Tag Archives: safety warning

Aftermarket Steering Wheel Decal Safety Warning

Posted on by

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently issued a cautionary statement regarding the use of aftermarket steering wheel decals. They are alerting vehicle owners to the potential safety risks associated with these popular accessories. This advisory, while not directly related to Lemon Law issues, underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in vehicle modifications.

The NHTSA’s Concern

The center of NHTSA’s advisory lies in the potential hazards that steering wheel decals pose. Often crafted from materials such as vinyl or plastic, these decorative additions can interfere with the steering system’s safety features, particularly airbags and control buttons. In extreme scenarios, such interference might hinder airbag deployment in accidents, elevating the risk of driver injury.

A Safety Perspective

The NHTSA’s warning provides an essential distinction between manufacturer defects covered under Lemon Laws and aftermarket modifications made by vehicle owners. Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers from manufacturer-related issues, but do not extend to aftermarket alterations like steering wheel decals. This distinction is critical as it places the responsibility for any resulting safety issues on the owner post-modification.

Safety Risks of Steering Wheel Decals

While steering wheel decals might appear to be a simple cosmetic enhancement, they can inadvertently impact a vehicle’s safety. These decals can obscure important warning labels or indicators, potentially causing confusion. Additionally, they may alter the feel and function of control buttons, leading to distraction or delayed reactions from the driver in crucial moments.

Manufacturer Warnings and Warranty Concerns

Vehicle manufacturers often advise against modifications that could affect safety feature functionality. Installing aftermarket steering wheel decals could lead to warranty voidance, particularly if these modifications contribute to any system malfunctions or failures. Vehicle owners should consider this potential impact on their warranty coverage before proceeding with such modifications.

Making Informed Choices: Safety vs. Aesthetics

NHTSA encourages vehicle owners to consider safety implications ahead of aesthetic preferences when modifying their vehicles. For those still looking to customize their steering wheels, there are safer alternatives. Options like custom stitching or accessories approved by the manufacturer can provide personalization without sacrificing safety.

Prioritizing Safety in Vehicle Customization

To sum up, while aftermarket steering wheel decals are not a Lemon Law matter, their influence on vehicle safety cannot be overlooked. The NHTSA’s warning is a vital reminder for consumers to carefully consider the safety implications of any vehicle customization. Remember, when it comes to modifying your vehicle, ensuring that aesthetics do not compromise safety is crucial. In the realm of vehicle customization, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Brake Pressure Switch Short May Cause Fire In Chevy Trucks

Posted on by

General Motors. LLC (GM) has decided that a problem exists in certain 2019-2023 Chevrolet 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD medium-duty trucks. The brake pressure sensor assembly could leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause an electrical short circuit.

GM opened an investigation in August 2022 following reports of a vehicle fire on a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty truck. As part of that investigation, GM reviewed field data potentially related to the problem and warranty returned brake pressure sensors.

While a series of tests failed to duplicate the condition, in January, a warranty-returned sensor and harness were identified as exhibiting signs of heat damage. This part was subjected to more detailed analysis, including X-ray scans and a chemistry laboratory analysis. The results from these analyses revealed the presence of brake fluid past the diaphragm seal, into the brake pressure switch, and through the actual wire harness into the pump’s fuse circuit. An inspection of the returned components also revealed delamination of the corrosion-inhibiting sealant, which allowed slow seepage of the brake fluid past the diaphragm seal.

According to the defect report, a zinc-nickel plating and sealant used to inhibit corrosion within the pressure sensor assembly may cause delamination of the sealant which results in small fragments of sealer underneath the diaphragm during assembly which allows brake fluid to slowly seep past the seal and into the pressure switch. The brake fluid may seep into the sensor’s electrical components and short the brake pressure switch and the associated fuse. If brake fluid shorts the brake pressure switch and the fuse, the circuit can generate enough heat and could result in a fire. An under-hood fire may occur when the vehicle is off and possibly unattended.

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the master cylinder pressure sensor and inspect the wire harness. If the harness is damaged, it will be replaced as well. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on May 29, 2023. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. GM’s number for this recall is N222375270 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-266.

2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator And Corsair Seat Belt Warning Malfunction

Posted on by

Ford Motor Company (Ford) has decided that a defect affecting the seat belt warning system could exist in certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The vehicles affected are equipped with a Revel Audio System.

The problem was discovered in November 2022 when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group received complaints pertaining to the seat belt warning chime reminder on a 2022 Lincoln Aviator PHEV.

The seat belt reminder system was tested on various combinations of powertrain and audio systems of Lincoln Aviators in an attempt to reproduce the problem. It was discovered that some Lincoln Aviator PHEV vehicles could experience an initial chime duration of fewer than 4 seconds. An audible signal that is activated for less than 4 seconds can result in decreased safety belt usage, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

The engineering team and audio supplier conducted a design of experiments to gain a better understanding of the cause and scope of the problem. They found that the problem affected vehicles equipped with the Revel audio system, introduced on the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and Corsair. Further seat belt reminder system evaluations were conducted at Ford assembly plants and it was concluded that 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator and 2020-2022 Corsair vehicles could experience the symptom of a chime duration of fewer than 4 seconds

According to the defect report, when the driver’s seat belt is not buckled and the vehicle is started, the seat belt warning system may activate the audible warning chime for an insufficient amount of time of fewer than 4 seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for occupant crash protection.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to contact their dealers about updating the audio control module software in their vehicles. Ford’s number for this recall is 22C35 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-953.

Stellantis RAM 2500 & 3500 Truck Problems

Posted on by

Transmission Fluid Leak May Cause Fire In Certain Stellantis Trucks

Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis has issued a recall for certain 2020-2022 Ram 3500 and 2020-2023 Ram 2500 heavy-duty diesel trucks because of a problem that could result in an engine compartment fire. These trucks are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines and 68RFE transmissions.

According to the defect report, a build-up of heat and pressure inside the transmission may result in transmission fluid being expelled from the dipstick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with an ignition source within the engine compartment, it could result in a vehicle fire. Stellantis is still working on a fix for this problem. Chrysler’s number for this recall is ZA3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-835.

In the past two years, Stellantis’s Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks have experienced a high number of recalls.

Owners Are Advised To Park Outdoors Due To Fire Hazard

It began in February 2021, when an investigation was opened into engine compartment fires in certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks and 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short within the solid-state intake heater grid relay could result in a fire, even when the ignition was turned off. Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the problem has been fixed. Approximately 131,000 vehicles were affected by this recall.

Side curtain Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly

In November 2021 an airbag recall was issued for a small number of 2021-2022 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies in these vehicles were manufactured with a low gas mass that would result in an airbag non-deployment or slow deployment or a high gas mass that could result in aggressive airbag deployment and an increased risk of occupant injury in certain crash scenarios.

Stellantis RAM Electrical Problems

Stellantis issued three more recalls before their most recent for transmission fluid leaks that could cause fires. In March 2022, approximately 370, 000 Dodge Duango, RAM 2500, and Ram 3500 trucks were repaired for an electronic stability control (ECS) indicator light that could fail to illuminate during a control problem, increasing the risk of a crash.

In June 2022, certain 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs, experienced a radio software problem that could prevent the rear view image from displaying. These vehicles failed to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear visibility.

In August 2022 a misaligned capacitor inside the ECM of certain 2022 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks, could cause an electrical short, and a loss of drive power.

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Safety Warning

Posted on by

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have discovered that a safety defect exists in certain 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. Chrysler advises owners to take additional safety measures until the problem can be fixed by their dealership.

“Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: Do not park inside of buildings, near structures or other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.”

According to the defect report, some 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a high resistance electrical connection at the 12 volt isolator post. This high resistance could lead to prolonged heating and a potential vehicle fire even with the vehicle shut off.

A remedy for this recall is currently under development. In the meantime, notices will be sent out to owners instructing them to return to their dealers to have an interim inspection of this connection. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle until a fix is developed.

Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is W46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-334.