Navistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown

Navistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown

February 26, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Lisle, IL – February 26, 2021 – Navistar has recalled 27,457 International brand trucks that may stall. The recall includes:

  • 2018-2020 International LoneStar trucks
  • 2021 International LoneStar trucks
  • 2017-2021 International LT trucks

Recall summary  

The problem originates with a battery cable that may break, causing the truck to lose electrical power and the engine to shut down. This is caused by the cable not being able to withstand the “stresses” placed on it by the trucks’ movement due to a design error, according to the testing conducted by the manufacturer.

Warning signs

In some cases, drivers may be warned of the problem if the engine briefly or intermittently shuts down prior to a complete stall.

Other Navistar recalls

This is the second Navistar recall in February. Earlier in the month, the truck manufacturer recalled over 17,000 medium- and extreme-duty trucks that may move unexpectedly after overpowering the parking brake.

Safety risks

If the truck loses power on the road, it creates a hazard for the driver and other motorists and could lead to a crash.

The repair

Dealers will replace the battery ground cable “with a more flexible” one designed to not to break while the truck is moving. Navistar will send owners recall notifications with more information around April 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 27,000 vehicles are included in this Navistar recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNavistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown
Volkswagen recalls Audi Q7 whose airbag may injure children

Volkswagen recalls Audi Q7 whose airbag may injure children

February 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Auburn Hills, MI – August 24, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 25,509 vehicles including the 2021 Audi Q7 that had problems with front passenger airbags. Additionally, 16 of these Audi vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. Four groups of these Audi vehicles were remedied in 2021, and one group was remedied in 2022 due to these issues with the front passenger airbags.

Auburn Hills, MI – February 25, 2021 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 26,967 luxury SUVs whose airbags may injure children in the front seat. This VW recall includes 2020 Audi Q7 and 2021 Audi Q7 luxury SUVs.

Recall Summary  

Due to a programming error, the front passenger airbag in these Audi Q7 2021 and 2020 cars may deploy too quickly during a crash and injure a child who is in the front seat.  

The issue was discovered during testing with a dummy meant to mimic the body of a six-year-old. Airbags hit the dummy’s neck with slightly more force than is allowed by federal safety standards. The impact only occurred in “low-speed front crashes.”

Even though the back seat is the safest place for children in the car, it is still legal in many states for children to ride in the front seat, which is why this test was conducted.

Risks

Airbags deploy in a matter of milliseconds with great force to protect drivers and passengers from impact. But this force can, in some cases, injure children especially if they are too close to the airbag. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following to prevent airbag injuries:

  1. Children in rear-facing car seats should not be seated in front of an active air bag.
  2. Children under 13 should be seated in the back seat.
  3. Front-seat passengers should sit as far back from the steering wheel or dashboard as possible.
  4. Always wear a seat belt—airbags are designed to work WITH seat belts, not by themselves.

The repair

To address this Audi recall, dealers will update the airbag computers so that the airbags deploy more safely. This fix will be free. Recall notifications with more details about when and how to get the update will be sent out to owners on April 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 30,000 vehicles are included in this Audi Q7 recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen recalls Audi Q7 whose airbag may injure children
Nissan Rogue vehicles recalled for stall and fire risk

Nissan Rogue vehicles recalled for stall and fire risk

February 24, 2021 Ken Boyd

Franklin, TN – February 24, 2021 – Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. (NASDAQ:NSANY) has remedied issues with 1,787 vehicles, including the 2021 Nissan Rogue SV, that had been dealing with a fuel hose disconnecting from the fuel tank. Additionally, none of these Nissan vehicles have been categorized as unreachable or removed from the recall. All these 2021 Rogue SV models were remedied by Nissan during the first and third quarters of 2021.

Franklin, TN – February 24, 2021 – Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. (NASDAQ:NSANY) has recalled 2,146 Nissan Rogue vehicles, due to a risk of a fuel leak, which may cause the engine to stall or result in a fire. The recall includes 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs.

Recall summary  

The issue arose when Nissan took the fuel pumps of these 2021 Rogue SUVs apart to “confirm [their] performance.” When the manufacturer put them back together, certain parts may not have been properly secured. As such, the fuel pumps may become loose or disconnect completely, causing a fuel leak and potentially, an engine fire. Additionally, the car may stall and not restart.

