Ford Mustang Mach-E Battery Problems Continue

Posted on by

ford-mustang-mach-e

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E gained significant attention for its sleek design and promising performance. However, beneath its exterior allure, a complex challenge emerged that put the spotlight on battery-related issues. In June 2022, Ford Motor Company took steps to issue a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-412) for a range of Mustang Mach-E vehicles, acknowledging battery problems that had the potential to impact both safety and performance.

2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Battery Recall

The safety recall was prompted by concerns related to high voltage battery main contactors. These components, integral to the functioning of the vehicle’s battery system, were at risk of overheating. The primary culprits behind this issue were the effects of direct current (DC) fast-charging and frequent aggressive acceleration events, which placed excessive stress on these contactors. Overheating, led to arcing or deformation of the electrical contact surfaces. Perhaps the most alarming consequence was the potential for a contactor to remain open, resulting in a sudden loss of motive power during driving. This raised significant safety concerns due to the increased risk of accidents resulting from unexpected power loss.

The Office of Defects Investigation

The recall was further complicated by the involvement of the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Following the initial recall (22V-412) involving approximately 48,924 vehicles, the ODI received a series of consumer complaints. These complaints highlighted incidents of high voltage battery main contactor failures even after the prescribed remedy had been implemented. This indicated that the initial software updates, aimed at temperature monitoring and power reduction, might not have fully resolved the underlying issues. This discrepancy called into question the effectiveness of the initial recall and the adequacy of its remedy.

Ford’s Response

In response to the ongoing concerns, Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin TSB 23-2020 which focused on replacing the High Voltage Battery Junction Box (HVBJB) in the affected vehicles. The HVBJB is a crucial component that facilitates the connection between various parts of the high voltage battery system. Consumers who had experienced a loss of motive power post the initial recall were directed towards this bulletin. The bulletin aimed to ensure that the remedy for the contactor failures was comprehensive and addressed any lingering issues.

Addressing The Problem

The complexity of addressing battery-related problems in the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E underscored the challenges of integrating advanced EV technology into mainstream vehicles. The initial recall and its subsequent developments shed light on the interplay between software solutions and hardware replacements. While software updates were intended to mitigate the risks, the need for a hardware replacement (HVBJB) became evident as consumer complaints persisted.

Conclusion

The battery problems encountered by the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles served as a valuable lesson for both automakers and consumers in the evolving world of electric vehicles. The recall (22V-412), the Office of Defects Investigation’s involvement, and Ford’s multi-faceted response emphasized the importance of thorough and quick problem-solving in this rapidly advancing domain. As the automotive industry continues to innovate, experiences like these pave the way for safer and more reliable electric vehicles in the future.

2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Lemon Vehicle

If you find yourself grappling with persistent issues in your 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicle, the California Lemon Law can offer you a potential lifeline. Designed to protect consumers from purchasing or leasing defective vehicles, this law provides a pathway to relief if your vehicle is deemed a “lemon.” If your Mustang Mach-E experiences substantial defects that impair its use, safety, or value, and these issues persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts within the vehicle’s warranty period, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of the purchase price. The California Lemon Law serves as a crucial safeguard, empowering you to take decisive action to address your vehicle’s ongoing problems and helping you move forward with confidence.

2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Airbag May Deploy Improperly

Posted on by

Vehicle safety is paramount, and when vehicle manufacturers fall short in ensuring your protection, it’s essential to understand your rights as a consumer. In a recent development, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall affecting certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to potential issues with the passenger side instrument panel airbag. If you’re a Chevrolet Bolt EV owner facing this concerning situation, a Lemon Law lawyer can be your ally in navigating this complex scenario. Read on to discover more about this recall, its implications, and how legal expertise can safeguard your rights.

The recall revolves around a crucial safety component – the passenger side instrument panel airbag. Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs may have been manufactured with an alarming problem that could lead to improper airbag deployment. The concern arises when the airbag perforation is missing or compromised. In such cases, the passenger side airbag may not deploy as intended during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

GM was made aware of this potential safety issue in June 2023 when a supplier quality engineer received notification from a supplier about the possibility of some 2022 and 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs lacking the necessary passenger side airbag perforation. Following this notification, an investigation was launched, and a specific group of vehicles, totaling 403, was identified as suspects in the potential defect.

