Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

November 13, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 24, 2020 – Tata Motors Limited (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 11,159 Range Rover Sport vehicles that do not properly warn the driver when the tire pressure is low. Low tire pressure may cause tread separation and increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

Range Rover Sport vehicles with 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch wheels have a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Here is how the monitoring system should work:

  • Each tire manufacturer lists an inflation pressure level that should be maintained in the tire.
  • When the tire pressure reaches 25% below the recommended pressure level, the TMPS warning light should come on in the instrument panel.
  • This light alerts the driver to check the tire pressure and inflate the tire to the proper minimum level.

In recalled vehicles, the tire pressure level has not been set correctly in the instrument cluster. Drivers are not notified when a tire’s pressure is too low for safe driving.

Risks 

Underinflated tires are a common problem that reduce fuel economy and can become dangerous if the tire tread  – which is the rubber part of the tire that makes contact with the road – separates  from the body of the tire.  The separation can cause a tire blowout, which can result in the driver losing control of the car and crashing, especially when moving at high speeds. Tire-related crashes killed over 700 people in 2017, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What to do in the event of a blowout

As the tire bursts, the driver may hear a loud boom and be pulled to one side. 

Here is what to do if it happens:

  • Maintain composure. Don’t try to suddenly break, turn or pull over. Any of these actions can cause the car to spin out of control.
  • Turn your emergency lights on.
  • Try to regain control by gently stepping on the gas and steering straight.
  • Once you feel you have more control, let go of gas and let the car slow down.
  • Once the speed drops below 30 mph, pump the brakes and try to pull over.
  • Call for help.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to update the instrument cluster software, so that the TPMS operates correctly. Land Rover will notify owners by November 13  but it is not clear if the update will be available by then.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,000 vehicles are included in this Range Rover Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydRange Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue
Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

November 12, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – October 9 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) has recalled 12,799 Mercedes-Benz SUVs that operate with an optional star logo in the front grill. The electrical ground connection that illuminates the logo may be installed incorrectly and may affect other components of the electrical system. If the components do not operate correctly, the risk of a crash increases. The recall includes the following mid-size luxury SUV models:

  • 2020 GLE 350 
  • 2020 GLE 450 
  • 2020 GLE 580
  • 2020 GLS 450 
  • 2020 GLS 580 

Recall summary  

The star logo shares an electrical ground connection with the power steering control unit, wiper motor and the left headlamp. If the connection is not installed correctly, all of the components may malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers are alerted to a malfunction by audible and visual warnings in the instrument panel.

Risks 

The potential electrical component failures present a number of risks to drivers:

  • A driver may lose control of the vehicle, if the power steering system fails. If a failure occurs, turn on your emergency lights, reduce the speed gradually and find a safe place to pull over.
  • A loss of wiper power can obstruct the driver’s view in heavy snow or rain.
  • The loss of a headlight can lead to an accident, given the limited visibility.

In each case, you should pull over as soon as it is safe  to prevent an accident.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will need to relocate the faulty ground wire connection, so that the components operate correctly. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on December 8, 2020. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 12,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes SUV recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue
Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

November 11, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – October 23, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 2,535 GLC crossovers with a wiring issue that could take out the car’s power steering. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC350E
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43 AMG
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC63 AMG

and concerns the Electric Wiring harness (part #A2535405521)

Recall summary 

The electric wiring harness is a car’s “central nervous system.” It’s an organized network of wires, terminals, and connectors that relay information and electricity throughout the vehicle, and in these GLC models, it may be damaged.

The damage could allow water to seep through to the steering control unit. If this happens, the unit may short circuit, disabling the car’s power steering. The short circuit could also ignite a fire.

Risks

Power steering helps drivers maneuver heavy cars that would otherwise require substantial effort to turn. A sudden loss of power steering could affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

If your power steering fails

A power steering failure will make steering difficult, but not impossible. Find a safe spot to pull off the road, holding the steering wheel firmly as you turn. Then call for help.

The repair

Mercedes Benz will inspect the wiring harness and replace it, if necessary, at no cost to the owner. This fix is not yet available, but owners will be notified by mail approximately one week after it’s ready.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 crossovers are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure
2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

November 10, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – March 20, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has remedied issues on 2,749 2020 Toyota Highlander models with issues with side curtain airbags that may not deploy properly due to blockage with the seats. Additionally, 47 of these Toyota Highlander models have been categorized as unreachable and only one has been removed from the recall. One group of these Toyota vehicles with side curtain airbag deployment problems were remedied in 2020, and three other groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – October 14, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 3,121 Highlander crossovers whose seats may block the side airbags from deploying. The recall includes 2020 Toyota Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids models. 

Recall summary  

The 2020 Highlander’s seats contain airbags that cushion the driver side and passenger side of the vehicle in the case of a crash. In order to deploy, the airbags must burst through a seam in the front seats that is designed to tear and let the airbag out. 

But, due to a manufacturing mix-up, pieces of the left and right seat-covers may have been reversed in these vehicles. This incorrect seat trim means that the seam may not be in the correct place, which could keep the airbags from deploying. In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles due to similar airbag deployment issues.

The components involved are Seat Assy, Fr LH and Seat Assy, Fr RH, which are part of the driver and passenger seat assembly, respectively.

Risks

These side-impact torso airbags (SABs) are designed to help protect the driver and passenger from impacts on either side of the vehicle. They would come handy if, for example, you are thrown against the door of the car during a crash or t-boned by a distracted driver.

Although they have never been required by law, the percentage of car models built with side airbags has increased steadily since 1996. 2020 Highlanders, and many other vehicles, pair a torso bag with a “curtain” style airbag, which covers the window and protects the driver’s head. Together, they are estimated to reduce side-impact crash fatalities by 31.3%. 

The repair

Vehicle owners will be notified about the recall on December 13. Toyota dealers will replace the seat covers if they are not installed correctly.

Other Toyota Highlander Recalls

In 2020, Toyota recalled certain 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander vehicles due to a software error that showed incorrect information on capacity labels. The recall included Highlander SUVs from the 2018 model year produced between Oct. 24 and 26, 2017.

In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles, including the 2018 Toyota Highlander Sport, due to issues with potentially defective brake components. Toyota directed dealers to replace the vacuum pump assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

There are over 3,000 affected SUVs included in this Toyota recall. To see if your car is subject to this recall or other safety issues, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Rebecca Rand2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags
Hyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit

Hyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit

November 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – October 13, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 6,707 Kona Electric Vehicles that operate using lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. After the battery is fully charged, it may short circuit. The recall includes 2019-2020 Hyundai Kona EVs.

Recall summary  

Li-ion batteries are high-voltage batteries that power Kona SUVs. These batteries are increasingly used in electric vehicles, because they can provide a higher level of voltage and require less maintenance than other types of batteries.

In recalled vehicles, there is a risk of a short circuit, possibly because of  a damaged battery cell or faulty  battery management system (BMS) software.

Risks 

A short circuit in the Li-ion battery creates the risk of a fire.  So far, there have been 10 reports of fires associated with this recall.

A fire in a parked vehicle can injure the vehicle occupants, nearby pedestrians, and property. If your Kona vehicle catches fire, immediately call 911.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will update the BMS software that controls the Li-ion battery. Dealers will also inspect the battery and replace it, if necessary. The repair is free of charge and is expected to  begin on December 11th.

Owners should park the SUV outside and away from structures until the vehicle software is updated. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 6,700 vehicles are included in this Hyundai Kona recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit
Land Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers

Land Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers

November 6, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – October 8, 2020 – Jaguar Land Rover (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 21,834 luxury SUVs whose spoilers may detach from the car while driving, creating the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2010-2011 Range Rover Sport SUVs.

Recall summary  

The glue that attaches the spoilers to the car may not hold over time, resulting in the spoilers loosening and potentially falling off while driving at high speeds.

The recall was reluctantly initiated by the manufacturer after consumers in the U.S. logged 132 fly-away spoiler complaints and a recall for the same vehicle and issue was initiated in Japan. The complaints prompted the NHTSA to open an investigation in May.  

