Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

Fountain Valley, CA – December 26, 2021 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) has recalled 2,679 vehicles due to unexpected acceleration after the release of the gas pedal, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following electric vehicles:

  • 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Recall summary

The subject vehicles may erroneously enter the fail-safe mode – also known as the “limp-home” – because of a communication error between the vehicle’s components  caused by “the deterioration of the electrical ground.” The ground is meant to protect drivers from electric shock. 

The mode is designed to protect the engine from further damage if something is seriously wrong with one of the car’s systems by reducing its speed and acceleration. However, in this case, it can trigger “unintended acceleration” even after the gas pedal is released.

The component in question is the “Power Electric Module” with multiple  part numbers, including G7GPE-U300050 and G7GPE-U300053.

Recall risks

Although the braking and steering systems remain fully functional when the vehicle is in the fail-safe mode,  the sudden acceleration still augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

When entering the fail-safe mode, the vehicle’s “READY” lamp flashes, which acts as an alert for the driver. 

Other recent Hyundai recalls

In March 2021, some 4,600 Hyundai vehicles – including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EVs – were recalled on the back of multiple fires caused by faulty Li-ion batteries. In 2021, there have been multiple recalls of both Kia and Hyundai vehicles because of fire risk, as reported.

Separately, there was a small 2017 Hyundai Ioniq recall in 2017 because of the risk of stall.

Repair

To resolve these Hyundai Ioniq issues, dealers will update the relevant software and add additional ground wiring to prevent miscommunication between the involved components. All of this will be done free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters around February 4, 2022, which will contain further information on the steps to take.

Is your car part of the recall?

This Hyundai electrical issues’ recall includes over 2,600 cars. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaHyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has issued a recall for 2,903 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV) whose odometers may fail to display the distance traveled. This may cause the driver to miss out on critical maintenance, augmenting the risk of injury and crash. 

Recall summary  

In vehicles that are part of this Jeep Wrangler recall, the instrument panel cluster, or IPC, is programmed incorrectly. As a result, the odometer will only display two dashes after the mileage exceeds 13,342 miles. 

The component in question is the Instrument Panel Cluster, with multiple part numbers including 68499481AH and 68499482AF. 

Recall risks

If the owners do not know how many miles their vehicles have traveled, they may unknowingly skip out on the required maintenance. This may lead to the failure of “safety-critical” components, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

When checking the overall distance traveled, drivers may notice the two dashes instead of a numerical value.  

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls 

Some of these 2021 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid vehicles may have been affected by a recall in January, caused by a potential risk of fire. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the IPC, if the odometer reading is below 13,342 miles. In case the vehicle has done more miles than that, dealers will replace the whole instrument cluster. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Odometer recall includes approximately 3,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

Stellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has recalled 36,929 vehicles whose headlights may suddenly “become inoperable,” increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is affecting the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs. 

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Jeep recall have a smart lightning module, or SLM, which controls the headlight operation. As a result of an incomplete software update, this module may malfunction in the recalled vehicles. If that happens, one or both headlights could fail to engage without any prior warning

The component in question is the Headlamp Assembly, with multiple part numbers including 68376974AE and 68376993AE. 

Recall risks

Inoperable headlights will reduce drivers’ visibility and impact their ability to spot any potential obstacles. In addition, other motorists and pedestrians may fail to notice a moving vehicle that is not illuminated. Both situations increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

There were several previous Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls, with one concerning airbags that may fail to deploy being the most recent one. Additionally, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a  November recall caused by difficult high-beam activation

The repair

To fix this issue, dealers will reprogram the smart lighting module with an updated software version. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Grand Cherokee headlights’ recall includes almost 200,000  vehicles. To do a Fiat-Chrysler Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

Auburn Hills, MI. – December 25, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is issuing a recall for 288,991 vehicles over a defect that could cause reduced engine power while moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following compact SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2022 Audi Q5
  • 2018 – 2022 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

The gateway control module is located in the back of the car and allows the vehicle’s various control units – such as those involving the engine, transmission and onboard infotainment– to communicate efficiently, As the component is vulnerable to water damage, it is programmed to shut down when water reaches it.

In the recalled vehicles, water can get into the module due to liquid spills on the rear seats or while driving “through heavy rain…or deep puddles due to an insufficient underbody seam.” This can short-circuit the component. While the vehicle’s steering and braking systems will continue to work when this happens, the engine will switch to emergency mode, resulting in reduced power.  

The component in question is the gateway control module, with part number 80A 907 577 C.

Recall risks

Reduced engine power increases the risk of accidents.

