During thermal management testing of certain 2015 Ford Mustang vehicles with 2.3L engines, elevated fuel tank surface temperatures were observed. To investigate, Ford performed additional thermal management testing on all engine variants and multiple vehicles. The investigation found that prolonged exposure to elevated under body temperatures can cause degradation of the fuel tank, fuel vapor lines, and parking brake cable seals. Leaks within these systems could result in a vehicle fire or degraded parking brake functions. Continue reading
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2013 Fiat 500 Electric California Lemon Law Buyback
After leasing his 2013 Fiat 500 Electric in January 2014, the owner began experiencing repeated problems with his car. He had been taking the vehicle back in since February 2015 and had given his Fiat Chrysler (FCA) dealership five chances to try and repair his Fiat. His 500E had been out of service for over 32 days within the first 18,000 miles and the problems were still not fixed. Continue reading
The Complete Takata Airbag Recall
On May 19, 2014 a U.S. Department of Transportation investigation determined that a defect exists in some Takata airbags and prompts the airbag supplier to issue a national recall. The defect affects frontal driver and passenger side airbag inflators used in vehicles manufactured by BMW, Chrysler, Daimler Trucks, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. According to the recall report, these inflators were made with a propellant that can degrade over time and rupture, sending fragments that could injure vehicle occupants. The defect is blamed for six deaths worldwide. Continue reading
2015 Lexus NX200 Loss Of Stability Control
Toyota will be asking the the owners of certain 2015 Lexus NX200 SUV’s to return to their dealerships for repairs affecting the braking and stability of their vehicles. According to the defect report, the affected vehicles are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS), Traction Control System (TRAC), and a Vehicle Stability Control System (VCS) which are controlled by the ABS actuator. Continue reading
BMW Customer Care Package Campaign
The owners of certain 2008-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with 4.4-liter V-8 (N63B44O0) engines are finding that when they go to their dealership for routine service, there is a recall affecting their vehicles that they have not been notified about.
In June 2013, dealerships received a service bulletin for the N63 powerplant, which amended the oil capacity requirements of the engine, adding a full (1) US quart to the capacity of the motor, citing “increased oil consumption” in the twin turbo V8. In December 2014, BMW released a “customer care package” campaign (SI B00 13 14) affecting almost all 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5, and X6 model lines have names ending with “50i” and equipped with N63 engines. Instruction for the program include tests on engine performance that will be sent to BMW for review. Continue reading
2012 Toyota Camry CA Lemon Law Buyback
After leasing his 2012 Toyota Camry in December 2011, the owner began experiencing problems with several systems in his vehicle. The electronics were unreliable and glitchy, the dashboard warning lights would remain on, and the speedometer gave inaccurate readings. He also experienced repeated airbag problems despite having repairs done under two separate recalls. (Recall 13V-442: A short circuit within the system could cause the airbags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy; Recall 13V-014: The front passenger airbags may not deploy or may deploy inappropriately for the passenger’s size and position due to an incorrect calibration of the occupant sensing system.) Continue reading
2014-2015 Ferrari Laferrari Tire & Seat Defects
Ferrari will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2015 Ferrari Laferrari sports cars to return to their dealership for safety defects affecting the tires and seats.
Safety Defect 15V-305: During production testing for seats and headrests, a partial noncompliance related to energy absorption was discovered for the largest size seat with back seat inclination of 32 degrees. These seats may not absorb the required amount of energy during an accident, increasing the risk of injury. Owners receiving notices will have their headrests replaced, free of charge. Ferrari’s number for this recall is 55.
Safety Defect 15V-306: Due to an error in the vehicle configuration settings, the tire Pressure Monitoring System could display an incorrect warning message. The run flat message of “Low tire pressure – Max speed 50 mph” may be displayed instead of “Low tire pressure – Do not proceed”, misinforming the driver of the their tire condition. Driving on punctured tires could lead to loss of vehicle control and an increased chance of an accident. Ferrari’s number for this recall is 56. Continue reading
Missing Airbag Bolts On 2015 Dodge Challenger
Chrysler will be asking a small number of 2015 Dodge Challenger owners to return to their dealers to repair a problem affecting the airbag system. Due to a manufacturing error, the driver side air bag inflated curtain (SABIC) may have a loose or missing rear mounting bolt. The missing bolt could alter the deployment of the bag, increasing the risk of injury during a side impact or roll over crash. Continue reading
