***Official Recall Thread***
09-07-13, 04:36 PM
#361
VW investigating Golf water leak discovered by car magazine
VW investigating Golf water leak discovered by car magazine
Volkswagen is in a spat with German magazine Auto Bild over claims that its new, seventh-generation Golf may already need a recall. The German weekly reports that new Golfs can leak water into front-passenger footwells due to a faulty drainage tube in their air conditioning systems.
And while the fix itself doesn't sound too terrible, because Volkswagen bases so many cars off the same platform as the Golf, Auto Bild is claiming that 300,000 models could be affected, including the Audi A3 and Seat Leon. That's a very bold claim. For its part, VW is vehemently denying that number, according to Reuters, saying it's aware of the problem and claiming only 46 Golfs need fixing. In addition, it denies that any Audi or Seat models are affected by the issue.
Either way, regardless of how pervasive this leak issue is, North American buyers should rest easy knowing that the problems ought to get fixed by the time the Mk VII Golf finaly reaches our dealerships.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/07/v...-car-magazine/
09-10-13, 12:13 PM
#362
Ford Focus EV 'Stop Safely Now' stalling problem under NHTSA probe
Ford Focus EV 'Stop Safely Now' stalling problem under NHTSA probe
The feds are stepping in to investigate the "Stop Safely Now" messages that a Ford Focus Electric vehicle driver reported to AutoblogGreen earlier this year. The situation is a serious one, but not widespread as Reuters reports that the NHTSA has received just 12 complaints. Not a big number considering Ford has sold 1,910 Focus EVs through August of this year, and Reuters estimates 1,000 of the EVs are included in the just-launched federal probe.
The problem now under NHTSA investigation is that the Focus EV has the tendency to simply stop providing its own momentum under certain conditions. In other words, it stalls. There have been no reports of injuries or accidents, but some of the stalls happened when the car was going over 30 miles per hour. One driver reported:
[The] vehicle abruptly lost drivetrain power and came to a sudden stop in the left-hand lane of a major surface street in San Jose. The vehicle suddenly displayed the warning "Stop Safely Now". Attempts to restart or reboot the car failed leaving us dangerously stranded in moderate traffic for over 20 minutes until a nearby resident helped us to push vehicle to safety... Pushing the vehicle was very difficult, as if the brakes were engaged. The Ford dealer reported that the regenerative braking system was engaged and could not be disengaged. Ford dealership reported over 30 diagnostic trouble codes appearing on the vehicle that proved to be misleading.
Ford told Reuters it is cooperating with NHTSA on the probe and there has not been a recall announced as of yet.
10542110
I have a Ford Focus EV 2013. Twice the car has shutdown while driving and the message appears asking you to pull over and stop. This is potentially very dangerous. Further, the sync software does not work properly. The gps shows wrong location, including that the car is at the Michigan assembly plant, clock shows wrong time, phone does not connect or will not disconnect and the rear camera picture shows while driving forward
10534323
While driving an alert comes on stating "Stop Safely Now", then the vehicle starts to lose power, giving the driver little time to pull over. If you are in the far left lane, it could be a really dangerous situation. I've taken it to the shop once before. This is the second time it happened and it is becoming an issue of concern. From the internet searches on Ford Focus Electric Stop Safely Now it appears to be a pretty large issue.
10525393
"Stop Safely Now" indicator came on while driving vehicle. At a stop light approximately 5 minutes later, the vehicle lost all power in front of intersection. This is an all electric vehicle. I placed transmission in park and attempted to power cycle car with no success for approximately 2 minutes. Once I opened the driver side front door, the car was then able to power back on. The "Stop Safely Now" warning did not reappear.
10523536
This complaint applies to the Focus Electric. While turning into a parking lot, going approximately 5mph, the vehicle abruptly lost power, the "Stop Safely Now" warning light came on, and I coasted the car to a halt at the side of the lot entrance. No other warning lights illuminated. Although the vehicle was inoperable, it also could not be turned off. Usually, pressing the power button to turn the car off disconnects the high voltage battery from the rest of the electrical system and shuts the car down, but in this situation it would just cause the warning bell and "Stop Safely Now" light to pop up again in the instrument panel. After maybe 45 minutes, right as the tow-truck driver arrived, I was suddenly able to turn the car off by pressing the button. It then functioned normally when turned back on. Luckily I was in a reasonably safe situation when the failure occurred. However, many similar complaints exist for the Focus Electric (many more in public forums than here), and the failure has occurred on the highway and in traffic for some people. Clearly the issue needs to be addressed.
10521207
Vehicle abruptly lost drivetrain power and came to a sudden stop in the left-hand lane of a major surface street in San Jose. The vehicle suddenly displayed the warning "Stop Safely Now". Attempts to restart or reboot the car failed leaving us dangerously stranded in moderate traffic for over 20 minutes until a nearby resident helped us to push vehicle to safety. All electrical systems on the vehicle continued to function but the vehicle was immobilized. Pushing the vehicle was very difficult, as if the brakes were engaged. The Ford dealer reported that the regenerative braking system was engaged and could not be disengaged. Ford dealership reported over 30 diagnostic trouble codes appearing on the vehicle that proved to be misleading. Inexperience of service team with electrical vehicles provided low confidence that they understood and repaired the cause of this failure. Ford Motor Company instructed the dealership to replace the electric motor and control module. Ford Motor Company agreed to refund or replacement of this vehicle.
I have a Ford Focus EV 2013. Twice the car has shutdown while driving and the message appears asking you to pull over and stop. This is potentially very dangerous. Further, the sync software does not work properly. The gps shows wrong location, including that the car is at the Michigan assembly plant, clock shows wrong time, phone does not connect or will not disconnect and the rear camera picture shows while driving forward
10534323
While driving an alert comes on stating "Stop Safely Now", then the vehicle starts to lose power, giving the driver little time to pull over. If you are in the far left lane, it could be a really dangerous situation. I've taken it to the shop once before. This is the second time it happened and it is becoming an issue of concern. From the internet searches on Ford Focus Electric Stop Safely Now it appears to be a pretty large issue.
10525393
"Stop Safely Now" indicator came on while driving vehicle. At a stop light approximately 5 minutes later, the vehicle lost all power in front of intersection. This is an all electric vehicle. I placed transmission in park and attempted to power cycle car with no success for approximately 2 minutes. Once I opened the driver side front door, the car was then able to power back on. The "Stop Safely Now" warning did not reappear.
10523536
This complaint applies to the Focus Electric. While turning into a parking lot, going approximately 5mph, the vehicle abruptly lost power, the "Stop Safely Now" warning light came on, and I coasted the car to a halt at the side of the lot entrance. No other warning lights illuminated. Although the vehicle was inoperable, it also could not be turned off. Usually, pressing the power button to turn the car off disconnects the high voltage battery from the rest of the electrical system and shuts the car down, but in this situation it would just cause the warning bell and "Stop Safely Now" light to pop up again in the instrument panel. After maybe 45 minutes, right as the tow-truck driver arrived, I was suddenly able to turn the car off by pressing the button. It then functioned normally when turned back on. Luckily I was in a reasonably safe situation when the failure occurred. However, many similar complaints exist for the Focus Electric (many more in public forums than here), and the failure has occurred on the highway and in traffic for some people. Clearly the issue needs to be addressed.
10521207
Vehicle abruptly lost drivetrain power and came to a sudden stop in the left-hand lane of a major surface street in San Jose. The vehicle suddenly displayed the warning "Stop Safely Now". Attempts to restart or reboot the car failed leaving us dangerously stranded in moderate traffic for over 20 minutes until a nearby resident helped us to push vehicle to safety. All electrical systems on the vehicle continued to function but the vehicle was immobilized. Pushing the vehicle was very difficult, as if the brakes were engaged. The Ford dealer reported that the regenerative braking system was engaged and could not be disengaged. Ford dealership reported over 30 diagnostic trouble codes appearing on the vehicle that proved to be misleading. Inexperience of service team with electrical vehicles provided low confidence that they understood and repaired the cause of this failure. Ford Motor Company instructed the dealership to replace the electric motor and control module. Ford Motor Company agreed to refund or replacement of this vehicle.
09-10-13, 03:12 PM
#363
Toyota is recalling 880,000 RAV-4s and Lexus sedans in the U.S. and Canada
The Associated Press
Published Tuesday, September 10, 2013 7:47AM EDT
DETROIT -- Toyota is recalling 880,000 RAV-4s and Lexus sedans in the U.S. and Canada because a repair announced last year may not have solved a safety problem.
RAV-4s from the 2006 through 2011 model years and 2010 Lexus HS-250hs are involved.
In Canada, the recall affects about 100,000 vehicles.
Toyota says if rear suspension nuts aren't tightened properly after a wheel alignment, the arms can rust and separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
At least nine crashes and three injuries related to the problem have been reported.
Toyota recalled the vehicles last August for the same issue, but a spokeswoman says the repair procedure wasn't correct.
Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/toyota-r...#ixzz2eWwwl53j
Published Tuesday, September 10, 2013 7:47AM EDT
DETROIT -- Toyota is recalling 880,000 RAV-4s and Lexus sedans in the U.S. and Canada because a repair announced last year may not have solved a safety problem.
RAV-4s from the 2006 through 2011 model years and 2010 Lexus HS-250hs are involved.
In Canada, the recall affects about 100,000 vehicles.
Toyota says if rear suspension nuts aren't tightened properly after a wheel alignment, the arms can rust and separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
At least nine crashes and three injuries related to the problem have been reported.
Toyota recalled the vehicles last August for the same issue, but a spokeswoman says the repair procedure wasn't correct.
Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/autos/toyota-r...#ixzz2eWwwl53j
09-10-13, 09:01 PM
#364
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
RAV-4s from the 2006 through 2011 model years and 2010 Lexus HS-250hs are involved.
bummer about the recall though, but toyota's definitely doing the right thing if accidents can be attributed to the problem.
09-16-13, 05:08 PM
#367
Suzuki recalling 200K crossovers over airbag woes
Suzuki recalling 200K crossovers over airbag woes
Suzuki may not be selling any new cars in the US anymore, but there are still plenty of them on American roads. Nearly 200,000 of those will need to be taken off said roads – for a little while, at least.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara SUVs and 2007-2011 SX4 crossovers due to a faulty airbag sensor. The issue apparently results from the front passenger-side floor mat causing the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to malfunction over time, so whether there's a kid or an adult in the front seat, the airbag could deploy in the event of a crash.
As a result, Suzuki Motor of America is calling in 193,936 vehicles to replace the front passenger-seat cushion assembly. That's a whole lot of cars to recall, but it comes as no big surprise. Owners can expect to be notified in October.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/16/s...-grand-vitara/
09-20-13, 04:58 PM
#368
134K BMW 5 Series recalled for taillight issue
134K BMW 5 Series recalled for taillight issue
BMW is voluntarily recalling 134,100 cars due to a faulty ground terminal in the taillight bulb carriers, causing the sudden failure of brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights. The recall covers 2008 through 2010 5 Series models produced between March 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009, and includes everything from the 528i to the mighty, V10-powered M5. It's unclear if this recall is limited to sedans or extends to the 5-Series Touring.
There have been no reported cases of injuries, fatalities or crashes associated with the taillight issue. BMW will be issuing recall notices to affected owners in the coming weeks, asking them to report to dealers so that the bulb carriers on the taillights can be replaced.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/20/1...led-taillight/
BMW is voluntarily recalling 134,100 cars due to a faulty ground terminal in the taillight bulb carriers, causing the sudden failure of brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights. The recall covers 2008 through 2010 5 Series models produced between March 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009, and includes everything from the 528i to the mighty, V10-powered M5. It's unclear if this recall is limited to sedans or extends to the 5-Series Touring.
There have been no reported cases of injuries, fatalities or crashes associated with the taillight issue. BMW will be issuing recall notices to affected owners in the coming weeks, asking them to report to dealers so that the bulb carriers on the taillights can be replaced.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/20/1...led-taillight/
09-26-13, 11:23 AM
#369
Nissan recalling 909k vehicles globally over accelerator issue
Nissan recalling 909k vehicles globally over accelerator issue
Nissan is issuing a massive recall that will see the Japanese automaker repair 908,900 vehicles worldwide, with nearly 100,000 of the affected models in the United States. While an official recall notice from Nissan or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is not yet available, Reuters has been able to confirm the recall with Nissan.
Nissan's recall is kind of the opposite of the Toyota unintended acceleration, in that it covers a lack of acceleration. According to the report, a sensor in the gas pedal can develop faults, leading to a sluggish acceleration or an outright stall regardless of how much throttle the driver dials in. The huge recall covers mostly Japanese domestic models like the Serena, X-Trail, Lafesta and Fuga, which make up for 764,800 of the 908,900 faulty vehicles. However, 98,300 Infiniti M sedans are being recalled in the US, although it's unclear at this time which model years and trims are affected. The remaining vehicles are found in Europe and Oceania, according to Nissan spokesman Chris Keefe.
No injuries or accidents have been reported due to the faults. The 90-minute repair will see techs replace the accelerator pedal and tweak the engine control programs.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/26/n...lerator-issue/
09-26-13, 11:32 AM
#370
Toyota recalling 615k Sienna models over rollaway risk
Toyota recalling 615k Sienna models over rollaway risk
Toyota has announced a recall affecting approximately 615,000 Sienna minivans due to a possible rollaway risk. All of the vehicles in question are from the 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009 model years.
In an official statement, the automaker states that the problem stems from the vehicle's shift lever assembly. "Because of the potential for damage to the shift lock solenoid installed in involved vehicles, there is a possibility that the shift lever could be moved out of the 'P' position without the driver depressing the brake pedal," Toyota said. Because of this fault, the affected Sienna models could roll away without warning, increasing the risk for a crash.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/26/t...llaway-recall/
09-30-13, 11:10 AM
#371
2009-2013 Mazda6 door latch recall covers 161k cars
2009-2013 Mazda6 door latch recall covers 161k cars
Mazda is voluntarily recalling 161,400 Mazda6 cars due to door latch mounting screws that may loosen, which could cause a door to open while the vehicle is in motion, thereby increasing the risk of accident or injury. The recall covers 2009 through 2013 Mazda6 models manufactured between February 4, 2008 and August 24, 2012.
The recall is expected to begin by October 18, 2013. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will provide repairs free of charge
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/30/m...-latch-recall/
09-30-13, 11:12 AM
#372
BMW recalls over 76k 2012-2014 models over brake failure
BMW recalls over 76k 2012-2014 models over brake failure
Bimmerfest is reporting that BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its intention to voluntarily recall more than 75,000 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 models due to a possible loss of power brake assist that could result in the vehicles failing to stop. The recall affects 2012-2014 models equipped with either the N20 or N26 engine produced from May 2012 to August 2013. Until recall repairs have been performed, BMW dealers will discontinue selling or delivering any affected vehicles in their inventories.
The problem has been traced to restricted oil supply from the intake camshaft to the brake vacuum pump, which may cause the brake vacuum pump to fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist. While the hydraulic brakes will still function, the driver must much apply greater pedal pressure and the distance required to stop the vehicle will increase.
BMW has reported three minor accidents with no confirmed injuries. According to Bimmerfest, drivers who encounter a braking problem should "pull the emergency brake and apply as much brake pedal pressure as possible. If your BMW has an electronic parking brake pull up and hold the switch to engage the brake." Drivers should then park in a safe location and contact BMW Roadside Assistance.
While a repair is not yet available and we have yet to see any official notice from NHTSA, BMW will begin notifying owners of the recall in November. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
The affected models, as reported by Bimmerfest, are:
2012-14 320i/328i, 320i/328i xDrive Sedan manufactured between May 2012 – August 2013
2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagon manufactured between March 2013 – May 2013
2012-13 528i, 528i xDrive Sedan manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013
2013-14 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013
2013-14 X3 xDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – August 2013
2012-14 Z4 sDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/09/28/b...-brake-recall/
10-01-13, 04:19 PM
#373
NHTSA stopping recall notices, safety testing amid government shutdown
NHTSA stopping recall notices, safety testing amid government shutdown
The US government's shutdown may have an adverse effect on vehicle recalls and safety testing, according to a report from AOL Autos. Complaints can still be submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but nothing will actually be done about any of these submissions or any ongoing investigations until the agency's funding returns, NHTSA said in a statement.
