Electrical Short In Battery Of Kia Soul EVs

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Kia will be contacting owners of certain 2015-2019 Kia Soul EVs about a problem that could result in a short circuit in the high voltage battery pack and a potential vehicle fire.

Kia first became aware of the problem in May 2022 when they received reports of smoke from the battery vents located under the passenger seat on a 2017 Kia Soul EV. Kia records showed that the vehicle’s high-voltage battery had been previously replaced under warranty. In October Kia received a second report, involving a 2018 Soul EV. The customer reported the smell of smoke just before the vehicle stalled. Kia performed CT scans and a tear-down analysis for both vehicles but the results were inconclusive due to thermal damage and water intrusion from fire suppression.

As Kia investigated the first two reports they received a third customer complaint of popping noises and smoke coming from the cup holders of a 2018 Soul EV in Hawaii. Kia and the battery supplier inspect vehicle #3 and performed a tear down analysis which found the heat damage was limited to the battery case assembly. The preliminary investigation results were inconclusive and the battery was shipped to the manufacturer for further analysis.

According to the defect report, an electrical short between the anode and cathode of the battery cells can occur with the high-voltage battery pack assembly case. The cause of the electrical short circuit is unknown but believed to be caused by abnormally excessive precipitate within the battery cells.

Although the cause of the electrical short circuit is unknown, Kia has decided to recall all 2018-2019MY Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery and certain 2015-2017MY Soul EV vehicles that had the high voltage battery replaced under warranty with E400 battery.

Dealers will update the battery management system software with new software that will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if an abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 26, 2023. Kia’s number for this recall is SC267 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-218.

There have been three (3) thermal incidents limited to the battery case assembly with no injuries, no crashes, and no fatalities.

2023 Genesis G90 Abnormal Pretensioner Deployment

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Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) will be contacting the owners of certain 2023 Genesis G90 luxury sedans because of a defect affecting the seat belt pretensioners in their vehicles. The problem could result in an increased chance of injury to vehicle occupants.

In October 2022, Hyundai received information pertaining to an investigation into allegations of abnormal seat belt pretensioner deployments in vehicles associated with recalls 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-218, 22V-354, and 22V-458. Recall 22V-816 was initiated as Hyundai continued to evaluate vehicles equipped with the same Samsong pretensioners that had not yet been recalled..

In January, during the continued analysis of the airbag control unit (ACU) crash pulse data recovered from a North Carolina incident, they found that the micro gas generator (MGG) separated despite having a lower pretensioner “time-to-fire”. This was the problem that was previously thought to be the contributor to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe. Because of this information, the North America Safety Office (NASO) decided to conduct a safety recall 012G (23V-094) of Genesis G80, GV60, GV70, and GV80 vehicles equipped with pretensioners without a vent valve. Recall 012G (23V-094) supersedes Recall 009G, obsoleting all affected population(s) of Recall 211/009G (21V-796).

In March, during the review of details surrounding Hyundai’s assessment of the open investigation into the recent recalls, Hyundai noted that the recent recalls address all U.S. vehicles equipped with the subject Samsong seat belt pretensioner excluding Genesis G90 vehicles. The G90 contains the same seat belt pretensioners but because it is installed facing outward and away from occupants, fragments entering the cabin area and injuring occupants are significantly less likely to happen. Based on this information, the NASO decided to conduct a safety recall (013G) of Genesis G90 vehicles equipped with pretensioners without a vent valve. NHTSA campaign number 23V-210.

According to the defect report, the subject vehicles are equipped with frontal/rear pyrotechnic-type seat belt pretensioners that could deploy abnormally in certain crash conditions. The problem is due to the over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe. Depending on specific vehicle characteristics such as pretensioner load limiter specification, the airbag control unit logic, crash duration/severity, and micro-gas generator orientation, occupants could experience an increased risk of injury.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to have the seat belt pretensioner’s micro gas generator and delivery pipe secured with a cap to prevent potential abnormal deployment.

Volvo Emergency Call False Warning Message

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Volvo Car USA, the American arm of the Swedish automaker, has announced that it will be contacting owners of certain 2023 Volvo vehicles regarding a problem that could lead to the failure of the e-call system, a crucial safety feature in modern cars.

Volvo first became aware of the problem in March 2023, when a customer reported a false warning message being displayed on the Driver Information Module (DIM). Upon investigation, it was discovered that the problem was related to the Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM), which could mis-detect a communication failure with the Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) during a software download.

The issue was escalated to the Critical Concern Action Process (CCAP) and subsequently to the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) for further review. After a thorough analysis of the data, the decision was made to issue a recall for the affected vehicles.

