Category Archives: Lemon Alert

Toyota-Lexus Engine Noises And Smoke

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles because of a problem affecting engine and engine cooling. The subject vehicles are equipped with 2.5L 4 cylinder engines that may have been produced with engine blocks with high porosity levels.

According to the defect report, these porous engine blocks could crack and leak internally and/or externally causing the engine to overheat and possible internal mechanical damage. There is also an increased risk of an engine fire if oil leaks should come in contact with an ignition source.

Drivers may be alerted of a problem through engine noises, smoke, illuminated engine warning lights and an audible warning chime.

Vehicles Affected
2020 Lexus ES300H
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2020 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Dealers will inspect the engine and engine block, replacing them as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus’ number for this recall is 20LA02. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V-064.

Ram 2500 & 3500 Transmission Fluid Leak From Dipstick

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 2019-2020 Ram 3500 pickups equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions, because of a problem affecting the transmissions in their trucks.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience a build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission strong enough to expel fluid from the dip stick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with the turbocharger or other ignition sources within the engine compartment, it could lead to a fire. Vehicle occupants may notice odd smalls, noises or transmission surging prior to a vehicle fire.

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogramming the powertrain control module. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-043.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Steering Vibration & Front End Noise

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Chrysler will be notifying the owners of certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler SUVs because of a safety problem affecting the suspension in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the left side lower control arm bracket may have been out of position during the welding process. This off location weld is weak and could break, allowing the lower control arm to separate from the axle. If this happens, the driver could experience a loss of vehicle control and/or the lower control arm bracket may separate completely, resulting in dangerous road debris. Prior to compete separation of the bracket from the axle, the driver may experience a front end noise or a steering vibration.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W01 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-042.

Toyota Avalon, Corolla and Matrix Airbag May Not Deploy As Intended

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Avalon, Corolla and Matrix cars because of a problem that could result in the air bags and seat belt pretensioners not deploying.

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an airbag control module that does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients generated in certain severe crashes where there is a large engine compartment intrusion before deceleration. In these cases, the crash sensor and wiring may be damaged and shorted before the deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This would result in incomplete or non deployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners and an increased chance of injury to occupants.

Vehicles Affected
2012-2018 Toyota Avalon
2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2011-2019 Toyota Corolla
2011-2013 Toyota Matrix

Owners will be notified to return to their Toyota dealer to have a noise filter installed between the airbag control module and its wire harness. In some cases, an inspection may be carried out to determine if a noise filter is necessary before installing it.

2014-2019 Ram 1500 Potential Engine Fire

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines because of a vehicle safety problem.

According to the defect report, the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) coolers are susceptible to thermal fatigue and could crack over time. Th crack could allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system and could combust inside the intake manifold, causing a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted there is a problem through a noticeable loss of coolant, lack of heater function and potentially a Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EGR cooler replaced. Dealers will also inspect and replace the intake manifold as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is VB1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-757.

2019-2020 Mazda 3 Unintended Braking

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Mazda will be contacting owners of certain 2019-2020 Mazda 3 cars because of a programming error affecting the forward collision avoidance system.

According to the defect report, incorrect programming of the smart braking system (SBS) control software may cause the vehicle to falsely detect an obstacle and apply the brakes to avoid a collision. If the SBS is unexpectedly activated while driving, the risk of a rear end collision from the following vehicle is possible. Drivers will be warned when the defect is occurring through an audible alarm and a warning message displayed on the dash board.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the SBS software. Vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner’s manual. The recall is expected to begin February 17, 2020. Mazda’s number for this recall is 4219L and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-907.

Mercedes Benz Loss Of Steering

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Daimler will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2019 Mercedes Benz rear drive model vehicles for a problem affecting the steering. The vehicles affected by this recall include:

  • 2015-2019 Mercedes Benz C300
  • 2018-2019 Mercedes Benz C350E
  • 2017-2019 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
  • 2015, 2018 Mercedes Benz C63S AMG
  • 2019 Mercedes Benz CLS450
  • 2018 Mercedes Benz E300
  • 2018 Mercedes Benz E400
  • 2019 Mercedes Benz E450

According to the defect report, a production deviation of the rear wheel drive steering rack lock nut could result in internal material cracks that reduce the nuts strength. If a large lateral force, such as hitting a curb could cause the lock nut to break and the steering to become fixed in one position. There is no advanced warning that the lock nut could fail.

Owners receiving recall notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the steering rack replaced.

Audi R8 Spyder & R8 Coupe Transmission Fluid Vent Hose Leak

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If you are the owner of a 2017-2018 Audi R8 Spyder or R8 Coupe, you may be receiving a manufacturer defect notice for the power train of your vehicle. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during extreme maneuvers the transmission fluid could expand and foam up beyond the expansion volume in the gearbox, causing the transmission fluid to leak out of the gearbox ventilation hose. The fluid could contact hot engine parts, causing smoke and a possible fire.

Dealers will correct the problem by adding a double ventilation hose that has a higher oil expansion volume. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 34J1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-639.