Audi Q5 hybrid and A7 hybrid recalled due to battery fire
Recall 4,600 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV. December 4, 2024 — Audi Q5 hybrid and A7 hybrid vehicles are being recalled because their high-voltage batteries may overheat and catch fire. More than 4,600 2022-2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and 2022 Audi A7 PHEV are equipped with the battery. "In rare cases, high-voltage battery modules may experience thermal overload, resulting in smoke or fire. The root cause is still under investigation. Current analysis results indicate that certain manufacturing deviations may have occurred at the responsible supplier of the battery modules. ” — Audi The batteries are manufactured by Samsung, and Audi was informed in August 2023 of "four (4) field cases of thermal events caused by high-voltage batteries on non-US market PHEV vehicles." The automaker did not disclose how many additional accidents have occurred outside the United States since 2023, but Audi is not aware of any battery fires in the United…
Jaguar I-PACE battery fire recall involves buyback of SUV
At least 2,760 2019 Jaguar I-PACE SUVs will be repurchased after a battery fire. November 27, 2024 — The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE battery fire recall affects at least 2,760 electric SUVs, and Jaguar will buy back the vehicles. Jaguar I-PACE has issued battery fire recalls in the past, but vehicles still caught fire after installing diagnostic software that was supposed to prevent battery fires. Apparently Jaguar has seen enough, because buying back nearly 3,000 I-PACE SUVs won't come cheap. The recalled 2019 Jaguar I-PACE SUV was produced at the Graz Automotive Assembly Plant (Austria) from January 9, 2018 to March 14, 2019. Owners of 2019 I-PACE SUVs have complained of smoke and fire coming from under the vehicle where the high-voltage battery is located. As with other automakers' EV battery fires, Jaguar said "thermal overload" was caused by a folded anode tab. “Owners who previously updated their vehicles with improved diagnostic software believed their vehicles were protected from thermal overload,…
California Ford emissions warranty lawsuit dismissed
The Ford class action lawsuit alleges that Ford should pay for transmission clutch repairs. October 26, 2024 — A Ford class action lawsuit alleges that California owners are being forced to pay for emissions-related repairs for parts purportedly covered by extended emissions warranties. California plaintiff Victoria Berghuis owns a 2014 Ford Focus, which she drove to a Ford dealership in December 2021 when the odometer read 77,283 miles. The plaintiff said she paid $180 for diagnostics, which revealed a defective transmission clutch. The plaintiff was charged for the work because her Ford Focus powertrain warranty had reached 60,000 miles. The plaintiff said she "paid to have the transmission repaired or replaced." The Ford class action lawsuit alleges that repairs should be free under California's emissions warranty, which extends to 15 years or 150,000 miles. The lawsuit claims the transmission clutch is a warranty part and should have been compensated. The class action lawsuit claims that the transmission clutch is a…
Porsche Cayenne coolant leak lawsuit dismissed
A Porsche Cayenne Turbo owner claims antifreeze leaking from a coolant pipe damaged his lungs. August 25, 2024 — A Porsche Cayenne coolant leak lawsuit was dismissed after a federal judge ruled there wasn't enough evidence to prove antifreeze fumes caused lung problems for Porsche owners. Plaintiff Joseph Edward Riad filed the lawsuit after his 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo's coolant pipe leaked antifreeze and allegedly caused his injuries. Plaintiff Riad purchased a used 2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo in 2011 that was equipped with coolant lines made of a nylon 66/plastic composite. In November 2016, he was driving to his local Porsche dealership in Newark, Delaware, when a coolant line in his Cayenne ruptured, causing antifreeze to leak and evaporate. According to Riad, "There was smoke everywhere, like from under the car, like from the exhaust, and from the vents. It was really uncomfortable. I could taste the smoke. I could smell the smoke. I was coughing. It was so uncomfortable.…
Ford Explorer police SUV recalled due to engine fires
About 85,000 Ford Explorer police interceptor vehicles have been recalled due to engine failures and fires. August 16, 2024 — A Ford Explorer police SUV experienced an engine failure that caused oil and fuel vapor to leak into the engine compartment, causing an engine fire. Ford is warning Explorer Police Interceptor owners to watch out for unusual engine noises, unexpected loss of engine power, and of course, smoke coming out of the engine compartment. Any of these signs mean the Explorer needs to be parked and turned off quickly. The recall of approximately 85,000 Explorers does not include consumer vehicles, only 2020 to 2022 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles. “The root cause of the fire was engine oil and/or fuel vapors that became uncontrollable when the cylinder block ruptured and ignited on hot surfaces. The cylinder block ruptured after piston and connecting rod failure, which was collateral damage after a high-load event caused bearing seizure. The cause of a bearing…
How Pipe Smoke Testing Can Improve Sewer System Efficiency
Pipe smoke testing improves the efficiency of sewer systems by detecting leaks and identifying areas prone to penetration or blockage. This method uses non-toxic fumes to quickly and accurately pinpoint defects so that timely repairs can be made and potential hazards prevented. By ensuring the integrity of sewer pipes, smoke testing can improve overall system performance, reduce maintenance costs and support environmental safety. What is a Duct Smoke Test? Pipe smoke testing is a diagnostic method used to identify leaks and defects in sewer systems. By using a smoke pump tester to introduce non-toxic smoke into the pipes, engineers can easily spot areas where smoke is escaping, indicating potential problems. This effective technique helps to maintain sewer infrastructure efficiently. Smoke testing provides a visual way to judge the health of a sewer system, allowing maintenance teams to quickly identify and resolve issues before they escalate into more serious problems. Importance of Maintaining Sewer Systems Properly maintained sewer systems are essential…
Dodge Journey Door Lock Issue Investigation
The government is escalating and expanding its investigation into a Dodge Journey door-lock accident that killed one person. August 3, 2024 — Dodge Journey door lock issues are coming under the federal government's microscope as federal safety regulators expand their investigation into the problem to nearly 1 million SUVs. NHTSA launched its initial investigation in May 2023, focusing on 2009 Dodge Journey SUVs, but the probe has been upgraded and expanded to nearly 993,000 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journeys. The initial Dodge Journey investigation was launched following an alarming report received in Wisconsin. In December 2022, 73-year-old Mary Frahm was driving a 2009 Dodge Journey when the SUV began to lose power and experience electrical issues. She called to tell someone that the Dodge Journey's speedometer was malfunctioning, the warning lights were flashing, and the windshield wipers suddenly started. Additionally, during the call she said the windows would not roll down, the doors would not unlock, the horn was honking,…
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Battery Fire Recall: Outdoor Parking
FCA has ordered a recall of 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans after discovering seven reports of battery fires in the vehicles. July 18, 2024 — Fiat Chrysler (FCA) has issued a recall of more than 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans after it discovered seven battery fires while reviewing warranty data. The vehicles recalled due to battery fires include 2017 to 2021 Chrysler Pacifica hybrids, which must not be charged until they are repaired at a dealer. Additionally, owners of 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans are warned to park their vehicles outdoors, away from any areas where fire could occur. However, Chrysler says the minivan will still be able to continue to drive. FCA did not release specific details, but in January this year, federal safety regulators launched an investigation into the Pacifica Hybrid battery fire recall since February 2022, including 2017 to 2018 Pacifica Hybrids. All seven battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids occurred when the minivans were turned off,…
Kia Sorento engine problems include coolant leak, power
Regulators are closely investigating a problem with the Kia Sorento's 3.3L Lambda II engine. July 26, 2024 — Kia Sorento engine issues led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to launch an investigation into coolant loss, high engine temperatures and smoke from the 3.3L Lambda II engine compartment. The 2016 to 2017 Kia Sorento SUVs were experiencing engine issues, with drivers complaining of a loss of power. NHTSA began its investigation into Kia Sorento engine issues in November 2023 and first requested data on the 3.3-liter Lambda II engine. Safety regulators were aware of complaints about the Sorento engine problems, but Kia responded to regulators in February 2024 that it had received more than 2,000 complaints and other reports. In addition, more than 2,411 Lambda II engine warranty claims had been filed. However, only 53 complaints were filed about the Sorento being underpowered. Kia told NHTSA that most of the complaints involved minor engine problems. After safety regulators removed duplicate…