A small number of Mazda car owners will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem affecting the steering system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during installation of the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle, the lower mounting nuts and bolts may have been insufficiently tightened. The bolts could loosen resulting in an increasing rattle noise over time. If the problem is not repaired, the front strut assembly and steering knuckle could completely separate. Drivers could experience a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading
Category Archives: Lemon Alert
2016 Toyota Sienna Seat Belts Could Separate
Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Toyota Sienna vehicles about a problem that could leave occupants unsecured during a collision. The subject vehicles may have been equipped with an incorrect front seat belt height adjuster. In the event of a collision with significant loads, there is a possibility that the stresses could cause the adjuster to separate, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Continue reading
2016 Nissan Maxima and Murano Brake Problem
The owners of certain 2016 Nissan Maxima and Murano vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report, some vehicles were manufactured with an ABC actuator with a damaged o-ring. During ABS and VDC operation, the brake fluid pressure may not be properly controlled and could result in lengthened distance needed to stop the vehicle. Continue reading
Ford Explorer & Lincoln MKC Risk Of Engine Fire
Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Ford Explorer and 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and block heaters, about a problem that could result in an engine fire. According to the defect report, the design of the block heater area, coupled with the engine installation angle and the length of the block heater element, could result in overheating. Drivers may notice engine coolant leaks, an illuminated check engine light, poor vehicle heater performance and /or heat damage to the electrical connector on the engine block heater. Continue reading
BMW Airbag Control Module Problem
BMW will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 740LI, 750LI, and 750LXI cars because their vehicles may be equipped with airbag control modules that were not produced to specifications. A supplier manufacturing error could result in small metallic particles adhering to the inside of the air bag control module housing. Under driving conditions involving excessive vibration or acceleration, particles could separate from the housing and contact the control module circuit board, causing a short circuit. The problem will result in an airbag reset where the air bag will be temporarily inactive and an air bag warning lamp alert. Continue reading
2016 Tesla Model X Rear Seat Safety Defect
Tesla will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Model X crossover SUVs about a safety problem affecting the third row seating. According to the defect report, variations in recliner manufacturing could lead to insufficient tooth engagement and failure to meet the required holding torque specification. In a severe collision the seat could exhibit excessive forward movement, increasing the chance of injury to occupants. Continue reading
2011 Hyundai Sonata Loss Of Power Steering
Hyundai will be sending notices to certain 2011 Sonata owners instructing them to return to their dealership to fix a problem affecting the Electronic Power Steering (EPS). According to the defect report, a change in the manufacturing process of the protective coating on the circuit board in the EPS control unit could result in damage to the circuit board over time. If this happens, drivers may notice an illumination EPS warning lamp accompanied by a loss of steering assist and increased steering effort. Continue reading
2016 Nissan Frontier Starter Motor Electrical Short
Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Nissan Frontier V6 vehicles about a problem affecting the starter motor wire harness. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the harness may have been installed incorrectly, allowing the harness terminal to contact the heat shield. The resulting electrical short could increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Continue reading
