Potential Dodge Ram 1500 Fire Hazard

Recently, we investigated how a gasoline spill could have caused damage to an asphalt driveway.  During the investigation, it was learned that the insured had purchased a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, approximately one month before the spill occurred.  It was also learned that the insured was leaving his residence when he noticed gasoline on his garage floor and driveway.  The dealer was subsequently contacted and the vehicle repaired.  According to the dealer’s work order, a quick connect fitting in the fuel line had separated and had allowed fuel to spill on the floor.  The insured described the scene as a large spill, gallons of fuel that occurred in a very short time period, seconds.  Although this incident occurred without fire, the separation of the quick connect fitting crated an enormous fire hazard.  The only indication that the insured had of a potential problem was that the truck would not immediately start.  If you own a 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 and experience difficulty starting, STOP!  Get out of the truck, if you smell gasoline fumes or see a fuel spill, DO NOT attempt to move the vehicle.  Instead, get yourself and your passengers away from the vehicle.  If there is no fire, contact your dealer and advise them of the situation and request that they arrange for towing back to their location for repair.  If there is a fire, call 911.  As far as the asphalt driveway was concerned, the binding materials used in asphalt will absorb gasoline and as a result, weaken the bond between the binder and the asphalt.  The end result will be a surface that will not withstand vehicular loads, it will eventually crack and break.          

Hyundai and Kia Vehicles Recalled for Fire Hazard

Hyundai Motor Company has recalled approximately 600,000 vehicles due to a brake fluid leak that could result in an engine fire.  The recall applies to 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, 2013-2015 Kia Optima sedans, and 2014-2015 Kia Sorento SUVs.  The brake fluid leak has been located and attributed to the anti-lock brakes hydraulic control unit.  As brake fluid is lost, drivers might notice a decrease in braking capacity.  Hyundai recommends that the vehicle be kept parked, outside of garages and away from other vehicles and structures, if possible.  This is because fires can occur even if the vehicle is not in operation.  For additional information, owners can visit Hyundai’s website at www.hyundaiusa.com, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “Safety Recalls” under the Owners column on the right side of the page.  Owners will also need their vehicle identification number to determine if their vehicle is included in this recall.  Owners can also contact Hyundai by calling 1-800-633-5151.  Owner notification is expected to begin on October 15, 2020.  Dealers will replace the hydraulic control unit free of charge.

Hyundai Recalls Sonata and Santa FE Sport Vehicles for Fuel Leaks

Hyundai Motor America is recalling 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata vehicles due to a fuel leak that can occur in a low pressure fuel hose.  The hose in question connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump.  As a result of engine heat, the hose can crack over time resulting in fuel leakage that can become a fire hazard.  The recall affects approximately 206,896 vehicles.  Dealers will inspect the hose and replace it as necessary.  If no damage or leakage is found, dealers will wrap the hose in heat protective tape.  Repairs will be performed at no cost to the owner.  For additional information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service by calling 1-855-371-9460 and referencing recall number 189.  The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 20V121000.

Hyundai Motor America is also recalling 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata as well as 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport Vehicles.  These vehicles were previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226 and affect approximately 150,730 vehicles.  During the repairs to these vehicles, the high pressure fuel pipe that attaches to the outlet of the fuel pump could have been improperly installed.  That is, the pipe could have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued, resulting in fuel leakage from the pipe.  This is an outstanding recall that was begun March 1, 2019.  For additional information, owners can contact Hyundai customer service by calling 1-855-371-9460 and referencing recall number 180.  The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 18V934000.  

Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Vehicles Recalled

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced that it has recalled 2018 – 2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions.  These vehicles contain a clutch plate within the transmission that can overheat and fracture, posing a fire hazard.  If the fractured pieces crack the transmission casing and come in contact with combustible material, a fire can result.  Approximately 33,237 vehicles are involved in this recall.  Owners should be aware of signs indicating a problem: the sudden loss of power, burned clutch smell, and extra pedal travel when shifting gears.  At present, Fiat Chrysler is working on a repair but expects to begin recalling vehicles on April 22^nd of this year.  Owners of affected vehicles will receive notices of the recall by mail.  For additional information, owners can contact Chrysler customer service by calling 1-800-853-1403 and referencing Chrysler recall # W12. 

Ford Recalls Trucks Due to Fire Hazard

The Ford Motor Company is recalling its full sized pickups due to a problem with an engine block heater.  The recall involves approximately 874,000 trucks.  More specifically, the recall applies to 2015 to 2019 F150, 2017 to 2019 F250, F350, F450 and F550 “Super Duty” models.  The problem with the heater is actually in the heater connector cable.  Water and other contaminants can get into the connector causing corrosion to occur and subsequently short circuit the cable.  Short circuiting of the cable can lead to a fire.  Dealerships will inspect and repair or replace the cable, at no charge.  The recall was expected to begin on January 7^th of this year.  For additional information, consumers can contact Ford by calling 1-800-392-3673 or visiting www.ford.com and clicking on recalls at the bottom of the page.  Ford’s identifying number for this campaign is 18S45. 

