Stellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk

Auburn Hills, MI – June 30, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, has issued a recall for 138,645 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines due the risk of stall while driving. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Recall summary

Apart from regulating how much fuel should be injected during combustion, the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine In the affected vehicles, a defect in the HPFP could cause the component to fail and stop working while the vehicle is being used.    

Recall risks

When the fuel pump fails, it can let debris and other contaminants into the fuel system, clogging it so that fuel does not reach the engine. If this happens, the engine may suddenly stall, affecting other functions such as the power steering and service brakes. This leads to an increased risk of a crash.    

For more on risks of this recall, please visit a previous article on a Mazda fuel pump recall over the same issue. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the malfunction indicator lamp or service electronic throttle control warning light flashing on the dashboard. Other signs include “excessive noise” from the fuel pump or even fuel leaking from the component. 

Other Jeep and RAM recalls 

There was a Jeep recall in October 2021, involving 56,180 vehicles because of a faulty rearview camera that prevented drivers from seeing beyond the vehicle’s rear, as reported.

The 2022 RAM trucks were recalled earlier this month also because of faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and RAM 1500 were part of an earlier recall in 2020 for a similar risk of stalling.    

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump on affected vehicles at no charge to owners. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for repairs out of pocket. 

Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 29, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 138,000 vehicles are included in this fuel pump failure recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Jeep or Ram recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk

Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Auburn Hills, MI – June 28, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) which owns Chrysler, has issued a recall for 117,759 RAM pickup trucks due to a problem with the rearview camera which may not display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2022 RAM 3500 

Recall summary

Rearview camera sends video feed to be displayed on the dashboard monitor when reverse gear is engaged, allowing drivers to watch out for hazards such as obstacles and pedestrians.

On the affected vehicles, “the radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying.”

Recall risks

Without the video image projected onto the dashboard monitor, drivers may find it more difficult to maneuver in reverse as they would not be able to see behind the vehicle if it is safe to proceed.  This puts them at risk of hitting other objects such as poles, walls, and other people outside the vehicle, leading to injury.   

For more on risks of this recall, please visit our recent article on a Toyota rearview camera recall over the same issue.

Other Ram recalls 

Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for the 2019 and 2020 model years were recalled in February 2022, because of faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

A total of 38,157 Ram 1500 trucks for the 2021 model year were also recalled in December 2021 over a problem with the rearview camera, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect and update the radio software at no cost to customers. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for the recall-associated repairs on their own.

 Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 29, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 117,000 vehicles are included in this Ram truck rearview camera recall . To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ram truck recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloChrysler recalls RAM trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Stellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

Auburn Hills, MI – June 28, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Jeep and Dodge brands, is recalling 270,904 vehicles with a fault in the brake control system. The malfunction can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Recall summary  

When pressing the brake pedal, the driver pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, which activates the brakes. The operation of this system is controlled by Antilock Brake System (ABS) modules. This device uses system data to keep the vehicle from skidding by adjusting the brake pressure as needed to ensure optimum braking performance. 

On affected vehicles, the ABS module could receive inaccurate brake fluid pressure readings. In some cases, it may falsely appear as if the driver is pressing the brake. If that happens, it can be possible for the driver to start the engine or shift the transmission out of Park without pressing the brake pedal

Recall risks

Shifting out of Park can cause the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

Warning signs 

There will be no warning signs before the defect occurs. But once it does, there will be a range of brake/ABS-related warning lights on the dashboard. In addition, owners may notice that brake lights stay illuminated after turning off the vehicle. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

In April 2022, Stellantis recalled a batch of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs due to a child seat issue. In addition, the 2020-2021 Dodge Durango model-years were affected by a March 2022 recall caused by faulty indicators.

The repair

Currently, the manufacturer is still working on a solution for this problem, which should be available by the time the owners visit authorized dealers. Once available, the repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be sent on July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep and Dodge rollaway recall affects more than 200,000 SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,925,968 vehicles that may roll away while in Park.

This is the fifth recall in the past four years due to this issue for some of the model-years involved. It comes on the heels of several reports of property damage and injuries associated with this defect.​​  

 The list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford C-Max
  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Edge
  • 2013 – 2019 Ford Escape 
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2021 Ford Transit Connect 

Recall summary  

A damaged or detached part called bushing may cause the gear shift lever to disconnect from the transmission. As a result, the transmission could fail to shift into the correct gear in response to the shifter. If the shifter is in the Park position but the transmission is not, the vehicle could roll away.

The component in question is the shift cable bushing, with component number 7E395. 

Background of the recall

This is the fifth time some of the model-years included in this recall are being recalled due to the same issue. The first recall occurred in 2018 and included the 2013-2014 Ford Escape and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles.  That recall was later expanded in 2019 as Ford identified “two distinct vehicle populations” with deteriorated bushings either due to a supplier error or unknown causes.

In May of this year, there was a Ford Escape recall due to deteriorated bushings, this time because of heat and humidity, as reported.

Finally, this recall follows the discovery of additional claims alleging failure of said bushings, as well property damage and injuries. The root cause is unknown but may be connected with heat and humidity just like in the May recall.

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice that the gear shift lever does not put the vehicle into the correct gear or that the dashboard instrument panel shows a different gear than the shifter position indicates. If the vehicle is turned off when the shifter is in Park but the transmission is in a different gear, the vehicle will not restart.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among other relevant Ford Fusion Recalls, one from January 2022, caused by issues with the brake pedal, is the most recent. 

The 2022 Transit vans were just recalled due to malfunctioning instrument panel, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected bushings with a redesigned part and add a protective cap. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent on June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This large-scale Ford rollaway recall affects almost three million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

Ford recalls electric vehicles that may lose power

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 48,924 2021 – 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs that may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Electric cars have a high-voltage battery that stores the electric charge used to power the vehicle. Due to a design error, frequent fast charging and driving with the accelerator fully depressed can cause the battery to overheat. If this happens, internal battery connectors – which are “electrical contacts” that connect charger to the b​​attery – may deform and detach, cutting off the power supply to the vehicle’s electric motor. 

Recall risks

There are several risks associated with this loss of motive power, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about stalling risks in this coverage of a Stellantis recall

Warning signs 

Several warnings may appear, depending on what happens to the battery connector. If the connector detaches, a “Stop Safely Now” message will appear on the dashboard and the vehicle will lose power.

The connector may also weld to the battery in which case drivers will not be able to restart the car after shutting it off and will see a powertrain malfunction warning message. 

Other Ford recalls 

Some of these electric cars may have been affected by a Mustang Mach-E recall from this January involving improperly attached seat belts. Other recent Ford Mustang recalls include one earlier this month caused by a software error that disables the rearview camera and backup lights.

The repair

Ford will launch an over-the-air (OTA) update to the control software. The updated software will monitor the contactor and adjust battery and vehicle power as needed to prevent damage.

Another option is to visit the nearest authorized dealer. In both cases, the repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent between July 18, 2022 and July 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford battery recall affects almost 50,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls electric vehicles that may lose power

Porsche recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Atlanta, GA – June 26, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS: POAHY) is recalling 12,490 vehicles whose central display may fail to display an image from the rearview camera. This increases the risk of a crash and injury when backing up. The recall affects 2020-2022 Porsche Taycan sedans.

Recall summary  

Porsche vehicles listed in this recall have a touch control panel in their center console. This display shows a video feed from the rearview camera, among other things. On affected vehicles, as a result of software issues, the screen could freeze up and remain black just after the driver starts the car. In other cases, the image coming from this camera may flicker

The component causing this issue is the software for the center and passenger displays and the touch control panel, with part numbers SW33XX, 35XX and 36XX.

Recall risks

Limited visibility while backing up the vehicle increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to property damage or injury to people behind the car, especially small children. Read more about the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Porsche recalls

In May, the 2020-2021 Taycans were recalled due to airbags that may fail to deploy, as reported.

