Hector Fratty

A recall is when an automaker—voluntarily or under government order—advises owners to bring their vehicles in for a preemptive repair or modification at no cost to the owner. Recalls are initiated to correct an actual or potential noncompliance with vehicle regulations, or to alleviate a potential safety problem even if no regulation has been violated. Recalls have historically been more common in North America than elsewhere, primarily because the North American regulatory structure tends to facilate this method of addressing such issues. In countries applying the UN (“ECE”) Regulations, on the other hand, the principal remedy for a noncompliance is suspension or cancellation of a type approval. Vehicle lighting systems are often involved in safety recalls. In this article we take a look at recent big lighting-related recalls and government safety investigations, in order of news release. The three biggest lighting-related recalls occurred in 2012 for Honda, Chrysler, and BMW vehicles. It is interesting and dismaying to note that most of the problems are caused not by intricate high-tech components, but by inexpensive, basic items—a wire, a bulb socket, a switch—that have been known-art for decades.

March 2014: Dodge Charger headlamps, 2011-’12 models
Chrysler are recalling at least 49,000 Dodge Chargers around the world because a wiring harness connector can overheat and cause the low beam headlamps to fail. Affected models have halogen headlamps—cars with the optional HID lamps aren’t affected—and is technically similar to a recall issued in 2012 for Dodge Charger police vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace (as necessary) the headlamps, wiring, and bulbs.

March 2014: VW Passat headlamps, 2013 models
Volkswagen are recalling about 160,000 Passat sedans in the United States and Canada because closing the engine hood could knock the low beam headlight bulb socket loose, causing it to lose electrical contact. An unknown number of Passats sold outside the US and Canada are also affected. Dealers will replace the bulb sockets with a more secure type and replace or adjust the hood bumpers as needed.