The owners of certain 2011-2014 Dodge Charger sedans will be contacted by Chrysler about a problem that could lead to unexpected airbag deployment. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module calibration may be overly sensitive and could activate the side curtain and seat air bags while driving on rough roads or with a door slam. Continue reading
Mercedes Benz Incorrectly Installed Fuses
Mercedes Benz will be asking a small number of 2014 CLA250 and CL45 AMG coupe owners to return to their dealership for a manufacturing error affecting the electrical system.
Due to a deviation of the production process at the supplier, one or more fuses may have been improperly seated in the fuse holder and could become dislodged over time due to vibrations. In the event of a loss of electrical contact the passenger seat occupancy recognition, the passenger side airbag indicator lamp, the instrument cluster, and the windshield wipers could unexpectedly stop working. Continue reading
Nissan Cube, Juke, & Versa Unexpected Engine Shutdown
Due to a manufacturing issue, Nissan will be asking owners of certain 2013-2014 Cube, 2013-2014 Juke, and 2014 Versa vehicles to return to their dealerships for repairs. According to the defect report, the casting of the ignition immobilizer antenna housing may not meet design specifications and could shrink when exposed to hot temperatures. Under rare circumstances, the start/stop button could become stuck in a halfway depressed position and electrical components within the button could contact repeatedly, initiating an emergency engine shut off procedure. Continue reading
2012 Ford Fiesta California Lemon Law Buyback
The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2012 Ford Fiesta experiencing repeated problems. Our client had purchased the Fiesta in September 2011 and was experiencing safety related problems with the transmission. The vehicle was difficult to shift, would shutter, and often slip out of gear while driving. After giving her Ford dealership four (4) opportunities to repair the problems she decided to contact us for advice. Continue reading
Acura MDX A/C Clutch Bolt Failure
A manufacturing error affecting certain 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles will have approximately 106,439 owners returning to their dealership for repairs.
According to reports, during manufacturing of the A/C compressor clutch drive bolts, certain lots failed to receive the proper dielectric topcoat. As a result, the bolts are more susceptible to corrosion and could break during operation. In addition, some bolt lots did not receive sufficient curing of the e-coat which could result in low torque values and low hardness. The bolts could loosen and fall off during operation. Continue reading
2014-2015 Audi SQ5 Steering Motor Sensor Fault
Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the steering motor sensor. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the affected cars have an electric power steering assist system that could experience a steering motor sensor fault as the result of cold ambient temperatures. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, drivers will be alerted with a power steering warning light and extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds. The problem could increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Continue reading
NHTSA Fines Fiat Chrysler For Recall Deficiencies
Fiat Chrysler will pay up to $105 million in penalties and fines, and will buy back almost half a million recalled vehicles after an NHTSA investigation found the automobile manufacturer violated auto safety regulations. The fines include a $70 million cash payment, an agreement that Fiat Chrysler will spend $20 million improving its recall process and an additional $15 million payable if the automaker is found to have committed any further violations. Continue reading
Chrysler Software Vulnerable To Hacking
Some 2013-2015 Chrysler vehicles equipped with RA3 or RA4 model radios may have certain software vulnerabilities which could allow third party access to some vehicle control systems. If the system is exploited, an unauthorized remote modification could expose the driver, occupants, and other individuals within the proximity to a potential risk of injury. Although FCA US has determined that the defect is not a safety problem, it has decided to conduct a remedial campaign in the interest of protecting its customers. Continue reading
