After trying unsuccessfully four (4) times to have his defective 2014 GMC Sierra 2500 HD repaired, the owner called our offices for advice and to retain our firm. He had a long list of problems affecting the fuel system of his vehicle. These included a defective high-pressure fuel pump, defective fuel temperature sensor, defective fuel rail assembly, fuel leaks corroding protective undercoating and a check engine light that remained on. Continue reading

General Motors has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles equipped with a manual service disconnect (MSD).

The MSD is a shut-off switch designed to disconnect power before servicing. In some vehicles, the MSD was not installed properly and could become loose and disconnect while driving. The engine will stall and may affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.

Dealers will inspect the MSD and seat the connector properly, if necessary. A software update will also be installed to monitor and detect if the high voltage interlock loop (HIVL) is connected correctly. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 51230 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-521.

Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) will be contacting the owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM minivans, regarding a problem that could affect the transmissions in their vehicles. Dimensional variances in the transmission pump rotor pocket could result in seized and broken rotors. If this happens, the transmission will lose hydraulic pressure and the vehicle may lose power.

The vehicles affected include:

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General Motors has decided that a small number of 2016 Buick Verano vehicles may have a problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the engine fuel line assembly was manufactured incorrectly, causing it to be misrouted over the engine. These lines could contact the hot surface of the engine and could fail, causing a fuel leak and a potential engine fire. Continue reading

Mitsubishi will be contacting the owners of certain 2015 Outlander Sports vehicles, about a problem affecting the power train system. The hose clamps on the continuously variable transmission (CVT) may not have been released during the assembly process and could disconnect and drain fluid. While the subject transmission hoses are not located near the exhaust manifold or the battery, transmission fluid in the presence of an ignition source could present a fire hazard. Drivers will be alerted to a problem through an illuminated warning indicator and/ or the vehicle may begin to vibrate slightly. Continue reading

Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks about a problem affecting their vehicles powertrain system. The transfer case main output shaft may have been manufactured misshapen, creating voids that could result in a shaft fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle will lose motive power and the driver may be unable to shift into “PARK”.

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the transfer case. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S48 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-495.

Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2013 Infiniti M35 hybrid vehicles about a software update affecting the propulsion system. These vehicles are equipped with a power train that warns the driver in the event of a cooling system malfunction. If the warning lamp is ignored and the vehicle continues to be operated, the power train control module logic will shut off the engine to prevent damage. If the engine unexpectedly stops while driving, the brake and steering systems remain operational, however, there is an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading