Daimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 254,799 vans and cars over inability of the vehicles to dial emergency services. This compromises the occupants’ ability to get timely help in the event of a crash.

The recall affects Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, as well as CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class and G-Class vehicles.

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S550 
  • 2019–2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS5 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz  AMG GT C
  • 2017 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350

Recall summary  

All of the recalled vehicles have an emergency call system, which Daimler refers to as eCall. This is an in-built communication device that allows occupants to contact emergency services with a touch of a button. 

Due to a SIM card software issue, the eCall may not be able to access the mobile phone network, preventing the car occupants from dialing 911 in the case of an emergency.

The component causing this recall is the communication module software, with different part numbers,  depending on the model. 

 A detailed list of vehicles affected by this recall is available here and here.

Recall risks

The car occupants may not be able to get help in time, increasing the chance of a serious injury or even death.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Just last week, Daimler told drivers not to drive close to 300,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles because of potential brake failure, as reported. Earlier this month, around 12,000 Sprinter vans were recalled due to faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Daimler will update the SIM software using the over-the-air, or OTA, feature. Should this procedure fail, the owners will be individually contacted and advised to visit an authorized dealer. 

Metris and Sprinter van owners will receive letters with additional information on June 20, 2022 while Mercedes-Benz owners will be notified on July 19, 2022. All updates are free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz emergency call recall is affecting more than 200,000 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 vans and cars that cannot dial 911

Hyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – May 28, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 239,000 vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which are part of a mechanism that tightens the seat belt during a crash – may be defective. This increases the risk of injury to the driver and passengers. 

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2019 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2023 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV 

Recall summary

Seat belt pretensioners help lock the seat belt in case of a collision. The vehicles in question have pyrotechnic pretensioners that are designed to deploy quickly and forcefully. In the affected vehicles, however, the pretensioners are at risk of exploding when deployed for unknown reasons.

The components involved are the seat belt assembly with pretensioner for the driver’s and passenger’s sides, with part numbers 88810-J0600, 88820-J0600, 88810-AA500 and 88820-AA500.

Recall risks

If the pretensioner explodes, it could send metal fragments into the vehicle,  striking occupants and resulting in an injury.

Other recent Hyundai recalls

This is not the first pretensioner-related Hyundai seat belt recall that has been issued in recent months. In April there were 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra and 2020 Hyundai Accent recalls over a similar issue. Another related recall was issued in October 2021.

In February, Hyundai issued the latest in a series of fire-related recalls. The subject vehicles may develop a fire inside the engine compartment, which could lead to injury.

Prior to that, some Hyundai vehicles were subjected to a recall over windshields that may detach. This has been attributed to a supplier error in which insufficient sealant was used to keep the windshield in place. 

Repair

To remedy the issue, Hyundai dealers will install a cap intended to prevent the seat belt pretensioner from deploying abnormally. This will be at no cost to owners.

Vehicle owners can expect to receive communication regarding the repair program by July 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai Accent and Hyundai Elantra recall affects more than 200,000 vehicles. To perform a Hyundai recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHyundai issues another recall over seat belt pretensioners that may explode

Ford recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

Dearborn, MI – May 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 39,013 SUVs over mysterious engine-bay fires. These fires, which may happen either while driving or while parked, carry the risk of injury or property damage. 

This recall affects the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles can catch fire even when the ignition is turned off. The cause of fires is currently under investigation.

Background of the recall

In March 2022, Ford’s Critical Concern Repair Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into eight reports of vehicle fires and one report of a melted battery junction box. By May, the CCRG knew of 16 fires that were potentially related. According to these reports, fires have started under the hood both while driving and while parked, and even with the ignition turned off.

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry a wide range of risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Warning signs 

Occupants may notice a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Safety tips

Ford advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures to minimize the risk of damage in the event of a fire. This should prevent additional property damage if an affected SUV catches fire while parked. 

Other Ford recalls

There was a Ford Expedition recall last month due to faulty windshield wiper arms. Inoperable wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Apart from this Lincoln engine fire issue, other recent Lincoln Navigator recalls include one from April this year caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras

The repair

Ford is still investigating the cause of these engine compartment fires, so a solution to the problem is not yet available.

Letters with more information will be sent to owners between May 23, 2022 and July 3, 2022. Additional notices will be sent once a remedy is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall affects 32,711 Ford Expeditions and 6,302 Lincoln Navigators. 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 unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

Dearborn, MI – May 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 310,203 heavy-duty trucks whose driver side airbags may fail to deploy due to an electrical issue. This increases the risk of an injury during a crash. 

Pickup trucks affected by this Ford recall include: 

  • 2016 F-250 SD
  • 2016 F-350 SD
  • 2016 F-450 SD 
  • 2016 F-550 SD

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list have a so-called “clock spring” cable that is designed to ensure communication between the vehicle and devices within the steering wheel. On affected vehicles, dust may get inside the clock spring assembly and cause electrical interference, which could affect the operation of components connected to it. As a result, the driver side airbag may fail to deploy in a crash. 

The component causing this recall is the steering wheel clock spring, with part numbers GC3T-14A664-AC and GC3T-14A664-B.

Warning signs 

Apart from an illuminated airbag warning light, drivers may notice that the horn or control buttons on the steering wheel are not working. They may also hear a “popping or clicking noise inside the wheel.”

Recall risks

Inoperable airbags reduce the level of protection in a crash and increase the risk of injury. 

Other Ford F-series recalls

Apart from this current 2016 Ford Super Duty F-250 recall, owners should be aware of several previous recalls. The most recent involves  transmission issues  which may allow these Super Duty trucks to roll away while parked.  

In addition, there are several other Ford truck recalls caused by inoperable rearview cameras.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring with an updated one free of charge. In addition, Ford will reimburse those owners who may have replaced this component at their own expense before the recall was announced.  Notifications will be sent to the owners between July 5, 2022 and July 8, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford airbag recall affects more than 300,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls heavy-duty trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy

Hyundai issues second Sonata recall over fire

Fountain Valley, CA – May 22, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 215,171 2013 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata sedans, which may develop an engine fire as a result of a fuel leak. These vehicles were already recalled in 2020 over the same issue and both Hyundai and Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation

Recall summary  

The engine in a car is connected to the fuel tank with a series of hoses and pipes, which transfer the gasoline towards it. In affected vehicles, one of the hoses inside the engine compartment may crack and start leaking, which can cause a fire. 

Hyundai already addressed this issue in their recall from 2020. Back then, dealers checked the suspected hoses and replaced the cracked ones. The vehicles where the hoses were not replaced are now subject to this recall.

The component causing this recall is the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q101QQH for 2.0L turbocharged engines and 31310-3Q901QQH for 2.0L units. 

Warning signs 

If the fuel leak develops within the engine compartment, the driver and passengers may notice a gasoline odor inside the car

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry a wide range of risks, as described in this article about a Kia fire-related recall.

Other Hyundai Sonata recalls

Vehicle fires are an ongoing problem for many models from the Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia lineups. Apart from this Hyundai fuel leak issue, a large number of vehicles are at risk of bursting into flame because of a faulty ABS unit. In addition, some of these 2013-2014 Sonata cars may be affected by an ongoing investigation, once again caused by fire.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel line with an updated one free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will reimburse those owners who may have replaced this component at their own expense. Notifications will be sent to the owners on July 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Sonata fuel hose recall is affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second Sonata recall over fire

Toyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

Plano , TX – May 22, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has issued a recall for 18,101 2022 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera. The camera might be unable to show the video feed on the dashboard monitor, which can affect the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Recall summary

A parking assist electronic control unit (ECU) controls the signal sent to the panoramic view monitor (PVM) that uses multiple cameras to provide the driver with a 360-degree external view of the vehicle. One of these is the rearview camera that lets the driver see behind the vehicle.

Due to a software error the rear camera may fail to transmit an image during “certain weather conditions,” such as “cold temperatures.

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please visit our recent article on a Daimler truck recall because of the same issue.

Other Toyota recalls 

Toyota electrical issues include a previous recall in October 2021 due to an issue with the headlights.

Among other Toyota Tundra recalls is a recall from November 2021 over an issue with the power steering.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the parking assist ECU on the affected models at no charge to the owner. Affected owners will be notified by June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 18,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota rearview camera recall for the Tundra. To see if your car is affected by this Toyota recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

Daimler issues stop-drive notice for Mercedes-Benz cars over brake failure risk

Jacksonville, FL – May 22, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is issuing a stop-drive notice and recall for 292,287 vehicles over an issue with the braking system that may lead to a complete brake failure.

The recall affects 2006 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML-Class, and GL-Class vehicles. The following models are subject to the recall:

  • 2007 –- 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320CDI
  • 2010 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350BTC
  • 2007 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
  • 2008 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320BTC
  • 2007 –2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
  • 2010 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350BTC
  • 2010 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450H
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML500
  • 2008 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML550
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG ML63
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz R320BTC
  • 2007 – 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320CDI
  • 2006 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350
  • 2010 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350BTC
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz R500
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz R550
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG R63

Recall summary

A brake booster enhances the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. This makes it easier for the driver to increase the braking force without having to step too hard on the brake pedal.

In the affected vehicles, the brake booster is encased in a rubber sleeve for aesthetic purposes. Due to a supplier error, water can enter inside the sleeve, causing the brake booster to corrode and leak. 

This could require the driver to press the brake pedal harder than usual to slow the vehicle down. In some cases, the brake pedal may disconnect from the braking system, preventing drivers from stopping the vehicle altogether.

The component involved in this recall is the brake booster with multiple part numbers including A1644310427, A1644310527 and A1644310627.

Recall risks

Brake failure may make it difficult or impossible to slow down or stop the vehicle. This significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Warning signs

Drivers might observe a hissing sound when pressing the brake pedal. They might also notice that the brake pedal is not as responsive as usual.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In March 2022, Daimler announced a recall of 28,743 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over over reduced braking performance that could increase the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz recalls also include certain models of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Class spanning the 2020 to 2022 model years and equipped with mild-hybrid powertrains, which were recalled earlier this month because of the risk of fire.

The repair

Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve to prevent further corrosion and inspect the brake booster housing. Vehicles with minimal corrosion can still be driven normally “for up to two years” before requiring another repair. Vehicles that fail the test must have their brake boosters replaced.

Affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. They will be notified of the recall by May 27, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 292,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz brakes recall. To see if your car is affected by any Mercedes-Benz ML-Class recalls, Mercedes Benz GL-Class recalls, or other Mercedes-Benz recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloDaimler issues stop-drive notice for Mercedes-Benz cars over brake failure risk

Tesla issues recall due to loss of access to essential functions

Austin, TX – May 21, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 129,960 vehicles because the infotainment system’s central processing unit (CPU) may overheat, resulting in a loss of access to essential functions, such as warning lights.

This increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The recall includes the following models:

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

Recall summary

During the fast-charging process, the infotainment CPU — the processing unit that controls the screen display — may fail to cool down properly due to a firmware issue. The excess heat can slow down the CPU or trigger a restart. As a result, the center screen may lag or go blank.

Recall risks

If the center screen is not functioning properly, the driver may be unable to view features such as the rearview camera image, the gear selection screen, windshield visibility control settings and warning lights. This increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Warning signs

The Tesla infotainment system’s display may lag or appear blank.

Other Tesla recalls

A recent 2022 Tesla Model 3 recall,  announced in May, involved the failure to display the unit of speed (miles per hour or kilometers per hour). The recall also included the 2018 – 2021 model years. 

In April, the 2017 – 2022 models of the same vehicle were recalled for a second time over a faulty pedestrian warning system

Another recall that Tesla issued in April was over airbags that may fail to deploy. The 2021 – 2022 Model X vehicles were part of this recall.

The repair

Tesla started deploying an over-the-air (OTA) software update to address the overheating of the CPU on May 3 at no cost to owners. It is not clear if the update has been rolled out to all affected cars as of the time of this publication.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by July 1, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 130,000 Tesla vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, perform a Tesla recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla issues recall due to loss of access to essential functions

Hyundai and Kia recall Ioniq and EV6 cars that may roll away

Fountain Valley, CA – May 21, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling a total of 19,743 electric SUVs that may roll away while parked, increasing the risk of crashing into pedestrians or other vehicles. The recall involves 10,729 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 compact crossover and 9,014 2022 Kia EV6 electric SUVs.

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles have a shifter control unit (SCU) that tells the transmission to lock in place when the vehicle is in Park. As a result of a software issue within the unit the parking mechanism may disengage. If this happens while the vehicle is parked on an incline, the vehicle could roll away, especially if the driver is not present.

The component causing this recall is the shifter control unit, with part numbers 42951-18110 for Hyundai and 42951-18150 for Kia.

Recall risks

As in similar Ford recalls, vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury from a resulting crash.

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

There are no other Kia EV6 recalls at this time. (The model only arrived on the market recently.)

The most recent Hyundai Ioniq recalls include one caused by unexpected accelerations which happened in December of last year.

In addition, owners should be aware of ongoing fire-related issues affecting both Hyundai and Kia.

The repair

Dealers will update the shifter control unit software in all affected vehicles. Kia will notify vehicle owners on May 25, 2022, while Hyundai plans to do the same on June 10, 2022. In the meantime, both manufacturers are urging drivers to park on level surfaces and to use the electronic parking brakes in their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This rollaway recall affects nearly 20,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai or Kia Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall Ioniq and EV6 cars that may roll away

Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

Dearborn, MI — May 15, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 252,936 SUVs over an issue with part of the vehicles’ drivetrain – called a driveshaft – and transmission which may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 –2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid
  • 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept FHEV

Recall summary

Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a driveshaft to transmit the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle, which in turn transfers the power to wheels, propelling the vehicle forward.

On affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the axle with the driveshaft may fracture because of a supplier error.  This could disconnect the driveshaft from the rear wheels, rendering the vehicle unable to stay in Park and increasing the risk of a rollaway.

The components involved in this recall are the rear axle cover with part number L1MW-4A028-G and the bushing with part number L1MW-4B425-B.

Recall risks

A rollaway ups the risk of a crash and injury.    

Warning signs

Customers and dealer technicians have described the transmission making various sounds such as “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises.”

Other Ford recalls 

One recent case of Ford driveshaft issues involved 184,698 F-Series pickup trucks, which were recalled in January over also because of of disconnecting driveshafts, as reported.

In October of last year there was a Ford Explorer recall due to the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle, also as reported.

A Ford Police Explorer recall was initiated in January 2021, involving contaminated windshield washer fluid that can potentially compromise outward visibility, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the bolt and axle covers, if needed. In some cases, a software update will be also be done to ensure that the electronic parking brake will engage when Park is selected. No fees will be collected for the service. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between June 6, 2022 and June 10, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 252,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Explorer driveshaft recall. To see if your Ford SUV is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away