Low Oil Pressure WarningFord Motor Company have identified a critical issue in certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine. A misaligned engine cup plug has been found to potentially result in a rapid oil leak, posing serious safety risks.

The Problem: Misaligned Engine Cup Plug

The defect stems from a misalignment of the hydraulic press used to insert engine cup plugs into the cylinder head bore during assembly. This misalignment, approximately 1.5 mm off center, distorts the cup plug, reducing its retention within the bore. This defect may result in:

  • Rapid Oil Leak: A misaligned plug can cause sudden, large-volume oil loss.
  • Increased Fire Risk: Oil leaks in the presence of hot engine or exhaust components may lead to a fire.
  • Loss of Motive Power: A sudden loss of oil can result in reduced engine performance or a complete loss of motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning Signs for Customers

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice several warning signs, including:

  • Low Oil Pressure Warning: A warning light on the instrument cluster.
  • Burning Smell or Smoke: White smoke or a burning odor from the engine compartment.
  • Oil Leak or Engine Noise: Visible oil leakage or unusual noises from the engine.

Discovery and Investigation

The issue first came to Ford’s attention in October 2024 during a vehicle evaluation at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. A 2024 F-150 equipped with the 3.5L GTDI engine experienced a significant oil leak caused by the expulsion of a 13mm engine cup plug on the exhaust side.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) conducted an investigation and tear down analysis. They found no damage to the cylinder head bore but discovered that the cup plug was off center. The misalignment was traced back to maintenance work on the cylinder head assembly line at the Cleveland Engine Plant between September 9, 2024, and September 16, 2024. Other stations were confirmed to have proper alignment.

Field Action and Customer Notification

As of October 30, 2024, Ford has not received any warranty claims or field reports from customers regarding this issue. However, the company is taking measures to ensure customer safety:

  • Field Action Approval: Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall on November 1, 2024.
  • Dealer Inspections and Repairs: Dealers will inspect the cup plug alignment and replace any misaligned plugs.
  • Customer Notifications: Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by December 2, 2024.

Recall Details

  • Ford Recall Number: 24S70
  • NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-851

Next Steps for Vehicle Owners

Ford advises owners of the affected 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles to monitor for any signs of the defect and to schedule an inspection with their dealer once notified. This precautionary recall aims to address the issue and ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

Certain 2024 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles have been identified as being at risk for an oil leak within the engine compartment. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine components or exhaust parts, significantly increases the risk of a fire. This safety concern has prompted an investigation and subsequent recall to address the issue.

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) first became aware of the problem in April 2024, following a field report that described an oil filter housing with a hairline crack. In response, Land Rover, along with the housing supplier, initiated a thorough investigation. Throughout April and May, the supplier reviewed the reported failures, inspected returned parts, and conducted extensive durability testing on the incorrect material parts. By June 7, 2024, the results of these tests were reported, and the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) opened a formal investigation into the matter.

In June 2024, the Recall Determination Committee (RDC) concluded that the issue posed an unreasonable risk to safety, leading to the decision to launch a safety recall to remedy the affected vehicles. This decision was driven by the small number of fires reported as a result of the oil leak concern.

The following 2024 models have been identified as affected by this recall:

2024 Jaguar F-Pace
2024 Land Rover Defender
2024 Land Rover Discovery
2024 Land Rover Range Rover
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Owners of these vehicles will receive official notices asking them to return to their dealers. The necessary repairs will involve replacing the filter housing, oil filter, and O-rings to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicles. Jaguar’s reference number for this recall is H506, and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-451. Land Rover’s number for this recall is N908 and the NHTSA campaign number is 24V-450.

Hyundai Motor America (HMC) is reaching out to owners of specific Genesis G70, G80, and G90 vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 turbocharged engine about a crucial safety concern. This issue involves the oil feed pipe that could potentially deteriorate and lead to oil leakage, posing a risk of engine compartment fires.

What’s the Problem?

The defect lies in the left hand (LH) turbocharger oil supply pipe within these vehicles. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures in the engine compartment can cause this pipe to crack, potentially resulting in oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold. Such leaks significantly increase the risk of engine compartment fires.

Investigation and Decision to Recall

HMC initiated an investigation into this issue in June 2023 after reports of similar incidents in foreign markets. The Data Review Committee (DRC) noted a concerning trend of turbocharger oil supply pipe repairs during colder seasons. After escalating the investigation to the Technical Review Committee (TRC) in February 2024, HMC confirmed the need for a safety recall.

The TRC observed repeat repairs related to a prior recall (Recall 003G – 19V-538) addressing oil leak issues caused by insufficient swaging of the turbocharger oil supply pipe fitting. The affected vehicles, including those addressed in the previous recall, were manufactured before a material change to stainless steel pipes was implemented by the supplier around August 2021.

Affected Vehicles and Reports

The recall affects approximately:

  • 14,186 model year 2019-2022 Genesis G70 vehicles
  • 7,372 model year 2018-2020 Genesis G80 vehicles
  • 6,881 model year 2017-2022 Genesis G90 vehicles

As of January 15, 2024, HMC has received 81 reports alleging the defect in the U.S. market. However, no confirmed crashes, injuries, or fires related to this issue have been reported.

Signs of Trouble

Owners should remain vigilant for signs indicating a potential problem with the oil feed pipe, including:

  • White smoke
  • Burning smell
  • Oil leaking onto ground surfaces

What Next?

All affected vehicle owners will receive notification by first-class mail, providing instructions to visit a Genesis retailer for replacement of the LH turbocharger oil supply pipe. The recall number assigned to this issue is 019G. The NHTSA campaign number is 24V-191, replacing the previous recall number 19V-538. Vehicles previously serviced under recall 19V-538 will require another repair.

Jeep Wrangler 4XE The Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid has faced a series of challenges that have left many owners questioning the reliability of their vehicles. Reports from owners highlight a range of issues, from stalling engines that cannot be restarted to transmission errors, battery defects, and more serious safety concerns.

One common complaint among Wrangler 4XE owners is the vehicle’s tendency to stall unexpectedly, leaving drivers unable to restart the car. This issue is not just inconvenient but poses a significant safety risk, especially if it occurs in traffic or remote areas. Additionally, there have been reports of defective batteries and blown fuses, further contributing to the vehicle’s unreliability.

Transmission problems are another significant issue, with some owners experiencing leaks and errors, alongside instances where the shifter becomes stuck in park, rendering the vehicle immobile. Warning lights, such as the check engine light and power steering light, frequently accompany these mechanical failures, along with messages indicating the need to “Service Electronic Stability.”

Charging issues have also been a point of frustration. Errors like “Service Charging System” have been reported, alongside malfunctions in the Power Inverter Module (PIM), further complicating the ownership experience. In some cases, these electrical issues lead to a complete loss of power, preventing the vehicle from starting.

More alarming are reports of oil leaks from the exhaust and rear undercarriage, with one vehicle diagnosed with a bad pinion seal on the rear axle at merely 241 miles on the odometer. The recurrence of such leaks, accompanied by smoke and the potential risk of fire, underscores the severity of the Wrangler 4XE’s problems.

The erratic behavior of the vehicle’s transmission and propulsion systems, including sudden stops in the middle of highways and unintended acceleration that has led to property damage, raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE.

For owners facing these daunting issues, California’s Lemon Law provides a beacon of hope. This law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased or leased new vehicles covered by a manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If a vehicle proves to be defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer is required to either replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price to the consumer.

Under the California Lemon Law, owners of the Jeep Wrangler 4XE experiencing repeated failures that substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety may be entitled to relief. It’s essential for affected owners to keep detailed records of all repairs and attempts made to address the issues, as these documents will be crucial in pursuing a lemon law claim.

The myriad of problems faced by Jeep Wrangler 4XE owners highlights the challenges in the automotive industry’s shift towards electrification, especially in models that are expected to perform under the demanding conditions for which Jeeps are renowned. For those grappling with these defects, understanding and utilizing the protections offered by the Lemon Law can provide a pathway to resolution and ensure that manufacturers are held accountable for the reliability and safety of their vehicles.

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2022 Sequoia and 2021 Tundra trucks because of a problem affecting the power steering gear assembly. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent out on January 22, 2022.

In late September 2021, Toyota observed an increase in field reports and warranty claims affecting the power steering in certain 2021-2022 Sequoia and 2021 Tundra trucks. A high percentage of these vehicles experienced power steering fluid leaks, all from the area of the power steering gear assembly. Manufacturing records showed that these reports mainly involved vehicles produced during the months of August and September 2021. Toyota began recovering additional parts involved in these reports and sent them to the supplier for inspection.

These inspections found that the circlip holding the oil seal and end stopper in position at the end of the power steering rack housing was disengaged from the groove machined in the rack housing and that the oil seal and the end stopper were moved from the correct position. Further investigation of the returned parts revealed that the groove where the circlip is installed was improperly machined leading to an incorrect groove shape.

Based on these findings, the supplier investigated their production process and identified that one of the four pieces of equipment used to machine the groove in the rack housing was not creating a groove of the correct shape. The tool was inspected, it was found that certain teeth on the cutting tool, which creates the groove in the rack housing, were damaged. Based on these results Toyota has decided to conduct a safety recall campaign.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified to return to their Toyota dealer to have the power steering gear assembly inspected and replaced if necessary. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10, and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-920.

General Motors has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2018-2020 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. They will be notifying owners with instructions about how to get their vehicle repaired.

According to the defect report, some of these vehicles are equipped with a start / stop accumulator that may have missing bolts on the end cap. These loose bolts could result in a transmission oil leak that could progress into a complete loss of vehicle propulsion. A transmission leak in the presence of an ignition source could also result in a vehicle fire.

Vehicles Affected Include
2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse
2019-2020 Buick Encore
2019-2020 Buick Enclave
2019-2020 Cadillac XT4
2020 Cadillac XT6
2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze
2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2018-2020 GMC Terrain
2019-2020 GMC Acadia

Dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace any missing bolts. GM’s number for this recall is N202313440 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-668.

Subaru will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Ascent, Crosstrek and Forester SUVs regarding a problem affecting the engine in their vehicle.

According to the defect report, the material used for the PCV valve case was changed from aluminum to steel on the engine production line beginning October 2018. The difference in metal combined with heating and cooling experienced during regular vehicle use could cause a gap to develop between the PCV washer and valve case. In addition, other components surrounding the PCV case could press into the case, potentially contributing to the separation of the valve components over time. If this happens, oil will enter the engine combustion chamber, changing the appearance and/or amount of tailpipe exhaust. If the vehicle continues to be driven under these conditions, drivers may experience a complete loss of engine power.

Dealers will inspect the PCV valve, and if the valve has separated, the short block engine will be replaced. Subaru’s number for this recall is WUW-08 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-856.

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles regarding a manufacturing error affecting the engine cooling system. According to the defect report, the engine oil cooler assembly hose may have insufficient crimps and could separate and leak. A sudden loss of engine oil may result in engine failure or a possible fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the engine oil cooler tube assembly replaced. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S40 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-779.