Deactivated Defect Investigations
Defect Investigations and Recalls Division
Motor Vehicle Safety Directorate
If you believe that you may be experiencing a safety-related problem with your vehicle, your tires or a child car seat, whether or not it is listed below, please complete the on-line Defect Complaint Form or contact us.
The following table summarizes the results of defect investigations that Transport Canada has recently deactivated. Investigations are deactivated when a defect is identified and a recall notice is issued by the manufacturer, or when the evidence collected does not indicate the existence of a safety-related defect. Further information concerning the Defect Investigations program can be found on our Defect Investigations and Recalls web page.
| TC File No. | Year, Make, Model | Outcome of Defect Investigation | Date Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3280-14-47 |
|
Clockspring Problem Causing the Airbag Readiness Light to Illuminate and the Driver's Airbag to Potentially Fail to Deploy in a Crash: The manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2016-216, which applies to 2007 through 2010 model year Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The manufacturer also issued extended warranty X68 for 15 years, unlimited kilometrage, for the clockspring in 2011 through 2016 model year Jeep Wrangler vehicles, built up to May 2, 2016. The design of the steering column shrouds were revised for the 2011 model year, reducing the potential for dirt/dust intrusion into the clockspring. Additional improvements to the clockspring, steering wheel back cover and steering column shrouds were implemented on May 2, 2016 at the vehicle assembly plant to further reduce the potential for dirt/dust intrusion into the clockspring tape. |
July 2016 |
| 3280-10-50 |
|
Panoramic Sunroof Glass Panel Breakage: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2016-210 |
Apr 2016 |
| 3280-16-34 |
|
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Valve Stem Failures Due to Corrosion: Transport Canada documented 120 complaints of TPMS sensor valve stem failures due to corrosion across vehicles of various makes and models from the subject three manufacturers. The department started receiving complaints in 2009, the number of complaints peaked in 2012-2013, and they have been declining ever since. Some complaints involved multiple failures on the same vehicle. 
Number of Complaints Received by Calendar Year2009: 2 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2010: 10 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2011: 10 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2012: 23 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2013: 19 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2014: 16 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2015: 7 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), 2016: 2 for FCA (formerly Chrysler), Our investigation found that the sensor’s valve stem can corrode, develop a crack, leak, and separate. The sensor retaining nut can also corrode and separate from the valve stem allowing the sensor to fall into the tire and rim assembly. Both failure modes result in a rapid loss of tire air pressure. In some cases, the failures occurred while the vehicle was stationary, either when the vehicle was left unattended or when an attempt was made to remove the valve stem dust cap to check the tire inflation pressure. These failures presented a very low risk to motor vehicle safety. Changes were made to the materials of the TPMS sensor valve stem assemblies to make them less susceptible to corrosion in the Canadian environment. The improved TPMS sensor valve stem assemblies have been used in production and as replacement parts starting in 2009. In light of the above, this defect investigation was deactivated. |
Mar 2016 |
| 3280-16-32 |
|
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| 3280-16-31 |
|
||
| 3280-11-20 |
|
Rear Hatch Wiring Harness Failure Causing Various Electrical Problems: Transport Canada documented 47 complaints of rear hatch wiring harness cyclic bending failures at the rear hatch door left hinge in the subject vehicles. Nine involved complete failures of the vehicle’s stop lamps, five involved failures of the center high mounted stop lamp, and one alleged unintended activation of the vehicle’s rear hatch latch causing cargo to spill onto the roadway. Other complaints involved electrical problems affecting other functions, i.e., rear defroster, rear wiper, hatch anti-theft inhibit switch, license plate lamp(s) and/or parking/tail lamp(s). The department is not aware of any collisions, injuries and/or fatalities related to this issue. The last year of production of the subject vehicles was 2007 and, as a result, the risk of exposure will lessen each year as fewer and fewer of these vehicles are on Canadian roadways. This defect investigation was deactivated as there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a safety-related defect. To address this quality/durability issue and improve customer satisfaction, the manufacturer made available a revised wiring harness that will simplify and lower the cost of the repair process for vehicles that need service. |
Mar 2016 |
| 3280-04-69 |
|
Brake System Malfunction in Severe Cold Temperatures: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2016-096 |
Mar 2016 |
| 3280-06-57 |
|
Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture Resulting in Tire Puncture Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2015-402 |
Feb 2016 |
| 3280-14-49 |
|
Door Fires: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-447 |
Oct 2014 |
| 3280-09-21 |
|
Failure of the Front Differential: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-433 |
Oct 2014 |
| 3280-07-36 |
|
Fuel Leaks and Electrical Problems: This defect investigation was deactivated as there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a safety-related defect. Publication of the investigation on Transport Canada's website did not generate any new complaints or enquiries. Due to lack of cooperation from the importer during the course of the investigation, the company's pre-authorized commercial importation clearance privileges were withdrawn. The company subsequently appeared to have gone out of business. If any new information is received, Transport Canada will re-evaluate the situation and, if necessary, reopen the investigation. |
Sep 2014 |
| 3280-03-48 |
|
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-345 |
Aug 2014 |
| 3280-09-20 |
|
Driveshaft Separation and Rear Axle Lock-Up: |
Aug 2014 |
| 3280-03-51 |
|
Loss of Power Steering Assist Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-197 |
July 2014 |
| 3280-03-49 |
|
Loss of Power Steering Assist Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-193 |
July 2014 |
| 3280-03-54 |
|
Loss of Power Steering Assist Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-194 |
July 2014 |
| 3280-13-11 |
|
Brake Light Malfunction Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2014-173 |
July 2014 |
| 3280-08-38 |
|
Excessive Engine Heat Resulting in Melted Body Panels: This defect investigation was deactivated as there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a safety-related defect. Since the defect investigation was opened and subsequently published on Transport Canada's website, only five relevant public complaints were received, none involving an injury or a fire. Transport Canada's investigation findings and test results were unable to attribute the excessive exhaust heat generation to a precise design or manufacturing defect. Severe engine operating conditions (i.e., extensive low-speed riding or idling combined with severe load applications) and vehicle maintenance were influencing factors. The following service actions by the manufacturer also address several aspects of the exhaust heat problem:
|
Feb 2014 |
| 3280-13-10 |
|
Loss of Brake Lights: |
Sep 2013 |
| 3280-13-09 |
|
Loss of Brake Lights: |
Sep 2013 |
| 3280-10-45 |
|
Unexpected Closing of the Trunk Lid: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2013-317 |
Sep 2013 |
| 3280-11-24 |
|
Complete Power Failure of the Vehicle Electrical System: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2013-048 |
Feb 2013 |
| 3280-11-22 |
|
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Wiring Harness Failure After TC Recall No. 2006-323: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-436 |
Dec 2012 |
| 3280-09-18 |
|
Ignition Key Interlock Malfunction: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-415 |
Dec 2012 |
| 3280-10-41 |
|
Seizing of the Door Latch: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-400 |
Dec 2012 |
| 3280-03-55 |
|
Loss of Power Steering Assist: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-396 |
Nov 2012 |
| 3280-03-47 |
|
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-331 |
Oct 2012 |
| 3280-13-08 |
|
Failure of Low- and High-Beam Headlights: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-275 |
Aug 2012 |
| 3280-13-07 |
|
Failure of Daytime Running Lights: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-278 |
Aug 2012 |
| 3280-13-06 |
|
Failure of Daytime Running Lights: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-274 |
Aug 2012 |
| 3280-16-30 |
|
Harness Slippage in Child Car Seats: Manufacturer issued TC Recall Nos. 2007-281, 2008-455 and 2011-060 |
Aug 2012 |
| 3280-08-45 |
|
Engine Compartment Fires: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-187 |
Aug 2012 |
| 3280-03-46 |
|
Steering Tie-Rod Breakage or Separation: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2011-253 |
Feb 2012 |
| 3280-03-50 |
|
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-029 |
Feb 2012 |
| 3280-09-19 |
|
Transmission Torque Converter Failure: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2012-004. |
Jan 2012 |
| 3280-07-35 |
|
Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to Corrosion: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2011-281. |
July 2011 |
| 3280-11-21 |
|
Engine Stall: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2011-247. |
July 2011 |
| 3280-08-42 |
|
Engine Stall Due to Sensor Failure (complaints not covered by TC Recall Nos. 2003-267 and 2006-161): Our investigation found that the sensors failed late in the life of the vehicles, indicating that the failures were due to natural wear and tear, and that the failure rate was low, which suggests that no defect trend exists. |
July 2011 |
| 3280-08-39 |
|
Review of Unintended Acceleration in Toyota and Lexus Vehicles: An analysis was performed of all of the 374 complaints of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles that were received from September 2009 to June 2011. In 74 cases, detailed vehicle and collision scene examinations were conducted. Event data recorders were downloaded in the 41 cases where it was possible to do so, and the pre-crash data were analyzed. Some of the incidents of unintended acceleration appeared to be the result of driver pedal misapplication, and others were due to the use of incompatible or improperly secured floor mats that interfered with the accelerator pedal. No vehicle-related issue, other than sticking accelerator pedals and interference by floor mats, which Toyota addressed through TC Recall Nos. 2009-290, 2009-359, 2010-012 and 2010-124 |
June 2011 |
| 3280-27-01 |
Toyota Vehicles:
|
Review of the Timeliness of Toyota's Reporting of the Sticking Accelerator Pedal Defect (TC Recall No. 2010-012): Transport Canada reviewed over 60,000 pages of internal documents provided by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada and Toyota Canada Inc. No evidence of non-compliance with the Motor Vehicle Safety Act was found. |
June 2011 |
| 3280-15-04 |
|
Overheating of Blower Motor Resistor: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2011-074. |
Feb 2011 |
| 3280-10-40 |
|
Control Arm Detachment Due to Subframe Corrosion: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2011-038. The effectiveness of the recall repairs is being monitored. |
Feb 2011 |
| 3280-03-45 |
|
Loss of Power Steering Assist: Manufacturer issued TC Recall No. 2010-447. |
Jan 2011 |
- Date modified: