Tag Archives: unexpected engine stall

Chevy Equinox & GMC Terrain Engine Stalls From Fuel Starvation

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General Motors (GM) have decided that a defect affecting safety exists in certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. They opened an investigation into the problem in August 2022 after noticing a high rate of warranty returns for the fuel tank pump on some 2021-2022 model year Equinox and Terrain vehicles.

GM’s investigation analyzed field data, defective returned components, and conducted an inspection of the tier two supplier’s facility and manufacturing processes. During this investigation, GM found that the supplier’sf manufacturing team made an unauthorized change in the fuel tank pump rolling force in May 2021 and that this error was discovered and corrected by the supplier’s engineering team on June 2021. GM conducted an analysis of field data relating to claims GM received between May 22, 2021, and December 15, 2022, and identified 710 stall events potentially related to the recall condition.

According to the defect report, during a specific production period between May 2, 2021, and June 1, 2021, a tier-two supplier implemented an unauthorized change to the fuel pump in the manufacturing process which decreased the pump section clearances. This resulted in the potential for insufficient fuel flow to the engine. If the fuel pump module does not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, the vehicle may stall.

Drivers may notice an illuminated check engine light or experience engine hesitation. If the vehicles stalls, it could be difficult to restart.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the fuel pump module replaced in their vehicles. GM’s number for this recall is N222372310 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-013.

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!

2016-2020 Honda Pilot Vehicles Investigated For Stalling Engines

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Automotive Defect Investigation
Certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles with 3.5L engines and 9-speed automatic transmissions could experience a problem with the automatic Start/Stop feature. The Honda Pilot Touring and Elite vehicles are equipped with Auto Start/Stop capability to help improve fuel efficiency. When the driver enables the system and certain operating conditions are met, the Auto Start/Stop system will automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The engine should automatically restarted when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 221 complaints and several field reports claiming that there is an issue with the Auto Start/Stop feature on certain 2016-2020 Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints say that the Auto Start/Stop function fails to restart the engine on its own after it has come to a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection. Some of the complainants allege that a jump was required for the vehicle to be restarted.

The ODI met with Honda on several occasions on this issue. Honda indicated that per the information provided from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and TREAD (Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation) reports, they have found a correlation with customers’ allegations for the Auto Start/Stop failure to restart the vehicle when the system is activated. Honda also indicated other Honda models (Honda Odyssey, Acura TLX & Acura MDX) with the 3.5L engines equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmissions experience the same failure mode.

ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem as well as to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.

Fuel Pump Failure
Jeep Grand Cherokee And Ram 1500

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Certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines, could experience high-pressure fuel pump failure. If the pump fails while the vehicle is being operated, drivers will experience an unexpected loss of engine power and an increased chance of an accident.

In February 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization started an investigation into Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 trucks, after receiving field reports that the fuel pump in some vehicles were prematurely failing. An investigation of the stall patterns and vehicle histories showed that the affected trucks were equipped with Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pumps (HPFP).

According to the defect report, a failure inside the fuel pump could introduce internal debris that could build up and cause fuel starvation. Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of motive power, which could contribute to a vehicle to crash. The suspect period began on June 12, 2013, when 3.0L Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on December 13, 2019, when 3.0L Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were no longer used in vehicle production.

Warning signs that your vehicle may be experiencing this problem include: Drivers may notice a Malfunction Indicator Lamp, a service Electronic Throttle Control indicator, a fuel leak at the HPFP, or excessive noise from the HPFP.

FCA US is aware of 215 customer assistance records, 1,061 warranty claims, and three field reports that could be related to this issue.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the HPFP replaced. Dealers will also inspect the entire fuel system and replace components as necessary. FCA’s number for this recall is Z46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-406.

RAM Trucks Fuel Pump Failure Investigation

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The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened up an investigation into certain 2019-2020 RAM trucks after receiving 22 complaints and 2 field reports alleging incidents of stalling and loss of engine power. The vehicles affected are equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engines. According to the investigation report, the complaints found that most stall/loss of motive power incident allegations occurred at speeds above 25 MPH and resulted in permanent disablement of the vehicle.

The Vehicles Affected Include:
2019-2020 Ram 2500
2019-2020 Ram 3500
2019-2020 Ram 4500
2019-2020 Ram 5500

In November 2019, FCA issued Warranty Bulletin D-19-02 to announce to its dealers a Fast Feedback Program wherein they were notified of a campaign to collect, monitor, and correct quality issues on certain 2018-2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine. As a result of this campaign, high-pressure fuel pumps have been collected and inspected by the manufacturer and pump manufacturer.

ODI is opening this investigation to further assess the scope, frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect leading to stall/loss of motive power on 2019-2020MY RAM heavy-duty trucks.

Fuel Pump Failure In 2021 General Motors Full Size SUVs

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In July 2021 General Motors (GM) opened an investigation into fuel pump failures after a review of warranty data from certain 2021 GM full size SUVs. The data showed that there was a higher than expected rate of fuel pump control modules replaced for vehicles built within certain months. As part of the investigation, GM looked at the returned parts replaced in warranty claims and found the condition was caused by a manufacturing issue at the Tier 3 supplier.

According to the defect report, certain 2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC full size SUVs may have been manufactured with fuel pump power control modules which contain a defect that can cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently. When this happens, fuel flow to the engine will be interrupted and the vehicle could unexpectedly stall.

The Vehicles Affected Include:
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the fuel pump power control module replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N212332040 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-739.

2022 Volkswagen Taos Stalls When Coming To A Stop

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In June 2021 Volkswagen started an investigation into certain Taos compact SUVs after reviving field complaints of stalling when coming to a stop. The vehicles affected by this defect are equipped with all wheel drive powertrains.

According to the defect report, some 2022 VW Taos with all wheel drive powertrains and a specific software version installed in the engine control unit, could experience a stalling condition when coming to a stop. Conditions such as high ambient temperatures, high engine loads and a running air conditioner increases the chance of an engine stall. The cause for stalling is currently under investigation.

To correct the problem, Taos owners with affected vehicles will be asked to return to their dealers to have the ECU software updated. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2021. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 24HH and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-615.

2019-2020 Toyota Yaris Fuel Pump Failure And Engine Stall

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Toyota will be asking the owners of certain 2019-2020 Toyota Yaris vehicles to return to their dealerships for a problem that could lead to fuel pump failure and an engine stall.

Last year Mazda, which is responsible for the vehicle’s design and manufacturing, started an investigation into Mazda and Toyota vehicles experiencing fuel pump failures. Based on the recovered parts and other investigations, Mazda reported that the fuel pumps in the subject vehicles were affected by exposure to high environmental temperatures.

According to the defect report, these vehicles are manufactured with low pressure fuel pumps with low density impellers. These impellers were exposed to production solvent drying for longer periods of time which make them more susceptible to fuel absorption, impeller deformation and impeller cracking. In some cases, the impeller could deform to a point that creates enough interference with the fuel pump body to cause the fuel pump to stop operating. An inoperative fuel pump will result in an illuminated check engine light, master warning indicators, rough engine running and an engine no start and/or vehicle stall while driving.

Toyota will be contacting owners of affected vehicles with instructions to return to their dealerships to have the low pressure fuel pump assembly replaced. Toyota’s numbers for this recall are 21TB05 and 21TA05. The NHTSA campaign number is 21V-617.