Tag Archives: fire risk

Brake Pressure Switch Safety Defect in Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty Trucks

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General Motors (GM) has confirmed a serious safety defect affecting certain 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty trucks. This issue involves the brake pressure sensor assembly, which may allow brake fluid to leak into the electrical components of the brake pressure switch. Over time, the defect can lead to short circuits, loss of brake system function, and even under hood fires, creating a significant risk of property damage and personal injury.

What Models Are Affected?

The following Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty trucks are included in this safety defect:

  • 2019 Chevrolet 6500
  • 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 4500
  • 2019–2021, 2023–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 5500
  • 2019, 2021–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 6500

Trucks produced before 2019 use a different brake sensor design and are not affected. Certain 2024 Silverado Medium Duty models built with a brake switch wire harness that includes silicone sealant are also excluded.

Why This Is a Safety Concern

If brake fluid leaks past the diaphragm seal into the electrical portion of the brake pressure sensor:

  • The switch and fuse can short circuit.
  • The circuit may generate excessive heat, leading to a fire risk.
  • A fire can occur even when the vehicle is parked and unattended.

This is not only a performance issue but a direct safety hazard for owners and the public.

Chronology of Events Leading to the Defect Finding

The journey to identifying this defect spans several years, beginning with earlier issues and continuing into 2025:

  • April 13, 2023 – GM issued NHTSA Recall 23V-266 addressing zinc sealant fragmentation in brake pressure sensors that could cause brake fluid leaks and under hood fires.
  • October 11, 2024 – GM’s quality team received a report of unintended brake pump activation in a 2023 Silverado Medium Duty truck that was not part of the earlier recall. The issue was escalated through the Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program.
  • November 24, 2024 – GM opened a formal investigation after discovering brake fluid in the wiring harness of the newer sensor design.
  • December 18, 2024 – Another field report surfaced involving a 2021 Silverado truck already repaired under the 23V-266 campaign. GM’s analysis confirmed fluid intrusion.
  • January 2025 – Additional warranty-returned parts tested positive for brake fluid contamination in the harness.
  • March 3, 2025 – GM and International Motors partnered with Akron Rubber Development Lab (ARDL) for material analysis.
  • April 24, 2025 – Testing revealed that the rubber diaphragm was degrading due to the supplier’s use of an unauthorized chemical that reacted with brake fluid.
  • April 30, 2025 – GM identified one confirmed fire among 160 reports and began deeper field analysis.
  • May 28, 2025 – GM inspected the affected vehicle and concluded the fire was linked to the defect.
  • June 5, 2025 – GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) determined a safety defect existed in 2019–2024 Silverado Medium Duty trucks.

The Cause of the Safety Defect

Investigations revealed that a supplier used an unauthorized chemical in the rubber diaphragm of the brake pressure sensor assembly. This material degraded when exposed to brake fluid, allowing leaks into the sensor’s electrical system and creating the potential for fires.

Warning Signs Owners May See

Drivers may notice a “Service Brake System” warning light on the dashboard as the defect develops. GM advises that vehicles should be parked outdoors and away from buildings until the problem is corrected.

The Fix for Silverado Owners

GM’s remedy involves replacing the brake pressure switch wire harness with an improved design.

  • Interim owner notifications were mailed on July 29, 2025.
  • A second notification will be sent once parts are fully available.
  • Vehicles that were previously repaired under Recall 23V-266 will also require the updated repair.

GM has assigned this campaign number N242482680, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-390.

Kia Telluride Recall: Fire and Rollaway Risks Affect Over 400,000 SUVs

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Kia’s popular SUV, the Telluride, is now under recall — again. This time, the issues are far more serious than a glitchy infotainment system or a faulty sensor. Kia has confirmed two separate safety defects that could put drivers and passengers at risk of vehicle fires or unintended rollaways.

If you’re a California driver, and especially if your Telluride is still under warranty, these problems could also qualify you for protection under the California Lemon Law.

What’s going wrong?

There are two major defects involved in this recall, both affecting 2020 through 2024 Kia Tellurides:

  1. Fire risk: The power seat motor may overheat and catch fire. The problem is linked to the seat adjustment knob, which can become stuck and cause the motor to continue running even when it shouldn’t. This can lead to electrical overheating and a real risk of interior fires — even when the vehicle is parked.
  2. Rollaway risk: In a separate issue, improperly assembled driveshaft components can cause the vehicle to roll away while in park, especially if the parking brake isn’t engaged. This is clearly a serious safety hazard.

What is Kia doing about it?

Kia dealerships will:

  • Install protective brackets around the seat switches and replace adjustment knobs where needed
  • Inspect and replace intermediate shafts related to the rollaway issue

Repairs are currently ongoing. Kia has not yet indicated widespread part delays, but given the scope of the recall, some wait times are possible.

What to know about California Lemon Law

California’s Lemon Law doesn’t just cover cars that have persistent engine problems — it also applies to major safety issues like these. If your Telluride has:

  • Been in the shop multiple times for the same defect
  • Been out of service for 30 or more days total
  • Or if the fire or rollaway problems persist after attempted repairs

You may be eligible for a buyback, replacement vehicle, or financial compensation. You also don’t have to pay legal fees — manufacturers are required to cover them if your case qualifies.

What you should do:

  • Review your repair history — especially any seat or drivetrain work
  • Contact your dealership to complete the recall repair if you haven’t already
  • Document everything — repair orders, communication with service staff, even photos if you’ve noticed unusual smells or damage
  • Reach out to a Lemon Law professional if your Telluride has been unreliable or unsafe

It doesn’t matter how new your SUV is — if it puts you or your family at risk, California law is there to protect you. If you’re tired of dealing with safety concerns or have lost trust in your Telluride, we’re here to help you understand your rights — and take the next step if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Call us at 888-395-3666 or fill in the free Lemon Law case review form at the top of this page.

Volkswagen Atlas Recall: Engine Cover Defect Raises Fire Risk

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If you drive a 2024 or 2025 Volkswagen Atlas or Atlas Cross Sport, there’s a recall you should know about — and it’s not something to ignore. Volkswagen has recalled approximately 177,000 vehicles because a loose engine cover could come into contact with hot engine parts, increasing the risk of fire.

For California drivers, this issue may also open the door to a Lemon Law claim, especially if repairs have been delayed or your vehicle has shown signs of repeated defects.

What’s the issue?

According to Volkswagen, the engine cover may not be properly secured, and during driving, it can shift out of place. If it comes into contact with the exhaust manifold or other high-temperature components, it could melt or ignite — which is a clear safety risk.

This is the kind of problem that’s easy to overlook — until it becomes dangerous.

What’s being done?

Volkswagen dealerships are currently performing repairs, which may include either removing or properly securing the engine cover. Owners should be notified, but if you’re concerned about your vehicle, you can contact your local dealer to ask if you’re affected.

Why it matters under California Lemon Law

If your vehicle is under warranty and has a serious safety defect, California’s Lemon Law is designed to protect you. That includes issues that:

  • Create a fire hazard or compromise safety
  • Require multiple repair attempts
  • Keep the car in the shop for long periods

Even if this is the first recall you’ve faced, if your Atlas has had other issues, or if this repair takes a long time to complete, it may be worth exploring whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon.

What you should do:

  • Check your repair history and note any previous service visits related to engine components or unusual smells
  • Schedule a repair with your dealer as soon as possible
  • Keep every service invoice and communication
  • Speak with a Lemon Law professional if your vehicle has been unreliable or unsafe

You don’t need to wait for something to go wrong. If your Atlas has had repeated problems or spent too much time off the road, you may be eligible for a refund or replacement.

California law gives you real options — and you don’t need to pay anything upfront to find out if your case qualifies. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step.

Audi Q5 Quattro Fire Risk: Improperly Tightened Cylinder Head Cover Screws

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Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) has issued a recall for certain 2022-2024 Audi Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles due to a potential problem with the cylinder head cover screws. The screws may have been improperly tightened, which can cause them to loosen over time, leading to engine oil leaks from the cylinder head cover screw holes.

According to the defect report, the issue is attributed to varying tightening torques during the screwing process of the cylinder head cover, resulting in a potentially insecure screw connection and compromised sealing of the cylinder head cover. If engine oil comes into contact with hot parts of the engine, it can cause a fire. Owners are advised to be vigilant for signs of smoke in the engine compartment and to safely park their vehicle immediately if they notice any unusual odors or smoke.

The recall was prompted by customer complaints received by Audi in May 2023, which reported oil leaking from cylinder head covers of Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI vehicles. An investigation was launched, and a root cause analysis suggested that screws with burrs caused during the manufacturing process may have damaged the cylinder head cover surface, leading to oil leakage and potential torque reduction over time.

Despite implementing manufacturing improvements, Audi continued to monitor the field and recognized an increase in oil leak claims in early 2024. In response, the company issued a Technical Service Bulletin instructing dealers to inspect the cylinder head cover screws and replace any loose screws. Further analysis by the engine plant revealed the potential for improperly torqued cylinder head cover screws, leading Audi to review the screwing process with its supplier and implement changes.

However, despite these efforts, the U.S. market reported an increase in field claims of oil leakage and thermal event incidents between November and December 2024. Audi inspected and analyzed these cases, evaluating potential root causes and contributing factors. The company’s Product Safety Committee ultimately decided to conduct a safety recall for the affected vehicles on April 30, 2025.

To date, Audi has received 2,539 potentially related warranty claims of oil leaks in the U.S. and eleven thermal event cases. Early engine oil leaks can be difficult to detect, but advanced cases may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor or smoke in the engine compartment when the engine is hot.

To address the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the screws as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 8, 2025. The recall is identified by Audi’s number 15ZK and the NHTSA campaign number 25V-294. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their local dealership for further information and to schedule an inspection and repair if necessary.

Hyundai Palisade Electric Oil Pump Issue

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Hyundai Motor America has announced a safety recall affecting a limited number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles due to a potential problem with the controller for the electric oil pump (EOP). The issue, which may cause an electrical short and increase the risk of a vehicle fire, is attributed to an insufficient seal on the EOP controller housing.

According to Hyundai, the problem was first identified in March 2025, when the company was notified of a potential issue involving the electric oil pump installed on a model year 2025 Palisade produced in Ulsan. An investigation revealed that a damaged spring in the tooling used during manufacturing may have compromised the hermetic sealing of the EOP controller housing, allowing moisture to accumulate on the printed circuit board and increasing the risk of electrical shorting.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was informed of the issue, and after reviewing the findings, Hyundai decided to conduct a safety recall of all affected model year 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles in the U.S. The recall aims to replace the EOP controller and associated wiring harness, if necessary, to prevent any potential fires.

Symptoms and Precautions

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice a burning or melting odor or an illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light. While owners can continue driving their vehicles, Hyundai recommends parking them outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed as a precautionary measure.

Recall Remedy and Notification

Hyundai will notify all owners of the subject vehicles by first-class mail, instructing them to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for replacement of the EOP controller. The recall remedy is expected to begin on July 4, 2025. Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer service or visit the NHTSA website for more information on the recall.

The recall number assigned by Hyundai is 278, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-291. Affected owners are encouraged to follow the instructions provided in the notification letter to ensure their vehicle is repaired promptly and safely.

In conclusion, while the electric oil pump issue affects only a small number of 2025 Hyundai Palisade vehicles, it is essential for owners to be aware of the potential problem and take necessary precautions to prevent any accidents. By following the recommended steps and cooperating with Hyundai’s recall efforts, owners can ensure their vehicle is safe to drive and minimize any risks associated with this issue.

Volvo Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk

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A critical safety issue has been identified in certain Volvo cars, prompting thousands of owners to bring their vehicles in for repairs. The affected models include the 2020-2021 S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles. According to Volvo Cars, a production deviation in the battery module can cause a short circuit when the vehicle is fully charged and parked, increasing the risk of a fire.

The problem arises from a supplier process defect that can lead to an internal short circuit within certain battery cells. This can result in overheating of the battery cells, potentially causing a thermal event when the vehicle is parked and fully charged. Fortunately, Volvo Cars has not received any reports of incidents occurring while driving, and there have been no reported injuries, fatalities, or crashes related to this condition.

