Volkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

Volkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

April 16, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – April 16, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 6,553 SUVs whose tailgate spoilers may separate and fly off the car while driving. This creates a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of injury.  

The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recall summary  

SUVs from this Volkswagen recall have spoilers on their tailgate hatches, held in place with adhesive strips. These external plastic trim pieces improve the appearance of the car by giving them a slicker look, as reported.

On affected vehicles, the adhesive may not be strong enough, causing the spoiler to detach while driving at higher speeds.  

The component in question is the rear hatch spoiler, with part numbers 5NA-071-644–C9A and 5NA-071-644–C9X.

Warning signs   

Drivers may notice that the spoiler is loose or out of place if the adhesive strip starts to let go.  

Recall risks

If the spoiler detaches from the vehicle at speed, it can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  Furthermore, this fly-away object may land on the road and become an obstacle for other vehicles, forcing them to avoid it with quick maneuvers. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of a recent recall that could affect some of these 2021–2022 Volkswagen Tiguans. The cause is the rear suspension that may break and lead to a crash. 

The repair

As there is no reliable way to inspect if spoilers are attached adequately, dealers will replace them on all affected vehicles free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Tiguan recall affects more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Tiguan spoiler check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers
Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

April 15, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – April 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 6,240 vehicles with front seat pretensioners – which are supposed to protect the car occupants in the event of a crash – that can explode while deploying. The metal shrapnel may injure the car occupants.

 The recall includes the following models: 

  • 2020 Hyundai Accent 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra 

Recall summary  

Pretensioners are part of seat belt retractors whose job is to tighten the seat belt to protect the occupant’s torso during the crash. To do that, they use “expanding gas to…retract a seat belt buckle during the first moment of an accident.”

In affected vehicles, front-seat passenger and driver pretensioner housing may shatter during activation, flinging metal shrapnel at the people inside the car.

The components in question are seat belt pretensioners, with part numbers 88810-AA500 or 88820-AA500 for the right-hand side and 88810-J0600 for the left-hand one. 

Recall risks

These flying fragments may hit one or more occupants and injure them. 

Other Hyundai recalls

There are several previous Hyundai Elantra recalls that owners should be aware of. The most recent one, from January this year, is caused by improperly fitted windshields being the most recent.

In addition, there is a Hyundai Accent recall from August 2021 because of faulty trunk latches. That recall also included Sonata and Azera vehicles.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the problem by replacing seat belt pretensioners on all affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 31, 2022.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai seat belt recall affects more than 6,000 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 recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode
Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs with unsecured child car seats

Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs with unsecured child car seats

April 8, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – April 8, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 4,586 2021–2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs whose second-row seats may fail to hold the child seat securely during a collision, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Recall summary  

These SUVs have rear seats with anchorage points for a child seat tether welded onto the back of their frames. Due to a supplier error, one or more welds in the recalled vehicles may be missing. This may cause the tether anchorage to snap off if the load is high enough. 

The components in question are frames for the rear seat back, with part numbers 68545265AA or 68545267AA for the left-hand side and 68545266AA for the right-hand one.

Recall risks

The child seat may become loose in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Jeep and Chrysler recalls

Apart from this one, there are several previous Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls owners should be aware of. In December 2021, the 2021 model-year was among the 36,929 cars recalled due to faulty headlights. A month prior, close to 100,000  cars – including the 2021 model-year – were recalled because their airbags may fail to deploy, as reported.

The last Jeep frame recall took place in September 2018 when over 18,000 Jeep Wrangler SUVs were recalled due to improperly welded suspension brackets that could have snapped, causing steering issues.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the rear seat assemblies and replace the frame if needed free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022.

Safety tips

Even though the manufacturer does not explicitly state it, parents should be able to use the seat belt retractors to secure the child seat while the issue is being fixed.  For more information on different ways to secure the seat, please see the “Recall summary” section of this Volvo recall article.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Jeep child seat recall affects almost 5,000 vehicles. To do a Stellantis recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs with unsecured child car seats
Daimler recalls new Mercedes-Benz cars with faulty cruise control

Daimler recalls new Mercedes-Benz cars with faulty cruise control

April 7, 2022 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – April 7, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has recalled 8,396 of new cars whose faulty cruise control that may increase the risk of a crash.

A lengthy list of affected models includes:  

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63S
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 S
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz S580
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles are equipped with a cruise control system – called DISTRONIC – that assists the driver with braking, speed and keeping adequate distance between the car in question and other vehicles.