         

Haier Recalls Freezer Refrigerators

Haier Appliances in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Comission, has recalled 137,000 combination freezer/refrigerators due to a fire Hazard.  The units contain an electric component that can short circuit resulting in a fire.  The company has not identified the component but, recommends that consumers unplug and stop using the affected units.  The units involved in this recall are 10.1 cubic feet models, sold at Lowe’s and independent retailers.  The units were sold between September 2014 and September 2018.  Three models have been identified: HA10TG31SB, HA10TG31SS, and HA10TG31SW.  Consumers will also have to check their unit’s serial number in order to make sure it is part of the recall.  Both Haier and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have set up web pages with the applicable model and serial number information.  For Haier: go to www.haierappliances.com click on recalls at the bottom of the page.  The next page that appears will prompt the user to enter model and serial number information.   The page will then tell the user whether the recall is applicable to their appliance.  For the CPSC: go to www.cpsc.gov, enter Haier recalls in the search box at the top of the page.  The next page will show the recall for this unit.  It is currently the first recall listed.  Click on the title of the recall and the specifics will then appear.  Scroll down until the page shows the applicable model and serial numbers.

Currently, Haier is providing free repairs or offering a $150 rebate toward the purchase of a new Haier refrigerator.  To schedule a repair, owners can call 1-888-364-2989.  A photograph of one affected model is shown below.

Fire Hazard Prompts Ford to Recall 2 Million F-150s

The National Highway Safety Administration, NHTSA, has announced that Ford has recalled approximately 2 million F-150 pick up trucks.  The recall applies to 2015 -2018 F-150 regular and super crew cab pick up trucks.  The seatbelt pretensioner can generate sparks when activated during a sudden stop.  The sparks can ignite flammable material located inside the “B” pillar post including carpeting and insulation.  Ford has also identified the manufacturers of the seatbelts.  Joyson supplied the seatbelts for the 2015 to 2017 models while ZF supplied the belts for the 2018 year models.  Approximately 1.62 million vehicles were sold in the United States, 340,000 vehicles were sold in Canada and 37,000 were sold in Mexico.  The recall is expected to begin on September 24, 2018 with Ford notifying owners.  The Ford recall identification number for this recall is 18S27.  NHTSA’s campaign number is 18V568000.  For additional information, consumers can contact Ford by calling 1-866-436-7332 or visiting Ford’s website at www.ford.com.

 

 

 

Fire Hazards and Recalls

Infant Seats:

The U.S. consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that Fisher Price is recalling 63,000 infant motion seats.  The products are sold under the Soothing Motions Seats and Smart Connect Motions Seats brand names.  The model numbers involved are CMR35, CMMR36, CMR37, DYH22 and CMR39.  The motors in these infant seats have a tendency to overheat resulting in a fire hazard.  These products were sold by such stores as BuyBuyBaby, Target, Toys R Us, and Walmart. The seats were also sold on line by Amazon.com and other websites from November 2015 through October 2017.  Consumers should stop using these products and contact Fisher Price for a full refund.  Consumers can contact Fisher Price by calling 1-800-432-5437 or go on line to www.service.mattel.com and click on “Recalls and Safety Alerts” for additional information.  The recall number for this campaign is 18-015.  A photo of the seat is shown below.

Dishwashers:

On October 1, 2015 BSH Home Appliances recalled 149,000 dishwashers due to a faulty line cord that could overheat and ignite.  This recall has been recently expanded to included another 408,000 units.  The dishwashers were sold under the Bosch, Gaggenau, Jenn-Air, and Thermador brands.  The model and serial numbers for each brand included in the recall are shown below.

Bosch:

SHE33T   SHP53T   SHV53T   SHX53T

SHE53T   SHP65T   SHV68T   SHX65T

SHE65T   SHP7PT   SHV7PT   SHX68T

SHE68T             SHV8PT   SHX7PT

SHE7PT                       SHX8PT

SHE8PT

All of the above models fall in the serial number range FD 9209 – 9403

 

SGE53U   SHE9PT   SPE5ES   SPV5ES

SGE63E   SHV9PT   SPE53U   SPX5ES

SGE68U   SHX53R   SPE68U

SGV63E   SHX7ER            SPX68U

SGX68U   SHX9PT

All of the above models fall in the serial number range FD 9401- 9501

 

Gaggenau:

DF2417    DF2607    DF 2617

All of the above models fall in the serial number range FD 9401 – 9501

 

Jenn-Air:

JDB9600CWS   JDB9600CWP    JDB9600CWX

All of the above models fall in the serial number range FD 9404 – 9501

 

Thermador:

DWHD44   Serial number range FD 9209 – 9403

DWHD64 & DWHD65  Serial number range FD 9401 – 9501

Consumers are requested to stop using the recalled units and contact BSH Home Appliances for a free inspection and repair.  Consumers can call 1-888-965-5813 or go line at the brand websites www.bosch-home.com/us, www.gaggenau.com/us, www.jennair.com, or www.thermador.com and request additional information.  The recall number for this campaign is 18-013  The dishwashers are shown below.

