Category Archives: Lemon Alert

Kia Stinger Electrical Short

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Kia Motors will be asking the owners of certain 2018 Stinger cars to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the electrical system of their vehicles. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, a wire harness within the engine on the passenger side could contact a burr on the fender body panel, causing insulation damage and a potential short. The short could generate sufficient heat that it could result in an engine fire. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp or the activation of “limp home mode”.

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage and replace it as necessary. A fender plug and wire harness cover will be installed to prevent future damage. Kia’s number for this recall SC170 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-754.

2012-2018 Ford Focus – Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Indication

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2018 Focus 2.0L GDI and 2.0L GTDI vehicles for a problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report, the power-train control module may not detect a malfunctioning Canister Purge Valve (CPV) stuck in the open position. Excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor management system could deform the the fuel tank, giving inaccurate fuel gauge readings and drivability problems.

Note: Owners are advised to keep the fuel tank at least halfway full until the vehicle has been serviced.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module. They will also check for fault codes and replace the CPV, the carbon canister, fuel tank and fuel delivery module as necessary. Ford’s number for this recall is 18S32 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-735.

2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler Front End Noise

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler’s regarding a problem with the welds on the front track bar bracket. An out of specification weld could result in the bracket separating from the frame. Before complete separation, drivers may experience front end noises, an off center steering wheel position, a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message and light, on the dashboard cluster.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the track bar bracket welds inspected and repaired as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is UA5 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-675.

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.