2013 Isuzu REACH problems

Defect

XL Hybrids Inc. (XL) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Isuzu Reach vehicles modified to be equipped with XL's electric hybrid system. The cardan (universal) joint on the front driveshaft may fail, possibly causing the front driveshaft to detach.

Consequence

If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle, drive power will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. The detached driveshaft may also create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash for following traffic.

Remedy

XL will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft with an updated one, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact XL customer service at 1-866-414-3212.

Defect

Isuzu Technical Center of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain 2011-2016 NPR, 2011-2017 NPR-HD, NQR, NRR, 2015-2017 NPR-XD, 2012-2016 Reach, NPR Gas and NPR-HD Gas incomplete trucks. The left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts may not have been properly tightened during assembly.

Consequence

The loose bolts can allow the wheel assembly to move outward from the axle housing, affecting the control of the vehicle and reducing braking performance, thereby increasing a risk of a crash.

Remedy

Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left rear wheel bearing hub locking bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 19, 2017. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.

Defect

Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Reach chassis manufactured July 26, 2011, to August 7, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may be bent while braking, possibly causing it to not activate the brake lights and potentially corrode.

Consequence

If the brake light switch bends or corrodes, the brake light switch may become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protector and a waterproof cover with an extension harness so that the switch cannot be bent or corroded, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be sent an interim notification and then will be sent a second notice when remedy parts are available. Isuzu issued an interim notification to owners on December 17, 2014. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638.

Defect

Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc. (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Reach stripped chassis manufactured July 26, 2011, through August 27, 2013. The horn switch contacts may be bent or may wear prematurely causing the horn not to work.

Consequence

An inoperable horn may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the horn contact shaft to see if it is bent or if it has premature wear, and replace the steering wheel combination switch if either condition is found, free of charge. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. Isuzu's number for this recall is CB14-N-001.