Tag Archives: automobile investigation

NHTSA Investigates Engine Failure in GM Trucks And SUVs

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A shocking number of complaints has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to launch a safety probe into engine failure reports affecting approximately 870,000 Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models manufactured by General Motors (GM). The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a staggering 39 complaints, accompanied by numerous Early Warning Reporting (EWR) Field Reports, all pointing to engine failure in vehicles equipped with the L87 V8 engine.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The following models are under scrutiny:

  • 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2019-2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021-2024 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021-2024 GMC Yukon
  • 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade

The Alarming Reality of Engine Failure

Complainants have reported a disturbing trend: a bearing failure can trigger either engine seizure or a catastrophic breach of the engine block by the connecting rod. In many cases, there are no warning signs before the failure occurs, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of power. This increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to devastating consequences, including injuries and property damage.

NHTSA Takes Action

In response to these disturbing reports, the ODI has initiated a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem. The investigation aims to assess the safety-related issues associated with engine failure and identify any necessary corrective actions to prevent future incidents.

What California Drivers Need to Know

If you’re behind the wheel of one of these affected vehicles, it’s crucial to be aware of this potential issue. Engine failure can be a significant safety concern, especially when driving at high speeds. Don’t wait until it’s too late – stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Seeking Help from a California Lemon Law Expert

If you’re experiencing engine problems or other issues with your Chevy, GMC, or Cadillac vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced California Lemon Law attorneys. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complex process and determine if you’re eligible for compensation or relief under the law. If you have concerns about your vehicle or would like to report an incident, consult with a California Lemon Law attorney for expert guidance and support.

Investigation into Connecting Rod Bearing Failures In Acura and Honda Vehicles

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connecting rod defectThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into certain Acura and Honda vehicles due to reports of failing connecting rod bearings. This issue affects model year 2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles equipped with the 3.5 liter V6 engine.

What’s Happening?

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 173 reports from vehicle owners about failing connecting rod bearings in these models. Although a recall (23V-751) was issued to address this type of failure, all 173 reports show failures that are consistent with those addressed in the recall but are not included in its scope.

Why is This a Concern?

The connecting rod bearing is a critical component in the engine, and its failure can lead to serious engine damage. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s essential to be aware of this potential issue.

What’s Being Done About It?

The ODI has opened an investigation (Recall Query RQ) to assess the severity of the alleged defect in vehicles not included in recall 23V-751. They will also review the scope of the recall to determine if it adequately addresses the problem.

What to Do Next

If you own one of these vehicles and have experienced a connecting rod bearing failure, it’s crucial to:

  1. File a report : Share your experience with the NHTSA by submitting a complaint on their website.
  2. Stay informed : Keep an eye on this investigation and any updates from the manufacturer or the NHTSA.

Your safety is paramount, and staying proactive can help prevent potential engine failures and keep you safe on the road.

Key Facts

  • Affected Vehicles: Certain Acura and Honda models (2018-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016-2020 Honda Pilot, 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey, and 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline)
  • Component: Connecting rod bearing
  • NHTSA Action Number: Recall Query (RQ)
  • Previous Recall: 23V-751

Remember, your vehicle’s safety is in your hands. Stay vigilant, and take action if you suspect any issues with your vehicle.

Electrical System Concerns In Ford Bronco and Maverick Vehicles

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into certain Ford Bronco and Maverick vehicles due to concerns with their electrical systems. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation in January 2024 to investigate allegations of loss of motive power in model year 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles.

What’s Happening?

In April 2024, Ford issued a safety recall (24V-267) covering 456,565 model year 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and model year 2022-2023 Ford Maverick vehicles. The recall addressed occurrences of loss of motive power resulting from sudden degradation of the 12V battery during the drive cycle. When the battery failure occurs, consumers may experience a complete loss of engine power without the ability to restart, accompanied by the loss of 12V accessories, including hazard lights.

