WebProNews

Tag: Recall

  • Tesla Recalls 362,758 Vehicles Over ‘Risk of a Crash’

    Tesla Recalls 362,758 Vehicles Over ‘Risk of a Crash’

    Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) just took a major hit, with the company recalling 362,758 vehicles.

    FSD is Tesla’s attempt at autonomous driving, but the system has been plagued with controversies and has generally failed to live up to expectations. Tesla has now filed a recall notice with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over “the risk of a crash.”

    The company’s recall notice describes the problem:

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver’s adjustment of the vehicle’s speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Tesla says it will mail out owner notifications by April 15, 2023, and that an over-the-air update will address the problem.

  • Tesla Recalls 130K Vehicles Over Blank Touchscreens

    Tesla Recalls 130K Vehicles Over Blank Touchscreens

    Tesla is recalling some 130,000 vehicles over touch screens that go blank as a result of an overheating issue.

    According to The Associated Press, the recall includes “certain Model S sedan and Model X SUVs from 2021 and 2022, as well as Model 3 cars and Model Y SUVs from 2022.” The issue can occur when the vehicles are fast-charging and the CPU overheats, resulting in the main screen going blank.

    In addition to the infotainment system, the screen also powers the rearview camera display, windshield defrost controls, and gear indicators.

    So far there have been no reported crashes or injuries, and Tesla said it found the issue during routine testing.

  • Tesla Recalls Almost 500,000 Cars Over Rear Camera and Front Trunk

    Tesla Recalls Almost 500,000 Cars Over Rear Camera and Front Trunk

    Tesla has issued a recall for more than 475,000 vehicles for two separate issues involving the rear camera and front trunk.

    According to Gizmodo, 356,309 Model 3 sedans have a faulty connection to the rear camera. This connection can be damaged as a result of opening and closing the rear trunk. Once the connection is damaged, users may lose rear camera functionality.

    Meanwhile, 119,009 Model S vehicles appear to have a misaligned front trunk latch that may prevent it from properly closing.

    The camera issue impacts Model 3s made between 2017 and 2020. Vehicles made in 2021 are not affected. The front trunk issue impacts Model S vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2021.

  • GM Extends Bolt Recall to 73,000 Additional Vehicles

    GM Extends Bolt Recall to 73,000 Additional Vehicles

    GM is voluntarily recalling an additional 73,000 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUVs over a fire risk.

    GM initially issued a recall for the Bolt in November 2020 due to a charging issue that could cause the high-voltage battery pack to catch fire. GM then issued a warning a month ago over reports that at least two Bolts caught on fire despite being fixed in the initial recall.

    The company is now expanding its recall to cover all 2019-2022 Bolts, including the Bolt EUV.

    In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire. Out of an abundance of caution, GM will replace defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new modules, with an expected additional cost of approximately $1 billion.

    The issue appears to be a manufacturing defect in the batteries LG supplied to GM, and the two companies are working together to rectify the problem and replace the batteries.

    The recall impacts 9,335 2019 Bolts (6,989 in the US and 1,212 in Canada) and 63,683 2020-2022 Bolt and Bolt EUVs (52,403 in the US and 9,019 in Canada).

    “Our focus on safety and doing the right thing for our customers guides every decision we make at GM,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “As leaders in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical. GM customers can be confident in our commitment to taking the steps to ensure the safety of these vehicles.”

  • Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    Recalled Chevrolet Bolts Caught Fire, GM Issues Warning

    GM is warning that at least two Chevrolet Bolts have caught fire, despite being serviced in a recall.

    GM issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevy Bolts over a risk of the vehicles catching on fire when “charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” At the time, GM recommended parking the vehicles outside, away from buildings until they could be fixed.

    It appears the fix may not be 100% foolproof, with two Bolts catching on fire despite already being fixed under the recall. As a result, the company is once again asking users to leave the vehicles parked outside until the issue can be investigated further.

    General Motors has been notified of two recent Chevrolet Bolt EV fire incidents in vehicles that were remedied as part of the safety recall announced in November 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were part of the recall population to park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging overnight while we investigate these incidents.

    The company also asks customers that have not yet taken advantage of the recall to go ahead and do so. With only two known cases, out of the thousands that have already been fixed, it’s entirely possible this new issue may be completely unrelated.