2023 Volvo C40
2023 Volvo S60
2023 Volvo V60CC
2023 Volvo XC40
2023 Volvo XC60
2023 Volvo XC90

Although there will be no actual loss of expected functions, the falsely set Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) could lead to confusion in case of an actual emergency, increasing the risk of no emergency response. Therefore, it is imperative that owners of affected vehicles take this recall seriously and get their vehicles updated as soon as possible.

The recall has been assigned the Volvo Car’s number R10225, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-188. It is worth noting that such recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers routinely monitor their vehicles for issues, to ensure that their vehicles remain safe.

In conclusion, Volvo Car USA will be updating the software in certain 2023 Volvo vehicles to address the e-call system issue. The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its customers. It is recommended that owners of the affected vehicles take the recall seriously and bring their vehicles in for the necessary software update as soon as possible.

2020-2023 Jeep Wrangler Fuel Leak

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Some 2020-2023 model-year Jeep Wrangler vehicles may have been built with an unnecessary and unused frame stud that could puncture the fuel tank, potentially starting a fire. The suspect period began in October 2019, when frames with the extra frame stud were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on May 14, 2022, when frames with the frame stud were no longer used. The frames involved are Mopar Frame Assembly’s and the NHTSA Campaign Number is 23E-023.

The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) opened an investigation into the problem as a result of an assembly plant report of some frames containing an extra frame stud. FCA reviewed supplier data, met with engineering to understand the frame design and change history, and review frame and vehicle measurement data. Although there have been no warranty claims or field reports related to the problem, the FCA TSRC have decided to conduct a recall on all affected vehicles.

According to the defect report, some Mopar frame assemblies may have been manufactured with an extra frame stud that, when installed in a vehicle, could contact the fuel tank. Over time, the problem could result in a fuel leak and an increased chance of a fire.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Chrysler dealer to have their vehicle inspected. If there is a potential problem, the frame stud will be removed and the area will be painted. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 28A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-191.

If you are having repeated problems with your Jeep Wrangler and you think it could be a Lemon, or if you have any questions about your rights under the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 or fill in the “Case Review” form at the top of this page, and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Is Your Volkswagen ID.4 A Lemon?

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The Volkswagen ID.4 is a popular electric vehicle that has been making waves in the automotive industry since its release in 2021. However, like any other vehicle, the ID.4 has not been immune to problems, complaints, and recalls.

One of the most significant problems reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s software. There have been multiple complaints of the software malfunctioning, resulting in issues such as loss of power, sudden deceleration, and even complete shutdown of the vehicle. These issues have led to multiple recalls of the ID.4, with Volkswagen issuing software updates to address the problem.

Another complaint reported by ID.4 owners is related to the vehicle’s charging capabilities. There have been complaints about the charging process being slow or inconsistent, with some reports that the vehicle fails to charge altogether. While this issue has not led to any recalls, it is something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure that the ID.4 remains a competitive electric vehicle option.

There have also been several complaints regarding the ID.4’s braking system. Some drivers have reported that the brakes are unresponsive, while others have complained about excessive brake wear. These issues have not resulted in any recalls, but they are cause for concern and something that Volkswagen needs to address to ensure the safety of its drivers.

In addition to these issues, there have been a few recalls associated with the Volkswagen ID.4. The most recent recall involves certain 2023 ID4 rear-wheel drive vehicles. The 12-Volt battery charging cable may contact the steering column shaft and cause the cable insulation to wear, possibly resulting in a short circuit. As a precaution, owners of affected vehicles are advised to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles due to the potential risk of a vehicle fire.

In conclusion, while the Volkswagen ID.4 is a promising electric vehicle option, it has had its fair share of problems and complaints. From issues with the software to problems with the charging and braking systems, there are areas where Volkswagen needs to improve the vehicle. However, it is reassuring to see that Volkswagen has been proactive in addressing these issues, with recalls and software updates aimed at improving the driving experience and ensuring the safety of its drivers.

Slow Battery Replacement On Some Chevrolet Bolt EVs

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We are still receiving inquiries concerning Chevy Bolts. GM continues to work on replacing the batteries in the 2017-2021 Bolts, but it seems as though progress has slowed dramatically in the replacement of the 2020 and 2021 vehicles. In the meantime, GM continues to sell 2022 and now 2023 with the new generation batteries, which of course begs the question as to why the batteries in the 2022 and 2023 Bolts are not first finding their way into the 2020 and 2021 Bolts. Unfortunately, we do not have an answer to this. We will continue to accept Chevy Bolt cases until every Bolt owner can be assured that their vehicle is safe for their family.

The Chevrolet Bolt was one of the first electric vehicles to gain mainstream popularity. It was marketed as an affordable and practical EV with a range of over 200 miles on a single charge. However, the Bolt has been plagued with battery problems that have affected its reliability and safety.

One of the main issues with the Bolt is the slow replacement of its battery. Unlike gasoline-powered cars, EV batteries are not interchangeable, and replacing them can take weeks or even months. This is because the process involves removing the entire battery pack, shipping it to a specialized facility, and replacing it with a new one. The slow replacement process has left many Bolt owners stranded without their cars for extended periods.

Despite these battery problems, GM is still manufacturing new Bolt vehicles. This has raised concerns among consumers about whether the company has fully addressed the underlying issues with Bolt’s battery. GM has released several recalls related to the battery problem, including 20V-701, 21V-560, and 21V-650. These recalls aim to fix the issue by updating Bolt’s software to prevent battery fires and reducing the charging capacity to prevent battery degradation.

However, the repeated problems with the Bolt’s battery have led many to question its reliability. If a car experiences the same problem repeatedly, it may be considered a “lemon.” A lemon is a car that has a substantial defect that cannot be fixed despite multiple repair attempts. In the case of the Bolt, repeated battery problems could mean that the car is defective and not fit for purpose.

If you own a Chevy Bolt and have experienced repeated battery problems, contact us at 1-888-395-3666 to explore your options. Lemon laws protect consumers from defective products and ensure that they receive compensation or a replacement vehicle if their car is a lemon.

In conclusion, the Chevy Bolt’s battery problems have affected its reliability and safety. The slow battery replacement process has left many owners stranded without their cars for extended periods. Despite several recalls, the repeated battery problems have raised concerns about the Bolt’s reliability and whether it is a lemon. If you own a Chevy Bolt and have experienced repeated battery problems, it is crucial to explore your options under the lemon law and protect your rights as a consumer.

Honda And Acura Seat Belt Safety Issue

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Honda has announced that certain 2018-2020 Honda and Acura vehicles have been found to have a seat belt safety defect. The defect relates to the seat belt buckle channel surface coating, which can degrade over time at low temperatures. This degradation can cause interference between the buckle channel and the release button, increasing friction and leading to issues with the seat belt buckle latching.

The affected vehicles include the 2019-2020 Acura RDX, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, 2018-2019 Honda Accord Hybrid, 2017-2020 Honda CR-V, 2019 Honda Insight, and 2018-2020 Honda Odyssey. If you are the registered owner of one of these vehicles, you will be contacted by the manufacturer and asked to return to your authorized Honda dealer for repairs.

The problem with the seat belt buckle latching issues was first noticed by Honda in June 2019. An investigation was opened, which included durability testing on new seat belt parts. It was during this testing that they noticed the trend of seat belt buckle latching issues in certain vehicles. The investigation ultimately found that the seat belt buckle channel for the driver and front passenger seat belts were manufactured out of specification.

As a result of this defect, Honda has received 301 warranty claims related to the issue between March 22, 2019, and January 16, 2023. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths related to this issue.

Honda’s recall numbers for this issue are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-158. If you own one of the affected vehicles, it is important that you take action as soon as possible to have the necessary repairs completed.

It is worth noting that if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle and feel that it may be a lemon, you may have legal recourse under California’s lemon law. This law provides protection to consumers who have purchased or leased a defective vehicle that the manufacturer has been unable to repair after a reasonable number of attempts. The lemon law applies to new and used vehicles and can provide for a full refund or replacement of the vehicle. So, if you have experienced ongoing issues with your Honda or Acura vehicle, it may be worth consulting with a qualified lemon law attorney to explore your legal options.

Nissan Ariya EV – Loose Steering Wheel

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Nissan has initiated a voluntary safety recall for certain 2023 Nissan Ariya EVs that underwent a recent port modification activity to replace the steering wheel due to a quality issue. The modification required the replacement of the vehicle’s steering wheel, which could have led to an inadvertent application of incorrect torque settings to the steering wheel bolt by the technician. In certain cases, the steering wheel bolt may not have been installed, causing the steering wheel to experience some play or potentially separate from the steering column if pulled toward the driver. This can increase the risk of a crash. Owners are advised to contact their dealer immediately for transport and repair if they notice excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel.

Nissan first became aware of the issue in January 2023, following a report from one of their dealers about a loose steering wheel found on a 2023 Ariya vehicle. An investigation found the steering wheel center bolt was completely missing. After receiving a second report of a loose steering wheel and missing steering wheel bolt on another 2023 Ariya vehicle in February, Nissan opened an investigation and identified that both vehicles had been serviced by the same technician during the port modification activity.

In response, Nissan launched a dealer quality action to inspect the steering wheels on 418 Ariya vehicles in dealer inventory that was previously repaired as part of the port modification activity. One additional Ariya vehicle with a loose steering wheel was identified during the audit, and an investigation found that the incorrect torque had been applied to the affected steering wheel bolt during the port modification activity. Out of an abundance of caution, Nissan decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to remedy all vehicles included in the port modification activity.

To address the issue, dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt, and Nissan’s recall number for this issue is PC956, while the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-131.