Tag Archives: Automobile Safety

2025 Nissan Frontier and Kicks Blank Center Information Display (CID)

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A potential safety concern has been identified in certain 2025 Nissan Frontier and Kicks vehicles, prompting a recall by the Japanese automaker. The issue revolves around the Center Information Display (CID) unit, which may display a blank screen when the transmission is shifted into reverse. This malfunction could lead to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for rear visibility, as the rear view camera image may not be displayed on the screen.

The problem was first reported in October 2024, when a field report alleged that a 2025 Kicks vehicle’s CID screen showed a blank screen at startup. Nissan investigated the issue and conducted various tests, including cold starts and placing the vehicle in reverse. The results revealed that the rear view image was not displayed on the screen, and the “Camera” button did not display the Around View Monitor image. Further analysis, including bench testing, was conducted to determine the root cause of the problem.

After collecting additional field reports and inspecting the affected parts, Nissan concluded that an intermittent communication error could exist between the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system and the CID modules. This error may result in a blank screen, rendering the rear view camera intermittently inoperable. The company worked with its supplier to develop software to address the concern and identified a similar issue on specific Japan market models equipped with the same IVI system.

To rectify the problem, Nissan has decided to conduct a recall for vehicles equipped with the subject CID in the U.S. market. Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display to correct the issue. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on July 1, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-324. Vehicle owners who receive notification letters should schedule an appointment with their local dealer to have the software update performed as soon as possible.

2025 Ford F-150 Lower Intermediate Shaft Fastener Problem

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Ford Motor Company has issued a recall for certain 2025 model year F-150 vehicles due to a potential problem with the lower intermediate shaft fasteners. The issue affects the attachment of the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear, which may not have been properly secured during the assembly process.

According to Ford, the problem was first identified on March 28, 2025, when a warranty claim was filed for a vehicle that exhibited “excessive steering play” during a pre-delivery inspection. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a lower intermediate shaft fastener was missing. Although an initial yard campaign did not reveal any additional vehicles with loose or missing fasteners, further review by Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) determined that the assembly plant’s labor rebalance operation may have caused the error proofing process control to be misaligned with the assembly station tool.

As a result, the error proofing system may have recorded a successful joint secure for vehicles that did not actually have a properly secured fastener. This means that some affected vehicles may have been released from the factory with a loose or missing lower intermediate shaft fastener, which could lead to separation of steering system components and a loss of steering control.

If the fastener securing the lower intermediate shaft to the steering gear is loose or missing, drivers may hear a rattle noise coming from the steering system while driving or experience excessive steering play prior to separation. In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a crash. Fortunately, Ford has reported only one warranty claim related to this concern and is not aware of any accidents or injuries.

To address the issue, dealers will inspect and replace the lower intermediate shaft fasteners as necessary. Vehicle owners can identify their vehicle’s recall status by checking Ford’s website or contacting their local dealership. The recall number for this issue is 25S46, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 25V-309.

Ford’s ability to trace lower intermediate shaft production to the specific vehicle in which it is installed has allowed the company to identify the affected population and take corrective action. By inspecting and replacing the lower intermediate shaft fasteners, Ford aims to prevent any potential accidents or injuries related to this concern.

Vehicle owners who receive a notice about their F-150’s safety should contact their local dealership to schedule an inspection and repair if necessary. With prompt attention, Ford can ensure that all affected vehicles are brought up to standard and provide safe and reliable transportation for drivers.

Starter Generator Connection May Fail In BMW Vehicles

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Certain 2025 BMW models may have a battery connection problem that affects the electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery. This connection may come loose over time, leading to serious consequences.

The affected vehicles include the 2025 BMW 330i, 330i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, and X3. The problem was discovered in December 2024, when a dealer field report from a non-US market mentioned a no-start condition and a burning odor within the engine compartment. An inspection found indications of local smoldering at the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator.

After conducting an engineering investigation and reviewing additional incidents, BMW determined that the issue was related to the power connector component of the starter generator, which may not have been produced according to specifications. A gap could form at the connector location during production, causing a loose connection between the connector and the positive battery cable. This can lead to resistive heating, resulting in a loss of charging function and engine stalling without warning. In extreme cases, overheating could increase the risk of smoldering and even fire. Fortunately, BMW has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Battery Problem

To address the problem, owners of affected vehicles will be asked to return to their dealers for an inspection and replacement of the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 23, 2025. The recall is identified by NHTSA campaign number 25V-202.

This afety recall aims to prevent any potential risks associated with this issue. Owners of affected vehicles should take immediate action to schedule an appointment with their dealer to have the necessary repairs made. By doing so, they can ensure their vehicle remains safe and reliable on the road.

