Tag Archives: safety defect

Phantom Braking Issue In Certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Trucks

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2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC CanyonIn the realm of automotive safety, the emergence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has promised to revolutionize the driving experience, offering heightened levels of safety and convenience. However, as with any technological advancement, occasional glitches and malfunctions can arise, potentially jeopardizing the safety of drivers and passengers alike. Such is the case with the “phantom braking” issue that has plagued certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks.

The issue came to light in September 2023, when reports of unexpected automatic emergency braking (AEB) incidents surfaced in General Motors (GM) vehicles in China. GM initiated an investigation through its Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program, aiming to identify the root cause of the problem and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the faulty behavior stemmed from the Front Camera Module (FCM) system, a crucial component responsible for detecting obstacles and triggering AEB when necessary. Under certain conditions, the FCM’s software exhibited erroneous detection of obstacles, resulting in unwarranted activation of the AEB system. This phenomenon, referred to as “phantom braking,” poses a significant safety risk, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.

GM, in collaboration with its supplier, conducted rigorous testing and analysis to pinpoint the underlying cause of the malfunction. This involved examination of field data from various sources, including different versions of the FCM software, vehicles produced in different periods, and reports from both the U.S. and China.

A total of 234 field complaints in the U.S. were potentially linked to the phantom braking issue. Among these incidents, four resulted in accidents, with three causing minor injuries to occupants. GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made the decision to initiate a safety recall in February 2024.

The recall, identified by GM as A232424660 and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as campaign number 24V-133, involves a corrective measure aimed at rectifying the software glitch in the FCM. Authorized dealerships will apply updates to the FCM software, effectively addressing the root cause of the phantom braking issue and restoring the intended functionality of the AEB system.

In conclusion, while the emergence of advanced driver assistance systems has undoubtedly enhanced automotive safety, incidents such as the phantom braking issue serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive intervention. Through swift action and collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies, the automotive industry can continue to push the boundaries of safety innovation, ensuring that drivers can enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising their well-being on the road.

Jeep Safety Alert: Windshield Defrosting Systems

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Chrysler (FCA) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee over a failure to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) related to windshield defrosting and defogging systems. Owners of affected vehicles are urged to take immediate action to rectify this potentially hazardous issue.

In June 2023, FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization received reports indicating a potential malfunction in the windshield defrost system of certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEVs. This issue raised concerns about the vehicles’ compliance with FMVSS.

An investigation conducted by FCA determined that a subset of these vehicles may have been built with incorrectly programmed hybrid control processor (HCP) software. This flaw could result in the disabling of the windshield defrost system under specific conditions. The affected period for the Jeep Wrangler spans from September 2, 2020, to August 24, 2023, while for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it extends from July 23, 2021, to December 5, 2023.

A disabled windshield defrost system poses a significant safety risk, as it can impair outward visibility during critical driving conditions, potentially leading to accidents. In response to this safety concern, FCA has initiated a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

To address the issue, authorized dealerships will update the HCP software to rectify the programming error. This corrective action aims to restore the proper functioning of the windshield defrosting and defogging systems, ensuring optimal visibility and driving safety for affected vehicle owners and occupants. This recall, identified as recall number 04B by Chrysler, carries the NHTSA campaign number 24V-111.

Hyundai Kona Potential Engine Compartment Fire From Short Circuit

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Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is initiating a recall for certain 2024 Kona models due to a potential risk of electrical short circuiting. This issue arises from the possibility of the battery cables rubbing against the engine control module bracket.

These vehicles are equipped with a 12-volt positive battery cable that could suffer damage during frontal collisions, leading to contact with the engine control module (ECM) bracket. This contact increases the likelihood of an electrical short, which could result in a fire in the engine compartment post-collision. Signs of this problem include smoke or a burning smell emanating from the engine area.

The issue first came to Hyundai’s attention in November 2023, following a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) about an engine compartment fire in a 2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6T-GDI AWD during a crash test. The IIHS observed smoke and flames emerging from the engine area shortly after the test. Their preliminary assessment indicated a short circuit in the ECM, which led to repeated reignitions. The situation was resolved after disconnecting the auxiliary battery. This incident prompted NASO to launch a new investigation.