  • Verizon Recalling 2.5 Million Ellipsis Jetpack Hotspot Devices

    Verizon is recalling 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack hotspot devices due to the lithium ion battery overheating and posing a fire risk.

    According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, 15 of the devices have overheated, with six reports of fire damage and two reports of minor injuries. The models include MHS900L, MHS900LS and MHS900LPP.

    Verizon is replacing the defective units free of charge.

    The safety of our customers is our highest priority. We are taking the situation very seriously, and we are working diligently to determine the cause of the issues with the supplier and to provide replacement devices for all of our customers, free of charge.

    Additionally, all powered-on Ellipsis Jetpacks have received two over-the-air, automatic software updates. The first enables the device’s identifying number to be viewed on its scrolling screen to help facilitate its exchange, and the second prevents the device from charging while the device is plugged in and powered on. This will help reduce some of the risk of overheating by preventing the device from charging while it is plugged in and powered on.

    Information can be found at ellipsisjetpackrecall.expertinquiry.com or by calling 855-205-2627.

  • Tesla Recalling 135,000 Vehicles Over Failing Center Display

    Tesla Recalling 135,000 Vehicles Over Failing Center Display

    Tesla has agreed to recall some 134,951 Model S and Model X vehicles under pressure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    The issue involves the center display in Tesla models, a display that is central to a number of functions.

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

    When the center display fails, it can impact several convenience and safety features.

    The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

    According to the NHTSA, Tesla will notify impacted owner and perform the necessary repair for free.

  • GM Recalls Chevrolet Bolts Over Fire Risk

    GM Recalls Chevrolet Bolts Over Fire Risk

    General Motors has issued a recall for nearly 51,000 Chevrolet Bolts over fire risks.

    The Chevy Bolt is one of the more popular electric vehicles, and has consistently received good reviews for its combination of features and price. Despite its success, however, GM is now recalling 50,932 of the vehicles due to fire risks.

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “GM has issued a recall of 50,932 Chevrolet Bolt vehicles for the potential of an unattended fire in the high-voltage battery pack underneath the back seat’s bottom cushion. The affected vehicles’ cell packs have the potential to smoke and ignite internally, which could spread to the rest of the vehicle and cause a structure fire if parked inside a garage or near a house.”

    GM says the issue impacts 2017-2019 models and “may pose a risk of fire when charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” In 2017 and 2018 models, GM recommends changing the charge settings “to use the Hill Top Reserve option,” and recommends changing the 2019 charge settings “to enable Target Charge Level at 90%.” Starting November 17, GM will be rolling out a software update that dealers can apply to limit charging to 90% while the company works on a permanent solution.

    In the meantime, until the charge settings are modified, GM and the NHTSA recommend vehicles be parked outside and away from dwellings.

  • 350,000 Ring Units Recalled Due to Fire Risk

    350,000 Ring Units Recalled Due to Fire Risk

    Ring has issued a recalled for some 350,000 2nd generation devices due to fire hazard.

    According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Ring doorbells have ignited 23 times, with eight reports of minor burns. The issue appears to be the result of the incorrect screws being used when installing the devices.

    All told, there have been a total of 85 total complaints about the improper screws being sued.

    “The video doorbell’s battery can overheat when the incorrect screws are used for installation, posing fire and burn hazards.”

    Ring emphasized that properly installed devices pose no threat.

    “The safety of our customers is our top priority,” a Ring spokesperson told CNET. “We have and continue to work cooperatively with the CPSC on this issue and have contacted customers who purchased a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) to ensure they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions.

  • Smoke Detectors: Glitch Is Fixed And Nest Is Buying Dropcam

    The Nest Protect smoke detector is back after a two month hiatus – at a reduced price.

    Previously $130, Nest’s alarm can now be purchased for $99 as the company has eliminated the faulty feature which ultimately led to its recall. Nest’s Protect + CO was taken off the market in April when its salient wave feature (which allowed alarm silencing via wave of a hand) was found to be flawed. Upon investigation, it was learned the detector could be inadvertently inactivated by mere movements around the unit – inducing a potential delay of alert in event of fire or carbon monoxide leak .

    Thus, 440,000 affected detectors were recalled and a reduced price version (which lacks the original problem causing wave function) now takes their place. For those Nest customers who bought the original device, the feature has likely been remotely disengaged by the company. The bad news is that there’s no more “wave feature”. The good news? It appears that you can get refunded the price disparity here. Plus, there’s the whole not dying from undetectable gas benefit (even if it’s just until you buy a different brand).

    In other Nest news – Google bought Nest this year and Nest is now buying Dropcam. (Nesting dolls?)

    Nest’s Matt Rogers states:

    “Once the deal closes, we’ll incorporate Dropcam into how we do business at Nest. That includes how we handle everything from customer support to customer privacy. Like Nest customer data, Dropcam will come under Nest’s privacy policy, which explains that data won’t be shared with anyone (including Google) without a customer’s permission. Nest has a paid-for business model and ads are not part of our strategy. In acquiring Dropcam, we’ll apply that same policy to Dropcam too.”

    Despite insistence that the company will largely operate independently, there have been concerns about general privacy and ease of access for hackers alike. Many see the technology as beneficial for monitoring elderly loved ones conveniently from a remote location, while others might eschew it as they recall the family who woke to hear a stranger’s voice yelling at their infant through a hacked nanny cam one night.

    What are your thoughts on smart-home devices?

    Wi-fi for the win? Or too Orwellian?

    Image via Youtube

  • Toyota Recalls 650,000 Vehicles for Faulty Airbags

    Today, Toyota announced an expansion to a recall which originally occurred in April 2013. The newly expanded recall affects an additional 650,000 vehicles in Japan, bringing the overall total to 2.27 million vehicles over the past year.

    The recall deals with faulty front passenger airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation, a Japanese-based company which supplies airbags and other safety features to multiple car brands, including Honda, Nissan, and BMW.

    Toyota released a statement in which they explained that the recall was necessary due to the airbags being constructed with faulty propellants: “Improperly manufactured propellant wafers could cause the inflator to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in the event of a crash.” An abnormal deployment of such a propellant wafer could result in a small fire or the passenger being struck by metal shrapnel, leading to multiple injuries.

    The situation was supposedly taken care of when Toyota announced the recall of 1,830,000 vehicles last April. However, after further investigations were conducted, Toyota discovered that Takata Corp. had given them an unfinished list of serial numbers listing the affected parts.

    The new recall affects several Toyota models – the 2003-4 Toyota Corolla, Matrix and Tundra, the 2002-4 Sequoia sport utility vehicle and the 2002-4 Lexus SC 430 luxury coupe.

    In order to ensure that another recall is not needed in the near future, Toyota has decided to take a more holistic approach toward solving the problem: “We have judged that it is more certain to replace everything,” stated Toyota spokesman Naoki Sumino. Toyota is now in the process of instructing its dealers in the United States and other global markets in how to replace the faulty part.

    Toyota is quick to move on this recall considering the scrutiny it and other vehicle manufacturers have come under recently due to the high number of recalled vehicles. Toyota recalled 1.9 million Prius hybrids earlier this year due to a software glitch, and in October of last year, the company recalled 803,000 vehicles for another issue which impacted the performance of the airbags.

    Image via YouTube

  • Nap Nanny Leads To Six Infant Deaths

    Nap Nanny Leads To Six Infant Deaths

    A sixth child has died while using the recalled infant recliner called the Nap Nanny.

    According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the latest casualty involved an eight-month-old little girl from New Jersey. The infant was secured with a seat belt in the Nap Nanny, however she suffocated when she was found partly hanging between the crib bumper and the product.

    Baby Matters LLC of Berwyn, Pennsylvania issued a voluntary recall of the Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill products in June 2013. Since then the CPSC has urged parents to stop using the product, and not to purchase these products from yard sales or other hand-me-down stores.

    “Our message to parents is clear: Stop using it. It’s dangerous,” CPSC Communications Director Scott Wolfson said. “There’s been six deaths already, and we don’t want another child to die unnecessarily.”

    According to the press release issued last year, approximately 165,000 Nap Nanny products were sold between 2009 and 2012. While the company has been out of business for two years now, the danger comes from people purchasing this product second hand.

    “This is a product that should be out of homes and we urge all parents to stop using the product,” Wolfson said. “Don’t sell it at a garage sale. Don’t take it back to a local thrift store. Don’t put it on eBay or Craigslist. Just throw it away.”

