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Driver Air Bag Could Deactivate In Ford Trucks

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Ford Motor Company is reaching out to owners of certain 2023 F-150 and Ford Super Duty vehicles, including the F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 models. There is a concern with the driver’s frontal air bag not deploying during a crash.

The issue came to light in November 2023, when Ford’s main supplier, BCS Automotive Interface Solutions, alerted them about a potential problem. This was linked to airbag clock springs provided by American Furukawa, a sub-supplier to BCS. BCS discovered that some clock spring assemblies in the Steering Column Control Modules (SCCM) they supplied to Ford might have been tainted during production.

The problem lies in the SCCM of the affected vehicles, where the clock spring assembly might have a weak weld between the bus bar and the ribbon cable. This issue traces back to the manufacturing stage, where clock spring bus bars were washed in isopropyl alcohol mixed with glycerin. This mix could weaken the weld between the bus bar and ribbon cable in the clock spring assembly.

This ribbon cable is crucial as it connects to the driver’s airbag. A weak weld can cause the ribbon cable circuits to disconnect, leading to a loss of electrical connection to the driver’s front airbag. This malfunction would trigger the airbag warning light and prevent the airbag from deploying as needed. Ford, alongside BCS, has been investigating this issue. They’re reviewing production and shipping records to identify which Ford vehicles might be equipped with the affected clock springs.

As of December 6, 2023, Ford received 19 warranty reports dating from May 1 to November 10, 2023, which could be linked to this clock spring issue.

Drivers might notice problems like non-functional steering wheel switches (like radio controls), a silent horn, and an illuminated airbag warning lamp.

Affected owners will be contacted to bring their vehicles to Ford dealers for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement of the air bag clock spring. Initial notifications to owners explaining the safety risk are planned for January 8, 2024. A follow-up notice will be sent once the replacement parts are ready, expected in the second quarter of 2024. This recall is officially listed under the NHTSA campaign number 23V-847.

OCS Sensors May Short Circuit In Lexus And Toyota Vehicles

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Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) has announced a significant recall affecting a range of Lexus and Toyota vehicles from the 2020 to 2022 model years. This recall, necessitated by a defect in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, underscores a critical safety issue that could potentially prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The recall spans a variety of models, including:

  • Lexus ES (2020-2021)
  • Lexus ES Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Lexus RX and RX Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid (2020-2022)
  • Toyota Corolla, Highlander, and their Hybrid variants (2020-2021)
  • Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid (2020-2021)
  • Toyota Sienna Hybrid (2021)

The issue originates from the Occupant Classification System sensors located in the front passenger seat. These sensors play a pivotal role in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), determining the deployment of the front passenger airbag based on the occupant load. A defect has been identified wherein, during production, the sensor’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) became deformed. This deformation can cause a crack in a capacitor, leading to moisture intrusion over time and resulting in a short circuit.

The malfunctioning of these sensors poses a significant risk. In the event of a short circuit, the SRS warning lamp and the “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp will illuminate, accompanied by a message on the Multi-Information Display (MID). The most concerning consequence is that the front passenger airbag may not deploy in certain crashes, markedly increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

To address this issue, Toyota dealers will conduct inspections and replace the sensor where necessary. The recall is comprehensive in its scope, and owner notification letters are expected to be dispatched starting February 4, 2024.

Toyota has assigned the numbers 23TB15/23TA15 for Toyota and 23LB03/23LA03 for Lexus vehicles to this recall. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has registered this recall under campaign number 23V-865.

This recall by Toyota highlights the intricate nature of modern automotive safety systems and the critical importance of their proper functioning. Owners of the affected vehicles are urged to heed the recall notice and have their vehicles inspected and repaired as necessary to ensure their safety and that of their passengers.

