BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

March 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ – March 13, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has issued a large-scale recall that involves  917,106 vehicles that may develop a fire inside their engine compartment. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

A rather long list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2008 – 2013 BMW 128i
  • 2006 – 2012 BMW Series 3 
  • 2006 – 2010 BMW Series 5
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X3 SAV
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV
  • 2006 – 2011 BMW Z4

At least some of these vehicles were previously recalled and repaired in 2017 and 2019 but will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

These BMW electrical issues are caused by a fault within a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).  PCV is part of the engine whose role is to reduce air pollution by sending unwanted gases produced during the operation of the car into the cylinder. To stop these gases from solidifying in cold weather, the manufacturer has installed a heater inside this system. Due to a supplier error, the heating element of the recalled vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of fire.  

The component in question is the PCV Valve Heater, with part numbers  7561408 or 2458830. The full list of the vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

See this article about a similar BMW recall for more information on the risks.

Background of the recall

At least some of these vehicles were recalled in 2017 and then subsequently in 2019 for the same issue. This third recall is being done on the back of multiple reports of previously repaired vehicles experiencing fire in the engine compartment. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short if the malfunction indicator light (MIL) warning light comes on.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other BMW recalls

This is not a first-time BMW 3 series recall over the risk of fire, as there was a similar one in December 2021.  Apart from that, in February 2021 there was a BMW 5 series recall also for the risk of fire. 

The repair

At this time, BMW is working on a solution to this problem. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This BMW recall in 2022 is affecting more than 900,000 vehicles. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire
GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) formally launched this recall around the time this article came out. The remedy is still under development. Owners will receive letters with more information on April 23, 2022.

Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2022 –  General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC brand, will have to recall approximately 725,000 2010-2017 GMC Terrain SUVs following a rejection of appeal to the U.S. auto safety regulator to avoid the recall.

The headlights on these vehicles are too bright and might temporarily blind other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The timeline of the recall is not clear.

Summary  

On vehicles that will be a part of this recall, headlights are brighter than federal regulations allow. This issue was originally noticed by the GMC itself, that reported it to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in June 2019.

In its report, the manufacturer asked NHTSA to consider the defect “inconsequential” given that the reflections from the lights would appear “high above the vehicle… outside the driver view,” among other reasons.

However, on March 4, NHTSA rejected GM’s petition. As a result, GM will have to recall these vehicles to rectify the problem.  

Recall risks

Headlights that are too bright can cause glare, which may temporarily blind drivers of oncoming and surrounding vehicles. This can cause a crash, which increases the risk of an injury.

Other GMC Terrain recalls 

The last 2012 GMC Terrain recall was in July 2016 due to the risk of rollaway. Similarly, the last 2013 GMC Terrain recall also dates back to 2016, when over 360,000 of these cars were recalled due to faulty windshield wipers.

More recently, the 2020-2021 Terrain SUVs were among vehicles recalled due to tire tread separation that could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, as reported.

The repair

GM said that it would fix the problem by replacing the faulty headlights. Additional details are not yet available but all repairs will be free of charge as it is always the case for recalls.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Because of this GMC Terrain headlights issue, more than 700,000 vehicles will soon have to be recalled. To do a GMC recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights
Toyota recalls C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems

Toyota recalls C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – March 11, 2022 –  Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 36,558 2021 Toyota C-HR SUVs because their pre-collision warning systems may malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Toyota recall have a range of driver assistance features, including the so-called pre-collision system (PCS). This safety system uses a camera and radar sensor to scan the road in front of the vehicle. If any obstacles are detected, it will warn the driver and even stop the vehicle if necessary. 

On certain Toyota C-HR 2021 models, the radar sensor may not have been activated during the assembly of the vehicle. With it being inoperable, the PCS may fail to “notice” a potential obstacle and will not know it is inoperative.

The component in question is the “millimeter-wave radar sensor,” with part number 88210-F4070. 

Recall risks

Without PCS, the driver is at a higher risk of a collision.

Other Toyota recalls 

The 2021 Toyota C-HR is not subject to any other recalls.

The 2020 model-year was recalled in December 2019 due to faulty rear seat belts assemblies, as reported.

Separately, in December of last year, over 220,000 Toyota Camry sedans were recalled due to the loss of power brake assistance, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the radar and ensure that it is properly set up. This repair will be done free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners with more information will be sent by mail between April 11, 2022, and April 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota pre-collision braking recall is affecting more than 30,000 vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems
US government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking

US government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking

March 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – March 6, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake on their own. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million of the following vehicles:

  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Accord
  • 2017 – 2019 Honda CR-V

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 21, following at least 278 complaints about phantom braking. 

Based on the complaints, the vehicles’ Collision Mitigation Braking System (MBS) may cause the vehicle to start braking sharply in the absence of any visible threats and without any prior warning.

The Collision Mitigation Braking System, or CMBS, is the automated system that monitors the road ahead and stops the vehicle to avoid a crash if there is an obstacle.

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind. In addition, the sudden braking may confuse the driver and cause him or her to lose control over the vehicle, amplifying the risk of a crash.

In fact, six people have already been involved in crashes and injured due to this issue, according to NHTSA’s information.

Other Honda recalls 

There was a Honda Accord recall in December, caused by a faulty child restraint system, as reported. The recall also included CR-V, Ridgeline and Insight vehicles.

In April of last year, there was a large Honda CR-V recall due to faulty fuel pumps that may result in the vehicle stalling on the road. The recall spanned over 600,000 cars and also affected Acura, Civic and Odyssey vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a Honda brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To see if your car is subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking
Porsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

Porsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

March 6, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Atlanta, GA  – March 6, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) has recalled 5,305 luxury electric cars with a wiring issue that may prevent rear child seats from being adequately restrained. This increases the risk of an injury to the child in that seat in the event of an accident.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 Porsche Taycan
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with an optional rear center seat. Due to a supplier error, the wiring that goes underneath the seat may interfere with the anchoring point for the child seat, preventing it from locking properly.  

