Tag Archives: repeated automobile problems

Chevy Volt Software Glitch Stalls Engines

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General Motors (GM) has announced a customer satisfaction campaign affecting approximately four thousand 2013 Chevrolet Volt electric cars. A software glitch in the delayed charging function could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall. Drivers will still have steering and brakes, but in order to restart the engine, they must stop the vehicle, turn it off, and wait five minutes before restarting.

According to GM spokeswoman, Michelle Malcho, the glitch only affects the small number of owners that have used the delayed charging option. All drivers are recommended to switch to immediate instead of delayed time charging until the problem can be fixed. GM has already sent letters by Federal Express explaining to customers that the repair requires the vehicle’s control system software to be re-flashed. The repair is expected to take less than an hour.

Hyundai Investigated For Shattering Sunroofs

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigating into certain 2012 Hyundai Veloster after receiving 11 complaints from drivers who say their panoramic sunroof shattered unexpectedly. Of those complaints, seven happened while the vehicle was being driven at highway speeds.

While there have been no reported accidents related to the problem, shattering glass could cause injury to occupants and could distract the driver. Hyundai and NHTSA are working together to determine if a recall will be required.

Honda Accord Sub Frame Rusting

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The Center for Auto Safety is urging Honda to issue a recall on certain 1999-2002 Honda Accords after an exclusive 5 On Your Side investigation exposed a potential safety issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have been 11 complaints since 2009 of sub frame rust that have left owners with vehicles that are unsafe to drive. The complaints allege that water from the air conditioning drain hose dips down onto the passenger side sub frame rusting it so badly that the frame can separate from the vehicle. The above video shows that while the passenger side disintegrated from rust, the driver side is often rust free.

A spokesperson for Honda confirmed that the company has also received similar complaints, but said they do not believe the defect warrants a safety bulletin or recall. In 2003 Honda changed the location of the drain hose, but said that the design change is unrelated to the problem. If the investigation should lead to a recall, approximately 1.5 million vehicles could be affected.

Honda Headlight Problem Expanded

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A recall of certain Honda vehicles has been expanded to cover over one million automobiles, including certain 2002-2003 Honda Civic and 2004-2005 Honda Pilots. In April of this year, Honda announced that they had found a problem in certain 2002-2004 CRV and 2003 Pilots, where tension on the headlight wiring harness could cause excessive wear on the terminals of the high/low beam headlight switch increasing the electrical resistance of the terminals. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without headlights. Honda said that they will inspect and replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Dodge Truck Rear Axle Could Seize

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Chrysler will be contacting owners of certain 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 and 2009-2010 Dodge Dakota trucks about a problem with the rear axle pinion nut. Because of a lack of adhesive, the nut could loosen resulting in the rear axle locking up. If this happens while the vehicle is being driven the driver will experience a loss of control, increasing the chance of an accident. Chrysler will be contacting owners starting in November and dealers will secure the nut by installing a pinion nut retainer. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Mercedes Benz Potential Engine Fires

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According to Mercedes-Benz, in house testing to replicate a worst case scenario frontal crash, has uncovered a problem that could result in an engine fire. Testing of certain 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012, showed that if the air conditioner refrigerant line should rupture, the gaseous mixture released into the engine compartment could ignite and quickly spread. Mercedes will be asking owners of these vehicles to bring them in to have the refrigerant and all associated lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

BMW Possible Engine Failure

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BMW will be contacting drivers of certain 2013 BMW M5 and 2013 BMW M6 coupe and convertibles high performance vehicles with twin turbocharged V8 engines. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles may be equipped with an oil pump that may fail because of a problem with the manufacturing process. The oil pump drive shaft could separate from the rotor starving the engine of oil. If the vehicle is not pulled over immediately, the engine will overheat and eventually seize. BMW will be notifying customers of the the problem starting this month, and will replace the oil pump free of charge. Owners wanting more information may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Posted in BMW.

Honda CR-V Door Switch Fire Hazard

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Honda will be contacting owners of certain 2002-2006 Honda CR-V crossover SUV’s because of a problem with the driver side power window switch. Honda said that moisture getting in to the drivers door could cause damage to the master power switch causing it to overheat and possibly ignite. There have not been any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but five inside door fires have already been reported. Honda is asking owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem is fixed, because a fire could start even when the ignition is off. Owners wanting more information may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.