2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Half Shaft Replacement

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Ford will be contacting a small number of 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E owners regarding a defect affecting the half-shaft in their cars. Some Mach-E vehicles may have been manufactured with a right rear half-shaft that could break under load.

Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group became aware that there was a problem in July 2022, when product engineering identified two vehicles with broken rear right half-shafts. One broken half-shaft was found during a squeak and rattle validation, and a second just before it was being loaded for transport.

Further investigation found that improper placement during the green turning in the lathe caused too much material to be removed, exceeding the specified minimum wall thickness of 9.1mm. Supplier records showed that inspection of the bottom wall thickness of the rear right half-shaft outer race had been suspended for a period of time which allowed non-compliant parts to pass inspection and be installed in finished rear right half-shaft assemblies. Ford’s team reviewed supplier maintenance records to determine the population of affected parts to have been produced between 07/18/2022 and 07/29/2022.

A broken half-shaft will result in loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels, necessary for motive power and for the transmission to hold the vehicle in park. If the electronic parking brake (EPB) is not manually applied, the loss of the primary park torque will allow the vehicle to roll with the transmission in park.

Owners receiving notifications will be instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. Dealers will photograph the label on the right rear half-shaft to confirm the suspect serial number(s). If the serial number matches, the dealer will replace the right rear half-shaft. Customers will be advised to manually apply the parking brake until the inspection and repair is completed. Ford’s number for this recall is 22S55 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-646.

ECM Defect On RAM Trucks Could Cause Loss Of Drive Power

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) USA will be contacting the owners of certain 2022 Ram trucks because their vehicles may have a manufacturing defect within the Engine Control Module (ECM) that could affect vehicle safety. This defect affects vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L turbo diesel engines and could result in an unexpected engine stall.

The RAM trucks affected by this defect include:

2022 Ram 2500
2022 Ram 3500
2022 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
2022 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis

The FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization became aware of the problem in August 2022 when they were contacted by the RAM truck assembly plant regarding suspect ECMs manufactured with a defective component. According to the NHTSA safety report, some ECMs may have been manufactured with a misaligned capacitor that could short-circuit and create an internal loss of communication. This internal loss of communication could result in a loss of motive power and an increased chance of an accident.

The suspect period for these defective ECMS began on May 31, 2022, and ended on August 23, 2022, when the ECMs were quarantined. This time period was determined using supplier traceability and vehicle production records. Similar vehicles not included in the recall did not receive suspect ECMs or were repaired prior to release from the assembly plant control.

Owners who receive notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have ECMs in their trucks replaced. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is Z87 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-642.

Ford And Lincoln Vehicles Investigated For Brake Hose Ruptures

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Automotive Defect Investigation The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is continuing to investigate certain Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans for front brake hoses that could prematurely rupture.

The vehicles under investigation include:

2013-2018 Ford Fusion
2013-2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ
2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

In August 2020, Ford issued a safety recall (NHTSA campaign number 20V-469) for certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, because these vehicles were experiencing premature brake hose (jounce hoses) rupturing. The investigation that led to the recall found that the problem was due to localized failures of the internal reinforcement braid because of cyclic fatigue during suspension and steering movement. The recalled part was introduced into Ford Edge production on June 25, 2014, and was taken out of production on December 21, 2017. The recall had dealers replacing both front brake jounce hoses with a newly revised braid material and performing a brake system bleed.

The ODI has continued to receive complaints alleging front brake hose failures on 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ vehicles that were not included in the Safety Recall (20V-469). Customer complaints allege the brake hoses are rupturing and leaking brake fluid, with little to no warning. The leaked brake fluid can cause drivers to experience a soft brake pedal, increased pedal travel, and/or extended braking distances. The ODI has received over 50 complaints related to this problem. One complaint alleged a crash as the result of a failed brake hose.

Lemon laws are state and federal laws that provide protection for consumers who buy or lease cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and other consumer goods. The goal of such lemon laws is to provide compensation to consumers for defective products that fail to meet the standards of quality and performance asserted in manufacturers’ warranties.

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!

2018 BMW 540D xDrive
Coolant Leak Could Result In Fire

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A small number of 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles, equipped with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) modules could experience an internal glycol coolant leak that may result in an engine fire.