Recall risks

The seat may snap out of its anchoring points during a crash. If that happens, the child in the seat may get injured. 

Warning signs

If the wiring is blocking the anchoring point on the rear seat, the person fitting the child seat into the vehicle may notice it does not lock into position.  

Different ways of securing the child seat

There are two ways of securing a child seat. The one that is affected by this recall is known as the so-called  lower anchors and tethers for children system (LATCH) system. Even though the manufacturer does not specify it, parents should still be able to secure the seat using seatbelts.

Other Porsche recalls

There was a Porsche Taycan recall for the same model-years in October 2021 due to hazard lights that may come on on their own, confusing other drivers, as reported. These cars are also subject to a U.S. government investigation due to battery issues that may cause them to stall, also as reported.

As far as child seats go, there was a Volkswagen recall last September due to faulty child seat restraint systems, Volkswagen owns Porsche.

The repair

Dealers will check the positioning of the harness and replace it if necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 22, 2022.  All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Porsche child seatbelt issues are affecting more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors
Kia recalls Kia Souls with faulty airbags

Kia recalls Kia Souls with faulty airbags

March 6, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Irvine, CA – March 6, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 128,280 2014 Kia Soul subcompact cars due to the risk that front airbags may not deploy in a crash. This increases the risk of injury in a crash. 

Recall summary

The deployment of airbags in the recalled vehicles is controlled by a computer called the Airbag Control Unit (ACU). If the car is hit head-on in a very “severe” fashion, the sensors which send the signal to the ACU may fail, which may prevent the airbags from deploying.

The affected part is the ACU with part number 95910-B2000.

Recall risks

If the airbags do not deploy in a crash, there is a higher risk of injury for the driver and the passenger in the front seat.

Other Kia recalls

There was another Kia airbag recall in February because of airbags potentially failing to deploy upon impact, as reported. Included in the recall were the 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul and 2017 – 2018 Kia Forte, among others.

There was a Kia Soul recall in May 2021 due to the risk of stall and fire, as reported. The recall included 2020 – 2021 Kia Soul, as well as 2021 Kia Seltos.

Multiple Kia and Hyundai vehicles are also subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation due to non-crash-related fires.

Repair

To remedy the issue, owners will need to take their cars to a Kia dealer, where the ACU software will be updated. This will be at no cost to the owner. In cases where the owner may have already incurred repair costs relating to this recall, they will be reimbursed.

Affected owners will get letters with more information on April 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 125,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Soul airbag recall. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiKia recalls Kia Souls with faulty airbags
Daimler recalls Metris vans over decreased braking peformance

Daimler recalls Metris vans over decreased braking peformance

March 6, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Sandy Springs, GA – March 6, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 28,743 vehicles over improperly mounted brake reservoirs that can detach during use, affecting “braking performance” and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following vans:

  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Recall summary

Brake fluid is a necessary component of a vehicle’s braking system, providing the force that allows the brakes to engage when the brake pedal is pressed by the driver. This fluid is stored in a reservoir tank located in the engine bay.

The reservoir for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz brake fluid is mounted improperly on recalled vehicles. This can cause the component to detach during operation, potentially compromising the vehicle’s capability to provide adequate and timely braking force. 

The component involved in this recall is the Expansion Rivet, with part number A2019900192.  

Recall risks

Decreased braking performance increases possibility of a crash.

Warning signs

The driver may become aware of the issue if he or she sees the “brake warning lamp” come on in the instrument panel or feels a “a gradual softening of brake pedal resistance.”

Other Mercedes-Benz Metris recalls 

Over 17,000 vans were just recalled due to a faulty rearview camera that could cause the image to freeze, increasing the risk of a crash while backing up, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will make sure that the reservoir is attached as a way of addressing Mercedes brake issues. Affected owners will be notified by mail by March 28, 2022.  All inspections and repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 28,700 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Metris vans over decreased braking peformance
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over rearview camera defect

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over rearview camera defect

March 5, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Sandy Springs, GA – March 5, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 17,093 vehicles over a defect in the rearview camera which can cause the images shown on the rearview display to freeze.  This defect increases the risk of an accident.

The recall covers the following vans:

  • 2015  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2016  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2017  Mercedes-Benz Metris 
  • 2018  Mercedes-Benz Metris 

Recall summary

This Mercedes rearview camera issues’ recall is caused by a hardware defect involving the memory chip on the rearview camera. This may cause the images shown on the rearview display to freeze, compromising visibility to the rear of the vehicle.  

The component involved in this recall is the rearview camera with multiple part numbers, including  A4479052502 and A4479054603.   

Recall risks


For more on risks, please visit the following article on a Ford recall due to the same issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz Metris recalls 

The Mercedes-Benz Metris was first recalled in 2016 over an issue also related to limited rearward visibility, when an advisory was issued over inadequate visibility of the front passenger side mirror.

More recently, a recall for the Mercedes-Benz Metris was issued in February 2022 over an improperly mounted brake fluid reservoir. This component can potentially detach and leak brake fluid during operation, compromising the vehicle’s ability to safely come to a stop and leading to an increased risk of a crash. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the rearview camera on recalled vehicles. As a stop-gap measure in case of insufficient spare parts, dealers will update the camera software to reduce the probability of failure. The update will result in a “black screen” instead of freezing the image in case a failure occurs, to further reduce the safety risk.

Affected owners will be notified by March 21, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 17,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz Metris  recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz van recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over rearview camera defect
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