Tag Archives: loss of power brakes

2023 Hyundai Palisade Loss of Brake Assist

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Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has recently taken steps to address a potential issue with certain 2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles, which may affect their brakes. The company has initiated a recall and will be reaching out to the owners of these specific models to address the problem.

The concern revolves around the brake booster diaphragm, which has the potential to become misaligned. This misalignment can lead to an internal vacuum leak, resulting in a loss of power brake assist. Hyundai became aware of this issue during the assembly of certain 2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles produced between April 28, 2023, and May 5, 2023.

These particular vehicles were equipped with brake boosters that contained diaphragms prone to becoming unseated. The cause of this problem was traced back to improperly manufactured assembly housings from one of Hyundai’s suppliers. Upon further investigation, by the end of May, Hyundai Motor America (HMA) identified several affected vehicles from the production range that were not retained at the port.

In light of this information, the North America Safety Decision Authority (NASDA) of the National Automotive Safety Organization (NASO) promptly convened to discuss the situation. After careful evaluation, NASDA made the decision to initiate a safety recall in order to address all potentially affected 2023 Hyundai Palisade vehicles sold in the United States.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive official notices from Hyundai, instructing them to return to their authorized dealers for further assistance. Upon visiting the dealership, the brake booster of each vehicle will be thoroughly inspected, and if necessary, replaced to rectify the issue. Hyundai has assigned the recall number 245 to this particular action, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated it as campaign number 23V-415.

Ensuring the safety and satisfaction of its customers is of utmost importance to Hyundai, and the company is taking action to address this brake-related concern in a comprehensive and timely manner. By promptly contacting affected vehicle owners, conducting thorough inspections, and making any necessary repairs or replacements, Hyundai aims to resolve the issue and provide peace of mind to its customers.

2018-2020 Buick Regal
Loss Of Power Brake Assist

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General Motors (GM) has determined that certain 2018-2020 Buick Regal vehicles may have a software defect that could affect the power brake assist system. Because of this error, these vehicles fail to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for “Braking Systems”.

In April 2022, a brake performance issue on a 2019 Opel Insignia, a sister vehicle of the Buick Regal, was brought to the attention of GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program. An investigation was opened and the problem was found to be a software issue. According to the defect report, a software error could cause the hydraulic brake boost to fail and not respond to a loss of brake vacuum pressure. Tests conducted on a Buick Regal by GM, showed that stopping distance following the loss of vacuum brake pressure could exceed FMVSS 135 requirements by 1-5 percent.

Field data has identified four claims received by GM in which the vehicle’s invalid vacuum pressure diagnostic trouble code (DTC) was set and the hydraulic brake boost was disabled. None of these claims involved an allegation that the condition contributed to a crash, and GM is not aware of any crashes or injuries relating to this condition. In June, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a non-compliance recall.

According to the defect report, a loss of vacuum brake assist pressure will cause these vehicles to exceed the stopping distance requirements. If the vehicle’s vacuum-power brake assist partially or fully fails, braking events may require additional stopping distance, depending on the brake pedal force applied by the driver. Increased stopping distances could increase the risk of a crash.

NOTE: During a partial or full loss of vacuum brake assist, the vehicle may display a message in the Driver Information Center, a malfunction warning light may illuminate and the driver may notice increased brake pedal resistance.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the EBCM software updated in their vehicles. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-465.

2021 Ford F-150 Reduced Brake Performance

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A small number of 2021 Ford F-150 trucks could experience an electronic brake booster leak. The leak could result in brake fluid entering the electronic control unit (ECU), causing longer break pedal travel, higher pedal effort and reduced braking.

In May 2021, Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group reviewed three F-150 truck warranty claims where brake fluid from the electronic brake booster leaked into the ECU. Ford’s review of supplier records found that the supplier had identified 169 2021 model year F-150 brake booster assemblies in December 2020 because they were potentially assembled with a broken clinching tool, used to secure the pressure sensor to the booster housing. Further review of supplier and Ford records determined that 51 of the 169 quarantined parts were inadvertently shipped to Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant and assembled into vehicles, all of which were shipped to dealers in the U.S.

Engineering analysis found that a brake booster with an incomplete clinch between the pressure sensor and the brake booster housing can cause brake fluid to leak through the pressure sensor into the ECU. This can reduce braking effectiveness of the brake circuits.

Those receiving notifications will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the ECU replaced. Ford’s number for this recall is 21S33 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-533.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Loss Of ABS During Hard Breaking

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Pacifica vans, modified by Vantage Mobility for wheelchair accessibility. According to safety reports, the affected vehicles have rear brake lines that may have been crossed during the modification. This could cause the ABS system to incorrectly read the rear wheel speeds and incorrectly apply ABS. Drivers could experience loss of ABS during hard braking.

Vantage Mobility will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear brake line attachments. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082. Vantage Mobility’s number for this recall is Pac-20170525 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-342.

2013-2015 Nissan Leaf Brake Relay Failure

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Nissan will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2015 Nissan Leaf vehicles about a problem that could result in extended braking distances. According to the defect report, the relay inside the electronic brake booster could freeze in cold temperatures. If this occurs, the vehicle will illuminate the brake warning lamp and the system will set to “assist mode”. More pedal effort and increased braking distances could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading →

2013-2014 Dodge Dart Loss Of Brake Assist

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Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2013-2014 Dodge Dart vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.4L engines, to return to their dealership to fix a problem that could reduce braking ability. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, engine oil from the vacuum pump could seep into and damage the brake booster. The problem could result in loss of brake assist and longer stopping distances. Continue reading →

Volkswagen Camshaft Defect

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Volkswagen will be asking owners of certain 2015-2016 vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair a problem affecting the engine and brake system. According to reports, the lobe of the sintered cam which drives the high pressure fuel injection pump and the vacuum pump, could shear off from the camshaft. If this happens, vacuum supply will be shut off to the the brake booster, the vehicle will go into limp home mode, and the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will illuminate. Continue reading →

2014-2015 Chevy & GM Trucks Added To Ignition Defect List

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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 →