Recalls happen all the time but every once in a while a batch of new safety probes begins and that’s exactly what’s happened today. Five separate investigations covering nearly 1.9 million vehicles are now underway to investigate a number of major safety concerns across different brands from the ‘big three’ automakers in Detroit. Here’s the low down on what to look out for.
Two of the probes seem to be somewhat mundane. The first of which is related to a previous recall related to the Dodge Journey along with the Jeep Compass and Patriot. A number of those cars had crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures that could result in an engine stall. Since that recall was issued, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received another 127 consumer complaints regarding the issue. Importantly, these complaints are related to similar vehicles that were not included in the original recall.
In addition, the ODI is looking into 11 reports of rear-view camera failures in the Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia. According to the probe document, crimping of the coaxial cable connectors is to blame and some 190,151 vehicles could be affected. Still, the rest of the probes seem dramatically more serious.
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That includes 26 complaints about the 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine in the new Ford Bronco. We’ve reported on how it seems to exhibit catastrophic engine failure at a very high rate and now the NHTSA is going to attempt to get to the bottom of that very concern. Ford has already “identified the root cause as the valve “keepers” not holding the retainer in place allowing the valve spring to detach from the valve resulting in interference between the valve and piston.”
Even more people, 40 in total, complained to the ODI about the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid. These individuals allege that the vehicle experienced a stall or loss of power as a result of a transmission fault. The worst part is that they report it happening above 25 mph (40 km/h).
The Largest Probe Involves Around 1.3 Million Jeeps
Finally, an investigation into the 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee aims to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of a defect that apparently activates the electronic parking brake (EPB) somewhat randomly while the vehicle is in motion. The report says that “it appears the EPB module is damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it causes a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop.” The ODI says that it might affect up to 1,341,055 vehicles in total.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see what if any results these probes end up having on the vehicles in question and if further recalls are issued. Do you have one of the vehicles mentioned above? If so, have you experienced any of these issues or know of someone who has? Let us know below.