BMW first became aware of the problem in October 2018 when they opened an investigation into reports of certain BMW vehicles experiencing engine fires. What they found was; that these vehicles were equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler that could leak coolant internally. The coolant mixed with diesel engine soot, combined with the high EGR temperatures could result in smoldering, fire, and a melted intake manifold.

During vehicle operation, the driver may be alerted there is a problem through:

  • A warning symbol in the instrument cluster displaying a loss of engine coolant.
  • A reduction in engine power.
  • An unpleasant exhaust odor.
  • Unusual noise from the engine compartment.
  • Smoke from the engine compartment.

NHTSA campaign number 18V-755 – BMW recalled 44,368 vehicles.

This recall campaign affected certain 2013-2018 BMW vehicles with the N47T and N57T diesel engines that were produced from September 12, 2012, to June 29, 2017.

The vehicles affected include:

2013-2018 328d
2013-2018 328d xDrive
2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon
2014-2018 328d xDrive Sports Wagon
2014-2016 535d
2014-2016 535d xDrive
2015 740Ld xDrive
2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV
2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV

NHTSA campaign number 21V-907 – BMW recalled 50,404 vehicles.

After continued field monitoring and review of field data, BMW determined that the EGR cooler may not be sufficiently durable to last the lifetime of the vehicle. They decided to issue a recall that would replace the EGR module on all potentially affected vehicles, with an improved cooler design. The intake manifold was inspected and replaced as necessary, and the EGR pipe connecting the cooler to the manifold was cleaned.

NHTSA campaign number 22V-614 – BMW is recalling 298 vehicles.

The vehicles subject to this recall have a different design and manufacturer of the EGR cooler than the vehicles previously recalled. After further monitoring and review of field data, it was found that the specific EGR cooler for certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles may not be robust to last the vehicle’s lifetime. BMW has decided to perform a recall for these vehicles as well.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their BMW dealer to have the EGR module replaced and the intake manifold inspected and replaced as necessary.

Cadillac, Chevy & GMC Seat Belt Buckle Assembled With Improper Rivets

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2022 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC SUVs equipped with third-row seating. These vehicles may have been manufactured with an improperly formed mounting bracket rivet that may not restrain an occupant during an accident.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade
2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021-2022 Chevrolet Suburban
2021-2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021-2022 GMC Yukon
2021-2022 GMC Yukon XL

In May 2022, a GM dealership received a customer complaint about the separation of the third row seat belt assemblies in their 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The problem was submitted to GM’s Speak Up For Safety program and a formal investigation was opened. During this investigation, another seven additional field reports were found that could be related to this condition. Further investigation into the problem determined that operators at the seat belt buckle assembly supplier’s manufacturing plant may have not properly followed manufacturing processes and as a result, may have missed the rivet forming operation. In July, GM’s investigator met with the seat belt buckle assembly supplier to determine the scope of potentially affected parts. On August 4, 2022, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left and/or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may not have been properly formed during the manufacturing process. If the assembly is not properly riveted, it will not restrain occupants during an accident and could result in increased injuries.

Owners receiving recall notices will be asked to return to their GM dealer to have the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies inspected and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary. GM’s number for this recall is N222372380 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-617.

2022 Ford Maverick
Side Curtain Air Bag Malfuntion

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Certain 2022 Ford Maverick pickup trucks could experience an improper air bag deployment that could increase the chance of injury during an accident. Because of this improper deployment, these vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for “Ejection Mitigation”.

Ford became aware of the problem in June 2022 when they were contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance, regarding the results of a compliance audit on a 2022 model year Maverick. The compliance audit showed that the displacement results for the front lower primary target exceeded the federal regulation of 100 mm. Ford opened an investigation that included comparing their data to the NHTSA test vehicle data, but they were not able to determine the cause of the problem. The cause of the airbag problem is still under investigation.

According to the defect report, trucks included in this action were built with side curtain air bags that may not meet the displacement requirements of FMVSS 226 S4.2.1 for the first row lower primary target location. A vehicle that does not comply with FMVSS 226 increases the risk of occupant injury in a crash. Approximately 65,000 – 2022 model year Ford Maverick vehicles with build dates from February 3, 2021, through July 9, 2022, are affected by this air bag recall.

