Tag Archives: manufacturing error

2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Airbag May Deploy Improperly

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Vehicle safety is paramount, and when vehicle manufacturers fall short in ensuring your protection, it’s essential to understand your rights as a consumer. In a recent development, General Motors (GM) has issued a recall affecting certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs due to potential issues with the passenger side instrument panel airbag. If you’re a Chevrolet Bolt EV owner facing this concerning situation, a Lemon Law lawyer can be your ally in navigating this complex scenario. Read on to discover more about this recall, its implications, and how legal expertise can safeguard your rights.

The recall revolves around a crucial safety component – the passenger side instrument panel airbag. Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs may have been manufactured with an alarming problem that could lead to improper airbag deployment. The concern arises when the airbag perforation is missing or compromised. In such cases, the passenger side airbag may not deploy as intended during a crash, significantly increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

GM was made aware of this potential safety issue in June 2023 when a supplier quality engineer received notification from a supplier about the possibility of some 2022 and 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs lacking the necessary passenger side airbag perforation. Following this notification, an investigation was launched, and a specific group of vehicles, totaling 403, was identified as suspects in the potential defect.

Owners of the affected Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be contacted by GM with specific instructions. It is essential to heed this call to action. Returning to your dealership for a passenger side instrument panel airbag replacement is imperative. This action will ensure your vehicle’s airbag system functions correctly, safeguarding your safety and the well-being of your passengers. To facilitate the recall process, GM has assigned a unique recall number: N232414170. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated this recall with the campaign number 23V-567.

If you find yourself entangled in this recall, you might encounter challenges in coordinating the repair process with your dealership or facing uncertainties about your legal rights. This is where a Lemon Law lawyer becomes an invaluable asset. With their expertise, they can help you navigate the legal intricacies, ensuring that your rights are upheld and that the manufacturer takes the necessary steps to address the defect promptly. Your Lemon Law lawyer will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Steering Fracture

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When it comes to your safety on the road, a reliable and functional steering system is paramount. Unfortunately, General Motors, LLC (GM) has recently issued a recall for certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles due to a potential steering gear shaft defect that could pose serious risks. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this recall, GM’s response, and how a Lemon Law lawyer can help if you’re affected by this issue.

GM has identified a critical concern in some 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and 2024 GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The issue revolves around the steering gear shaft, which has the potential to fracture and disconnect from the steering arm. This alarming discovery was brought to light in June 2023 during an alignment operation, when a GM quality engineer stumbled upon a fractured steering gear shaft on a 2024 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD truck. GM’s thorough investigation traced the root cause to the use of out-of-specification materials combined with improper heat treatment. This unfortunate combination can result in steering gear shaft parts with material properties that fall outside acceptable specifications, ultimately leading to the fracture of the shaft.

The repercussions of this defect are both concerning and dangerous. The steering gear shaft, if compromised, may fracture and detach from the steering (pitman) arm. Such an occurrence renders the driver unable to steer the vehicle effectively, dramatically increasing the risk of a potential crash. It’s essential for vehicle owners to recognize the seriousness of this situation and take immediate action.

In response to this critical safety concern, GM’s Safety and Field Action Decision Authority acted swiftly. In July 2023, they decided to initiate a safety recall for the affected vehicles. If you own one of the affected models, GM will contact you with instructions on returning to your nearest dealership. There, your steering gear will be thoroughly inspected, and if necessary, replaced. To identify this recall, GM has assigned it the recall number N232414720, and it is also associated with the NHTSA campaign number 23V-549.

If you find yourself entangled in this recall, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a consumer. This is where a Lemon Law lawyer can make a significant difference. Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers who have purchased faulty vehicles, ensuring that manufacturers rectify the situation. Your Lemon Law lawyer can guide you through the legal processes, helping you navigate the intricacies of the law to ensure you receive the compensation and resolution you deserve.

In light of GM’s recent recall of certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles due to a steering gear shaft defect, prioritizing your safety on the road has never been more important. Stay informed, heed the manufacturer’s instructions, and if you encounter any challenges along the way, remember that a Lemon Law lawyer is here to safeguard your rights and help you achieve a fair resolution. Your safety and peace of mind are paramount, and by taking appropriate action, you can ensure a secure driving experience.

2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer Airbag Safety

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airbagCertain 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles could experience a compromised side curtain air bag (SABIC) deployment due to an improperly seated upper B-pillar. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirement of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for ejection mitigation.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) became aware of the problem in June 2022 when the FCA technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization was informed of a potential issue related to the upper B-pillar trim that could result in a compromised SABIC deployment in some 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles. FCA analyzed warranty claims, customer records and vehicle history to identify reports of improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. They held meetings with FCA Interior Engineering and Manufacturing to review the issue and understand the part design failure mode.

According to the defect report, when the ejection propulsion mechanism propels the ejection impactor into the impact target locations of each side daylight opening of a vehicle according to the test procedures specified in S5 of this standard, the most outboard surface of the ejection head form must not displace more than 100 millimeters beyond the zero displacement plane. Vehicles with the upper B-pillar trim not fully seated may have a compromised side airbag inflatable curtain deployment that may not meet this requirement. A compromised deployment of the SABIC can reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash, resulting in an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants. If a vehicle has this problem, the driver may notice a loose fit and/or rattle in the B-pillar.

This recall is not related to a part defect but rather an assembly issue where the vehicle may have been built with an improperly seated upper B-pillar trim. The remedy will be to inspect and, if necessary, reseat or replace all loose or broken upper B-pillar interior trim pieces. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 76A and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-545.

Ford F-150 Unintended Activation of Electric Parking Brake

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Ford has been monitoring certain 2021-2023 Ford F-150 trucks equipped with single exhaust systems due to potential issues with the electric parking brake. Reports have surfaced indicating an unexpected activation of the parking brake, sparking concern among owners and the automaker alike. In response, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) launched an investigation to assess the problem’s magnitude and potential root causes.

The initial investigation began after Ford received troubling reports of unintended parking brake application on a 2021 model year F-150 truck. Warranty and field reports revealed signs of damage to the wiring harness housing the rear electric parking brake circuits. Such damage raised red flags, necessitating a closer look to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.

Looking deeper into the issue, Ford’s team of experts discovered that the damaged wiring was a component of the rear axle wiring harness assembly. This particular harness assembly not only houses wires for the rear electric parking brakes but also serves other essential electrical components. The investigation highlighted that, in certain scenarios, the rear axle wiring harness bundle could make contact with the rear axle housing, leading to chafing of the wiring bundle.

Over time, this chafing effect could wear through the abrasion-resistant tape and circuit insulation, ultimately exposing the underlying copper wiring. The consequence of this exposure could be the grounding of circuits on the rear axle housing, which in turn could cause unintended activation of the electric parking brake. Adding to the complexity, corrosion on the rear axle housing could accelerate the abrasion process, compounding the problem.

Ford’s engineering team took the investigation further by conducting comprehensive vehicle-level testing and data analysis. The goal was to understand the implications of damaged circuits within the wiring harness bundle. They discovered that if the low side electric parking brake motor circuit experienced a short to ground, it could trigger the unintended activation of the electric parking brake, potentially leading to hazardous situations.

Ford are initiating a recall to resolve this issue. Owners of affected vehicles will receive official notices instructing them to take their vehicles to authorized Ford or Lincoln dealers for thorough inspections of the rear axle wiring harness.

During the inspection, if the technicians observe any wear on the abrasion tape covering the wire bundle, the suspect harness will be replaced with a new service harness. In cases where the abrasion tape shows no signs of wear, the dealer will take preventive measures by installing a protective tie strap and tape wrap, ensuring the wiring remains secure and safeguarded against future issues.

Ford is aware of 918 warranty and three field reports in North America for the wire chafing condition. Of these reports, 299 indicated that the electric parking brake had unintended activation, of which nineteen (19) allege electric parking brake application while driving. Ford has assigned a recall number to this campaign, which is 23S35. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the campaign as number 23V-509.

Toyota and Lexus Airbag Problem

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AirbagToyota and Lexus have announced that they will be reaching out to owners of specific vehicle models due to a critical problem related to the electrical connection inside the steering column. This issue has the potential to disable the driver’s side airbag, leading to non-compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for Occupant Crash Protection.

