An investigation into gear shifters problems, suspected to be linked to the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, has been closed by the NHTSA following a recall issued by Chrysler. The vehicles affected are equipped with an 8 speed transmission and a monostable gear selector and include:

According to the defect report, drivers may not be adequately alerted when they exit the vehicle and the transmission is not in the “Park” position. Drivers could be struck and injured if they get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. Continue reading

Delaimer has decided that a problem affecting powertrain safety exists in certain 2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S vehicles. According to the defect report, the strength of the adhesive between the drive shaft and the flange might be compromised due to insufficient cleaning of the respective bonding surfaces. The carbon fiber driveshaft could separate from the flange and spin, resulting in loss of traction between the engine and transmission. Drivers will experience loss of motive power.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the carbon driveshaft inspected and replace as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308.

Hyundai will be asking the owners of certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could cause a dangerous driving situation. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the secondary hood latch may not adequately secure the hood. If the primary hood latch has been inadvertently released while the vehicle is being driven, the hood could unexpectedly open. Continue reading

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2015 Toyota Yaris vehicles about a problem affecting the front end suspension system. These vehicles were manufactured with a strut mounting bearing component that could be damaged when subject to high loads. If this occurs, the driver may experience abnormal noises when driving on uneven roads or when turning the steering. If the vehicle continues to be operated, the upper side of the strut rod could separate, causing a loss of vehicle stability. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2016 RAM 1500s will be contacted by Chrysler regarding a problem affecting the powertrain system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the vehicles were assembled with halfshafts with low case depth thickness . These halfshafts could fracture without warning and lead to loss of motive power in front wheel drive vehicles, road debris, as well as damage to nearby components. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2016 Jeep Cherokees will be contacted by Chrysler regarding a problem affecting the powertrain system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the vehicles were assembled with halfshafts incorrectly manufactured with low surface and high core hardness. These halfshafts could fracture without warning and lead to loss of motive power in front wheel drive vehicles, road debris, as well as damage to nearby components. Continue reading

Maserati will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2016 Ghibli and Quattroporte vehicles about a problem affecting the suspension system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles were manufactured with an incorrectly torqued rear tie rod to hub carrier assembly attaching bold. If the bolt loosens, the driver will start to hear a noise from the rear of the vehicle. Over time the attaching bolt could fail and the tie rod could separate completely from the hub carrier assembly. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles will be returning to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the safety of the airbag system. According to the defect report, vehicles subject to dusty environments could ingest dust into the airbag clock spring assembly. The circuit could become compromised and result in non-deployment of the airbags and an illuminating airbag warning lamp. Continue reading