Quantcast
Channel: recall – HybridCars.com
Viewing all 14 articles
Browse latest View live

Camry Hybrid And Avalon Hybrid Recalled For Wiper Switch

0
0

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced October 10 that it will conduct a non-compliance recall involving approximately 10,000  2013 – 2014 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2013 Avalon and  Avalon Hybrid as well as 2014 Corolla vehicles to replace the wiper switch.

Toyota explained during manufacture of the wiper switch assembly in the involved vehicles, certain contacts on the switch terminal could have been manufactured incorrectly.  This could lead to a potential short if the wiper is moved from OFF to the MIST setting.

A short can cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative.

As is customary with such recalls, owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail to return their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for replacement of the wiper switch.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

The post Camry Hybrid And Avalon Hybrid Recalled For Wiper Switch appeared first on HybridCars.com.


Stop Sale Of Avalon Hybrid And Camry Hybrid

0
0

Toyota is in hot water, having to stop sale of various models, including the Avalon hybrid and Camry hybrid, because of an issue with flammability of seat fabric on seat heaters equipped models.

Toyota said it has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it has initiated a stop sale of Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Corolla, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra vehicles equipped with seat heaters in order to address a non-compliance issue.

Toyota explained on involved vehicles, the seat heater, which is a small portion of the soft materials of the seat assembly, does not meet a provision of U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requiring materials to retard flame at a specified rate. Toyota is preparing a modification for this condition, which will be implemented on all covered vehicles in dealer inventory.

According to the company, there have been no reports globally of any related incidents in the field with units in operation. Per NHTSA regulations, Toyota will file a Non-Compliance Information Report.

Toyota added it is still tabulating the exact number of vehicles affected.

The post Stop Sale Of Avalon Hybrid And Camry Hybrid appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Honda Fit Hybrid And Vezel Hybrid Recalled

0
0

Yesterday Honda’s Japanese-market Fit Hybrid and Vezel Hybrid were affected by a third transmission recall

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced a voluntary recall of the Fit Hybrid and Vezel Hybrid produced in Japan from July 2013 through February 2014. The recall has to do with a problem with the software program controlling the 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which could cause a delay in the ability to begin driving or the inability to move at all.

Honda said it notified today Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of the recall which is affecting 81,353 units, 70,929 Fit Hybrids and 10,424 Vezel Hybrids.

Unfortunately for Honda, this is the third similar recall. Honda conducted two recalls in October and December 2013 due to a defect with the software program controlling the 7-speed DCT which could have caused a delay in the ability to drive the vehicle or the inability to drive.

Today’s recall is the third related to the defect of the 7-speed DCT; Honda pointed out each recall was due to a different cause.

Honda stated in the recall’s press release it sincerely regrets causing this considerable inconvenience to its customers due to the fact that the defect was not discovered during the development and product quality verification processes prior to the introduction of a new technology to the market and the defective product quickly came to market.

As the remedy, starting today, Honda explained it will first check each DCT’s gear change history. For vehicles with a gear change history that indicates the non-engagement of gears, Honda will replace the DCT component in order to mitigate against the possible damage to internal parts of the DCT and then change the control software program. Honda is planning to begin installing the new control program on February 21, 2014.

For vehicles with a gear change history that does not indicate non-engagement of gears, Honda said it will provide advice for the use of vehicles as an interim step and begin changing the software control program on February 21, 2104.

Honda has suspended the delivery of all affected models, currently being produced at Yorii Plant of Saitama Factory and Suzuka Factory, until the installation of the new software program is completed.

Honda also said it took the necessary actions to suspended customer delivery of affected models that are already located at Honda dealerships until the installation of the new program is completed.

The post Honda Fit Hybrid And Vezel Hybrid Recalled appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Owners Of Affected Diesel Engines May Not Like Volkswagen’s Fix

0
0

As if Volkswagen isn’t facing enough challenges, another obstacle to fixing its out-of-compliance diesels may come from an unlikely source: uncooperative customers.

The new worry stems from the realization that bringing the 2.0-liter diesel engine into emission compliance will negatively affect driving experience and fuel economy. This may make owners hesitate to have the repair done, and there are very few areas that can enforce the recall.

“There are two apparent ways to [repair the cars], and owners who value performance, fuel economy, and trunk space won’t like either,” noted Alex Davies on Wired.com as he lists the two likely options for VW.

The first is a software fix – retune the settings in the engine control module to operate as if it’s always being tested.

“The downside here is that to achieve the drastic drop in NOx emissions, the cars in test mode sacrificed some fuel economy, or performance,” said Davies. “Just how much is hard to say, but any drop in torque – one great thing about diesels is how they accelerate off the line – will not make drivers happy.”