In September, Land Rover concluded that there was “limited evidence of a safety defect pattern”  but agreed to issue a  recall to “maintain good relations” with the NHTSA.

Risks

Fly-away spoilers could become an obstacle in the roadway, forcing drivers to make quick maneuvers that could result in a crash.

In fact, leading up to the NHTSA investigation, consumers logged three complaints about spoilers breaking windshields, six about spoilers striking vehicles behind them and four about drivers behind them having to swerve to avoid the detached spoiler in the road.

Road debris’ crash statistics

Between 2011 and 2014, road debris played a role  in around 200,000 crashes  and caused close to 40,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Over 75,000 of those crashes were caused by debris flying off of one vehicle and striking another.  

The repair

Owners will be able to take their SUVs to a Land Rover dealer, who will apply a stronger glue to the spoiler. Drivers who already paid to have their spoilers re-attached may be able to be reimbursed.  The recall begins on NovembeR 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 21,000 vehicles are included in this Land Rover recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandLand Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers
Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

November 4, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 23 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 620,246 vehicles with rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image.  The recall includes:

  • 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F 550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Recall summary  

Due to a poor “electrical connection,”  the backup cameras can show a distorted image to the driver. The culprit is the printed circuit board within the vehicle that connects electrical components.

As a result,  the vehicles do not meet the federal requirements that require them to display a “field of view” to the driver before  backing up.

Risks 

A driver who cannot see the rearview camera display may run into a person or an object behind them. In fact, back-up cameras became mandatory after two-year old Cameron Gulbransen was tragically killed by a backing up SUV that could not “see” him. 

Prior to the passage of the related act in 2007, around 284 people were killed and injured around 12,000 in back-up crashes annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the rearview camera.  The recall  will  begin on November 7 and the replacement – once available – is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image
BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

November 2, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – BMW of North America has remedied issues with 4,444 models including the 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 due to a risk of fire caused by debris in hybrid battery cells. 0 of these vehicles have been declared as unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. One group of these 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 models with hybrid battery issues were remedied in 2020 and four more groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 30, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) has recalled 4,509 hybrids in the U.S. that may have debris in the hybrid battery cell, which could lead to a fire. The recall includes:

  • 2021 BMW 330E hybrid sedans
  • 2020-2021 BMW 530E hybrid sedans
  • 2021 BMW 745LE hybrid sedans
  • 2020 BMW i8 hybrid sports cars
  • 2020-2021 BMW X3 hybrid crossovers
  • 2021 BMW X5 hybrid SUVs
  • 2020-2021 Mini Countryman crossovers

These cars are equipped with the following high voltage battery models:

  • 8658344-11/345-11
  • 8678566-10/567-10
  • 9452661-04

Recall summary  

The recall concerns these hybrid vehicles’ high voltage batteries, some of which may be contaminated with debris due to a manufacturing issue at Samsung, the battery producer. The debris could cause the batteries to short-circuit, which could lead to a fire. BMW is aware of a total of four incidents related to this issue, which all took place between early August and mid-September. No related accidents or injuries have been reported to the automaker or the National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Risks

Equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration. Researchers have said that hybrid-electric vehicles are as likely to catch fire as gas-powered vehicles. 

If a vehicle catches fire, the driver should:

  1. Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.
  2. Once stopped, TURN OFF the engine (using the key or a smart button, if available).
  3. Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything. 
  4. Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic. Call 911.

Hybrid car fires require different firefighting techniques than gas-powered vehicle fires. Engaging with a burning hybrid without the right protection could lead to electric shock, exposure to toxic fumes, and lithium burns. If you experience a hybrid vehicle fire, make sure emergency services know that the vehicle is a hybrid so they can best protect you and themselves.

The repair

According to BMW, the remedy for this issue is still “under discussion.” Customers should look for a recall notification in the mail, which will be sent out sometime in October.

Until the remedy is available, BMW is telling drivers not to charge the battery of their plug-in vehicles, drive in manual mode, sport mode or use the shift paddles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. Use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool to find out if your vehicle is affected by this or other recalls.

Rebecca RandBMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk
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