    The company said that the product was never intended to be used inside a crib, and they are heartbroken for the families who have lost their children due to their products.

    It is now illegal to sell any of the Nap Nanny products in the United States.

    Image via toysrus.com

  • Hummus Recalled Due To Listeria Contamination

    Hummus Recalled Due To Listeria Contamination

    Food manufacturer Lansal has made the decision to voluntary recall over seven tons of hummus due to the fear of listeria contamination.

    The recall was announced on Thursday and directly impacts Target and Trader Joe’s stores. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nearly 15,000 pounds of hummus and dip products were removed from the stores as a precautionary action.

    The possibility of contamination was discovered during a routine test of Target Archer Farms Traditional Hummus by the Texas Department of Health. Lansal immediately contacted all of their retailers and distributors. So far, no illnesses have been reported.

    Below is a list from the FDA of all of the products that were affected by the recall:

    Item: Target Archer Farms Traditional Hummus 10oz. UPC: 85239233405 Use By Date: JUN/11/2014 Affected Areas: National

    Item: Target Archer Farms Traditional Hummus 2lb. (Non-retail item; Ingredient item used in SuperTarget store production of 2 items, Archer Farms Mediterranean Veggie Hummus Wrap and Archer Farms Hummus Veggie Snacker) UPC: 8968630 01823 Use By Date: JUN/11/2014 Affected Areas: National

    Item: Target Archer Farms Roasted Garlic with Roasted Garlic Tapenade 17 oz. UPC: 85239233498 Use By Date: JUN/9/14 & JUN/12/14 Affected Areas: National

    Item: Target Archer Farms Roasted Red Pepper with Roasted Red Pepper Topping 17 oz. UPC: 85239233481 Use By Date: JUN/12/2014 Affected Area: National

    Item: Giant Eagle Chipotle Hummus 8oz. UPC: 30034065881 Use By Date: MAY/7/2014 & MAY/14/14 Affected Areas: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland.

    Item: Giant Eagle Garlic Hummus 8oz. UPC: 30034064747 Use By Date: MAY/7/2014 & MAY/14/14 Affected Areas: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland.

    Item: Trader Joe’s Edamame Hummus 8oz. UPC: 988582 Use By Date: APR/28/14 & APR/29/14 & MAY/9/24 Affected Areas: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, North Carolina, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia (Southern), Washington

    Item: Trader Joe’s 5 Layered Dip Small 11.5oz. UPC: 435451 Use By Date: APR/15/2014 Affected Areas: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio & Wisconsin

    Item: Trader Joe’s 5 Layered Dip Large 24oz. UPC: 274043 Use By Date: APR/15/2014 Affected Areas: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio & Wisconsin

    Item: Tryst Yellow Lentil Hummus with Sunflower Seeds & Apricots 10oz UPC: 8968630 01410 Use By Date: USE BY JUN/10/14 E Time stamp & USE BY JUN/12/14 E Time Stamp Affected Areas: Midwest & Pacific Northwest regions of United States

    Customers with questions about the recall have been asked to call 877-550-0694, and have been urged to return the product to the store for a full refund.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Cottage Cheese Recall Affects Numerous Kraft Brands

    Cottage cheese recalls aren’t as common as say beef recalls, but the risk is still great. Serious illness can occur from consuming tainted cottage cheese and Kraft has issued a recall after discovering a bad batch.

    On Saturday, Kraft announced that it was issuing a voluntary recall of 1.2 million cases of cottage cheese. The affected brands include Knudsen, Breakstone, Simply Kraft and Daily Chef. Kraft says the ingredients used in these products were not stored in accordance with their temperature standards. The company claims that there’s little risk of the products actually causing illness, but they want to stay on the safe side. Remaining cautious, the plant that produced the potentially tainted cottage cheese has ceased production until the problems are addressed.

    To find out if your product is affected, check out the code date on the container. If the code date is anywhere between May 9 and July 23, you can return the package to the store where it was purchased for an exchange or refund. Despite Simply Kraft brand cottage cheese being included in the recall, some batches were not affected. Those with a plant code of 36-2158 or a “W” in the case code are not affected.

