Tag Archives: automobile fire

2020-2023 Jeep Wrangler Fuel Leak

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Some 2020-2023 model-year Jeep Wrangler vehicles may have been built with an unnecessary and unused frame stud that could puncture the fuel tank, potentially starting a fire. The suspect period began in October 2019, when frames with the extra frame stud were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on May 14, 2022, when frames with the frame stud were no longer used. The frames involved are Mopar Frame Assembly’s and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 23E-023.

The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into the problem as a result of an assembly plant report of some frames containing an extra frame stud. FCA reviewed supplier data, met with engineering to understand the frame design and change history, and review frame and vehicle measurement data. Although there have been no warranty claims or field reports related to the problem, the FCA TSRC have decided to conduct a recall on all affected vehicles.

According to the defect report, some Mopar frame assemblies may have been manufactured with an extra frame stud that, when installed in a vehicle, could contact the fuel tank. Over time, the problem could result in a fuel leak and an increased chance of a fire.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Chrysler dealer to have their vehicle inspected. If there is a potential problem, the frame stud will be removed and the area will be painted. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 28A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-191.

If you are having repeated problems with your Jeep Wrangler and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 or fill in the “Case Review” form at the top of this page, and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Jeep Safety Alert: Clutch Failures Could Result In A Vehicle Fire

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Jeep is a well-known brand in the automotive industry for producing powerful off-road vehicles. However, in December 2022, Jeep’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) investigators began to receive reports of vehicle fires in certain Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles. It was found that the fires were related to pressure plate failures, which led to overheating and eventual fires.

An investigation was opened, and it was discovered that the trend of vehicle fires related to failed clutch assemblies was found in vehicles built after Recall 21V-028. In this recall, Chrysler repaired certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions because the clutch pressure plate could overheat and fracture.

In January, FCA received inspection details of a 2023 MY Jeep Wrangler vehicle built after the Recall 21V-028, which experienced a complete clutch failure. FCA US identified 26 customer assistance records, 36 warranty claims, and six field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from July 5, 2021 to January 12, 2023.

In February 2023, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a safety recall of the affected vehicles. The recall expands and replaces the previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to have the new remedy completed.

The remedy is currently under development, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in April. In some circumstances, the operator may smell a clutch burning odor and/or clutch slippage before the failure, and may receive cluster warning message. It is important for owners to pay attention to any warning signs and immediately bring their vehicles in for repair.

This is not the first time Jeep has had to issue a recall. In recent years, Jeep has had to recall various models due to issues such as faulty airbags, faulty brake systems, and faulty fuel pumps. While recalls can be inconvenient for owners, they are necessary to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road.

Jeep has always prided itself on producing high-quality, durable vehicles that are built to withstand rugged terrain. However, as with any machine, there is always the potential for failure. It is important for Jeep owners to stay informed about any recalls or issues with their vehicles and to promptly bring them in for repair.

In conclusion, Jeep’s recent recall of certain Gladiator and Wrangler vehicles is a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the need for regular maintenance and inspection. The remedy for this recall is currently under development, and owners should pay attention to any warning signs and bring their vehicles in for repair as soon as possible.

Ram Trucks: Potential Fire Risk in Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel Engines

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain Ram trucks that are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines, due to a potential fire hazard that may arise from an electrical short in the heater grid relay located in the engine compartment. The issue was brought to the attention of the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization in October 2022, after the detection of a potential trend of engine compartment fires in vehicles that were built after the recall 21V-798.

According to FCA, there have been six customer assistance records, three warranty claims, and six field reports that may be related to this issue. As a result, the company has identified the potential risks associated with the short circuit and has initiated the recall of affected vehicles to address the issue.

NOTE: Ram truck owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall repair has been completed to avoid any potential fire hazards. It is important for owners to take this recall seriously and to get their vehicles repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants and nearby property.

The FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 13A, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-060. This recall is an expansion of and supersedes recall number 21V-798.

If you own a Ram truck that has been repeatedly repaired for the same issue, you may be eligible to take advantage of your state’s lemon law. The lemon law is designed to protect consumers who purchase defective vehicles, such as Ram trucks, and provides them with legal recourse to seek a refund, replacement or monetary compensation from the manufacturer.

Under the lemon law, the manufacturer is given a certain number of attempts to fix the same problem before the vehicle is considered a “lemon.” If the repairs are unsuccessful, the manufacturer may be required to buy back the vehicle or replace it with a similar one. The exact details of the lemon law can vary by state, so it’s important to check the laws in your specific location to understand your rights and options.

