This week’s selection of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) updates is a loaded proposition that totals nearly a million-and-a-half units, nationwide. Log onto BestRide.com frequently for the latest NHTSA updates, automotive news and views, and millions of listings for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. You can even download an app for your phone that will enable you to keep track of all your favorite vehicles.
Remember to look inside of the driver door jamb (most vehicles) of your vehicle to find the production date (Month/Year). This information can help you to determine if your ride is currently under a NHTSA recall.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V415000
GM Recall Campaign Number: 15240
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured from January 3, 2007 through February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured from July 6, 2008 through February 29, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured from September 15, 2006 through February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured from August 17, 2006 through March 18, 2010. Approximately 686,287 vehicles are expected for inclusion in this recall campaign.
Cause: The affected vehicles, equipped with the power lift gate option, have gas struts that hold the power lift gate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open lift gate may fall suddenly.
Concern: If the open lift gate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, which could cause serious injury.
Correction: GM will notify owners with specific information for locating qualified dealers that will update the software for the power lift gate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000..
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V436000
Ford Recall Campaign Number: 15C06
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2015 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2014 through June 12, 2015, 2015 Ford Focus vehicles manufactured from June 17, 2014 through June 12, 2015, and 2015 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from April 22, 2014 through June 12, 2015. Approximately 374,781 vehicles are expected for inclusion in this recall campaign.
Cause: In the affected vehicles, the engine may continue to run after the key or the START/STOP engine button is turned to off. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.”
Concern: If the engine does not turn off as expected, someone could move the transmission shifter out of park and the vehicle may move inadvertently, increasing the risk of a motor vehicle crash.
Correction: Ford will notify owners with detailed instructions for contacting qualified dealers who will update the body control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V421000
GM Recall Campaign Number: 15042
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2006-2010 Hummer H3 vehicles manufactured from February 5, 2005 through May 24, 2010 and 2009-2010 Hummer H3T vehicles manufactured from May 21, 2008 through May 24, 2010. Approximately 164,993 vehicles are expected for inclusion in this recall campaign.
Cause: In the affected vehicles, the connector module that controls the blower motor speed for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may overheat.
Concern: If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
Correction: GM will notify owners with specific instructions for locating qualified dealers who will replace part of the blower motor connector and harness, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Hummer customer service at 1-800-732-5493.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V393000
FCA Recall Campaign Number: R27
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured from January 4, 2013 through February 18, 2015 and equipped with a Power Lift gate option. Approximately 99,436 vehicles are expected for inclusion in this recall campaign.
Cause: In the affected vehicles, water may enter the Power Liftgate Control Module and cause a high resistance short circuit in the module.
Concern: A short circuit in the lift gate control module may result in a vehicle fire.
Correction: Chrysler will notify owners with the names of qualified dealers who will inspect the power lift gate control module and connectors for corrosion, substitute a bolt for the threaded grommet installed to seal an attachment point used in non-power lift gate vehicles and cover the power lift gate control module in a foam water shield, free of charge. The manufacturer has not provided a recall schedule yet. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V444000
FCA Recall Campaign Number: R37
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured from September 19, 2007 through October 29, 2010. Approximately 88,346 vehicles are expected for inclusion in this recall campaign.
Cause: The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Concern: In the event of a motor vehicle crash necessitating deployment of the driver’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Correction: Chrysler will notify Challenger owners with detailed instructions for locating qualified dealers that will replace the driver’s frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Parts to remedy the vehicles are not currently available. Interim notices will be mailed to owners beginning August 14, 2015. Owners will be sent a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