The problem first came to Toyota’s attention in May 2023 when they were contacted by the spiral cable assembly supplier. The supplier informed Toyota about an ongoing investigation into the manufacturing process, which revealed contamination in the washing station for specific spiral cable components. As a consequence, a poor welding condition could occur between the Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and the bus bar, which affects connectivity to various controls on the steering wheel. Extensive testing conducted by the supplier between late-May and late-June indicated that the FFC might detach from the bus bar at the weak weld connection area.

As per the defect report, the steering column assembly in the affected vehicles contains electrical connections to the driver’s airbag module housed within a spiral cable assembly, including the FFC. In cases where the FFC is inadequately welded to the spiral cable’s bus bar, there is a risk of the FFC separating, resulting in one or more open circuits linked through the FFC. This separation specifically impacts the circuit responsible for connecting the driver’s airbag module. If connectivity is lost, the SRS warning light will activate, and the driver’s airbag may be deactivated, failing to deploy in a crash scenario that necessitates its activation. Consequently, this raises the likelihood of driver injury in the event of a crash.

 

The vehicles affected include:

2023-2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
2023-2024 Lexus NX250
2023-2024 Lexus NX350
2023 Lexus RX Hybrid
2023 Lexus RX350
2023 Lexus RX500H
2023 Toyota Corolla
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross
2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
2023 Toyota Highlander
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
2023 Toyota Tacoma

Dealers will inspect and replace the spiral cable assembly as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 23TA08, Lexus’ number for this recall is 23LA02 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-480.

Honda and Acura Potential Brake Issues

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Honda and Acura have identified a potential issue related to the tie rod fastener in certain vehicle models. This manufacturing concern could lead to the separation of the brake master cylinder from the booster assembly, compromising brake function and potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

The following Honda and Acura vehicle models have been identified as being potentially affected by this recall:

2020-2021 Honda Civic
2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline
2021-2023 Honda Passport
2021-2022 Honda Pilot
2020 Acura MDX

Honda first became aware of the problem in December 2020 when a missing nut was discovered in the brake booster tie rods. The company notified the component part supplier and initiated an investigation to identify the root cause. The investigation revealed that the brake master cylinder may have been improperly fastened to the brake booster assembly during the manufacturing process, resulting in the presence of loose or missing tie rod nuts. This assembly flaw could potentially lead to the breakage of tie rod studs, causing the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster assembly.

Potential Consequences and Safety Concerns: In the event of a separation between the brake master cylinder and the brake booster assembly, drivers may experience diminished or complete loss of brake function. This compromised braking capability significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Honda has taken immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

Recall and Repair Process: As a proactive measure, Honda has issued a recall for the affected vehicles. Authorized dealerships will inspect the brake booster assembly and perform the necessary repairs to rectify any potential issues. To facilitate the recall process, Honda has assigned the following identification numbers: VEU, AEV, and ZET. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-458 to this recall.

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.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure

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Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has recently taken action to address a potential problem that may affect certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 trucks and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The issue involves an unexpected engine stall, which could pose a safety risks to vehicle owners.

In May 2023, the FCA Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization initiated an investigation into certain models manufactured between 2014 and 2019 for Ram 1500 trucks and between 2014 and 2020 for Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. The focus of the investigation was on vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. It was discovered that these particular vehicles had a tone reluctor wheel with an insufficient bond between the magnetic coating and the tone wheel body. Upon analyzing the stall patterns and reviewing vehicle history, it was determined that the affected vehicles were those manufactured with Gen II 3.0L diesel engines, and the crankshaft tone wheel was identified as the source of the stalls.

According to the defect report, the magnetic material attached to the reluctor wheel provides a crucial signal to the crankshaft position sensor. When this signal is lost, the engine’s ability to synchronize injector pulses and cam timing is compromised. Consequently, the loss of the crankshaft position can lead to an engine stall, leaving the vehicle unable to restart.

To address this issue, FCA will be updating the powertrain control module software to ensure that vehicle propulsion is maintained even in the event of a lost crankshaft position signal. By reading the camshaft position signal, the updated software will mitigate the risk of engine stalls.

As part of the recall process, FCA has assigned the number 66A to this specific recall, while the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-411. It is important to note that this recall represents an expansion of a previous recall, namely recall 20V-475.

FCA US will be contacting vehicle owners to ensure that they are informed about the issue and the necessary steps to resolve it. The company is aware of 10 customer assistance records, 611 warranty claims, and three field reports that may be associated with this particular issue.