If you believe that your Ram truck may be a lemon, document all the repairs and contact an attorney who specializes in lemon law cases. They can review your case and help you navigate the legal process to get the compensation or resolution that you deserve. Remember, the lemon law is there to protect you, so don’t hesitate to explore your options if you believe that you have been sold a defective vehicle.

External Coolant Pump Could Short Circuit And Cause A Vehicle Fire

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Automobile manufacturers Porsche and Bentley Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2017-2021 model vehicles because of a problem with the external coolant pump in the climate control system of their vehicles.

Porsche became aware of this problem at the end of December 2022, when they were contacted by their coolant pump manufacturer about a potential malfunction of the electric external coolant pump used in the climate control system. An investigation was opened and Porsche reviewed whether there were any possible common influences that could have contributed to the problem. (e.g. Extreme Temperatures, A Corrosive Medium, Special Driving/Customer Behavior, etc.) In January, Porsche determined a safety defect existed and decided to recall the subject vehicles. During this time, Porsche informed Bentley of their investigation because certain Continental GT and GTC vehicles were manufactured with the same pump.

The vehicles affected include:

2020 Bentley Continental GT
2020 Bentley Continental GTC
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera 4
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
2017-2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo

According to the defect report, some 2017-2021 Porsche Panemera and 2020 Bentley Continental vehicles may have been manufactured with an electric climate control coolant pump that could experience humidity ingress. The humidity could cause a short circuit and, in some instances, thermal damage to the external coolant pump. In rare circumstances, the thermal damage to the harness could progress into a fire.

On the affected vehicles, vehicle occupants may notice an issue with the Climate Control system or reduced performance when using the Residual Heat function. (This allows the vehicle to be heated after the ignition has been switched off, using the remaining heat in a warm engine). On vehicles fitted with a W12 engine, an Engine Management Light could also illuminate.

Dealers will replace the external coolant pump and will inspect and replace the plug-in connection, as necessary.
Porsche’s number for this recall is APA1and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-033
Bentley’s number for this recall is RE23/02 (RC67) and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-034.

Chevy Bolt EV Potential Fire After Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

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General Motors (GM) has decided that a defect affecting seat belt safety exists in certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs. GM will be contacting owners of affected vehicles with instructions to return to their dealership to have the problem corrected by installing fire barriers.

GM first became aware of the problem in September 2022 after receiving a report of a 2018 Chevy Bolt EV that experienced a fire. The fire seemed to originate in the right side lower pillar in the area of the pretensioner. GM opened an investigation into the incident and identified a total of three field incidents where exhaust from a deployed pretensioner ignited carpet fibers near the B-pillar. By December, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall.

The problem arises during certain crash conditions that require the front seat belt pretensioners to deploy. According to the defect report, the temperature of the exhaust from a deployed pretensioner may be sufficient enough to ignite carpet and other materials in close proximity to the pretensioner.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have a metal foil barrier added between the carpet and pretensioner. Some vehicles will also require the installation of a pretensioner cover that will prevent the ignition of carpet material from pretensioner exhaust.

This recall will be launched in two phases, under bulletins N222383790 and N222383791. Notification to owners of vehicles that require only the installation of the foil barrier is estimated to begin on January 30, 2023. Owners of vehicles that also require installation of the pretensioner cover will begin receiving interim notification on January 30, 2023, with a second notification when parts become available. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-930.

Chevy Bolt Seat Belt Pretensioner Fire

Stellantis RAM 2500 & 3500 Truck Problems

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Transmission Fluid Leak May Cause Fire In Certain Stellantis Trucks

Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis has issued a recall for certain 2020-2022 Ram 3500 and 2020-2023 Ram 2500 heavy-duty diesel trucks because of a problem that could result in an engine compartment fire. These trucks are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines and 68RFE transmissions.

According to the defect report, a build-up of heat and pressure inside the transmission may result in transmission fluid being expelled from the dipstick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with an ignition source within the engine compartment, it could result in a vehicle fire. Stellantis is still working on a fix for this problem. Chrysler’s number for this recall is ZA3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-835.

In the past two years, Stellantis’s Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks have experienced a high number of recalls.

Owners Are Advised To Park Outdoors Due To Fire Hazard

It began in February 2021, when an investigation was opened into engine compartment fires in certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks and 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short within the solid-state intake heater grid relay could result in a fire, even when the ignition was turned off. Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the problem has been fixed. Approximately 131,000 vehicles were affected by this recall.

Side curtain Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly

In November 2021 an airbag recall was issued for a small number of 2021-2022 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies in these vehicles were manufactured with a low gas mass that would result in an airbag non-deployment or slow deployment or a high gas mass that could result in aggressive airbag deployment and an increased risk of occupant injury in certain crash scenarios.

Stellantis RAM Electrical Problems

Stellantis issued three more recalls before their most recent for transmission fluid leaks that could cause fires. In March 2022, approximately 370, 000 Dodge Duango, RAM 2500, and Ram 3500 trucks were repaired for an electronic stability control (ECS) indicator light that could fail to illuminate during a control problem, increasing the risk of a crash.

In June 2022, certain 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs, experienced a radio software problem that could prevent the rear view image from displaying. These vehicles failed to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear visibility.

In August 2022 a misaligned capacitor inside the ECM of certain 2022 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks, could cause an electrical short, and a loss of drive power.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

2018 BMW 540D xDrive
Coolant Leak Could Result In Fire

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A small number of 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles, equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) modules could experience an internal glycol coolant leak that may result in an engine fire.

BMW first became aware of the problem in October 2018 when they opened an investigation into reports of certain BMW vehicles experiencing engine fires. What they found was; that these vehicles were equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler that could leak coolant internally. The coolant mixed with diesel engine soot, combined with the high EGR temperatures could result in smoldering, fire, and a melted intake manifold.

During vehicle operation, the driver may be alerted there is a problem through:

  • A warning symbol in the instrument cluster displaying a loss of engine coolant.
  • A reduction in engine power.
  • An unpleasant exhaust odor.
  • Unusual noise from the engine compartment.
  • Smoke from the engine compartment.

NHTSA campaign number 18V-755 – BMW recalled 44,368 vehicles.

This recall campaign affected certain 2013-2018 BMW vehicles with the N47T and N57T diesel engines that were produced from September 12, 2012, to June 29, 2017.

The vehicles affected include:

2013-2018 328d
2013-2018 328d xDrive
2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon
2014-2018 328d xDrive Sports Wagon
2014-2016 535d
2014-2016 535d xDrive
2015 740Ld xDrive
2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV
2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV

NHTSA campaign number 21V-907 – BMW recalled 50,404 vehicles.

After continued field monitoring and review of field data, BMW determined that the EGR cooler may not be sufficiently durable to last the lifetime of the vehicle. They decided to issue a recall that would replace the EGR module on all potentially affected vehicles, with an improved cooler design. The intake manifold was inspected and replaced as necessary, and the EGR pipe connecting the cooler to the manifold was cleaned.

NHTSA campaign number 22V-614 – BMW is recalling 298 vehicles.

The vehicles subject to this recall have a different design and manufacturer of the EGR cooler than the vehicles previously recalled. After further monitoring and review of field data, it was found that the specific EGR cooler for certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles may not be robust to last the vehicle’s lifetime. BMW has decided to perform a recall for these vehicles as well.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their BMW dealer to have the EGR module replaced and the intake manifold inspected and replaced as necessary.

2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator Under Hood Fire Warning

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) has decided that a problem affecting vehicle safety exists in certain 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUVs built between December 2020, and April 2021. The vehicles built during this time have an increased risk of under-hood fires.

Ford became aware of the problem in March 2022 after receiving eight reports of under-hood fires. One of the incidents described a melted battery junction box (BJB) on a 2021 Expedition vehicle. Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into the fires and found that six (6) of the eight (8) fires originated on the passenger side rear engine compartment area, while two (2) had an unclear under-hood origin. Of the eight fire allegations, six occurred while the vehicle was parked and off, and two occurred while driving. Reviewing the incidents, CCRG noted that almost all the vehicles were owned by rental companies.

Ford continues to investigate the cause of the fires, which are believed to originate in the passenger side rear engine compartment area. As of May 12th CCRG is aware of sixteen (16) potentially related reports of under-hood fires on 2021 Expedition and 2021 Navigator vehicles. Of those sixteen (16) reports, fourteen (14) are rental vehicles and two are retail units. Of the sixteen (16) reports, twelve (12) occurred while the vehicle was parked and off, (1) occurred while parked and on, and three (3) occurred while driving. All sixteen (16) vehicles were produced between December 19, 2020, and April 20, 2021. (This period was found to be significant.)

Warning: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures while Ford continues their investigation.

Note: Some customers have reported a burning smell and smoke from the front passenger engine compartment while driving.

Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on May 23, 2022. A second letter will be mailed once a fix for the problem is available. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S36 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-346.