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen To Begin Recalling Over-Emitting Diesels in January

An alternative solution for Volkswagen is to install components that use urea to break down harmful pollutants into water and nitrogen. This type of system is currently seen on diesels from Mercedes and BMW, but wasn’t used by Volkswagen in its 2.0-liter diesel engines.

“The big ‘advance’ from VW was the ‘clean diesel’ technology that supposedly made the whole urea thing unnecessary on its smaller cars, like the Beetle, Jetta, and Audi A3 – the very models being recalled because they don’t meet emissions standards under real-world driving conditions,” Davies explained.

Using a urea system would be costly and time consuming for Volkswagen, and it’s also likely to leave owners with a bad taste in their mouth.

“Not only do you have to spend an afternoon with your local dealer, you have to make room for the tank,” noted Davies. “That could mean sacrificing cargo space or giving up the spare tire.”

Few regulations across the U.S. exist that will require owners get their VW’s fixed. According to Automotive News, here’s how it brings down across the country:

  • Nationally: No federal law or EPA mandate is in place forcing owners to cooperate with an emissions recall. “The EPA has the authority to order VW to recall the vehicles,” noted Automotive News, “but its authority to compel consumers to get their cars repaired is limited.”
  • California: This is the only state that will prevent a car’s registration from being renewed if the owner hasn’t complied with an emission recall notice.
  • States with emission test requirements: While most states require an annual or biennial emissions test, the EPA said that only 17 states will demand that owners show they have complied with an emission recall before they can conduct the test. Many states, such as Texas and Illinois, do not require diesel engines to undergo emissions tests.

The post Owners Of Affected Diesel Engines May Not Like Volkswagen’s Fix appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Volkswagen To Recall 8.5 Million Vehicles In Europe

0
0

Volkswagen announced that next January it will begin recalling 8.5 million diesel vehicles in Europe, with repairs to bring the cars back into emission compliance after it was discovered they are over-polluting.

The decision came after Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) ordered the company to recall 2.4 million vehicles. According to Arndt Ellinghorst, senior managing director and head of the global automotive research for analysis firm Evercore ISI, firm recall orders are not standard protocol for Germany.

“It’s an unusual measure to be ordering a mandatory recall,” Ellinghorst said. “It shows to me that the KBA is losing patience with VW’s slow response on what to do to fix the engines so far. Customers have been left unsettled.”

SEE ALSO: Owners Of Affected Diesel Engines May Not Like Volkswagen’s Fix

The KBA has also established deadlines for Volkswagen’s recall: technical details on the repairs must be submitted for review by mid-November, and the recall must begin in January.

This truncated schedule buys VW engineers a little more time to come up with a solution for the affected 2.0-liter engines to meet emission regulations. Last month, KBA Minister Alexander Dobrindt notified Volkswagen that the company had until October 7 to present its resolution. Volkswagen, which has not yet identified a fix, proposed a voluntary recall. This was rejected by German officials.

Volkswagen stated that it supports the KBA’s “swift decision” for the mandatory recall. As reported by Bloomberg, newly-appointed CEO of Volkswagen Group Matthias Müller responded directly to Dobrindt in a letter.

“The KBA’s decision opens up the possibility of a common and coordinated response in all European Union states,” wrote Müller. “Such a unified procedure would be in the European spirit as well as in the interests of customers.”

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen To Shift Strategy From Diesel To Plug-In Hybrids And Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen has two main options to reduce emissions on these diesels: a software update, or added hardware. Both are likely to be costly repairs. Volkswagen hasn’t yet specified a solution, but did state that engineers were working quickly to develop one.

“Work on the technical solutions … is currently proceeding at full speed,” Volkswagen said. “These are currently being developed for each affected series and each affected model year. All measures will first be presented to the responsible authorities. Volkswagen will subsequently inform the owners of these vehicles over the next weeks and months.”

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency is holding back on issuing a recall for now. The department said it is waiting to see first what Volkswagen solution will be, and wants to verify that the solution is effective before a U.S. recall will begin.

“EPA will order a recall in the future, but will not do so until we are confident that VW’s fix will work,” said EPA representative Laura Allen. “EPA will conduct our own testing to confirm this. Then we will order a recall.”

 

Bloomberg

The post Volkswagen To Recall 8.5 Million Vehicles In Europe appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV Recalled for Seat Belt Issue

0
0

The Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV models are being recalled to address an issue with their seat belts.

A total of approximately 1,124,000 units are affected by the recall, which includes the 2006-2012 RAV4 and the 2012-2014 RAV4 EV. According to Toyota, the involved vehicles are equipped with lap-shoulder seat belts in both second-row outboard seats. There is a possibility that in the event of a very severe frontal crash, the lap belt webbing could contact a portion of the metal seat cushion frame and separate. As a result, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

The Japanese automaker will notify affected owners by first class mail and dealerships will add resin covers to the metal seat cushion frame at no cost to fix the issue.

This article originally appeared at AutoGuide.com

The post Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 EV Recalled for Seat Belt Issue appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Ford Focus Electric Recalled For Transmission Differential

0
0

Today, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for more than 900 Ford Focus Electric sedans.

The recall stems from a problem with the car’s transmission differential assembly.

Ford’s recall notice said that in certain vehicles, it is possible the differential pinion shaft could wear out, resulting in a shaft fracture that would cause the vehicle to lose motive power without warning while driving,

A worn pinion shaft could also affect the transmission park function without warning.

Either could increase the risk of injury or a crash, although Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this issue.

SEE ALSO: Six Plug-in Cars We’re Looking Forward to in 2016

To correct the defect, Ford dealers will install a new transmission differential assembly equipped with a friction-reducing coating on both the pinion shaft and pinion gear bores.

Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Focus Electric vehicles built at the Michigan Assembly Plant, August. 20, 2015 through April 13, 2016, and Saarlouis Assembly Plant, February 28, 2016 through March 30, 2016.

Affected vehicles total 949, including 865 in the United States and 66 in Canada.

The Detroit automaker did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule.

If you own a Ford Focus Electric and are not sure it is part of the recall, have the vehicle identification number (VIN) at hand and call Ford’s information number at 866-436-7332 for more information.

Ford Motor Co.

The post Ford Focus Electric Recalled For Transmission Differential appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Toyota is Globally Recalling Its Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

0
0

Approximately 2,840 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are being recalled worldwide.

According to the Japanese automaker, the Mirai is being recalled due to an issue with the output voltage generated by its fuel cell system. Toyota said that under certain driving conditions, there is a possibility the output voltage generated by the fuel cell boost converter could exceed the maximum voltage.

An example is when the gas pedal is depressed to the wide open throttle position after driving on a long descent while using cruise control.

To resolve the issue, Toyota dealers will update the software at no cost and the process will take about half an hour.

This article originally appeared at AutoGuide.com

The post Toyota is Globally Recalling Its Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles appeared first on HybridCars.com.


2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Voluntarily Recalled

0
0

Chrysler is recalling U.S. and Canadian market Pacifica Hybrids to upgrade diodes that can fail and stop propulsion.

Announced last Friday, June 9, the voluntary recall is for approximately 1,369 U.S. and 309 Canadian market examples of the plug-in hybrid minivan.

SEE ALSO: Chrysler Introduces America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Minivan – Just Don’t Call The Pacifica A Plug in Hybrid

“Feedback from a small number of customers has led to the discovery that certain diodes may stop functioning. This may cause propulsion loss,” said FCA in a brief statement on its website.

The company said customers are to be alerted when to schedule free service, or they may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.

No injuries or accidents are known to have resulted from the defect.

The post 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Voluntarily Recalled appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Tesla Recalls 11,000 Model X Over Seat Issue

0
0

Tesla is recalling 11,000 Model X SUVs over an issue with the second row of seats.

The automaker said that it discovered the issue during internal testing. The problem is that the cable that controls the recline of the rear seats is too tight. What that means is that when you raise the seatbacks from the fold-flat position, the left-side seat might not lock securely in place. If someone were sitting in that unlocked seat, and there was an accident, it’s possible they could be injured.

Tesla says that it hasn’t had any reports of issues relating to the seat problem, but will be conducting a voluntary recall. The company estimates that only around three percent of 2016 and 2017 Model X vehicles could suffer from the problem.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Responds to Model X Owner Complaints with New Windshield Sunshade

The recall can be handled by Tesla’s mobile repair service. Customers can choose to use the mobile service or to visit a service center, but either way, no new parts are necessary. The fix is an inspection and an adjustment. Customers will be notified by email starting today.

Tesla promoted their unique mobile repair service, saying that in the last two months, they’ve handled around 40 percent of the company’s Takata airbag recall repairs via that service.

The post Tesla Recalls 11,000 Model X Over Seat Issue appeared first on HybridCars.com.

BMW Has Stopped i3 Sales and is Recalling Every Model

0
0

According to a recent report, the BMW i3 fails to meet frontal impact performance standards.

The news first came from InsideEVs, which posted a dealer-provided Q&A confirming the recall affects 30,542 units in the U.S. from model year 2014 to 2018. The issue stems from inconsistent results in a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test. Specifically, the unbelted small adult rigid barrier test (NHTSA’s 5th percentile female), with the driver seat occupant sustaining loads marginally above the limit.

BMW spokesperson Rebecca Kiehne confirmed to Carscoops that BMW’s compliance testing showed results well below the required limits, but more recent testing has shown inconsistent results.

