Mitsubishi is asking owners of certain 2012 i-MEV electric vehicles to bring in their cars to correct a problem that could prevent their airbags from deploying properly. According to Mitsubishi, an incompatibility between the air bag sensor and the self diagnostic software, could deactivate the front and side airbag system. During an accident, the airbags may fail to deploy, increasing the chance of injury. Owners of affected vehicles may notice the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning lamp illuminating to alert the driver of the problem. Owners wanting more information can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Tag Archives: Safety
Chrysler Deals With Jeep Death Wobble
Chrysler has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) alerting Jeep dealers, owners, and employees of Jeep Death Wobble, and have issued procedures on how to repair and prevent the problem. Death Wobble has been a problem in certain 2005-2010 Jeep Wranglers since November 2010 after hundreds of drivers complained of experiencing shimmy symptoms at speeds above 45 mph, after hitting a pothole. The highest number of complaints came from owners of 2007 models.
The bulletin advises that the steering system be inspected regularly for damaged, especially if the system has not been maintained. Chrysler warns owner that the installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assembles incompatible with Jeeps is the biggest cause of steering system vibration. There has been no reported deaths related to the problem, but owners experiencing the wobble have been justified in being frightened for their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Toyota Rear Suspension Problem
Toyota has announced a recall for certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250H vehicles because of a problem with the rear suspension. According to the recall report, if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are improperly tightened during a wheel alignment service, the tire rod will develop movement which could lead to rust and damage to the threads. The tire rod could fail causing an abrupt change in the vehicles alignment leading to loss of vehicle control. Drivers who notice a strange noise coming from the rear of their vehicle are asked to contact their nearest dealership as soon as possible. Toyota is working on a repair for the problem and will send out notifications as soon as possible. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Hyundai Airbag Problem
Hyundai is recalling certain 2007-2009 Santa Fe and 2012-2013 Sonata vehicles because of airbag problems that could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Approximately 220, 000 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured between April 2006 to July 2008, could have an improperly calibrated occupant classification system (OCS). The problem could lead to the airbags not deploying during an accident increasing the chance if injury. Owners will be notified to bring in their vehicles to get the OCS software updated.
- Approximately 22, 000 Sonata vehicles manufactured between January to June, 2012 are being recalled because the curtain airbag may inflate without a deployment command. The manufacturing error could increase the risk of injury to the occupants and could increase the chance of an accident by distracting the driver.
Owners wanting more information on either recall can contact Hyundai customer services at 1-800-633-5151.
Honda Door Latch Problem
Honda is recalling certain 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Acura ILX vehicles for a problem that could lead to the doors not fully latching. If the manual or power door lock is activated at the same time the interior front door handle is being operated, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism could become loose and move out of position. The door may not fully latch and could open while driving. Honda will replace the front door latch assemblies and the interior front door handles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Ford Escape Braking Problem
Days after the 2013 Ford Escape debuted in dealership showrooms, the automobile manufacturer has already issued a recall for the small crossover vehicle. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the positioning of the carpet padding around the center console could interfere with the drivers use of the brake pedal. The driver could experience increased stopping distances which increases the chance of an accident. It is estimated that over 8,000 vehicles are affected by this recall, but because the vehicle is so new, most are still in the dealership showrooms. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Volvo Transmission Control Problem
Volvo has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011-2013 S80 sedans for a transmission software control problem. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a software error may prevent the transmission from downshifting properly, and could result in decreased engine RPMs and a possible engine stall. Volvo will be notifying owners starting in the middle of July, and owners can bring their vehicles to their local dealership and have the software for the transmission control module upgraded. For more information about the problem, contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552.
Porsche Turbo Fire Risk
Porsche has announced that they will be recalling almost 300 Panamera and Cayenne vehicles for a manufacturing error that could lead to a fire. According to Porsche, a casting defect of the turbocharger turbine wheel could cause it to fracture resulting in damage to the turbine shaft. If the shaft should fracture, oil could be drawn into the exhaust system resulting in smoke and the risk of a fire. Porsche will be notifying owners of the problem, this month, and will replace the defective turbine wheel, free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