Owners who receive notices will be instructed to take their Maverick to a Ford dealer to have the left and right side curtain air bag modules replaced with modules of a new design. Ford’s number for this recall is 22C20 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-594.

The NHTSA urges all vehicle owners to take immediate action after receiving a notice of a safety defect with their vehicle. Despite recall notices and public warnings, some vehicle and vehicle equipment recalls are never repaired. In 2019 in the United States, there were 966 safety recalls affecting more than 53 million vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. While not all recalls are high profile, all recalls are important. Don’t risk your safety, that of your loved ones, or others on the road!

2022 Chevy Silverado And 2022 GMC Sierra High Mount Brake Light Defect

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Certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado and 2022 GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a high-mounted brake light accessory sports bar, may fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment.

General Motors (GM) first became aware of the problem in April 2022, when a GM engineer observed an accessory sports bar installation problem on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. The problem was reported to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program and a formal investigation was opened. The investigation reviewed customer field data and found 15 claims related to this condition

According to the defect report, some 2022 Chevrolet Silverado and 2022 GMC Sierra trucks may have a dealer-installed accessory sports bar that contains a high-mounted stop lamp that will not operate as intended when installed according to the provided instructions. The installation of the bar also blocks the vehicle’s existing high-mounted stop lamp. If the high-mounted stop lamp is not working or is not visible to other drivers, it will increase the risk of an accident.

The instructions for wiring the accessory sports bar is not compatible with the electrical design of certain 2022 Silverado and Sierra trucks. 2019-2021 model year vehicles and 2022 model year vehicles built with the previous electrical architecture (RPOs J21 and AMK) are not affected by this problem. This accessory is not intended for use on 2500/3500 series vehicles.

GM is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition. Investigators analyzed sales records to identify potentially affected trucks and over the counter sales and have decided to conduct a noncompliance recall. Approximately 242 vehicles are affected.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Chevy or GMC dealer to have the installation of the sports bar inspected and repaired as necessary. GM’s recall number for this recall is N222368110 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-463.

NHTSA Investigates Chrysler, Dodge And Jeep Vehicles For Safety Issues

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Automotive Defect InvestigationThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues safety standards that require automobile manufacturers to recall vehicles that have safety-related defects. An important first step to identifying a problem is to keep a database of complaints received from owners. Similar complaints from a number of owners about the same product are usually a good indication that a problem could exist. The NHTSA will review the complaints and, in most cases, open an investigation. If the investigation leads to a recall, the NHTSA will monitor the effectiveness and management of the recall, including the filing of recall notices, communicating with owners regarding the recalls, and tracking the completion rate of each recall.

The NHTSA currently has three investigations affecting certain Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.

Stalling And Loss Of Motive Power Due To Transmission Malfunction
2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica and 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 40 complaints alleging incidents of stalling and loss of motive power in certain 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Most incidents occurred at speeds greater than 25 MPH and resulted in a vehicle stall. The loss of motive power was often accompanied by a dashboard warning message indicating a charging fault. A review of vehicle data showed that the malfunction was correlated with an internal transmission fault. The ODI is opening an investigation to assess the scope, frequency, cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

Crankshaft Or Camshaft Sensor Failures
2016 Dodge Journey, 2016 Jeep Compass, and 2016 Jeep Patriot

In December 2016, the NHTSA issued a recall (16V-907) that identified crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. According to the recall report, the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, possibly causing the engine to stall while driving. Following this recall, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has continued to receive consumer complaints from owners who say they are experiencing crankshaft or camshaft failures on similar vehicles not included in the recall. The NHTSA has opened a Recall Query (RQ) to further assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Inadvertently Activates While Driving
2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 80 complaints for 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) activated while the vehicle was in motion. Based on repair invoices, the problem is caused by water leaking into the vehicle and damaging the EPB module which inadvertently activates the vehicle to a stop. The ODI is aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power lift-gate module on the same population of vehicles. The lift-gate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the lift-gate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.

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!