Lamborghini recalls Huracans over headlight issue

Bologna, Italy – February 27, 2022 – Lamborghini (OTCMKTS:VWAGY)  has issued a recall for 4,796 vehicles over the possibility that their headlights can be “improperly adjusted.” This would compromise visibility, preventing drivers from being able to see upcoming hazards in low-light conditions and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers 2015-2020 Lamborghini Huracan sport cars.

Recall summary

Headlights are part of a vehicle’s standard safety features, providing forward illumination when driving at night or in low-light conditions. The covers preventing the driver from adjusting the headlights manually are missing in the recalled vehicles “due to a human error.

This could potentially result in headlights incorrectly aligned.

The component involved in this recall is the “beam horizontal screw adjustment blanking cap,” with part number 7PP941041.   

Recall risks

Improperly aligned Lamborghini Huracan headlights may direct the light beam pattern directly into the line of sight of oncoming drivers, resulting in glare. This reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash, resulting in bodily injury and property damage for the driver and other motorists.  

Other Lamborghini recalls 

This is the second recall issued for the Lamborghini Huracan, with a January 2021 recall involving the rear camera’s failure to display images in temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

The repair

Lamborghini dealers will install the covers – called blanking caps – on affected models to ensure the proper alignment of headlights. The repairs will be done free of charge. Affected owners will be notified by April 8, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,700 vehicles are included in this Lamborghini Huracan recall. To do a Lamborghini headlight recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloLamborghini recalls Huracans over headlight issue

Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

Irvine, CA  – February 26, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 72,848 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans with 2.0 and 2.4 GDI engines, whose low-pressure fuel lines may develop a leak. This may cause a fire, increasing the risk of injury and a crash. 

These vehicles were affected by an identical recall from February 2020, which apparently failed to solve the issue.

This is the latest recall in a long string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls, as reported.  Both manufacturers are currently subject to a U.S government investigation due to ongoing fire issues spanning millions of vehicles.

Recall summary  

In affected vehicles, the low-pressure fuel line, which goes between the tank and engine, may crack as a result of heat exposure and cause a leak which may lead to a fire.

Background of the recall

This Optima fuel hose issue goes back several years. Kia first addressed it by inspecting the suspected fuel line and replacing those that already developed cracks. As an additional preventive measure, dealers insulated the hose with heat-protective tape to protect it from future deterioration.   

However, on some vehicles, this repair may not have been done properly, necessitating this recall.

The components in question are the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q100 for the 2.0L engine and 31310-3Q900 for the 2.4L engine. 

Recall risks

This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers. You can find out all about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a different Kia fire recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak would result in a strong gasoline smell and, in case of fire, smoke or melting odor inside the car. In addition, the vehicle may display a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard. 

Other Kia Optima recalls

Over 440,000 of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas were recalled in June of last year, also due to the possibility of these cars catching fire because of brake fluid leaking into the cars’ anti-lock brakes (ABS), as reported. For more fire-related Kia recalls, please visit this page.

The repair

Dealers will fix this issue by replacing the low-pressure fuel hose with the updated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia Optima fuel leak recall is affecting more than 700,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

Ford recalls Mustangs with faulty rearview cameras

Dearborn, MI – February 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 330,784 2015 – 2017 Ford Mustang sport cars whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image or distort it.  This limits drivers’ field of view while backing up, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

Two different issues could cause the 2015-2017 Mustangs’ rearview camera not to be available. In some cases, the harness that goes from the trunk lid may become damaged, interrupting the feed from the camera. Another possibility is for the camera wiring to become loose, also resulting in a “blank or distorted image.”

The components in question are Body Harness, with part numbers FR3T-14A005,  GR3T-14A005 or HR3T-14A005, and the Rear View Camera itself, with part number FR3T-19G490-A.

Recall risks

You can find out more about all potential risks in this Ford rearview camera recall from October 2021. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among previous Ford Mustang Recalls, there is only one recent, which was caused by brake pedal assembly issues that could result in a vehicle rollaway. This recall only affects certain 2015 Ford Mustangs, as well Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars.

The repair

Dealers will repair the harnesses and replace the rearview camera if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between March 7 and March 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford Mustang rearview camera problems resulted in a recall that includes more than 300,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Mustangs with faulty rearview cameras

US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake while driving on autopilot. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This investigation may result in a recall, which may affect an estimated 416,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 16, following 354 complaints about phantom braking occurring when the vehicle was driving using the autopilot feature

Based on the complaints, vehicles would sometimes start braking “very aggresively”, although there were no obstacles on the road. This happened without any prior warnings or apparent reasons. 

The autopilot  – which is referred to as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – allows the vehicle to “ brake and steer automatically within its lanes.” 

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a vehicles’ sudden reaction may confuse the driver and cause it to subsequently lose control over the vehicle. 

Other Tesla recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several recent Tesla Model 3 recalls, including one caused by failure to warn the pedestrians about its approach. In addition, there was another previous Tesla Model Y recall in November 2021, which was also caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  Both of the recalls included other Tesla models.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Tesla phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 400,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check for your own vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla phantom braking

Jaguar Land Rover recalls vehicles with faulty airbag system

Mahwah, NJ – February 26, 2022 – Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM), which owns Jaguar Land Rover, has recalled 18,824 vehicles due to a defect that causes the driver airbag system to malfunction. This increases the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.

The recall includes 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SUVs.

Recall summary

Due to a programming error, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) of the vehicles included in this Land Rover recall, which is the computer that controls the airbags, is “overly sensitive.” This means that it may turn the airbag warning light on unnecessarily, even in cases where the airbag is not faulty.

Recall risks

An SRS warning light that falsely illuminates could prevent the detection of an actual airbag system failure. This increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Fortunately, Jaguar Land Rover has not recorded any accidents, injuries or fires caused by this issue yet.

Other Jaguar recalls

In September 2021, Jaguar issued a recall over child seats. The Range Rover seatbelt locking system was discovered to be faulty and potentially unable to securely hold a child car seat. 

There was a Range Rover Evoque recall for the 2020 model-year in March of last year due to an airbag issue that could fail to protect the driver in the event of a crash.

Prior to that, the 2020 Range Rover Evoque was recalled because of the risk posed by the front seats’ material. The material was confirmed to burn relatively quickly, ultimately increasing the chances of an injury during a fire.

Repair

To address this concern, a software update will be performed at no cost to the owners. Owners can expect to receive communication regarding the repair program by April 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 20,000 Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiJaguar Land Rover recalls vehicles with faulty airbag system

NHTSA closes investigation into Chevy Bolt’s fire issues

Washington, D.C. – February 20, 2022 – The U.S. government closed its investigation into fires among 2017-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The manufacturer of the vehicles, General Motors (NYSE:GM), has already recalled all of the affected vehicles, as well as 2021-2022 model-years.

Investigation conclusion  

General Motors conducted three recalls to address the reports of fires. Because of this, the regulator concluded in February 2022 that there was no need for additional recalls and closed the investigations. 

The first recall

After receiving two complaints from owners and several field reports, the government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated the investigation in October 2020. According to these complaints, a fire would develop inside the passenger cabin, underneath the seats, when the vehicle was parked.

GM was also aware of the incidents and started investigating to discover what was causing them. Based on initial findings, GM concluded fires were caused by an overheating high-voltage battery, which is located under the seat. The fires would happen when the vehicles were charged to “full or nearly full capacity.”

The manufacturer initially addressed the problem by recalling over 50,000 of the 2017-2019 model-years in November 2020 and reprogramming in a way so its high-voltage battery would only charge up to 90% of its capacity.  Later on in the recall, dealers ran diagnostics tests on the batteries to see if they needed replacing.

Subsequent recalls

As this recall was underway, both General Motors and LG, the battery producer, analyzed the data that dealers collected with the tests. They concluded that the repair offered under the last recall was insufficient and that more batteries needed to be replaced.

That prompted GM to recall all the cars included in the previous recall, as well as additional 2017-2019 model-years in July 2021.

By further analyzing the field data that was coming in from the dealers during the second recall, it eventually became apparent that there were more defective batteries.

As a result, General Motors finally recalled all of 2019-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV vehicles to replace their high voltage batteries

Other Chevrolet recalls 

Apart from these Chevy Bolt fire issues mentioned in the summary, there were no other recent Chevy Bolt recalls. Still, other manufacturers have also faced issues with fires caused by high-voltage batteries. One such example is BMW, which had to recall some of its hybrid vehicles back in September 2020 over a similar problem.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Chevy Bolt battery ire investigation did not result in any new recalls, but your car may need repairs for a different issue. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if your vehicle is due for any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes investigation into Chevy Bolt’s fire issues

Honda is investigated over faulty rearview cameras

Washington, D.C. – February 20, 2022 – The U.S. government is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) over concerns whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This increases the risk of a crash and injury while backing up.

If the investigation results in a recall, it may affect 71,008 of the following pickup trucks: 

  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Investigation summary  

On February 7, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation, following 42 complaints and 10 reports of rearview camera becoming inoperable

Based on the complaints, the rearview camera may stop working because of “severe damage to the tailgate wire harness,” which happens right after “the warranty mileage is exceeded.”

The goal of this investigation is to determine if there is a safety defect which may require a recall.

Risks

For more information on the risks, please visit this article about a Ford recall due to malfunctioning cameras.

Other Honda recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, owners should also be aware of a Honda Ridgeline recall from December 2021 which was caused by hoods that may fly open while driving.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Honda Ridgeline wiring harness investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 70,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check to see if it part of any open recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda is investigated over faulty rearview cameras

Stellantis recalls Pacifica Hybrids over fire hazard

Auburn Hills, MI – February 19, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns Chrysler brand – has issued a recall for 16,741 vehicles over a risk of fire which may occur even if the car is parked and turned off. A fire greatly increases the risk of an injury. 

The recall covers the following minivans:

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV)
  • 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV)

Recall summary

Due to reasons that are currently being investigated, the recalled vehicles may suddenly burst into flames even when parked and with the ignition turned off. 

The recall comes on the heels of “five customer records and 12 field reports” of Pacifica PHEVs spontaneously combusting.

‘The vehicle exploded into a fireball’

One driver’s complaint described his or her family’s horrifying experience which happened while the car was driven by the person’s wife with five children inside. The wife noticed “smoke coming from under the hood.”  Within “seconds”  of continuing on, smoke turned into flames. She pulled over and barely got her kids out before the “vehicle exploded into a fireball.”  

Recall risks

A fire may damage nearby structures and vehicles. It also puts the life of the car occupants at risk.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of victims so far. 

Other Chrysler Pacifica recalls 

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV minivans were involved in at least two other fire-related recalls in the last couple of years.

Over 10,000 units of the 2017-2018 model-years were recalled in October 2018 partially because of a fire hazard caused by improperly starting the engine. In June 2020, the 2017-2020 model-years were recalled due to the risk of fire due to a faulty connector post behind the driver’s seat.

Safety tips

While the repair for these Chrysler Pacifica fire incidents is being worked on, owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles and to park them a safe distance away from structures and other vehicles. To learn what to do if your car catches fire, please visit this article about a related Hyundai recall.

The repair

The remedy is currently not available.  Owners will receive more information by mail by April 2, 2022. Any recall-affiliated repairs will be done free-of-charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 16,700 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To do a Chrysler recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Pacifica Hybrids over fire hazard

Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

Fountain Valley, CA – February 18, 2022 –  Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 357,830 SUVs that may develop a fire inside their engine compartments, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is the latest addition to the endless list of fire-related recalls that have been the bane of Hyundai’s existence for quite some time.

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson 
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Recall summary  

All models listed here are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system. This is a safety system, whose job is to prevent wheels from locking up while braking. On vehicles that are a part of this Hyundai recall, the ABS control unit may overheat, causing a fire that spreads within the engine bay. The exact reason for overheating is currently under investigation.

The component in question is the ABS module, with part numbers 58920-4Z300, 58920-B8AC0 or 58920-2S820, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A fire that occurs in the vehicle when driving or when parked carries a range of risks. To find out more about them, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when parked, owners should park them outside and away from other vehicles and structures. This precautionary measure will prevent additional property damage if the fire does happen. 

Warning signs

Malfunctioning ABS module will disable the system and trigger a warning light, which is the first warning sign. Others may include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 

These Hyundai Santa Fe engine fires are a reoccurring issue that has been affecting many model years of these and other Hyundai and Kia vehicles. There are also previous Hyundai Tuscon recalls, such as one from January 2021, that was caused by a similar problem.  

The manufacturer and its sister company, Kia, are subject to a U.S. government investigation. The government auto safety regulator is trying to determine the effectiveness of recall repairs and if other vehicles need to be recalled as well, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will remedy this problem by inspecting the ABS module, and replacing it if needed. As an additional precision, they will replace the corresponding fuse with an uprated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 5, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Hyundai engine fires is affecting more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

Tesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach

Austin, TX – February 18, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 578,607 vehicles that may not warn pedestrians of their approach. This increases the risk of a crash.

This is the sixth Tesla recall in the past couple of months. It applies to the following models:

  • 2020 – 2022 Model S
  • 2020 – 2022 Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Model Y
  • 2017 – 2022 Model 3

Recall summary

All the vehicles that are included in this recall have a so-called Boombox function. The Boombox function allows owners to play any sound in place of the regular horn when the car is moving. At the same time, these cars are equipped with the Tesla Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s typically quiet approach.

The Boombox sound may “obscure” the PWS since they are both played through the same speaker. This means that pedestrians may be unaware of the car’s approach. 

Recall risks

Inaudible pedestrian warnings increase the risk of a crash. Fortunately, Tesla has not recorded any injuries or fatalities related to this issue.

Other recent Tesla recalls

In 2022 and late 2021, the above-mentioned Tesla models have already been subject to five additional recalls, as well as a government investigation over a potentially distracting video game feature.

The most recent Tesla Model Y recall was earlier this month due to frosted-up windshields which limited the driver’s visibility, as reported. Prior to that,  there was a Tesla Model S recall due to faulty seat beltchime, preceded by a Tesla Model 3 recall due to these cars not fully stopping at stop signs. 

You can read up on the investigation and the other Tesla recalls that have already been issued this year here

Repair

To remedy the situation, Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) update to disable the Boombox functionality when the car is in Reverse, Neutral and Drive. This will be done at no cost to the owners.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by April 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than half a million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach