by Bob Beranek

“Here are a few recalls that may directly or indirectly come into our domain of glass replacement.” —Bob Beranek

The Chrysler recall could impact a recently completed installation or a future installation. Make sure that you ask your customer if they were notified about the recall and inquire if they completed the recall repair. If not, it is recommended to postpone the installation until the repair has been made.

The Ford recall is not as serious of a concern as the Chrysler one, but it should be called to the attention of the customer. If you replaced a door window in that vehicle and the side curtain bag is slow to deploy, or the door flies open, it may come back to haunt you. It is best to inform the customer of the recall and urge them to complete the repair. Note the conversation on your work order and get the customer’s signature to prove notification.

Below are the recall notices.

Report Receipt Date: May 7, 2014  NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V234000  Component(s):  Potential Number of Units Affected: 644,850

Vehicle Make, Model, Model Year(s)

  • Chrysler Town and Country 2010-2014
  • Dodge Grand Caravan 2010-2014

 Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

Summary:

Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver’s door armrest.

Consequence:

An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy:

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800/853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is P25.

Notes:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 (TTY 800/424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Report Receipt Date: May 7, 2014

NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V237000

Component(s): AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected: 594,785

Vehicle Make, Model, Model Year(s)

  • FORD C-MAX 2013-2014
  • FORD Escape 2013-2014

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Co.

Summary:

Ford Motor Co. (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 C-MAX, and Escape vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the restraint control module (RCM) may have errors in the programming software which may result in a delayed deployment of the side-curtain rollover air bag.

Consequence:

If the side-curtain rollover air bag is delayed in deploying in certain rollover circumstances, the risk of injury to the passengers is increased.

Remedy:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the RCM, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 800/392-3673. Ford’s number for this recall is 14S04.

Notes:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 (TTY 800/424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Report Receipt Date: May 7, 2014

NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V239000

Component(s):

Potential Number of Units Affected: 581,986

Vehicle Make, Model, Model Year(s)
  • Ford Escape 2013-2014

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Co.

Summary:

Ford Motor Co. (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, through April 10, 2014. Due to an assembly misalignment between the exterior door handle and the door outer panel, the affected vehicles have doors that may be difficult to close or may possibly open while driving.

Consequence:

A door that opens unexpectedly may result in an unrestrained occupant falling from the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the door handles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 26, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 800/392-3673. Ford’s number for this recall is 14S03.

Notes:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 (TTY 800/424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

If there any questions, give me a call at 800/695-5418.

I received the following recall notice and thought I would pass it on. Though this recall does not directly pertain to us or our industry it does mention Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 208 and 214, which are the foundation of our AGRSS™ Standard. It would be in our best interest to advise our customers on this recall in case they did not receive or overlooked the recall notice.

The recall mentions the Chrysler Town and Country Minivan and the Dodge Grand Caravan for the 2013 model-year. The software built into the airbag system is defective and must be re-programmed or replaced. I cannot not see how a technician would be responsible to check for this defect, but it should be brought to the attention of the vehicle owner before any work is done on the windshield or door glasses. Here is the link for the recall notice to print out for your shop.

Remember to tell the vehicle owner that you are not a representative of Chrysler and you are not qualified to fix this recall. It must be done at the dealership.

Here are the recall details from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

ChryslerTown and Country 2013

Dodge Grand Caravan 2013

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

Summary:

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured June 11, 2013, through June 12, 2013. The occupant restraint control module (ORC) has incorrect software installed which may adversely affect air bag deployments in collisions. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection” and No. 214, “Side Impact Protection.”