Some 2016 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine, hydraulic brake boost compensation and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) could experience a loss of ECS due to a software glitch. The affected vehicles have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module that may not reset the ESC to active status if the key is turned off and back on within 10 seconds. If the vehicle operator does not notice that the “ESC Off” indicator is illuminating on in the cluster the vehicle may be driven without ESC engaged. Continue reading
Tag Archives: automobile safety defect
BMW Steering Gearbox Defect
BMW will be asking the owners of certain 2016 BMW X1 and 2016 Mini Cooper vehicles to return to their dealership to repair a problem affecting the steering system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, certain steering gearboxes were assembled with incorrect parts. Over time, the gearbox could malfunction causing loss of vehicle handling and control. Continue reading
2016 Chevy Silverado & 2016 GMC Sierra Airbag Problem
General Motors will be contacting a small number of 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and 2016 GMC Sierra owners about a problem relating to vehicle safety. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the mounting stud used to secure the airbag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) to the vehicle may be incorrectly positioned and could cause stress to the SDM housing. A fracture to the housing could allow water to enter or subject the SDM to excessive vibrations, hindering the proper deployment of the air bags. Continue reading
Ford Fusion and Milan Fuel Leak Fire Risk
Ford will be asking the owners of certain 2010-2011 Fusion and Milan cars to return to their dealerships to repair a defect affecting the fuel system. According to reports, some cars may have an evaporative emissions canister purge valve (CPV) that may develop an internal leak and allow excessive vacuum to build up in the fuel tank. Repeated cycles of this condition could cause cracks to develop in the fuel tank. Drivers may detect a smell of fuel around the vehicle, observe a fuel puddle under the fuel tank, and/or experience a malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination. Continue reading
Toyota And Lexus Unexpected Braking
The owners of certain Toyota and Lexus cars will be receiving an interim notification for a problem affecting the Pre-Collision System (PCS). According to reports, the vehicles involved could have a PCS that may interpret a steel road joint or steel plate in the road surface as another vehicle or obstacle in its path. This could cause the system activate, apply brakes, tighten seat belts, and illuminate a PCS warning. Continue reading
GM Wiper Motors May Short And Overheat
General Motors has decided that a manufacturing defect which relates to vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles and they will be asking approximately 30,000 owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, wiper motor covers manufactured using a broken tool, may allow internal terminals to move and potentially contact each other, creating an electrical short. In some cases, the windshield wiper motor cover may melt, smoke, or catch fire. Continue reading
2015 Ford Mustang Fuel System Problems
During thermal management testing of certain 2015 Ford Mustang vehicles with 2.3L engines, elevated fuel tank surface temperatures were observed. To investigate, Ford performed additional thermal management testing on all engine variants and multiple vehicles. The investigation found that prolonged exposure to elevated under body temperatures can cause degradation of the fuel tank, fuel vapor lines, and parking brake cable seals. Leaks within these systems could result in a vehicle fire or degraded parking brake functions. Continue reading
2014-2015 Ferrari Laferrari Tire & Seat Defects
Ferrari will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2015 Ferrari Laferrari sports cars to return to their dealership for safety defects affecting the tires and seats.
Safety Defect 15V-305: During production testing for seats and headrests, a partial noncompliance related to energy absorption was discovered for the largest size seat with back seat inclination of 32 degrees. These seats may not absorb the required amount of energy during an accident, increasing the risk of injury. Owners receiving notices will have their headrests replaced, free of charge. Ferrari’s number for this recall is 55.
Safety Defect 15V-306: Due to an error in the vehicle configuration settings, the tire Pressure Monitoring System could display an incorrect warning message. The run flat message of “Low tire pressure – Max speed 50 mph” may be displayed instead of “Low tire pressure – Do not proceed”, misinforming the driver of the their tire condition. Driving on punctured tires could lead to loss of vehicle control and an increased chance of an accident. Ferrari’s number for this recall is 56. Continue reading
