An investigation into transmission control problems in some BMW 7-series luxury cars has been upgraded to an engineering analysis after U.S. safety regulators found seventeen crashes, five of which resulted in injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began their investigation last August after receiving almost fifty complaints related to the push button start and electronic transmission controls on these vehicles. The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to “park” under a variety of conditions, including after the driver has pressed the ignition button to turn off the engine. In several cases, owners thought their vehicles were in park when they were still in neutral, and their vehicles rolled away unexpectedly and crashed. The investigation covers nearly 122,000 BMWs from the 2002 through 2008 model years.
Tag Archives: transmission problems
Ford Minivan Transmission Problems
Ford is recalling certain 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and 2004-2005 Mercury Monterey minivans for a problem with the transmission that could result in a sudden loss of power. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the torque converter output shaft could fail. The recall is expected to affect over 200,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the torque converter problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
BMW Transmission Problems
BMW has issued a recall for certain 2012 X5 XDrive 35i sports activity vehicles manufactured between December 19-21, 2011. Because of a manufacturing error, the transmission parking lock may not engage even when park is being displayed. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away increasing the risk of crash or injury. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Cadillac SRX Transmission Problems
General Motors (GM) has issued a recall for certain 2010-2011 Cadillac SRX vehicles for a transmission shift cable that may have been improperly installed. The cable could become detached from the transmission bracket leaving the driver unable to shift gears, or the driver may be given an inaccurate indication that the transmission is in park. GM will be notifying customers of the recall starting this month, and dealerships will inspect the cable for proper installation. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.
Ford Shift Interlock Switch Problem
Ford is recalling certain 2011-2012 F-Series pickup trucks, for a problem with the brake shift interlock switch. The interlock switch may allow the driver to shift out of “park” without pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle could lunge forward unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash and and injury to pedestrians and other vehicles nearby. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in the recall include:
- 2011-2012 F-150
- 2012 F-250
- 2012 F-350
- 2012 F-450
- 2012 F-550 Heavy Duty
Shifting Problems With GM Cars
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into GMC’s 2007-2008 Saturn Aura has been extended to include the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 and the 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The NHTSA said the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shifter lever to the transmission can become damaged from regular use. The cables could corrode and eventually weaken giving drivers inaccurate transmission readings. There have been seven reports of crashes caused by the problem, with one involving injuries. According to GM the problem affects mainly models with four-speed transmissions, the Malibu and G6 have similar shift systems as the Saturn Aura, but the problem happens far less frequently on those cars.
Transmission Problems For Nissan
Owners of some Nissan trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUV) are urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation for transmission problems. Reports filed with the NHTSA alleged that an internal crack on the oil cooler tube in some Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterras, could force coolant into the transmission causing transmission failure. Last October, Nissan extended the warranty on radiators of 2005-2010 Frontiers, Pathfinders, and Exterras to eight years or 80, 000 miles, but under the extended warranty, Nissan did not have to cover vehicles bought used. Owners feel that Nissan extended the warranty on these vehicles, knowing they would surpass 80,000 miles before having problems with the transmission. They want Nissan to issue a recall to all owners and reimburse those who have already paid for transmission repairs.
NHTSA Investigates Ford Mustang Transmissions
Complaints of the inability to shift gears on some 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs, equipped with six speed manual transmissions, has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation to see if the sports car should be recalled. Erratic shifting behavior while merging into traffic or turning left across oncoming traffic, were reported to have caused near collisions with other vehicles on the road. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 30, 000 2011-2012 Ford Mustangs could be recalled.