A joint examination by NASO, HMC, HATCI, and IIHS revealed damage to the alternator and 12-volt positive power wiring beneath the ECM, with exposed copper cores. The ECM bracket was found pressing against the 12-volt positive battery cable, believed to have shifted during the crash and caused the electrical short leading to the fires.

In response, Hyundai conducted crash tests in December with newly designed sheathing to protect the 12-volt positive wiring from shorting due to ECM bracket contact. These tests were successful, showing no damage or electrical shorting. Consequently, HMA’s NASO decided to recall the affected Kona vehicles.

To date, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths related to this issue, except for the single fire incident during the IIHS test. Hyundai is unaware of any field incidents. Vehicle owners will be notified to return their vehicles to Hyundai dealers for the installation of protective sheathing over the wiring. The recall is designated as number 252, with NHTSA campaign number 23V-900.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Incorrectly Installed Rear Coil Springs

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Chrysler (FCA) has recently taken steps to address a potential safety issue that could pose a risk to owners of certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The concern revolves around the rear coil springs, which may have been incorrectly installed during the manufacturing process. This misalignment could lead to the complete detachment of the coil spring while the vehicle is in motion, potentially increasing the likelihood of accidents.

In response to reports received in March 2023 about a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee experiencing a rear coil spring detachment while driving, FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) launched an investigation. The aim was to thoroughly examine the situation, including the design and assembly process of the coil spring, as well as reviewing measurement data for both the part and the affected vehicles. Although no accidents or injuries have been reported thus far, FCA US has decided to initiate a safety recall for the impacted models as a proactive measure.

The defect report indicates that certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles were built with rear coil springs that may not have been properly installed. This installation error could result in the coil spring shifting out of its intended position. If the rear coil spring becomes detached while the vehicle is in motion, it can pose a hazard not only to the occupants of the affected Jeep but also to operators and passengers of other vehicles sharing the road. The sudden detachment of the coil spring without any warning can potentially lead to accidents and cause injuries.

To address this issue, Chrysler authorized dealerships will conduct thorough inspections of the rear coil spring assemblies in the affected vehicles. If any problems are identified, the necessary repairs will be carried out promptly. It is crucial for owners of the impacted Jeep models to have their vehicles inspected to ensure that the rear coil springs are correctly installed, thereby mitigating the risk associated with this issue.

For reference, the safety recall associated with this concern has been assigned the identification number 64A by FCA. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the corresponding campaign as number 23V-413.

Front Wheels May Lock Up in 2023 Ford Trucks and SUVs

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Ford is reaching out to the owners of certain 2023 Ford trucks and SUVs regarding a power-train issue that could lead to a loss of 4-wheel drive. The front wheels could also lock up as a result of the defect. This problem has been discovered in the 2023 model year Ford F-150 4×4, as well as the Ford Expedition 4×4 and Lincoln Navigator 4×4 vehicles.

The problem was first detected in January 2023 during the loading process, when reports of front axle pinion fractures on three F-150 4×4 vehicles were received by Ford’s critical concern review group (CCRG). An investigation into the issue found that the same pinions were installed on the Expedition and Navigator 4×4 vehicles.

Further investigation showed that the fractured pinions did not undergo the required heat treatment process at Ford’s axle manufacturing plant. This heat treatment process is crucial to reduce the hardness and brittleness of the pinion stem threads. The problem was limited to pinions in 3.73:1 gear ratio axles, and a team was dispatched to conduct eddy current hardness checks of all available stock at affected assembly plants. The CCRG investigative team also reviewed plant process records to determine the build population of suspect dates.

The pinion can break at any time in 4×4 applications, but it is expected to happen primarily while in reverse as the pinion is subject to higher loads. The driver may hear a loud noise when the pinion breaks or when the drive shaft and flange hit the frame cross member and stability bar after the pinion fractures.

Ford will replace the front axle pinion gear set, and if there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Ford’s recall number is 23S07, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-128.

If you own a 2023 Ford Expedition, F-150, or Navigator, it is important to be aware of this recall and take appropriate action. This is a safety-related issue that should be addressed to avoid any potential safety hazards while driving.

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.

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.