List of manufacturer recalls for August 2016

The month of August has registered a bunch of recalls in the U.S. that might affect the cars in our market as well. The Takata Airbag related problems continue to surface, with Jaguar Land Rover initiating a recall for the same in the past month.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a recall of 108,000 vehicles that include 2009-2011 Jaguar XFs and 2007-2011 Land Rover Range Rovers to replace the faulty airbag module that might have the propellant degraded over time and explode. Due to the low availability of parts, the recall is split into four phases, the first of which include 54,000 vehicles sold in the states which have a warmer climate. The hot climate here accelerates the potentially dangerous process of propellant degradation, so call your local dealer and ask about this recall.

Ford announced a recall for a roughly estimated number of 830,000 models in August. The affected vehicles include the 2013-2015 Ford C-Max, 2012-2015 Ford Focus, 2013-2015 Ford Escape, 2015 Lincoln MKC, 2015 Ford Mustang, and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect. The problem exists with the pawl spring tab in the side door latch which might break, preventing the proper latching of the door which in turn opens the door. Dealers will inspect the cars and replace the side door latches.

About 46,000 examples of the Mitsubishi ASX were recalled to address a transmission fluid leak. The cars built between June 25, 2014 and November 25, 2015 constitute the defective lot. The problem is found only in the models fitted with the 2.0-litre engine along with a CVT gearbox, also available in the GCC. The CVT hose carrying the transmission fluid in these vehicles might not be clamped properly. This will lead to a leak of the transmission fluid which might cause the transmission to come to a grinding halt due to the lack of lubrication. Worst case scenario, the leaked fluid might ignite after coming into contact with hot surfaces. Fortunately, no accidents have been reported yet. Mitsubishi has also announced a recall of 82,436 vehicles which include 2015-16 ASX, 2016 Outlanders, and 2016 Lancers fitted with CVT automatics which Mitsubishi calls “Constant Velocity Transmissions”. The gearboxes in these vehicles might lose signal in the midst of their operation that delays acceleration and that can cause accidents.

The German giant, BMW has recalled 956 vehicles which include 2015 M5’s, M6 Coupes, M6 Convertibles and M6 Gran Coupes for rectifying a glitch associated with an improper weld in the driveshaft that can cause it to fracture and fail. This can cause a loss in power to the rear wheels. The affected M5 sedans were built from September 4, 2014 through December 4, 2014, M6 Coupes from September 3 through December 3,2014, M6 convertibles from September 8 through December 4, and M6 Gran Coupe sedans from September 3 through December 4, 2014.

After recalling a million vehicles due to the faulty 8HP 8-speed automatic gearbox manufactured by German transmission manufacturer ZF, Fiat Chysler Automobiles are now recalling another 505,000 vehicles in the U.S. alone due to the same issue with yet another gearbox from ZF, the 9-speed 9HP automatic. The new problem have caused 10 injuries. The faulty examples of the gearbox will involuntarily switch into neutral even when it is slotted into park. An improper crimp on the transmission wiring harness might be the cause. ZF has announced that they will update the software in order to rectify the problem. The 9HP gearbox is fitted into 2014 and newer versions of the Acura TLX V6, Chrysler 200, Fiat 500X, upper-level US-spec Honda Pilots, Jeep Cherokee and Renegade, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, and Ram ProMaster City. But currently only FCA is issuing a recall and only on 2014 and 2015 models.

If your car is among the affected bunch, get in touch with your local dealer and ask whether your car qualifies for a recall.