Statement: Power Window-Vent Switch

May 9, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is replacing window switches in an estimated 780,000 minivans equipped with third-row power window vents following incidents of overheating.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Affected customers will be contacted directly and advised when they may schedule service. Associated costs will be borne by the Company.

In the interim, customers may visit their dealers after May 14 to have the vent switches disconnected. This will eliminate any risks associated with the issue and affects only third-row window-vent operation.

Alerted by warranty data, Chrysler Group engineers launched an investigation and found a link between short circuits and beverage spills on the vent switch, as well as direct exposure to moisture from rain, snow or car washes.

Short circuits may cause overheating. However, known incidents total 36 – less than 0.005 percent of the vehicles subject to this campaign.

Affected are certain model-year 2010-2014 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, assembled between Aug. 25, 2010 and Oct. 31, 2013. An estimated 644,850 are in the U.S.; 106,980 are in Canada; 8,009 are in Mexico and 20,638 vehicles are outside the NAFTA region.

Customers who are concerned may call 1-800-853-1403.

Chrysler Group takes seriously its commitment to safety and is conducting this campaign voluntarily. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been advised.

STATEMENT: POWER INVERTER MODULE

May 9, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is replacing the power inverter module (PIM) in an estimated 4,141 electric cars to prevent coolant seepage that may cause power loss while driving.

A PIM alters electric current to accommodate battery-powered propulsion. A routine warranty data review prompted an investigation, during which Chrysler Group engineers discovered a PIM defect that may, over time, seep coolant onto electrical components, causing a short-circuit leading to power loss.

Chrysler Group is aware of five such incidents. The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

Chrysler Group is replacing PIMs in model-year 2013-14 Fiat 500e vehicles assembled between Sept. 24, 2012 and April 4, 2014. Affected customers, all of whom are in the U.S., will be contacted directly and advised when they may schedule service. Associated costs will be borne by the Company.

Customers who are concerned may call the Fiat Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-242-6342.

Chrysler Group takes seriously its commitment to safety and is conducting this campaign voluntarily. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been advised.

GM Announces Five Safety Recalls
2014-05-15

DETROIT – General Motors said Thursday it has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of five safety recalls covering about 2.7 million vehicles in the United States. The recalls cover:

- 2,440,524 previous generation passenger cars for taillamp malfunctions
- 111,889 previous generation Chevrolet Corvettes for loss of low-beam head lamps
- 140,067 Chevrolet Malibus from the 2014 model year for hydraulic brake booster malfunctions
19,225 Cadillac CTS 2013-2014 models for windshield wiper failures
- 477 full-size trucks from the 2014 and 2015 model years for a tie-rod defect that can lead to a crash

"Customer safety is at the heart of how GM designs and produces vehicles, and these announcements are examples of two ways we are putting that into practice," said Jeff Boyer, vice president of GM Global Vehicle Safety.

"We have redoubled our efforts to expedite and resolve current reviews in process and also have identified and analyzed recent vehicle issues which require action. These are examples of our focus to surface issues quickly and promptly take necessary actions in the best interest of our customers."

The largest recall involves 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 and 2007-2010 Saturn Auras model cars in U.S. to modify the brake lamp wiring harness.

Affected vehicles could have corrosion develop in the wiring harness for the body control module due to micro-vibration. The condition could result in brake lamps failing to illuminate when the brakes are applied or brake lamps illuminating when the brakes are not engaged. Additionally, cruise control, traction control, electronic stability control and panic braking assist operation could be disabled.

GM is aware of several hundred complaints, 13 crashes and two injuries but no fatalities as a result of the condition. The company issued a technical service bulletin in 2008 and conducted a safety campaign for a small population of 2005 model year vehicles in January 2009.

The second safety recall covers 111,889 Chevrolet Corvettes from the 2005-2007 model years for potential loss of low-beam headlamp operation Models from 2008-2013 will be covered under a Customer Satisfaction Program. All repairs will be at no cost to customers.

When the engine is warm, the underhood electrical center housing could expand, causing the headlamp low-beam relay control circuit wire to bend slightly. After the wire is repeatedly bent, it can fracture and separate. When this occurs, the low-beam headlamps will not illuminate. As the housing cools and contracts, the low-beam headlamp function may return. This condition does not affect the high-beam headlamps, marker lamps, turn signals, daytime running lamps or fog lamps. Loss of low beam headlamps when they are required could reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM is aware of several hundred complaints as result of the condition but no crashes, injuries or fatalities.