The investigation into the issue began in February 2024, after Volvo Cars received its first report of a thermal event. The company’s Critical Concern Action Process (CCAP) was initiated, and a technical investigation was conducted to determine the root cause of the problem. After completing the investigation in March 2025, the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) decided to prepare for a recall due to the increased risk to motor vehicle safety.

To address the issue, Volvo Cars is advising owners of affected vehicles not to charge their cars until the remedy has been completed. Dealers will inspect and replace the high-voltage battery module as necessary, and update the software to monitor the battery. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 15, 2025.

The recall affects a range of Volvo models, including:

  • 2020-2021 S90
  • 2020-2022 S60
  • 2020-2022 V60
  • 2022 V90
  • 2020-2022 XC60
  • 2020-2022 XC90

Volvo Car’s number for this recall is R10312, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-179. Owners who receive recall notices are encouraged to contact their local dealerships to schedule the necessary repairs.

Note: Owners are advised to take precautions to minimize the risk of a thermal event. By not charging their vehicles until the remedy has been completed, owners can help prevent any potential fires.

Ford Fusion Energi Problems: Understand the Risks and Your Options

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The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi has been plagued by a series of problems, including a critical safety recall that has left many owners concerned about their vehicle’s reliability and safety. This article talks about the issues affecting these vehicles, including recall 23S33, and provide you with essential information to help you navigate this situation.

Recall 23S33: A Fire Risk in the Trunk Area

In recent months, Ford has issued a voluntary recall (23S33) for certain 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi models due to a potential fire risk in the trunk area. According to the defect report, the high-voltage battery in these vehicles can overheat, causing a fire that may spread to other parts of the vehicle. This defect can occur when the vehicle is being driven or parked. It’s not uncommon for owners to experience symptoms such as:

  • A burning smell while driving
  • The vehicle displaying a “Stop Safely Now” message
  • A loss of power within seconds
  • A fire breaking out in the trunk area

Other Problems Affecting the Ford Fusion Energi

In addition to the recall, many owners have reported other issues with their 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi vehicles. Some common problems include:

  • Transmission Issues: Owners have complained about rough shifting, hesitation, and failure to engage gears properly.
  • Electrical System Malfunctions: Faulty wiring, faulty sensors, and software glitches have caused a range of issues, including erratic behavior from the vehicle’s systems.
  • Battery Drain: Some owners have experienced premature battery drain, which can leave them stranded.

Lemon Laws and Your Rights

If your 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi has been plagued by repeated problems, you may be entitled to relief under state or federal lemon laws. These laws are designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles and provide a range of remedies, including refunds, replacements, and compensation for damages.

Conclusion

The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi recall is a serious issue that affects not only the vehicle’s safety but also its overall reliability. If you’re an owner of one of these vehicles, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your passengers. By understanding your options and rights under lemon laws, you can navigate this situation with confidence and ensure that your voice is heard.

2019 Jaguar I-PACE Fire Risk

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A critical issue has been identified by Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) affecting a small number of 2019 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles that underwent an improper interim repair under recall number 24V-633 . The problem arises from the high-voltage battery’s potential to overheat due to incorrect completion of safety recall software updates.

Discovery and Investigation

The issue came to light following an internal review of warranty claims for interim recall remedy H514 . It was found that several retailers had not correctly completed the H514 safety recall software updates, leaving affected vehicles with the safety defect. Investigations showed that some retailers had either not started or incorrectly completed the required repairs.

Risks and Consequences

According to the defect report, an incorrectly repaired vehicle is at risk of experiencing a vehicle thermal overload condition, which can manifest as fire or smoke. This increases the risk of injury to occupants and bystanders, as well as potential property damage. Notably, vehicle owners will not be aware that their vehicle’s interim repair was not done correctly.

Owner Precautions and Repairs

To mitigate these risks, owners are advised :

  1. Park Outside : Park the vehicle outside, away from structures.
  2. Charge Limitation : Limit charging to a maximum of 80% until the recall repair is completed.

Dealers will update the battery energy control module software as an interim repair. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on February 7, 2025 , providing detailed instructions for addressing this issue.

Final Repair and Resolution

As a final resolution, Jaguar plans to repurchase the affected vehicles under recall number 24V-633. The recall is identified by Jaguar’s number H529 and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-927.