Warning signs

The driver will receive several warning messages as the gateway control module shuts down. These messages are caused by the “interrupted communication” between the networks that the control module manages. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

The Volkswagen recall check comes less than a year after the Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback models were introduced in January 2021. The most recent Audi Q5 recall took place in May 2021 over potential suspension damage, spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years.  

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cover to keep water from reaching the gateway control module. In some units, a sealant will also be applied to secure the underbody seam and prevent water from entering underneath. The repairs will be done free of charge.  

Audi will contact dealers and owners with more detailed information by February 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 280,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To do an  Audi recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

Washington, D.C. – December 25, 2021 – The U.S. government is looking into problems with Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) vehicles whose hood latches may not close, causing the hood to fly open while driving.  If the investigation leads to a recall, it may include 325,512 cars. 

The investigation covers the following models:

  • 2013 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2014 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Investigation summary  

On December 9, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation based on 15 reports of the hoods becoming open while driving.

The complaints describe hoods opening while driving at medium to high speeds, obstructing the driver’s view and sometimes smashing the windshield or breaking the fenders. The government has not yet identified the root cause of the problem.

Risks

According to government investigation documents, “sudden and unexpected opening of the hood can startle drivers, block their visibility, and could lead to a crash into other vehicles or objects.”  

Other Pathfinder recalls

Pathfinders have been plagued by other hood-latch issues since 2015, when a 2013 – 2014 Nissan Pathfinder hybrid recall targeted an issue with the hood latch release cable, which was causing the hood to fly open.  The 2014 model-year, as well as the 2015 one, were among cars recalled in October of this year because of software issues causing stalling .

Another October Nissan Pathfinder recall targeted over 10,000 of the 2022 model-years because of loose headrests, as reported.

Will your vehicle be part of a Nissan recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Nissan Pathfinder recall, possibly affecting over 325,000 cars. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

Portland, OR – December 19, 2021  – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 2,956 2022 Kia Carnival minivans with sliding door issues that result in an open door while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.

Recall summary  

Due to faulty parts inside the sliding passenger-side door, the latch may become “stuck in the open position.” The door may then open while the vehicle is moving.

The component in question is the “Remote Controller Assembly” with part number 814C2-R0100.

Recall risks

Driving with an open door increases the risk of the passenger falling out of the vehicle, especially at high speeds. 

Warning signs  

The driver will hear “four audible alert chimes” and will see the “the door-ajar warning” illuminate in the instrument panel even if the car is not moving. If the driver ignores the warnings and starts driving at speeds higher than 6 mph, he or she will hear “continuous” additional chimes and will see the warning in the instrument cluster, along with a “flashing red graphic.”

Other Kia recalls 

This model-year is subject to an April recall because of fire risk caused by a fuel leak.

Certain Kia vehicles have been long-plagued by the so-called “non-collision” fires, which are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, as reported. In fact, in November, the manufacturer recalled over 10,000 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima PHEV sedans that may catch fire as a result of premature engine wear.

The repair

Dealers will replace two parts in the remote control assembly to ensure that the door closes properly. The repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for their own repairs will be reimbursed.

Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners on December 16, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Carnival recall includes more than 2,500 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaKia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

Toyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

Plano, TX – December 19, 2021  – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 22,462 vehicles whose steering may develop a leak. The resulting loss of hydraulic fluid will make the steering harder, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the following SUVs and pickup trucks:

  • 2021 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2022 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2021 Toyota Tundra

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a steering system with hydraulic power assistance, which reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel by introducing fluid into the power-steering assembly. 

Because of a supplier error, the assembly may develop a leak. This allows the fluid to escape, which eventually causes a loss of power steering assist.  

The component in question is the power steering gear assembly, with part numbers 44250-0C121 and 44250-0C131. 

Recall risks

Although the driver will still be able to steer the vehicle without power-steering assistance, this will require considerably more effort. If this happens suddenly during low-speed maneuvering, it may result in a crash. 

Other Toyota recalls 

There was a recent Toyota Tundra recall in October, caused by faulty headlight wiring that may result in a fire. There are no other Toyota Sequoia recalls concerning the vehicles from this range. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will inspect the steering rack for leaks. If any are detected, the rack will be replaced with a new one. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 22, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota Tundra oil leak recall includes almost more than 20,000  vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

Volkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Miami, FL – December 19, 2021 – Volkswagen and Audi (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) have agreed to pay out $42 million dollars in a settlement with current and former car owners whose vehicles were built with potentially deadly Takata airbags. 