The Remedy

The recall remedy consists of software updates to the body control module and powertrain control module, which were designed to provide improved detection of the 12V battery state of charge during the drive cycle and provide warning to consumers if the battery is degraded.

New Concerns Arise

Despite the recall, the ODI has since received 15 reports from vehicle owners describing loss of motive power incidents for model year 2021 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles that received the 24V-267 recall remedy. Consumers describe that prior to the loss of motive power, there were no warnings related to the 12V battery or vehicle electrical system. Additionally, multiple consumers reported that after the vehicle was towed to the dealership following the loss of motive power, the event was diagnosed to the 12V battery, and a battery replacement was the only required repair.

What’s Being Done About It?

The NHTSA has opened an investigation (RQ24014) to further examine this issue. The agency will review the data and determine if additional action is necessary to ensure public safety.

What to Do Next

If you own one of these vehicles and have experienced a loss of motive power, it’s crucial to:

  1. File a report : Share your experience with the NHTSA by submitting a complaint on their website.
  2. Stay informed : Keep an eye on this investigation and any updates from the manufacturer or the NHTSA.

Your safety is paramount, and staying proactive can help prevent potential electrical system failures and keep you safe on the road.

Key Facts

  • Affected Vehicles: Certain Ford Bronco and Maverick models (2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022-2023 Ford Maverick)
  • Component: Electrical System
  • NHTSA Action Number: RQ24014
  • Opened From: November 15, 2024–Present

2016-2020 Honda Pilot Vehicles Investigated For Stalling Engines

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Automotive Defect Investigation
Certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles with 3.5L engines and 9-speed automatic transmissions could experience a problem with the automatic Start/Stop feature. The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite vehicles are equipped with Auto Start/Stop capability to help improve fuel efficiency. When the driver enables the system and certain operating conditions are met, the Auto Start/Stop system will automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The engine should automatically restarted when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 221 complaints and several field reports claiming that there is an issue with the Auto Start/Stop feature on certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints say that the Auto Start/Stop function fails to restart the engine on its own after it has come to a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection. Some of the complainants allege that a jump was required for the vehicle to be restarted.

The ODI met with Honda on several occasions on this issue. Honda indicated that per the information provided from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) reports, they have found a correlation with customers’ allegations for the Auto Start/Stop failure to restart the vehicle when the system is activated. Honda also indicated other Honda models (Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX & Acura MDX) with the 3.5L engines equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmissions experience the same failure mode.

ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem as well as to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.

GM Airbags Investigated

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The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened an investigation into certain 2020-2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles because of a problem affecting the airbag system. The ODI have received fifteen complaints from consumers who say that the air bag system in their GM vehicle malfunctioned. Nine complaints allege the illumination of an air bag malfunction indicator (MIL) and six crash incidents had significant frontal collision damage but the driver frontal air bags failed to deploy. All the complaints received involve either GM vehicles covered by GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005 or CT4, CT5 and XT4 vehicles.

The TSB, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It also cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the driver airbag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.

ODI is opening this preliminary investigation to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020-2021 Cadillac CT4
2020-2021 Cadillac CT5
2020-2021 Cadillac Escalade
2020-2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2020-2021 Cadillac XT5
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD
2020-2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 2500
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 3500
2020 GMC Sierra Denali
2020-2021 GMC Yukon
2020-2021 GMC Yukon XL

Toyota Unintended Acceleration Settlement Reached With DOJ

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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Toyota have come to a $1.2 billion settlement agreement that will end a four year investigation into the inadvertent acceleration of certain Toyota vehicles. During a new conference on Wednesday, Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the automobile manufacturer for misleading consumers through statements regarding the two issues that caused sudden acceleration in certain models. Continue reading →

Stalling Ford Focus Electric Vehicles

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened a preliminary evaluation (PE13-013) into certain 2012-2013 Ford Focus electric vehicles after receiving thirty complaints of the vehicles shutting down while driving. The complaints show an increasing trend, with most received within the past five months. Continue reading →