December Automobile Defects

Toyota is recalling certain 2018-2019 Tacoma vehicles because of a problem affecting the brake system. According to the defect report, some vehicles may have been manufactured with a brake master cylinder that could have an edge that does not have the correct chamfer for the rubber seal. Over time this edge could damage the seal and cause internal leaks. If the vehicle is operated in this condition the brake pedal feel could change and brake performance will be reduced. Dealers will correct the problem by replacing the brake master cylinder.

GM has decided that a problem related to vehicle safety exists in certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab trucks. The passenger side airbag module in these vehicles may have been manufactured with a damaged retainer ring. This problem could allow gas to escape during airbag inflation which would reduce the effectiveness of the airbag. GM will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have their passenger side air bag modules replaced.

Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2018 VW Golf R, 2018 Audi A3 and 2018 Audi TT vehicles regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. The vehicles affected may have been manufactured with under hood fuel supply hoses that may not be securely attached to the fuel line supply. There is a chance that the fuel line could leak or disconnect, causing a fire hazard within the engine compartment. Dealers will inspect the fuel line connection, remove the guiding sleeve and a tension test will be performed to insure it is secure.

A fuel system recall will also have the owners of certain 2014-2015 Maserati Ghibli and 2014-2015 Maserati Quattroporte vehicles returning to their dealerships for repairs. According to the defect report, damage to the fuel line during manufacturing and installation, could lead to a fuel leak. Occupants may notice a fuel odor and/or a fuel puddle could accumulate under the vehicle. If the problem is nor repaired, a possible vehicle fire could result.

The final December recall includes certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus vehicles equipped with 1.0L Fox GTDI engines and B6 manual transmissions. According to the defect report, repeated slipping of the clutch could cause excessive heat that could lead to cracks around the outer edge of the pressure plate. Clutch odor, smoke and reduced vehicle performance are indications that the pressure plate is about to fracture.