Volkswagen Charging Cable Could Overheat

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Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., particularly its Audi division, is facing a significant challenge with its 220V/240V charging cables. Owners of certain 2019-2024 Audi models are being notified due to a defect that could lead to the overheating and potential fire hazard of the outlet or charging cable. This alarming issue affects a range of models, including:

  • 2021-2022 Audi A7
  • 2020-2021 Audi A8
  • 2019-2024 Audi E-Tron
  • 2022-2024 Audi E-Tron GT
  • 2022-2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron
  • 2020-2024 Audi Q5
  • 2022-2024 Audi RS E-Tron GT

The problem first came to light in September 2020 when cases of melting and overheating at the industrial socket (NEMA 14-50) were reported during the use of the industrial 220V/240V plug with 40 amperes. Audi’s thorough investigation, which involved requesting parts from the field and analyzing customer charging behavior, revealed that the vehicles and the provided charging equipment were not at fault. Instead, the cause was often linked to household power outlets and wiring, or circuit breakers not capable of handling the required electrical current.

Understanding that household power outlets and wiring might not be equipped to handle the necessary current, Audi initiated a service campaign that instructed customers to bring their charging equipment to an Audi dealer to modify the charging system control unit to a 50% power level for the industrial plug. Additionally, a warning label was attached to the control unit of the Audi compact charging system, advising on safe usage.

Despite these measures, and the ability to charge at 100% current upon confirmation of adequate home power supply, further incidents of overheating and melting sockets were reported. As a result, in January 2022, Audi launched a safety recall, superseding the service campaign, to replace the affected charging cables with new ones equipped with temperature sensors. For unsold vehicles, the industrial charging cable will be replaced before delivery. As of the latest reports, Audi has identified 615 claims related to this issue from 08/05/2020 to 12/05/2023. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fires, crashes, or injuries connected to this problem.

Audi advises owners of the affected models not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable. Instead, they should use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations until the issue is resolved. Owners can expect to receive interim notification letters by February 9, 2024, explaining the safety risks. A second notice will follow, detailing the availability of remedy parts, expected around mid-2024. Audi’s recall numbers are 93U6 and 93U8, with the NHTSA campaign number being 23V-842.

This recall underscores the importance of not only the quality of automotive products but also the compatibility and capacity of home electrical systems. Owners of the affected models are urged to heed the recall notices and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety.

GM Issues Safety Recall for Chevrolet Bolt EVs Due to Seat Belt Pretensioner Fire Risk

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Seat belt pretensioner problem Discovery and Investigation of the Defect

The issue was initially brought to GM’s attention on August 29, 2023, by an employee through the company’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. This action followed a dealer report from Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine, indicating that 66 vehicles repaired under the earlier recall 22V930 had not been properly fixed. Subsequent investigations, initiated by GM on October 10, 2023, uncovered further evidence suggesting Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine’s failure to execute the necessary recall repairs.

Further investigations by GM revealed no direct complaints or incidents linked to this condition. However, the seriousness of the potential risk prompted the GM Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) to mandate a safety recall for all 22V930 repairs completed by Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine up to December 4, 2023.

Risks Associated with the Defect

The central concern revolves around the seat belt pretensioner. If a crash occurs and the recall remedy has not been implemented, the seat belt pretensioner’s deployment could ignite a fire near the B-pillar, elevating the risk of injury. After a collision, the pretensioner exhaust may set fire to carpet fibers in this area.

Remedy and Owner Notification

To address this issue, GM dealers will inspect both front seat belt pretensioners. If necessary, they will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust, and some vehicles may also require a new pretensioner cover. These repairs will be conducted free of charge. GM plans to send owner notification letters by January 29, 2024. Notably, these vehicles had been previously recalled for the same issue under recall number 22V-793, necessitating the implementation of this new remedy. The GM recall number is N232421970, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23-845.

Repeated Repairs and California Lemon Law

The situation with the Chevrolet Bolt EV highlights an important aspect of consumer rights, especially in states like California with robust Lemon Laws. The California Lemon Law provides protection to consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles with warranty defects. If a vehicle requires repeated repairs for the same issue, owners may be entitled to compensation, including a refund or replacement vehicle. This law ensures that manufacturers are held accountable for their vehicles’ reliability and safety, offering peace of mind to consumers facing repeated repair issues.

In conclusion, GM’s steps in recalling and repairing these vehicles underscore the importance of automotive safety and consumer protection. Vehicle owners are advised to heed recall notices and ensure their vehicles receive the necessary repairs to mitigate any risks associated with this defect.

Honda’s CR-V Hybrid Battery Cable Safety Issue

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Honda has announced a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid vehicles due to a critical issue concerning the 12-Volt battery cable. This recall comes after a detailed investigation into the safety of these vehicles, revealing a potential risk that could increase during specific types of crashes.

The identified problem lies in the routing of the 12-Volt battery cable, which is situated outside of the body frame and lacks a fuse on the power circuit. This design flaw could lead to the battery cable short-circuiting or overheating, particularly in the event of a crash impacting the left front fender area. Such a scenario raises significant concerns about the possibility of a fire and the risk of injury to the occupants.

Chronology of Events Leading to the Recall

  • May 17, 2021: The first known incident occurs, where a crash led to a short circuit in the battery cables located in the left front fender.
  • May 19, 2021: Honda receives a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about this incident.
  • May 28, 2021: Honda collaborates with the NHTSA to inspect the affected vehicle and analyze the issue.
  • August 18, 2021: After discussing the first incident with NHTSA, Honda initially concludes that there are no high-voltage related issues or similar complaints.
  • September 16, 2021: Honda conducts further tests to analyze the issue.
  • October 21, 2021: Honda’s evaluation suggests that the crash angle in the first incident was a rare occurrence.
  • June 13, 2022: Honda starts implementing a fuse in production models to address this potential issue.
  • August 18, 2022: A second incident under similar circumstances prompts another analysis by Honda.
  • August 29, 2023: Honda receives a warranty claim possibly related to the same issue.
  • October 30, 2023: Honda reassesses its stance on the rarity of such occurrences and the likelihood of future incidents.
  • December 6, 2023: Honda acknowledges a defect related to vehicle safety and decides to initiate a recall.

The Recall Process

Honda, adhering to its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, has decided to recall the affected vehicles. Registered owners will be notified via mail to bring their vehicles to an authorized Honda dealer. Here, the battery cable will be replaced with an improved part that addresses the identified safety concern. Honda’s internal number for this recall is FGB, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-844.

Safety and Customer Support

From August 2019 through December 6, 2023, Honda has recorded two warranty claims related to this issue, with no reports of injuries or fatalities. This proactive recall demonstrates Honda’s dedication to the safety of its customers and its responsiveness to potential safety issues. Vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to the recall notice to ensure their safety and the continued reliability of their vehicles.

Seat Belt Issue in Certain GMC Hummer EVs

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General Motors (GM) has recently identified a significant safety defect in some of its electric vehicles (EVs). This issue, affecting specific 2023-2024 model year GMC Hummer EV Pickups, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUVs, and certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EVs, revolves around a crucial component of vehicle safety: the seat belt.

Discovery and Investigation of the Defect

In August 2023, a GM seat engineer, utilizing the company’s Speak Up for Safety (SUFS) program, reported a potential flaw after being alerted by GM’s seat supplier. The concern was about a loose front seat belt buckle bolt in a seat built for a 2024 HUMMER EV. This prompted GM to initiate a thorough product investigation.

Working closely with the supplier, GM discovered that the assembly process might not have been consistently adhered to, leading to possible out-of-sequence torquing of seat frame assembly bolts. This irregularity could result in the seat belt buckle attachment bolt not being tightened to the required specifications. After reviewing the supplier’s manufacturing records, GM identified seat frame assemblies that deviated from the intended assembly order.

Upon inspecting 754 suspect seats, GM and the supplier found two seats with improperly torqued attachment bolts. Fortunately, as of now, GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.

The Importance of Seat Belt Safety

The seat belt is a fundamental safety device in any vehicle, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision or sudden stop. A properly functioning seat belt system can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death during an accident. It’s a vital line of defence, ensuring that passengers are securely restrained and minimizing their movement during a crash.