The settlement includes  some of the following vehicles:

  • 2009 – 2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2012 – 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2006 – 2013 Audi A3
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2007 – 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010 – 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2006 – 2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005 – 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2017 Audi R8 Coupe
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007 – 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan

Settlement summary  

The $42-million dollar settlement was reached in November and is the result of a 2014 class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi for selling or leasing vehicles built with defective Takata airbags. The lawsuit sought to recover damages for the risks and costs owners and lessees incurred during Audi and Volkswagen airbag recalls. 

The settlement affects current or former owners or lessees of the vehicles that were all subject to the infamous  Takata airbag recall, which has affected about 100 million airbags worldwide.  The current owners must have bought the car by November 10, 2021 while the former owners must have sold or returned their vehicle after February 9, 2016.

All cars must have been bought or leased in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. For a full list of vehicles, please visit this page. To check if your car is subject to a recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The settlement

To receive settlement funds, you will need to fill out a claim form and send it to a settlement administrator. The form, and more instructions, can be found here.

The settlement is still subject to a final approval by the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida. The hearing to approve it is expected to be held in early March.

The payment

Those who had to pay for transportation, towing, childcare or lost wages during the Volkswagen and Audi airbag recall may be eligible for reimbursement and potentially two payments of up to $250 later on. Those with no expenses are still eligible to receive up to $500.

Risks

Takata airbags contain an inflator that is at risk of exploding when the airbag is deployed. Exploding inflators pose a serious threat to the safety of car occupants, sending sharp shrapnel flying at drivers’ and passengers’ bodies. Reuters reported that as of September this year, Takata airbags had killed 28 people and injured over 400 worldwide. 

Other Takata airbag recall settlements

Audi and Volkswagen are not the first automakers to settle a suit over the defective airbags. The following car companies have settled class action lawsuits with current and former owners:

  • BMW, $131 million
  • Ford, $299.1 million
  • Honda, $605 million
  • Mazda, $75.8 million
  • Nissan, $97.7 million
  • Subaru, $68.2 million
  • Toyota, $278.5 million

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

According to court documents, 35% of recalled Takata inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles still need repairs. To see if your car is one of them, run a VW recall check with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Auburn Hills, MI – December 12, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) is recalling 54,429 vehicles that may develop a water leak that could cause the airbag to accidentally deploy.  This increases the risk of an injury and may also lead to a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2021 VW Atlas
  • 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary  

During its operation, the air-conditioning system of a car generates condensate, which is drained outside the vehicle through a flexible tube. In affected Volkswagen Atlas vehicles, this drain tube may be blocked due to a supplier error, causing the condensate to build up within the dashboard. There, it can find its way into the airbag control module, causing it to malfunction.  

The drain tube in question is part of the Evaporator Housing with part number 3QF.820.007.  

Recall risks

With a malfunctioning control module, airbags may not deploy in a collision or may inadvertently deploy, although there is no crash. Both situations increase the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs  

If the airbag control module malfunctions, it will trigger airbag warning lights on the dashboard. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

In addition to VW Atlas air conditioning issues, these vehicles had several recalls that affected them in the past. In February, they were recalled due to a possible loss of steering control, while in March, some 2018 and 2019 Atlas SUVs had to have their tires replaced as part of a larger tire recall due to possible breakage.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the drain tubes and replace them and the airbag control module if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW Atlas recall includes more than 50,000 SUVs. To do a VW Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Ford recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance

Dearborn, MI – December 12, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) has issued a recall for 114,996 vehicles with decreased braking performance. The issue prolongs stopping distance, upping the risk of an accident and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs: 

  • 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2022 Ford Escape

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this recall have rear brake pads that contain calipers whose role is to stop the car when the driver presses the brake by clamping down on the wheels.  Due to a supplier error, the calipers in the recalled vehicles do not generate sufficient friction to do that properly. As such, it may be harder to stop the car, especially if the brake booster malfunctions.

The component in question is the rear brake caliper with part numbers NX61-2D251-BNA for the left and NX61-2D250-BNA for the right one. 

Recall risks

The issue increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford recalls 

In September, there was a Ford Bronco recall that also included 2021 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. The recall was caused by  the possibility of an engine stall

Last November, there was a Ford Escape recall because of a faulty rearview camera. The recall also included close to 430,000 other vehicles and was subsequently subject to scrutiny by the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), because of its timeliness and scope, as reported.

The repair

Dealers are set to rectify the problem by replacing rear brake pads with ones that ensure sufficient friction. This solution, however, is still under development. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between January 10 and January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 100,000 SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance