Category Archives: quality

Blinded: More Software Recalls from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota

Posted on 25 July 2022 by Ken Zino

There’s irony in the ongoing automotive hardware safety problems that are caused by a software infection. In the latest two examples of expensive, normally robust machines by Mercedes-Benz and Toyota have vision systems that are subject to the safety-defect recalls that were publicly revealed today by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Continue reading →

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Ford HEV Fire Recalls: Escape, Maverick, Lincoln Corsair

Posted on 18 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, notice a reduction in vehicle power, or see smoke. Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the under-engine shield and active grille shutter modified. Continue reading →

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Hyundai Again Recalls 2017-18 Ioniq HEVs, PHEVs for Fires

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino

This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 18V-704. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new repair completed. The main power relay or PRA was made by: LS IS Company in Korea. Continue reading →

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Off the Engine Rails: Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Recall

Posted on 11 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge as required by Federal regulations. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Continue reading →

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Expedition, Navigator Fire Fix Found After NHTSA Alert

Posted on 8 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Parts are still not available for some vehicles. Moreover, Ford is expanding the population to include a total of 66,221 Expedition and Navigator SUVs in the U.S. built between July 27, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021 based on further analysis of the causes for the fires. Ford has received 21 reports of under hood fires – including five since the original recall filing in May. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls 66,000 2022 F-150 BEVs, Bronco, Ranger Models

Posted on 5 July 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling 2022 F-150 BEV vehicles equipped with 20″ or 22″ all season tires. Ford is also recalling 2022 Bronco and Ranger vehicles for windshield failures. Continue reading →

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Vehicle Quality Flaws at 36-Year Record High

Posted on 29 June 2022 by Ken Zino

Initial vehicle quality drastically declined setting a record, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS)*. The disruptions caused by the pandemic: supply chain issues, record-high vehicle prices and personnel dislocations, contributed to quality woes. Compared with … Continue reading →

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Honda Recalls 2006-14 Ridgeline Pickups for Fuel Tank Failures

Posted on 27 June 2022 by Ken Zino

As of June 9, 2022, Honda has received five customer complaints from the U.S. market between November 2016 through November 2021, and no reports of fires or injuries related to this issue. The driver may hear noises from the fuel tank and/or fuel tank mounting bands impacting the undercarriage area. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 2.9 Million Vehicles for Rollaways

Posted on 20 June 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company is recalling more than 2.9 million 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The Hilex-supplied bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach causing unexpected rollaways. This is an expansion of previous recalls that were based on customer complaints to NHTSA.* Continue reading →

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Too Darn Hot – Ford Mustang Mach-E Recall

Posted on 17 June 2022 by Ken Zino

On recalled Mustangs, Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated-wide open accelerator pedal movements can cause the high voltage battery main contactors to overheat. This overheating can lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in an electric relay switch remaining open or a relay switch that welds closed from heat. Ford has not thus far issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this safety recall? Continue reading →

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NHTSA – Hyundai and Kia Recalls for Rollaways

Posted on 23 May 2022 by Ken Zino

A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway. NHTSA recalls: Hyundai 22V324000 and Kia 22V322000. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls Explorer, Super-Duty F-Series for Safety Defects

Posted on 2 May 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor is recalling 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3 L FHEV, and 3.0L ST gasoline vehicles because the rear-axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

In another recall, Ford is recalling 2020 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. A washer within the vehicle’s transmission can disintegrate, causing metallic debris to become lodged in the ‘Park’ mechanism. Debris lodged within the ‘Park’ mechanism may prevent the vehicle from achieving or holding ‘Park,’ increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away and a crash.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov. Continue reading →

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Ford Recalls F-150 Pickups for Sudden Shifting into Neutral

Posted on 11 April 2022 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is recalling 47,084 model year 2021 F-150 vehicles for shifting into neutral without warning. Affected vehicles are equipped with 3.5L GTDI, 2.7L and 5.0L engines, 10R80 transmissions and not equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology built between … Continue reading →

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Chinese Junk Watch: Walmart’s Dimensions Bluetooth Speaker Helmets

Posted on 25 March 2022 by Ken Zino

The helmets are black with black straps and a black buckle. The white label on the inside of the helmet contains the Item # ACTGEAR-238BTS in the bottom left corner. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled helmets and contact Sakar for instructions on receiving a free replacement helmet. Continue reading →

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Ford Motor Recalls 160,000 F-150 Pickups for Bad Wipers

Posted on 21 March 2022 by Ken Zino

The front windshield wiper motor made by Trico in Mexico may become inoperative, causing the wipers to fail. An inoperative wiper motor has the potential for reduced visibility or loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. In the require NHTSA filing Ford said, “The primary causal factors that led to inoperative or poorly performing wipers were poor quality motor brush plate spot welding, insufficient motor magnet adhesive being applied, and insufficient motor nut assembly torque. Continue reading →

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