Tag Archives: excessive vibrations

Ford Bronco Transmission Issues

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Owners of certain 2021-2025 Ford Bronco SUVs should be aware of a newly announced safety defect affecting the vehicle’s powertrain. Identified under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-236, this issue impacts approximately 4,922 vehicles and centers around a potentially serious problem with the connection between the transmission and transfer case.

What’s the Problem?

The recall stems from a misalignment that can occur during previous service repairs involving the transmission or transfer case. If these components are not properly aligned when reassembled, it can lead to premature wear of critical internal splines, specifically the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Over time, this wear can reduce the ability of these parts to properly transfer power from the engine to the wheels.

Why This Matters

If the spline wear becomes severe, drivers may experience:

  • Loss of motive power while driving
  • Failure of the vehicle to properly engage “Park”
  • Vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied

These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash, particularly if the issue occurs unexpectedly while driving or when the vehicle is parked on an incline.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Ford notes that affected drivers may notice early warning symptoms before a failure occurs, including:

  • Grinding noises
  • Clunking sounds
  • Unusual vibrations

If you’re experiencing any of these issues—especially after recent drivetrain service—it’s worth getting your vehicle checked immediately.

How Ford Discovered the Issue

Ford first flagged the problem in November 2025 after reviewing warranty claims on 2022–2023 Bronco models reporting noise, vibration, and drive engagement failures. By December, the issue was escalated internally, and a deeper investigation revealed similar cases across 2021-2025 models.

Engineers ultimately determined that improper alignment during past repairs was the root cause. Testing confirmed that even slight misalignment could reproduce the same wear patterns seen in failed components.

To address this, Ford updated its service procedures on February 26, 2026 to ensure proper alignment during repairs going forward.

How Many Vehicles Are Affected?

While nearly 5,000 vehicles in the U.S. had undergone relevant repairs prior to the updated procedures, only a small number of confirmed cases have been reported so far 26 vehicles globally as of March 2026.

What’s the Fix?

Dealers will:

  • Inspect the transmission-to-transfer case joint
  • Replace the transmission and/or transfer case if necessary

Recall Timeline

  • April 27, 2026: Interim notification letters sent to owners
  • July 2026 (anticipated): Final remedy available and follow-up letters sent

Ford has assigned this recall the internal number 26S26.

What Should You Do?

If you own a 2021–2025 Bronco:

  • Watch your mail for official recall notifications
  • Pay attention to any unusual drivetrain noises or behavior
  • Always use your parking brake when parked (especially on inclines)
  • Contact your local Ford dealer if you have concerns

Final Thoughts

This recall highlights how even routine service work can introduce issues if not performed precisely—especially in complex drivetrain systems. While the number of confirmed cases is relatively small, the potential safety risks make this an important issue for Bronco owners to take seriously.

Mercedes-Benz Drive Shaft Universal Joint May Break

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Mercedes-Benz has determined that there is a safety defect affecting over 24,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles.  The problem is related to an issue with the drive shaft universal joint. This part plays a critical role in how power is delivered to your wheels, and when it fails, the consequences can be serious.

What Vehicles Are Affected?

This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-216) applies to select 2018–2020 Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC models, including:

  • E-Class (Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Cabriolet)
  • S-Class (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible)
  • Maybach S 560 4MATIC

Specifically, models like the E 400, E 450, S 450, S 560, and Maybach S 560 are included.

What’s the Problem?

Mercedes-Benz has identified that increased wear may occur in the universal joint (U-joint) on the drive shaft. This is due to insufficient production parameters from a supplier, which can lead to premature degradation over time.

The real issue begins when:

  • The U-joint loses lubrication.
  • Wear accelerates.
  • The joint can fracture under load.

At that point, the connection between the transfer case and front axle transmission may fail entirely.

Why This Matters (Safety Risk)

If the universal joint fails, the vehicle can experience a sudden loss of propulsion—meaning it may stop delivering power to the wheels without warning.

That creates a dangerous situation:

  • Loss of acceleration in traffic.
  • Reduced ability to maneuver.
  • Increased risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz notes that while some warning signs may appear, they are not guaranteed to be noticed before failure.

Warning Signs to Watch For

In some cases, drivers may notice early symptoms such as:

  • Unusual noises from underneath the vehicle.
  • Vibrations while driving, especially under acceleration.

However, these signs can be subtle—or completely absent—making this issue particularly concerning.

What Caused the Issue?

The root cause traces back to a supplier manufacturing process that did not meet optimal parameters. Over time, this can result in:

  • Improper wear patterns.
  • Reduced durability of the U-joint.
  • Increased likelihood of failure under normal driving conditions.

What Mercedes-Benz Will Do

Mercedes-Benz dealers will:

  • Inspect the drive shaft.
  • Replace it if necessary.
  • Perform all repairs free of charge.

This recall highlights how even a single component failure within the drivetrain can have major safety implications. If your vehicle is affected, it is worth addressing promptly—even if you have not noticed any symptoms.  A quiet drivetrain today does not guarantee it will stay that way tomorrow.  Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning June 2, 2026.

Is Your Cadillac Escalade A Lemon?

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The Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV engineered and manufactured by Cadillac. It was Cadillac’s first major entry into the luxury SUV market in response to competition from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Ford. Today, Cadillac makes their Escalade in an EXT, ESV and a hybrid version as well.

The 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade models have received some of the highest complaints and recalls of all the model years. Although there have been no recalls for transmission problems, complaints are common. Drivers say there is a “distinct clunking and surging when accelerating and decelerating, and the transmission becomes stuck in gear.” The 2015 Cadillac models have 167 manufacturer communications / TSB’s affecting the power train, many which recommend flushing and changing the transmission fluid. The problem is a common complaint with many 2015-2019 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC owners and is part of an ongoing class action lawsuit between vehicle owners and GM.

Drivers of certain 2015-2020 Cadillac Escalade vehicles believe that shaking and vibrations are caused by the same transmission defect, but some attorneys say the symptoms are caused by a defective drive shaft. The problem has been so wide spread, it has been coined “The Chevy Shake”. A few owners say they fixed the problem by replacing the aluminum drive shaft with a custom steel drive shaft, but GM continues to replace parts with the same defective parts.

Electrical defects are common in many newer Cadillac Escalade models. Heating and air conditioning are the top, with exterior lighting and software problems following close behind. Other complaints include: thermostat gives wrong information or just doesn’t work, no control of audio, Bluetooth intermittently disconnects, complete failure of the instrument cluster, repeated electrical shorts and temporary loss of the electric power steering.

Do you think your Cadillac Escalade could be a LEMON?… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

Excessive Noise & Vibration – Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2017 Chrysler 300s and 2014-2017 Dodge Chargers regarding a problem affecting their vehicles power train system. According to the defect report, some vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may experience loosening of the front prop-shaft bolts. The prop-shaft could completely disconnect while driving, causing damage to the power train and under body components. Drivers may notice excessive noise and vibration in the vehicle prior to a failure.

Owners will be asked to return to their nearest dealership to have all eight front driveshaft bolts replaced. Fore more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-097.