Tag Archives: electrical problem

Saturn Ion Power Steering Investigation

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is intensifying their investigating into power steering problems in some 2004-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles after receiving over 4,300 complaints. Sixteen of these complaints said that the electronic power steering (EPS) warning lamp illuminated before or during the loss of steering assist and the increased steering effort contributed to a crash. NHTSA said they have upgraded the preliminary inquiry to an engineering analysis so they could further assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of a sudden loss of steering assist in the subject vehicles.

The EPS system is the same as the on used in the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles. In March of 2010, GM recalled over one million of these vehicle to correct a defect with the EPS assist motor. The problem was described as a buildup of brush debris mixed with oily material on the EPS electric motor armature which causes the motor to stop functioning.

Jeep Liberty Investigated For Air Bag Problems

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After almost forty complaints of unexpected airbag deployment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an investigation into Chyrsler’s 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV. Drivers complaints include the drivers side or both front air bags deploying during normal driving conditions. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 400,000 Jeep Liberty SUV’s could be involved.

Chrysler has experienced air bag problem in several of their vehicles over the past year. The vehicles involved include: 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, and 2009 Dodge Journey.

Hyundai And Kia Report Airbag Problems

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Hyundai is recalling some 2007-2008 Veracruz and 2007-2008 Santa Fe vehicles for a problem with the drivers side air bag. In the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai said that over time, the clock spring contact assembly in the system could develop a high resistance. The high resistance could result in the air bag not deploying properly or not deploying at all. Owners wanting more information can contact Hyundai customer connect center at 1-800-633-5151.

Kia has also reported problems with air bags in some 2007-2008 Sorento cars. The problem is being blamed on the programming of the occupant classification system (OCS). The system is set up to turn the air bags off when there is a child stitting in the seat. The OCS could misclassify the size of the occupant in the passenger seat, leaving them without air bag protection. Owners wanting more information can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Chrysler Minivans Investigated For Headlight Failure

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Chrysler is being investigated for headlight failure after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received over 1,500 consumer complaints. The investigation will cover over 600,000 minivans made by Chrysler, starting with the 2005 model line up. Divers complaints include headlights that turn off and remain off intermittently without any pattern. Two of the reports resulted in an accident, one of which reported minor injuries. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, there have also been an additional 14,000 warranty claims reported by Chrysler that could be related to the same problem.

Honda Recalls CR V And CR Z Vehicles

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Honda has announced two recalls that will affect some 2006 Honda CR-V crossover vehicles and some 2011 CR-Z sport hybrid coupes.

Honda will be recalling over 80,000 2006 CR-V crossover vehicles in the U.S. to replace the power window master switch. The problem is being blamed on accumulated residue from interior cleaners which can cause the electrical contacts on the switch to degrade. The increased electrical resistance of the contacts could pose a potential fire hazard. Dealers will replace the switch with one that cannot be affected by interior cleaners.

Honda will also be recalling certain 2011 CR-Z sport hybrid coupes to update the software that controls the hybrid electric motor on some manual transmission vehicles. When the gasoline engine has stalled, the battery is in a low state of charge, and the transmission is in gear, it is possible for the electric motor to rotate in the opposite direction. If the driver does not engage the brakes completely, the vehicle could roll back. A software update will be added to correct the problem.

Owners wanting more information on the recall can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and selecting option 4.

BMW Recalls 3 Series Vehicles For Electrical Problem

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BMW will be notifying certain 3-Series drivers of an electrical malfunction recall that could leave motorists without tail, brake or signal lights. The problem is being blamed on an increased resistance in the electrical contacts of the lighting system within the vehicles body panels. Non working or intermittent working tail, brake, or signal lights will increase a drivers chance of getting into an accident. BMW will begin notifying customers of the recall starting in October. Owners wanting more information can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in the recall will include:

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NHTSA Decides No Recall For Ford Minivans

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to not issue a recall for some 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and 2004-2007 Mercury Monterey minivans after a year long investigation. The NHTSA started the investigation in August 2010 after receiving complaints that water could run down onto the cowling under the hood in the windshield wiper area and would drip onto the power train control module (PCM). The module would short, causing a variety of problems including stalling, poorly shifting transmission, erratic power, and a lit malfunction light. The NHTSA found that the failure rate was below what would be considered a defect trend and decided not to issue a recall. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and take further action in the future if warranted.

Chrysler And Dodge Minivans Recalled

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Chrysler is recalling certain 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans for a problem with the air conditioning that could lead to an airbag illumination and a potential airbag deployment. A report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is blaming the problem on a leak in the heating and air conditioning system that could affect the occupant restraint conrtol (ORC) module. The vehicles involved in this recall include: