A failing fuel pump relay within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) of certain 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles could result in drivers experiencing stalling and a no start condition. The cause has been identified as a deformation of the relay contact spring due to ambient heat around the pump relay. The vehicle may intermittently or permanently not start, not start the first time, not stay running, or the fuel pump may continue running when the vehicle has been shut off. Continue reading
2010-2014 Ferrari 458 Trunk Latch Safety Problem
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard (FMVSS) No. 401, requires that all vehicles have a release mechanism installed in the trunk that will make it possible for a person to open the trunk from the inside. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, certain 2010-2014 Ferrari 458 Italia and Spider vehicles may not comply to this standard. Ferrari has determined that vehicles manufactured prior to a running change made in May 2013 may not release the secondary latch when the vehicle is stationary. If a person was to become trapped in the trunk it will increases the risk of personal injury and possible death. Continue reading
2013-2014 Ford Escape And Focus Vehicle Engine Stalls
Ford will be asking owners of some 2013–2014 Escape SUV’s and 2013–2014 Focus ST cars, equipped with 2.0 litre engines, to return their vehicles to a Ford dealership to repair a problem that could result in the engine hesitating and stalling.
According to reports filed at the NHTSA website, a splice in the engine wiring harness may have not been sufficiently crimped. The innsufficient crimp could result in a high resistance to the engine sensor circuits, causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate, reduced engine power, hesitation, rough running, or stalling without warning. An unexpected engine stall could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
2010 Jaguar KF Buyback For Repeated Defects
The owner of a 2010 Jaguar KF contacted us in October 2010 about problems she was having with her new car. She purchased the vehicle in December 2009 and had already given a Jaguar dealer at least six (6) opportunities to correct defects. These flaws included electrical system problems, a defective computer system, no start condition, defective instrument cluster, defective lighting system, defective water pump, and the SES light remains on. Continue reading
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Control Arm Failure
A small number of 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder owners will be notified by the manufacturer to return their cars to an approved dealership to repair a problem that could result in difficulty controlling the vehicle. According to reports, internal tests have shown that the rear axle control arms from a certain production batch may not meet the required specification. This reduced durability, under severe use or after an extended period of time, could result in the connecting links of a control arm to break. This unexpected reduced control of the vehicle could increase the chance of an accident. Continue reading
2014 BMW i3 and Mini Cooper Airbag Problem
An incorrectly assembled airbag will have a small number of BMW owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to correct the problem. The vehicles affected include the 2014 BMW i3 and 2014 Mini Cooper hardtop. BMW has already informed drivers to keep the front passenger seat empty until the problem can be corrected. Continue reading
Are Customer Satisfaction Campaigns Affecting Vehicle Safety?
Customer satisfaction campaigns, also known as secret warranties or silent recalls, is a practice used by automobile manufacturers to correct relatively minor issues that could affect driver’s comfort or the vehicle’s appearance. Instead of dealing with thousands of customers, the manufacturer deals with complaints on a case by case basis. In many cases, those who are unaware that a satisfaction campaign exists, end up paying for the manufacturing mistake. Continue reading
2014 Ford C-Max and Focus Steering Defect
A safety defect in the steering system of certain 2014 Ford C-Max and Focus vehicles will have customers returning their cars for repairs. According to reports on the NHTSA website, on August 12, 2014, Ford was notified by their steering gear supplier that some gears were produced with less than the intended number of ball bearings. Steering gears with this condition could experience deformation and degradation of the ball bearings which could result in loss of steering control. Continue reading
