Some 2016 Ram ProMaster vehicles equipped with a 3.0L diesel engine, hydraulic brake boost compensation and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) could experience a loss of ECS due to a software glitch. The affected vehicles have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) control module that may not reset the ESC to active status if the key is turned off and back on within 10 seconds. If the vehicle operator does not notice that the “ESC Off” indicator is illuminating on in the cluster the vehicle may be driven without ESC engaged. Continue reading
Tag Archives: software update
2015 Jeep Renegade Software Vulnerabilities
Jeep will be asking the owners of certain 2015 Jeep Renegades to update their vehicles software due to a vulnerability that can allow third party access to certain networked control systems. An exploitation of the system could result in unauthorized remote modification and control of the vehicle which could result in an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading
Multiple Airbag Defects Affect RAM Trucks
Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2012-2015 RAM trucks to return to their dealerships for repairs to the airbag system, under two separate safety defects.
- The first recall affects certain 2012-2014 RAM 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks equipped with the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) option. In the affected vehicles, the steering wheel wiring harness may rub against the driver air bag module retainer spring. The problem could result in an electrical short that could cause the driver’s frontal air bag to unexpectedly deploy. Chrysler’s number for this recall is R36 and the NHTSA Campaign number is 15V-459.
2011-2014 Dodge Charger Airbags Could Unexpectedly Deploy
The owners of certain 2011-2014 Dodge Charger sedans will be contacted by Chrysler about a problem that could lead to unexpected airbag deployment. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module calibration may be overly sensitive and could activate the side curtain and seat air bags while driving on rough roads or with a door slam. Continue reading
2014-2015 Audi SQ5 Steering Motor Sensor Fault
Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the steering motor sensor. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the affected cars have an electric power steering assist system that could experience a steering motor sensor fault as the result of cold ambient temperatures. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, drivers will be alerted with a power steering warning light and extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds. The problem could increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Continue reading
Chevy Spark & Sonic Loss Of Warning Chimes
General Motors have announced that certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 114 S5.1.3, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention” and to FMVSS 208 S7.3, “Occupant Crash Protection.”
The radio software in these vehicles may cause the radio to lock up. The radio display will go blank and stops playing all audio functions, including vehicle chimes related to warnings for key left in ignition and driver safety belt not in use. In addition to the vehicle chime malfunction, the radio may not turn off, causing battery drain and a potential no start condition. Continue reading
2015 Subaru Possible Brake Failure
Subaru will be notifying owners of certain 2015 vehicles about a problem affecting the Eyesight Driver Assist System (EDAS). According to the defect report, the program controlling the system may not detect a fault in one of its associated components. During a brake lamp switch (BLS) failure, the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) correctly detects the failure, but detection by the EDAS will be delayed. If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to obstacles, increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading
2014-2015 Ram 4500 & 5500 Improper Tire Ratings
Chrysler will be notifying owners of certain 2014-2015 Ram 4500 and 2014-2015 Ram 5500 trucks, equipped with 6.4L Hemi engines, about a safety problem that could result in unexpected tire failure. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the affected vehicles may have a maximum governed speed of 106 mph but are equipped with tires that are only rated for 87 mph. Operating the vehicle at speeds above the maximum tire speed rating could result in tire failure and increased chance of an accident. Continue reading
