Tag Archives: Automobile Safety

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.

Tesla Autopilot / Traffic Aware Cruise Control Investigation Into Crashes

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The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened an investigation (PE21-020) into crashes involving first responder scenes and vehicles manufactured by Tesla. The vehicles involved were operating in either Autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control prior to the accident.

The Vehicles Affected Include:
2017-2021 Tesla Model 3
2014-2021 Tesla Model S
2015-2021 Tesla Model X
2019-2021 Tesla Model Y

Since January 2018, the NHTSA has identified twelve crashes in which Tesla models of various configurations, encountered first responder scenes and preceded to crash into one or more vehicles involved with those scenes. Most incidents took place after dark and included traffic control measures such as first responder vehicle lights, flares, an illuminated arrow board and road cones. The involved vehicles were all engaged in either Autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control during the approach to the crashes.

Autopilot is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) in which the vehicle maintains its speed and lane centring. With the ADAS active, the driver still holds primary responsibility for Object and Event Detection and Response (OEDR), e.g., identification of obstacles in the roadway or adverse maneuvers by other vehicles during the Dynamic Driving Task (DDT).

The NHTSA have opened a Preliminary Evaluation of the SAE Level 2 ADAS system (Autopilot) in the Tesla 3, S, X, and Y models. The investigation will evaluate the methods used to monitor, assist, and enforce the driver’s engagement with the dynamic driving task during Autopilot operation. The investigation will also assess the OEDR by vehicles when engaged in Autopilot mode and ODD in which the Autopilot mode is functional. The investigation will also include examination of the contributing circumstances for the confirmed crashes listed below and other similar crashes.

Chevrolet Equinox And GMC Terrain Tire Tread Separation

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General Motors have decided that a defect affecting vehicle safety exists in certain Hankook tires installed as original equipment on some 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles.

In July 2021, GM’s Speak Up For Safety program received information that two tires, received through GM warranty return, had suffered delamination. In June, the owner of a 2021 GMC Terrain brought their vehicle to a GM dealer with complaints of vibration and thumping noises while driving. The dealership noted that the owner had a previous issue with a tire on a road trip that resulted in tire replacement. Both tires were shipped to the supplier. GM became aware of a third tire potentially related to this condition in July. All three tires were from DOT number 0521. GM initiated a yard hold and sort for vehicles equipped with tires from that DOT number. Through testing Hankook determined that the delamination was caused by an insufficient amount of curative agent in a particular batch of rubber. In July Hankook informed GM that they intended to issue a tire recall. GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition and have decided to conduct a safety recall.

Delamination of tread may occur at high speeds. The tire will likely not deflate or burst, but the tread separation might compromise vehicle handling and/or cause a crash. Warning signs that your tires are delaminated include noise or feel vibration while driving and/or a bulge in the tread may also be noticeable.

Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers and replace any affected tires. GM’s number for this recall is N212343560 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-612.

Cadillac CT4 And CT5 Roof Rail Airbags May Not Deploy Properly

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General Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2020-2022 Cadillac CT4 And CT5 vehicles because of a problem affecting the roof rail side air bags.

In June 2021, GM investigators were contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a right-side roof rail airbag (RRAB) in a 2020 Cadillac CT5 that did not deploy properly during a test for out-of-position occupants. Inspection of NHTSA’s test photos shows a twisted condition between attachment points of the affected RRAB.

In July, a yard hold was initiated at GM’s assembly plant. Inspection of approximately 1,300 vehicles on hold found five vehicles with the twisted RRAB condition. GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition, but have decided to conduct a safety recall.

Dealers will inspect both left and right-side roof rail air bags and reinstall the air bags, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in September. GM’s number for this recall is N212342780 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-611.