Category Archives: Lemon Alert

BMW Software Update For Missing CID Warning Information

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BMW North America, LLC (BMW) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022 i4 and 2022-2023 iX electric vehicles equipped with hybrid electric powertrains. These vehicles do not meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for “Control and Displays.” A software problem could affect the information that shows up on the Central Information Display (CID) of the vehicle’s console.

BMW first became aware of the problem in May 2022, during a quality check at the BMW vehicle assembly plant. Testers noticed that important safety warning messages were not showing up on the CID display during certain test configurations. They began an investigation that looked at vehicle build configurations, packages, options and other design features. BMW also investigated other vehicle types which were thought to have a production release involving the same software configuration. The investigation included an assessment of the Head Unit software functionality when the vehicle was in normal operating mode, and when the vehicle was placed in valet parking mode.

According to the defect report, a programming/coding issue was not allowing the display of certain warning messages in the CID, while in valet parking mode. BMW reviewed vehicle assembly information and supplier production records to determine the number and production dates of potentially affected vehicles. On June 29, 2022, BMW decided to conduct a recall. BMW has not aware of any accidents or injuries that may be related to this issue. Almost seven thousand vehicles are affected by this recall.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

2022-2023 BMW iX xDrive40
2022-2023 BMW iX xDrive50
2022-2023 BMW iX M60
2022 BMW i4 eDrive40
2022 BMW i4 M50

Owners receiving recall notices will be asked to contact their BMW dealer to have the CID display’s head unit software updated. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-483.

2020 Mercedes Benz GLC350E 4Matic
Loss Of Drive Power

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The owners of certain 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC350E 4Matic SUVs could experience a loss of drive power due to a problem affecting the wiring harness going to the transmission in their vehicles.

In September 2020, Mercedes Benz first became aware of the problem after receiving a customer complaint regarding the loss of drive power in their vehicle. As similar complaints regarding GLC-Class vehicles increased Mercedes began an investigation into the problem. A production quality survey was initiated to double check the wiring harness installation in two plants producing the LC-Class. Mercedes investigated possible commonalities between the reported failures of two different platforms that are manufactured at three different plants. Mercedes also asked the wiring harness supplier to analyze any possible cause involving the wiring harness.

The investigation identified the root cause of the problem as an error in the installation of the wiring harness. Mercedes studied the potential effect of the transmission wiring harness production deviation on vehicle safety and identified the potentially affected vehicles. On July 1st 2022, they determined that there was a potential safety risk and decided to conduct a recall of all the potentially affected vehicles.

According to the defect report, the routing of the transmission wiring harness in certain 2020 GLC-Class (253 platforms) 4-Matic vehicles may not meet current production specifications. Due to deviations in the wiring harness length and the assembly process, the harness could come in contact with the front drive shaft and damage it over time. If this happens, drivers could experience a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of an accident. If the failure occurs, the driver would be made aware through a warning message in the instrument cluster.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the transmission wiring harness inspected and replaced as necessary. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-494.

2018-2020 Buick Regal
Loss Of Power Brake Assist

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General Motors (GM) has determined that certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles may have a software defect that could affect the power brake assist system. Because of this error, these vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for “Braking Systems”.

In April 2022, a brake performance issue on a 2019 Opel Insignia, a sister vehicle of the Buick Regal, was brought to the attention of GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. An investigation was opened and the problem was found to be a software issue. According to the defect report, a software error could cause the hydraulic brake boost to fail and not respond to a loss of brake vacuum pressure. Tests conducted on a Buick Regal by GM, showed that stopping distance following the loss of vacuum brake pressure could exceed FMVSS 135 requirements by 1-5 percent.

Field data has identified four claims received by GM in which the vehicle’s invalid vacuum pressure diagnostic trouble code (DTC) was set and the hydraulic brake boost was disabled. None of these claims involved an allegation that the condition contributed to a crash, and GM is not aware of any crashes or injuries relating to this condition. In June, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a non-compliance recall.

According to the defect report, a loss of vacuum brake assist pressure will cause these vehicles to exceed the stopping distance requirements. If the vehicle’s vacuum-power brake assist partially or fully fails, braking events may require additional stopping distance, depending on the brake pedal force applied by the driver. Increased stopping distances could increase the risk of a crash.

NOTE: During a partial or full loss of vacuum brake assist, the vehicle may display a message in the Driver Information Center, a malfunction warning light may illuminate and the driver may notice increased brake pedal resistance.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the EBCM software updated in their vehicles. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-465.

Cadillac, Chevrolet & GMC Vehicles Investigated For Airbag Safety Problem

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Automotive Defect Investigation
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE21-010) to investigate complaints of malfunctions with the driver frontal air bags in certain Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.

The ODI has received fifteen consumer complaints about certain vehicles experiencing an airbag warning light illumination and/or a failure of the airbag to deploy during an accident with significant frontal damage. Nine of the consumer complaints say the air bag malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) was illuminated and six of the incidents had significant frontal damage with failure to deploy the airbags.

A TSB, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It also reports rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver airbag inflator as the cause of the airbag MIL illumination. Illumination of the airbag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the driver’s airbag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.

The vehicles under investigation include:

2020-2021 Cadillac CT4
2020-2021 Cadillac CT5
2020-2021 Cadillac Escalade
2020-2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2020-2021 Cadillac XT5
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD
2020-2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
2020-2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 2500
2020-2021 GMC Sierra 3500
2020 GMC Sierra Denali
2020-2021 GMC Yukon
2020-2021 GMC Yukon XL

ODI have opened this preliminary investigation to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. If the investigation results in a recall, an estimated 749,312 vehicles could be affected.

