Tag Archives: loss of drive power

Ford Bronco & Maverick Undetected Low Battery

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In recent years, advancements in automotive technology have led to increasingly sophisticated control systems within vehicles, aimed at enhancing performance, efficiency, and safety. However, with these advancements come the potential for unforeseen challenges and issues to arise.

One such challenge has been identified in certain models of Ford vehicles, specifically the 2021-2024 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2022-2023 Ford Maverick. The concern centers around the failure of the body control module (BCM) and powertrain control module (PCM) to accurately detect changes in the state of charge of the 12-volt battery. This oversight has significant implications, as it could result in a loss of drive power, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and compromising the safety of both drivers and passengers.

The issue first came to light in October 2023, when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (NHTSA ODI) initiated an inquiry following reports of loss of motive power (LOMP) and subsequent loss of 12-volt accessories in 2021 model year Bronco Sport vehicles. Upon receiving 29 potentially relevant Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) from NHTSA, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) promptly launched an investigation to delve deeper into the matter.

Subsequent testing and analysis revealed a fundamental flaw in the BCM and PCM calibrations, rendering them incapable of accurately detecting battery failure in the affected vehicles. This deficiency becomes particularly pronounced during instances where the alternator struggles to meet the electrical load demand or during Auto Stop-Start events. As a result, drivers may experience unexpected loss of drive power, posing a serious safety hazard.

In response to these findings, Ford’s Field Review Committee took decisive action and authorized a vehicle recall to address the underlying issue. Under the recall, authorized dealerships will undertake corrective measures by re-calibrating the BCM and PCM to ensure accurate monitoring of the 12-volt battery state of charge. The recall process is expected to commence soon, with owner notification letters slated to be mailed out on May 13, 2024.

However, the implications of this issue extend beyond the immediate safety concerns. Ford acknowledges a significant number of warranty reports, field reports, and customer complaints related to this issue, totalling 917, 11, and 54 respectively. Moreover, there have been alarming reports of three unverified incidents of fire and two property damage claims allegedly linked to this concern. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing the issue promptly and comprehensively.

In light of these developments, Ford has assigned a unique recall number, 24S24, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 24V-267.

Is Your Volkswagen ID.4 A Lemon?

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The Volkswagen ID.4 is a popular electric vehicle that has been making waves in the automotive industry since its release in 2021. However, like any other vehicle, the ID.4 has not been immune to problems, complaints, and recalls.

One of the most significant problems reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s software. There have been multiple complaints of the software malfunctioning, resulting in issues such as loss of power, sudden deceleration, and even complete shutdown of the vehicle. These issues have led to multiple recalls of the ID.4, with Volkswagen issuing software updates to address the problem.

Another complaint reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s charging capabilities. There have been complaints about the charging process being slow or inconsistent, with some reports that the vehicle fails to charge altogether. While this issue has not led to any recalls, it is something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure that the ID.4 remains a competitive electric vehicle option.

There have also been several complaints regarding the ID.4’s braking system. Some drivers have reported that the brakes are unresponsive, while others have complained about excessive brake wear. These issues have not resulted in any recalls, but they are cause for concern and something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure the safety of its drivers.

In addition to these issues, there have been a few recalls associated with the Volkswagen ID.4. The most recent recall involves certain 2023 ID4 rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 12-Volt battery charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit. As a precaution, owners of affected vehicles are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles due to the potential risk of a vehicle fire.

In conclusion, while the Volkswagen ID.4 is a promising electric vehicle option, it has had its fair share of problems and complaints. From issues with the software to problems with the charging and braking systems, there are areas where Volkswagen needs to improve the vehicle. However, it is reassuring to see that Volkswagen has been proactive in addressing these issues, with recalls and software updates aimed at improving the driving experience and ensuring the safety of its drivers.

Chrysler Pacifica Unexpected Loss Of Power

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Some 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) could experience a loss of drive power. The suspect period began in August 2016, when production of the Chrysler Pacifica began, and ended in January 2023, when Stellantis (Chrysler) started containing vehicles suspect to have the defect.

Chrysler became aware of this issue in August 2022, when the Stellantis Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into certain Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs after receiving reports of unexpected loss of motive power. The investigation revealed six customer assistance records, 242 warranty claims, and 59 field reports potentially related to this issue. Chrysler decided to issue a recall.

According to the defect report, there could be an internal transmission wiring connector that could short and unexpectedly shut down the engine. An unexpected engine shut down and a loss of motive power can increase the chance of a vehicle crash.

The remedy is a Product information management (PIM) and Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software update for 2017-2018 model year vehicles and a PIM software update for 2019-2023 model year vehicles. This update will provide messaging to the drivers giving them sufficient drive time to exit traffic before the vehicle completely shuts down. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out in March 2023. Stellantis number for this recall is 03A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-010.

If you are having repeated problems with your Chrysler Pacifica PHEV and think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Kia Forte Loss Of Steering Control & Kia Niro EV Loss Of Drive Power

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A small number of 2023 Kia Forte vehicles could experience a loss of steering control due to a manufacturing problem at the supplier.

The problem was first discovered in late October 2022 when a front left steering knuckle was found broken in a 2023 Kia Forte at one of their manufacturing plants. Kia worked with the supplier to investigate the cause of the knuckle crack and revealed a manufacturing procedure that was not followed by a worker at the knuckle supplier. Although a field analysis of data finds no customer complaints or warranty claims for loss of steering due to knuckle crack or fracture, Kia decided to recall certain 2023 Kia Forte vehicles.

According to the defect report, a manufacturing issue at the supplier of the front left steering knuckle installed in the subject vehicles may have been cast improperly. An improperly cast knuckle can fracture and may result in the loss of steering control.

All owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer to have the left front steering knuckle inspected. If the knuckle is identified as being part of the affected production lot, the knuckle will be replaced with a new one. Kia’s number for this recall is SC259 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-907.

Kia will also be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Niro EVs because of a problem with the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU). In November 2022 Kia became aware of Niro EVs in the European market involving complaints loss of motive power. An investigation identified seven warranty claims in the US, involving loss of motive power for the same reasons.

According to the defect report, the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) assembly in the affected vehicles may have been produced by the supplier with improper sealing. The EPCU could leak coolant internally and contact the EPCU circuit board. If coolant contacts the EPCU circuit board, the vehicle could unexpectedly stall. Drivers may notice a “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning light.

Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC258 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-897.

Volvo PHEVs Could Experience Loss Of Power And Will Not Restart

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Some 2022-2023 Volvo PHEV vehicles could experience a loss of drive power because of a software error that may prevent the combustion engine from starting. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December.

Volvo first became aware of the problem after receiving complaints of a vehicle no start condition in several Volvo models. (A low coolant flow issue was determined to be a potential cause.) Further investigation found that the estimated cooling flow on the electrical drive (ED) cooling circuit was set to zero when max cooling was requested. The problem was caused by faulty software logic. When the estimated cooling flow is set to zero the inverter generator module will set available torque to zero and the combustion engine will not start.

If the issue occurs the driver will experience a warning message in dim that “Propulsion System Service is Required“, at start. The vehicle will continue to start and drive on electric propulsion until a second warning appears – “Turtle in DIM and speed limited to 75 km/h“. If the driver ignores these visual and mechanical warnings, the vehicle will display “stop safely” and lose electric propulsion as the high voltage battery is depleted.

The vehicles affected include:

2022-2023 Volvo S60
2022-2023 Volvo S90
2022-2023 Volvo V60
2022-2023 Volvo XC60
2022-2023 Volvo XC90

The problem will be corrected through a ECM software update. Volvo’s number for this recall is R10198 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-793.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. 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!

2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Half Shaft Replacement

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Ford will be contacting a small number of 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E owners regarding a defect affecting the half-shaft in their cars. Some Mach-E vehicles may have been manufactured with a right rear half-shaft that could break under load.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group became aware that there was a problem in July 2022, when product engineering identified two vehicles with broken rear right half-shafts. One broken half-shaft was found during a squeak and rattle validation, and a second just before it was being loaded for transport.

Further investigation found that improper placement during the green turning in the lathe caused too much material to be removed, exceeding the specified minimum wall thickness of 9.1mm. Supplier records showed that inspection of the bottom wall thickness of the rear right half-shaft outer race had been suspended for a period of time which allowed non-compliant parts to pass inspection and be installed in finished rear right half-shaft assemblies. Ford’s team reviewed supplier maintenance records to determine the population of affected parts to have been produced between 07/18/2022 and 07/29/2022.

A broken half-shaft will result in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels, necessary for motive power and for the transmission to hold the vehicle in park. If the electronic parking brake (EPB) is not manually applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll with the transmission in park.

Owners receiving notifications will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. Dealers will photograph the label on the right rear half-shaft to confirm the suspect serial number(s). If the serial number matches, the dealer will replace the right rear half-shaft. Customers will be advised to manually apply the parking brake until the inspection and repair is completed. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S55 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-646.

ECM Defect On RAM Trucks Could Cause Loss Of Drive Power

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) USA will be contacting the owners of certain 2022 Ram trucks because their vehicles may have a manufacturing defect within the Engine Control Module (ECM) that could affect vehicle safety. This defect affects vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines and could result in an unexpected engine stall.

The RAM trucks affected by this defect include:

2022 Ram 2500
2022 Ram 3500
2022 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis

The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization became aware of the problem in August 2022 when they were contacted by the RAM truck assembly plant regarding suspect ECMs manufactured with a defective component. According to the NHTSA safety report, some ECMs may have been manufactured with a misaligned capacitor that could short-circuit and create an internal loss of communication. This internal loss of communication could result in a loss of motive power and an increased chance of an accident.

The suspect period for these defective ECMS began on May 31, 2022, and ended on August 23, 2022, when the ECMs were quarantined. This time period was determined using supplier traceability and vehicle production records. Similar vehicles not included in the recall did not receive suspect ECMs or were repaired prior to release from the assembly plant control.

Owners who receive notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have ECMs in their trucks replaced. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is Z87 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-642.

Insufficient Welds In Ford Escape And Lincoln Corsair High Voltage Batteries

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The high voltage batteries in certain 2020 Ford Escape and 2021 Lincoln Corsair vehicles may have been manufactured with insufficient welds that could fail and cause a loss of drive power. These vehicles are equipped with 2.5L hybrid powertrains.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group first became aware of the problem in February 2022 when they were informed, by the supplier, that there was an issue with the weld penetration on the bus bars of certain high voltage batteries. A review of the manufacturers’ records showed that the suspect cause of the problem was damage to the laser cooling line caused by maintenance of the laser air knife. The damage to the laser cooling line resulted in an out-of-control weld process and insufficient welds. The suspect time period was between June 6, 2020, and June 12, 2020.

According to the safety report, insufficient weld penetration between the bus bar and cell terminal could result in a loss of electrical contact at the bus-bar weld joint inside the high voltage battery. Loss of electrical contact will result in a loss of motive power and an increased risk of an accident.

The vehicle warning display will illuminate a “Stop Safely Now” message, a wrench lamp, and an audible alert when the vehicle loses motive power.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to take their vehicle to their Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the High Voltage Battery replaced. The new High Voltage Battery LX68-10B759-R will have a bus bar that has proper weld penetration. The supplier repaired a damaged coolant line on June 27, 2020. High voltage batteries produced after June 27, 2020 were produced with sufficient bus bar weld penetration. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S33 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-331.