Hyundai recalls Kona and Ioniq vehicles that may catch fire

Fountain Valley, CA – May 26, 2022 – Hyundai North America has remedied issues with 3,159 vehicles including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric dealing with short-circuit problems caused by their lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, 62 of these Hyundai Ioniq EV’s have been categorized as unreachable and 9 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric with Lithium-Ion Battery Issues were remedied during 2021 and one group in 2022.

Fountain Valley, CA – March 31, 2021 – Hyundai North America (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 4,696 vehicles equipped with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The batteries may short circuit and potentially cause an engine fire. The recall includes Hyundai Kona 2019 and 2020 Electric vehicles (EV) and 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EV sedans.

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing error, the Li-ion batteries in these Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Hyundai Kona EVs may short-circuit and lead to an engine fire

The U.S. recall is being conducted as part of a global recall announced by the manufacturer last month. Among the included countries is South Korea that recently launched its second recall on the back of at least 11 Kona EV fires.

Fire reports

In 2019, three parked Hyundai Kona EV sedans caught on fire in Korea, two in Canada and one in Europe. In each case, the parked vehicle had a full battery charge. Seven more fires were reported in 2020. In each case, Hyundai suspected that the fire was caused by an electrical short in the Li-ion battery. The cause of the issue was identified earlier this year and turned out to be incorrectly folded battery cells.

South Korean recall and subsequent fire

In October of last year, the manufacturer issued a recall South Korea for more than 25,000 Kona Electric vehicles due the risk of fire. After a recalled and repaired Kona caught fire, Hyundai issued another recall in the country.

Warning signs 

The electrical short may take place when the vehicle is parked or while driving. The driver may smell smoke or a burning/melting odor when a battery fire occurs. Additionally, the malfunction indicator (MIL) or the battery lights may come on.

Risks

A fire can injure occupants and a crash due to a fire may injure other drivers or pedestrians. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please refer to this recent article about a different Hyundai recall

The repair

The recall is set to begin on April 30. In the short-term, the repair is a software update that the owners can conduct themselves or through their dealer.

The long-term repair is for dealers to replace the Battery System Assembly (BSA). This work will be performed once parts are available.  It is important to note that the recalled Kona EV that caught fire in South Korea only received a software update, but not the battery replacement, according to press reports.

Until the repair is completed, do NOT park your car inside. Instead, park it away from structures, including your home, garages and carports.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,600 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To perform a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai recalls Kona and Ioniq vehicles that may catch fire

Mazda recalls 13,857 cars over faulty liftgate

Pleasanton, CA – March 29, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 13,857 vehicles whose power liftgates may lower unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury. A power liftgate is a motorized trunk lid that opens and closes electronically. The recall includes 2021 CX 30 Mazda SUVs, as well as the 2020 model year of the same car. The affected component is the power liftgate drive unit with part numbers DFR7 62 6EXB and DFR7 63 6EXB.

Recall summary  

This recall affects these Mazda’s power liftgates, which allow drivers  to open and close the trunk with the touch of a button. The trunk lid can lower itself unexpectedly from a fully opened position. This will only happen  when the car is parked uphill facing the hill.

The defect is caused by a supplier error, as well as “high ambient temperatures.”

Risks

Although this defect is not supposed the liftgate to lower completely, there is still a risk of injury. This may happen when a person opens a liftgate and leans inside the trunk to gain access to stored objects. If the liftgate unexpectedly lowers during this period, he or she may hit it while standing back up. 

Other Mazda recalls

In June of last year, over 12,000 Mazda CX 30 2020 were recalled due to a fire risk caused by a disconnected hose in the trunk

The repair

To fix the issue, Mazda dealers will update the liftgate software and check serial numbers on drive units. If the units are found to be defective, they will be replaced. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on April 19.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mazda recall includes 13,857 vehicles. To see if your Mazda CX 30 is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls 13,857 cars over faulty liftgate

Nissan recalls Infiniti SUVs due to risk of airbag failure

Franklin, TN – March 26, 2021- Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY ) is recalling 26,156 vehicles due to an incorrectly folded airbag cushion. This may result in the airbag tearing “during deployment” and failing to cushion the passenger to the fullest extent, magnifying the risk of injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2006  Infiniti FX35
  • 2007 Infiniti FX35
  • 2008 Infiniti FX35
  • 2006 – 2008 Infiniti FX45

The component in question is the Passenger Air Bag Module with the part number K8515 CL71A.

Recall summary

This recall is caused  by an improperly folded front passenger airbag cushion, which may restrict the flow of gas required to inflate the airbag during during deployment. This increases the cushion’s internal pressure and may cause a tear. 

The cars included in this recall were part of a massive 2020 recall because they were equipped with potentially lethal Takata airbag inflators. The airbags were then replaced by a different brand whose supplier did not fold them correctly, leading Nissan to issue corrective action.

Risks

As reported in our recent article about a Porsche recall, airbags’ goal is to cut down on the risk of upper body injury. Therefore, passengers in a crash without a fully functional airbag face an increased risk of injury, especially in a “moderate or severe” accident.

Other Infiniti recalls

Nissan recently recalled over 2020 Infiniti QX50 SUVs due to illegible text on the tire and loading information placard. The issue could potentially lead the driver to overinflate tires, increasing the likelihood of an accident. 

Repair

The repair is a free front passenger airbag module replacement at any Infiniti dealer. The recall is slated to start on April 18, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 26,000 vehicles are part of this Nissan recall. To perform a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaNissan recalls Infiniti SUVs due to risk of airbag failure

Ford recalls vehicles in search of 19 faulty Continental tires

December 9, 2021 Update – Ford (NYSE:F) is has remedied issues with 3,258 F-series trucks and Ford Escapes suffering from Continental Tires air loss issues. 369 vehicles were also deemed unreachable and none were removed from the recall.

Dearborn, MI – March 25, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 15,769 vehicles to find 19 Continental brand tires at risk of rupturing. The recall includes 2019 Ford Escape compact SUVs and Ford F series trucks, specifically:

  • 2018 Ford F 150
  • 2018 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2019 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2020 Ford F 250 SD
  • 2018 Ford F 350 SD
  • 2019 Ford F 350 SD
  • 2020 Ford F 350 SD 

The affected part is Continental tire with multiple part numbers, including CJ5C-1508-AA and JC3C-1508-ZA.

Recall summary  

The Continental tire recall has recently affected several major car manufacturers, including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan.

Due to a manufacturing error, these tires were cured for too long, making them prone to rupture. Curing is what sets rubber tires in their final shape. 

This recall follows on the heels of a recent Nissan Continental tire recall where the manufacturer has also recalled a large number of cars to find just a few defective tires.

Risks

In addition to rupturing, the tire tread, which touches the road, could also split off from the rest of the tire. Both of these events could cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash, especially if they occur at highway speeds.

Warning signs and safety tips

Other automakers recalling Continental tires, like Mercedes-Benz, have said a bulge or a “bubble” on the tire tread is a sign of a problem. For information on what to do if you notice a bulge or if your tires blow out while driving, please refer to this article about Nissan’s Continental tire recall.

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect numbers on the tires’ walls and replace any that match the list of suspect tires from Continental. If the dealer finds a match, they will also replace the tire on the opposite of the car and move the newest tires to the rear axle. Owners will be notified about the recall the week of March 29.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls vehicles in search of 19 faulty Continental tires

Nissan recalls nearly 127,000 cars in search of seven faulty tires

Franklin, TN – March 24, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 126,809 cars and trucks to find seven faulty tires that could rupture or break apart. The recall includes the following pickup trucks and light vehicles:

  • 2019 Nissan Altima
  • 2020 Nissan Altima
  • 2021 Nissan Altima 
  • 2018 Nissan Titan 
  • 2019 Nissan Titan 
  • 2020 Nissan Titan 
  • 2021 Nissan Titan 

The affected component is Continental tire with multiple part numbers, including 40312 EZ41D and 40312 EZ40C.

Recall summary  

The seven tires, which are part of an ongoing series of recalls of Continental brand tires, were “cured” for too long during manufacturing. 

The curing process is what makes the tires hold their shape when on the road. However, when the process runs for longer than necessary, it makes them more susceptible to breaks or ruptures. As a result, the tires can go flat. Additionally, the tread —the part which touches the road— could separate from the rest of the tire, resulting in the so-called belt separation.

Warning signs

One of the warning signs, as reported in our recent article about a similar Mercedes-Benz recall, is a bulge in the tread area.

If you notice a bulge, do NOT drive on it. Call a tow truck or use your spare tire to drive to your mechanic to have the tire replaced.

Risks

Flat tires and belt separation can cause drivers to lose control and crash, particularly if they happen at high speeds. 

What to do if your tires blow out

If your tires blow out while driving, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following

  • Stay calm and do your best to keep the vehicle balanced. 
  • Do not slam on the brakes or suddenly take your foot off the accelerator. Both of these could cause you to lose control of the car. 
  • Slowly ease off of the gas.
  • Gently “correct the steering” to regain control of the car.
  • Once the car is stable, continue to slow down until find a safe place to pull over and call for help.

The repair

Dealers will inspect recalled vehicles’ tires to see if identifying numbers on the side match one of the seven defective tires. If they find one, they will replace it with a new tire. Inspections and replacements will be free and the spare tires should be “readily available.

