Mercedes-Benz has determined that a small number of 2016 C300 and 2016 GLC 300 vehicles have an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) hydraulic control unit that may have been damaged during transport. Depending on the extent of the damage, specific ESP functions may be deactivated. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through a display message and warning lights on the dashboard, and may experience loss of electronic parking brake functions.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) hydraulic control units replaced. 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-603.

Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks about a problem affecting their vehicles powertrain system. The transfer case main output shaft may have been manufactured misshapen, creating voids that could result in a shaft fracture. If the main output shaft fractures, the vehicle will lose motive power and the driver may be unable to shift into “PARK”.

Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the transfer case. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S48 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-495.

General Motors has decided that certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles have side airbag modules that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for side impact protection and will be asking owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the welds that mount the front and rear side impact airbag inflators to the seat frame could fracture and separate during deployment, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. Continue reading

General Motors have announced a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet and GMC trucks. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the threads on the brake pedal pivot bolt may be too short to engage the locking feature of the nut. If the pedal loosens, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle safely or the pedal could interfere with the accelerator. The driver may notice a change in brake pedal feel, the service engine soon light may illuminate, and/or the brake lights may stay on longer than expected. Continue reading

Kia will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the steering system. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the gear assembly may have insufficient strength. The pinion gear could separate from the assembly, resulting in loss of steering and an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading

An investigation into certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey crossover vehicles will have approximately 144,416 owners returning to their dealership for repairs. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, under rough driving conditions, the engine cover could become displaced and contact the exhaust manifold. If this happens, drivers will experience an increased risk of a engine compartment fire. Continue reading

The owners of certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUV’s equipped with base radio and an internal amplifier, could experience problems that will leave drivers with no audible warning indicators. This “No Chime Condition” will require that the vehicle be returned to the nearest dealership to have the radio software updated. The defect could leave drivers with no audible warning if the key is left in the ignition, the driver’s door is opened, or if the front passenger seat belt is not buckled. (Radio and chime functions are not restored until the battery is disconnected and reconnected.) Continue reading

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an intelligent cruise control system that uses radar senors or lasers to automatically slow down and speeds up a vehicle to keep pace with surrounding traffic. When the system is working correctly, the technology can be a great tool for preventing accidents, but because it is relatively new, software glitches can leave drivers feeling unsafe. Continue reading