Tag Archives: manufacturing defect

2019-2020 Toyota Rav4 and Rav4 Hybrid Suspension Cracks

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Rav4 and Rav4 Hybrid vehicles because of a problem that could exists with the front lower suspension.

According to the defect report, the lower suspension arms connecting the front wheels to the vehicle front cross member may be defective due to improper production conditions at the steel supplier. If a vehicle with an affected suspension arm is repeatedly driven with rapid acceleration and deceleration, it is possible that cracks could propagate throughout the arm, causing it to eventually separate from the front wheel assembly. The problem could result in loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have both front lower suspension arms replaced. Toyota’s interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-286.

2019 Subaru Stalls And Won’t Start

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Subaru will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 model cars and SUVs because of a problem affecting the fuel system in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the fuel pump in these vehicles may have an impeller that was manufactured with a density that does not meet the manufacturer standards. If the impeller is exposed to solvent drying for extended periods of time, it could develop cracks that would lead to excessive fuel absorption. Over time the impeller could deform and interfere with the body of the fuel pump. If the fuel pump stops working, the check engine warning will illuminate, the engine will run roughly and could stall without the ability to restart.

Vehicles Affected
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Impreza
2019 Subaru Legacy
2019 Subaru Outback

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the low pressure fuel pump. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRD-20 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-218.

2020 Toyota Corolla Backup Lights Stop Working

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Corolla vehicles because of an electrical problem that could cause the backup lights to fail.

The vehicles affected are equipped with a rear hatch that contains a wire harness for rear end electrical components. During the inspection process, damaged testing equipment may have caused the contact gaps of the wire harness connector to increase. Lower contact pressure inside the connector increases the chances of an oxide layer developing on the surface of certain terminals. Over time the electrical resistance could increase, resulting in loss of backup lamps. If the lamps do not illuminate when the vehicle is backing, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Those receiving notices can return to their dealerships to have the rear hatch wire harness replaced. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 20TB07 and 20TA07 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-205.

2020 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hood Rattle

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General Motors has decided that a defect relating to vehicle safety exists in certain 2020 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. They will be contacting owners to return to their dealerships to have repairs done.

According to the defect report, the hood latch striker may have not been properly heat treated at the supplier and over time could fatigue and fracture. If the striker wire fractures, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. Drivers may be alerted of a partial fracture from an audible rattle coming from the hood.

Vehicles Affected
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2020 GMC Sierra 2500
2020 GMC Sierra 3500

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the hood latch assembly. GM’s number for this recall is N192284960 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-142.

Click here to view the complete recall notice.

GM & Chevy Airbag Safety Problem

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General Motors has decided that a defect relating to vehicle safety exists in certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab trucks. There is a chance that the retainer ring inside the passenger airbag module was damaged during the assembly process and may allow gas to escape during an airbag inflation. This would reduce the amount of gas available to fill the airbag, increasing the risk of injury to passengers during certain crashes.

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the passenger side air bag module. GM’s number for this recall is N182198820 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-868.

Kia Stinger Electrical Short

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Kia Motors will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Stinger cars to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the electrical system of their vehicles. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, a wire harness within the engine on the passenger side could contact a burr on the fender body panel, causing insulation damage and a potential short. The short could generate sufficient heat that it could result in an engine fire. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp or the activation of “limp home mode”.

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage and replace it as necessary. A fender plug and wire harness cover will be installed to prevent future damage. Kia’s number for this recall SC170 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-754.

2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler Front End Noise

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler’s regarding a problem with the welds on the front track bar bracket. An out of specification weld could result in the bracket separating from the frame. Before complete separation, drivers may experience front end noises, an off center steering wheel position, a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message and light, on the dashboard cluster.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the track bar bracket welds inspected and repaired as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is UA5 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-675.

2018 VW Tiguan Rear Suspension Noises

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Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles, to return to their dealership to have their rear shock absorbers inspected.

According to the defect report, a mechanical misalignment of the arc welder torch used to fasten the loop to the base assembly, could result in a weak weld between the two parts. If these welds break and the parts separate while the vehicle is operated, drivers could unexpectedly lose control.

Owners experiencing unfamiliar noises coming from the rear suspension of their 2018 VW Tiguan vehicles are asked to return to their dealerships immediately to have the rear shock absorbers inspected and replaced as necessary.

For more information contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 42i7 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-262.