 

 

 

Portable Power Banks:

Amazon has recalled 260,000 portable power banks due to fire and chemical burn hazards.  The unit’s battery can overheat and ignite.  This recall applies to six different versions of AmazonBasics’ portable lithium ion battery chargers/power banks.  The power banks can be identified by the black case imprinted with the AmazonBasics’ logo on the front.  In addition, the recalled units have one of the following product identification numbers: B00LRK8EV0, B00LRK8HJ8, B00LRK8170, B00LRK81V0, B00LRK8JDC, and B00ZQ4JQAA.  Consumers are requested to stop using the power bank units and contact Amazon for instructions on how to return the unit and receive a full refund.  Amazon can be contacted by calling 1-855-215-5134 or visiting https://amazonpowerbank.expertinquiry.com .  The recall number for this campaign is 18-728. A photo of the power banks is shown below.

 

 

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners:

Goodman Company has announced the recall of 534,000 packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) because the outdoor fan motor can overheat.  Overheating of the motor can pose burn and fire hazards.  This recall applies to units with the Goodman, Amana, York International, and Energy Knight brand names.  The unit models that are included in this recall begin with the following prefixes: EKTC15, EKTH15, PMC15, PMH12, PMH15, PTC15, PTH12, PTH15, UCBY15, and UCYH15.  The first four digits of the serial numbers are in the range between 1001 and 1709.  The units were installed in such places as motels, schools, hotels, and apartment buildings.  Consumers should contact Goodman for a free repair kit and installation by an authorized technician.  Goodman can be contacted by calling 1-888-803-0512 or on line at https://www.amana-ptac.com.  The recall number for this campaign is 18-113.  A photo of the unit is shown below.

 

Sink Top Garbage Disposal Switch:

Insinkerator has recalled its sink top accessory switch for garbage disposals due to a problem with water getting into the power module.  When this happens, the power module can overheat and ignite.  The models that are involved in this recall are 76703, STS-SOSN, 78251 and 74300.  1,400,000 units are affected.  Garbage disposals activated by a wall switch are not included in this recall.  Consumers should stop using the switch and contact Insinkerator for a free replacement.  Insinkerator can be contacted by calling 1-855-215-5695 or on line at www.insinkerator.com.  The recall number for this campaign is 18-116. A photo of the switch is shown below.

 

All of the above information was obtained from the website of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission at http://www.cpcs.gov

 

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BMW Recalls

BMW has recalled issued two recalls for approximately one million vehicles.  The first recall involves a defective PCV valve heater that can short circuit and cause a vehicle fire.  The recall applies to 2008 through 2011 model 128i; and 2007 through 2011 models 328i, 525i, 528i, 530i, X3, X5, and Z4.  The second recall is for a defective blower motor wiring connector that also poses a fire hazard.  The connector can cause the wiring to overheat and ignite.  The recall applies to 2006 through 2011 models 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, and M3; 2007 through 2011 model 335is; and 2009 through 2011 model 335d.  Vehicle repairs are expected to start on December 18 and will be fixed free of charge.  For additional information, consumers can contact BMW by calling 1-800-327-4236.

Eight Deaths – Really?

We’ve all heard about the eight people who lost their lives at the Rehabilitation Center in Hollywood Florida.  We’ve also heard about how the Center lost power and as a result, also lost their air conditioning.  The loss of power as a result of Hurricane Irma was not unusual.  With all the destruction, it would have been unusual if they hadn’t lost power.  For several days before the hurricane made landfall the whole country was hearing about Hurricane Irma and how destructive the storm could be.  For at least one week, the staff of the facility had time to prepare for the storm.  Granted, nobody knew where the storm would hit, how much damage would result, how much rain would fall or how bad flooding would be.  Knowing that a major storm was about to hit, it’s hard to believe that the staff didn’t plan to have extra water, food, and medicine on hand just in case it was needed.  Surely, the staff recognized the need to have extra batteries available for electronic medicine dispensing machines, oxygen monitors, vital sign monitors, and the like.  So, how is it that a critical necessity like electric power is overlooked?  Did the center not have a backup power generation system?  If not, why couldn’t they have rented a couple of generators before the storm?  In both cases, the backups would most likely have required the storage of gasoline in order to be prepared for a power outage.  In all fairness, the storage of gasoline could have been as dangerous to patients as the lack of cool air.  If the hurricane had damaged the facility, the stored gasoline could have been a huge fire hazard.  It’s easy to sit back, second guess and criticize those that were supposed to have been in attendance of the patients.  But, when the hazards are considered, choices have to be made.  To err on the side of caution is not necessarily a bad thing.  Food? Yes. Water? Yes. Medicine? Yes. Gasoline? Wait a minute!  Where will it be stored?  Can the stock be safely accessed if debris and flood water are in the area? Can generator fuel tanks be safely filled?  Can generators be safely operated without danger to staff or patients?  These and many more questions will be asked by investigators in order to determine if criminal charges are warranted.  Hopefully, those things that can be improved upon will be improved and staff as well as patients will be as well protected as can be during a major storm.  However, if negligence on the part of management or staff is found to have been a factor in the deaths of the eight patients, then criminal charges should be levied against the responsible people.