Watch Where You Park!

Watch Where You Park!

Recently, we were asked to determine the cause of a fire in a 2002 GMC Sierra.  Since the vehicle was more than 10 years old, it was apparent that subrogation against the manufacturer, General Motors, was not going to be an option.  It was also learned that the vehicle had not been recently repaired so, subrogation against a third party was also not an option.  Upon arriving at the vehicle, it was noted that it was situated in an open area.  From the surroundings, it was clear that the land had been used as a dumping ground for wood chippers.  Wood chip debris was everywhere and the spot where the vehicle had initially ignited was clearly evident from the burn mark present on the ground.  Upon examination of the vehicle and verifying that combustion had taken place beneath the vehicle, it was clear that the wood chip debris had come in contact with the engine or engine exhaust pipe and ignited.  The vehicle and the ground that it was on are shown in the photographs below.  Whenever it becomes necessary to drive onto unpaved ground, it is prudent to make sure that your vehicle is not parked over dry wood or wood debris, dry grass, brush, or hay; dry corn stalks or husks, and anything else that might ignite and destroy your vehicle.               

Wood chip debris scattered on ground, blackened area where fire initially occurred

Casualty of wood chip debris fire

217,000 Vehicles recalled by GM

General Motors has recalled approximately 217,000 vehicles for leaking transmission fluid that can result in sudden vehicle stop and possible fire.  GM has discovered that two bolts were left out of the transmission start/stop mechanism and the bolt holes allow fluid to leak out of the transmission.  The resulting fluid leakage is also a potential fuel source and fire hazard.  The vehicles involved in this recall are as follows: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Traverse, and GMC Terrain; 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2018 – 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse; 2019 – 2020 Buick Encore, Enclave, Cadillac XT4, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Blazer; and 2020 Cadillac XT6.  General Motors expects to begin the recall on or about December 14, 2020. 

For additional information, owners can contact their dealers or visit GM’s website at www.gm.com/contact-us.html.

GM Recalls 3.4 Million Vehicles for Brake Problem

General Motors has announced that it has recalled approximately 3.4 million SUVs and trucks for a brake problem that can result in a crash.  The problem has been identified as a faulty mechanical vacuum pump.  The vacuum pump provides the vacuum assist for power braking.  As time passes, the pump’s ability to provide a vacuum, decreases.  As a result, braking becomes harder and stopping distances become longer.  Although brakes do not stop working, drivers must constantly be aware of the decreasing braking capability of their vehicle.  The vehicles that are involved in this recall are:

2014 – 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pick up trucks  

2014 ­- 2018 GMC Sierra pick up trucks

2015 – 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs

2015 – 2018 GMC Yukon SUVs

2015 – 2018 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs  

2015 – 2018 Cadillac Escalade SUVs

Owners should take their vehicles to their dealer for a free software update.  For additional information, owners can contact GM by calling 1-800-630-2438 for Chevrolet, 1-800-458-8006 for Cadillac, and 1-800-462-8782 for GMC.  The GM recall identification number is N192268490.  The NHTSA campaign number is 19V645.

GM Recalls for Loss of Power Steering

General Motors (GM) has announced that it is recalling 1.2 million pick up trucks and SUVs due to a temporary loss of power steering.  The recall applies to 2015 Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.  When the power steering disappears, the vehicle can become difficult to control increasing the risk of a crash.  GM has received 30 reports of crashes and two injuries.  GM will update the power steering module software free of charge for owners of the recalled vehicles.  For additional information, owners can contact GM by calling 1-866-522-9559.

 

GM Recalls 2014 Silverado and Sierra Trucks

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on June 29, 2017 that General Motors is recalling 2014 Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. According to NHTSA, 690,685 vehicles in the United States are involved.  The problem with these vehicles is that the electric power steering assist can fail increasing the risk of a crash.  At this time, neither NHTSA or General Motors is providing any details about the specific problem.  NHTSA has also indicated that GM has not yet scheduled a date when notification letters to owners would be mailed.  For additional information, owners can contact General Motors customer service by calling 1-800-222-1020.  Similarly, GMC owners can call 1-800-432-8782 for answers to their questions.  In both cases, owners will need to reference GM recall # 17276.

Nissan to Begin Implementing Automatic Braking

 

Nissan North America has announced that it will begin adding automatic braking to its vehicles beginning with some 2018 models. The feature will use sensors, cameras or radar to detect objects and either stop or slow the vehicle down to reduce the impact of a collision.  Those vehicles that will have automatic braking will include Rogue, Rogue Sport, Maxima, Altima, Murano, Leaf, and Pathfinder vehicles.  Nissan has also pledged to equip 90% of its vehicles with the feature by 2020 and all of its vehicles by 2022. The move to incorporate automatic braking is in response to an agreement with the government signed by Nissan as well as Toyota, General Motors and others to incorporate the technology and hopefully reduce rear end collisions.

