Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is looking into whether Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will need to recall additional vehicles that may be prone to catching fire and whether remedies for the recalls both manufacturers have already issued are adequate to lower the risk of fire. Both companies have already issued various recalls for vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons.

This latest development is part of an ongoing probe into the situation that affects an estimated 3 million vehicles. A partial list of the vehicles is below:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

Summary

On December 21, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), opened this probe – called an engineering analysis – on the heels of “161 fires potentially due to engine failures,”  which resulted in three injuries. 

Out of the complaints submitted, 125 were about vehicles that were not previously included in any fire-related recalls, while the rest was about cars that  have already been repaired under one of the eight recalls that have so far been issued due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire. 

The full list of vehicles being investigated is available here. Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

‘Caught fire while parked and turned off’

Some of the cars previously not included in a fire-related recall are the ​​2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Kia Sorento and 2012-2015 Kia Rio with as many as 550,000 of them potentially subject to recalls. 

In one of the related complaints, the driver alleges that his or her car caught fire while turned off in a parking lot of a restaurant. Witnesses mentioned hearing “electrical sparks” before the fire. The driver did not have insurance that would cover the loss of his or her “only mode of transportation.”

In another situation, a 2013 Elantra with only “8-12 miles on it” was “fully engulfed” after minutes of catching fire for unknown reasons. A third driver lost his or her brakes but did not receive any additional warnings before seeing smoke coming out from the back of the car while out on the highway.

Potential inadequate remedies

Over 35 complaints are about cars that received recall repairs, but still ended up having engine issues. The following recalls may need to be “re-done” with a new repair:

Background of the investigation

Hyundai and Kia have been under the scrutiny of the U.S. government since 2017 when NHTSA opened queries regarding Theta II engine recalls that contained various “inaccuracies” in the associated reports. Both manufacturers were found liable and paid hefty penalties – $70 million for Kia and $140 million for Hyundai – and were required to take a host of safety-related measures to ensure that these omissions would not happen in the future

In 2019, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate claims of “non-crash fires,” which resulted in multiple recalls. The investigation has now been upgraded to this engineering analysis, which typically takes a year and may result in additional recalls. 

Will your vehicle be part of a new recall?

No new recalls have been announced as of the publication of this article, but future Hyundai engine recalls and Kia engine recalls may be coming. To do a Kia recall check or a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Rebecca RandHyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Nissan recalls over 500,000 Rogue SUVs over fire risk

Franklin, TN – January 30, 2022 –  Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 688,946 SUVs that may catch fire because of an electrical issue, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The recall affects 2014 – 2016 Nissan Rogue SUVs. 

Recall summary  

All recalled vehicles listed here have a wiring harness – which is a bundle of wires with electrical connectors – under their floor carpets on the driver side. 

One of the connectors may not be sealed properly, allowing water and moisture to get in contact with bare wiring. This causes the connectors to corrode. The corrosion, in turn, increases the chance of an electrical short and fire and may negatively affect the operation of the driver-side window and seat. The issue may also result in “battery drainage.”

The component in question is the “Secondary Dash Side Harness” with multiple part numbers including 24014-4BA0A and 24014-5HK1E. 

Recall risks

Malfunctioning seats and windows or the smoke within the vehicle may distract the driver. 

A fire greatly increases the risk of injury or even death for the occupants of the car, as well as potentially other motorists. For tips on what to do if there is a fire, please visit the following page.  

Warning signs 

In addition to malfunctioning driver-side window and door, the driver may also notice the AWD sign come on. If there is an electrical short or a fire, the driver or passengers may notice smoke and a burning smell inside the vehicle. 

Other Nissan Rogue recalls 

Apart from these Nissan Rogue electrical issues, there were no other recent recalls that were affecting vehicles from this list.  However, the 2021 Nissan Rogue was recalled five times last year. The two recent recalls were caused by unsecured child seats in September and an overheating fuel pump which may cause the car to stall in December, as reported.

The repair

At this time, Nissan has not yet come up with a solution to the problem, although it is expected to be “available in spring 2022”.  All repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for theirs out-of-pocket will be reimbursed. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan water intrusion recall affects more than 650,000 SUVs. To do a Nissan recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls over 500,000 Rogue SUVs over fire risk

Ford recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 199,085 vehicles with a brake issue that increases the risk of a rollaway and also means that the brake lights may be “continuously” on, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall applies only to vehicles sold or registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii, and includes the following models :

  • 2015 Ford Mustang
  • 2014 – 2015 Ford Fusion 
  • 2014 – 2015 Lincoln MKZ

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an issue with the brake pedal stop bumper, which helps properly activate the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed. Due to higher temperatures, humidity and salinity in the states where the vehicles are being recalled, the rubber that the bumper is made out of disintegrates “after several years in service,” according to Ford.

As a result, these vehicles can be started without “depressing the brake,” increasing the risk of a rollaway. Additionally the missing bumper may also result in the brake lights being constantly on.

