Tag Archives: Manufacturer defect

2020-2023 Ford Mustang No Low Brake Fluid Warning

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brake light warningSome Mustang cars made between 2020 and 2023 have a problem with their brake fluid level sensor. This sensor doesn’t activate a warning light when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for light vehicle brake systems.

Ford became aware of the problem in August 2023 when an issue pertaining to 2020-2023 model year Mustang brake fluid level warning systems was brought into Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review. They discovered that the problem lies with the Body Control Module (BCM), a part that manages the brake fluid sensor. This BCM should turn on the brake warning light if there’s a problem. In Mustangs made from 2018 to 2023, the brake fluid sensor is directly connected to the BCM. However, in the 2020 Mustang, they switched to a different BCM design, called “Gen1m,” which incorrectly looks for a message from the brake fluid sensor over a network (CAN) instead of the direct connection.

After investigating, Ford confirmed that this problem only affects Mustangs from 2020 to 2023. They also verified that the 2024 Mustang doesn’t have this issue because the brake system and BCM are set up correctly. The Brake Development team tested Mustangs from 2019 to 2024 and found that the 2020 to 2023 models fail to meet the requirements for warning about low brake fluid. However, these vehicles meet all other brake system warning lamp requirements.

Ford initially didn’t run certification tests on the 2020 to 2023 Mustangs because they thought the brake system was the same as in the 2018 model. They didn’t know that the BCM was incorrectly configured to use a network message.

As of September 12, 2023, Ford received 123 warranty claims related to a brake fluid loss on these vehicles, but there were no reports of the brake fluid level sensor not working.

To fix the problem, Ford dealers will update the software in the body control module. They plan to send out initial letters in December 2023 to notify owners about the safety issue and will send second letters when the solution is available. This recall is identified by Ford as number 23C35, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-727.

Honda Civic – Noise From Front Suspension While Turning

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In a concerning development affecting certain 2022-2024 Honda Civic vehicles, an incorrectly assembled steering rack has raised concerns. This assembly issue may lead to potential tire damage, as the tire could come into contact with the lower suspension or tie rod ends. Specifically, the vehicles affected are those 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door models that had a replacement power steering rack installed as part of a service repair.

Honda became aware of the problem in July 2023, when they were contacted by their steering rack assembly manufacturer about certain assemblies that may have been improperly put together. As a result, Honda swiftly initiated an investigation into this matter, which eventually revealed a defect posing a risk to vehicle safety. In response, Honda made the responsible choice to launch a safety recall.

Flat tire

According to the defect report, the steering racks produced as replacement parts for Honda dealerships had been assembled with an incorrect stroke length setting. When the steering rack’s stroke extends beyond a certain length during driving, it brings the tire into proximity with the lower suspension arm and/or tie rod end. Such contact can lead to tire damage or a potential puncture, thereby heightening the likelihood of an accident or injury.

An early indicator that the issue exists includes an unusual noise emanating from the front tire/suspension area, particularly when making turns.

Honda is taking measures to address this concern. Owners who receive notifications will be urged to return to their Honda dealerships to have the electric power steering rack carefully inspected. If necessary, the steering rack will be replaced to ensure the vehicle’s safety. It’s anticipated that notification letters will be dispatched to owners starting on December 4, 2023. For reference, the recall is identified by Honda as YFW, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-704.

2021 Porsche Taycan: Repeated Problems and the California Lemon Law

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The 2021 Porsche Taycan, with its promise of cutting-edge design and electric power, appeared to be a remarkable addition to the world of electric vehicles. However, it has encountered a series of repeated vehicle problems, predominantly concerning its electronics. A total of 13 recalls have shaken the reputation of this luxury electric car, raising doubts about its reliability.

1. Incorrect Brake Pad Wear Indicator (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-347, May 2023) One of the most recent issues has been the inaccurate activation of the brake pad wear indicator. This not only creates an unnecessary panic for owners but can also lead to unneeded brake replacements, adding to financial and environmental concerns.

2. Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-176, March 2023) In March 2023, a recall was issued due to a malfunction in the seat belt warning system. This is a crucial safety feature in any vehicle, and its reliability is paramount.

