Tag Archives: overheating

Tesla Center Screen Display Is Lagging Or Completely Blank

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Tesla will be contacting the owners of certain 2021-2022 Tesla model vehicles because of a problem that could cause the infotainment central processing unit (CPU) to malfunction.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

2022 Tesla Model 3
2021-2022 Tesla Model S
2021-2022 Tesla Model X
2022 Tesla Model Y

In December 2021 during routine High Temperature Operation Endurance (HTOE) testing on the Model 3 and Model Y vehicle platform central processing unit (CPU), throttling was detected from thermal protections being engaged. An investigation into thermal management was initiated using vehicle alerts to follow the condition in the field. During this time, Tesla Engineering worked on a series of test experiments to identify the potential cause of the overheating condition. In April 2022, Tesla completed its investigation and confirmed the suspected root cause and affected vehicle population. The findings were reviewed and a recall was initiated.

According to the defect report, during fast-charging or preparation for fast-charging, the infotainment CPU may not cool sufficiently. Higher than expected temperatures could cause the CPU to slow processing or restart, and a lagging or blank center screen display. The problem could cause the rear-view camera display, windshield visibility control settings, drive modes (i.e., Drive, Neutral, or Reverse), and telltales to be unavailable.

On May 3, 2022, Tesla began deploying an OTA firmware update that will improve the management of the CPU temperature and associated communications with elevated temperature operation. This remedy will mitigate temperature elevations in the CPU when the vehicle is fast-charging or preparing to fast-charge, which will prevent slow processing or restart. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-22-00-009 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-296.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Battery Problem

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An investigation into battery fires in certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs has resulted in a recall involving approximately 50,000 vehicles.

According to the defect report, if the batteries in certain vehicles within this population are charged to full capacity or close to full capacity, they could be at risk of overheating and catching fire. GM is still investigating the cause of the problem and will notifying owners of an interim repair where the hybrid propulsion control module will limit the battery to a 90% charge. A final remedy is still under development.

Owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017 and 2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019 models) feature in their vehicle to limit the charge level to 90%, or park outside, until the software update is completed.

GM’s number for this recall is N202311730 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-701.

Audi 2.0L TFSI Engine Overheat Warning

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The owners of certain Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0L TFSI engines, will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the engine and its cooling system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the coolant pump could become blocked by debris from the cooling system. If this happens the pump could overheat and cause a fire.

The vehicles affected by this defect include:

Audi has developed software which will deactivate the power supply to the coolant pump, if the pump becomes blocked. The driver will be notified of the blockage through an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 19M1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-002.

Ford Explorer & Lincoln MKC Risk Of Engine Fire

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Ford Explorer and 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and block heaters, about a problem that could result in an engine fire. According to the defect report, the design of the block heater area, coupled with the engine installation angle and the length of the block heater element, could result in overheating. Drivers may notice engine coolant leaks, an illuminated check engine light, poor vehicle heater performance and /or heat damage to the electrical connector on the engine block heater. Continue reading →

2013-2015 Jaguar XF Loss Of Steering Assist

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Jaguar Land Rover will be asking the owners of certain 2013-2015 Jaguar XF sports cars to return to their dealership to repair a problem that could affect the steering system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, a bolt on the Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) could fail leading to the loss of the FEAD. As a result, the driver may experience a battery charge warning lamp illumination, air conditioning failure, engine overheat warnings and a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) followed by a reduction in steering assist. A sudden increase in steering effort could increase the risk of a vehicle accident. Continue reading →

Bently Overheating Electrical Connection

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Bently will be asking the owners of certain 2012-2015 Continental vehicles to return to their dealerships for a manufacturing problem that increases the risk of a fire. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the 12V battery cable connection at the bulkhead on the right hand side may have not been tightened sufficiently and could loosen over time. In rare cases, if the battery is significantly discharged and the vehicle is operated under increased electrical load, the connection could overheat. In most instances, the driver will be unable to start the engine. Continue reading →

Toyota And Lexus Hybrid Stalling Problem

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Toyota will be recalling certain Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles for a problem with the propulsion system that could lead to the vehicle entering a fail safe/limp home mode. The dirvability of the vehicle could be limited resulting in an unexpected stall, increasing the risk of an accident. Approximately 133,081 vehicles could be affected by this problem. Continue reading →