Tag Archives: electrical problem

Is Your Cadillac Escalade A Lemon?

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The Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by Cadillac. It was Cadillac’s first major entry into the luxury SUV market in response to competition from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Ford. Today, Cadillac makes their Escalade in an EXT, ESV and a hybrid version as well.

The 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade models have received some of the highest complaints and recalls of all the model years. Although there have been no recalls for transmission problems, complaints are common. Drivers say there is a “distinct clunking and surging when accelerating and decelerating, and the transmission becomes stuck in gear.” The 2015 Cadillac models have 167 manufacturer communications / TSB’s affecting the power train, many which recommend flushing and changing the transmission fluid. The problem is a common complaint with many 2015-2019 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC owners and is part of an ongoing class action lawsuit between vehicle owners and GM.

Drivers of certain 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade vehicles believe that shaking and vibrations are caused by the same transmission defect, but some attorneys say the symptoms are caused by a defective drive shaft. The problem has been so wide spread, it has been coined “The Chevy Shake”. A few owners say they fixed the problem by replacing the aluminum drive shaft with a custom steel drive shaft, but GM continues to replace parts with the same defective parts.

Electrical defects are common in many newer Cadillac Escalade models. Heating and air conditioning are the top, with exterior lighting and software problems following close behind. Other complaints include: thermostat gives wrong information or just doesn’t work, no control of audio, Bluetooth intermittently disconnects, complete failure of the instrument cluster, repeated electrical shorts and temporary loss of the electric power steering.

Do you think your Cadillac Escalade could be a LEMON?… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

Kia Stinger Electrical Short

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Kia Motors will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Stinger cars to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the electrical system of their vehicles. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, a wire harness within the engine on the passenger side could contact a burr on the fender body panel, causing insulation damage and a potential short. The short could generate sufficient heat that it could result in an engine fire. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp or the activation of “limp home mode”.

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage and replace it as necessary. A fender plug and wire harness cover will be installed to prevent future damage. Kia’s number for this recall SC170 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-754.

Ford Electric – Charge Cord Overheating

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Ford will be asking owners of certain 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi, and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles, to return to their dealers for a problem affecting the 120V convenience charge chord. (Cords affected include part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF.)

According to the defect report, the cord originally provided with these vehicles are missing a thermistor used to identify over temperature conditions. If the defective cord is used in combination with an AC outlet that is not on a dedicated circuit, is damaged, worn or corroded, it could experience an increased contact resistance and could overheat. Early indicators that a problem exists include: incomplete or slow charge cycles, inability to charge, burning odors or visible melting damage.

Dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S24 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-592.

Illuminated Airbag Warning Lamp – Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2013 Chrysler 200, 2012-2013 Dodge Avenger and 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles for a problem affecting the occupant restraint controller (ORC). According to the defect report, electrical stress in the ORC could lead to an internal failure which will result in the inability to deploy active headrests during certain rear end crashes. If this happens, it may increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants.

Chrysler will ask owners to return to their dealers to have the ORC inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the defect can contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is T56 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-640.

2015-2017 Maserati Quattroporte Stalling

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Maserati will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2017 Quattroporte GTS vehicles equipped with a V8 3.8 liter engine due to an electrical problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report, a resistor in the low pressure fuel pump could fail as a result of cyle time and temperature fatigue. If the resistor fails, the low pressure pump will stop working, eventually stalling the vehicle. (The vehicles involved in these incidents average a mileage of around 19,500 when the failure occurred.)

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the fuel pump resistor cable assembly. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-510-2369. Maserati’s number for this recall is 359 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-610.

2014 Silverado and 2014 Sierra Difficult Steering & Electrical Problems

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General Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2014 Chevy Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra trucks regarding a problem affecting their vehicles safety. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles could experience a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist during low speed turns. If power steering assist is lost, the driver may experience problems with the radio, stablilitrack, driver information center, chimes, door locks, air conditioning or cruise control.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EPS module software updated. For more information about the recall, owners can contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-432-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 17276. and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-414.

2011-2014 Chrysler Alternator Failure

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Chrysler will be asking certain 2011-2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners to return to their dealerships to repair a problems affecting the electrical system. According to the defect report, vehicles equipped with electrohydraulic power steering could experience diode thermal fatigue in the alternator. The problem could result in a rapid failure of the alternator with little or no warning. Depending on the failure mode and timing, system voltage drops could disable systems such as the Antilock Brake System, Electronic Stability Control, Engine Control Module, Central Body Controller or result in a loss of vehicle power. Diodes failing through thermal fatigue may also develop a resistive short that could result in a fire.

The vehicles affected by this recall include:

Dealers will inspect the alternator part number and replacing it as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T36 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-435.

Tesla Overheating Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) Adapters

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Tesla has identified a problem affecting certain Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters and will notify customers to get a replacement. The affected units may have an insufficiently welded electrical connection that could exhibit increased electrical resistance. The vehicle may detect a fault and interrupt charging or the adapter could become hot to the touch.

The charging adapter affected include:

Tesla will notify owners and will provide them with a replacement adapter. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16E-091.