After three field reports and eight warranty claims, Toyota has decided to ask owners of certain 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV’s to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Due to a software issue, the drive inverter electronic control unit may not be able to determine the rotational position of the motor. This will cause a speed sensor error code which will trigger a “Check EV System” warning message on the instrument panel, turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause the electric motor to shift into “neutral”. This complete loss of drive power may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Tag Archives: automobile safety defect
2014-2015 Kia Soul Acceleration Defect
Kia will be notifying owners of certain 2014-2015 Kia Soul and Soul Electric vehicles about a safety defect that could result in difficult acceleration. Due to bending of an unsupported section of the accelerator pedal, the pedal could fracture if excessive force is applied. Field experience and testing indicates that such force has only occurred when stationary, but if drivers continue to operate their vehicle with this problem, it may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz Potential Engine Compartment Fire
Mercedes-Benz will be asking approximately 147, 000 C-Class and E-Class owners to return their vehicles to an approved dealer to repair a safety problem. Due to a cosmetic design change to the rubber seal mounted on the top edge of the secondary bulkhead in the engine compartment, the seal may not adhere correctly. The seal may temporarily stick to the engine hood when it is open and drop into the area between the engine ant the secondary bulkhead. The loose end could contact parts of the exhaust system, potentially causing a fire. Continue reading
2011-2012 Toyota Avalon Electrical Defect
Toyota will be asking the owners of certain 2011-2012 Toyota Avalon‘s to return their cars to a dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the wires going to the sub woofer located in the trunk may move out of postion creating a short against the metal frame. An integrated circuit (IC) within the amplifier could overheat, potentially creating a fire. Continue reading
Possible Tire Failure For Buick, Chevy & GMC SUVs
The tires on certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles may fail to conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for tire safety. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, cracking tire treads could lead to loss of pressure and possible tire failure, increasing the risk of an accident. GM will be notifying owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Continue reading
Nissan And Infiniti Brake And Steering Defect
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles could experience reduced braking performance and/or steering control due to a manufacturing error. During the assembly process of the front wheel hub, the hub bolts, torque member bolts, and/or stopper bolts may have been under torqued or missing. Over time the brake caliper could separate from the wheel assembly causing reduced braking and steering control. Warning signs that there is a problem include unfamiliar noises and/or vibrations. Continue reading
2012 Mercedes-Benz California Lemon Law Buyback For Safety Defects
Two years after purchasing his 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 in March 2012, the owner started to experience problems that the manufacturer was unable to fix. Defective suspension, Airmatic system, and struts caused the vehicle to lean 1.5 inches lower on the right hand side making it difficult to handle. He had given his dealer two (2) opportunities to repair the defects which resulted in the ML350 being out of service for over 35 days. Because he felt the problem was safety related, he decided to contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. for advice. Continue reading
2014 Nissan Rogue Electrical Short
Approximately 470,000 owners of certain 2008–2014 Nissan Rogue vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer about a safety defect that could result in a vehicle fire. According to reports, liquid brought in or spilled on the drivers side floor area could seep into the carpet near a harness connector. The connector could short, leading to damage, and in rare instances a potential fire. Continue reading