Tag Archives: manufacturing error

2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Leak

Posted on by

transmission hose leakIn March 2021, Chrysler / FCA USA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (VSRC) organization received information about a potential trend in engine fires in certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

The investigation found the problem to be that certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were manufactured with transmission oil cooler (TOC) hoses with rubber that had been incorrectly cured. The suspect period began on January 19, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2021, when all suspect TOC hoses were removed from vehicle production.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, incorrectly cured rubber could allow the hose to weaken and rupture. Transmission fluid leaking from the ruptured hose could contact an ignition source and lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants, persons outside the vehicle and could result in property damage.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the TOC hoses inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is Y18 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-310.

Mercedes Benz Floor Mat Carpets Wet

Posted on by

An investigation into reports of water intrusion into the passenger compartment of certain 2020-2021 Mercedes Benz GLE and GLS, cars and SUVs has led to a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. Owner notifications are expected to be mailed out in June.

According to the defect report, at the end of May 2019 Mercedes Benz launched an investigation into customer complaints of water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells of certain GLE and GLS vehicles. The investigation revealed a deviation in the assembly process of the air conditioner drain hoses that would allow the drain hose to disconnect and condensation to enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation enters, it could cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components.

NOTE: Drivers may experience problems with door locks and the vehicles emergency call (eCall) feature; the engine may not start or may enter limp-home mode. Sings that the problem exists include wet carpets in the front foot wells and fogged windows.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 GLE350
2020 GLE450
2020 GLE580
2020 GLS450
2020 GLS580
2021 AMG GLE53

Dealers will inspect and correct the installation of the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary. The NHTSA recall Campaign Number is 21V-288.

2021 Cadillac, Chevy And GMC SUV Third Row Seat Belt Problem

Posted on by

A defect affecting occupant safety exist in certain 2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs. General Motors will be contacting owners to return to their dealerships for repairs.

According to the defect report, during installation of the third row seating, one or both outboard seat belts may have been inadvertently entrapped in or miss-routed behind the outboard seat folding mechanism. If a seat belt is routed this way itcould become damaged in the folding mechanism and may not protect occupants during an accident.

If the problem exists, vehicle owners may notice damage to the third row seat belt or may have difficulty latching the belt or operating the third row seat.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

GM dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary. GM’s number for this recall is N202313000 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-190.

2020-22021 Nissan Altima Steering Wheel Vibrations

Posted on by

Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2020-22021 Nissan Altimas, because of a problem affecting the steering in their cars. Approximately 2,407 vehicles are being recalled.

According to the defect report, in December of last year, Nissan became aware of a Nissan Altima owner who reported a loss of steering while driving. The vehicle was towed to a Nissan dealership and an inspection found that the tie rod ball joint fasteners had become loose and fell off. As a result the tie rod ball joint separated from the steering knuckle and steering was lost.  Further investigation found that a back up process had been used during production, that resulted in inconsistent torque control of the torque on the rod ball joint fastener. All vehicles that underwent the back up process during production were audited and 48 loose tie rod ball joint fasteners were found and repaired.

Owner of affected vehicles will be contacted and instructed to return to their dealers to have their Altima inspected. The left and right hand tie rod ball joint fasteners will be tightened to specification and any missing fasteners will be replaced. Nissan’s number for this recall is PC795 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-138.

2021 Chevrolet Tahoe & 2021 GMC Yukon Fuel Smell

Posted on by

General Motors has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 GMC Yukon trucks. They will be contacting owners with instructions to return to their dealerships for repairs.

According to the defect report, a small number of 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021 GMC Yukon vehicles may have been manufactured with fuel tank assemblies that are missing an adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell. Under certain conditions, fuel could start seeping between the layers and could result in a slow fuel leak over time. If fuel were to contact an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire. If a vehicle is experiencing this problem, drivers may notice a fuel odor smell inside and near the vehicle.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the fuel tank replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N212327720 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-064.

Ford & Lincoln Rear End Grinding Noise

Posted on by

In December 2020, Ford opened an investigation into a Ford engineering vehicle that experienced a rear drive unit seizure. The final analysis found that the seizure was the result of inadequate lubrication and that a malfunction during the rear drive unit lubricant fill procedure was the cause of the miss-fill. Further investigation found another ten rear drive units with low lubricant fill level and 3 warranty claims for this condition. As a result, Ford will be recalling certain 2020-2021 Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
2020-2021 Ford Edge
2020 Ford Escape
2021 Lincoln Corsair
2020 Lincoln Nautilus
WARNING: Drivers may hear a metallic grinding or whining sound from the rear of the vehicle prior to a rear drive seizure.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the rear drive unit lubricant level. Axles found to have lubricant at the minimum level will be filled to the full level. Axles found to be below the minimum lubricant fill level will be replaced. Ford’s number for this recall is 21S02 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-011.

Cadillac, Chevy & GMC Seatbelt Safety Defect

Posted on by

General Motors has decided that a seat belt safety issue exists in certain 2020-2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. They will be contacting owners with instructions to return to their dealerships for repairs.

According to the safety report filed with the NHTSA, the wrong seat belt bolt may have been used at one or multiple locations to secure the seat belt to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached and may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Blazer
2021 Chevrolet Camaro
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Canyon
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
2021 GMC Sierra 2500
2021 GMC Sierra 3500
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing any suspect bolts. GM’s number for this recall is N202322230 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-811.

2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV Reduced Braking

Posted on by

A small number of 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV owners will be returning to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the brakes in their vehicles. General Motors has decided that this defect can affect vehicle safety.

According to the defect report, certain 2020 Chevy Bolt EVs may have improperly cast front left brake calipers. (Iron used to manufacture the caliper was not properly treated by the supplier prior to casting.) During a high pressure braking event, the caliper could fracture and brake fluid would be lost to half of the vehicle’s braking system. The problem could result in an unexpected reduction in brake performance and an increased chance of an accident.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the casting lot number of the front left brake caliper inspected and replace as necessary. GM’s number for this recall is N202321400 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-808.