Tag Archives: brake light waning

2024-2025 Tacoma 4-Wheel Drive Reduced Braking

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A potentially serious issue has been identified in certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma 4-wheel drive trucks, prompting a safety recall by the manufacturer. The problem involves dirt buildup inside the rear wheels of affected vehicles, which can cause damage to the rear brake hoses and potentially lead to brake fluid leaks.

The issue affects Toyota Tacoma trucks equipped with 16-inch brake systems and 17-inch wheels, where the brake hoses are attached to the rear brake calipers and transfer brake fluid under hydraulic pressure. The clearance between the brake hoses and wheels in these vehicles is smaller than in other combinations, making them more susceptible to damage from mud and dirt buildup.

When operating in off-road conditions, mud and dirt can accumulate on the interior of the rear wheels and come into contact with the brake hoses. Over time, this can cause wear and tear on the hoses, leading to damage and potentially resulting in a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can reduce brake performance and increase stopping distances, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

The problem was first reported by dealers in mid-July 2024, with several instances of rear brake hose leaks observed in 2024 Toyota Tacoma vehicles with the affected wheel and brake combination. Upon further inspection, dealer technicians found that the rear brake hoses were damaged and worn through, and that mud and dirt buildup on the inside of the rear wheels was causing the hoses to rub against the debris.

Toyota’s investigation into the issue revealed that the manufacturing processes used to install the brake hose were following proper routing procedures. However, a design review of the rear brake system found that the clearance between the brake hose and wheel in affected vehicles was smaller than in other combinations. Additionally, the positioning of the rear brake hose on 16-inch brakes was different and outside of the rear caliper profile.

Based on the results of its investigation, Toyota concluded that 4-wheel drive vehicles with 16-inch rear brakes and 17-inch Toyota wheels may experience rear brake hose damage due to mud and dirt buildup on the interior of the wheels. The company has decided to conduct a safety recall to address the issue. As of January 29, 2025, Toyota has received five field technical reports and twelve warranty claims related to this condition in affected vehicles.

To correct the problem, dealers will replace both rear brake hoses in affected vehicles. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on March 24, 2025, with a second letter to follow once the remedy is available. Toyota’s recall numbers for this campaign are 25TB04 and 25TA04, and the NHTSA campaign number is 25V-058.

2017 GMC Acadia California Lemon Law Buyback

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After trying unsuccessfully 6 times to have her defective 2017 GMC Acadia repaired, our client called our office for advice and to retain our law firm.

She first brought the vehicle in on June 28, 2018 because she heard grinding noises at low speeds. She also was driving the Acadia out of the driveway one day when the vehicle lost all power and stalled out.

Her next visit was on July 7th and she brought it in due to the fact that when driving at low speeds (5-10 mph) the vehicle would come to a complete stop and then an alert message would come up telling her to release the parking brake button.

A couple of weeks later on the 23rd she was back at the GMC dealership because when driving at low speeds (10-15 mph) the vehicle would lose all power with the engine staying on but they vehicle could not accelerate. The service parking brake light would come on also.

On January 11, 2019 she brought the GMC Acadia back for repairs because the seatbelt would not extend or retract.

The vehicle was brought back to the dealership to install engine oil cleaner to clean and start breaking down the piston ring carbon build up.

He last visit was on May 2, 2019 because the steering wheel horn was very difficult to honk. She also mentioned to the service advisor that while driving at low speeds her Acadia would stop without her braking.

Our office sent General Motors Corporation a demand letter to repurchase her defective under the California Lemon Law. GMC agreed to repurchase her 2017 GMC Acadia, pay off the balance, reimburse our client for the down payment, monthly payments, less a mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law. They also paid all attorney fees. Our client couldn’t have been happier.

If you have questions about the California Lemon Law or think your vehicle may be a lemon, contact California Lemon Law Attorney, Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation.

Dodge Durango & Jeep Grand Cherokee – Illuminated Brake Warning Lamp

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Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durangos and 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Chrokees to return to their dealership to inspect the brake booster shield installed under a previous recall (NHTSA 14V-154). Some of these vehicles may have an incorrectly installed shield that could allow water to enter the booster, possibly causing corrosion and limiting the vehicles braking ability. Possible warnings include illumination of the brake warning lamp, high brake pedal effort and/or activation of the anti-lock brake system module.

Dealers will inspect the brake booster shield and correct the installation as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T59 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-572.

2016 Tesla Model S & Model X Parking Brake Warnings

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Tesla will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Model S and Model X sports cars about a manufacturing problem affecting the braking system. According to the defect report, the Brembo electric parking brake calipers on some Tesla vehicles may have been improperly manufactured and could fracture. If this gear fractures, the electric motor will be unable to move the brake pad and the parking brake caliber will not release. When attempting to release the parking brake, an alert will appear that reads “Parking Brake Did Not Release – Contact Tesla Service.” When applying the brake, an alert will appear that reads “Parking Brake Needs Service – Car May Be Free Rolling.”

Those receiving notices can return to their Tesla service center to have the electric parking brake calipers replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-17-33-002 and the NHTSA campaign number is 170-260.

2017 Volkswagen Passat Illuminated Brake Warning Light

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars regarding a problem that could result in loss of braking power. Improperly manufactured end flares on the brake lines could cause improper sealing that may allow brake fluid to leak and a low fluid waning light to illuminate. If the driver does not notice the warning, braking will worsen over time, increasing the chance of a collision.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected brake lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47N3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-075.