Nissan will notify owners about the recall on April 28.

Recent Nissan Altima and Continental tire recalls

2013-2018 Nissan Altimas were recalled in May of last year for an ongoing hood latch problem that has been the subject of three other recalls. According to Nissan, the issue has led to 16 “minor” crashes or injuries.

As for Continental tires, this is the fourth recall over the last couple of months.  Earlier this month, General Motors recalled 33,000 vehicles due to this  “overcuring” issue.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 127,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls nearly 127,000 cars in search of seven faulty tires

Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Dearborn, MI and Washington, D.C. March 23, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) have begun recalls of 2,608,515 vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags whose inflators could explode, injuring or killing drivers and passengers. This latest Takata airbag recall includes:

  • 2007 – 2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007 – 2009 Mazda B Series pickups
  • 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006 – 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007 – 2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007 – 2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are Fords; the Mazda models in this recall were built by Ford due to a past relationship between the two companies.

Recall summary  

This Takata airbag recall is caused by faulty airbag inflators that can degrade over time and rupture when the airbags are deployed, sending shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants. Worldwide, these explosions have killed 27 people and have injured over 400.

The recall follows on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rejecting the automakers’ petition not to recall these vehicles.

The inflators explode because of repeated exposure to high humidity and “high temperatures” and despite the addition of a desiccant, or a drying agent, that is meant to minimize the risk.

Risks

The risks involved in this recall are similar to those in a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, which we cover in this previous article.

Other Takata airbag recalls

Over 66 million Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years in what amounts to the largest recall in the automotive history up-to-date. Just this year alone, General Motors recalled 6 million vehicles equipped with these potentially lethal airbags. 

Some of the cars involved in earlier rounds of recalls should NOT be driven at all. See the full list here.

The repair

Ford, Lincoln and Mazda dealers will replace the defective airbags with one that does not contain ammonium nitrate. The dealer will not charge for this service.

It is not clear when the parts will be available.

Ford and Lincoln owners should receive recall notifications with more instructions as early as April 1; Mazda owners can expect theirs to arrive by May 9. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2.6 million vehicles are included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Mazda or Ford recall check, enter your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Kia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

Irvine, CA – June 17, 2022 – Kia Motors (KIMTF:OTC US) has remedied 261,537 electrical issues that might cause engine fire in several vehicles including the 2017-2021 Kia Sportage. Additionally, 11,485 of these Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza models have been deemed unreachable, and 9,550 models have been removed from the recall. In total Kia remedied the engine compartment fire issues in three groups during 2021 and one group during the first quarter of 2022.

Irvine, CA – March 19, 2021 – Kia  (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 379,931 cars whose engines may catch fire due to an electrical issue.  The recall includes the following mid-size cars and compact SUVs:

  • 2017 Kia Cadenza
  • 2018 Kia Cadenza
  • 2019 Kia Cadenza 
  • 2017 Kia Sportage
  • 2018 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Kia Sportage
  • 2020 Kia Sportage
  • 2021 Kia Sportage 

The 2020 Kia Cadenza and 2021 Kia Cadenza are not included in the recall. The affected part is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which is part of the anti-lock brakes’ system (ABS). The part numbers are 58920-D9100 and 58920-F6210 for Sportage and Cadenza, respectively.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an electrical issue in the HECU, a component of the anti-lock braking system, which ensures that the car maintains contact with the road and prevents the wheels from locking, as reported.

A short in the wiring of the HECU may spark a fire in the engine compartment. The recall has been issued for cars sold in the United States and South Korea, where Kia is based. Kia said in recall documents that they did not know what was causing the short-circuit in the HECU.

Ongoing fire issues

Shorting in the ABS system seem to be an ongoing issue for this manufacturer.

In the past five years, Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, have recalled over 2.5 million cars due to fire risks arising from ABS problems. Kia is also subject to an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looking into the frequency of vehicle fires in Optima, Sorento, and Soul vehicles.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this issue if he or she notices the illumination of “tire pressure,” ABS or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights. The latter is also known as the “check engine” light. 

Additionally, the driver may smell “burning [or] melting odor” and see “smoke from [the] engine compartment,” according to the manufacturer.

Safety tips

Kia has advised that owners should park their recalled cars outdoors and away from structures until they have their cars repaired.

Read more about the dangers of vehicle fires and what to do if one occurs in this article about a recent Kia Stinger recall.

The repair

Kia dealers will replace certain fuses in the car’s electronics to prevent the HECU from short-circuiting. Certain vehicles will also receive a software update. Both repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Owner notifications with more detailed instructions will be sent out on April 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 380,000 vehicles are included in this Kia vehicle recall. Want to check for Kia recalls? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandKia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

Nissan Sentras recalled for brake light malfunction

Franklin, TN – March 18, 2021 – Nissan (NASDAQ:NSANY) has recalled 807,376 Nissan Sentra vehicles, due to a brake light switch issue that may prevent the brake lights from illuminating, increasing the risk of a crash.  The components in question are stop light switch and grommet, with part numbers 25320 AX10A and  24268 6KE0A, respectively.

