Category Archives: Lemon Alert

Ford Escape & Mercury Mariner Fuel Smell & Leaks

Posted on by

Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2010-2012 Ford Escape and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles regarding a problem that could result in a vehicle fire. On certain vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) could develop cracks in the fuel supply port. A fuel leak from the FDM may cause fuel odor or visible fuel on the ground under the fuel tank. Field data shows that vehicles in states with higher ambient temperatures are more likely to experience this problem.

Dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S41 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-777.

2017 Mercedes Benz E300 Inaccurate Fuel Gauge & Stalling Engines

Posted on by

Daimler AG has determined that certain 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 vehicles may have a defect affecting the fuel system wiring. They will be asking owners to return to their dealership for repairs. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the rear seat bench frame could rub against the fuel system control unit wiring. If the wiring harness is damaged, the fuel pump, fuel tank pressure sensor or the fuel gauge could fail.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the fuel system control unit wiring route modified and repair any damaged wires as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V-758.

2016 Honda Civic Brake Warning Indicator Blinks

Posted on by

Honda will be asking owners of certain 2016 Honda Civic two and four door cars equipped with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the parking brake. According to the defect report, the stability assist electronic control unit software could prevent the electric parking brake from engaging immediately after turning the ignition off. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake cannot be applied, the brake warning indicator will blink on the instrument panel for 15 seconds to alert the driver.

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software to allow the braking software to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is KC6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-725.

2017 Subaru Legacy & Outback Safety Restraint Defect

Posted on by

A small number of 2017 Subaru Legacy and 2017 Subaru Outback owners will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the safety restraint system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the knee guard bracket may have been misaligned with the steering beam at the time of welding. If the bracket has not been properly attached, the knee guard may not restrain the occupant under certain conditions.

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding, replacing the beam as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTL-72 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-716.

2016 Kia Optima Driveshaft Noises & Loss Of Power

Posted on by

Kia Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Kia Optima‘s, regarding a problem affecting the right front axle driveshaft. Insufficient welds at the wheel end of the shaft may result in driveshaft cracks. During acceleration from a stopped position, the crack could completely separate, resulting in a loud noise and loss of motive power. If the driver fails to engage the parking brake under these conditions the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle driveshaft replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC139 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-705.

2014-2016 Mazda3 Fuel Leaks

Posted on by

The owners of certain 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. Due to improper handling of the fuel tank, the affected cars may have an Inlet Check Valve (ICV) that could fail. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in an automobile fire.

Depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld and replace the tank as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 0116I and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-684.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Bracket May Loosen

Posted on by

Chrysler will be contacting a small number of 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners about a problem affecting the equipment on their vehicles. In the affected Grand Cherokee’s, the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket may not have been tightened sufficiently. If the tow bracket is loose it could separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard or could result in a loss of control of the tow vehicle. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect both tow hook bracket bolts and tighten them ass necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S73 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-686.

2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 Fuel Smell

Posted on by

Volkswagen has determined that certain 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles may have a defect affecting the fuel line system. According to the technical investigation, the hold function of the under hood fuel pump could fail and cause the under hood fuel hose to become porous and leak. A fuel leak may result in a noticeable fuel smell and a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Audi will notify owners and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 24BZ and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-646.