GM recalls pickups for power steering problem

Warren, MI – April 30, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 60,678 pickup trucks that may lose power steering on “startup or while driving,” increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickups
  • 2015 GMC Canyon pickups

The component in question is the “electric power steering rack,” with multiple part numbers, including 23228020 and 23228019.

Recall summary  

Power steering is a feature that makes it easier to turn or maneuver the vehicle.

The recall is an expansion of a previous recall conducted in 2016. It stems from an issue with the trucks’ power steering gears, which translate the turning of the steering wheel into the turning of the tires.  

Because of certain electrical connections being corroded or damaged within the gears, the  gears may lose power and shut off the power steering.

Warning signs

If the power steering is deactivated, the driver will hear chimes and see the malfunction indicator light (MIL) come on.

Risks

With a heavy car like a pickup truck, losing power steering can make it difficult to maneuver the car, especially at lower speeds. This augments the risk of an accident.

Read more about what to do if you lose power steering in this article about a similar Mercedes-Benz GLC recall.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty part with an improved model, free of charge. Drivers who repaired this issue on their own dime before May 10 are eligible for reimbursement. GM also said “courtesy transportation is available for customers whose vehicles are involved in this recall and are within the warranty coverage period for the warranty which is associated with this recall.”

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 60,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. Want to do a GM recall check? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check for open Chevrolet recalls and GMC recalls.

Rebecca RandGM recalls pickups for power steering problem

Nissan recalls Infiniti sedans at risk of stalling

Franklin, TN – April 28, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 12,943 cars  that may stall because of a software issue. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Infiniti Q50 sedans
  • 2021 Infiniti Q60 sedans

Recall summary  

The engine control module (ECM) is a computer that controls the engine and over 100 elements in the car. Because of a software issue, when accelerating rapidly, the ECM may “shut off” the fuel supply, resulting in the car stalling. In normal circumstances, the fuel supply will not be cut off.

Warning signs

According to Nissan, drivers may be warned of the impending stall if the car “suddenly feels sluggish” and the check engine light comes on. Both of these indicate that the car entered a “limp-home” mode during which its speed is significantly reduced since the engine is not operating at full capacity.

The good news is that the car should drive normally after it is restarted.

Risks

Stalling, particularly in high-speed areas, can be dangerous, as approaching vehicles run the risk of hitting the slowed or stationary car. Read more about stalling risks and what to do if your vehicle loses power on the road in this article about a recent Chrysler recall.

The repair

Infiniti dealers will reprogram the ECM to correct the software issue. Owners will be mailed recall notifications with more information about when and how to seek repairs starting on May 25. 

There has been one crash related to this issue so if you do not feel comfortable driving your Infiniti, towing is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 13,000 vehicles are included in this Infiniti recall. To see if your car is one of them, check for Nissan recalls with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls Infiniti sedans at risk of stalling

Hyundai recalls Genesis cars that may catch fire

Fountain Valley, CA – April 26, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Company  (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 94,646 vehicles, due to a short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The short circuit risk may cause a fire,  increasing the risk of a crash.

The component in question is the hydraulic controller for the ABS, with part numbers 58920-B1010, and 58920-B1110. The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2015 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2017 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2017 – 2020 Hyundai Genesis G80 

Recall summary  

The ABS module prevents the wheels from locking, which helps the driver maintain steering control when the brakes are applied. In recalled cars, the ABS module may short-circuit, resulting in an “engine compartment fire,” when the vehicle is parked or while driving.

A small number of Genesis G70 vehicles are being recalled for the same issue under a separate recall. Hyundai Genesis SUVs are not part of either recall.

Warning signs

For warning signs, please see our article about a recent Hyundai Kona recall for fire risk.

Risks

If an engine fire occurs, pull over, move all of the occupants away from the vehicle and call 911. For more information, see this article about a hybrid BMW recall

Safety tips

As in other fire-related recalls, you should park your vehicle “away from structures,” such as your home, other buildings or a garage until it is repaired.

Other Hyundai and Kia fire recalls

This recall is the latest in the long string of Hyundai and Kia fire-related recalls. In March, Hyundai recalled over 4,500 electric vehicles with lithium-ion batteries that resulted in multiple fires and at least two rounds of recalls outside the U.S. In January, the manufacturer expanded an old recall of Hyundai Tucson vehicles because of a component of the ABS system that could result in the unit short-circuiting.

In December, Kia – which is part-owned by Hyundai – recalled close to 300,000 vehicles due to a risk of engine fire. No clear cause has been identified.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the ABS module fuse. The repair is free and the recall is expected to begin May 7, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 94,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To check if your Hyundai G80  is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai recalls Genesis cars that may catch fire

Daimler recalls GLB-class SUVs over risk of fly-away spoilers

Jacksonville, FL – April 23, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 5,215 compact SUVs that have tailgate spoilers that may detach while driving. The resulting road hazard could increase the risk of a crash or injury for surrounding motorists.

This recall includes the following GLB-class SUVs:

  • 2021 GLB35 AMG 
  • 2020 GLB250 
  • 2021 GLB250 

Recall summary  

The recalled cars have side tailgate spoilers, which are pieces of external trim made out of plastic. Their main purpose is to improve the appearance of these cars by giving them a slicker look. The spoilers were mounted incorrectly and may detach from the vehicle while traveling at a high speed. 

Risks

Spoilers that detach while moving may hit other vehicles, injuring its occupants or causing an accident.  Even if this does not happen, it is very likely that they will land on the road and become an obstacle. This augments the chances of an accident or injury for other drivers, as it may force them to make quick maneuvers.  

To read more about the dangers of road debris, please see this article about a recent Land Rover recall.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In August 2020, more than 10,000 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 SUVs were recalled because their rear spoilers were not fully attached to the car and might have detached from the car while driving.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will check how the side spoilers are mounted to the car and replace them – together with a corresponding clip – if needed. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on May 31.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall includes over 5,000 compact GLB35 AMG SUVs. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls GLB-class SUVs over risk of fly-away spoilers

Toyota recalls Venzas for driver-side airbag malfunction

Plano, TX – February 18, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has remedied issues on 16,996 2009-2015 Toyota Venza models with side curtain airbags issues that may not display properly during a crash. Additionally, 2,992 of these Toyota Venza models have been categorized as unreachable and 33,535 have been removed from the recall. All these 2009-2015 Toyota Venza vehicles with side curtain airbag problems were remedied during the last quarter of 2021.

Plano, TX – April 21, 2021Toyota (NYSE:TM) has recalled 279,040 mid-size crossover SUVs whose driver-side side and curtain airbags may fail to deploy in a crash.  The recall includes these models:

  • 2009 Toyota Venza 
  • 2010 Toyota  Venza 
  • 2011 Toyota Venza 
  • 2012 Toyota Venza 
  • 2013 Toyota Venza 
  • 2014 Toyota Venza 
  • 2015 Toyota Venza 

The component in question is the “wire harness for [the] front driver door,” with multiple part numbers, including 82152-0T100 and 82152-0T140.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from a wiring issue inside the Venza’s driver-side door. The wires connecting an airbag sensor in the door to the supplemental restraint system (SRS) – which is a computer that controls these airbags – may rub against a metal ring holding them together. 

This could eventually cause the wires to fracture, disabling the driver’s side and curtain airbags. In a crash, these airbags may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury to people in the vehicle. For additional details on this, please read the NHTSA Safety Recall Report. 

Warning signs

Venza drivers may notice that their SRS warning light turns on, indicating that airbags have been deactivated.

Risks

Like many other vehicles, 2009-2015 Toyota Venzas use side and curtain airbags to protect the driver’s head and torso, particularly in side-impact crashes. 

Side and curtain airbags reduce side-impact crash fatalities by an estimated 31.3%, but this protection is stripped away if these airbags deactivate and fail to deploy. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the wiring inside the driver-side door and, if necessary, replace the wiring system with a new one for free. Owners who already paid for repairs related to this problem may be eligible for reimbursement. Instructions on when and how to seek repairs or reimbursement will be sent to owners by June 12.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 279,000 Venzas are included in this Toyota airbag recall. To do a Toyota recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free recall lookup tool or visit Toyota’s Lookup Safety Recalls and Service feature. 

Rebecca RandToyota recalls Venzas for driver-side airbag malfunction

General Motors under investigation for airbag failures

Washington, D.C. – April 19, 2021 – The U.S. government’s highway safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM) over reports of an airbag malfunction. The investigation cites 15 complaints and covers the following vehicles:

  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac CT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2020-2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Yukon XL
  • 2020 GMC Sierra Denali
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD
  • 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 6500HD

Complaints  

Of the 15 complaints, consumers submitted to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), six mention serious crashes where the airbags failed to deploy, while eight highlight injuries that occurred in connection with the problem.

One complaint from Dayton, Ohio graphically describes the consequences when one driver’s airbag failed to deploy in an accident, resulting in a serious head injury. During the accident, “something hit [the driver’s] face while the “steering wheel airbag” failed to deploy. The driver remembers crawling out of their overturned Cadillac Escalade and being taken to the hospital. Upon being discharged, the person experienced “loss of taste and smell” except for the “smell of brain matter” from “fluid” dripping down their nasal cavity.

Other complaints describe the airbags failing to deploy despite the driver hitting several trees. 

Cause of the problem

The administration’s investigation points to a bulletin GM posted for dealers and repair shops in March, addressing problems with the airbag warning light. The bulletin blames the problem on “rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver airbag inflator.”

However, according to a statement obtained by the Associated Press (AP), GM said it was unaware of any airbags failing to deploy due to this problem, adding that its own analysis of the issue found that airbags would still deploy in a crash even if the malfunction light was on.

Warning signs

Some of the complaints describe the airbag and “service safety restraint system” warning lights coming on as often as “every two to three minutes when driving.”

Other GM airbag recalls

GM has recently recalled close to 6 million cars because of potentially lethal Takata airbags that may rupture when deployed. Separately, in April NHTSA launched another investigation after multiple car manufacturers – including GM – recalled airbags that were improperly folded during the installation process and could fail to deploy. The airbags were manufactured by Joyson, a successor of Takata.

It is not clear who produced the GM airbags at the center of the current investigation.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 749,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of NHTSA’s investigation. To do a GM recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors under investigation for airbag failures

Mercedes-Benz recalls nearly 5,000 vehicles for possible loss of steering

Jacksonville, FL – April 14,  2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF) – which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand has recalled 4,992 vehicles with a flaw in the steering shaft, which links the wheel and steering gear. This flaw may make it harder to steer or result in a complete loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.  The recall includes:

  • 2017 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45
  • 2017 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
  • 2017 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA250
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 

(2018 CLA 250 models are not included in this recall). The affected part is the steering shaft with multiple part numbers, including A0009909118 and A2464600409.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an issue in a joint attached to the steering shaft. The connection between the two may be slightly loose and allow for increased “play” between the two parts over time. Initially, the issue could cause noises when steering or steering that is less “precise” than usual. If left unrepaired, the steering shaft could separate from the joint entirely, causing the driver to lose the ability to steer the car.

Risks

This kind of break is most likely to occur at lower speeds, such as while parking, as this is when the greatest force is required to steer the car. Even at low speeds, however, loss of steering ability is unsafe and increases the risk of a crash.

So far there has been only one known instance of the shaft separating from the joint. It did not cause any crashes or injuries.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will check the car’s steering shaft and replace it, if necessary. All repairs will be provided for free. Owners who already repaired their drive shafts on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement. Notifications with more information about this, and about when and how to  seek repairs, will be sent out on April 30. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 5,000 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 nearly 5,000 vehicles for possible loss of steering

GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC vans for fire risk

Warren, MI – April 13,  2021 –General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 10,154 cargo and passenger vans whose batteries may short-circuit, which could cause a fire under the hood. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Chevrolet Express vans
  • 2021 GMC Savana vans

The affected part is the positive battery cable, with multiple part numbers, including 84911210  and 84911211.

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the vans’ battery cable terminals, which connect the car’s electrical system to its battery. Certain tabs on the terminals could touch other parts of the car, causing the battery to short out. If that happens, drivers may get a  “low battery voltage warning or experience a dead battery.” It can also lead to a fire.

The affected cars are equipped with 6.6-liter gasoline engines.

Risks

Car fires can pose a serious risk to drivers, passengers and nearby people and structures. GM has received at least three reports of fires related to this issue. To read more about the risks of vehicle fires, check out this article about  a recent Kia Stinger recall.

Safety tips

Just like in the recent Chrysler and Hyudai recalls, the manufacturer and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend to NOT park the car close to structures and “flammable materials” – such as houses, garages and “vegetation” – until the issue is resolved. If you do not feel comfortable driving the car and it is still within warranty, contact your dealer to arrange for courtesy transportation.