Warning signs

If the fuel hose or some of its parts are not locked into their position, the driver may smell a fuel odor and see the Malfunction Indication Light (MIL) illuminate.

Risks 

If this Nissan Rogue 2021 stalls in traffic, it may hit another vehicle, stationary objects or pedestrians. It may also block traffic and get hit by other vehicles.

A vehicle fire can injure or kill the SUV’s occupants and people around them. If you suspect a fire, turn off the SUV, move all occupants away from the vehicle and call 911 immediately.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect and reposition the fuel hose and the lock ring. There will be no charge for the repair. Recall is to begin on March 1.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,100 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydNissan Rogue vehicles recalled for stall and fire risk
Volkswagen recalls Atlas vehicles for steering issue

Volkswagen recalls Atlas vehicles for steering issue

February 23, 2021 Ken Boyd

Auburn Hills, MI – February 23, 2021 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 10,303 vehicles, due to a manufacturing error that may cause the front steering knuckles – which is what allows the wheels to turn – to fracture, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2021 VW Atlas SUVs and 2020-2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The affected component’s part number is 3QF.407.255.E-256.

Recall summary  

Steering knuckles – also known as spindles – connect the car’s wheels to the suspension and steering components. Each front wheel has their own knuckle. Because of a supplier error, one or both of the front steering knuckles may fracture, and the driver may lose control of the vehicle.

Risks 

If the knuckles fracture while the vehicle is moving, the driver may immediately lose control, which greatly increases the risk of a crash. Without the ability to steer properly, the driver may hit other vehicles, stationary objects or a pedestrian. 

Other recalls, lawsuit

The 2020 Atlas SUV has been recalled for front seat frame, improperly aligned headlights, tires and rearview camera issues. In March of 2020, Volkswagen was the subject of a class action lawsuit regarding warranties on the Atlas and other vehicles.

VW’s Atlas 2021 cars are not subject to any additional recalls.

The repair

To fix the VW recall issue, dealers will need to inspect and possibly replace both steering knuckles. The repair is free of charge. Owners will be notified on March 26.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,300 vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen recalls Atlas vehicles for steering issue
Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

February 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – February 19, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 154,224 vehicles that may have had dangerous Takata airbag inflators installed again after undergoing a recall for this same issue. These inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. There are two separate recalls for this issue. The first includes:

  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang sports cars
  • 2008-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2009-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs
  • 2006 Ford GT sports cars

The second recall includes:

  • 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks

Recall summary  

Ford dealers may have accidentally installed airbags containing these potentially lethal inflators during repairs for collision or theft damage after a recall related to this same issue was completed. It is not clear which particular Takata recall the company is referring to since many of these models were subjects to different recalls, albeit for the same issue.

These airbags were supposed to have been purged from Ford’s stock of replacement parts once new, safe ones became available. However, instead of that, they may have been put in 1,117 vehicles that comprise the first group. In the case of the second group, only 45 of over 150,000 cars contain the inflators but it is not clear which ones. Therefore, at the behest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ford is issuing a recall to address the issue.

Risks

Worldwide, Takata airbag inflators have killed at least 27 people, including two that ruptured and killed people riding in 2006 Ford Rangers.

A Ford spokesperson told Consumer Reports that none of the Ford Rangers in this recall are on the “Do not Drive” list of cars considered to be exceptionally high-risk. However, certain Ford Rangers are indeed on that list. You can check to see if your car is one of them here.

You can read more about the problems with Takata inflators in this article about GM’s recent Takata airbag recall. 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace vehicles airbag inflators for free. Recall notifications go out the week of March 8, and will include more information about when and how to seek repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 154,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. As of April 29, 2021, – the last date information was available – 5,693 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandFord recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed
Mercedes-Benz recalls 1.4 million vehicles that may call emergency services to wrong place

Mercedes-Benz recalls 1.4 million vehicles that may call emergency services to wrong place

February 18, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Jacksonville, FL – February 18, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) – which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand – has recalled 1,376,603 vehicles that may call emergency services to the wrong location if the vehicle crashes. The recall spans 83 models of 2016-2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class and G-Class vehicles. It includes some of the following:

  • 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA class 250
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz A220
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG A35
  • 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
  • 2017-2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63
  • 2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35
  • 2017-2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45

You can see the complete list of vehicles here.

A separate recall has been issued for the same problem in Mercedes-Benz vans in the following models:

  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the vehicles’ emergency call system, or “eCall,” which activates after a crash. The system, which can trigger automatically in a crash or at the push of a button, shares the car’s GPS location information with emergency services so that they know where to send help. If the car’s power supply is disrupted during a crash, the recalled vehicles may send the wrong location to emergency services.

Risks

Sending the wrong information to emergency services will delay help to crash victims, who, according to the Part 573 safety recall report Mercedes submitted to the government, would have no idea that first responders were dispatched somewhere else. This can increase the risk of injury or death.

The repair

Owners will receive a free software update from Mercedes-Benz. “Mercedes Me” subscribers will receive the update remotely. Customers without this subscription will be notified by mail that an update will be streamed to their car remotely unless they wish to opt out. In that case, a Mercedes-Benz dealer can install the update in-person. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over a million vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls 1.4 million vehicles that may call emergency services to wrong place
Mercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light

Mercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light

February 17, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Jacksonville, FL – February 17, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) – which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand – is recalling 8,186 SUVs whose left-side backup light may stay on continuously, potentially confusing pedestrians and other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall concerns a part called “control unit” (part number A1679000414) and includes:

  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUVs
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 SUVs

Recall summary  

The 2020 Mercedes GLE 350  and  GLE450 recall concerns the SUV’s left backup light, which illuminates when the vehicle is put in reverse. This light may stay on after the SUV is shifted out of reverse. This could confuse other drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.

The lights on the SUV are controlled by a small computer, or “control unit”. The control unit’s circuit board may not be able to withstand the SUV’s vibrations due to a “process deviation” during manufacturing. This causes the control unit to malfunction and keep the backup light on.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the malfunctioning control unit for free. Notifications with more information will be sent out to owners on April 6,  2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light
General Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall

General Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall

February 15, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , , ,

December 2, 2021 UPDATE – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has remedied 248,214 models including the 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500. No vehicles have been deemed unreachable but 1,373 vehicles have been removed from the recall of the GM Takata Airbag Recall.

Warren, MI – February 15,  2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has begun a series of recalls of nearly 6 million vehicles built with potentially dangerous Takata airbags. This particular recall covers 1,778,128 vehicles, and includes the following models:

  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles were built with Takata airbag inflators that, due to damage from moisture, may explode when the airbags are deployed. If the inflator explodes, its metal casing can fragment into shrapnel that could fly into drivers’ and passengers’ bodies, possibly maiming or killing them. This December article explains in more depth why the U.S. government ordered General Motors to recall these vehicles. 

Repair

Recalled GM vehicles are divided into five priority groups, labeled priority group 6 through priority group 10. Owners of the vehicles in group 6 – whose cars are older and were sold or registered in the hottest parts of the country –  will be notified by mail when repair is available in early March. Consumers in groups 7-10 – that are considered lower risk – will be advised of the recall in late February, but it is not clear when the repair will be available.

However, consumers in both categories may be able to receive a repair earlier by contacting their dealer.

Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool to see if your car is affected and to connect with an authorized dealership.

All repairs will be free of charge.

Risks

Exploding inflators pose a significant danger to vehicle occupants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that Takata inflators have killed at least 18 people in the U.S. and at least nine more abroad. 

You can find some broad recommendations for owners of affected cars – including a list of cars that should NOT be driven – in this article detailing the background of this GM recall.

Other GM airbag inflator recalls

In December, GM recalled Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks, as well as GMC Sierra 2500, 1500 and 3500 pickups whose roof airbag inflators could shoot off an end cap, potentially injuring occupants or distracting them.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.7 million vehicles were originally included in this Takata / GM airbag recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date information was available – 104,212 airbags had been replaced.  To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall
Mercedes-Benz vehicles recalled for front seat belt issue

Mercedes-Benz vehicles recalled for front seat belt issue

February 12, 2021 Ken Boyd

Jacksonville, FL – February 12, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand has remedied issues in 21.343 vehicles including the 2017-2021 c300 and 2017-2020 c43 that were dealing with front seat belts problems. Additionally, 0 of these Mercedes-Benz models have been categorized as unreachable and 0 have been removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2017-2021 c300 and 2017-2020 c43 dealing with front seat belt issues that may not fully retract were remedied in 2021 and two groups were remedied in 2022.