3. Loose Retaining Ring May Cause Dislodged Air Strut (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-921, December 2022) In December 2022, a recall was prompted by the potential for a loose retaining ring to dislodge the air struts. This poses risks to the vehicle’s safety and passenger well-being.

4. Vehicle Display Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-404, June 2022) Another electronic problem emerged in June 2022 with a recall addressing vehicle display malfunctions, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in modern vehicles.

5. Driver and Passenger Seat Wire Harness Damage (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-278, April 2022) Reports of wire harness damage in driver and passenger seats led to a recall, underscoring the need for safety and comfort in the Taycan.

6. Child Seat Anchors May Be Obstructed (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-100, February 2022) In February 2022, a recall highlighted the potential obstruction of child seat anchors, compromising child safety in the Taycan.

7. Suspension May Be Misaligned (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-052, February 2022) Two separate recalls in February 2022 and March 2021 dealt with suspension issues. These problems included suspension misalignment and components not being tightened properly, affecting the vehicle’s stability and safety.

8. Incorrect Activation of Hazard Lights (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-794, October 2021) Another problem in October 2021 was the incorrect activation of hazard lights, which may confuse and inconvenience drivers.

9. Pressure Input Rod On Brake Booster May Be Loose (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-697, September 2021) A recall in September 2021 addressed the potential of a loose pressure input rod on the brake booster, which could impact braking efficiency.

10. Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-608, August 2021) August 2021 witnessed a recall due to seat belt locking retractor malfunctions, once again emphasizing safety concerns.

11. Software Error Can Cause Loss of Motive Power (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-486, June 2021) One of the most troubling recalls in June 2021 reported that a software error could lead to a loss of motive power, compromising safety and performance.

12. Front Lower Trailing Arms Not Forged Correctly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-362, May 2021) In May 2021, it was discovered that the front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly, raising manufacturing concerns regarding suspension components.

13. Suspension Components Not Tightened Properly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-157 March 2021.) Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

These repeated vehicle problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan cast doubts on its reliability. As electric vehicles gain popularity, customers are seeking dependable alternatives. For Taycan owners facing these recurring issues, the California Lemon Law can be a saving grace.

California Lemon Law:

The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from persistently defective vehicles. If your Porsche Taycan is suffering from repeated issues that impair its safety, use, or value, the California Lemon Law may offer recourse. Under this law, if your vehicle continues to have issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

The electronic problems experienced by the 2021 Porsche Taycan raise concerns about the quality control in manufacturing. Potential buyers should consider the reliability of this luxury electric vehicle carefully. For those who’ve already invested in the Taycan and are facing repeated vehicle problems, the California Lemon Law could be the solution to rid themselves of a problematic vehicle and seek compensation for their troubles.

GM Suspension Bolts Could Fracture

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When it comes to vehicle safety, every component plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure ride. Recently, General Motors (GM) discovered a potential issue with improperly heat-treated suspension bolts in select Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. This problem, if left unaddressed, could lead to serious safety concerns, including misaligned rear wheels and an increased risk of accidents.

In August 2023, a plant quality manager at GM’s Arlington, TX assembly plant uncovered a concerning issue. They identified that as many as 223 vehicles may have received improperly heat-treated bolts during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, these vehicles were not contained at the plant, which raised alarm bells. Of the affected vehicles, 189 were located in the United States.

In response to this discovery, GM initiated a comprehensive investigation into the issue. Extensive testing and analysis were conducted to determine the potential consequences of these improperly heat-treated bolts. What they found was alarming: in the event of a control arm separation, there was a distinct possibility of rear wheel misalignment that could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling.

It is worth noting that, up to this point, GM had not received any reports of field incidents related to this condition. Recognizing the potential risks associated with the improperly heat-treated suspension bolts, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made a decision in September to conduct a safety recall to address the issue.

The vehicles affected by this recall include the following 2023 models:

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • GMC Yukon
  • GMC Yukon XL

If you own one of the aforementioned vehicles and receive a recall notice, it is crucial to act promptly. GM will ask you to return to your authorized dealer to have both rear suspension outer control arm bolts replaced. This proactive step is vital to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. To facilitate this process, GM has assigned a unique recall number for this issue, N232415910, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-642.

Chevy Bolt Electrical Shock Chevrolet Bolt Potential Electrical Shock From Charging Chord

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 model year Chevrolet Bolt EUVs about a defect that pertains to motor vehicle safety, specifically concerning the Webasto high-voltage portable charging cords that come with these vehicles. The issue revolves around incorrect software within these charging cords, which may fail to discontinue charging if the ground connection is lost.

Discovery of the Defect

The discovery of this safety concern began with a supplier plant audit conducted on March 8, 2023, by GM’s quality engineer. During this audit, it was uncovered that an incorrect hardware/software combination was being used in the production of portable charging cords for the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. GM initiated a review of the situation on April 18, 2023, and subsequently reported it to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. This led to the official commencement of a product investigation on May 9, 2023.

The Safety Risk

GM’s investigation revealed a crucial mismatch between the software and hardware in the affected charging cords. Under specific circumstances, this mismatch could hinder the software’s ability to properly interpret information from monitored circuitry. Consequently, the cord assembly’s internal processor might fail to detect a ground loss promptly, leading to a delay in halting further charging. Particularly at high ambient temperatures and under limited conditions, users might experience a brief electric shock lasting just 1/40th of a second.

Affected Vehicles and Recall Decision

GM’s investigators managed to identify 374 specific serial numbers for the parts affected by this defect, tracing them back to the production period when these potentially flawed components were used. During this period, GM produced 10,825 vehicles, out of which 9,423 are located in the United States. Importantly, as of now, GM is not aware of any field incidents related to this condition.

Recognizing the potential safety risks associated with this issue, on August 24, 2023, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority made the crucial decision to conduct an equipment safety recall.

How the Recall Affects Users

For individuals who have been using the portable charging cord with their Chevrolet Bolt EUV, there is a potential risk of being exposed to unprotected high voltage if the cord set loses its ground connection during use. This increases the risk of a very brief electrical shock.

To address this safety concern, GM dealerships will inspect and replace the portable charging cord as necessary. Users are encouraged to contact their local GM dealership or visit GM’s official website to check if their vehicle is affected by this recall. The recall is identified by GM as N2324073000, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned it the campaign number 23E-065.

Is your Chevrolet Bolt EV a Lemon?

For Chevrolet Bolt owners who believe they may have been sold a “lemon” vehicle or are experiencing repeated issues with their Bolt, the California Lemon Law can provide a potential solution. The California Lemon Law is a legal framework that offers protection to consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles, including those with safety concerns like the Chevrolet Bolt recall.
Under the California Lemon Law, if a vehicle experiences recurring issues that substantially impair its use, safety, or value, and the manufacturer fails to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, the vehicle may be eligible for a buyback or replacement. If you suspect that your Chevrolet Bolt is a lemon due to issues beyond the recent recall, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in lemon law cases to explore your options and seek a resolution.

In conclusion, the Chevrolet Bolt recall underscores the importance of prompt action by manufacturers to address safety concerns. If you own a Chevrolet Bolt and are concerned about its safety or repeated issues, understanding your rights under the California Lemon Law can provide a potential avenue for relief and resolution. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road when it comes to vehicle recalls and defects.

Jaguar I-Pace Coolant Heater Failure

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Rrecently, Jaguar has faced an issue with a small number of its 2021-2022 I-Pace vehicles, where a high voltage coolant heater failure could lead to a defroster malfunction, posing potential risks to the drivers. In response to customer complaints and reports of cabin heating loss, a Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) investigation was initiated in April 2022. The findings revealed a concerning trend, prompting Jaguar to take action and issue a recall.

Jaguar became aware of the potential problem in April 2022 when they began receiving reports of a loss of cabin heating in specific I-Pace models. In response, the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) launched an investigation into the matter. An engineering team was assembled to look into the nature of these reports to identify the potential failure modes, and understand their potential consequences.

Throughout the investigation Jaguar collaborated with the component suppliers to determine the underlying factors contributing to these reported field failures. As the investigation progressed, the PSCC requested a detailed analysis of high voltage coolant heater build periods to ascertain whether there was any discernible pattern or trend associated with the failure occurrences. By analyzing the data from various sources, the team worked to identify any consistent factors that might help them understand the root cause of the issue.

