According to Mercedes-Benz, in house testing to replicate a worst case scenario frontal crash, has uncovered a problem that could result in an engine fire. Testing of certain 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012, showed that if the air conditioner refrigerant line should rupture, the gaseous mixture released into the engine compartment could ignite and quickly spread. Mercedes will be asking owners of these vehicles to bring them in to have the refrigerant and all associated lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Tag Archives: automobile fire
GM Fuel Leak Problem
GM has announced that they will be recalling over 40,000 vehicles sold in warm weather states because these vehicles have plastic parts connected to the fuel pump which could crack and leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
GM says there have been no reports of fires or injuries related to the defect. The company began investigating the issue in 2011 after a dealer reported fuel leaks from some vehicles. Warranty data indicates that the problem is more common in vehicles registered in warm weather states. The vehicles affected by this problem include:
- 2007 Chevrolet Equinox in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas
- 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas
- 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt in Arizona
- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas
- 2007 Pontiac Torrent in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas
- 2007 Pontiac G5 in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas
- 2008 Pontiac G5 in Arizona
- 2009 Pontiac G5 in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas
- 2007 Saturn ION in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, and Texas
Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Ford Edge Fuel Leak
Ford will be asking drivers of certain 2012 Ford Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines to bring in their vehicle for problems with the fuel system. The fuel line pulse damper housing could crack due to an improper manufacturing process. The driver may notice a fuel odor or a continuous leak while the system is under pressure, and if unrepaired could result in an engine fire. Ford will be notifying almost 5,500 Edge owners of the problem and will be asking them to bring in their vehicles to have the defective part replaced. For more information, owners are asked to contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Lamborghini Steering System Leaks
Lamborghini is notifying customers to bring their 2004-2006 Gallardo Coupe and 2004-2006 Spyder vehicles to their nearest dealership to update the power steering system. In certain driving conditions, the high pressure steering pipes near the steering assist hydraulic pump could leak. If fluid should come in contact with a hot surface or ignition source a fire could result. According to Lamborghini, the problem was discovered during hard driving condition testing, and could affect almost 1,500 vehicles. For more information on the problem, owners can contact Lamborghini at 1-703-364-7042.
Ford Escape Coolant Line Problem
Drivers of certain 2013 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles (SUV) with 1.6L engines, are being notified to bring in their vehicles to their nearest dealership to correct a problem that could lead to an engine compartment fire. According to Ford, certain vehicles built between October 5, 2011 to August 31, 2012, may have a cylinder head cup plug, also known as a freeze plug, that could become dislodged resulting in a coolant leak. If the coolant evaporates on a hot surface, the glycol could ignite and catch fire. Ford will be notifying owners of the problem this month and can take in there vehicles to have the plug sealed and a secondary plug cover added. For more information about the problem, contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Porsche Turbo Fire Risk
Porsche has announced that they will be recalling almost 300 Panamera and Cayenne vehicles for a manufacturing error that could lead to a fire. According to Porsche, a casting defect of the turbocharger turbine wheel could cause it to fracture resulting in damage to the turbine shaft. If the shaft should fracture, oil could be drawn into the exhaust system resulting in smoke and the risk of a fire. Porsche will be notifying owners of the problem, this month, and will replace the defective turbine wheel, free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
BMW Steering Problem
BMW has announced a recall for certain X5 and X6 crossover vehicles because of a machining error of the steering gear surface. The problem could lead to power steering leaks that could spray onto hot exhaust parts increasing the risk of an engine fire. BMW will begin notifying owners of the recall starting in July, and will inspect and replace the steering gear as necessary. The vehicles included in the recall includes:
Owners wanting more information about the defect can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Jeep Wrangler Fire Problem
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2010 Jeep Wranglers after receiving fourteen complaints of fires starting in the catalytic converter area. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were manufactured before July 2010 and have a skid plate to protect the automatic transmission during off road driving. Chrysler said that the skid plate can collect debris and the heat from the catalytic converter could lead to a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in May, and will replace the skid plate with a skid bar that doesn’t collect debris. The recall is the result of a Jeep Wrangler investigation started in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