    Here’s a list of all the batches affected by the recall:

    Cottage Cheese Recall Affects Numerous Brands

    The recent Kraft recall is just the latest major food recall to hit the U.S. Back in February, Nestle recalled over 200,000 Hot Pockets products containing tainted meat. In the same month, Utah’s Prime Snax recalled 90,000 pounds of beef jerky for containing an allergen that wasn’t marked on the label. Again in February, Uncle Ben recalled its infused rice for causing itching and nausea for up to an hour and a half after eating it.

    More recently, 1.8 million pounds of ground beef was recalled after it was found that beef produced at a Detroit-based factory was tainted. The USDA says that children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. The same caution could be given to those eating the affected cottage cheese.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Ford Recall Announced For Airbag And Latch Issues

    Ford Recall Announced For Airbag And Latch Issues

    A series of Ford recalls now applies to nearly 700,000 of their vehicles as issues with airbags and latches have come to light.

    Two separate Ford recalls also were announced this past week when it was learned some Escapes harbored a sub-frame problem that could endanger steering control. Also, a second seat back error concerned both the Ford Escape as well as a few other models. There were no injuries although one related accident was reported to have occurred.

    Now, in a new set of recalls, Escape small SUVs and C-Max gas-electric hybrids sold in North America will require the two recently discovered glitches in airbags and door handle latches to be fixed for safety. While the recalls cover different vehicles from 2013 to 2014 model years, most of the Ford Escapes will require that both issues be addressed.

    The first of the two cases regards about 692,500 Escape and C-Max vehicles.

    Due to a software glitch, side curtain air bags might not inflate in some rollover crashes.

    It’s what the company dubs a “safety canopy”, where the bag normally deploys from the ceiling by the windows to shield a passenger’s head in the event of a side impact crash or rollover incident. Because the defect is in the computer delay of airbag deployment, Ford dealers will perform a free reprogramming of the air bag control for customers.

    As for the second recall regarding defective latches, it was found that roughly 692,700 Escape exterior door handles might bind and thus prevent proper door closing. The potential danger in this case is that the SUV doors could come open while driving. As the latch matter affects 692,700 Escapes in North America, dealers will be inspecting door handles for any necessary repositioning.

    Fortunately, these recent issues came to light before any reported crashes or injuries related to them transpired. In a statement, company spokeswoman Kelli Felker reassured consumers: “Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles,” and added:

    “We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers.”

    Image via Youtube

  • Mercedes-Benz Recall Affects 284,000 Cars

    Mercedes-Benz will recall approximately 284,000 C-class cars in the U.S. and Canada due to a problem with the rear tail lamps.

    The recall involves nearly 253,000 cars sold in the U.S., specifically the 2008-2011 C300, C300 4Matic, C350, and C63 AMG vehicles that were manufactured between January 26, 2007 and July 13, 2011.

    The problem with the rear tail lamps, according to a report, is that “in the affected vehicles, a poor electrical ground connection may result in the dimming or the failure of the tail lights.”

    The detailed description of the problem, according to a scanned email sent from Mercedes-Benz USA to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was posted as part of the overall report, states that corrosion on the ground pin connector for the rear tail lamps is the source of the problem.

    Consequences of the dimming or failure of the tail lights include reducing “the ability to warn other motorists of the driver’s intentions of stopping or turning, increasing the risk of a crash.”

    So far, no accidents or injuries associated with the problem have been recorded. Mercedes will notify affected car owners and dealers will replace bulbs and any corroded connectors free of charge. Because parts are not currently available, Mercedes will send an interim notification to owners in June 2014, and when parts are available—likely in August or September 2014—a second letter will be mailed.

    According to the Christian Science Monitor, usually a recall of a quarter-million cars would be a big deal but because in 2014 in the U.S. already 13 million cars have been recalled, the Mercedes-Benz recall hardly raises an eyebrow. Total cars recalled for 2014 is on pace to break the 2004 record of 30.8 million vehicles.

    To date in 2014, General Motors has recalled about 6 million vehicles, while several other companies including Nissan, Honda, and Toyota have recalled nearly 1 million vehicles each.

    Those with questions about the Mercedes-Benz recall can call Mercedes at 1-800-367-6372 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • General Motors Being Fined For Unanswered Questions

    General Motors is now facing a crisis over its inaction with regards to important safety recalls over the past decade.

    Last week GM CEO Mary Barra testified before a U.S. congressional subcommittee hearing on the company’s ignition switch recall. The recall involves numerous GM models with a defect that could shut the engine off while in operation. At least 13 people have died in crashes related to the defect. The defect was originally identified by GM in 2005 but a recall was not issued until just this year.

    Now, according to a Los Angeles Times report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is fining GM daily over the company’s failure to answer questions about the recall.

    On March 4 he NHTSA had reportedly given GM until April 3 to respond to 107 questions regarding the ignition switch recall. According to the LA Times report the questions cover everything from specifics about the defect to consumer complaints and why GM did not issue a recall sooner. The company did respond to some of the questions, but has not answered all of them.

    The NHTSA is fining GM $7,000 per day that its full request for documentation goes unanswered. The fines could eventually max out at $35 million.

    The NHTSA has sent a letter to GM making it clear that it believes the company has only partially complied with the order. The letter also states that GM has deflected important questions posed by the agency. The NHTSA has stated that it may also involve the U.S. Justice Department to force GM to turn over documents.

    For GM’s part, the company claims that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. GM has stated that it has already provided over 21,000 documents to the NHTSA. The company claims that it will quickly hand over documentation as it becomes available.

    In addition to the ignition switch recall, GM last week recalled more than 1.3 million Chevy, Saturn, and Pontiac vehicles. That recall involved a defect that could sudden loss of power steering.

  • Spiders Gasoline Huffing Cause Mazda Recall

    Move over, Porsche. Mazda’s got a real spider car.

    For the second time in just a few years, Mazda has had to issue a recall for North American made Mazda6 sedans because of – yep – spiders in the engine. You know, I always knew spiders were demons sent here to destroy us. The idea that some of them thrive in noxious gasoline might slightly disturb some of you too. More importantly than a bad case of the heebie-jeebies, however, is a bad case of being on the inside of a Mazda-tov Cocktail. And this is just what can happen when their woven homes halt vapor release.

    Mazda has thus issued a recall for 42,000 of these 2.5-liter engine sedans from model years 2010 to 2012. Fortunately, no fires have been reported as a result of the issue.

    Why Mazda and not other cars?

    Some scientists surmise the spiders likely stole into hoses at a warehouse prior to being shipped to the actual assembly plant. This specific breed doesn’t just like getting high on fumes. It also thrives on hiding in tubes during day hours and hunting at night.

    What’s happened here is the same as the incident during their 2011 recall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Yellow Satan Sac spider simply is attracted to the petrol scent. Once inside the car, its silky domicile blocks evaporative canister vent lines.

    The arachnid cascade of events is that the web it constructs restricts fuel flow, that fuel restriction alters tank pressure, that pressure change stresses the fuel tank, and that tank stress can cause cracks and fuel leaks. Boom.

    Actually, Mazda is trying its hardest to avoid more than a figurative “boom” from happening.

    For instance, adding a spring canister vent line was meant to prevent the octo-intruders from gaining entry. While that mostly worked out, there were a good many reports of fuel tanks cracking in sedans that had the spring, so more investigation was needed. Ultimately, engineers deduced that changing the car’s software would halt tank cracking, whether or not spider webs were blocking a vent.

    To mitigate Mazda drivers’ anxieties, the company reports that only this particular model made in a Flat Rock, Michigan plant has aforementioned bug blockage. Car owners to whom the recall applies will be able to bring in their cars to dealers, acquire reprogrammed software, and have their vent line checked and cleared of creatures.

    Party’s over, ya freeloading fuel huffers!

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Chrysler Recalls SUVs Over Brake Corrosion

    Chrysler Group today issued a recall on nearly 900,000 SUVs due to problems with the vehicles’ brake systems. The defect could cause brake pedals to become more firm than normal.

    The recall specifically affects some models of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles with model years from 2011 to 2014. Chrysler believes that a total of 867,795 SUVs are affected by the brake issue.

    The defect at the center of the recall is a form of corrosion that can occur in the vehicles’ brake boosters. After receiving complaints from consumers that their brake pedals were demanding “excessive” firmness for use, Chrysler launched an investigation into the issue. The company found that small crimp joints on the brake boosters of some vehicle models may corrode when exposed to water. This corrosion could lead to water entering into the vehicles’ brake boosters, negatively impacting brake function if the water freezes.

    Chrysler claims that the brake boosters will still function up to federal safety standards when temperatures are above freezing, though the brake pedal firmness reported by customers could result. The company has linked one accident to the brake booster corrosion defect, but believes that no injuries are related to the matter. Chrysler vehicles currently in production have had their brake booster crimp joints treated with a corrosion-resistant coating.

    Chrysler will, for free, inspect all vehicle models affected by the recall and replace their brake boosters “if their capability has been reduced.” All of the brake boosters affected by the recall will receive a shield that insulates crimp joints from water damage.

    This recall comes as increased scrutiny is falling on the auto industry and its practices with regard to safety recalls. Last month Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion to the U.S. government to settle criminal charges related to their vehicles’ infamous “unintended acceleration” defect. This week General Motors CEO Mary Barra testified before a U.S. congressional subcommittee during a hearing on GM’s failure to promptly recall vehicles with faulty ignition switches.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • General Motors Recalls Vehicles Over Power Steering Issue

    General Motors this week issued a sweeping recall that affects more than 1.3 million Chevrolet, Saturn, and Pontiac vehicles. The defect causing the recall involves the sudden loss of electric power steering experience by some drivers of older GM models.

    The recall affects all Chevrolet Malibu and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx models from the years 2004 and 2005. Some 2006, 2008, and 2009 Malibu models and 2006 Malibu Maxx models are also affected. Some Chevrolet HHR models from year 2009 and 2010 are covered under the recall, as are some 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt models.

    All Saturn ION models from years 2004 to 2007 are affected by the recall, as are all Pontiac G6 2005 models. Some Pontiac G6 models from 2006, 2008, and 2009 are also affected. Some Saturn Aura models from 2008 and 2009 also fall under the recall.

    Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, GM will replace (for free) the steering columns, power steering motors, and/or the power steering motor control unit of the recalled vehicles. In addition, customers who have already paid for repairs for these parts could receive a reimbursement.

    “With these safety recalls and lifetime warranties, we are going after every car that might have this problem, and we are going to make it right,” said Jeff Boyer, VP of Global Vehicle Safety at GM. “We have recalled some of these vehicles before for the same issue and offered extended warranties on others, but we did not do enough.”

    According to GM, drivers who lose power steering while driving can still drive their vehicles using manual steering. The company admits, however, that manual steering can take greater effort and increase road risks at low speeds.

    The power steering recall comes just as GM CEO Mary Barra has testified this week during a U.S. congressional subcommittee hearing on GM’s recent ignition switch recall. Barra apologized to the families affected by the defect and promised to determine why the recall had taken so long to implement.

    GM expects this new recall to cost around $450 million. Adding in the estimated $300 million in recalls announced earlier in March and February of this year will round out the $750 million charge that GM expects to take on its first quarter earnings.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Alli Weight Loss Products Recalled

    GlaxoSmithKline this week recalled all alli-branded weight loss products from store shelves in the U.S. The company believes that production of the diet pills may have been tampered with.

    “Safety is our first priority and we are asking retailers and pharmacies to remove all alli from their shelves immediately,” said Colin Mackenzie, president of consumer healthcare North America at GlaxoSmithKline. “We have posted a Consumer Alert on our website, www.myalli.com, and issued a news release with information and photographs to help consumers determine if their alli is authentic.”

    The alli recall is due to reports from consumers that their bottles of alli contained capsules that were not alli, but something else. Consumers have reported tablets and capsules of varying shape and color found inside bottles of what was supposed to be alli.

    GlaxoSmithKline now believes that some alli containers were tampered with and therefore may not contain alli at all. Some of the bottles containing pills other than alli were found to have been missing labels and to have inauthentic tamper-evident seals. All of these tampered-with products were found to have been bought in retail stores throughout the U.S. The company is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to research the cause of the misplaced pills and recall all alli products.

    According to GlaxoSmithKline, alli capsules are blue with dark blue bands and have the text “60 Orlistat” printed on them. They should be found within bottles that have a foil seal reading “Sealed for Your Protection” imprinted on it.

    The company is urging customers to confirm their alli is authentic and to not use any capsules that they are unsure about. For consumers who may have ingested something out of an alli bottle that they believe is questionable, GlaxoSmithKline suggests contacting a healthcare professional.

    “We are committed to finding out what happened and to doing everything possible to prevent future issues with alli,” said Mackenzie. “We regret any inconvenience caused by this retailer recall.”