The component in question is the brake pedal assembly with multiple part numbers, found here.

Recall risks

The rollaway can up the risk of a back-over accident that can lead to property damage and injuries for everyone involved. The illuminated brake lights can confuse other drivers, also augmenting the risk of a crash.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, there was a Ford Mustang recall for improperly attached seat belts, as reported. The recall also included Mach-E vehicles. Rollaway risks were also a concern for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans, also recalled earlier this month.

The repair

Dealers will replace the recalled cars’ brake pedal and clutch pedal bumpers for free. Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on March 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 200,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To run a Ford recall check on  your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

Fountain Valley, CA – January 23, 2022 –  Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling  26,413 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may separate during a collision. This increases the risk of injury for the car occupants and surrounding pedestrians. Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2021 Hyundai Sonata 
  • 2020 – 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 

Recall summary  

Due to a supplier error, the recalled vehicles may have been painted with a clear coat that does not meet manufacturer’s specifications. As a result, the sealant that holds the windshield in place may not adequately bond with the metal beneath it and cause the windshield to detach during a collision

The component in question is the front windshield panel with multiple part numbers including 86110L0130 and 86110AB045, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

The detaching windshield could injure passengers inside the vehicle, other motorists and nearby pedestrians.

Warning signs 

The sealant that holds the windshield in place may partially separate from the surrounding body frame. If that happens, drivers may notice “wind noise” while driving or “water leaking” into the cabin when it rains. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by a fire-related Hyundai Sonata Recall from September of last year. There was a Hyundai Elantra recall in October, caused by a seat belt issue

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will remove the windshield and apply a different type of sealing material, which will ensure that it will stay in place. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai windshield recall is affecting more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

Ford recalls trucks over fire risk

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 –  Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 19,697 trucks that may develop a fuel leak. This can cause a fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Trucks that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Ford F-250 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-350 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-450 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-600 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-650  
  • 2021 Ford F-750

Recall summary  

All trucks from this list are equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine with a pair of fuel filters, which protect the engine from debris and rust. Due to “foreign material” mixed with the material the filter is made from, the affected vehicles’ secondary fuel filter may develop a small crack, which may cause a fuel leak under the hood.     

The component in question is the secondary diesel fuel filter with part number LC34-9150-AA. 

Recall risks

Fuel that is leaking inside the engine compartment can come in contact with hot components, such as an exhaust manifold or turbocharger. Although not flammable as gasoline, diesel fuel can still ignite, causing vehicle fire, which carries several risks. For more on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to this article about a Mazda recall due to the same risk.

Warning signs 

If a leak develops, drivers and passengers may notice a strong fuel smell coming from under the hood. In addition, a leak may be severe enough to trigger the “Check Engine” light on the dashboard. 

Other  Ford recalls 

Some of the Ford F-350 SD trucks from this recall may have been affected by a driveshaft issue from September last year. Additionally, there was a recall in August, caused by the possibility of the trucks’ wheels falling off the car. Ford advised owners not to drive the truck if it were affected. Check if yours is by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The repair

Dealers will rectify this problem by replacing both fuel filters. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between February 21, 2022, and February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford fuel filter recall is affecting almost 20,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if your Super Duty truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks over fire risk

Daimler recalls vans that may roll away

Sandy Springs, GA – January 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), that owns both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 48,400 vans that may roll away while the vehicle is in park. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is a result of a U.S. government investigation into the issue and includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this recall are equipped with automatic transmission and a manual parking brake. Unless the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle may roll away even when the gear selector is placed in “Park.”

The exact cause of the recall is currently under investigation, but seems to be connected to a software issue.

The component in question is the “Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit” software. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of a U.S government investigation into the rollaways opened in August of last year based on 11 complaints. You can read more here.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. In fact, leading up to the recall, there was at least one collision with a house and one injury, as reported.

Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van recalls 

The 2021 Sprinter passenger vans have been recalled 7 times in total. One of the more recent ones includes one in December of last year because of damaged brake hoses.  The 2020 Sprinter vans are subject to 14 recalls, including one in June of last year for malfunctioning backup cameras.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will flash the ESP control unit and install an updated software version. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall is affecting more than 40,000 Mercedes Freightliner and Sprinter vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vans that may roll away

General Motors issues third recall for Buick and Chevrolet due to suspension issues

Warren, MI – January 15, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), that owns both Chevrolet and Buick brands, is recalling 4,271 sedans in 23 states whose rear suspensions may break, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This is an expansion of two previous recalls conducted by the manufacturer. Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse
  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Regal
  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Recall summary  

All recalled vehicles have an identical rear suspension assembly. A part of that assembly is a toe link, which holds the wheels straight. In affected vehicles, this component was coated with insufficient anti-corrosion protection. As a result, this link may corrode and subsequently fracture due to exposure to road salt

This recall only affects vehicles that were sold or registered in the so-called “Salt Belt” states, which regularly use salt on the roads to de-ice them

The component in question is the “Rear Suspension Toe Link” with part numbers 13219171 and 22924230, built by Shanghai Huizhong Automotive Manufacturing.

Recall risks

For risks of this recall, please visit this article about a previous recall for the same issue conducted in August 2020.

Background of the recall

This recall is an expansion of two previous recalls that were conducted in December 2020 and August of 2021. It is occurring because, during the course of its investigation conducted leading up to the last recall, GM discovered that the defective links were installed in a wider population of vehicles than previously thought.

Other General Motors recalls 

Cadillac, Chevrolet and Yukon SUVs were subject to an October recall due to the risk of stalling while driving.

The last 2012 Buick Lacrosse recall was conducted in 2014 because of the driver seat that may unexpectedly drop, upping the risk of a crash.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the suspected toe links and realign the rear suspension. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on February 7, 2022. All repairs will be done free-of-charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM Toe Link recall is affecting more than 4,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans. To do a GM recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors issues third recall for Buick and Chevrolet due to suspension issues

Tesla investigated over distracting video game feature

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2022 – The U.S. Government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla’s “Passenger Play” feature which potentially allows drivers to play Tesla video games on the front console while on the road. The feature – which increases the risk of an accident – is present in the following models :

  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The government regulator, NHTSA, opened an investigation in December of last year following a complaint alleging that interactive video games and live internet web search are available on the Tesla center console while the car is in motion

Before December 2020, video games in Tesla vehicles could only be played when the vehicle was parked. But an update has allowed games to now be played while the car is in motion, requiring the player to only press a button confirming that they are not driving. NHTSA’s investigation will evaluate the “distraction potential” of this feature.

Risks

NHTSA is concerned that the availability of gameplay “may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.” Read more about the dangers of distracted driving in this article about a 2020 Chrysler recall.

Other Tesla investigations

This summer, NHTSA opened a broad investigation into Tesla’s autopilot system after at least 11 cars crashed into parked emergency vehicles. 

The autopilot system has also come under fire for not ensuring that drivers continue to pay attention to the road while autopilot is engaged, as intended. Other types of driver-assist, like GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road. Tesla’s high-tech vehicles do not include this type of monitoring.

Is your vehicle part of a Tesla recall?

An estimated 580,000 Teslas could be subject to a future recall. Check your Tesla for open recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla investigated over distracting video game feature

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Jacksonville, FL – January 9, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) that owns both Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands, is recalling 38,312 vehicles with a suspension issue that may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of an accident and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250  

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 SUV is not part of this recall.

Recall summary  

As reported, axles transfer the power from the vehicle to the wheels which enables the car to move. Front axles in particular also aid with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. 

An integral carrier, more commonly known as subframe, is the central part of the front axle that holds most of the suspension components in place. The supplier of these parts in the recalled vehicles did not apply enough “corrosion protection,” potentially leading the carrier to corrode and break or bend under loads. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The component in question is the “Integral Carrier” with part number A1776207101. 

Recall risks

Losing control of the car greatly increases the risk of a crash. 

Other Daimler recalls 

Among all the previous recalls concerning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4matic, the one from July caused by a water leak is the most recent one. As for the 2021 AMG variant, there was a rear-spoiler-related recall in April.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the issue by checking the condition of the integral carrier and replacing it if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail  on February 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz front axle carrier recall is affecting more than 30,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

Palo Alto, CA – January 9, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 119,009 vehicles whose hoods may open while driving. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2014 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 Tesla Model S
  • 2018 Tesla Model S
  • 2019 Tesla Model S
  • 2020 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

When closed, the recalled vehicles’ hood – called “frunk,” or front trunk in Tesla speak –  is secured in place with a latch. This is a mechanism with two separate latching assemblies. – The primary latch locks the hood, while the secondary one serves as a backup. In affected sedans, the secondary latch mechanism may be “misaligned,” which prevents it from locking the hood if needed

The component in question is the “Hood Latch” with part number 1033011-00-A. 

Recall risks

If the driver accidentally releases the main hood latch while driving, the hood may open unexpectedly. This will obstruct the driver’s view and may result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.   

Warning signs

Releasing the primary hood latch triggers an alert on the dashboard. 

Other Tesla Model S recalls 

In addition to this Tesla Model S trunk issue, there were several other recalls concerning these vehicles recently. The latest one among them was in November and it was caused by airbags that may rupture during deployment.  

Separately, over 350,000 Model 3 sedans were recalled just last month due to malfunctioning rearview cameras which may fail to display an image when backing up, upping the risk of a backover crash.

The repair

Tesla service centers will fix the issue by inspecting the latch assembly. If needed, they will realign the latch components so it operates as designed. All repairs are free of charge and owners who paid out of pocket may be eligible for reimbursement. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Tesla trunk issues includes more than 110,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods