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Stellantis Safety Defects And Recalls

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Stellantis is a global automaker and the owner of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM brands in the US. In the last year, they have issued numerous recalls affecting millions of vehicles. During this time, the company is also subject to ongoing investigations by the U.S. government automobile safety regulators.

Below is a summary of the Stellantis recalls in 2022.

Fuel Pump Failure (22V-767)
Models Affected: 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
A high-pressure fuel pump failure could introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system potentially causing the engine to stall due to fuel starvation.

Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Could Fail (22V-766)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
An incorrectly welded micro gas generator (MGG) may lead to a pretensioner system failure that could fail to restrain an occupant during an accident.

Internal ECM Short May Cause Loss of Power (22V-642)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines.
The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display (22V-638)
Models Affected: 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500, and 2021 Jeep Gladiator
A software error could prevent the rear view image from displaying. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for rear visibility.

Tail Light Side Marker May Not Illuminate (22V-544)
Models Affected: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles.
The tail light side marker assemblies may be damaged and not illuminated.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Battery May Fail Prematurely (22V-504)
Models Affected: 2022 Chrysler 300, 2022 Dodge Challenger, and 2022 Dodge Charger
According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) , all vehicles must be equipped with a tire pressure monitor system that detects”when one or more of a vehicle’s tires is significantly under-inflated and illuminates a low tire pressure warning telltale. The tire pressure system in the suspect vehicles may not detect low tire pressure. If the TPMS light illuminates because the battery in the sensor prematurely discharges, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure.

Vehicle Rollaway Because Of ABS Malfunction (22V-426)
Models Affected: 2018-2019 Dodge Durango, and 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
A malfunctioning antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.

Rear view Image May Not Display (22V-407)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs
The radio software may prevent the rear view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.”

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (22V-406)
Models Affected: 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 RAM 1500
A high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Stuck EGR Valve May Cause Loss Of Power (22V-284)
Models Affected: 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Seat May Not Secure Properly (22V-181)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Pacifica and 2021 Voyager
The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor.

Missing Weld From The Seat Back Frame To The Child Seat Tether Anchorage (22V-180)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.”

Steering Assembly Bar Could Bind (22V-154)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack. The problem could result in a loss of steering control.

ESC Light May Not Indicate Malfunction (22V-140)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2019-2022 RAM 2500, and 2019-2022 RAM 2500
An ABS control module software issue could prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light from illuminating during certain conditions.

2023 Kia Sportage Risk Of Electrical Fire

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Certain Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured between January 12, 2022, through August 8, 2022, may experience an electrical surge that could stall the engine and result in a vehicle fire.

Kia became aware of the problem in May 2022 when they received their first customer complaint of a no-start condition in a 2023 Sportage. An inspection of the vehicle found a loose alternator cable with thermal damage to the alternator, the wire harness, and the intake manifold. The affected parts were collected and sent for further inspection. In August, Kia received a second alternator collected from another incident that had localized melting around a broken alternator battery positive (B+) terminal due to electrical arcing. After inspection of the collected parts and a review of vehicle production records, Kia decided to initiate a recall.

According to the defect report, the alternator battery positive (B+) terminal nut may not have been properly torqued by the supplier during assembly. If the terminal nut is not properly torqued, it can loosen over time and may result in an engine stall. In the worst case, arching at the positive terminal could result in a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted of a problem through an illuminated Charging System Warning Light.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the alternator battery positive terminal nut inspected and tightened as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC248 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-651.

Earlier this month Kia issued a recall that included certain Kia Sportage vehicles that could catch fire. In this recall (22V-703) the car tow hitch harness could catch fire even when the car is parked. As part of the vehicle recall owners are asked not to park indoors or near structures.

Are you experiencing problems with your Kia vehicle? 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!

Chevy Equinox And GMC Terrain Driver Seat Squeaks And Rattles

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain SUVs because the driver’s seat in these vehicles may have a defect that could affect the drivers safety. The vehicles involved are equipped with powerd driver seats without the memory function.

GM became aware of the problem in July 2022 during noise testing at their assembly plant, after a driver seat frame height adjust pivot bolt was discovered on the floor of one of the test vehicles. The problem was brought to the attention of GM’s Speak Up For Safety program and inspections of vehicles at GM assembly plants and parts returned to the supplier was initiated. GM identified several stripped or loose pivot bolts in power seat frames produced by the supplier between June 30, 2022 and July 15, 2022, and decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the seat frame supplier assembly process did not detect improperly torqued bolts. As a result, the driver seats in these vehicles may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height adjust pivot. If the seat frame height adjust pivot bolt comes out of the pivot joint, the seat structure may not properly restrain the occupant during an accident and could increase the risk of injury. Vehicle occupants may hear squeaks or rattles coming from the driver’s seat, and/or the seat may feel loose.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealers to have the driver’s seat inspected and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary. GMC’s number for this recall is N222377890 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-724.

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!

Tesla Over-The-Air Software Update For Window Safety

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Tesla will be performing an over-the-air (OTA) software update on certain Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles because the automatic window reversal system does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Requirements for power-operated window systems. Over one million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Tesla first became aware of the problem in August 2022, during production testing. Technicians identified a window automatic reversal system that had greater than expected variations in response to pinch detection. Tesla conducted additional testing on multiple models using several window positions, multiple spring rates, and gap designations. Tesla determined that the pinch detection and retraction performance in the test results exceeded the requirements of FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing, the window may exert more force than safety requirements permit before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required. If a window is closing and detects an obstruction, the condition may increase the risk of a pinching injury to the occupant.

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 15, 2022. Tesla is not aware of any warranty claims, field reports, crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this condition. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-013 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-702.

Nissan Titan And Frontier Trucks
Roll-Away Risk Recall Expanded

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The owners of certain 2020-2023 Nissan Titan and 2020-2023 Nissan Frontier trucks equipped with 9-speed transmissions, could experience an unexpected vehicle roll-away. A fix for the problem is still under development and Nissan is continuing to investigate whether other Nissan or Infiniti automobiles could be affected.

The problem began in June 2022, when Nissan initiated a recall (22V-457) for certain Nissan Titan and Frontier vehicles manufactured from December 13, 2019, to June 14, 2022. These vehicles were experiencing a potential non-engagement of the parking pawl due to contact between the edge of the parking pawl and the boss on the transmission case. As a result, vehicles could unexpectedly roll away if they were in “Park” but the parking brake was not applied.

In July, Nissan received another report from the Canton, MS plant, that a 2022 Nissan Frontier vehicle produced after June 14, 2022, had moved after being placed in the ‘P” Park position. Nissan investigated the incident and conducted duplication testing to recreate the condition. They found that this issue appeared to be different than the one in recall 22V-457. This problem appeared to be related to an insufficient lifting force of the parking pawl due to friction between the parking rod and the parking wedge. Nissan initiated a quality hold on all 2020-2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles and conducted a plant audit that identified 11 out of 83 vehicles with the subject condition.

The investigation to date indicates that resistance between the parking rod and wedge inside of the transmission housing may inhibit movement of the wedge and parking pawl. If the parking pawl does not engage, an affected vehicle may move after placing the shifter into ‘Park.’ If the driver does not engage the parking brake, potential vehicle movement could increase the risk of injury or crash.

Nissan has decided to conduct a recall campaign due to the safety risk of a potential vehicle roll-away condition. Nissan’s investigation is ongoing, and the final recall fix is still under development. Nissan will be notifying all owners of the affected vehicles, including those that received a letter under recall 22V-457. The interim notification will include instructions advising owners to apply the parking brake whenever they park their vehicle. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-671.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems like the ones listed above, 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.

Ford And Lincoln Vehicles Investigated For Brake Hose Ruptures

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Automotive Defect Investigation The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is continuing to investigate certain Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans for front brake hoses that could prematurely rupture.

The vehicles under investigation include:

2013-2018 Ford Fusion
2013-2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ
2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

In August 2020, Ford issued a safety recall (NHTSA campaign number 20V-469) for certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, because these vehicles were experiencing premature brake hose (jounce hoses) rupturing. The investigation that led to the recall found that the problem was due to localized failures of the internal reinforcement braid because of cyclic fatigue during suspension and steering movement. The recalled part was introduced into Ford Edge production on June 25, 2014, and was taken out of production on December 21, 2017. The recall had dealers replacing both front brake jounce hoses with a newly revised braid material and performing a brake system bleed.

The ODI has continued to receive complaints alleging front brake hose failures on 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that were not included in the Safety Recall (20V-469). Customer complaints allege the brake hoses are rupturing and leaking brake fluid, with little to no warning. The leaked brake fluid can cause drivers to experience a soft brake pedal, increased pedal travel, and/or extended braking distances. The ODI has received over 50 complaints related to this problem. One complaint alleged a crash as the result of a failed brake hose.

Lemon laws are state and federal laws that provide protection for consumers who buy or lease cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and other consumer goods. The goal of such lemon laws is to provide compensation to consumers for defective products that fail to meet the standards of quality and performance asserted in manufacturers’ warranties.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems like the ones listed above, 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!