Mazda will be contacting owners of certain 2019-2020 Mazda 3 cars because of a programming error affecting the forward collision avoidance system.

According to the defect report, incorrect programming of the smart braking system (SBS) control software may cause the vehicle to falsely detect an obstacle and apply the brakes to avoid a collision. If the SBS is unexpectedly activated while driving, the risk of a rear end collision from the following vehicle is possible. Drivers will be warned when the defect is occurring through an audible alarm and a warning message displayed on the dash board.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the SBS software. Vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner’s manual. The recall is expected to begin February 17, 2020. Mazda’s number for this recall is 4219L and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-907.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars regarding a problem that could result in loss of braking power. Improperly manufactured end flares on the brake lines could cause improper sealing that may allow brake fluid to leak and a low fluid waning light to illuminate. If the driver does not notice the warning, braking will worsen over time, increasing the chance of a collision.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected brake lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47N3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-075.

General Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Cadillac XTSs and 2017 GMC Acadias regarding a problem affecting the brake system. An investigation into the subject vehicles found that the supplier of the brake caliper assembly may have incorrectly oversized the front caliper piston bore during machining. The oversized bore could prevent proper compression, allow the seal to extrude between the piston and the bore, and could result in a brake fluid leak. Drivers may experience reduced braking and/or an illuminated brake warning light.

Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the assemblies as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM’s number for this recall is 16096 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-8020.

The owners of certain 20132014 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles will be receiving notices about an electrical problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the stop lamp switch may have been installed incorrectly and could make intermittent contact causing the relay to stick in the ON position. The problem may cause the stop lamps to remain illuminated and the brake-shift interlock to become inoperative. This could increase the risk of a crash, or risk of a roll away if the vehicle is inadvertently shifted out of the Park position. Continue reading

General Motors (GM) will be contacting a small number of 2016 Chevrolet Malibu owners because their vehicles may fail to conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Electronic Stability Control. According to the defect report, the memory chip in the electronic brake control module (EBCM) could fail and cause loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ECS). The vehicle could become difficult to control in situations where these brake systems would normally be engaged and the driver information center (DIC) will display a message indicating to service stability control, traction control, or both. This condition does not affect the primary braking system; the service brakes will continue to operate normally. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2016 Nissan Maxima and Murano vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report, some vehicles were manufactured with an ABC actuator with a damaged o-ring. During ABS and VDC operation, the brake fluid pressure may not be properly controlled and could result in lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle. Continue reading

Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2015-2016 Dodge Durango and 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report, the left front brake caliper may have been cast from an incorrect material. Under hard braking conditions, the incorrect material could crack and result in increased stopping distances. Drivers may notice brake fluid leakage, illumination of a low brake fluid light and reduced braking performance. Continue reading

General Motors have announced a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet and GMC trucks. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the threads on the brake pedal pivot bolt may be too short to engage the locking feature of the nut. If the pedal loosens, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle safely or the pedal could interfere with the accelerator. The driver may notice a change in brake pedal feel, the service engine soon light may illuminate, and/or the brake lights may stay on longer than expected. Continue reading