Airbag Issue Affects Certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Models

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A recent discovery by FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) has led to a voluntary safety recall of certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The issue affects a small number of vehicles that may be missing an important part in the front bumper. This missing piece could compromise the proper deployment of the front airbags.

The affected vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection. FMVSS No. 208 specifies vehicle crash worthiness requirements and equipment requirements for active and passive restraint systems. In the event of a frontal collision, the missing energy absorbing foam could lead to a non-deployment or improper deployment of the front airbags, potentially increasing the risk of injury or harm to occupants.

According to FCA US, an analysis of vehicle production history revealed that some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been built without a front fascia energy absorbing foam. This condition can lead to a non-compliance with FMVSS No. 208, as it compromises the intended load distribution or energy management, potentially jeopardizing proper crash sensing and airbag deployment.

The suspect period for affected vehicles began on December 6, 2023, and ended on December 9, 2023, when vehicle production processes were corrected. During this time, some Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may have been manufactured without the crucial foam, which is designed to absorb energy and help protect occupants in the event of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and install the missing foam as necessary to ensure compliance with safety standards. This recall is intended to minimize any potential risks associated with this airbag issue and maintain the high standards of quality and safety that customers expect from Jeep vehicles.

Owners with affected vehicles will receive owner notification letters providing them with details on the recall and next steps to take. It is essential that vehicle owners take immediate action to address this issue and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety on the road.

Ford Hybrid – Unexpected Neutral Shifting

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Ford Escape GearshiftFord has discovered a problem affecting specific hybrid vehicles, including the 2022-2024 Maverick, 2020-2022 Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair models. These vehicles may contain software that could cause the vehicle to shift into neutral unexpectedly.

Investigation and Findings

In March 2024, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) initiated an investigation following field reports indicating that some vehicles were shifting to neutral after receiving a Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM) software update at dealerships. The powertrain controls and calibration team discovered that the new Hybrid Transmission Internal Park Module (HTIPM) software, which had been released for service in January 2024, was incorrectly detecting noise in the Park Motor Position Sensor. This led to the generation of erroneous Park Motor Position Sensor Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) U1010 and U1011.

Field Action Approval

On May 3, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee examined the issue and approved a field action to address the problem. According to the defect report, the affected vehicles received HPCM software that could force the vehicle into a neutral state while driving. As the vehicle coasts to a stop, the transmission will automatically shift to “Park”. Despite this issue, drivers retain functionality for power braking and power steering. Once the driver shifts back to drive, the vehicle enters a limp home mode, which provides limited torque at low speeds up to 30 mph.

Reported Incidents and Warranty Claims

Ford has reported 315 warranty claims in North America and 125 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) that may be related to this software issue. These incidents highlight the importance of addressing the defect to ensure driver safety and vehicle reliability.

Recall Details and Owner Notification

To rectify the problem, dealers will update the HPCM software free of charge. Ford plans to mail owner notification letters starting on May 23, 2024. For reference, Ford’s recall number for this issue is 24S33, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 24V-330.

Owners of the affected vehicles are encouraged to contact their dealers promptly to schedule the necessary software update. Ensuring that your vehicle receives this update is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety.

Summary

  • Affected Vehicles: 2022-2024 Ford Maverick, 2020-2022 Ford Escape, and 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair hybrid models.
  • Issue: Software may cause unexpected shifts into neutral.
  • Investigation Start: March 2024 by Ford’s CCRG.
  • Findings: Noise in Park Motor Position Sensor detected by HTIPM software, causing erroneous DTCs U1010 and U1011.
  • Action Approved: May 3, 2024, by Ford’s Field Review Committee.
  • Incidents Reported: 315 warranty claims and 125 VOQs in North America.
  • Solution: HPCM software update by dealers.
  • Owner Notification: Letters to be mailed starting May 23, 2024.
  • Recall Numbers: Ford 24S33, NHTSA 24V-330.

2024 Cadillac XT5 Air Bag Could Tear

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General Motors (GM) has announced a safety recall affecting a small number of its 2024 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. This recall addresses a potential defect with the driver front airbag. This defect may pose a risk to vehicle safety.

The issue was identified when GM’s airbag module supplier observed a tear in the airbag cushion during a routine lot-acceptance test. This incident, which occurred in February 2024, prompted a thorough investigation by GM. The supplier was able to isolate the affected batch and performed additional tests on these airbags across various temperature settings to assess their reliability and safety.

The tests revealed that the airbag cushions could tear during deployment due to a recent design change in the airbag modules. Following these findings, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made the decision to issue a recall for all vehicles equipped with airbag modules from the affected production lot, manufactured the day before the problematic batch.

It is important for consumers to understand that a tear in the airbag cushion during deployment can significantly impair the airbag’s performance in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

To address this safety concern, GM is taking proactive steps. The company will replace the driver’s front airbag module at no cost to vehicle owners. GM plans to begin notifying affected Cadillac XT5 owners through formal letters, which are scheduled to be sent out on June 17, 2024. The recall has been officially recorded under GM’s number N232439241 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-311. GM has confirmed that there have been no field incidents or injuries reported in relation to this defect.

2021-2023 Mini Cooper SE Vehicle Stall And Potential Battery Fire

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Mini CooperA manufacturing issue was identified in a small batch of 2021-2023 Mini Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE vehicles. These electric cars were found to have a high voltage battery housing that did not meet the company’s assembly specifications. This discovery came to light after a concerning incident in the U.S. in October 2023, where one such vehicle experienced what is known as a thermal event—a significant overheating.

Following this incident, BMW initiated a thorough engineering analysis to pinpoint the cause. It was found that during certain production periods, there was a flaw in how the battery housing was sealed. Specifically, an inadequate amount of sealing compound was applied between the two halves of the battery module’s housing. This oversight made it possible for water to seep into the battery enclosure.

Water entering the high voltage battery compartment can trigger what is called an isolation fault. This type of fault compromises the battery’s integrity, leading to performance issues and safety concerns. Initially, such water ingress prompts the vehicle to display a warning message, alerting the driver of the fault and advising them to have the vehicle checked at a MINI service center.

Should the water exposure continue, the situation can escalate. The accumulation of moisture can cause multiple isolation faults, potentially causing the vehicle to stall. In more severe cases, particularly after long periods of inactivity, these faults could cause the battery to overheat significantly. Such overheating, while rare, could lead to a thermal event, even if the car is not in use.

To address this issue, BMW is recalling affected vehicles to inspect, and if necessary, repair the sealing of the battery housing. This includes a thorough leak test to ensure the integrity of the battery enclosure. Owners of the affected Mini Cooper SE models will be notified by mail with instructions to visit their dealer. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent out on June 21, 2024. The recall has been officially recorded under the NHTSA campaign number 24V-302.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to respond to the recall notice promptly to ensure their safety and the proper functioning of their vehicle.

Potential Shock Hazard From Tesla Charger Adapter

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If you are a Tesla owner and you have a Lectron Vortex Tesla Supercharger (NACS) to Combined Charging System (CCS) adapters in your vehicle, you may be contacted by Dropcases Ltd., regarding a potential problem affecting the safety of your charging system.

Some NACS to CCS adapters may not securely latch to the charger. An unsecured adapter may be disconnected without shutting off the charger power, increasing the risk of an electrical shock.

Dropcases LTD, the manufacturer of the adapters, became aware of the the problem in April 2024 when they saw a YouTube video showing a customer who was unable to latch their charging unit to a Tesla Supercharger. Dropcases LTD contacted the user, requesting the return of the adapter for evaluation and an internal investigation was initiated. It was determined that an error in the supplier’s processes resulted in a limited number of non-conforming units being shipped to customers, specifically within the first 1,121 units. Out of an abundance of caution, Dropcases LTD chose to recall the part.

According to the defect report, the adapters affected include certain Vortex Plug Tesla Supercharger to CCS Adapter 500A / 1,000V. The adapter enables charging at Tesla Supercharger stations for non-Tesla CCS1 electric vehicles. The issue affects the NACS latching mechanism on certain adapters.

Some units feature a latch pin that deviates from the intended design, impacting secure locking of the charger coupler. If the adapter does not latch securely, the charger coupler can potentially be forcibly removed by the user without depressing the NACS latch. If the adapter does not securely latch and a user attempts to disconnect it from the charger without releasing the NACS latch and cutting power from the charging station, there is a heightened risk of an electrical event, which could increase the risk of injury.

Dropcases Limited will be sending owners notification letters with instructions on how to get the adapter replaced. These letters are expected to be mailed May 3, 2024. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E-033.

Ford Bronco & Maverick Undetected Low Battery

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In recent years, advancements in automotive technology have led to increasingly sophisticated control systems within vehicles, aimed at enhancing performance, efficiency, and safety. However, with these advancements come the potential for unforeseen challenges and issues to arise.

One such challenge has been identified in certain models of Ford vehicles, specifically the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2022-2023 Ford Maverick. The concern centers around the failure of the body control module (BCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) to accurately detect changes in the state of charge of the 12-volt battery. This oversight has significant implications, as it could result in a loss of drive power, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and compromising the safety of both drivers and passengers.

The issue first came to light in October 2023, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (NHTSA ODI) initiated an inquiry following reports of loss of motive power (LOMP) and subsequent loss of 12-volt accessories in 2021 model year Bronco Sport vehicles. Upon receiving 29 potentially relevant Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) from NHTSA, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) promptly launched an investigation to delve deeper into the matter.

Subsequent testing and analysis revealed a fundamental flaw in the BCM and PCM calibrations, rendering them incapable of accurately detecting battery failure in the affected vehicles. This deficiency becomes particularly pronounced during instances where the alternator struggles to meet the electrical load demand or during Auto Stop-Start events. As a result, drivers may experience unexpected loss of drive power, posing a serious safety hazard.

In response to these findings, Ford’s Field Review Committee took decisive action and authorized a vehicle recall to address the underlying issue. Under the recall, authorized dealerships will undertake corrective measures by re-calibrating the BCM and PCM to ensure accurate monitoring of the 12-volt battery state of charge. The recall process is expected to commence soon, with owner notification letters slated to be mailed out on May 13, 2024.

However, the implications of this issue extend beyond the immediate safety concerns. Ford acknowledges a significant number of warranty reports, field reports, and customer complaints related to this issue, totalling 917, 11, and 54 respectively. Moreover, there have been alarming reports of three unverified incidents of fire and two property damage claims allegedly linked to this concern. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the issue promptly and comprehensively.

In light of these developments, Ford has assigned a unique recall number, 24S24, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 24V-267.

Airbag May Not Deploy In Subaru Outback And Legacy Vehicles

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This matter came to light in February 2024 when Subaru initiated an investigation after receiving returned parts from reports indicating airbags failing to deploy as intended. Subaru collaborated with the supplier and submitted an equipment recall (24E-016) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), signalling the commencement of evaluations regarding the safety implications for Subaru vehicles and the potentially impacted population. Subaru made the decision in March to launch a comprehensive safety recall campaign.

Digging into the technicalities of the issue, the defect report highlights a convergence of factors contributing to the capacitor cracking. It suggests that the utilization of alternate component sub-suppliers during short-term natural disaster recovery, combined with certain supplier processing methods, may have led to this vulnerability. Specifically, it’s noted that during a specific production period at a particular supplier, the ODS Sensor Printed Circuit Board (PCB) might have undergone deformation, thereby initiating cracks in the capacitor. Over time, these cracks could permit moisture ingress into the capacitor, ultimately resulting in a short circuit.

The ramifications of this malfunction are significant. When a short circuit occurs, indicators such as the SRS airbag system warning lamp and the front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator illuminate. This signifies a potential failure of the front passenger airbag to deploy in specific crash scenarios, thus elevating the risk of injury to the occupant in the respective seat.

In response to this concern, Subaru has outlined a comprehensive course of action. Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted and requested to visit authorized dealerships for the replacement of ODS sensors on the front passenger seat. Initial communication regarding the safety risk is anticipated to be dispatched by May 21, 2024, in the form of interim letters. A subsequent letter will follow once the remedy procedure is finalized. To facilitate communication and tracking, Subaru has assigned the recall number WRA-24, with the NHTSA campaign number denoted as 24V-227.

Jaguar I-Pace EV Fire Risk When Parked

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Jaguar I-PaceIn a recent development, owners of 2019 Jaguar I-Pace vehicles are being urged to take immediate action due to a critical safety concern that could potentially lead to vehicle fires. The issue revolves around battery packs manufactured within a specific time frame, which have been identified as prone to technical faults, posing a significant risk of thermal overload.

The affected battery packs, produced between March 1, 2018, and May 31, 2018, have exhibited several technical deficiencies that increase the likelihood of short circuits within the battery cells. These short circuits generate excessive heat, particularly when the battery state of charge exceeds approximately 85%, ultimately triggering a thermal overload condition.

While some vehicles have undergone modifications through a previous safety recall (H441), mitigating the risk to some extent, Jaguar is ensuring the safety of all potentially affected vehicles and a new safety recall, identified as H484, has been initiated to address this critical issue.

The ramifications of a vehicle thermal overload event, such as fire or smoke, are severe and pose significant risks to occupants and bystanders alike. Occupant injury, damage to property, and even injury to persons outside the vehicle are potential outcomes of such incidents, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue promptly and comprehensively.

In response to this safety concern, Jaguar has outlined interim measures for affected vehicle owners to mitigate the risk until a permanent solution is implemented. Owners are advised to park and charge their vehicles outdoors, away from structures, and to limit charging to a maximum of 75% state of charge. These precautions aim to minimize the risk of thermal overload incidents until the necessary repairs are completed.

Notification letters are scheduled to be dispatched to affected owners starting April 26, 2024. The recall process, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24V-183, aims to rectify the underlying issue and ensure the safety and peace of mind of Jaguar I-Pace owners.

It’s imperative for owners of 2019 Jaguar I-Pace vehicles to heed this safety warning and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions promptly. Failure to address this issue in a timely manner could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. Additionally, owners are encouraged to stay informed about further developments regarding the recall and to take appropriate action as advised by Jaguar and regulatory authorities.

NOTE: This recent safety recall, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 24V-183, is not the first instance where concerns regarding the same problem have been raised. Previous recalls, such as, NHTSA Recall Numbers 24V-085, 23V-709, and 23V-369, have also addressed issues related to thermal overload and potential fire hazards in Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. These recalls underscore the seriousness of the underlying technical issues and the manufacturer’s ongoing efforts to rectify them. Owners should be vigilant and proactive in responding to these recalls to ensure the safety and integrity of their vehicles.