2022 Ford Explorer And 2022 Lincoln Aviator Engine Rail Sub-Assembly Failure

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022 Ford Explorer and 2022 Lincoln Aviator SUVs because the vehicles they are driving may not comply to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for occupant crash protection and fuel system integrity.

Ford first became aware of the problem in April 2022 when one of their assembly plants started experiencing intermittent bolt strip-out conditions when securing the front sub-frame to the front apron assembly. An investigation into engine rail sub-assembly failures found that the mechanical properties of the engine rails did not meet the intended strength requirements. Supplier records showed that over six hundred engine rail sub-assemblies were sent out for an unapproved repair procedure (thermal e-coat stripping) which degraded the mechanical properties and weakened the metal. Some of the suspect rails were used at the Tier 1 supplier and 137 suspect rails were shipped to the assembly plant. A Stop Shipment was issued on April 28, 2022 and an inspection of engine rail hardness was carried out on over 5000 vehicles.

According to the defect report, the vehicles affected were built with an engine rail that may not
maintain its integrity in a crash and as a result, does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Occupant Crash Protection and Fuel System Integrity requirements. A weakened engine rail could also become loose, resulting in a clunking noise during acceleration, deceleration, or contact with potholes, speed bumps, or other road surface irregularities.

Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for an engine rail inspection. If the vehicle does not pass the strength test, owners will be given the option of a replacement of the engine rail assembly or, because of the extensive nature of this repair, vehicle replacement or a buyback. Owners opting for repairs will be sent awareness letters and instructed to bring their vehicles in when parts become available. Ford’s number for this recall is 22C13 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-454.

Are you thinking of taking a replacement or buyback? Under the California Lemon Law, if your vehicle qualifies, you should recover your down payment, (including registration fees, licensing fees, taxes, transportation costs, etc.), plus your total monthly lease or loan payments. The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan or lease. The manufacturer will also pay all or most of your attorney’s fees.

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!

2016-2020 Honda Pilot Vehicles Investigated For Stalling Engines

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Automotive Defect Investigation
Certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles with 3.5L engines and 9-speed automatic transmissions could experience a problem with the automatic Start/Stop feature. The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite vehicles are equipped with Auto Start/Stop capability to help improve fuel efficiency. When the driver enables the system and certain operating conditions are met, the Auto Start/Stop system will automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The engine should automatically restarted when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 221 complaints and several field reports claiming that there is an issue with the Auto Start/Stop feature on certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints say that the Auto Start/Stop function fails to restart the engine on its own after it has come to a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection. Some of the complainants allege that a jump was required for the vehicle to be restarted.

The ODI met with Honda on several occasions on this issue. Honda indicated that per the information provided from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) reports, they have found a correlation with customers’ allegations for the Auto Start/Stop failure to restart the vehicle when the system is activated. Honda also indicated other Honda models (Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX & Acura MDX) with the 3.5L engines equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmissions experience the same failure mode.

ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem as well as to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.

Rear Suspension Toe Link Could Separate On Cadillac And GMC SUVs

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General Motors (GM) has decided that a safety defect affecting suspension exists in certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, 2022 Cadillac XT6, and 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. Owners will be receiving notices with instructions to return to their Cadillac or GMC dealer to have the suspension in their vehicle inspected and repaired as necessary.

GM became aware of the problem in March 2022, after a quality engineer at one of GM’s assembly plants identified a Cadillac XT6 that was missing a toe link to a knuckle bolt in the vehicle’s left side rear suspension. The manufacturing records showed that the bolt had been fully tightened, but further investigation found that the supplier’s error-proofing equipment had been improperly configured following a change in the assembly process. As a result, the tool operator could have failed to fully tighten the bolt without the error-proofing equipment detecting it.

According to the defect report, after an assembly process was moved to a new area, error-proofing equipment was not initially set up properly. This allowed a window where the operator may miss tightening certain fasteners without the failure being flagged. The affected toe links may be loose or become separated, resulting in misalignment of the left-rear wheel and increasing the risk of a crash

GM investigated the potentially affected population and inspected 271 suspensions that had been contained at the plant, with six more instances of loose fasteners identified. Although GM have not received any claims or complaints related to the subject condition and they are not aware of any associated accidents or injuries but have decided to conduct a safety recall.

Dealers will inspect the left-rear suspension and replace the fastener if it is loose or missing. GM’s number for this recall is N222364330 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-427. Approximately 736 vehicles may be affected.

Fuel Pump Failure
Jeep Grand Cherokee And Ram 1500

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Certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines, could experience high-pressure fuel pump failure. If the pump fails while the vehicle is being operated, drivers will experience an unexpected loss of engine power and an increased chance of an accident.

In February 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization started an investigation into Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 trucks, after receiving field reports that the fuel pump in some vehicles were prematurely failing. An investigation of the stall patterns and vehicle histories showed that the affected trucks were equipped with Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pumps (HPFP).

According to the defect report, a failure inside the fuel pump could introduce internal debris that could build up and cause fuel starvation. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of motive power, which could contribute to a vehicle to crash. The suspect period began on June 12, 2013, when 3.0L Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on December 13, 2019, when 3.0L Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were no longer used in vehicle production.

Warning signs that your vehicle may be experiencing this problem include: Drivers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp, a service Electronic Throttle Control indicator, a fuel leak at the HPFP, or excessive noise from the HPFP.

FCA US is aware of 215 customer assistance records, 1,061 warranty claims, and three field reports that could be related to this issue.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the HPFP replaced. Dealers will also inspect the entire fuel system and replace components as necessary. FCA’s number for this recall is Z46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-406.