Volvo PHEVs Could Experience Loss Of Power And Will Not Restart

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Some 2022-2023 Volvo PHEV vehicles could experience a loss of drive power because of a software error that may prevent the combustion engine from starting. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December.

Volvo first became aware of the problem after receiving complaints of a vehicle no start condition in several Volvo models. (A low coolant flow issue was determined to be a potential cause.) Further investigation found that the estimated cooling flow on the electrical drive (ED) cooling circuit was set to zero when max cooling was requested. The problem was caused by faulty software logic. When the estimated cooling flow is set to zero the inverter generator module will set available torque to zero and the combustion engine will not start.

If the issue occurs the driver will experience a warning message in dim that “Propulsion System Service is Required“, at start. The vehicle will continue to start and drive on electric propulsion until a second warning appears – “Turtle in DIM and speed limited to 75 km/h“. If the driver ignores these visual and mechanical warnings, the vehicle will display “stop safely” and lose electric propulsion as the high voltage battery is depleted.

The vehicles affected include:

2022-2023 Volvo S60
2022-2023 Volvo S90
2022-2023 Volvo V60
2022-2023 Volvo XC60
2022-2023 Volvo XC90

The problem will be corrected through a ECM software update. Volvo’s number for this recall is R10198 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-793.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Volvo XC40 BEV Acceleration Problems

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Some 2021-2022 Volvo XC40 BEV vehicles may experience accelerator issues because of a corrupt acceleration signal caused by corrosion within the accelerator pedal sensor (APS).

Volvo became aware of the problem in the first quarter of 2022 when they started receiving customer reports of different issues with accelerator pedal behavior. The problem was presented to the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) and, following an investigation and risk assessment, a recall was initiated.

According to the defect report, water entering the APS wire harness could cause corrosion within the accelerator pedal’s internal circuits. If this happens signals from the pedal could become corrupt.
Depending on which signal corrupts, the faults may differ. Drivers may experience unintended acceleration or no acceleration, loss of drive power, and/or a no-start condition. These vehicles do have a built-in safety logic that will reduce the acceleration when a corrupt signal is received. The vehicle is still controllable, and the driver is always able to stop the vehicle using the brake pedal.

Vehicles produced between 9-08-2020 and 8-13-2021 had an older style harness. Since then, there was a change in the cable harness supplier. The last vehicle produced with the older style harness was produced on 8-13-2021.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealers to have the accelerator harness and sensors inspected for corrosion and repaired as necessary. A cable splice will be installed to prevent water intrusion and, as necessary, the connector terminal and APS could be replaced. Volvo’s number for this recall is R10170 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-288.

Hyundai And Kia Loss Of Drive Power – Transmission Oil Pump Malfunction

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Hyundai and Kia will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2023 vehicles because of an internal fault affecting the electric oil pump in their transmissions. These automobiles are equipped with 2.5L turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engines and 8-speed dual-clutch transmissions (DCT)

Hyundai first became aware of the problem in September 2022 when the NHTSA’s ODI contacted them about a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz allegedly experiencing a loss of motive power while driving at various speeds. An investigation into the problem identified an internal fault with the DCT’s high-pressure electric oil pump as the likely cause of the vehicle entering “fail-safe” driving. Based on the information received, Hyundai decided to conduct a recall for affected vehicles. Because the same components are used on certain Kia vehicles, Kia also decided to conduct a recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Kona N
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021-2022 Hyundai Sonata
2021-2022 Hyundai Veloster N
2021-2023 Kia K5
2021-2022 Kia Sorento

According to the defect report, “The electric oil pump within the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault due to insufficient soldering of a component of the electric oil pump circuit board. As a result, the subject vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code with warnings and allow the vehicle to be driven normally for 20-30 seconds, followed by complete loss of motive power due to disengagement of the transmission drive gears.” If this happens, drivers will hear an audible warning chime, the message “stop safely immediately” on the instrument cluster and an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL).

Hyundai has received 229 unique incidents in the US related to this problem. Kia has identified 36 alleged incidents of loss of motive power due to an internal fault with the electric oil pump. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 236 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-746. Kia’s number for this recall is SC250 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-760.