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Certain 2022-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning BEVs May Have A Battery Defect

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A potential safety issue has been identified in a small number of 2022-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The problem affects the high voltage battery cells, which may have a manufacturing defect that can cause an internal short circuit. This defect is due to misaligned electrodes in the battery cells, which can occur over repeated charge and discharge cycles.

The issue was first brought to Ford’s attention in October 2024, when a fire was reported in a 2022 model year F-150 BEV. Further investigation revealed two additional fires in 2022 and 2023 model year vehicles, prompting Ford to launch a broader inquiry into the matter. Although no physical samples were initially available for analysis, Ford’s Field Review Committee authorized a program to collect and evaluate additional samples from the field.

The subsequent tear-down analysis of the returned battery arrays revealed evidence of misaligned electrodes in the high voltage battery cells. The supplier also found that eight stacker machines between two production lines had produced cells with cathode shift, which did not meet the design requirements. This manufacturing concern resulted in overlap that fell short of the required standards. Notably, some of the cells from vehicles that experienced fires were manufactured during this time frame.

On February 18, 2025, Ford learned of a fifth report of a vehicle fire and decided to approve a safety recall. The recall affects certain 2022-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning BEVs, and owners are advised to take precautions until the repair is completed. Specifically, owners should only charge their vehicles to a maximum of 80% battery capacity to minimize the risk of an internal short circuit.

To address this issue, dealers will inspect and replace the high voltage battery array as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on March 17, 2025. Ford’s recall number for this issue is 25S18, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned a campaign number of 25V-131.

Ford Fusion Energi Problems: Understand the Risks and Your Options

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The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi has been plagued by a series of problems, including a critical safety recall that has left many owners concerned about their vehicle’s reliability and safety. This article talks about the issues affecting these vehicles, including recall 23S33, and provide you with essential information to help you navigate this situation.

Recall 23S33: A Fire Risk in the Trunk Area

In recent months, Ford has issued a voluntary recall (23S33) for certain 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi models due to a potential fire risk in the trunk area. According to the defect report, the high-voltage battery in these vehicles can overheat, causing a fire that may spread to other parts of the vehicle. This defect can occur when the vehicle is being driven or parked. It’s not uncommon for owners to experience symptoms such as:

  • A burning smell while driving
  • The vehicle displaying a “Stop Safely Now” message
  • A loss of power within seconds
  • A fire breaking out in the trunk area

Other Problems Affecting the Ford Fusion Energi

In addition to the recall, many owners have reported other issues with their 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi vehicles. Some common problems include:

  • Transmission Issues: Owners have complained about rough shifting, hesitation, and failure to engage gears properly.
  • Electrical System Malfunctions: Faulty wiring, faulty sensors, and software glitches have caused a range of issues, including erratic behavior from the vehicle’s systems.
  • Battery Drain: Some owners have experienced premature battery drain, which can leave them stranded.

Lemon Laws and Your Rights

If your 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi has been plagued by repeated problems, you may be entitled to relief under state or federal lemon laws. These laws are designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles and provide a range of remedies, including refunds, replacements, and compensation for damages.

Conclusion

The 2019-2020 Ford Fusion Energi recall is a serious issue that affects not only the vehicle’s safety but also its overall reliability. If you’re an owner of one of these vehicles, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your passengers. By understanding your options and rights under lemon laws, you can navigate this situation with confidence and ensure that your voice is heard.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV Adaptive Cruise Control Issue

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A critical safety concern has been identified in some 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV all-wheel drive vehicles. The problem affects the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system which may fail to engage the brakes as expected. This defect, acknowledged by General Motors (GM), poses a significant risk of accidents and underscores the importance of timely corrective actions.

Discovery and Investigation

GM first became aware of the issue in October 2024 when a GM engineer reported an incident involving a test vehicle through the company’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. The report indicated that the ACC system on a 2025 Equinox EV failed to bring the vehicle to a complete stop as anticipated. Following this, GM initiated an investigation, which revealed a software calibration issue in the brake system control module (BSCM) specific to all-wheel drive models not equipped with Super Cruise.

The investigation found that the incorrect software calibration prevented the BSCM from properly receiving commands from the ACC feature to apply brakes. This critical malfunction can lead to situations where the vehicle does not sufficiently slow down or stop when adaptive cruise control is engaged, relying on the driver’s timely intervention to avoid potential collisions.

While GM has confirmed five field complaints related to this condition, fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with it. However, the potential for increased risk due to delayed or insufficient braking when relying on the ACC feature is a serious safety concern that necessitates immediate attention.

