Kia recalls vehicles with engine defect

Irvine, CA – January 31, 2022 The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Irvine, Calif. – March 31, 2017 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than 618,000 vehicles with serious engine defects, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects Optima sedans produced between August 2010 and May 2015, as wall as Sportage and Sorento sport utility vehicles produced between December 2010 and August 2013 and April 2011 and February 2014, respectively.

The Defect

Models named in the recall contain engines that suffered damage during the assembly process, leaving them prone to stalling. Metal debris generated at the time of the production of the crankshaft were not removed. Additionally, fabricators left crankpins with uneven surfaces, giving them the potential to restrict oil flow to engine bearings. This raises internal temperatures and erodes the bearings. Together, these defects increase the likelihood of sudden engine failure, putting motorists at risk. No injuries or accidents have been connected to these defects, according to the NHTSA.

Timeline of Events

  • In 2015, Kia officials learned that Hyundai had to issue a recall to address problems stemming from Theta engines. Engineers for Kia evaluated models with these engines and reviewed production processes to look for similar problems. No significant issues materialized. Additionally, field and warranty claims remained at normal levels, indicating that Kia vehicles did not exhibit the same defects. Engineers at Kia production facilities in Hwasung, South Korea and West Point, Georgia had implemented line in August improvements to address possible engine issues.
  • Between January and April 2016, Theta engine manufacturer Translead reviewed its production processes and discovered minor oil delivery problems. Kia implemented a monitoring program.
  • In early May, Kia evaluated field performance data for the Theta engine and observed a slight uptick in claims detailing stalling precipitated by knocking noises. The carmaker decided to extend its warranty program. Over the course of late May and early June, Kia advised customers to take advantage of the program and bring their vehicles in for repair.
  • Throughout the rest of the summer and fall, the carmaker continued its outreach program and addressed notification processing issues.
  • In December 2016, Kia engineers reviewed more field data and field claims, the latter of which have decreased in volume due to the new warranty program and customer outreach efforts.
  • Kia conducted further tests and evaluations throughout December and March 2017. On March 28, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall.

The Solution

Kia will instruct dealers to inspect engines in affected models and replace them should they show signs of damage. The carmaker intends to reimburse owners for the repairs via its warranty program, updated March 21, 2016. Dealers are expected to receive notification on May 22, while owners will be notified through first-class mail May 25.

adminKia recalls vehicles with engine defect

Kia Issues Recall Due to Defective Vacuum Hose

Irvine, Calif. – March 31, 2017 – Kia Motors America has recalled a number of vehicles equipped with defective vacuum hoses. The recall affects Cadenza midsize sedans produced between January and March 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected models include improperly formed rubber vacuum hoses. Because these fixtures, which connect to brake boosters, were not fabricated correctly, they exhibit decreased elasticity and are therefore prone to kinking. When normal vacuum is circulated through these hoses, the flow is partially blocked, making it difficult for drivers to press down upon and operate the brake pedal. This lengthens braking distances, putting owners at risk and increasing the likelihood of a crash. However, no injuries have been connected to this defect.

Timeline of Events

On March 6, Kia motors received a complaint from an owner who had purchased his vehicle in Korea, according to the NHTSA. In the submission, the owner reported having difficulties when braking. The car maker immediately contacted the OEM parts provider that manufactured the vacuum hose assemblies and requested that the company, Hwasung R&A in Korea, review its production records to assess the components mentioned in the complaint. It traced the vacuum hose in the car back to a batch of parts produced Dec. 30, 2016. Hwasung reviewed its fabrication processes and discovered that the hose did not have time to fully form, which could cause kinking. The parts producer had noticed the problem at the time of production and modified its workflows to address the issue.

One day later, Kia evaluated the vacuum hoses at its production facility. During the first round of reviews, no Hwasung-made models from the Dec. 30 group were found. However, another pass showed that the hoses had been installed in Cadenza sedans assembled between January and March 2017. On March 9, the car maker decided to initiate a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Kia has ordered dealers to evaluate the vacuum hoses in affected models and replace them should they belong to the batch produced Dec. 30, 2016. The car maker has pledged to reimburse owners for the repairs via its General Reimbursement Plan. Dealers are expected to receive notification of the recall April 10. Owners will receive notification through first-class mail April 17. Those in need of immediate assistance are encouraged to contact Kia customer service or call the NHTSA safety hotline.

adminKia Issues Recall Due to Defective Vacuum Hose

Mercedes Recalls Smart Cars With Defective Headlamps

Montvale, N.J. – March 31, 2017 – Mercedes-Benz USA has recalled more than 2,200 vehicles with defective headlamps. The recall impacts the Smart Fortwo coupes produced between June and September 2015, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The car maker estimates that 100 percent of the vehicles named in the recall contain damaged features.

The Defect

Affected models have headlamps that do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, which dictates that such fixtures with low beams should not include horizontal adjustment features. In most cases, car makers permanently secure the horizontal headlamp adjustment screw with sealing caps immediately following production. The vehicles named in the recall have faulty sealant mechanisms, giving owners the ability to adjust their headlamps horizontally. This not only fails to comply with federal safety standards, but could also pose safety risks.

Timeline of Events

Mercedes engineers discovered the defect during a compliance check performed in September 2016. The car maker launched an investigation immediately and discovered that the problem could impact a large number of vehicles. Over the next month, engineers reviewed the sealing caps and their technical implications. It was determined that the fixtures put the company at risk from a compliance perspective.

In January 2017, officials reviewed production records to get an accurate total of the vehicles affected. Mercedes issued a recall in March.

The Solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install new headlamp sealant caps, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. The car maker has not released a timetable for dealer notification. However, owners are expected to receive notification in August 2017.

adminMercedes Recalls Smart Cars With Defective Headlamps

BMW Recalls Sports Car Recall Due to Defective Air Bags

Westwood, N.J. – Mar. 30, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective air bag module igniters that were the subject of a previous campaign. The new recall impacts BMW 4 Series and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertibles produced between September and November 2016, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The Defect

Affected vehicles include air bag module igniters with mix ratios that do not meet internal standards. In some cases, these fixtures may not deploy properly, leaving drivers and passengers unprotected in the event of a crash. As yet, no injuries have been connected to the defect.

Timeline of Events

On Dec. 6, 2016, OEM parts provider NCS Pyrotechnie et Technologies SAS notified BMW that its air bag module igniters were improperly mixed. The German automaker investigated the issue and discovered that the faulty igniters had been installed in more than a dozen models. BMW officials launched a voluntary safety recall Dec. 8, according to the NHTSA. More than one month later, engineers found the faulty igniters in 4 Series and Rolls-Royce Dawn convertibles. BMW conducted another investigation and on Feb. 16 added the two vehicles to the previous recall. Dealers were notified Feb. 24.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the defective air bag module igniters, free of charge. The automaker plans to send out all owner notifications by April 17. Owners are encouraged to contact BMW customer service or call the NHTSA hotline if they need immediate assistance.

adminBMW Recalls Sports Car Recall Due to Defective Air Bags

New Ford Recalls Include Action for Fire Hazards

Dearborn, Mich. — March 30, 2017 — Today, Ford announced multiple recalls at once in a joint statement. The first of these was a safety recall for a series of models, all at possible risk of engine fire. While the release said no specific reports of injuries were traced to this recall, it also said it was aware of 29 cases of related fires. The majority of the 230,756 vehicles involved in the total North American recall were in the U.S.

A different site was responsible for each of the four models included in the recall: the Cuautitlan, Hermosilla, Louisville and Valencia Assembly Plants.

The Defect

All of the vehicles in this recall are said to have 1.6-liter GTDI engines, which could have difficulties circulating coolant throughout necessary systems. As a result, the engines could overheat and start fires if they make contact with any oil. The four Ford vehicle types of concern are Escape, Fiesta ST, Fusion and Transit Connect models, with years ranging from 2013 to 2015.

Timeline of Events

  • Feb. 15, 2012: The earliest production date listed in the recall, this marked the time when the Ford Fusions began manufacture.
  • Sep. 2, 2014: By contrast, this is the latest specific date given for affected vehicle production.
  • March 29, 2017: Ford announced the recall in a press release.

The Resolution

The statement warned owners to watch out for signs of this defect, such as a constant coolant leak or possible overheating. The fix will ultimately include installing a sensor to monitor coolant levels in case of a shortage or leak.

There was no specific timeline given for notification or a remedy schedule, but Ford did say that owners only need to see dealers if they notice any of the symptoms, and that they would send repair instructions until official service kits are available.

adminNew Ford Recalls Include Action for Fire Hazards

BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

Recall Masters – March 29, 2017


BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

BMW of North America has recalled more than 121,000 vehicles with damaged driveshaft joints, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The recall, which follows a related campaign initiated in May 2016, impacts a number of models produced between November 2010 and April 2013, including:

  • X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X5 xDrive35d diesel sport utility vehicles
  • X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X6 ActiveHybrid sport utility vehiclesThe Defect
    The contact surface between the spider and the seal for the front driveshaft joint does not comport with internal quality standards. Consequently, contaminants and dirt may enter the fixture and degrade the universal driveshaft joint to the point of breakage. This would increase the likelihood of a wreck…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesBMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

BMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

Westwood, N.J. – March 29, 2017 – BMW of North America has recalled more than 121,000 vehicles with damaged driveshaft joints, according to documentation from the National Highway Transportation Administration. The recall, which follows a related campaign initiated in May 2016, impacts a number of models produced between November 2010 and April 2013, including:

  • X5 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X5 xDrive35d diesel sport utility vehicles
  • X6 xDrive35i, xDrive50i and M sport utility vehicles
  • X6 ActiveHybrid sport utility vehicles

The Defect

The contact surface between the spider and the seal for the front driveshaft joint does not comport with internal quality standards. Consequently, contaminants and dirt may enter the fixture and degrade the universal driveshaft joint to the point of breakage. This would increase the likelihood of a wreck.

Timeline of Events

In April 2014, the German automaker decided to replace the driveshafts in numerous models due to improper contact-surface specifications. Four months later, BMW met with officials the NHTSA and the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to discuss the defect, according to a report from the NHTSA. On July 29, the company reached out to affected owners and offered repairs free of charge under its extended warranty agreement.

In March 2016, customer complaints pertaining to the issue increased, forcing further investigations. On May 9, BMW issued an official voluntary recall.

The car company continued to monitor the situation as the recall progressed. Additionally, engineers evaluated driveshaft assemblies from other vehicles and compiled reviews. Over the course of November and December 2016, BMW officials reviewed the findings and found that other vehicles suffered from issues present in models involved in the 2014 quality assurance campaign. On Feb. 23, the automaker launched the latest recall. Dealers received notification March 3.

The Solution

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the front driveshafts in affected models, free of charge. It plans to notify owners April 24.

adminBMW Recalls SUVs With Damaged Driveshaft Joints

Porsche Issues Recall Over Defect Passenger Detectors

Atlanta, GA – Mar. 28, 2017 – Porsche Cars North America has recalled more than 17,800 vehicles equipped with defective passenger seat detectors, according to documents from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall affects Macan GTS, Turbo and S sports utility vehicles produced between March and October of 2015.

The Defect

Impacted models have defective occupant detection systems that may not deploy in the event of a crash. Consequently, these fixtures fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard safety codes. The indicator reading “Passenger Air Bag Off” illuminates in affected vehicles. The NHTSA and Porsche advise owners with vehicles subject to the recall to heed this warning and reseat passengers elsewhere, as these individuals will not have protection should an accident occur.

Timeline of Events

Porsche field investigators discovered a string of crashes involving illuminated “Passenger Air Bag Off’ lights during inspections in October 2016, according to the NHTSA. The automaker looked into the problem further and found that the indicator was a symptom of damaged occupant detection system features, specifically the sensor mats installed beneath the passenger seat. Engineers from Porsche’s Research and Development group analyzed defective parts from the field throughout February 2016. The team determined that the sensor mats included cracked conductive fabric prone to failure.

The Porsche product safety committee reviewed the findings Feb. 23, 2016 and decided to issue a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Porsche will recall affected vehicles to workshops and install new sensor mats and seat cushions, free of charge. The German car company does not intend to directly reimburse owners, as the repairs will be covered under preexisting warranties. Porsche has implemented new sensor mat models within its production facilities. There is no timetable for owner notification.

adminPorsche Issues Recall Over Defect Passenger Detectors

Roush Recalls Modified Ford Trucks

Livonia, Mich. – March 28, 2017 – Roush CleanTech, an alternative fuel technology firm, has recalled 434 modified Ford vehicles equipped with faulty fuel control valves, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The recall impacts propane-operated Ford E-450 cutaway trucks and vans, F-59 stepvans and F-650 and F-750 heavy duty diesel pickups manufactured between August 2015 and February 2017.

The Defect

Affected models include fuel control valves that exhibit over-current and short-to-ground performance. This increases engine temperatures capable of degrading the non conductive coverings that protect the solenoid wiring coils contained within the valves. When these fixtures fall apart, the valve closes, halting the flow propane to the engine and prompting complete shutdown. This poses serious risks to drivers, as the vehicles could cease operation suddenly and increase the likelihood of a crash.

Timeline of Events

Three separate owners reported incidents of solenoid failure in December 2016, two involving supply valve solenoids and one involving return valve solenoids. Roush contacted the fuel control valve supplier, Parker Hannifin Corporation based in New Britain, Connecticut, and explained the incidents. Soon after, Roush initiated an internal investigation to better understand the problem and identify a solution.

The firm evaluated fuel control valves in the Parker inventory, focusing on the state of the solenoid wiring coils. Roush discovered that, due to the placement of a small plastic bobbin, the coil wiring was slightly eschew. This failed to create enough distance between the wiring and the metal coil casting, leading to the over-current and short-to-ground performance. The parts had gone through the inspection process without being flagged.

Roush decided to issue a recall March 8, 2017, following its investigation. Dealers received notification of the recall March 14.

The Solution

The company has pledged to replace the defective parts, free of charge, according to the NHTSA. Owners should expect to receive notification between March 31 and April 30.

adminRoush Recalls Modified Ford Trucks

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues

Recall Masters – March 27, 2017

Lincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issueses

Drivers in some Ford vehicles face possible risk from faulty air bag systems, according to a new recall from Ford. In a press release, the manufacturer announced the details surrounding a safety compliance recall that could possibly cause confusion among consumers: Although it involves Takata air bags, it is not a part of the massive international Takata air bag safety recall efforts.

The Defect
The manufacturer said that two possible problems could stem from this defect: Air bags in affected vehicles could either detach entirely or fail to inflate. Both cases are likely in exactly 31,867 vehicles across North America, the majority of which (27,531) are in the U.S. The models involved include Ford Edge vehicles as well as Lincoln Continental and MKX examples with the 2016 and 2017 model years…

Sean ReyesLincoln and Ford Recalls to Address Air Bag Issues