The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into almost 400,000 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV’s, for complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment. Almost 90 complaints have been received to date, 50 of which alleged injuries including burns, cuts and bruises. Chrysler and the NHTSA are suspecting a voltage spike in the electronic circuit that controls the airbag deployment, and are working with the safety administration for confirmation. There have been no complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment in vehicles manufactured after March 19, 2003.
Tag Archives: electrical problem
Airbag Problems in Kia Optima And Rondo
Kia has announced a recall for certain 2006-2008 Optima and 2007-2008 Rondo vehicles, for a problem that could leave the driver unprotected in an accident. Over time, the clock spring contact assembly for the driver’s side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) could become damaged. A high resistance in the assembly could prevent the airbag from deploying properly. Kia will begin notifying customers starting in March, and will replace the vehicle’s air bag clock spring contact assembly, as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Kia customer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
BMW Mini Cooper Fire Hazard
BMW has announced a recall for certain Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured between November 14, 2006 to January 18, 2011. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a circuit board on the auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger, could overheat and cause a fire. The vehicles involved in this recall includes:
- 2007-2011 Mini Cooper S
- 2008-2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman
- 2009-2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible
- 2009-2011 Mini Cooper JCW
- 2009 Mini Cooper JCW Clubman
- 2010-2011 Cooper JCW Convertible
- 2011 Cooper S Countryman
Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.
Ford Escape Brake Problems
Ford is recalling certain 2001-2002 Escape SUVs for a problem with the brake system, that could lead to a fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the master cylinder reservoir cap could leak fluid onto an anti-lock brake system (ABS) wiring harness connector, causing it to corrode. The corroded connector could short, overheat, and eventually start a fire. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap and the ABS electrical system will be modified. Ford will be notifying customers starting the last week of January, but because of parts delays, instructions will be given to park vehicles outside until parts become available. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Mitsubishi Turn Signal Defect
Mitsubishi has announced a recall for a small number of 2012 Outlander Sport crossover vehicles manufactured between November 9, 2011 to December 16, 2011. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the turn signal levers may have been manufactured incorrectly which could lead to the auto cancel function becoming inoperative. If a driver is not aware of the problem, inaccurate turning indications could result in an accident. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Chevy Volts Repaired But Not Recalled
General Motors is asking its Chevrolet Volt customers to return their vehicles to dealers so they can make repairs that will lower the risk of battery fires. The announcement comes after an investigation into a battery fire that consumed three vehicles at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test facility. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles catching fire. GM and federal safety officials believe that the fires were caused by coolant leaking from damaged plastic casing around the batteries after a side-impact collisions. That coolant caused an electrical short, which sparked battery fires seven days to three weeks after the crashes.
Dealers will add steel plates around the Volt battery that will spread the force of a crash over a larger surface area. Tests carried out by GM and the government have shown that the repairs prevent battery damage and coolant leaks.
Nissan Sentra Stalling Problems
Nissan is recalling certain 2010-2011 Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the zinc coating applied to the battery terminal stud bolt may be too thick. The poor connection could result in a voltage drop causing the vehicle to stall, make the vehicle difficult to start, and could damage the engine control module (EMC). Nissan dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Nissan Rogue Power Steering Problems
Nissan is recalling certain 2011 Rogue compact crossover SUV’s built between August 10, 2010 and October 30, 2010. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem with the power steering assist could make it difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle. Nissan said that a circuit board may have been positioned improperly on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist control units, leading to extra stress on the solder terminals. The solder joints could crack and the connections could separate from the board. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