GM Appeal Over Ignition Switch Cases – DENIED

The Associated Press is reporting this morning that the appeal filed by General Motors has been denied by the Supreme Court. General Motors was seeking to halt several lawsuits filed in response to the faulty ignition switch cases that were installed in certain vehicles .  The Supreme Court effectively said that the company could not hide between its 2009 bankruptcy by leaving in place a lower court ruling that said that the company was still liable.  The liability means that GM could be exposed to billions in additional claims.   A federal appeals court ruled in 2016 that the company was liable because it knew of the faulty switches for several years before filing bankruptcy and did not disclose the information to the bankruptcy court.  To date, GM has paid more than $875 million to settle death and injury claims.  This amount includes $600 million paid from a victim’s fund as well as $275 million to settle claims from 1385 separate cases.  General Motors has also paid $300 million to settle shareholder lawsuits.

Chevy Impala Exploding Manifold

Dan Rosnet has posted the contact information for those at General Motors that he spoke to about his problem.  Please see Mr. Rosnet’s post on the “Comments” page for the information if you would like to Contact GM.

Vehicle Recalls by Ford, GM, and Chrysler

 

The Ford Motor Company has recalled 2013 -2014 F-150 pick up trucks due to a problem with the brakes.  The trucks involved in this recall were manufactured Between August 1, 2013 and August 31, 2014 and equipped with 3.5L engines.  The problem with the brakes is that the master cylinder rear cup seal can leak brake fluid from the reservoir into the brake booster.  The loss of brake fluid results in the loss of braking power to the front brakes and increases the likelihood of a crash.  The recall was expected to begin on July 11, 2016.  Owners of the recalled vehicles should take their trucks to an authorized Ford Dealership where dealers will replace the master cylinder and if necessary, the brake booster, free of charge.  For additional information, owners can contact Ford customer service by calling 1-800436-7332 and referencing recall # 16S24.

 

General Motors has recalled certain 2016 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles due to a problem with the memory chip located in the electronic brake control module (EBCM).  The recalled vehicles were manufactured between March 7 and March 12, 2016.  The failure of the memory chip can cause the loss of the anti lock braking system and electronic stability control.  According to GM, if the EBCM fails, the primary braking function will still operate but, the vehicle will be harder to stop increasing the risk of a crash.  GM has already begun notifying owners and replacing the EBCMs as of June 17, 2016.  For additional information, owners can contact GM by calling Chevrolet customer service at 1800-222-1020 and referencing recall # 39440.

 

Chrysler has recalled 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured between July 31, 2007 and November 12, 2016 for a problem with a defective power steering return hose.  The hose can rupture at engine start-up after being exposed to cold temperatures.  The rupture can cause a loss of power steering which can also increase the risk of a crash.  Chrysler dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes and oil cooler free of charge.  The recall is currently in progress and owners should take their vehicles to their Chrysler dealer for the free repair.  For additional information, owners can contact Chrysler by calling 1-800-853-1403 and referencing recall # S08.

 

Chrysler has also recalled certain 2016 Jeep Cherokee Vehicles manufactured between September 30, 2015 and October 2, 2015.  These vehicles were manufactured with left side halfshafts that can fracture without warning.  A fractured halfshaft can disconnect from the drive axle increasing the risk of a crash.  This recall was begun on June 30^th and has been assigned recall # S38.  Chrysler has also discovered that the problem extends to the right side halfshaft.  As a result, Chrysler has extended the manufacturing period of the recalled vehicles to include October 3, 2015 to March 22, 2016.  Chrysler has also assigned the recall number of S39 to address problems with the right side halfshafts.  For additional information, owners can contact Chrysler by calling 1-800-853-1403 and referencing the appropriate recall number.

Takata Air Bag Recall, Part 2

Back in May of this year, it was announced that Takata had recalled its air bags used in several different vehicle manufacturer’s vehicles.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Takata has extended that recall to include 19 million vehicles from 12 manufacturers.  The current list of manufacturers includes BMW, Honda, Mazda, Chrysler, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Daimler Trucks North America, Daimler Vans USA, Subaru, Ford, Toyota, and General Motors.  Owners are advised to go to www.safercar.gov and click on the “Takata Recall” button on the toolbar to see of their specific vehicle is on the list of those recalled.  Note that the list is extensive and should be reviewed carefully.  The website also offers owners an option to enter their vehicle identification numbers to check for recalls.  The vehicle identification number can be found on most vehicles on the lower left corner of the windshield or the manufacturers sticker located on the inside edge of the driver’s side door or pillar.  The vehicle identification number is a seventeen digit number unique to each vehicle.  Owners can also check with their dealers for recall information.