Tag Archives: Automobile Safety

2020-2023 Ford Mustang No Low Brake Fluid Warning

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brake light warningSome Mustang cars made between 2020 and 2023 have a problem with their brake fluid level sensor. This sensor doesn’t activate a warning light when the brake fluid is low. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for light vehicle brake systems.

Ford became aware of the problem in August 2023 when an issue pertaining to 2020-2023 model year Mustang brake fluid level warning systems was brought into Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) for review. They discovered that the problem lies with the Body Control Module (BCM), a part that manages the brake fluid sensor. This BCM should turn on the brake warning light if there’s a problem. In Mustangs made from 2018 to 2023, the brake fluid sensor is directly connected to the BCM. However, in the 2020 Mustang, they switched to a different BCM design, called “Gen1m,” which incorrectly looks for a message from the brake fluid sensor over a network (CAN) instead of the direct connection.

After investigating, Ford confirmed that this problem only affects Mustangs from 2020 to 2023. They also verified that the 2024 Mustang doesn’t have this issue because the brake system and BCM are set up correctly. The Brake Development team tested Mustangs from 2019 to 2024 and found that the 2020 to 2023 models fail to meet the requirements for warning about low brake fluid. However, these vehicles meet all other brake system warning lamp requirements.

Ford initially didn’t run certification tests on the 2020 to 2023 Mustangs because they thought the brake system was the same as in the 2018 model. They didn’t know that the BCM was incorrectly configured to use a network message.

As of September 12, 2023, Ford received 123 warranty claims related to a brake fluid loss on these vehicles, but there were no reports of the brake fluid level sensor not working.

To fix the problem, Ford dealers will update the software in the body control module. They plan to send out initial letters in December 2023 to notify owners about the safety issue and will send second letters when the solution is available. This recall is identified by Ford as number 23C35, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-727.

Honda Civic – Noise From Front Suspension While Turning

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In a concerning development affecting certain 2022-2024 Honda Civic vehicles, an incorrectly assembled steering rack has raised concerns. This assembly issue may lead to potential tire damage, as the tire could come into contact with the lower suspension or tie rod ends. Specifically, the vehicles affected are those 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door models that had a replacement power steering rack installed as part of a service repair.

Honda became aware of the problem in July 2023, when they were contacted by their steering rack assembly manufacturer about certain assemblies that may have been improperly put together. As a result, Honda swiftly initiated an investigation into this matter, which eventually revealed a defect posing a risk to vehicle safety. In response, Honda made the responsible choice to launch a safety recall.

Flat tire

According to the defect report, the steering racks produced as replacement parts for Honda dealerships had been assembled with an incorrect stroke length setting. When the steering rack’s stroke extends beyond a certain length during driving, it brings the tire into proximity with the lower suspension arm and/or tie rod end. Such contact can lead to tire damage or a potential puncture, thereby heightening the likelihood of an accident or injury.

An early indicator that the issue exists includes an unusual noise emanating from the front tire/suspension area, particularly when making turns.

Honda is taking measures to address this concern. Owners who receive notifications will be urged to return to their Honda dealerships to have the electric power steering rack carefully inspected. If necessary, the steering rack will be replaced to ensure the vehicle’s safety. It’s anticipated that notification letters will be dispatched to owners starting on December 4, 2023. For reference, the recall is identified by Honda as YFW, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-704.

2021 Porsche Taycan: Repeated Problems and the California Lemon Law

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The 2021 Porsche Taycan, with its promise of cutting-edge design and electric power, appeared to be a remarkable addition to the world of electric vehicles. However, it has encountered a series of repeated vehicle problems, predominantly concerning its electronics. A total of 13 recalls have shaken the reputation of this luxury electric car, raising doubts about its reliability.

1. Incorrect Brake Pad Wear Indicator (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-347, May 2023) One of the most recent issues has been the inaccurate activation of the brake pad wear indicator. This not only creates an unnecessary panic for owners but can also lead to unneeded brake replacements, adding to financial and environmental concerns.

2. Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V-176, March 2023) In March 2023, a recall was issued due to a malfunction in the seat belt warning system. This is a crucial safety feature in any vehicle, and its reliability is paramount.

3. Loose Retaining Ring May Cause Dislodged Air Strut (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-921, December 2022) In December 2022, a recall was prompted by the potential for a loose retaining ring to dislodge the air struts. This poses risks to the vehicle’s safety and passenger well-being.

4. Vehicle Display Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-404, June 2022) Another electronic problem emerged in June 2022 with a recall addressing vehicle display malfunctions, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in modern vehicles.

5. Driver and Passenger Seat Wire Harness Damage (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-278, April 2022) Reports of wire harness damage in driver and passenger seats led to a recall, underscoring the need for safety and comfort in the Taycan.

6. Child Seat Anchors May Be Obstructed (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-100, February 2022) In February 2022, a recall highlighted the potential obstruction of child seat anchors, compromising child safety in the Taycan.

7. Suspension May Be Misaligned (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V-052, February 2022) Two separate recalls in February 2022 and March 2021 dealt with suspension issues. These problems included suspension misalignment and components not being tightened properly, affecting the vehicle’s stability and safety.

8. Incorrect Activation of Hazard Lights (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-794, October 2021) Another problem in October 2021 was the incorrect activation of hazard lights, which may confuse and inconvenience drivers.

9. Pressure Input Rod On Brake Booster May Be Loose (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-697, September 2021) A recall in September 2021 addressed the potential of a loose pressure input rod on the brake booster, which could impact braking efficiency.

10. Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-608, August 2021) August 2021 witnessed a recall due to seat belt locking retractor malfunctions, once again emphasizing safety concerns.

11. Software Error Can Cause Loss of Motive Power (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-486, June 2021) One of the most troubling recalls in June 2021 reported that a software error could lead to a loss of motive power, compromising safety and performance.

12. Front Lower Trailing Arms Not Forged Correctly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-362, May 2021) In May 2021, it was discovered that the front lower trailing arms were not forged correctly, raising manufacturing concerns regarding suspension components.

13. Suspension Components Not Tightened Properly (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-157 March 2021.) Loose suspension components may detach, causing a sudden loss of vehicle stability and control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

These repeated vehicle problems with the 2021 Porsche Taycan cast doubts on its reliability. As electric vehicles gain popularity, customers are seeking dependable alternatives. For Taycan owners facing these recurring issues, the California Lemon Law can be a saving grace.

California Lemon Law:

The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers from persistently defective vehicles. If your Porsche Taycan is suffering from repeated issues that impair its safety, use, or value, the California Lemon Law may offer recourse. Under this law, if your vehicle continues to have issues after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.

The electronic problems experienced by the 2021 Porsche Taycan raise concerns about the quality control in manufacturing. Potential buyers should consider the reliability of this luxury electric vehicle carefully. For those who’ve already invested in the Taycan and are facing repeated vehicle problems, the California Lemon Law could be the solution to rid themselves of a problematic vehicle and seek compensation for their troubles.

GM Suspension Bolts Could Fracture

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When it comes to vehicle safety, every component plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure ride. Recently, General Motors (GM) discovered a potential issue with improperly heat-treated suspension bolts in select Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. This problem, if left unaddressed, could lead to serious safety concerns, including misaligned rear wheels and an increased risk of accidents.

In August 2023, a plant quality manager at GM’s Arlington, TX assembly plant uncovered a concerning issue. They identified that as many as 223 vehicles may have received improperly heat-treated bolts during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, these vehicles were not contained at the plant, which raised alarm bells. Of the affected vehicles, 189 were located in the United States.

In response to this discovery, GM initiated a comprehensive investigation into the issue. Extensive testing and analysis were conducted to determine the potential consequences of these improperly heat-treated bolts. What they found was alarming: in the event of a control arm separation, there was a distinct possibility of rear wheel misalignment that could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling.

It is worth noting that, up to this point, GM had not received any reports of field incidents related to this condition. Recognizing the potential risks associated with the improperly heat-treated suspension bolts, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made a decision in September to conduct a safety recall to address the issue.

The vehicles affected by this recall include the following 2023 models:

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • GMC Yukon
  • GMC Yukon XL

If you own one of the aforementioned vehicles and receive a recall notice, it is crucial to act promptly. GM will ask you to return to your authorized dealer to have both rear suspension outer control arm bolts replaced. This proactive step is vital to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. To facilitate this process, GM has assigned a unique recall number for this issue, N232415910, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-642.

Ford Escape, Ford Maverick And Lincoln Corsair Engine Failure

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Ford Motor Company (Ford) has recently announced a crucial safety recall for specific models of Ford Escape, Ford Maverick, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The recall aims to address a potential issue that could lead to a vehicle fire, urging affected owners to promptly visit their dealers for necessary repairs and precautions.

The vehicles affected by this recall include those equipped with 2.5L HEV/PHEV engines, manufactured during the specified time frames. The identified problem revolves around the premature failure of these engines, which can have severe consequences. When an engine fails, there is a risk of significant quantities of engine oil and/or fuel vapor being released under the vehicle’s hood. These substances may then migrate to and accumulate near potential ignition sources, posing a potential fire hazard. In addition to the risk of fire, localized melting of components or the emission of smoke may also occur.

The specific models affected by this recall are the 2020-2023 Ford Escape, the 2022-2023 Ford Maverick, and the 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair. Ford has identified isolated engine manufacturing issues as the root cause of the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine failures that result in engine block or oil pan breaches. Despite the breach, the HEV/PHEV system continues to propel the vehicle, allowing the driver to continue operating it. Unfortunately, this means that as the driver continues to drive after a block breach, oil and/or fuel vapor continues to be expelled and accumulate near ignition sources, exacerbating the risk.

Owners of the affected vehicles should be aware of the signs indicating engine failure. These signs include loud noises such as a metal-to-metal clank, which will be audible to the vehicle’s occupants. Additionally, an engine failure will lead to a reduction in engine torque. If drivers notice any unexpected engine noises, experience an unexpected torque reduction, or observe smoke emanating from the engine compartment, they are strongly advised to safely park the vehicle and promptly shut off the engine.

Ford is actively working on developing the remedy for this issue. In the meantime, interim letters have been sent out to notify owners of the safety risk. These letters were mailed on June 23, 2023, to inform owners about the importance of addressing the issue. Once the remedy is available, a second round of letters will be sent out to inform owners and provide instructions for getting the necessary repairs. It’s important to note that this recall, identified by Ford as recall number 23S27, expands and replaces the previous recall number 22V-484. Therefore, even if the vehicles have been previously repaired under recall number 22V-484, owners will still need to have the new remedy completed to ensure their safety.

Chevy Express & GMC Savana HVAC Circuit May Overheat

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General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, with a reputation for producing reliable and safe vehicles. However, like all automakers, GM occasionally identifies issues with its vehicles that need to be addressed to ensure the safety of its customers. Recently, GM identified a problem in certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and 2003-2023 GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

According to the defect report, these vehicles are equipped with an unused circuit that a final-stage manufacturer may elect to use to install an optional rear HVAC system. While this circuit is not typically used, if the final-stage manufacturer leaves the circuit’s connectors or cut wires unsealed, where exposure to moisture or contamination may, over time, cause corrosion. In rare cases, this corrosion could result in a high current draw through the circuit at the vehicles’ lower left side B-pillar. If left unaddressed, the problem could cause excessive heat in the circuit that could result in a fire.

To address this problem, GM began a product investigation in December 2022, after receiving reports of two alleged fire incidents involving a 2013 and a 2014 Chevrolet Express Cutaway incomplete vehicles. The company’s investigators analyzed inspection reports from the two subject vehicles and retrieved and analyzed field data for all Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway vehicles sold for model years 2005 through 2023, comprising approximately 167,000 units. Analysis of the field data, including legal claims, identified a total of eight potentially related complaints, six of which alleged fires.