Due to the conflicting results, BMW is recalling i3 units produced from 2014 to 2018 and recommends all occupants use their seatbelts and confirms a fix is coming. Kiehne also confirmed a stop-sale order has been issued in the U.S. for the BMW i3 and i3s.

NHTSA’s 5th percentile female are classified as women who are approximately five feet tall and weigh around 110 pounds.

Carscoops,

This article originally appeared at AutoGuide.com

The post BMW Has Stopped i3 Sales and is Recalling Every Model appeared first on HybridCars.com.

2016 Prius Included in Recall of 645,000 Toyota and Lexus Cars Worldwide

0
0

Toyota has issued a global recall for defective airbags of 645,000 of which 49,000 are in North America, and including the 2016 Prius.
 
Specifically, the issue is caused by an open electrical circuit due to weak, peel-prone insulation layers. This may cause the vehicle’s airbag warning lights to turn on and its front curtain shield and/or side airbag not to deploy in the event of a crash.
 
The recall covers all Toyota Prii made between May 2015 and March 2016. All bad airbag sensors will be replaced at no charge by dealers after a check of airbag sensor serial numbers to determine if it is affected.
 
Other vehicles affected include model year 2016 Lexus RX and model year 2015 and 2016 Lexus NX crossovers, along with some global models including Toyota Alphard, Vellfire, Sienta, Noah, Voxy, Esquire, Probox, Succeed, Corolla, Highlander, Levin and Hilu. This issue is not related to the Takata airbag recall which has affected more than 37 million vehicles across 19 automakers to date.
 
Affected owners can visit the Toyota Recall page and enter their 17-digit VIN (vehicle identification number) to check current information, as well as the NHTSA recall page for the latest updates. Toyota has also provided a customer support number – 1.800.331.4331. Owners will also receive a snail mail notification as early as late March 2018.

The post 2016 Prius Included in Recall of 645,000 Toyota and Lexus Cars Worldwide appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Tesla Recalls 123,000 Model S Cars

0
0

Tesla has issued its largest voluntary recall to date, affecting 123,000 Model S vehicles due to faulty power steering bolts.

In an email to customers, Tesla advises on 123,000 Model S vehicles built before April 2016 equipped with defective bolts. Made by automotive supplier Bosch, they are known to degrade and loosen over time, which could result in the loss of power steering and the need to use more force to turn the wheel.

“We have observed excessive corrosion in the power steering bolts, though only in very cold climates, particularly those that frequently use calcium or magnesium road salts, rather than sodium chloride,” read a portion of the email.

“Nonetheless, Tesla plans to replace all early Model S power steering bolts in all climates worldwide to account for the possibility that the vehicle may later be used in a highly corrosive environment. If the bolts fail, the driver is still able to steer the car, but increased force is required due to loss or reduction of power assist. This primarily makes the car harder to drive at low speeds and for parallel parking, but does not materially affect control at high speed, where only small steering wheel force is needed.”

No crashes or injuries have been reported.

To remedy the issue, Tesla will apply a retrofit, an hour-long process, shortly after scheduling appointments pending parts availability, with a separate phone number and email address provided for questions.

Other voluntary recalls in the past have been smaller, including an April 2017 53,000-Model S and X recall for faulty parking brakes and an October 2017 second row seating issue on Model Xs due to faulty cables.

The post Tesla Recalls 123,000 Model S Cars appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Audi Stops Deliveries on 60,000 Diesels for Alleged Cheat Devices

0
0

Audi is on the hook for 60,000 of its diesel A6 and A7s, alleged to have fitted its 6-cylinder engines with illegal emissions devices.

First reported by Germany publication Der Speigel, the latest recall marks a continued battle by Volkswagen and Audi to appease regulators and the public. As a result, the TDI A6s and A7s have stopped all deliveries with no timetable for delivery.

Of the vehicles, roughly half were sold in Germany, with none were sold in the United States.

“The KBA has requested a hearing on suspicion the Audi V6 TDI A6/A7 models have been fitted with an illegal defeat device,” said Germany’s Transport Ministry in a statement.

ALSO SEE: FCA Boss Thinks Diesel is Dead

“We report any irregularities to the authorities because full clarification is our top priority,” added Audi CEO Rupert Stadler. “We did so without delay also in this case.”

This latest discovery follows Audi’s recall of 85,000 vehicles in 2017 due to the same issue, after Volkswagen’s admission 11 million diesel vehicles were fitted with emissions-cheating software that would reduce emissions by as much as 40 times less under lab settings versus real-world conditions.

It also raises legal and ethical issues with top executives, including former chief executive Martin Winterkorn, whom U.S. prosecutors have accused of knowing about the issue as far back as May 2014.

No further details have yet to be released by Audi regarding the issue.

The post Audi Stops Deliveries on 60,000 Diesels for Alleged Cheat Devices appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Viewing all 14 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images