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Ford Electric – Charge Cord Overheating

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Ford will be asking owners of certain 2013-2015 Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi, and 2012-2015 Ford Focus Electric vehicles, to return to their dealers for a problem affecting the 120V convenience charge chord. (Cords affected include part numbers FM58-10B706-AA, FM58-10B706-AB, FM58-10B706-AC, FM58-10B706-AD, FM58-10B706-AE and FM58-10B706-AF.)

According to the defect report, the cord originally provided with these vehicles are missing a thermistor used to identify over temperature conditions. If the defective cord is used in combination with an AC outlet that is not on a dedicated circuit, is damaged, worn or corroded, it could experience an increased contact resistance and could overheat. Early indicators that a problem exists include: incomplete or slow charge cycles, inability to charge, burning odors or visible melting damage.

Dealers will replace the current cord with a new 120V convenience cord with a thermistor. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S24 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-592.

GM Temporary Loss Of Power Steering

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Owners of certain Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUV’s will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the power steering. According to the defect report, events that demand high current, such as low speed turns, could cause a temporary low voltage condition that could disable power steering assist. If power steering assist is lost the driver will be alerted through an illuminated warning on the driver information center (DIC). Also, other electrical systems may shut down at the same time or just prior the event. These systems include: the radio, stabilitrack, DIC, chimes, door lock cycling, air conditioning or cruise control.

The vehicles affected by this recall include:

  • 2015 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 GMC Yukon

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the EPS module software. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. GM’s number for this recall is 18289 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-586.

2017-2018 VW Atlas & Passat Reduced Braking

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2018 Atlas and 2017-2018 Passat vehicles, to notify them of a problem affecting the vehicles braking system. According to the defect report, the brake caliper carrier (bracket) bolts may have been torqued incorrectly, could loosen and cause the break caliper to move on the steering knuckle (Atlas front brake) or on the axle (Passat rear brake). If this happens, drivers may notice increased stopping distances and reduced vehicle control.

Dealers will inspect the brake caliper bracket bolt for tightness, replacing and re-torque the bolts as necessary. Additionally brake caliper fasteners, bleeder valve, and brake hose bolts will be checked and torqued to the correct specification, if necessary. For Passat vehicles, dealers will also inspect the parking brake cable for proper connection. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 46H6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-536.

2018 Hyundai Genesis OCS Problem

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Hyundai will be contacting the owners of certain 2018 Genesis G80 sedans regarding a problem affecting the Occupant Classification System (OCS).

According to defect reports filed with the NHTSA, a routine inspection at the vehicle assembly plant found that the OCS re-coding program used in a specific assembly line could incorrectly reset the calibration for heated seats to the calibration for vented seats. As a result, if an infant or child is occupying the front passenger seat, the OCS could fail to deactivate the airbag. If an adult is occupying the front passenger seat the OCS will function properly.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the OCS reprogrammed. Owners wanting more information about this defect can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 002G and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-496.

Audi A8 & S8 Fuel Smell

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2015 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles because of a problem affecting the fuel system.

According to the NHTSA defect report, the high pressure fuel pump supply line could become porous and deteriorate from the inside. The resulting fuel leak may lead to a fuel smell withing the vehicle cabin and a potential fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Audi will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have the fuel line replaced. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20AV and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-430.

Chrysler Cruise Control May Not Disengage

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2016 Chrysler 300, 2014-2016, 2018 Dodge Challenger and 2014-2016 Dodge Charger cars regarding a problem affecting the cruise control system.

According to the defect report, the Mopar Stage 1 Kit Performance Packages Powertrain Control Modules (PCM) and Demon Crate PCM in these vehicles could have a defect that may prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If there is a short circuit within the vehicle’s wiring while the cruise control is being used, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off . During a short, the driver may be alerted through multiple warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. If the vehicle continues to maintain speed or start to accelerate, the driver should shift to neutral and/or use the brakes to slow the vehicle and bring it to a stop.

Dealers will correct the problem by performing a software update and replacing the PCM as needed. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is U82/U83 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18E-053.

2018 GMC Terrain Airbag Warning

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General Motors have announced that a defect affecting vehicles safety exists in certain 2018 GMC Terrain vehicles, and they will be asking owners to return to their dealerships to have the problem repaired.

According to the defect report, the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) used to deploy the airbags during a crash, may not power down correctly when the vehicle is powered off. If this happens, the SDM could become inoperative, and when the vehicle is started the airbags may not deploy in the event of a crash. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated airbag warning lamp, a “service restraint system” message in the main display and an audible warning chime will sound.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SDM with updated software. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is 18179 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-340.

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.