Stellantis Safety Defects And Recalls

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Stellantis is a global automaker and the owner of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM brands in the US. In the last year, they have issued numerous recalls affecting millions of vehicles. During this time, the company is also subject to ongoing investigations by the U.S. government automobile safety regulators.

Below is a summary of the Stellantis recalls in 2022.

Fuel Pump Failure (22V-767)
Models Affected: 2020-2022 Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, and 2021-2022 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines.
A high-pressure fuel pump failure could introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system potentially causing the engine to stall due to fuel starvation.

Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Could Fail (22V-766)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Gladiator, and 2021 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
An incorrectly welded micro gas generator (MGG) may lead to a pretensioner system failure that could fail to restrain an occupant during an accident.

Internal ECM Short May Cause Loss of Power (22V-642)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 2500, and 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines.
The engine control module (ECM) may have been built with a misaligned capacitor that can short-circuit, resulting in an internal loss of communication.

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display (22V-638)
Models Affected: 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler, RAM 1500, and 2021 Jeep Gladiator
A software error could prevent the rear view image from displaying. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for rear visibility.

Tail Light Side Marker May Not Illuminate (22V-544)
Models Affected: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles.
The tail light side marker assemblies may be damaged and not illuminated.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Battery May Fail Prematurely (22V-504)
Models Affected: 2022 Chrysler 300, 2022 Dodge Challenger, and 2022 Dodge Charger
According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) , all vehicles must be equipped with a tire pressure monitor system that detects”when one or more of a vehicle’s tires is significantly under-inflated and illuminates a low tire pressure warning telltale. The tire pressure system in the suspect vehicles may not detect low tire pressure. If the TPMS light illuminates because the battery in the sensor prematurely discharges, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure.

Vehicle Rollaway Because Of ABS Malfunction (22V-426)
Models Affected: 2018-2019 Dodge Durango, and 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
A malfunctioning antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.

Rear view Image May Not Display (22V-407)
Models Affected: 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs
The radio software may prevent the rear view image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, “Rear Visibility.”

High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (22V-406)
Models Affected: 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 RAM 1500
A high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Stuck EGR Valve May Cause Loss Of Power (22V-284)
Models Affected: 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.

Seat May Not Secure Properly (22V-181)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Pacifica and 2021 Voyager
The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor.

Missing Weld From The Seat Back Frame To The Child Seat Tether Anchorage (22V-180)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.”

Steering Assembly Bar Could Bind (22V-154)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.
The steering gear rack bar may have been insufficiently hardened during manufacturing, possibly allowing it to bind within the steering rack. The problem could result in a loss of steering control.

ESC Light May Not Indicate Malfunction (22V-140)
Models Affected: 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2019-2022 RAM 2500, and 2019-2022 RAM 2500
An ABS control module software issue could prevent the electronic stability control (ESC) malfunction light from illuminating during certain conditions.

2023 Kia Sportage Risk Of Electrical Fire

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Certain Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured between January 12, 2022, through August 8, 2022, may experience an electrical surge that could stall the engine and result in a vehicle fire.

Kia became aware of the problem in May 2022 when they received their first customer complaint of a no-start condition in a 2023 Sportage. An inspection of the vehicle found a loose alternator cable with thermal damage to the alternator, the wire harness, and the intake manifold. The affected parts were collected and sent for further inspection. In August, Kia received a second alternator collected from another incident that had localized melting around a broken alternator battery positive (B+) terminal due to electrical arcing. After inspection of the collected parts and a review of vehicle production records, Kia decided to initiate a recall.

According to the defect report, the alternator battery positive (B+) terminal nut may not have been properly torqued by the supplier during assembly. If the terminal nut is not properly torqued, it can loosen over time and may result in an engine stall. In the worst case, arching at the positive terminal could result in a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted of a problem through an illuminated Charging System Warning Light.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the alternator battery positive terminal nut inspected and tightened as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC248 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-651.

Earlier this month Kia issued a recall that included certain Kia Sportage vehicles that could catch fire. In this recall (22V-703) the car tow hitch harness could catch fire even when the car is parked. As part of the vehicle recall owners are asked not to park indoors or near structures.

