A recent investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles has been widened to include some 2012 models. The investigation was open last March after complaints of engine fires was reported in two 2011 Chevy Cruze vehicles, but additional reports of fires in some 2012 vehicles has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the newer models. According to the investigation reports, the probe is focusing on electrical wiring and the transmission control module. If the probe leads to a recall, over 370,000 vehicles could be involved.
Tag Archives: electrical problem
Chrysler Brake And Stability Problem
Chrysler has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011-2012 Chrysler 300 and 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles for electrical problems. According to Chrysler, the plastic insert surrounding the fuse for the power distribution center could distort due thermal expansion and contraction. This distortion could interrupt power to the anti-locking braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) system, making them inoperable. Chrysler will fix the problem by relocating the fuse to a cooler area. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
BMW Turbo Engine Fire Problem
BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain vehicles equipped with 8 or 12 cylinder turbocharged engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump could overheat and smolder, and could eventually lead to a fire in the engine compartment. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
Honda CR-V And Pilot Headlight Problem
Honda has announced a recall for certain 2002-2004 CR-V and 2003 Pilot vehicles because of a manufacturing problem that could lead to loss of low beam headlights. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tension on the switch wiring harness could lead to excessive wear of the terminal, increasing the electrical resistance. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without low beam headlights. Honda will repair or replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Ford Windshield Wiper Failure
Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 Focus vehicles because the passenger side motor could fail. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a seal in the wiring harness connector on the passenger side could be missing. Water and contaminant could accumulate in the connector resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper. Ford will inspect, clean, and properly seal the connector, or replace the wiper motor as necessary. Ford will be notifying owners starting May 21. For more information on the problem, contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Fire Warning For BMW Vehicles
BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain 2004-2010 model year vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have not been installed properly to the trunk floor panel. If the connection loosens, the increased electrical resistance could cause the cable connection to overheat, and could cause a fire. BMW is advising owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem has been fixed, because overheating could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. The models involved in the recall include:
Owners can contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 for more information about the problem.
GM Replaces Charge Cord On Volts
Complaints from Chevrolet Volt owners about charging cords overheating and melting have been met with a GM customer satisfaction initiative that will have the 120V charging chords replaced. The initiative will cover all 2011 and certain 2012 version of the hybrid electric car. According to GM spokesman Randal Fox, the new cord will be a larger wire gauge making it more durable and able to withstand higher temperatures. The initiative is not a safety recall, but an effort by GM to offer a more consistent charging experience. GM will contact owners about the new cord in a few weeks.
This Chevrolet Volt cord replacement follows an announcement in January, that had owners bringing in their vehicles to have steel plates added around the Volt Battery. These plates are installed to spread the force of an impact over a larger surface area preventing the battery from being damaged. This battery upgrade came after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) experienced a battery fire three weeks after crash tests were done on a Volt.
Infiniti Fuel System Inaccuracies
Nissan is recalling certain 2003-2004 Infiniti M45 vehicles for an electrical problem that could leave drivers stranded. Because of a circuit board failure, the fuel gauge may read at a higher level than actually exists in the tank. Owners could run out of fuel without warning leaving them stranded and increasing the risk of an accident. For more information on the problem, contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
