Tag Archives: automobile safety defect

GM Infotainment Problems

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A class action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors for problems affecting its IOR 7 inch infotainment system installed in certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. The lawsuit alleges that GM’s infotainment system problems are a dangerous threat to drivers and passengers.

According to vehicle owners, GM dealers refuse to replace or repair the faulty infotainment systems. The automaker has not released a recall, although they have issued a technical service bulletin acknowledging there is a problem. (NHTSA-TSB-PIT572)

The class-action lawsuit claim that certain GM vehicles with IOR 7 inch infotainment systems are prone to experiencing a range of different issues. Some owners say that the ringer never shuts off with incoming Bluetooth calls and the vehicle operator must turn off the ignition, open and close the vehicle door, and restart the ignition to stop it. Some say the rear view camera’s display image will stay on for up to one minute after shifting out of reverse. The biggest complaint reported involves the the system’s audio volume which will suddenly spike to max volume, distracting drivers while they are behind the wheel.

Vehicles Affected Include
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
2019 Chevrolet Equinox
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2020 Chevrolet Camaro
2020 Chevrolet Colorado
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2020 Chevrolet Sonic
2020 Chevrolet Trax
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet 2500HD
2020 Chevrolet 3500HD
2019 GMC Canyon
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC Canyon
2020 GMC Terrain
020 GMC Sierra 1500
2020 GMC 2500HD
2020 GMC 3500HD

The California lemon law provides a solution for California consumers who have repeated problems related to the use, value, or safety of their vehicle. It applies to all new and many used vehicles, whether purchased or leased, for personal and most small business use. If you think your vehicle could be a lemon, fill out the “Free Lemon Law Case Review” form at the top of this page.

Kia Stinger Engine Compartment Fire

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Some 2019 Kia Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines and manufactured between June 21, 2018 to July 9, 2019 could experience an engine compartment fire. There have been six (6) fire related customer complaints and no known crashes or injuries related to this problem.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience an engine compartment fire in the area of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Kia is still investigating possible causes and are asking drivers to watch for signals that a fire could occur. This includes the illumination of warning lights on the instrument panel, including tire pressure, ABS and MIL lights. Other signs include a burning or melting odor and smoke from the engine compartment. Owners should park their vehicles outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall is repaired.

The fix for this defect is still under development and is expected to begin October. Kia’s recall number is SC196 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-518.

Range Rover Doors Could Unexpectedly Open

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Jaguar Land Rover North America have identified a concern related to safety affecting certain 2013-2016 Land Rover Range Rover and 2014-2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport models. These vehicles were previously repaired under NHTSA recall 19V-392, where drivers were given no indication of an unlatched door condition.

In this recall, customers say they continue to experience unlatched doors with no indication despite having the problem previously repaired. In one instance, there were reports of the door opening while the vehicles was still in motion.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the system tested and repaired. The recall is expected to begin August 28, 2020. Land Rover’s number for this recall is N476 and the NHTSA campaign number is.20V-387.

2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Safety Warning

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have discovered that a safety defect exists in certain 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. Chrysler advises owners to take additional safety measures until the problem can be fixed by their dealership.

“Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: Do not park inside of buildings, near structures or other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.”

According to the defect report, some 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a high resistance electrical connection at the 12 volt isolator post. This high resistance could lead to prolonged heating and a potential vehicle fire even with the vehicle shut off.

A remedy for this recall is currently under development. In the meantime, notices will be sent out to owners instructing them to return to their dealers to have an interim inspection of this connection. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle until a fix is developed.

Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is W46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-334.

Takata Airbag Recall – Nissan

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Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2017 Nissan and Infiniti trucks and vans because of a defect with the drivers airbag in their vehicles. The problem affects PSDI-5D air bag inflators manufactured at the Takata plant in Mexico

According to the defect report, overloading of the driver front air bag inflator propellant could result in an over pressurized airbag deployment. The problem could cause the airbag inflator to rupture and propel metal fragments throughout the vehicle, possibly causing injury or death to occupants.

Vehicles Affected
2011-2012 Infiniti QX56
2013-2015 Nisssan Armada
2012-2017 Nisssan NV
2013-2015 Nisssan Titan

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their Nissan or Infiniti dealer to have the driver airbag replaced. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 20V-188.

Click here to view the complete recall notice.

Jeep Gladiator & Jeep Wrangler Burnt Clutch Odor

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, equipped with manual transmissions. These vehicles have a defective power train that could increase the risk of an accident.

According to the defect report, the clutch pressure plate could overheat and break. Fragments from the pressure plate could fracture the transmission case where debris could enter. Debris entering the transmission could result in loss of propulsion or allow heated debris to contact ignition sources, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. In some circumstances, vehicle occupants may notice a burnt clutch odor, or the driver may notice abnormal clutch pedal travel prior to the failure.

A fix for this recall is still under development. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W12 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-124.

2014-2019 Ram 1500 Potential Engine Fire

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines because of a vehicle safety problem.

According to the defect report, the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) coolers are susceptible to thermal fatigue and could crack over time. Th crack could allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system and could combust inside the intake manifold, causing a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted there is a problem through a noticeable loss of coolant, lack of heater function and potentially a Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EGR cooler replaced. Dealers will also inspect and replace the intake manifold as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is VB1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-757.

Jeep Cherokee Defects & Complaints

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The Cherokee is a line of vehicles sold by Jeep, originally as a variant of the popular Wagoneer. The Cherokee has evolved from a full-size SUV to one of the first compact SUVs and eventually into its current form as a crossover SUV. Of all the fifth Generation Cherokee lineup, the 2014, 2015 and 2019 models have received the most complaints.

Common Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee Problems include:

Alternator Failure 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Dimming headlights, accessory issues and a battery light warning are signs that your alternator may be dying. A bad alternator will drain your battery fast, so it will no longer be able to produce a spark to power the engine. Most of the time, replacing an alternator is relatively affordable, but a stall without warning could increase the risk of a crash.

Transmission Defect – There is a problem with the transmission on a number of newer Jeep Cherokee models. The transmission will unexpectedly shift into neutral, shift roughly or completely fail. Improper treatment of the halfshaft assembly, insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness and software errors are the main causes depending on the model year.

Reduced Braking 2019 Jeep Cherokee – Insufficient coating of the rear brake-caliper pistons could cause gas pockets to form, reducing rear brake performance. According to the defect report, although brake function would remain, the stopping distances may be significantly increased.

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

Top Jeep Cherokee & Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints

Vehicle Recalls Complaints Top Complaints
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 15 1398 Electrical, Transmission, Brakes
2014 Jeep Cherokee 11 1724 Transmission, Engine, Electrical
2015 Jeep Cherokee 9 1122 Transmission, Engine, Electrical
2019 Jeep Cherokee 9 355 Engine, Electrical, Transmission
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6 618 Transmission, Electrical, Engine, Seats
2018 Jeep Cherokee 6 169 Electrical, Transmission, Engine
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2016 Jeep Cherokee 6 591 Transmission, Engine, Electrical