Symptoms and Driver Action

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice instances where the vehicle does not slow down adequately when adaptive cruise control is engaged. In such cases, it is crucial for drivers to manually apply the brakes to safely slow or stop the vehicle, mitigating the risk of a crash.

Corrective Measures and Recall

To address this safety issue, GM dealers will update the software calibration in the brake system control module of affected vehicles. This corrective action aims to ensure that the adaptive cruise control functions as designed, providing drivers with the expected level of safety and performance. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on March 3, 2025 , outlining the necessary steps and information for vehicle owners.

This recall is identified by GM’s reference number N242481530 and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-012. Vehicle owners can use this identifier to verify if their vehicle is included in the recall and to track the progress of the corrective actions.

If you are an owner of a 2025 Chevy Equinox EV all-wheel drive vehicle, it is essential to be aware of this safety issue and to take proactive steps. Stay informed about any communications from GM regarding this recall.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Front Seat Side Airbag May Not Deploy

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If you own a 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee or a 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L , it’s crucial to be aware of a recent safety recall. A small number of these vehicles may have an improperly secured connector for the front seat side airbags (SAB), which could prevent the airbags from deploying in case of a crash. This issue compromises compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for side impact protection.

Discovery and Investigation

On April 25, 2023, FCA US LLC’s Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was notified of a potential safety issue involving improperly secured seat wiring connectors in certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles .

From May 2023 to October 2023, the TSRC organization conducted a thorough review of warranty data, vehicle production records, field reports, and customer assistance records. This comprehensive analysis aimed to understand the potential impact on customers.

Regular meetings were held from October 2023 to September 2024 between FCA US TSRC, Engineering, and Supplier Quality teams. These discussions focused on identifying all possible failure modes of the issue and determining which vehicles were at risk.

On October 9, 2024, the TSRC organization officially recognized that a front seat SAB squib connector problem existed in certain vehicles due to improperly secured connectors. This defect could result in non-compliance with FMVSS No. 214, which governs side impact protection.

Recall Announcement

On November 21, 2024, FCA US decided through the Vehicle Regulations Committee to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles. This proactive step ensures that owners are aware of and can address this critical safety concern.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

If your vehicle is affected by this issue, you may notice an illuminated airbag warning light on the dashboard. This light indicates a potential problem with the front seat side airbags.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 19, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on how to proceed with the recall process.

Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Jeep dealership. There, technicians will secure the improperly connected front seat side airbag connectors free of charge.

Recall Details

  • FCA US Recall Number : B3B
  • NHTSA Campaign Number : 24V-897

Ensuring your vehicle complies with federal safety standards is essential for protecting yourself and others on the road. By staying informed about recalls like this one, you can take necessary actions to maintain your vehicle’s safety features.

Audi Announces High-Voltage Battery Issue In Certain PHEV Models

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Audi has announced a safety defect affecting certain high-voltage battery modules in its 2022-2023 Q5 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and A7 PHEV models. The recall is necessary due to the risk of thermal events, which may cause smoke or even fires.

According to Audi, the root cause of the issue is still under investigation, but current analysis suggests that manufacturing deviations at a supplier of battery modules may be to blame. The company has been working closely with its supplier, Samsung SDI, and conducting comprehensive analyses of affected batteries to determine the conditions and circumstances that trigger thermal events.

The recall affects approximately 50 high-voltage batteries from non-U.S. markets, as well as an additional batch of batteries collected from field incidents in the United States. Audi has also received reports of other vehicles outside of these specific models, which are also under investigation.

To mitigate the risk, Audi plans to install advanced onboard diagnostic software, which will detect potential issues with battery module performance and alert the driver before problems may occur. The software is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2025.

In addition to the software update, Audi will offer two interim remedies for vehicles affected by this recall:

  1. Vehicles with online data: Affected modules or high-voltage batteries must be replaced.
  2. Vehicles without online data: Customers will be instructed not to charge their vehicle from external sources or via the combustion engine until the new software becomes available.

To date, Audi reports no injuries, crashes, or fires related to this issue in the United States market. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk will be mailed on January 24, 2025, with a second notice to follow once the final remedy is available.

Vehicles Affected:

  • 2022-2023 Audi Q5 PHEV
  • 2022 Audi A7 PHEV

Recall Numbers:

  • Volkswagen’s number: 93AA
  • NHTSA campaign number: 24V-898

Interim Remedies:

  1. Vehicles with online data: Replacement of affected modules or high-voltage batteries.
  2. Vehicles without online data: Instructed not to charge vehicle from external sources or via combustion engine until new software becomes available.