Tag Archives: software update

Jeep Cherokee And Wagoneer Air Bags Disabled With No Warning

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During a configuration review at the supplier for an unrelated manufacturing issue, FCA US LLC Product Engineering became aware of an error with an airbag squib driver circuit that identified three internal faults not mapped to a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). An investigation was opened and it was discovered that some 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles may not set a DTC, and the airbag warning indicator may not illuminate.

The problem started in February 2021, when occupant restraint controllers (ORCs) with an incorrect software version were introduced into vehicle production, through to November 1, 2021, when the suspect ORCs were no longer used in vehicle production. Vehicle and supplier production records were used to determine the vehicles included in the recall population.

According to the defect report, “If specific ORC internal faults are active then a DTC will not be set and the airbag warning indicator may not illuminate. The internal faults will disable deployment of both the driver and passenger airbag squib 3 (related to airbag venting post-deployment) and knee airbags. The airbag warning indicator may not illuminate to notify the driver of possible compromised airbag system functionality. Reduced occupant protection in the event of a crash may result in an increased risk of injury to motor vehicle occupants.”

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their FCA dealers to have the occupant restraint controller reprogrammed with the correct software version that maps subject internal faults to a DTC. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is Y79 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-873.

If you purchased or leased a defective vehicle in California, it has turned out to be a lemon, and you need help to get rid of it, just fill out the above contact form or call us now at 1-888-395-3666 for a free case evaluation.

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.

2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet And GMC Trucks Steering Warning Indicator

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General Motors has decided that a problem affecting vehicle steering exists in certain 2021 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC trucks. GM opened an investigation into the condition after receiving a field report of loss of power steering assist in a 2021 GMC Yukon.

According to the defect report, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) data obtained from the vehicle indicated that the power steering system may contain a software error that causes loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving. Vehicle testing demonstrated that manual steering remained available without power assist, but increased steering effort was required, particularly at lower speeds. In most cases, the malfunction indicator light will display on the instrument panel and a warning chime will sound. The condition is typically self-corrected at the next ignition cycle.

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

GM will update the software in the vehicles’ power steering module. Owners will have the opportunity to accept these software changes using wireless over-the-air (OTA) technology without having to bring their vehicle to a dealership. Alternatively, owners may schedule to have the updates performed at a GM dealer. A certain number of vehicles that were part of GM’s captured test fleet will require replacement of the steering gear motor kit in order to receive the updated software.

GM’s number for this recall is N212333900 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-455.

Airbag Warning Light May Not Illuminate In GM Vehicles

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General Motors has decided that a defect relating to vehicle safety exists in certain 2021 model year Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.

In April 2021, a Problem Resolution and Tracking System (PRTS) issue was opened following validation testing for a future model year vehicles, where it was noted some conditions in which loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM) did not illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator lamp. GM opened an investigation in May 2021. A review of field data showed 19 warranty claims possibly linked to this condition.

According to the defect report, a software problem exists in some of these vehicles which would cause a SDM communications fault to illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator lamp, but only on alternating ignition cycles. As a result, an SDM communications fault would not consistently illuminate the airbag light on every ignition cycle to indicate a problem to the driver.

A driver might not be warned of an SDM loss of communication fault which might indicate a problem with airbag deployment. If airbags do not deploy appropriately in a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.

Description of the Cause : The Communications Gateway Module, also referred to as the serial data gateway module, software does not correctly store data indicating loss of communication with the SDM.

Vehicles Affected Include
2021 Buick Envision
2021 Cadillac CT4
2021 Cadillac CT5
2021 Cadillac Escalade
2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
2021 Chevrolet Suburban
2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
2021 GMC Yukon
2021 GMC Yukon XL

GM dealers will correct the problem by updating the software for the communications gateway module. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in July 2021. GM’s number for this recall is N212338110 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-421.

2021 Cadillac Escalade Dim Seatbelt And Airbag Warning Lights

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Some 2021 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV vehicles may fail to comply to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for controls and displays of the occupant crash protection system.

According to the defect report, the front passenger seat belt and airbag status lights on the overhead console could be unknowingly set to night mode, making them not visible to vehicle occupants.  The body control module (BCM) software in these vehicles may inadvertently set the “night mode” in the daytime when the remote start is used or when the vehicle is turned off and re-started without opening the door for ten minutes.  If night mode is active during the daytime the driver and front passenger may not notice the warning that the seat belt is unbuckled or that the airbag is deactivated.  This problem can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

General Motors will be notifying owners of affected vehicles beginning in February.  Dealers will correct the problem by updating the BCM software.  GM’s number for this recall is N202319980 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-790.

Honda Accord & Honda Insight Electrical Problem

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Honda will be asking owners of certain 2018-2020 Accord, 2018-2020 Accord Hybrid and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles, to return to their dealerships to repair a problem that could affect various electrical systems in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, a software programming error combined with certain driver actions could disrupt the communication between the body control module (BCM) and other systems. The problem could result in illumination of several warning indicators and the malfunction of one or more electronic components. The affected components include:

  • Windshield defrosting and defogging.
  • Windshield wiping and washing.
  • Headlights and turning indicators.
  • Rear view camera display.
  • Warnings for electrolyte spillage and electrical shock protection on electric powered vehicles.
  • Audible warning of a stopped vehicle and placing it into park.
  • Powered windows, partition and roof panels.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the BCM software updated. Honda’s number for this recall is X95 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-771.

 

GM Trucks Brake Pedal Vibration

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General Motors has identified a defect which could affect vehicle safety in certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines. They will be asking owners to return to their dealerships to have the Electronic Brake Control Module reprogrammed.

According to the defect report, these vehicles may have a condition in which the engine mounted vacuum pump output could decrease over time. If the vacuum level drops, drivers may notice a vibration in the brake pedal, increased braking effort, a hard brake pedal and/or increased stopping distances. The drivers information center “Service Brakes” warning light will illuminate and a diagnostic code will be set. The condition is most prevalent at low speed and soft braking.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the electronic brake control module to improve how the system uses the hydraulic brake boost assist function when the vacuum assist is depleted. GM’s number for this recall is N202300860 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-603.

Ford Pre-Collision Assist Will Not Enable

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Ford had decided that a problem affecting the collision avoidance system exists in certain 2020 Ford Expedition and 2020 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The condition affects models equipped with the standard camera-only pre-collision assist built within a certain time period. Vehicles with optional radar plus camera pre-collision assist systems are not affected.

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles are equipped with pre-collision assist features that are not functional. This includes: Forward Collision Warning, Dynamic Brake Support and Automatic Emergency Braking. There is no warning to the driver that these features are not functional, increasing the risk and severity of a frontal collision.

Dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the software affecting the Body Control Module, Anti-lock Braking System, Instrument Panel Cluster, Headlamp Control Modules and reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. Ford’s number for this recall is 20S20 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-262.