Tag Archives: automobile fire

Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Problem

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An investigation into battery fires in certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs has resulted in a recall involving approximately 50,000 vehicles.

According to the defect report, if the batteries in certain vehicles within this population are charged to full capacity or close to full capacity, they could be at risk of overheating and catching fire. GM is still investigating the cause of the problem and will notifying owners of an interim repair where the hybrid propulsion control module will limit the battery to a 90% charge. A final remedy is still under development.

Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed.

GM’s number for this recall is N202311730 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-701.

GM Transmission Oil Leak

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General Motors has decided that a safety defect exists in certain 2018-2020 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles. They will be notifying owners with instructions about how to get their vehicle repaired.

According to the defect report, some of these vehicles are equipped with a start / stop accumulator that may have missing bolts on the end cap. These loose bolts could result in a transmission oil leak that could progress into a complete loss of vehicle propulsion. A transmission leak in the presence of an ignition source could also result in a vehicle fire.

Vehicles Affected Include
2018-2019 Buick LaCrosse
2019-2020 Buick Encore
2019-2020 Buick Enclave
2019-2020 Cadillac XT4
2020 Cadillac XT6
2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze
2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2018-2020 Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Chevrolet Malibu
2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer
2018-2020 GMC Terrain
2019-2020 GMC Acadia

Dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace any missing bolts. GM’s number for this recall is N202313440 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-668.

2014-2019 Ram 1500 Potential Engine Fire

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines because of a vehicle safety problem.

According to the defect report, the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) coolers are susceptible to thermal fatigue and could crack over time. Th crack could allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system and could combust inside the intake manifold, causing a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted there is a problem through a noticeable loss of coolant, lack of heater function and potentially a Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EGR cooler replaced. Dealers will also inspect and replace the intake manifold as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is VB1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-757.

Hyundai & Kia Hybrid – Clutch Actuator Leak

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The Hyundai Motor group will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Hyundai Ioniq and 2017 Kia Niro hybrids regarding a problem affecting the propulsion system.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the subject vehicles may be equipped with a hydraulic clutch actuator with burrs along the inner housing. Over time, these burrs could cause damage to the inner oil seal and allow oil to accumulate in the phase cap area. This accumulation could result an electrical short and an increased risk of fire. If a short exists, drivers will be alerted through an illuminated HEV warning light.

Dealers will inspect the HCA caps for leaked oil and replace the HCA assembly as needed. For more information: Hyundai owners can call 1-855-371-9460. (Hyundai’s recall number is 176 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-260.) Kia owners can call 1-800-333-4542. (Kia’s recall number is SC163 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-257.)

Dodge Durango & Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Line Leaks

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Dodge Durango and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines, regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged during engine assembly. Over time a fuel leak could develop, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.

Dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube and replace it as necessary. For more information about the recall, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S85 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-814.

2010-2011 Mazda Tribute FDM Fuel Leak

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Mazda will be contacting the owners of certain 2010-2011 Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L engines, regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. According to the defect report, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) could crack, causing a fuel leak and a potential fire. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port. The recall is expected to begin December 15, 2016. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 0416J and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-788.

Ford Escape & Mercury Mariner Fuel Smell & Leaks

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2010-2012 Ford Escape and 2010-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles regarding a problem that could result in a vehicle fire. On certain vehicles, the Fuel Delivery Module (FDM) could develop cracks in the fuel supply port. A fuel leak from the FDM may cause fuel odor or visible fuel on the ground under the fuel tank. Field data shows that vehicles in states with higher ambient temperatures are more likely to experience this problem.

Dealers will replace the FDM flange with one that has a redesigned fuel supply port. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S41 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-777.

2014-2016 Mazda3 Fuel Leaks

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The owners of certain 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. Due to improper handling of the fuel tank, the affected cars may have an Inlet Check Valve (ICV) that could fail. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in an automobile fire.

Depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld and replace the tank as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 0116I and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-684.