After three field reports and eight warranty claims, Toyota has decided to ask owners of certain 2012-2014 Toyota RAV4 EV’s to return to their dealership for a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Due to a software issue, the drive inverter electronic control unit may not be able to determine the rotational position of the motor. This will cause a speed sensor error code which will trigger a “Check EV System” warning message on the instrument panel, turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, and cause the electric motor to shift into “neutral”. This complete loss of drive power may increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Software Problem
2015 Volkswagen Jetta Insufficient Exterior Lighting
Certain 2015 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles with low line electrical architecture and halogen headlights may not conform to FMVSS 108 (Lamps, Reflective Devices, And Associated Equipment). According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the software within the control module is programmed to turn off the low beam headlights when the high beams are activated. This noncompliance could cause insufficient lighting, reducing the driver’s vision and increasing the chance of an accident. Continue reading
Chevrolet Silverado Inaudible Warning Indicator
The owners of certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUV’s equipped with base radio and an internal amplifier, could experience problems that will leave drivers with no audible warning indicators. This “No Chime Condition” will require that the vehicle be returned to the nearest dealership to have the radio software updated. The defect could leave drivers with no audible warning if the key is left in the ignition, the driver’s door is opened, or if the front passenger seat belt is not buckled. (Radio and chime functions are not restored until the battery is disconnected and reconnected.) Continue reading
2014 Jeep Cherokee Cruise Control Defect
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an intelligent cruise control system that uses radar senors or lasers to automatically slow down and speeds up a vehicle to keep pace with surrounding traffic. When the system is working correctly, the technology can be a great tool for preventing accidents, but because it is relatively new, software glitches can leave drivers feeling unsafe. Continue reading
Nissan / Infiniti Airbag Classification Problem
An investigation has lead Nissan to identify a problem in certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles, where the passenger air bag did not deploy and the air bag status light was not illuminated. The investigation uncovered a problem in which the Occupant Classification System (OCS) classified the seat as empty even though it was occupied. Nissan will be sending notices to owners with instructions on how to get their vehicles repaired. Continue reading
Instrument Panel Failure In 2014 Silverado And Sierra Trucks
General Motors is petitioning the NHTSA to not recall certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra trucks for a technical hiccup that could result in the instrument panel display being temporarily interrupted.
According to a non-compliance report sent to the NHTSA last October, under certain rare circumstances, when an owner uses the steering wheel controls to browse songs from an external device plugged into one of the vehicle’s USB ports, the instrument cluster could reset. When the instrument cluster resets, the analog gauges and identifications, the shift position indicator, and the cruise control could briefly turn off. In addition, some of the instrument cluster warning lights may also illuminate briefly without a condition being present. Continue reading
2014 Toyota Prius Hybrid – Reduced Power And Stalling
Toyota has identified a hybrid propulsion system problem in certain 2010-2014 Prius vehicles and will be asking owners to have the software updated for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU. The NHTSA Campaign Number is14V-053. Continue reading
Repeated Check Engine Light On 2014 Silverado Or Sierra Truck?
Owners of certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and 2014 GMC Sierra trucks equipped with 4.3L or 5.3L engines, may experience an illuminated “check engine warning light” when the vehicle is idling in cold temperatures. GM has reported that approximately 300,000 full size pickups are at risk of fire because of the problem and are asking owners to not leave their trucks unattended while idling, until repairs can be made. Continue reading