The third recall covers 140,067 Chevrolet Malibus from the 2014 model year with 2.5L engines and stop/start technology. These vehicles are subject to the disabling of hydraulic brake boost that can require greater pedal efforts and extended stopping distances. Dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module. The issue was discovered in testing of a future model with similar technology. GM is aware of four crashes but it is not clear that these are related to the condition. No injuries are known from those crashes.

The fourth recall covers 19,225 Cadillac CTS from the 2013-2014 model year for a condition in which the windshield wiper system may become inoperable after a vehicle jump start with wipers active and restricted, such as by ice and snow. Potential lack of visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front wiper module free of charge. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries due to the condition.

The fifth recall involves certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light duty pickups and 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs. The tie rod threaded attachment to the steering gear rack in these vehicles may not be tightened to specification. With this condition, the tie rod can separate from the steering rack and a crash could occur without prior warning. Customers are being contacted and told to have their vehicles taken by flatbed to their dealer, where the inner tie rods will be inspected for correct torque, and, if necessary, the steering gear will be replaced. The repair procedure was being sent to dealers and owner letters sent by overnight mail to customers on May 14. The issue was discovered and corrected during assembly after the small number of vehicles was released.

GM expects to take a charge of up to approximately $200 million in the second quarter, primarily for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter.

Nissan is conducting a voluntary service campaign on MY2011-13 Nissan JUKE vehicles to have the engine timing chain replaced. Nissan will begin notifying owners of potentially affected vehicles in May 2014, asking them to bring their vehicle in for service. Nissan will replace the timing chain, chain guides and crank sprocket at no charge to the customer for parts and labor.

Nissan is committed to a high level of customer safety, service and satisfaction for JUKE owners and is working with its dealers to promptly address this issue.

ODI RESUME

Investigation: EA 14-002
Prompted by: PE13-035, Consumer Complaints
Date Opened: 05/12/2014
Investigator: Emily Reichard
Reviewer: Scott Yon
Approver: Frank Borris
Subject: Spontaneous Sunroof Breakage

MANUFACTURER & PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
Products: 2011-2013 Kia Sorento
Population: 65,347
Problem Description: The sunroof may spontaneously shatter while the vehicle is in motion or stationary.

FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY

ODI

Manufacturer

Total

Complaints:

26

123

95**

Crashes/Fires:

0

0

0

Injury Incidents:

4

14

14**

Number of Injuries:

6

16

18**

Fatality Incidents:

0

0

0

Other*:

0

101

86


*Description of Other: Warranty and goodwill claims for sunroof replacement, total indicates unique vehicles involved.
** Total eliminates duplicates received by ODI and manufacturer.

ACTION / SUMMARY INFORMATION

Action: An Engineering Analysis has been opened.

Summary:
On October 21, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-035 in order to further examine claims that the sunroof would spontaneously break on 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles. The majority of these claims occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Glass shattering while driving may distract the driver, and the resulting glass particles which enter the passenger compartment may injure occupants.

To date, ODI has received a total of 26 reports of sunroof breakage on the subject vehicles. Of those, 24 occurred while the vehicle was in motion. There were also four (4) injury incident reports for minor cuts/scratches.

Kia submitted a total of 123 field incidents related to sunroof breakage in response to ODI's information request. Of this number, ODI identified 78 unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs), with 9 matching ODI complaint vehicles. Sixty of the submitted reports occurred while the vehicle was in motion. Fourteen (14) of the submitted reports alleged minor cuts/scratches from falling glass. Kia also submitted a total of 101 warranty and goodwill claims for sunroof replacement, of which 86 unique VINs were identified.

Kia stated in its response that their field inspections identified only one potential cause for the sunroof breakage - external impacts from rocks or other foreign objects encountered while the vehicle was in motion. In the other instances, no evidence of a defect was found, however, Kia's inspection results were inconclusive as to a cause for the breakage. Kia advises that the Sorento sunroofs also have a greater surface area than many other vehicles, potentially making them more susceptible to road debris strikes. While ODI recognizes that the Sorento may be more at risk due to its larger impact area, the rate of ODI reported incidents is concerning. Thus, the investigation has been upgraded to further analyze the scope, frequency, and consequence of these failures.

