This is a time of the year we commonly associated as the period where the auto industry looks forward. Even though the calendar says we have two months remaining in 2014, 2015 is now the mindset of Canadian new car sales lots. Some models released earlier this year have already been set in the upcoming year while others are now becoming the candy for buyer car consumers. New designs, technologies and sometimes a chance to see something entirely new from a favoured brand. If you are one of those people, 2015 model year promise to be a tantalizing time to be wooed.
More than ever, motorists realize potential problems with vehicles are addressed with recall notices. For what is the second-most expensive purchase many of us make, automobiles is perhaps the most complicated products available. In the case of cars, trucks and crossovers that are all-new or significantly retooled for 2015, introduction marks a vulnerable moment for all the testing auto manufacturers have done prior to a product's sale still reveals weaknesses. Inconveniently, recalls routinely throws off the balance of what auto brands would wish to be a precision launch. Fixing an important safety issue, early recalls are most important for vehicles coming into the marketplace. These days, motorists understand the recall process and can grant some manufacturers some acceptance as long as the remedy is performed swiftly.
As days remain in 2014, several new vehicles have already been initiated with the Canadian automobile market through the recall process. Below is a large sampling of the 2015 recalled by the end of October (a note that these the following safety recalls have been addressed or under attention from manufacturers):
Chrysler 200
Nature of Recall: Electrical (August 6, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 81
Suspension (July 3, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 5,313 including the Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 truck
The most important Chrysler product launching in North America for the 2015 model year, the 200 sedan is a needed ingredient for defining an upscale brand and use of global technologies. During the summer, the Chrysler 200 has been part of two recall notices. The first recall in July affected the 200 sedan as well the Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 pickup truck. Certain vehicles may have mounting ring loops on the rear shock absorbers prone to failure allowing the shock to separate. Loose shock absorber could vehicle stability problems or may come in contact with the brake lines and/or tires. In August, 81 examples of the 2015 Chrysler 200 have received a recall notice regarding driver's door wiring harness potential of overheating. Both cases, the vehicles are to have undergone inspection and potential replacement of problem pieces if necessary.
Hyundai Sonata
Nature of Recall: Brakes (June 27, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 39
Hyundai has come a long way in North American in 30 years. From inexpensive vehicles exhibiting subpar quality Hyundai is today held in much higher regard. Winning over customers with quality, cars like the 2015 Sonata also allows Hyundai to gain points in the styling department. In June, the suave, new mid-sized sedan was recalled due to improperly manufactured front brake calipers. An issue affecting a certain group of 39 Hyundai Sonatas sold in Canada, the caliper could fracture causing a reduction in braking effectiveness. In the case of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, the recall was addressed prior to the cars being transferred to new owners.
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon
Nature of Recall: Airbag (October 15, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 149
General Motors conceded to North American demand for a smaller pickup truck offering with all-new version of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon for 2015. Just as the new trucks are undergoing preparation for duty by owner, a recent recall has affected early examples of the vehicle. Incorrectly connected wire may cause the two-stage airbag system to deploy in opposite sequence. The problem could result in a higher risk of injury or death in the case the airbags system will deploy. General Motors will reprogram the system on all Canadian Chevrolet Colorados and GMC Canyons to correct the issue.
Acura TLX
Nature of Recall: Label (September 30, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 84
The 2015 Acura TLX is an eagerly awaited choice for drivers seeking a new premium sport sedan. An example there is no small problem that can't be taken seriously by an auto manufacturer, Acura is recalled the 84 TLX sedans sold in Canada because of a labelling mistake. Compliance label bears an incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating. The inaccurate labels could result in overloading the 2015 Acura TLX and causing an increased accident risk. Labels have been replaced with correct labels by Acura/Honda dealers.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Nature of Recall: Steering (September 30, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 1,106
Mercedes-Benz is one of the most storied brands existing in the auto sector. After-all, Karl Benz was credited for creating the first practical version of what is now realize as the automobile. Even though a lot has changed since 1886, automobiles are still prone to faults. In the case one of Mercedes-Benz's newest production cars, the 2015 C-Class, an early fall recall affected 1,106 Canadian models. The problem relates to the steering column possibly being installed incorrectly. Sliding shaft could potentially become disengaged from the steering coupling socket causing noise, steering backlash and loss of steering control. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are to undergo a visual inspection insuring the steering column interlock mechanism is in the locked position.
Subaru Outback
Nature of Recall: Accessories (September 22, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 1
One of the longest-running vehicles fitting the term crossover, the Subaru Outback has received a more muscular exterior appearance while retaining the Boxer engines and all-wheel drive system for 2015. The 2015 Outback boasts the ability to tow up to 1,360 kilograms but a recall in September indicated some concern to the activity with the vehicle. Dealer-installed trailer hitch mounting hardware have been over-tightened resulting in reduce strength of the fasteners. Potential a trailer could attach from the vehicle if fasteners fail. Subaru's remedy to the issue consists of inspect the hardware and replace if needed. According to Subaru's notice in Canada, this recall affected a single 2015 Outback at the date of the notice.
Lincoln MKC
Nature of Recall: Visual System (August 6, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 117
Thee MKC premium compact crossover is seen as Lincoln's best chance of matching wits with luxury car companies such as Cadillac, Audi, Acura and BMW. The 2015 Lincoln MKC was warmly welcomed as a production just a year after its first appearance as a concept car. Making its transition from auto shows to driveways, the MKC has encountered a small bump. Glazing materials used on windshield. Air may have been trapped during the manufacturing process. Could result in decreased visibility. The concern will be inspected by Ford service personnel and the windshield was replaced if required.
Even with the recall, the arrival of the Lincoln MKC is still fairing people than its platform sibling the Ford Escape with several early faults in 2012 needing correction.
Porsche 918 Spyder
Nature of Recall: Suspension (July 29, 2014)
Number of Affected Canadian Vehicles: 1
Proving recalls are not unique to general, high volume production cars, the Porsche had to report an issue with their plug-in hybrid supercar in late July. The problem relates to rear longitudinal and transverse control arms. Under certain conditions, it is believed the components could break causing a lose of handling.
At the time of the recall, there was only one Porsche 918 Spyder in Canada. In September, two of the supercars existed in the country until the 918 Spyder belonging to CBC Dragons' Den personality Michael Wekerie perished at a gas station.
In addition to the vehicles presented in this posting, there has been another group of products that will receive special attention as recalled on more than one occasion.
Information and photo source: Acura Canada, Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Hyundai Motor America, Porsche North America, Subaru of America, Transport Canada
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