Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2016 Ford Focus Electric vehicles about a problem affecting the power train system. According to the defect report, certain cars manufactured between August 20, 2015 – April 13, 2016, may have been equipped with differential pinion gear bores without a friction reduction coating. The problem could result in localized overheating and eventual fracture of the pinion shaft or pinion gears. Drivers may hear an audible indication of wear prior to a fracture. Continue reading

Nissan is conducting a safety campaign on certain 2016 Nissan Sentra and Leaf vehicles to inspect the passenger side airbag module and main body harness. Due to a supplier error, the front passenger airbag wiring harness connector cylinder may have been manufactured out of specification. The wiring harness connector could disconnect from the airbag module completely.

  • If the connector becomes fully disengaged, a warning lamp will illuminate but the airbag will not deploy in a crash where it is designed to deploy.
  • If the connector becomes partially disengaged, a warning lamp may not illuminate.

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Certain 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4Matic vehicles could experience a loss of power steering assist. According to the defect report, an incorrect torque sensor control calculation may cause a software issue that could lead to temporary deactivation of the power steering assist. The problem will result in increased steering effort, a warning message in the instrument cluster, and an audible warning chime. Continue reading

Certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, equipped with center third row seats or an optional three passenger second row seat, could experience a malfunction of the seat belt system. According to the defect report, the overhead seatbelt bezels could break and trap the seatbelt in the stowed position. Unbelted occupants could suffer additional injuries and/or become a projectile during a crash. Continue reading

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles about problems affecting airbags and the emissions control system.

Last Tuesday, Toyota announced that certain 2010-2012 Toyota Prius and Lexus CT200H cars could have air bag inflators with small cracks in the welds. The problem could lead to the separation of the inflator chambers and an increased risk of injury to occupants.

The automaker announced on Wednesday, that approximately 2.87 million cars may have a fault in the emissions control system. Over time the problem could lead to fuel leaks and an increased chance of a vehicle fire. Certain 2006-2015 Prius, Auris and Corolla models are affected. Continue reading

An investigation into gear shifters problems, suspected to be linked to the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, has been closed by the NHTSA following a recall issued by Chrysler. The vehicles affected are equipped with an 8 speed transmission and a monostable gear selector and include:

According to the defect report, drivers may not be adequately alerted when they exit the vehicle and the transmission is not in the “Park” position. Drivers could be struck and injured if they get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. Continue reading

Delaimer has decided that a problem affecting powertrain safety exists in certain 2016 Mercedez Benz AMG GT S vehicles. According to the defect report, the strength of the adhesive between the drive shaft and the flange might be compromised due to insufficient cleaning of the respective bonding surfaces. The carbon fiber driveshaft could separate from the flange and spin, resulting in loss of traction between the engine and transmission. Drivers will experience loss of motive power.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the carbon driveshaft inspected and replace as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308. MBUSA’s number for this recall is 2016050008 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-308.