The recall includes the following compact cars:

  • 2016 Nissan Sentra
  • 2017 Nissan Sentra 
  • Nissan Sentra 2018 
  • 2019 Nissan Sentra 

Recall summary  

Brake light, or stop light switches are what transmits power to the brake lights, warning other drivers that you are slowing down. Due to an unknown issue, the switches in the recalled vehicles may become contaminated by the grease that is used in the “surrounding components.” This may lead to the brake lights not turning on when the brake is pressed, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.

Additionally, as a result of the brake light contamination, the car may not start.

Warning signs

The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may turn on and the driver may notice that brake lights do not work.

Risks 

A collision may result in injuries or a loss of life for everyone involved.

Other Nissan Sentra recalls

Older model years of Nissan Sentra are subject to a December recall due to the Takata airbag inflators. As reported, the inflators are prone to exploding when the airbag is deployed and hurling shrapnel at the occupants. This may lead to the people inside the car getting killed or injured.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet – or a ring – over the edges of the switch to prevent future problems. The repair is free of charge and owners will notified beginning on April 7.

Additional repair parts should be available in the fall. Nissan will contact the owners again to let them know when the parts are available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 807,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To do a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydNissan Sentras recalled for brake light malfunction

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs as part of Continental tire recall

Auburn Hills, MI – June 7, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 2,110 vehicles including the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas that had problems with Continental tires. So far, six of these Volkswagen vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2019 Volkswagen Atlas models were remedied in 2021, and one group was remedied in 2022 due to this issue with Continental tires that can suffer a sudden air loss and rupture.

Auburn Hills, MI – March 17, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 2,535 SUVs equipped with problematic Continental tires that may break apart or rupture. The recall includes 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Volkswagen 2019 SUVs and concerns 255/50 R20 and 245/60 R18 105 T CrossContact LX Sport tires.

Recall summary

When tires are manufactured, they have to be “cured” inside a mold to hold their final shape.  The tires used on the 2019 and 2018 VW Atlas were accidentally cured for longer than necessary, making them more brittle and susceptible to breakage.

The tires are part of a larger problem with Continental brand tires, which has led to recalls by General Motors and Mercedes Benz in the past month.

Risks

The tire rupture could take place in two possible ways:  the tire wall may burst, causing a flat. Alternatively, the tire tread – the part that touches the road – could separate from the rest of the tire. Both could result in the car spinning out of control, raising the risk of an accident.

Although VW recall documents do not specify any warning signs that drivers should look out for,  Mercedes Benz’s recall of the same tires on their GLE SUVs says that the following may be signs of trouble:

  • Visible wear of the tire tread
  • A bulge in the tire tread area
  • Excessive vibrations of the car

The repair

Volkswagen will inspect and, if needed, replace vehicles’ tires for free. Owners will be notified with more information about the recall starting on May 4.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs as part of Continental tire recall

Jaguar recalls SUVs for defective high beams

Dearborn, MI – March 16, 2021 – Jaguar Land Rover (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 26,805 sports utility vehicles due to a faulty Auto High Beam (AHB) system. The high beams light up on their own, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following compact SUVs:

  • Land Rover Discovery 2020
  • Land Rover Discovery 2018 – 2019 
  • Range Rover 2018 – 2020
  • Range Rover Sport 2018 – 2020
  • Range Rover Velar 2018 – 2019
  • Range Rover Velar 2020

Recall summary 

The above mentioned vehicles have a faulty Auto High Beam (AHB) system. The beams light up without the driver’s input and the instrument cluster does not provide any indication that they are on. The cause of the defect is software, with multiple part numbers, including JY32-14C088-JL and KY32-14C088-JG.

Safety risks

During nighttime, the faulty lights may blind oncoming drivers, upping the risk of an accident, which can injure or kill the motorists and passengers involved.

Other Jaguar Land Rover recalls

In July 2019, a “seat belt locking glitch” forced Jaguar to recall the Range Rover Sport 2018 and  Range Rover Sport 2019.  The driver and passengers could not properly fasten their seat belts, increasing the risk of an injury during an accident.

The 2020 Velar has not been subject to any other recalls.

Repair

Dealers will fix the issue by providing a free software update. The recall starts on April 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 27,000 sports utility vehicles will be included in this Jaguar Land Rover recall.  Use the MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check if your vehicle is a part of this recall.

Suhas RamachandraJaguar recalls SUVs for defective high beams