The feature still requires the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel, which is monitored by a series of sensors.

In affected vehicles, the sensors may be programmed incorrectly. This means that the car will continue driving using DISTRONIC even if the driver’s hands are not on the steering wheel.

It also means that in the event that the driver loses consciousness, the vehicle would not stop driving or call 911.

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury for the occupants of the car, as well as other motorists and pedestrians.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some cars from this list may have been affected by a recent recall due to inoperable rear lights. Some of the same model-years may also be subject to a November recall due to the risk of stall, as reported.

The repair

Dealers are going to rectify this problem by installing updated DISTRONIC software, which will ensure proper hand detection control operation. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 20, 2022. All repairs and updates will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall affects more than 8,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls new Mercedes-Benz cars with faulty cruise control
General Motors recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

General Motors recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers

April 5, 2022 Senamile Nkosi , ,

Warren, MI – April 5, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 681,509 vehicles with defective windshield wipers. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2014 – 2015 GMC Terrain

Recall summary

The operation of the wipers is controlled by the windshield wipers’ module. In this recall, the ball joints – which are important for the movement of the various parts – in the module may rust and separate from their sockets due to what appears to be faulty design.

This means that when the windshield wipers may fail to perform obstructing the driver’s view.

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash or injury to the driver, passengers and other motorists.

Other recent GM recalls

Last month, there was a GMC Terrain recall that involved the 2010-2017 model-years due to blinding headlights, as reported.

In September 2021, there was a Chevrolet Equinox recall due to the risk of loss of vehicle control because of faulty tires. The recall also included GMC Terrain SUVs, as reported.

In August 2021, there was a Chevrolet recall. The recall – that encompassed Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles – was necessitated by faulty airbags whose inflators may rupture at any point even when there is no crash.

Repair

To resolve the issue, dealers will replace the front windshield wiper module free of charge. Owners who have already paid for the repairs out of pocket will be reimbursed. Letters with more information will be sent to the drivers starting May 2, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 680,000 Chevrolet and GMC vehicles are included in this recall. To do a GM recall check, please, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiGeneral Motors recalls vehicles with defective windshield wipers
Ford recalls vehicle over trailer brakes issues

Ford recalls vehicle over trailer brakes issues

April 5, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – April 5, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 391,836 trucks and SUVs over malfunctioning trailer brakes. This may increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  • 2022 Ford Expedition
  • 2022 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2022 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2022 Ford Maverick
  • 2022 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

All vehicles from this list have a control module that activates the brakes on the trailer when one is attached. Because of a software error, trailer brakes may fail to engage when the driver intends for them to be applied.

The component in question is the software for “Integrated Trailer Relay Module,” with part numbers NZ6T-19J297-AB for the Maverick and  MU5T-19J297-DG for the rest of the affected vehicles. 

Recall risks

Inoperable trailer brakes may increase stopping distance, especially when the trailer is loaded. This could result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. There are no warning signs that would alert the driver to the possibility of a malfunction.

Other Ford recalls

Last month, there was an F-150 recall caused by faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

At this time, there are no other Lincoln Navigator recalls that affect the 2022 model-year. However, the 2016-2017 model-years were recently recalled due to decreased brake performance because of a brake fluid leak.

The repair

To fix this issue, dealers will reprogram the trailer brake control module with an updated software version free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between April 18, 2022 and April 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford truck recall affects more than 350,000 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 vehicle over trailer brakes issues
Ford recalls Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs over risk of fire

Ford recalls Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs over risk of fire

April 5, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – April 5, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 345,451 vehicles due to the risk of an underhood fire because of an engine issue. This recall comes on the heels of at least 21 warranty claims and reports of fires, many of which occurred despite “low time in service and… low vehicle mileage.”

The recall covers the following Ford models with 1.5L engines:

  • 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2020 Ford Escape
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2022 Ford Escape 

Recall summary

The oil separator is part of the engine that maximizes its performance and increases horsepower by filtering away excess air and other gases that mix with motor oil during the engine’s normal operation, according to LSX Magazine.

In the recalled vehicles, a crack may develop at the edge of the oil separator housing, causing the seals to fail and leading oil to leak out close to the engine. 

The component involved in this recall is the oil separator with part number HX7G-6C757-BA.

Recall risks



If the oil gets close to a heat source,  it could lead to a fire in the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of injury. For more on the risk of engine fires, please see this article about a BMW recall due to a similar issue.

Warning signs

Drivers may smell burning oil or see smoke coming from the engine bay.

Other Ford recalls 

Ford issued a recall for the 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles in December 2021 over reduced braking performance, as reported.

In September of the same year, the same model-years were recalled due to the risk of engine stall. The recall also included the 2021 Lincoln Corsair.

There was a small Ford Bronco recall in December 2021 due to a misaligned radar module that may make it difficult for the vehicle to keep a “safe distance” from other vehicles, upping the risk of a crash.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the oil separator on the affected vehicles for damage or oil leaks. If either are found, the oil separator and seals will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who have already paid for repairs related to this recall.

Affected owners will be notified between April 18, 2022 and April 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 345,000 vehicles are included in this Ford oil leak recall. To do a Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs over risk of fire
Volkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Volkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

April 1, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 26,053 vehicles due to the loss of power because of an engine issue. 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and covers the following models:

  • 2013 Audi A8
  • 2014 Audi A8
  • 2015 Audi A8
  • 2016 Audi A8
  • 2017 Audi A8
  • 2013 Audi S6 
  • 2014 Audi S6 
  • 2015 Audi S6 
  • 2016 Audi S6 
  • 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S7 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S8
  • 2014 – 2017 Audi RS7

Recall summary

Turbocharger is a device that is fitted on the engine to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. There are bearings inside the turbocharger that are essential to its operation as they allow the charger to spin at high speeds, increasing the vehicle’s power output. The bearings must be sufficiently lubricated by an oil supply system so they can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures produced as a result of the turbocharger operation. 

The strainer used by the supply system to keep impurities can become clogged by “carbon deposits” and other contaminants present in the oil. When this happens, it can deprive bearings of lubrication, causing them to wear out faster than usual. It is not clear why this is occurring.

Recall risks


This defect can cause the turbocharger to break. This can cut off power to the engine and result in the vehicle stalling, which increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Warning messages such as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), low oil warning light or electronic power control (EPC) may flash on the dashboard. Customers may also notice “extended cranking or rough idling.”  

Background of the recall

This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), launched a year ago on the back of 58 complaints and a number of field reports alleging a sudden stall while driving. Some of the complaints allege that the car was not able to be restarted after losing power. Several drivers mentioned that repairs ran them in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The repair

Volkswagen will reimburse owners who have already incurred repair expenses arising from the defect while dealers will replace the defective oil strainer for the turbocharger and perform an oil change. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Affected owners will be notified by May 20, 2022. 

Other Audi recalls 

There was an Audi RS6 recall earlier this month due to fuel gauges that could show an inaccurate fuel level, which could lead to the car running out of gas and a stall, as reported. The recall included more than 45,000 RS6 and other vehicles, such as RS7, also as reported.

A recall was issued for more than 280,000 Audi vehicles in December 2021 over due to the loss of control due to premature tire wear, as reported.

Volkswagen also recalled more than 40,000 Audi models in May 2021 over the suspension system which could potentially break, compromising the vehicle’s control.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 26,000 vehicles are included in this Audi turbocharger recall. To see if your vehicle is part of this Audi recall,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power
Volkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Volkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

April 1, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, FL – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 10,119 compact and subcompact SUVs, whose rear suspensions may break. This may reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Recall summary  

This Volkswagen recall concerns the suspension knuckle at the rear underside of the car, which holds the rear wheels straight. As a result of a manufacturing error, this metal linkage may corrode and subsequently snap under load.  If that happens, it would significantly offset the wheel alignment, affecting the driver’s ability to steer. 

The faulty component is the rear suspension knuckle, with part numbers 5QN 505 435A/436A for Tiguan and 5QM 505 435C/436C for Taos. 

Recall risks

A broken rear suspension knuckle affects the car’s behavior on the road and may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of a crash and injury for its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of these vehicles may be affected by a Volkswagen Taos recall from September 2021 caused by the risk of stalling. The same month, over 16,000 of 2022 Taos vehicles were recalled due to the risk of fire.

The last major Volkswagen Tiguan recall took place in November 2020, when over 32,000 Tiguan, Jetta, Atlas and Arteon vehicles were recalled due to non-functional backup cameras.

The repair

Dealers will check both rear knuckles and replace them if needed. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 20, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen recall affects more than 10,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss
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