to happen primarily while in reverse as the pinion is subject to higher loads. The driver may hear a loud noise when the pinion breaks or when the drive shaft and flange hit the frame cross member and stability bar after the pinion fractures.

Ford will replace the front axle pinion gear set, and if there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Ford’s recall number is 23S07, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-128.

If you own a 2023 Ford Expedition, F-150, or Navigator, it is important to be aware of this recall and take appropriate action. This is a safety-related issue that should be addressed to avoid any potential safety hazards while driving.

2020 Mercedes Benz GLE Problems

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The 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a luxury automobile known for its innovative features and high-performance engine. However, the SUV has also been the subject of a number of customer complaints and recalls due to various problems and defects.

Some of the most common problems reported by customers include passenger air bag not deploying properly, water leaks due to improper welding, active brake assist not engaging, fuel tank leaks, missing information in owner’s manual, detached rear door window trim, and third-row headrests not functioning properly. Other issues include interior switches not illuminating, rear cross member detachment, premature wear of shock absorbers, and failure of driver’s seat fastener bolt.

To address these issues, the manufacturer has issued several recalls, including:

  • Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy Properly
  • Improper Weld May Allow Water To Leak In
  • Active Brake Assist May Not Engage
  • Weld Between Fuel Tank and Filler Pipe May Leak
  • Incorrectly Installed Air Conditioner Drain Hoses
  • Owner’s Manual Missing Information
  • Rear Door Window Trim May Detach
  • Third Row Headrests May Not Function Properly
  • Engine Stall from Water Intrusion into Vehicle

If you own a 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE and have experienced any of these problems or other defects, you may be entitled to a remedy under California Lemon Law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased a vehicle that has a significant defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, it is important to consult with an experienced Lemon Law attorney who can help you understand your rights and take action to get the compensation you deserve.

In conclusion, the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE is a high-performance luxury vehicle that has received numerous customer complaints and has been the subject of several recalls due to various problems and defects. If you are experiencing issues with your vehicle, it is important to know your rights under the California Lemon Law and to seek the help of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

ECM Defect On RAM Trucks Could Cause Loss Of Drive Power

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) USA will be contacting the owners of certain 2022 Ram trucks because their vehicles may have a manufacturing defect within the Engine Control Module (ECM) that could affect vehicle safety. This defect affects vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines and could result in an unexpected engine stall.

The RAM trucks affected by this defect include:

2022 Ram 2500
2022 Ram 3500
2022 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis

The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization became aware of the problem in August 2022 when they were contacted by the RAM truck assembly plant regarding suspect ECMs manufactured with a defective component. According to the NHTSA safety report, some ECMs may have been manufactured with a misaligned capacitor that could short-circuit and create an internal loss of communication. This internal loss of communication could result in a loss of motive power and an increased chance of an accident.

The suspect period for these defective ECMS began on May 31, 2022, and ended on August 23, 2022, when the ECMs were quarantined. This time period was determined using supplier traceability and vehicle production records. Similar vehicles not included in the recall did not receive suspect ECMs or were repaired prior to release from the assembly plant control.

Owners who receive notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have ECMs in their trucks replaced. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is Z87 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-642.

Rear Suspension Toe Link Could Separate On Cadillac And GMC SUVs

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General Motors (GM) has decided that a safety defect affecting suspension exists in certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, 2022 Cadillac XT6, and 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. Owners will be receiving notices with instructions to return to their Cadillac or GMC dealer to have the suspension in their vehicle inspected and repaired as necessary.

GM became aware of the problem in March 2022, after a quality engineer at one of GM’s assembly plants identified a Cadillac XT6 that was missing a toe link to a knuckle bolt in the vehicle’s left side rear suspension. The manufacturing records showed that the bolt had been fully tightened, but further investigation found that the supplier’s error-proofing equipment had been improperly configured following a change in the assembly process. As a result, the tool operator could have failed to fully tighten the bolt without the error-proofing equipment detecting it.

According to the defect report, after an assembly process was moved to a new area, error-proofing equipment was not initially set up properly. This allowed a window where the operator may miss tightening certain fasteners without the failure being flagged. The affected toe links may be loose or become separated, resulting in misalignment of the left-rear wheel and increasing the risk of a crash

GM investigated the potentially affected population and inspected 271 suspensions that had been contained at the plant, with six more instances of loose fasteners identified. Although GM have not received any claims or complaints related to the subject condition and they are not aware of any associated accidents or injuries but have decided to conduct a safety recall.

Dealers will inspect the left-rear suspension and replace the fastener if it is loose or missing. GM’s number for this recall is N222364330 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-427. Approximately 736 vehicles may be affected.

Ford F-150 Transmission Shifts Into Neutral While Driving

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Some 2021 Ford F-150 trucks could unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving. The unexpected loss of engine power could increase the chance of an accident.

In February 2022, an issue was brought to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) about certain 2021 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L, and 5.0L engines, along with the 10R80 transmission. These trucks were experiencing an increase in Transmission Fluid Pressure along with a Transmission Fluid Pressure Low Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) of P0868. This DTC would falsely activate and cause the transmission to shift into a neutral state while the truck was driven. Once the false activation occurs, the vehicle will coast to a stop and the electronic shifter will attempt to engage Park. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the electronic shifter will automatically shift into Park.

According to the engineering investigation, one of the power-train diagnostic logic software branches was turned on in error when these vehicles were produced. Under certain conditions, this diagnostic logic could inadvertently activate the pump gear failure detection logic even though the hardware is still functioning properly. When this happens, the transmission on-board diagnostics will set the DTC P0868, turn on a Wrench Light telltale, and the vehicle’s transmission will shift into a neutral state. As the vehicle slows to a speed below 2 mph/3kph, the electronic shifter will attempt to engage the Park function and will automatically shift into Park when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The transmission function can be restored by a key-off/key-on cycle.

Between October 2021 and February 2022 there have been 28 warranty claims and one Customer Contact Center report to Ford that potentially related to this concern.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the Power-train Control Module (PCM) software. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S15 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-188.

California Lemon Law Success Stories

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The California lemon law provides protection for consumers of defective vehicles sold or leased in California by making sellers and manufacturers responsible for their warranties. A vehicle is considered a “lemon” if the manufacturer or dealer has had four or more attempts to repair the defect or two attempts if the defect is life-threatening.

Law Office Of Barry Edzant.Since 1989, Mr. Edzant has earned a reputation as the Santa Clarita lemon law and personal injury lawyer, clients can trust. His firsthand knowledge of faulty vehicle repairs helps him better understand the struggle to protect buyers’ rights, giving him the experience to negotiate where possible and the tenacity to litigate when necessary. With his firm on your side, you can feel confident that your rights will be protected and that all available resources will be exhausted in making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Our Priority… Protect And Enforce Our Clients’ Rights

Representing Owners Of Dangerously Designed Automobiles

$2,000,000.00 to date – Confidential Manufacturer

August 2021 to March 2022: Our office has been representing owners of a dangerously designed automobile manufactured between 2017 to 2021. To date, we have been successful in getting the manufacturer of this vehicle to either give our clients a full repurchase, or cash sufficient to make them whole. Removing these dangerous vehicles from our clients’ homes has been our firm’s mission since we learned about the defects and the severe risks these vehicles can cause.

Successfully Resolved Lemon Law November 2021

$250,000.00 – Confidential Manufacturer

Our office successfully resolved a case for a buyer of a new vehicle that had suspension failures on two occasions within the first two months of ownership. Prior to filing the lawsuit, we approached the manufacturer and asked them to repurchase the vehicle. They refused, and we filed a lawsuit for our client. The lawsuit resulted in getting our client the repurchase of the vehicle, and a substantial civil penalty for the manufacturer’s rejection of our pre-litigation demands. We are one of the few law firms that attempt to resolve lemon law cases informally prior to filing lawsuits. This cooperative approach will often result in quick resolutions for our clients without the stress of protracted litigation. However, if the case calls for it, we will nevertheless vigorously litigate to protect and enforce our clients’ rights.

Are you experiencing repeated safety problems with your vehicle? Do you think it could be a lemon? If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Brake Master Cylinder Leak In Ford And Lincoln Trucks

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Certain 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln, trucks and SUVs equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines could require more braking effort and distance to stop the vehicle. Ford will be asking owners to return to their dealerships for repairs.

In May 2016, Ford issued a recall (16V-345) for F-150s equipped with the 3.5L Ecoboost engines, because the brake master cylinder could leak and allow brake fluid from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster. After continued field data monitoring and discussions with NHTSA, Ford issued a second recall (20V-332), to extend the population for F-150s.

Ford continued to monitor field reports expanding the coverage into Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles built during the same period. These vehicles share a similar brake master cylinder design as the F-150 3.5L Ecoboost vehicles

Investigation into supplier records and discussion with the supplier identified additional steps taken by the supplier to further improve brake master cylinder seal installation from August 2016 to December 2016. These include an automated process to remove imperfect threads from the master cylinder outlet port, as well as actions to improve the installation of the rearmost cup seal in the master cylinder. Master cylinders with these improvements were incorporated into vehicle production by January 31, 2017.

In March 2022, Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the concern and approved a safety
recall action. Ford is aware of 4 low-speed/low-impact accident allegations with no injuries.

Vehicles manufactured with these defective fuel injectors include:
2016-2017 Ford Expedition
2016-2018 Ford F-150
2016-2017 Lincoln Navigator

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S11 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-150.

Chrysler, Alfa Romeo And RAM Fuel System Failure

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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) will be contacting owners of certain Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and RAM vehicles for a problem affecting the fuel system. In total, approximately 236 000 vehicles are being recalled.

2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-878

The problem was traced to September 11, 2020, when defective fuel sensors were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on May 25, 2021, when the fuel sensors from the suspect batches were no longer used. The suspect population was determined using part traceability and vehicle production records.

According to the defect report, a leak in the fuel line sensor may cause fuel starvation of the engine and in rare circumstances, if the leaked fuel comes in contact with an ignition source, a fire could occur. A vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage. Fuel starvation could also result in an unexpected loss of motive power.

2019 Fiat 124 Spider fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-879

The suspect period began on April 6, 2018, when the defective fuel delivery module (FDMs) were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on October 18, 2018, when FDMs with improved molding of the impellers were implemented in vehicle production.

Some 2019 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel delivery module (FDM) with impellers that could deform. An FDM with a deformed impeller may interfere with other fuel pump components which can inhibit the operation of the fuel pump potentially causing fuel starvation. : Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of motive power.

2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 diesel trucks fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-880

The suspect period began on October 11, 2018, when Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on November 13, 2020, when Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were no longer used in vehicle production.

According to the defect report, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail and introduce debris into the fuel system. Fuel starvation and an unexpected loss of motive power could result without prior warning. Vehicle occupants may notice an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp, a fuel leak or smell, abnormal engine noises, or a change in drive quality.