The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10345933, 10410440, 10432904, 10453957, 10466987, 10478778, 10492886, 10502219, 10508983, 10514388, 10531972, 10534883, 10553341, 10555931, 10556212, 10562460, 10562516, 10563779, 10564555, 10567351, 10568629, 10572959, 10575487, 10583122, 10583626, 10584650

Kia Statement:

Model(s): 2011-2013 Sorento Vehicle Population: 65,347 Component: Panoramic sunroof

Kia Motors America (KMA) is aware that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its evaluation of the 2011-2013 Kia Sorento panoramic sunroof from a Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to an Engineering Analysis (EA). KMA places a priority on vehicle safety and has been evaluating the performance of the sunroof as part of ongoing vehicle monitoring activities conducted as a standard practice on all Kia models. KMA initiated discussions with NHTSA on this issue before the PE was opened and is continuing to cooperate with NHTSA in its investigation. To date, only debris and hail have been identified as the cause of sunroof breakage in product investigations, supporting the conclusion that the sunroof is appropriately designed and suffers from no defect trend. KMA will continue to thoroughly investigate and research this issue and will continue to share its findings with NHTSA.

Sorento owners are encouraged to contact Kia Consumer Affairs at 800-333-4542 with any questions or concerns related to this matter.

GM Recalls 2.42 Million Vehicles in Four U.S. Recalls

DETROIT – In a continuing effort to quickly address emerging safety issues, General Motors announced today it is recalling about 2.42 million vehicles in four separate U.S. recalls. The recalls are for:

– 1,339,355 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia full-size crossovers from the 2009-2014 model years and Saturn Outlooks from 2009-2010 because front safety lap belt cables can fatigue and separate over time. In a crash, a separated cable could increase the risk of injury to front seat passengers.

– 1,075,102 of the previous generation 4-speed automatic transmission Chevrolet Malibu and from the 2004-2008 model years and Pontiac G6 from the 2005-2008 model years because of a shift cable that could wear out over time, resulting in mismatches of the gear position indicated by the shift lever.

– 1,402 Cadillac Escalades and Escalade ESVs from the 2015 model year because an insufficiently heated plastic weld that attaches the passenger side air bag to the instrument panel assembly could result in a partial deployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

– 58 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD full-size pickups from the 2015 model year because retention clips attaching the generator fuse block to the vehicle body can become loose and lead to a potential fire.
There have been no fatalities associated with these recalls.

GM has added 35 product investigators since the beginning of 2014, and, including those announced today, has initiated 29 safety and non-compliance recalls in the U.S. so far this year. Two of the recalls involve fewer than 100 vehicles.

In the full-size crossover recall, the flexible steel cable that connects the safety belt to the vehicle at the outside of the front outboard seating positions can fatigue and separate over time as a result of occupant movement into the seat. GM has told dealers they cannot sell new or used models of the vehicles until repairs are made.

The previous generation Malibu, Malibu Maxx and Pontiac G6 were added to an April 29 recall for certain 4-speed transmission Aura models from the 2007-2008 model year. The Malibu and G6 vehicles equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission have a condition in which the transmission shift cable may fracture. When the fracture occurs, the driver may not be able to select a different gear, remove the key from the ignition or place the transmission in park.

GM is aware of 18 crashes and one injury among the 4-speed Malibu and G6 population. Dealers will replace the shift cable and attachment bracket at no charge to the customer.

GM stopped sale of the 2015 Escalade and Escalade ESV and sent overnight letters, called and emailed the 224 customers who had taken delivery of the vehicles and instructed them to not let occupants sit in the front passenger seat until the vehicle has been serviced. GM knows of no crashes or injuries associated with the Escalades.

The passenger airbag module is attached to a chute adhered to the backside of the instrument panel with an infrared weld that was not sufficiently heated. The issue has been corrected at the supplier and Escalade production is under way at the Arlington, Texas, Assembly Plant.

In the heavy-duty truck recall, certain 2015 model year Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD model vehicles equipped with a 220 Amp Generator have a condition where the retention clips that attach a fuse block to the vehicle body can become loose, allowing the fuse block to move out of position and lead to a potential fire. No crashes or injuries are known to be associated with the trucks.

GM expects to take a charge of up to approximately $400 million in the second quarter, primarily for the cost of recall-related repairs announced in the quarter. This amount includes a previously disclosed $200 million charge for the five recalls announced May 16.

RECALL Subject : Daytime Running Light Module Overheating

Report Receipt Date: MAY 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V261000

Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 218,000
Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the center console in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.

REMEDY:
The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14236.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Toyota Announces Recall of Certain Toyota Sienna Minivans

May 22, 2014
TORRANCE, Calif., May 22, 2014 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 370,000 Model Year 2004-2011 Sienna Minivans originally sold in or registered in specific cold climate states.

The involved vehicles are equipped with a spare tire carrier stowed under the vehicle with a light-weight, foam water splash protector in front of the spare tire carrier. Due to variation in the placement of the splash protector or loss of the protector during normal usage, water splashed rearward with high concentrations of road salt can reach the spare tire carrier and corrode the spare tire carrier assembly cable.

Some of the involved vehicles, 2004-2010 model year, were involved in a recall announced in April 2010. The recall remedy included the addition of a water splash protector and an anti-rust agent application to reduce the effects of corrosion. If the splash protector is misplaced or falls from the vehicle on these 2004-2010 model year vehicles, the spare tire carrier assembly cable may not have sufficient anti-rust protection even after the anti-rust agent application that was part of the recall remedy.

If an involved vehicle is operated in cold climate regions of the United States where road salts are frequently used, in an extreme case, the cable may break due to excessive corrosion and the spare tire may separate from the vehicle.

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

Lexus Announces Recall of Certain 2013 GS Sedans

May 22, 2014
TORRANCE, Calif., May 22, 2014 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it plans to conduct a voluntary safety recall of approximately 10,500 Model Year 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedans.

The brake pedal assembly in the subject vehicles contains a brake pedal load sensing switch which allows the brake system to detect brake pedal force application by the driver. Due to a manufacturing error, there is a possibility that the switch could improperly cause the brake system to activate without driver input while driving and without activating the rear brake lights. This could result in unexpected moderate deceleration.

For all involved vehicles, Lexus dealers will replace the brake pedal support assembly.

To date, Toyota is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities caused by this condition.

Detailed information is available to customers at www.lexus.com/recall or by calling the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Center at 1-800-25-LEXUS (1-800-255-3987).

Lexus USA has announced a planned voluntary safety recall of approximately 10,500 model year 2013 GS 350 sedans due to an potential issue in the brake pedal assembly:

The brake pedal assembly in the subject vehicles contains a brake pedal load sensing switch which allows the brake system to detect brake pedal force application by the driver. Due to a manufacturing error, there is a possibility that the switch could improperly cause the brake system to activate without driver input while driving and without activating the rear brake lights. This could result in unexpected moderate deceleration.

Affected owners will be notified by mail, and the brake pedal support assembly will be replaced free of charge.

RECALL Subject : Headlamp Switch or DRL Module Overheating

Report Receipt Date: MAY 19, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V262000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 184,244
Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module which could melt the headlamp switch or the DRL module.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the heat generated within the headlamp switch and DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch, there is an increased risk of a fire.

REMEDY:
Suzuki wil notify owners but the manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is XA.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Date Investigation Opened: MAY 19, 2014
Date Investigation Closed: Open
NHTSA Action Number: PE14013
Component(s): POWER TRAIN

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:

ODI has received three vehicle owner complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents of engine crank or start when the clutch was not engaged due to clutch interlock switch failure. The complaints involved 1 model year (MY) 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 truck and 2 MY 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 trucks equipped with manual transmissions. One complaint (VOQ 10566076) involved an incident that occurred when a child was able to enter the vehicle and start the ignition without depressing the clutch. The vehicle then moved forward striking another child resulting in a fatality. A second complaint (10533996) described an incident that occurred when the engine was cranked without the clutch pedal depressed while an individual was standing directly in front of the vehicle performing work under the hood. The clutch interlock failed to prevent the engine from cranking, which resulted in vehicle movement into the pedestrian performing work under the hood. The individual was knocked to the ground, but did not report any injuries. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to asses the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10585619, 10533073 and 10533996.