Chrysler will be asking a small number of 2015 RAM 4500 and 5500 owners to return to their dealership to repair a problem with the front suspension. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the weld between the front upper control arm loop to the spacer may be inadequate. The condition could result in reduced front suspension stability and may affect vehicle control. Continue reading
2015 Jeep Renegade Software Vulnerabilities
Jeep will be asking the owners of certain 2015 Jeep Renegades to update their vehicles software due to a vulnerability that can allow third party access to certain networked control systems. An exploitation of the system could result in unauthorized remote modification and control of the vehicle which could result in an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading
Does Your Vehicle Have TSBs Issued Against It?
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are recommended repair procedures issued by a manufacturer alerting dealers to potential non-safety related defects affecting a vehicle’s performance or life. They help repair technicians diagnose and repair a problem, specifying tools, techniques, and required parts. They can also alert dealers to issues, such as changes in tire pressure or lubricants, repair procedures, and maintenance requirements. TSBs are not recalls and do not entitle customers to free repairs, but some bulletins indicate when the manufacturer is extending warranty coverage for a specific problem. Knowing about TSBs issued for your vehicle can help you save money by alerting you of problems with a car you own or plan to buy. In some cases, they also can expose an early hint of a potential safety problem or the risk of an expensive future problem. Depending on the issue, some bulletins may be difficult to understand for anyone unfamiliar with car repair.
In the above video, Channel 2 consumer adviser Clark Howard warns that not every notice is legitimate and should be looked into thoroughly.
2015 Chrysler 200 Engine Stall Due To Electrical Defect
Chrysler will be notifying the owners of certain 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles about an electrical problem affecting their cars. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the Power Distribution Center (PDC) electrical connector may have been manufactured with spread terminals that could have an intermittent connection between the connector and the PDC. An intermittent loss of power to electrical components could cause a vehicle to stall or go into neutral without warning. Continue reading
2010 Chevy Cobalt Airbag Could Disable
GM has decided that a defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt sedans and they will be asking approximately sixty thousand owners to return to their dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the side-impact sensor wire harness in the driver-side front door may have been improperly routed. The window regulator could contact the harness when the window is fully lowered and, over time, chafe the harness insulation. The problem could result in a short in the side-impact sensor circuit that will prevent the driver-side roof-rail airbag from deploying during a crash. Drivers will be alerted with an airbag warning light. Continue reading
Mazda CX-9 Lower Control Arm Corrosion
Mazda will be notifying owners of certain 2007-2014 CX-9 crossover SUV’s to return to their dealership for repairs to the suspension system. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may experience water intrusion into the fitting. The fitting could corrode and the front lower control arm could separate from the joint causing a loss of steering control and an increased risk of an accident. Continue reading
Cadillac ATS Sunroof Could Unexpectedly Close
General Motors has decided that certain 2013-2016 Cadillac ATS vehicles equipped with power operated roof panel systems may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. They will be contacting owners to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the overhead roof console accessory switch trim plate may have switches that are not fully recessed in the panel. The switches could inadvertently be pressed resulting in an unexpected sunroof closure. Although the roof panel does have an auto reverse feature to prevent injury from unintended closure, it may not protect against all injuries. Continue reading
Lawmakers Want All Takata Airbags Recalled
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey are pushing for a complete recall of Takata airbags as the NHTSA open an investigation into an airbag rupture involving a 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan in Missouri. Previously, the problem has occurred in older vehicles in areas of high humidity, but the most recent exploding airbag did not occur in one of the regions originally designated as high humidity and involved a newer vehicle, not currently subject to the recall. Continue reading