Jacksonville, FL – February 12, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, has recalled 24,550 vehicles with front seat belts that may not retract as designed. If the seat belt does not fully retract, occupants may become frustrated and not wear it, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2017-2021 Mercedes Benz C300 sedans
  • 2017-2020 Mercedes Benz C43 AMG sedans
  • 2017-2020 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG sedans

Recall summary  

When the seat belt is unlocked, its webbing should fully retract into the stowed position. In recalled vehicles, a design flaw prevents the front seat belt retractor from operating properly.

If the seat belt does not fully retract, a person in the front seat may skip wearing it, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash. 

Risks 

Airbags do not provide sufficient protection for occupants who are not wearing seat belts. If an occupant does not wear a seat belt and is thrown from the vehicle in a crash, the risk of death is high. Passengers may be injured within the car during an accident, if not secured by a seat belt.  To read more about this issue, please visit our recent article about another Mercedes-Benz seat belt recall.

Mercedes AMG C63 and 2019 C300 recalls

The 2019 Mercedes C300 was among the cars recalled over two years ago because of the potential to lose power and access to essential functions post-crash.

In July of last year, Daimler recalled eight models of its high-performance AMG vehicles, including the 2019-2020 AMG C63 for issues with software that aids in steering and braking.  

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the front seat belts to determine if the retraction function is working properly and make adjustments to correct the issue. The repair is free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 23, 2021.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 24,500 vehicles are included in this Mercedes Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes-Benz vehicles recalled for front seat belt issue
Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

February 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 18,  2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), has remedied 26,389 vehicles including the 2020 Jeep Wranglers with clutch pressure plate issues that might overheat in certain conditions. In addition to this, 849 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 380 have been removed from the recall. All these 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers that had these Clutch Pressure Plate issues were remedied during 2021.   

Auburn Hills, MI – February 11,  2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 42,887 Jeeps because a part of the clutch may overheat and fracture, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following manual transmission vehicles:

  • 2018 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2019 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2021 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Gladiators
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiators

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the clutch, specifically the clutch pressure plate, which temporarily stops the “transmission of engine power” to allow the driver to switch gears. Due to excessive friction because of a design error, the plate may overheat. The heat may fracture the pressure plate and the resulting hot debris could land on flammable parts of the car, causing a fire.

Prior recall

All vehicles that were part of a similar Jeep recall in 2020 are included in this latest recall. In this recall, Jeep blamed the problem on “air in the hydraulic system,” and the repair involved rerouting the vehicles’ wiring. Testing performed for this recall showed that with excess friction, the clutch could reach 2,012 degrees Fahrenheit, plenty hot to ignite other parts of the car. It is not clear whether this latest recall supersedes the first one.

Recent Jeep recalls

In December of 2021, 2,903 2021 Jeep Wranglers were recalled due to faulty odometers that may fail to display the distance traveled.

A Jeep recall in 2019 of 2011-2018 Wranglers concerned a weak seat belt mount which could fracture and separate from the seat, rendering the belt useless. 

‘The entire vehicle was burned to ashes’

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received numerous complaints describing burning clutch smells, fractured clutch pressure plates and clutch-related fires in vehicles included in the 2020 and 2021 recalls.

Many drivers reported a “burning clutch smell.” This odor may be a sign that the clutch pressure plate is about to fail, according to Chrysler’s report to NHTSA.

Other complaints illustrate the worst-case scenario. “While my 16-year-old daughter and I were driving on the FL 528/Beachline Expressway, the entire clutch pressure plate assembly exploded off my vehicle,” said one Florida driver’s report. “Fluids drained and ignited. The entire vehicle was burned to ashes.”

Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no injuries have been reported thus far in connection with the latest recall.

Safety concerns

Chrysler acknowledged that a fractured clutch pressure plate could also generate road debris, creating a hazard for other drivers on the road.

Vehicle fires increase drivers’ and passengers’ risk of injury or death. You can read more about what to do if you smell something burning while driving in this article about a 2020 Audi recall.

Repair

Chrysler will add software to affected Jeeps that will reduce the engine torque – essentially how hard the engine works – if the clutch starts getting too hot. Owners who have already paid to repair their clutch pressure plate may be eligible for reimbursement. Recall notification letters will be sent to owners on March 21.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 42,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To see if your Jeep is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch
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