A manufacturing error will have a small number of 2015 Fiat 500L owners returning to their dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the passenger airbags may have experienced irregularities during the folding process and may not meet the design specifications in accordance with FMVSS 208. During an accident which requires front passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may not inflate as intended, increasing the risk of injury to a front passenger in certain types of crashes. Continue reading
Incorrect Repair Could Lead To Chevy Airbag Safety Problem
General Motors have announced that a small number of 2014 Chevrolet SS and Caprice vehicles receiving replacement seat base assemblies during a repair service, may have an airbag safety problem. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, in some serviced vehicles, the dealers may have not transferred the seat position target bracket from the original seat base. If the seat position sensor does not have a target bracket to read, and the seat is in a forward position, the airbag may deploy at a force greater than intended during an accident. Continue reading
VW Golf & Jetta Inaccurate Occupant Classification
A small number of 2015 Volkswagen E-Golf, Golf, and Jetta owners will be receiving notices about a problem affecting the front passenger airbag in their vehicles. According to the defect report, an electromagnetic coil inside a module in the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) may have been manufactured with improper insulation between the coil layers. Over time, the characteristics of the coil could change and give erroneous front passenger classification readings. Vehicle occupants will be alerted of a problem by an illuminating airbag warning light or by false indication of the Passenger Airbag OFF indicator. Continue reading
2014-2015 Chevy & GM Trucks Added To Ignition Defect List
General Motors has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles may have an ignition lock actuator manufactured out of specifications. The problem, combined with warm ambient temperatures, could make turning the ignition key difficult and/or the ignition key could get stuck in the start position. If the vehicle is driven with the key stuck in the start position a significant jarring event or cooling of the ambient temperature could result in the ignition snapping back into the accessory position, shutting off the engine, power steering, power brakes, and airbags. Continue reading
2013 Dodge Dart Repurchased Under The Ca Lemon Law
After fourteen (14) unsuccessful repair attempts, the owner of a 2013 Dodge Dart contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associated, P.C. for advice. She told us she complained to her Chrysler dealership many times about the trouble she was having. These problems included a defective transmission and engine which resulted in loss of power under normal operating conditions, and a check engine and service transmission warning light that remains on. The vehicles Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) had been replaced, but the problems still persisted. Continue reading
Will California VW Owners Fix Vehicles Recalled For Fake Emissions?
As U.S. Volkswagen owners wait for a recall to see how the automobile manufacturer will repair vehicles rigged with software that allows them to pass federal emissions tests, some question whether they will have repairs done at all. According to the head of Volkswagen, the fix could result in vehicles experiencing lower top speeds and higher fuel consumption than listed on the window sticker. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records show the average completion rate for auto recalls in the United States is only around 75% over 18 months, and if the emissions fix results in decreased fuel economy and performance, owners will be even more reluctant to take their vehicle in.
For now, thousands of 2016 VW diesel models are stranded at ports around the nation until the EPA can certify their emissions control systems. In California, the Air Resource Board (CARB) said they will be carrying out emissions tests on diesel cars made by other manufacturers and have set a deadline of November 20th for Volkswagen to submit a recall remedy for approval. According to CARB, if there is not enough owner response to get repairs done, the option of not issuing vehicle registration until the recall has been carried out could be implemented.
GM Seat Mounted Side Impact Airbags Could Rupture
General Motors will be asking a small number of Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC owners to return to their dealership for a safety problem affecting the front seat mounted side impact airbags. During an accident necessitating the deployment of the side impact air bags, the inflator may not properly inflate and could rupture and throw metal fragments that could injure occupants. Continue reading
Chrysler & Dodge Minivan Hood Latch Could Detach
Chrysler will be asking the owners of some 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans to return to their dealerships to repair a safety problem that could result in the drivers vision being obstructed. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, during manufacturing, the bolts that attach the hood striker may have been insufficiently tightened and could loosen over time and detach from the hood. The hood could open, increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading
