Subaru will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 model cars and SUVs because of a problem affecting the fuel system in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the fuel pump in these vehicles may have an impeller that was manufactured with a density that does not meet the manufacturer standards. If the impeller is exposed to solvent drying for extended periods of time, it could develop cracks that would lead to excessive fuel absorption. Over time the impeller could deform and interfere with the body of the fuel pump. If the fuel pump stops working, the check engine warning will illuminate, the engine will run roughly and could stall without the ability to restart.

Vehicles Affected
2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Impreza
2019 Subaru Legacy
2019 Subaru Outback

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the low pressure fuel pump. Subaru’s number for this recall is WRD-20 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-218.

Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2017-2018 Audi A3 vehicles to return to their dealerships to correct a problem affecting the engine control unit (ECU). According to the defect report, the engine air/fuel mixture software is not robust enough. During engine start up or idling, the system may misinterpret the rotation of the dual mass flywheel as a knocking condition. The defect will result in loss of lose motive power when beginning to move from a stop or during a slow acceleration. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through an “Engine Stop While Driving” warning light.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the ECU software. For more information about the recall, owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 24DF the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-508.

Mercedes Benz has determined that certain 2016-2017 GLE43 & GLE43 Coupe vehicles may have engine control unit (ECU) software that is incompatible with the transmission control unit programming.

Rapid and consecutive downshifts during braking could result in the engine speed to drop below the required threshold and shut down. An engine shutdown could also result following a slight tap of the accelerator pedal after a combination of an ECO start and a simultaneous high engine load. The instrument cluster warning lamps will be activated upon engine shut down with and ignition “ON”, indicating to the driver that the vehicle is not in ECO start/stop mode and needs to be restarted manually.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the engine and transmission control unit software. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 17V-506.

Subaru will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Impreza vehicles regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. Due to a software programming issue within the engine control unit, the operating threshold of the radiator fan used to cool the fuel temperature is not set low enough for winter blend fuels. A combination of winter fuel, warm temperatures and low speed or stopped driving conditions may cause the fuel to vaporize prematurely. Premature vaporization causes a decrease in fuel pressure, rough idling, a no start condition or an engine stall. In some cases, if the engine were to stall, the driver may be unable to restart the vehicle for a certain period of time.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the engine control unit to turn the radiator cooling fan on at a lower temperature. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2738. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTP-75 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-216.

Daimler AG has determined that certain 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 vehicles may have a defect affecting the fuel system wiring. They will be asking owners to return to their dealership for repairs. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the rear seat bench frame could rub against the fuel system control unit wiring. If the wiring harness is damaged, the fuel pump, fuel tank pressure sensor or the fuel gauge could fail.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the fuel system control unit wiring route modified and repair any damaged wires as necessary. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 16V-758.

As the result of an investigation into malfunctioning coolant valves, Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2010-2013 Audi A8 cars to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to the defect report, over time it is possible for coolant to leak through a coolant valve wire connection and migrate into the engine control module (ECM). The ECM could short and switch the engine into “limp home mode” or stall the engine completely. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through illuminated malfunction indicator and engine cooling system warning lights. Continue reading

General Motors has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vehicles equipped with a manual service disconnect (MSD).

The MSD is a shut-off switch designed to disconnect power before servicing. In some vehicles, the MSD was not installed properly and could become loose and disconnect while driving. The engine will stall and may affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.

Dealers will inspect the MSD and seat the connector properly, if necessary. A software update will also be installed to monitor and detect if the high voltage interlock loop (HIVL) is connected correctly. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 51230 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-521.

Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2012-2013 Infiniti M35 hybrid vehicles about a software update affecting the propulsion system. These vehicles are equipped with a power train that warns the driver in the event of a cooling system malfunction. If the warning lamp is ignored and the vehicle continues to be operated, the power train control module logic will shut off the engine to prevent damage. If the engine unexpectedly stops while driving, the brake and steering systems remain operational, however, there is an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading