Tag Archives: Manufacturer defect

Ford Sues Windstar Subframe Supplier

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Ford Motor Co. has filed a law suit against automobile parts supplier Dana Holding Corp. over corrosion issues that forced Ford to recall over 425,000 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The original recall, issued in August 2010, affected rear axles that were susceptible to fractures after years of service in salt states. Continued complaints led to subsequent Windstar minivan investigations and recalls that affected the front lower control arms, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments.

In a seven page suit filed last Friday Ford stated that they have suffered substantial damages over the minivan issues and are asking the court to enforce a cost sharing agreement between the two companies. When asked about the lawsuit, Dana offered no comment, saying that the company does not discuss pending litigations. Ford and Dana continue to do business together as they work to resolve the issue.

Hyundai Airbag Problem

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Hyundai is recalling certain 2007-2009 Santa Fe and 2012-2013 Sonata vehicles because of airbag problems that could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

  • Approximately 220, 000 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured between April 2006 to July 2008, could have an improperly calibrated occupant classification system (OCS). The problem could lead to the airbags not deploying during an accident increasing the chance if injury. Owners will be notified to bring in their vehicles to get the OCS software updated.

  • Approximately 22, 000 Sonata vehicles manufactured between January to June, 2012 are being recalled because the curtain airbag may inflate without a deployment command. The manufacturing error could increase the risk of injury to the occupants and could increase the chance of an accident by distracting the driver.

Owners wanting more information on either recall can contact Hyundai customer services at 1-800-633-5151.

Fuel Line Problem In Ford Escape

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Ford is asking owners of certain 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines and manufactured between October 2011 to July 2012, to not drive their vehicles until a fuel line in the engine compartment has been replaced. The fuel lines could split and leak, causing an engine compartment fire. Owners can contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange to have their vehicle picked up for repairs and will provide a rental vehicle if needed. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Honda Door Latch Problem

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Honda is recalling certain 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Acura ILX vehicles for a problem that could lead to the doors not fully latching. If the manual or power door lock is activated at the same time the interior front door handle is being operated, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism could become loose and move out of position. The door may not fully latch and could open while driving. Honda will replace the front door latch assemblies and the interior front door handles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Ford Escape Braking Problem

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Days after the 2013 Ford Escape debuted in dealership showrooms, the automobile manufacturer has already issued a recall for the small crossover vehicle. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the positioning of the carpet padding around the center console could interfere with the drivers use of the brake pedal. The driver could experience increased stopping distances which increases the chance of an accident. It is estimated that over 8,000 vehicles are affected by this recall, but because the vehicle is so new, most are still in the dealership showrooms. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Volvo Transmission Control Problem

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Volvo has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011-2013 S80 sedans for a transmission software control problem. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a software error may prevent the transmission from downshifting properly, and could result in decreased engine RPMs and a possible engine stall. Volvo will be notifying owners starting in the middle of July, and owners can bring their vehicles to their local dealership and have the software for the transmission control module upgraded. For more information about the problem, contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.

Porsche Turbo Fire Risk

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Porsche has announced that they will be recalling almost 300 Panamera and Cayenne vehicles for a manufacturing error that could lead to a fire. According to Porsche, a casting defect of the turbocharger turbine wheel could cause it to fracture resulting in damage to the turbine shaft. If the shaft should fracture, oil could be drawn into the exhaust system resulting in smoke and the risk of a fire. Porsche will be notifying owners of the problem, this month, and will replace the defective turbine wheel, free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

Mazda Tribute Problems Same As Ford Escape

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Safety advocates encouraging a recall of certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles are also asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the 2002-2004 Mazda Tribute in their investigation. According to the group, both sport utility vehicles (SUV) are similar vehicles built on the same assembly line. In 2004 Ford and Mazda issued identical recalls for unintended acceleration caused by an accelerator cable that may not return to the idle position. Ford later issued a technical service bulletin that warned dealers that an improper repair could lead to an adjacent cruise control cable being damaged and snagging on the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. The Center for Auto Safety say that because the vehicles are so similar and there is no way of knowing whether the recalls were carried out correctly, Ford and Mazda should issue a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicles.