Certain Toyota Camry, Highlander, and RAV4 vehicles equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) System could experience loss of steering assist due to a manufacturing error. According to reports, a resistor on the EPS electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, resistance may become high enough for the ECU to detect an abnormal current in the circuit. The problem may result in an illumining instrument panel warning light and the vehicle entering fail safe mode, suspending power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist results in increased steering effort during low speeds, increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Manufacturer defect
GM Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist
General Motors will be notifying owners of certain 2015 Buick Encore and 2015 Chevrolet Trax crossover vehicles about an electrical defect affecting the steering system. According to reports, these vehicles may have been manufactured with a steering column assembly housing that could contact the power steering printed circuit board. The circuit board could wear resulting in a sudden loss of electric power steering assist. Continue reading
2015 Toyota Yaris Rear Axle Problem
The rear axle hub bearing assemblies of certain 2015 Toyota Yaris vehicles may have one or more rear axle bearing bolts which have not been sufficiently tightened during the manufacturing process. The bolts may become loose during operation a could detach completely. The detached bolts could damage rear brake components resulting in reduced braking an a potential wheel lockup. Continue reading
Possible Tire Failure For Buick, Chevy & GMC SUVs
The tires on certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles may fail to conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for tire safety. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, cracking tire treads could lead to loss of pressure and possible tire failure, increasing the risk of an accident. GM will be notifying owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Continue reading
Auto Recalls Expected To Increase In 2015
Newly appointed head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mark Rosekind is warning vehicle owners to expect automobile recalls in 2015 to surpass the record set last year. In 2014, the NHTSA was under scrutiny by safety officials and advocates for their slow response to recalls involving Takata airbags and GM ignition switches. Continue reading
Committee Encourages Changes To Vehicle And Highway Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) faced criticism during a consumer protection subcommittee last week as Senator Clair McCaskill questioned the agencies effectiveness in protecting consumers from defective automobiles. Deputy Administrator, David Friedman was grilled about the agencies roll in the delay of General Motors’ recalls, including defective ignition switches which have been linked to 20 deaths. Continue reading
Chrysler Shock Defect Safety Problem
In June 2014 Chrysler opened an investigation into shocks installed on certain 2015 Chrysler 200, 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2014 Ram 1500 vehicles, as a result of shock supplier, Hitachi, having a KL rear shock ring split during bushing press operation. The investigation found that, due to an inadequate inspection process at the supplier, the ring loop at the rear shock attachment may have a weld that is insufficient to carry the load of the vehicle. The loss of one of the two welds could result in damage to chassis components and tires, and decreased brake function. Continue reading
2014 Kia Soul Steering Problem
Hyundai/Kia will be contacting owners of certain 2014 Kia Soul subcompacts about a safety problem affecting the vehicles steering system.
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, an improper application of thread locking adhesive during the manufacturing process could result in the pinion gear separating from the steering gear assembly. If this happens, drivers could experience loss of steering and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading
