Category Archives: Lemon Alert

2017 Mercedes Metris ABS Warning & Brake Noises

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Daimler has determined that certain 2017 Mercedes Benz Metris vans may have been manufactured with front axle bearing retaining rings that were not seated correctly. The retaining rings could extend from the steering knuckles allowing the wheel bearing to move out of position. The problem could result in an ABS sensing error warning on the instrument panel, unfamiliar brake noises, unpredictable drive-ability and the loss of a wheel.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle wheel bearing retaining rings inspected and correctly positioned as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the defect can contact Daimler customer service at 1-877-762-8267.

2016 Toyota Prius Engine Shutdown

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A small number of 2016 Toyota Prius owners will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the hybrid propulsion system. Some vehicles were manufactured with an inverter assembly which contains a capacitor that may not have been properly attached to the inverter housing. Over time the terminal of the capacitor may become damaged by normal vehicle vibrations which could eventually result in a hybrid system shut down.

All known owners of the subject vehicles that have not received the repair will be notified directly via telephone to return to their dealerships to have the inverter replaced. Owners wanting more information about the defect may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is H0U and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-658.

Illuminated Airbag Warning Lamp – Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2013 Chrysler 200, 2012-2013 Dodge Avenger and 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles for a problem affecting the occupant restraint controller (ORC). According to the defect report, electrical stress in the ORC could lead to an internal failure which will result in the inability to deploy active headrests during certain rear end crashes. If this happens, it may increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants.

Chrysler will ask owners to return to their dealers to have the ORC inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the defect can contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is T56 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-640.

2015-2017 Maserati Quattroporte Stalling

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Maserati will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2017 Quattroporte GTS vehicles equipped with a V8 3.8 liter engine due to an electrical problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report, a resistor in the low pressure fuel pump could fail as a result of cyle time and temperature fatigue. If the resistor fails, the low pressure pump will stop working, eventually stalling the vehicle. (The vehicles involved in these incidents average a mileage of around 19,500 when the failure occurred.)

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the fuel pump resistor cable assembly. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-510-2369. Maserati’s number for this recall is 359 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-610.

Audi A4, A5 & Q5 Susceptible To Auxiliary Heater Fires

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2016 Audi A4, A5 & Q5 vehicles regarding a problem affecting the electrical connector to the auxiliary heater. According to the defect report, the connector is susceptible to contact corrosion which may cause the auxiliary heater to fail and/or cause the wires to overheat and melt. The problem could result in an electrical fire.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the auxiliary heater replaced, as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s numbers for this recall are 80C5 and 80C6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-622.

2017 Kia Sorento Engine Crankshaft Failure

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Kia will be asking the owners of certain 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles, equipped with 3.3L engines, to return to their dealerships to repair an improperly heat treated crankshaft. According to the defect report, an improperly heat treated crankshaft will produce a cyclic knocking noise from the engine that may result in the illumination of the engine warning lamp. If these warnings are ignored and the vehicle continues to be driven, the crankshaft could fail, the engine vehicle could stall and, under certain conditions, a fire may occur.

Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine sub assembly as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC153 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-586 .

Dodge Durango & Jeep Grand Cherokee – Illuminated Brake Warning Lamp

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Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durangos and 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Chrokees to return to their dealership to inspect the brake booster shield installed under a previous recall (NHTSA 14V-154). Some of these vehicles may have an incorrectly installed shield that could allow water to enter the booster, possibly causing corrosion and limiting the vehicles braking ability. Possible warnings include illumination of the brake warning lamp, high brake pedal effort and/or activation of the anti-lock brake system module.

Dealers will inspect the brake booster shield and correct the installation as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T59 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-572.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq “Check Electric Vehicle System” Warning

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Hyundai will be contacting a small number of 2017 Hyundai Ioniq owners regarding a defect affecting the Electronic Power Control Unit (EPCU) in their car. According to the defect report, the housing for the EPCU may contain small voids that could allow coolant to enter and contact the control unit’s circuit board. If this happens, the board could short and stall the vehicle.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the EPCU inspected and replaced as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 166 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-532.