Tag Archives: manufacturing error

2017 Buick LaCrosse Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Warning

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General Motors has decided that a defect affecting vehicle safety exists in certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles.

According to the defect report, the terminal cables carrying ground and/or power to the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) connectors could have seals that were poorly crimped. The poor crimps make it difficult to fully seat those cables and could allow water to enter and corrode the connector. Drivers could experience an EPS warning light on the instrument panel, a chime will sounds to alert the driver and the vehicle will become difficult to steer.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have their vehicles inspected and the problem corrected. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 17085 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-116.

Excessive Noise & Vibration – Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2017 Chrysler 300s and 2014-2017 Dodge Chargers regarding a problem affecting their vehicles power train system. According to the defect report, some vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may experience loosening of the front prop-shaft bolts. The prop-shaft could completely disconnect while driving, causing damage to the power train and under body components. Drivers may notice excessive noise and vibration in the vehicle prior to a failure.

Owners will be asked to return to their nearest dealership to have all eight front driveshaft bolts replaced. Fore more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-097.

2016 Mercedes Benz GL & GLE Improper Wheel Tracking

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Daimler will be contacting the owners of certain Mercedes Benz GL and GLE vehicles, regarding a problem affecting their vehicles suspension system. According to the defect report, it is possible that an improper torque connection could exist between the upper control arm and the axle stub. The problem could result in improper wheel tracking and an increased risk of a crash.

The vehicles affected by this problem includes:

  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL450
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL3450

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt between the upper control arm and axle stub, replacing the upper control arm as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2015-2016 Nissan Altima Rear Doors Could Unexpectedly Open

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Nissan will be asking owners of certain 2015-2016 Altima vehicles to return to their dealerships to correct a problem affecting the rear door locks. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, Nissan was notified of an incident involving a rear door that unexpectedly opening while the vehicle was in motion. Further investigation found that during the rear door trim panel installation process, the latch lock cable may have been routed incorrectly. Under certain conditions, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and open when the window is lowered.

Nissan will notify owners and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 17V-040.

Porsche Boxster, Cayman & 911 Seat Mounted Airbag Failure

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Porsche will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, and 911 vehicles regarding a defect affecting the seat mounted side air bag inflators. According to the defect report, Porsche may have been supplied with air bag initiators with deviations in the generant mix ratio. If the mix ratio does not meet specification, the initiators may not function properly, possibly leading to a non-deployment condition during a crash.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected air bag modules replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is AG10 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-946.

Mercedes Benz GL, GLE & GLS OCS Airbag Warning

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Daimler has determined that certain Mercedes-Benz GL/GLE/GLS (166 Platform) and GLE Coupe (292 Platform) vehicles may have a problem affecting the front passengger occupant classification system (OCS). According to the defect report, a light occupant remaining stationary on the edge of the seat for a long time could be incorrectly classified as a child seat. The passenger side frontal airbag may be deactivated, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Drivers will be alerted with an “Airbag Off” warning message illuminated in the center console, even though an occupant is seated in the front passenger seat. Continue reading →

Mercedes Benz GL-Class & ML-Class Reduced Stability

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A small number of Mercedes-Benz GL and ML class vehicles manufactured September 29, 2014 – March 27, 2015, could experience reduced stability due to a manufacturing assembly error. According to the defect report, the bolts on the front and/or rear axle carriers may not be correctly assembled and could cause the mechanical limits of the remaining bolts to be exceeded. If the bolts fracture the driver may hear unfamiliar noises while driving and could experience loss of control under certain circumstances.

The vehicles affected include:

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the problem by replacing the axle carrier bolts. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Mercedes Benz customer service at 1-800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V-900.

Toyota Avalon & Toyota Camry Air Bag May Be Incorrectly Installed

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A small number of 2016 Toyota Avalon and 2017 Toyota Camry owners will be contacted by the manufacturer concerning a problem affecting their vehicles front passenger knee airbag. According to the defect report, the airbag module may have been installed with the incorrect fasteners. The mounting holes could become damaged and the fasteners could loosen over time. If this happens, airbag performance will be decreased, increasing the risk of injury during an accident.

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fasteners, and replace the instrument panel brace and body bracket, if necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is G05 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-906.