Tag Archives: electrical problem

VW Passat Ignition Coil Fire Problems Escalate

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Last August, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened up an investigation into failing ignition coils in some Volkswagen vehicles, the automobile maker offered an emission service program to inspect and replace ignition coils installed in some 2001-2007 vehicles. The NHTSA has intensified their investigation because of possible fire problems that could affect almost half a million Volkswagen Passats with four cylinder turbo engines. Additional consumer complaints and records from Volkswagen show that the problem could involve a greater number of vehicles and may lead to a recall.

The NHTSA reported that they have received 14 complaints of fires and another 21 complaints of ignition coil failures that caused vehicles to suddenly lose power. Volkswagen reported another 199 complaints, although it is not clear how many of those involved fires.

Ford Recall For Fire Hazard

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At the end of December, Ford announced a recall that will affect some 2011 model year F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. There have been no consumer reports of problems due to the defective part, but Ford experienced two vehicles fires at the assembly plant while the vehicles were being built. The problem is being blamed on a faulty Body Control Module (BCM). During a six day period, the module may have been installed in over 15,000 vehicles. Ford will notify customers of the recall beginning January. Owners wanting additional information about the recall can contact Ford at 866-436-7332.

Chrysler Recalls Dodge Ram Vehicles

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Chrysler Group has announced three recalls that will have almost 145,000 Dodge Ram owners starting their new year by taking in their vehicles for repairs.

The first and largest of the recalls involves about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey SUV’s for wiring issues. According to a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler found that the front door wiring harness may wear and break making the side impact airbags inoperative. The problem is being blamed on the routing of the wire and poor wire quality used. Cold weather is also a contributing factor.

The second recall involves almost 57,000 2010 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In response to complaints from customers about a growling or grinding noise coming from the rear axle, Chrysler’s investigation found that the rear axle requires additional axle lube oil.

Finally, almost 23,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks built between 2008-2011 are being recalled for a faulty steering. The problem is being blamed on an improperly manufactured ball stud which may weaken and eventually break resulting in the loss of vehicle control.

Chrysler will begin informing customers of the recalls beginning in February. Owners with additional questions can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.

Faulty Windshield Wiper Motor Urges Jeep Recall

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Chrysler is recalling almost 17,000 2008 Jeep Liberty Suv’s for a faulty windshield wiper motors. The motors have been improperly manufactured allowing moisture to enter and short it out. If this happens, the driver could experience reduced visibility which could lead to an accident. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

Engine Failure Recall For Nissan Sentra

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Nissan has announced that they will be recalling almost 14,000 2010-2011 Sentras for a problem that could lead to engine failure. The problem is being blamed on the positive terminal of the battery not making good contact with the battery cable. The problem could lead to the engine stalling, difficulty starting, and could cause damage to the engine control unit (ECU).

The vehicles recalled were built between May and July of 2010. Owners can contact Nissan at (800) 647-7261 for further information.

Tata Motors To Repair Nanos For Fire Hazard

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While Tata Motors insists that it is not a recall, they are asking owners of the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, to bring in their vehicles for a free upgrade in safety equipment. The upgrade is in response to reports of mysterious circumstances which led to six cars catching fire since the car was first introduced last year. Tata Motors Group CEO and managing director Carl-Peter Forster said, “The Nano car is a very reliable and safe vehicle. The company has undertaken a second check and found that the vehicle has a safe design. After a thorough investigation by a team of internal and international experts, it was found that the fire hazard problem was specific to the cars which had the incidents.”

The company has taken up several corrective measures. They will now offer a cover on the catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire, as well an add a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short circuits. For any Nano cars produced before January 2010, they will also be replacing the starter motor. The company will contact owners of the Nano and perform the upgrades free of charge.

Volvo Recall For Airbag Problem

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Swedish automaker, Volvo, is recalling almost 10,000 vehicles in the United States for a software problem related to drivers side airbag inflation. According to a Volvo spokesperson, the problem was discovered by a European automotive testing agency who found that the airbag deployed too late in some circumstances. The vehicles affected by the recall are:

  • 2010-2011 S80
  • 2010-2011 XC70
  • 2011 XC60
  • 2010 V70

According to Volvo, there have been about 140 complaints related to this issue. Volvo dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s air bag clockspring wiring connector in order to remedy the problem. For any recall related questions, owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Mitsubishi Recalls Endeavor SUVs

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Mitsubishi is recalling almost 20,000 2006-2008 Endeavor SUV’s for an electrical software problem that could affect heat and air conditioning functions. Some vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning have experienced failures that can cause the heater door to stick. The window defrost may not work properly reducing the drivers visibility.

The company will start notifying customers beginning December. Mitsubishi will reprogram the software and replace the controller to correct the problem, and will replace the mode door shaft if damaged. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.