On June 09, 2015 General Motors announced that they will be asking a small number of 2015 Cadillac ATS and CTS owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the bracket between the brake pedal assembly and the rod that actuates the vehicle service brakes may have been fractured during manufacturing. If the bracket breaks the vehicle service brakes will not function. (The parking brakes will continue to function properly.) Continue reading
Tag Archives: automobile safety defect
2013-2014 Dodge Viper Electrical Door Defect
After three warranty complaints and an investigation into unexpected door openings or failure to close events on the door, Dodge has issued a defect notice for certain 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles. According to the investigation report, the manufacturer of the door switches replaced the two part epoxy potting with a hot melt adhesive. This change allowed moisture to seep past the potting, shorting the switch. A driver or passenger door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion (even at low speeds), could increase the possibility of a crash and injury. Continue reading
2013 Fiat 500e Powertrain Repeated Repair Attempts
In August 2013, Chrysler opened an investigation into certain 2013 Fiat 500e battery electric vehicles because drivers were experiencing excessive noise from the powertrain and loss of drive capability. The investigation found that due to product, process, and rework anomalies, the half shaft joints on the suspect vehicles may not have been engineered and developed for this application. Continue reading
2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV Loss Of Drive Power
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
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