The Department of Transportation has furloughed 333 of its 597 employees in the automotive realm – some 3,000 aviation safety inspectors and 52 percent of the Federal Railroad Administration have also been furloughed – which means the agency is operating on a skeleton crew of sorts.
So, what does this mean for new-car buyers? Not much, at least initially. Speaking with AOL Autos, Clarence Ditlow, Executive Director of the Center For Auto Safety, says that a long-term government shutdown could "significantly endanger consumer safety" as automakers may be reticent to conduct major recall actions. Further, customers who purchase vehicles that aren't safety tested in a timely manner "won't get their money back" if they are later found to be poor safety performers, says Ditlow.
Here's hoping for a timely funding resolution...
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/01/n...government-sh/
10-02-13, 01:42 PM
#374
Chrysler recalling nearly 141k vehicles over electrical woes
Chrysler recalling nearly 141k vehicles over electrical woes
Software glitches that randomly illuminate warning lights and cause instrument cluster blackouts are forcing Chrysler to recall 140,800 vehicles, The Detroit News reports. The automaker is recalling 132,000 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 91,559 of which are in the US. In addition to the Jeep recalls, Chrysler is adding 10,800 2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks to the list for similar problems.
Chrysler reportedly says, "Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by tuning the vehicle's ignition off and then on."
Engineers discovered a problem with the anti-lock-braking system software that causes the instrument cluster display of the Grand Cherokee to illuminate warning lights and black out - even its ABS and electronic stability control systems are affected. To fix the Jeeps, Chrysler will update the vehicle's software.
The Ram trucks' instrument clusters have faulty digital memory that prevented the displays from activating correctly. Chrysler will perform an instrument cluster software update to fix them, and most of the trucks still are in dealership possession.
No injuries in relation to the recalls have been reported. Chrysler will provide the software updates to customers free of charge.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/02/2...-truck-recall/
Software glitches that randomly illuminate warning lights and cause instrument cluster blackouts are forcing Chrysler to recall 140,800 vehicles, The Detroit News reports. The automaker is recalling 132,000 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 91,559 of which are in the US. In addition to the Jeep recalls, Chrysler is adding 10,800 2014 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks to the list for similar problems.
Chrysler reportedly says, "Both events occurred infrequently and appeared to resolve themselves by tuning the vehicle's ignition off and then on."
Engineers discovered a problem with the anti-lock-braking system software that causes the instrument cluster display of the Grand Cherokee to illuminate warning lights and black out - even its ABS and electronic stability control systems are affected. To fix the Jeeps, Chrysler will update the vehicle's software.
The Ram trucks' instrument clusters have faulty digital memory that prevented the displays from activating correctly. Chrysler will perform an instrument cluster software update to fix them, and most of the trucks still are in dealership possession.
No injuries in relation to the recalls have been reported. Chrysler will provide the software updates to customers free of charge.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/02/2...-truck-recall/
10-03-13, 12:56 AM
#375
Honda issues bizarre non-recall on Odyssey over badge placement
Honda issues bizarre non-recall on Odyssey over badge placement
Without looking under the hood or at a vehicle history report, one of the easiest way to tell if a car has had body work done is to check the location and placement of the exterior badges. A crooked, misplaced or missing badge can be a telltale sign that there has been some sort of body or paint work. For this reason, Honda is suggesting that some owners of the 2014 Odyssey take their vans into the dealership for a little rebadging.
The topic was brought to light after Consumer Reports received a notice from Honda saying that the "Odyssey" badge on its test vehicle was incorrectly installed at the factory. The badge is supposed to go on the driver's side of the liftgate (as shown above), but the customer vehicles had it placed on the passenger side of the car. Not a huge deal unless an owner is trying to sell the vehicle and the improperly installed badge leads potential owners into believing the vehicle may have been damaged in some way. Here's what Honda said in its letter:
On some 2013 Odyssey vehicles, the Odyssey emblem was incorrectly installed on the passenger's side of the rear tailgate. The emblem should be installed on the drivers' side of the rear tailgate. American Honda Motor Company highly recommends that you participate in this Product Update. The placement of the emblem may indicate that the vehicle has had repairs performed that are consistent with it being in a crash. This could affect the resale value of the vehicle.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/02/h...ilgate-recall/