Other GM recalls

2018-2021 Chevrolet Express vans are part of a recent recall concerning tires that were left to “cure” for too long, making them brittle and prone to breakage.

The repair

GM dealers will trim away part of the tab on the battery cable terminal so that it is no longer at risk of touching other parts of the car. However, if the tab has been trimmed down too much in a prior repair, the whole battery cable will be replaced. Both of these services are free of charge. Recall notifications with more details about when and how to seek repairs will be sent out to owners starting May 3.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet/GMC recall. To see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Chevrolet and GMC vans for fire risk

Mercedes-Benz recalls cars for fly-away sunroofs

Jacksonville, FL – March 20, 2022 – Mercedes Benz has remedied 1,856 coupe models including the 2015-2020 C300 and 2016-2020 GLC300 dealing with panoramic sunroof problems. None of these models have been deemed unreachable as well none were removed from the recall. In total Mercedes remedied the sunroof problems in one group all during 2021.

Jacksonville, FL – April 12, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF)– which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand – has recalled 15,096 vehicles whose sunroofs could fly off while the car is in motion, creating a road hazard. The recall includes 76 models that have previously had the sunroof repaired:

  • 2017-2020 Mercedes Benz C300 Coupe
  • 2017-2020 Mercedes-Benz C43 Coupe AMG
  • 2017-2020 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG
  • 2015-2020 Mercedes-Benz C300
  • 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz C350e
  • 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 Coupe AMG
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
  • 2015-2019 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz C450
  • 2015-2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG
  • 2016-2020 Mercedes Benz GLC300
  • 2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG
  • 2017-2019 Mercedes Coupe AMG GLE43 
  • 2016 Mercedes Coupe GLE450

For a  complete list, please visit the following page.

The affected component is called the “Cover OSR” and has multiple part numbers, including A1177800022 and A1567801200.

Recall summary  

The sunroof in these vehicles is bonded to the car with a front roof panel that is adjacent to the windshield. Dealers did not attach the panel to the car correctly during a prior repair, making the panel and sunroof prone to falling off the vehicle while it is moving. Back in 2017, Mercedes recalled thousands of vehicles, including the GLC 300 with a similar sunroof issue.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received seven complaints concerning the “the detachment” of the panel while driving.

Complaints

A driver of a C-class vehicle complained last year that the sunroof no longer closed and was shaking and rattling, creating a potential “safety issue during a possible rollover.”  Another said that his or her car got wet after a piece of sunroof “flew off.”

Warning signs

Before the panel detaches, the driver may notice “excessive wind noises in the area of the sunroof while driving” or notice that the panel is partially separated from the vehicle.

Risks

The flyaway roofs pose a safety risk to the driver and other motorists, who may crash as they try to avoid the debris or if the panel hits them. You can read more about the dangers of road debris in our recent article about Land Rover’s fly-away spoiler recall.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the front roof panel with a new one, using the correct process and chemicals to adhere it to the car. Owners who already paid to have their roof panels re-attached may be eligible for reimbursement. More information about when and how to seek repairs will be sent out to owners in the week of May 14.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 15,000 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 cars for fly-away sunroofs

Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators over faulty backup camera display

Dearborn, MI – April 9, 2021 – Ford  (NYSE:F) – which owns the Lincoln brand – has recalled 34,952 luxury SUVs  whose backup camera displays may stop working. The recall includes the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and the 2021 Lincoln Aviator.

The affected part is called the “Image Processing Module – B” and has multiple part numbers, including  LC5T-19H423-AF and LC5T-19H423-AG.

Recall summary  

The image processing module helps process everything the backup camera is “seeing” behind the car, displaying it on the screen up front. Due to a software issue in the recalled Aviators, the module might fail to transmit the video feed to the car’s display screen.

As a result, the driver may see a “blank” or “distorted” image.

Risks

A rearview camera that fails to display what is behind the car reduces the driver’s rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

All cars built after mid-2018 are required to have functioning backup  cameras.  Read more about backup camera safety in this article about malfunctioning cameras in Nissan cars.

Other Ford backup camera recalls

In September, Ford recalled over 600,000 vehicles for a similar issue, as reported. The recall included Lincoln Nautilus crossovers and Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will update the image processing module’s software for free. Ford will send owners notification letters with more information about when and how to get the repair starting May 19.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 35,000 vehicles are included in this Lincoln recall. To perform a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Lincoln Aviators over faulty backup camera display