Tag Archives: insufficient weld strength

GM Repurchases Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu For Structural Problems

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu’s because of a problem affecting a structural portion of the vehicle frame.

GM first became aware of the problem in August 2022 when a production operator installing parts on a vehicle discovered a section of the motor rail was missing. Further investigation found that the front rail outer panel was cut too short and, as a result, was not completely welded to the front right-hand side of the front impact bar.

The problem was reported to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program which worked with the plant and supplier to identify and contain affected vehicles. Of the 1,875 vehicles that GM contained and inspected, they found none that had an incomplete weld. GM opened an investigation into the subject condition to analyze the potential effects of this condition during a crash. There are no known field incidents related to this condition., but GM has decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the sheet metal blank for the front frame rail outer panel for the 2022-2023 Chevy Malibu was improperly loaded into the die. As a result, the front frame rail was cut 10 millimeters short of its intended design. The shortened frame rail prevented proper welding of the front impact bar to the front frame rail. This defect may be present on the right hand and/or left-hand side of the vehicle.

Owners will be asked to return to their GM dealer to have the right-hand and left-hand sides of the vehicle’s motor rail inspected for incomplete welds. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-923.

Is GM Repurchasing Your Lemon Vehicle?

Under the Lemon Law, if you qualify, you should be able to recover your down payment, (including registration fees, licensing fees, taxes, transportation costs, etc.), plus your total monthly lease or loan payments. The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan or lease. The manufacturer will also pay all or most of your attorney’s fees.

If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Weak Driveshaft Welds – Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks

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General Motors will be contacting a small number of 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2019-2020 GMC Sierra 1500 owners. because of a manufacturing problem affecting the power train in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, these trucks may contain a drive shaft with an improperly welded yoke to tube joint. This defective weld could case the drive shaft to separate under load, causing a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of an accident.

GM will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have the driveshaft replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N202314870 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-650.

2018 VW Tiguan Rear Suspension Noises

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Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles, to return to their dealership to have their rear shock absorbers inspected.

According to the defect report, a mechanical misalignment of the arc welder torch used to fasten the loop to the base assembly, could result in a weak weld between the two parts. If these welds break and the parts separate while the vehicle is operated, drivers could unexpectedly lose control.

Owners experiencing unfamiliar noises coming from the rear suspension of their 2018 VW Tiguan vehicles are asked to return to their dealerships immediately to have the rear shock absorbers inspected and replaced as necessary.

For more information contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 42i7 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-262.

2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee – Seat Squeaks & Rattles

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Drivers of certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee‘s may hear squeaks and rattles coming from the seats of their vehicles. Chrysler will be sending notices to owners instructing them to return to their dealerships to have the problem repaired.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, low torque on the first and/or second row seat fasteners could result in squeaks, rattles, deflection or unsatisfactory joint integrity. If the problem is not repaired, it could compromise the structural integrity of the seat. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall S63 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-590.

Third Row Seat Frame May Be Incorrectly Welded In GM Trucks

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General Motors has decided that a defect relating to vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles, and will be asking owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, a defective servo motor in a robot welder at the supplier caused some welds to be located incorrectly If the seat frame has off-location welds, the seat may not perform as intended and could increase the risk of injury during an accident. Continue reading →

2014 Nissan Leaf Missing Structural Welds

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Nissan is conducting a safety campaign on a small number of 2014 Nissan Leaf EV’s after a routine quality inspection found a vehicle that was missing several front member welds. Vehicles with several structure welds out of specification fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 208; Occupant Crash Protection, and FMVSS No. 305; Electric-powered vehicles: electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection. Continue reading →

Honda CR-V Steering Problems

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Honda has announced that they will be recalling certain 2006 CR-V compact SUV vehicles for a problem that could lead to loss of steering. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the weld strength of the sub frame bushing collar to the passenger side front lower arm is insufficient for the vibration in that area. The collar could separate from the arm leaving the driver without steering and increasing the chance of an accident. Honda will inspect the production stamp of the passenger side front lower arm and replace affected parts as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the issue can contact Honda Customer service at 1-800-999-1009.