After an examination of the investigation’s outcome in June 2023, it was determined that the consequences of a high voltage coolant heater failure, coupled with the identified trend and pattern of incidents, were significant enough to warrant an immediate recall. The decision to recall the affected vehicles was made to mitigate any potential risks.

Owners of the affected vehicles are being contacted by Jaguar, requesting them to return to their nearest Jaguar dealership for a high voltage coolant heater replacement.

The recall, identified by Jaguar as H448, is officially registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), campaign number 23V-519. To date, there have been 64 field reports in the United States related to this issue.

Ford F-150 BEV Tail Lights Flicker

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Ford F-150 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) due to a problem that may cause inoperative or flickering back-up lights. This issue came to the attention of Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) in March 2023, following reports of moisture in the rear light bar of select F-150 BEV Platinum and Lariat vehicles from the 2022 and 2023 model years. These vehicles feature a rear light bar that spans the tailgate and houses the supplemental tail lamp and reverse lamp functions. Upon further investigation, Ford discovered an increased rate of warranty reports citing moisture in the rear light bar, which consequently resulted in certain claims of malfunctioning or flickering rear supplemental tail lamps and reverse lamps.

Upon examining the returned parts, Ford observed the presence of water droplets or condensation within the lamp, indicating micro cracks in the outer lens of the light bar. Testing conducted on the parts retrieved from the field revealed that over half of them had either inoperative or flickering supplemental tail lamps and/or reverse lamps. The investigation by the CCRG pinpointed the cause of stress on the light bar to be static and dynamic loading during the assembly plant fit process, which involves aligning the tailgate and surrounding components. Additionally, extreme tailgate surface loading in temperatures below -40 Celsius was also identified as a factor. The forces exerted on the light bar and its housing result in stress being transferred to the lens, potentially leading to the development of micro cracks.

To address this issue, owners who receive notices will be required to visit their dealerships to have the rear light bar replaced. Ford has assigned the recall number 23S30 to this specific recall, while the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-418.

In situations where vehicle owners encounter persistent issues with their newly purchased vehicles, such as the problems described above, they may be protected by lemon laws. Lemon laws vary by jurisdiction but are generally designed to provide legal recourse to consumers who unknowingly purchase vehicles with substantial defects that affect their safety, value, or use. These laws typically require manufacturers to either replace the defective vehicle or refund the purchase price if the vehicle cannot be adequately repaired within a reasonable number of attempts. If you suspect that your vehicle is a lemon, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the lemon law provisions in your jurisdiction and consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and options for resolution.

Honda And Acura Seat Belt Safety Issue

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Honda has announced that certain 2018-2020 Honda and Acura vehicles have been found to have a seat belt safety defect. The defect relates to the seat belt buckle channel surface coating, which can degrade over time at low temperatures. This degradation can cause interference between the buckle channel and the release button, increasing friction and leading to issues with the seat belt buckle latching.

The affected vehicles include the 2019-2020 Acura RDX, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, 2018-2019 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2017-2020 Honda CR-V, 2019 Honda Insight, and 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey. If you are the registered owner of one of these vehicles, you will be contacted by the manufacturer and asked to return to your authorized Honda dealer for repairs.

The problem with the seat belt buckle latching issues was first noticed by Honda in June 2019. An investigation was opened, which included durability testing on new seat belt parts. It was during this testing that they noticed the trend of seat belt buckle latching issues in certain vehicles. The investigation ultimately found that the seat belt buckle channel for the driver and front passenger seat belts were manufactured out of specification.

As a result of this defect, Honda has received 301 warranty claims related to the issue between March 22, 2019, and January 16, 2023. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to this issue.

Honda’s recall numbers for this issue are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-158. If you own one of the affected vehicles, it is important that you take action as soon as possible to have the necessary repairs completed.

It is worth noting that if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle and feel that it may be a lemon, you may have legal recourse under California’s lemon law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased or leased a defective vehicle that the manufacturer has been unable to repair after a reasonable number of attempts. The lemon law applies to new and used vehicles and can provide for a full refund or replacement of the vehicle. So, if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle, it may be worth consulting with a qualified lemon law attorney to explore your legal options.