On March 30, 2023, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall. While the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this condition, it is taking this action to ensure the safety of its customers.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notices with instructions to return to their dealers to have the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar properly sealed. The recall is identified by GMC’s number N222386050 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-247.

2023 Genesis G90 Abnormal Pretensioner Deployment

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Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) will be contacting the owners of certain 2023 Genesis G90 luxury sedans because of a defect affecting the seat belt pretensioners in their vehicles. The problem could result in an increased chance of injury to vehicle occupants.

In October 2022, Hyundai received information pertaining to an investigation into allegations of abnormal seat belt pretensioner deployments in vehicles associated with recalls 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-218, 22V-354, and 22V-458. Recall 22V-816 was initiated as Hyundai continued to evaluate vehicles equipped with the same Samsong pretensioners that had not yet been recalled..

In January, during the continued analysis of the airbag control unit (ACU) crash pulse data recovered from a North Carolina incident, they found that the micro gas generator (MGG) separated despite having a lower pretensioner “time-to-fire”. This was the problem that was previously thought to be the contributor to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe. Because of this information, the North America Safety Office (NASO) decided to conduct a safety recall 012G (23V-094) of Genesis G80, GV60, GV70, and GV80 vehicles equipped with pretensioners without a vent valve. Recall 012G (23V-094) supersedes Recall 009G, obsoleting all affected population(s) of Recall 211/009G (21V-796).

In March, during the review of details surrounding Hyundai’s assessment of the open investigation into the recent recalls, Hyundai noted that the recent recalls address all U.S. vehicles equipped with the subject Samsong seat belt pretensioner excluding Genesis G90 vehicles. The G90 contains the same seat belt pretensioners but because it is installed facing outward and away from occupants, fragments entering the cabin area and injuring occupants are significantly less likely to happen. Based on this information, the NASO decided to conduct a safety recall (013G) of Genesis G90 vehicles equipped with pretensioners without a vent valve. NHTSA campaign number 23V-210.

According to the defect report, the subject vehicles are equipped with frontal/rear pyrotechnic-type seat belt pretensioners that could deploy abnormally in certain crash conditions. The problem is due to the over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe. Depending on specific vehicle characteristics such as pretensioner load limiter specification, the airbag control unit logic, crash duration/severity, and micro-gas generator orientation, occupants could experience an increased risk of injury.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer to have the seat belt pretensioner’s micro gas generator and delivery pipe secured with a cap to prevent potential abnormal deployment.

Volvo Emergency Call False Warning Message

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Volvo Car USA, the American arm of the Swedish automaker, has announced that it will be contacting owners of certain 2023 Volvo vehicles regarding a problem that could lead to the failure of the e-call system, a crucial safety feature in modern cars.

Volvo first became aware of the problem in March 2023, when a customer reported a false warning message being displayed on the Driver Information Module (DIM). Upon investigation, it was discovered that the problem was related to the Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM), which could mis-detect a communication failure with the Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) during a software download.

The issue was escalated to the Critical Concern Action Process (CCAP) and subsequently to the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) for further review. After a thorough analysis of the data, the decision was made to issue a recall for the affected vehicles.

2023 Volvo C40
2023 Volvo S60
2023 Volvo V60CC
2023 Volvo XC40
2023 Volvo XC60
2023 Volvo XC90

Although there will be no actual loss of expected functions, the falsely set Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) could lead to confusion in case of an actual emergency, increasing the risk of no emergency response. Therefore, it is imperative that owners of affected vehicles take this recall seriously and get their vehicles updated as soon as possible.

The recall has been assigned the Volvo Car’s number R10225, and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-188. It is worth noting that such recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry. Car manufacturers routinely monitor their vehicles for issues, to ensure that their vehicles remain safe.

In conclusion, Volvo Car USA will be updating the software in certain 2023 Volvo vehicles to address the e-call system issue. The recall is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its customers. It is recommended that owners of the affected vehicles take the recall seriously and bring their vehicles in for the necessary software update as soon as possible.