Are you experiencing problems with your Kia vehicle? It could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Chevy Equinox And GMC Terrain Driver Seat Squeaks And Rattles

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain SUVs because the driver’s seat in these vehicles may have a defect that could affect the drivers safety. The vehicles involved are equipped with powerd driver seats without the memory function.

GM became aware of the problem in July 2022 during noise testing at their assembly plant, after a driver seat frame height adjust pivot bolt was discovered on the floor of one of the test vehicles. The problem was brought to the attention of GM’s Speak Up For Safety program and inspections of vehicles at GM assembly plants and parts returned to the supplier was initiated. GM identified several stripped or loose pivot bolts in power seat frames produced by the supplier between June 30, 2022 and July 15, 2022, and decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the seat frame supplier assembly process did not detect improperly torqued bolts. As a result, the driver seats in these vehicles may have a stripped or loose bolt at the seat frame height adjust pivot. If the seat frame height adjust pivot bolt comes out of the pivot joint, the seat structure may not properly restrain the occupant during an accident and could increase the risk of injury. Vehicle occupants may hear squeaks or rattles coming from the driver’s seat, and/or the seat may feel loose.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealers to have the driver’s seat inspected and replace the seat cushion frame, if necessary. GMC’s number for this recall is N222377890 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-724.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems, it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Tesla Over-The-Air Software Update For Window Safety

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Tesla will be performing an over-the-air (OTA) software update on certain Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles because the automatic window reversal system does not meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Requirements for power-operated window systems. Over one million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Tesla first became aware of the problem in August 2022, during production testing. Technicians identified a window automatic reversal system that had greater than expected variations in response to pinch detection. Tesla conducted additional testing on multiple models using several window positions, multiple spring rates, and gap designations. Tesla determined that the pinch detection and retraction performance in the test results exceeded the requirements of FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing, the window may exert more force than safety requirements permit before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required. If a window is closing and detects an obstruction, the condition may increase the risk of a pinching injury to the occupant.

Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system. Notification letters are expected to be mailed on November 15, 2022. Tesla is not aware of any warranty claims, field reports, crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this condition. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-013 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-702.

Nissan Titan And Frontier Trucks
Roll-Away Risk Recall Expanded

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The owners of certain 2020-2023 Nissan Titan and 2020-2023 Nissan Frontier trucks equipped with 9-speed transmissions, could experience an unexpected vehicle roll-away. A fix for the problem is still under development and Nissan is continuing to investigate whether other Nissan or Infiniti automobiles could be affected.

The problem began in June 2022, when Nissan initiated a recall (22V-457) for certain Nissan Titan and Frontier vehicles manufactured from December 13, 2019, to June 14, 2022. These vehicles were experiencing a potential non-engagement of the parking pawl due to contact between the edge of the parking pawl and the boss on the transmission case. As a result, vehicles could unexpectedly roll away if they were in “Park” but the parking brake was not applied.

In July, Nissan received another report from the Canton, MS plant, that a 2022 Nissan Frontier vehicle produced after June 14, 2022, had moved after being placed in the ‘P” Park position. Nissan investigated the incident and conducted duplication testing to recreate the condition. They found that this issue appeared to be different than the one in recall 22V-457. This problem appeared to be related to an insufficient lifting force of the parking pawl due to friction between the parking rod and the parking wedge. Nissan initiated a quality hold on all 2020-2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles and conducted a plant audit that identified 11 out of 83 vehicles with the subject condition.

The investigation to date indicates that resistance between the parking rod and wedge inside of the transmission housing may inhibit movement of the wedge and parking pawl. If the parking pawl does not engage, an affected vehicle may move after placing the shifter into ‘Park.’ If the driver does not engage the parking brake, potential vehicle movement could increase the risk of injury or crash.

Nissan has decided to conduct a recall campaign due to the safety risk of a potential vehicle roll-away condition. Nissan’s investigation is ongoing, and the final recall fix is still under development. Nissan will be notifying all owners of the affected vehicles, including those that received a letter under recall 22V-457. The interim notification will include instructions advising owners to apply the parking brake whenever they park their vehicle. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-671.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems like the ones listed above, it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!