Owners of the affected Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be contacted by GM with specific instructions. It is essential to heed this call to action. Returning to your dealership for a passenger side instrument panel airbag replacement is imperative. This action will ensure your vehicle’s airbag system functions correctly, safeguarding your safety and the well-being of your passengers. To facilitate the recall process, GM has assigned a unique recall number: N232414170. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated this recall with the campaign number 23V-567.

If you find yourself entangled in this recall, you might encounter challenges in coordinating the repair process with your dealership or facing uncertainties about your legal rights. This is where a Lemon Law lawyer becomes an invaluable asset. With their expertise, they can help you navigate the legal intricacies, ensuring that your rights are upheld and that the manufacturer takes the necessary steps to address the defect promptly. Your Lemon Law lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Steering Fracture

Posted on by

When it comes to your safety on the road, a reliable and functional steering system is paramount. Unfortunately, General Motors, LLC (GM) has recently issued a recall for certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles due to a potential steering gear shaft defect that could pose serious risks. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this recall, GM’s response, and how a Lemon Law lawyer can help if you’re affected by this issue.

GM has identified a critical concern in some 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The issue revolves around the steering gear shaft, which has the potential to fracture and disconnect from the steering arm. This alarming discovery was brought to light in June 2023 during an alignment operation, when a GM quality engineer stumbled upon a fractured steering gear shaft on a 2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD truck. GM’s thorough investigation traced the root cause to the use of out-of-specification materials combined with improper heat treatment. This unfortunate combination can result in steering gear shaft parts with material properties that fall outside acceptable specifications, ultimately leading to the fracture of the shaft.

The repercussions of this defect are both concerning and dangerous. The steering gear shaft, if compromised, may fracture and detach from the steering (pitman) arm. Such an occurrence renders the driver unable to steer the vehicle effectively, dramatically increasing the risk of a potential crash. It’s essential for vehicle owners to recognize the seriousness of this situation and take immediate action.

In response to this critical safety concern, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority acted swiftly. In July 2023, they decided to initiate a safety recall for the affected vehicles. If you own one of the affected models, GM will contact you with instructions on returning to your nearest dealership. There, your steering gear will be thoroughly inspected, and if necessary, replaced. To identify this recall, GM has assigned it the recall number N232414720, and it is also associated with the NHTSA campaign number 23V-549.

If you find yourself entangled in this recall, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a consumer. This is where a Lemon Law lawyer can make a significant difference. Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers who have purchased faulty vehicles, ensuring that manufacturers rectify the situation. Your Lemon Law lawyer can guide you through the legal processes, helping you navigate the intricacies of the law to ensure you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

In light of GM’s recent recall of certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles due to a steering gear shaft defect, prioritizing your safety on the road has never been more important. Stay informed, heed the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you encounter any challenges along the way, remember that a Lemon Law lawyer is here to safeguard your rights and help you achieve a fair resolution. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount, and by taking appropriate action, you can ensure a secure driving experience.

2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Airbag Safety

Posted on by

airbagCertain 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles could experience a compromised side curtain air bag (SABIC) deployment due to an improperly seated upper B-pillar. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for ejection mitigation.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) became aware of the problem in June 2022 when the FCA technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was informed of a potential issue related to the upper B-pillar trim that could result in a compromised SABIC deployment in some 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. FCA analyzed warranty claims, customer records and vehicle history to identify reports of improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. They held meetings with FCA Interior Engineering and Manufacturing to review the issue and understand the part design failure mode.

According to the defect report, when the ejection propulsion mechanism propels the ejection impactor into the impact target locations of each side daylight opening of a vehicle according to the test procedures specified in S5 of this standard, the most outboard surface of the ejection head form must not displace more than 100 millimeters beyond the zero displacement plane. Vehicles with the upper B-pillar trim not fully seated may have a compromised side airbag inflatable curtain deployment that may not meet this requirement. A compromised deployment of the SABIC can reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash, resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. If a vehicle has this problem, the driver may notice a loose fit and/or rattle in the B-pillar.

This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the vehicle may have been built with an improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. The remedy will be to inspect and, if necessary, reseat or replace all loose or broken upper B-pillar interior trim pieces. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 76A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-545.

Electric Oil Pump Failure May Cause Fire

Posted on by

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and Kia America, Inc. (Kia) are contacting owners of certain 2023-2024 vehicles because these vehicles are potentially affected by a critical issue related to the electric oil pump assembly. The problem could lead to a vehicle fire.

According to the defect report, the problem lies in a Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) located on the printed circuit board within the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) electric oil pump assembly for the transmission. During the manufacturing process, the MLCC may have incurred damage from the supplier. This damage can have severe consequences on the electrical operation of the pump, leading to heat damage to the electric oil pump circuit board, connector, and wiring harness.

The consequences of this heat damage are twofold. Firstly, it escalates the risk of a vehicle fire, which can pose a significant threat to both the occupants and the vehicle itself. Secondly, there is a potential for a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication disruption for multiple onboard controllers. This disruption could lead to operational issues and compromises in the vehicle’s performance.

A range of 2023-2024 Hyundai and Kia models have been identified as being susceptible to this issue. The affected vehicles include:

The vehicles affected include:

2023 Hyundai Elantra
2023 Hyundai Kona
2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade
2023 Hyundai Sonata
2023 Hyundai Tucson
2023-2024 Kia Seltos
2023 Kia Soul
2023 Kia Sportage

Drivers may notice smoke from the vehicle’s under-body, a burning or melting odor or an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light and other system dashboard warning lamps.

To address this potential problem, Hyundai and Kia are taking immediate action by issuing a recall. Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified and requested to schedule an appointment with their nearest Hyundai or Kia dealerships. During the inspection process, the electric oil pump controller will be inspected, and if necessary, replaced to ensure optimal performance and safety.

As a precautionary measure until the recall repair is completed, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures. This will minimize the potential risk of a vehicle fire and provide added safety for both the vehicle and surrounding property.

For reference, Hyundai has designated the recall with the number 246, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-526. Meanwhile, Kia has assigned the recall with the number SC275, and the associated NHTSA campaign number is 23V-531.

Jaguar I-Pace Coolant Heater Failure

Posted on by

Rrecently, Jaguar has faced an issue with a small number of its 2021-2022 I-Pace vehicles, where a high voltage coolant heater failure could lead to a defroster malfunction, posing potential risks to the drivers. In response to customer complaints and reports of cabin heating loss, a Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) investigation was initiated in April 2022. The findings revealed a concerning trend, prompting Jaguar to take action and issue a recall.

Jaguar became aware of the potential problem in April 2022 when they began receiving reports of a loss of cabin heating in specific I-Pace models. In response, the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) launched an investigation into the matter. An engineering team was assembled to look into the nature of these reports to identify the potential failure modes, and understand their potential consequences.

Throughout the investigation Jaguar collaborated with the component suppliers to determine the underlying factors contributing to these reported field failures. As the investigation progressed, the PSCC requested a detailed analysis of high voltage coolant heater build periods to ascertain whether there was any discernible pattern or trend associated with the failure occurrences. By analyzing the data from various sources, the team worked to identify any consistent factors that might help them understand the root cause of the issue.

After an examination of the investigation’s outcome in June 2023, it was determined that the consequences of a high voltage coolant heater failure, coupled with the identified trend and pattern of incidents, were significant enough to warrant an immediate recall. The decision to recall the affected vehicles was made to mitigate any potential risks.

Owners of the affected vehicles are being contacted by Jaguar, requesting them to return to their nearest Jaguar dealership for a high voltage coolant heater replacement.

The recall, identified by Jaguar as H448, is officially registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), campaign number 23V-519. To date, there have been 64 field reports in the United States related to this issue.

Ford F-150 Unintended Activation of Electric Parking Brake

Posted on by

f150-braking

Ford has been monitoring certain 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with single exhaust systems due to potential issues with the electric parking brake. Reports have surfaced indicating an unexpected activation of the parking brake, sparking concern among owners and the automaker alike. In response, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched an investigation to assess the problem’s magnitude and potential root causes.

The initial investigation began after Ford received troubling reports of unintended parking brake application on a 2021 model year F-150 truck. Warranty and field reports revealed signs of damage to the wiring harness housing the rear electric parking brake circuits. Such damage raised red flags, necessitating a closer look to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.

Looking deeper into the issue, Ford’s team of experts discovered that the damaged wiring was a component of the rear axle wiring harness assembly. This particular harness assembly not only houses wires for the rear electric parking brakes but also serves other essential electrical components. The investigation highlighted that, in certain scenarios, the rear axle wiring harness bundle could make contact with the rear axle housing, leading to chafing of the wiring bundle.

Over time, this chafing effect could wear through the abrasion-resistant tape and circuit insulation, ultimately exposing the underlying copper wiring. The consequence of this exposure could be the grounding of circuits on the rear axle housing, which in turn could cause unintended activation of the electric parking brake. Adding to the complexity, corrosion on the rear axle housing could accelerate the abrasion process, compounding the problem.

Ford’s engineering team took the investigation further by conducting comprehensive vehicle-level testing and data analysis. The goal was to understand the implications of damaged circuits within the wiring harness bundle. They discovered that if the low side electric parking brake motor circuit experienced a short to ground, it could trigger the unintended activation of the electric parking brake, potentially leading to hazardous situations.

Ford are initiating a recall to resolve this issue. Owners of affected vehicles will receive official notices instructing them to take their vehicles to authorized Ford or Lincoln dealers for thorough inspections of the rear axle wiring harness.

During the inspection, if the technicians observe any wear on the abrasion tape covering the wire bundle, the suspect harness will be replaced with a new service harness. In cases where the abrasion tape shows no signs of wear, the dealer will take preventive measures by installing a protective tie strap and tape wrap, ensuring the wiring remains secure and safeguarded against future issues.

Ford is aware of 918 warranty and three field reports in North America for the wire chafing condition. Of these reports, 299 indicated that the electric parking brake had unintended activation, of which nineteen (19) allege electric parking brake application while driving. Ford has assigned a recall number to this campaign, which is 23S35. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the campaign as number 23V-509.

Ford Fusion PHEV Battery Problem
Risk Of Stall Or Fire

Posted on by

Ford Fusion with smoke from trunk

Certain Ford Fusion PHEV vehicles may experience damage to their Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) due to excessive voltage and current flow. This issue can lead to a loss of motive power and pose safety risks such as the possibility of a crash or a localized fire around the BECM. Ford is currently working on a fix for this safety issue.

Problem was first discovered in July 2022, when Ford’s Trend and Early Warning Support (TEWS) team alerted the Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) about five fire reports involving 2019 Fusion PHEV vehicles equipped with 30Ah high voltage batteries. These fires occurred while the vehicles were at dealerships during a replacement BECM service to address various issues like voltage sense Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), check engine light, no start, or loss of motive power concerns. Ford’s High Voltage Battery Systems Team conducted an analysis and determined that the fires originated from the BECM. Further examination by the supplier revealed that the Current Interrupt Device (CID) had been activated in the high voltage battery cells of the affected units, though the reason behind this activation remains unknown. Due to the rate and severity of the concern, Ford’s CCRG initiated an investigation.

In February 2023, Ford published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that advises replacing the high voltage battery if vehicles come in for service with one or more voltage sense DTCs, instead of just replacing the BECM. This measure aims to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.

While a permanent remedy is under development, Ford urges owners not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is implemented. To ensure owners are aware of the safety risk, interim letters have been sent to them as of July 14, 2023. Second letters will follow once the remedy becomes available. This recall is identified as 23S33 by Ford, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-440.