The Recall and Corrective Measures

In November, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority decided to conduct a safety recall. Vehicle owners will be notified and advised to return to their dealers for inspection. The specific focus will be on tightening the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts.

Owners of affected vehicles may notice a rattle near the seat belt buckle, signalling the potential issue. It is crucial for owners to heed this warning and take prompt action.

GM has designated the recall number as N232419280, and it is also recognized under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 23V-786.

This recall by GM underscores the importance of stringent quality control and responsive safety measures in the automotive industry. The seat belt, a simple yet vital safety component, must meet the highest standards of reliability. GM’s action in addressing this issue serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and regular vehicle maintenance to ensure the safety of all road users.

Battery Problem – Jeep Wrangler PHEV

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In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), with hybrid models like the Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) gaining popularity. However, this transition has not been without challenges, particularly concerning battery reliability and safety. A case in point is the recent issue with certain 2021-2023 model year Jeep Wrangler PHEVs.

The Core Issue

The heart of the problem lies in the high voltage (HV) battery of some Jeep Wrangler PHEVs, which have been reported to fail internally. This issue first came to light in May 2023 when the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received two field reports of 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEVs catching fire due to the HV battery. Following these alarming reports, FCA bought back the vehicles for in-depth analysis. By November 2023, seven such incidents had been reported, prompting FCA US to initiate a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Investigating the Cause

The root cause of these battery failures remains unidentified and under investigation. The suspect period for these faults began on September 18, 2020, with the issue being potentially linked to battery cells manufactured between January 21, 2021, and October 2, 2021. These dates were determined using supplier manufacturing records, indicating a specific window during which the faulty cells were produced.

Broader Challenges with EV Batteries

This situation with Jeep Wrangler PHEVs brings to light broader concerns in the EV industry regarding battery safety and reliability. Battery issues in electric vehicles can stem from various factors, including manufacturing defects, improper management of battery temperature, overcharging, or physical damage to the battery. Such problems can lead to reduced battery life, decreased performance, and in extreme cases, safety hazards like fires.

The recall of the Jeep Wrangler PHEVs underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control in the production of EV batteries. Manufacturers must implement stringent quality checks and improve battery technology to prevent such incidents. Furthermore, understanding and rectifying the root cause of these failures is crucial for the advancement and consumer confidence in EV technology.

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack software and replace the battery pack assembly if necessary. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 89A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-787.

The case of the Jeep Wrangler PHEV batteries serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with the EV revolution. While the shift to electric mobility is imperative for sustainable transportation, it also demands heightened attention to the safety and reliability of EV components, especially batteries. As the industry evolves, continuous improvements and vigilance in battery technology and manufacturing processes will be key to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of EV users worldwide.

Blank Instrument Display in Select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet Vehicles

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Owners of certain 2024 Buick and Chevrolet models should be aware of a critical software issue affecting their vehicles. This concern, primarily impacting the Buick Encore GX, Buick Envista, and Chevrolet Trax, has prompted a safety recall due to the risk of instrument panel displays going blank, either at startup or while driving.

In August 2023, General Motors’ Safety and Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) initially addressed this issue through a service update bulletin. The bulletin aimed to update the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) software in the affected models. However, this measure escalated to a safety recall after an intervention by the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI).

During a meeting in September 2023 between GM Korea representatives and KATRI officials, KATRI determined that the issue warranted a safety recall rather than a mere service update. This decision was influenced by the potential danger posed by the software malfunction.

To date, GM has received 255 global complaints regarding the instrument panel blackout, though, fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue. Nonetheless, the risk cannot be understated. A blackout of the instrument panel while driving can dangerously divert the driver’s attention, escalating the risk of a crash.

Affected vehicle owners will be notified about the recall, identified by GM’s number A232424320 and the NHTSA campaign number 23V-744. To resolve the issue, owners can opt for a dealer visit to update the VCU software or choose an over-the-air (OTA) update.

The initiative to convert the service update into a safety recall underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the automotive industry. The issue of the blank instrument displays in select 2024 Buick and Chevrolet vehicles is concerning and vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to the notice to ensure their safety on the road.