In October of last year, the same model-years were recalled due to malfunctioning hazard lights, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the problem by updating the software that controls the central computer (PCM) free of charge. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on August 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Porsche Taycan recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do a Porsche recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Ford recalls vehicles over instrument panel malfunction

Dearborn, MI – June 25, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 30,244 vehicles whose instrument panel displays may fail to light up. The driver may not be able to see the various gauges and warning lights,  increasing the risk of a crash. 

This recall includes the 2022 Ford Transit vehicles.

The components in question are the 4.2” monochromatic cluster and its software, with part numbers NK4T-10849-B and NK4T-14C026-B.

Recall summary

The instrument panel cluster of the subject vehicles may not light up as expected at startup.

The cause of the malfunction is still unknown.

Recall risks

Failure to illuminate the cluster display could render safety-related telltales and gauges unreadable, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Ford Transit recalls

Earlier this month, the same model was among those recalled over missing tire label information, which could lead to improper tire inflation or incorrect tires and rims.

Prior to that, in April, the 2016 and 2020 Ford Transit Connect vehicles were recalled due to a supplier error leading to front windshields that may detach.

In another notable Ford van recall in September 2021, Transits and Transit Connects were reported to have faulty child restraint systems.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford or Lincoln dealers will update the instrument panel cluster software at no cost to car owners. 

Owners should expect to receive information regarding the repair program between July 25, 2022 and July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 vehicles are included in this Ford instrument cluster recall. To perform a check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls vehicles over instrument panel malfunction

Ford issues Bronco recall over faulty child safety lock

Dearborn, MI – June 23, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 53,103 vehicles because of a child safety lock malfunction, which increases the risk of injury to a child in the vehicle. The recall includes four-door 2021 Ford Bronco and 2022 Ford Bronco SUVs.

The component in question is the rear passenger side door, with part number M2DB-S24630-BG.

Recall summary

Child safety locks prevent the vehicle’s rear doors from being opened from the inside. Because of a manufacturing issue, the affected vehicles’ child safety locks may not align properly with the door latch mechanism. As a result, it is possible for the rear passenger door to be opened from the inside, even when the child safety lock is on

Recall risks

Child safety locks are intended to keep children from opening the vehicle’s rear doors from the inside in unsafe situations — for example, in a busy parking lot. A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

How to check if the lock is faulty

Owners will receive instructions explaining how to check their Broncos for child lock issues as an interim step. This will likely involve turning the child locks on, then attempting to open the rear doors from the inside. If the door opens, a repair is needed. This check does not replace inspection by a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

Other recent Ford Bronco recalls

The 2021 Ford Bronco is currently being investigated by the U.S. Government’s auto safety regulator over a stalling issue. This investigation could  lead to a formal recall, as engine stalling increases the risk of a crash.

In April, 2021 and 2022 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020 to 2022 Ford Escape vehicles were subjected to a recall over a fire risk.

Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape vehicles were also subjected to a recall in December 2021 over decreased braking performance,

Repair

Owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to inspect ​​and replace the locks at no cost.

They should expect to receive information regarding the repair program between July 25, 2022 and July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 50,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To perform a check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoFord issues Bronco recall over faulty child safety lock

US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

Washington, D.C. – June 19, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator took their investigation of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) collisions with emergency vehicles to the next level.

This investigation may result in a Tesla recall, which may affect an estimated 830,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2014 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 –2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation on August 13, 2021, following a total of 14 Tesla crashes with first responders.

In each event, the electric car, driving autonomously on the autopilot, would crash into a first-responder vehicle, which had stopped on the road to assist on a previous, unrelated accident. These accidents resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries. 

On June 8, 2022, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the potential safety defect that exists in connections with these collisions warrants a recall.

Why is the investigation being upgraded?

The investigation is now being upgraded on the back of the analysis of other crashes involving Telsa autopilots “not limited to first responder scenes”, as well as the discovery of additional crashes with first responder and “road maintenance” vehicles.

During this leg of the investigation,  NHTSA will continue to evaluate this crash data, examine a larger subset of Tesla vehicles and will focus on “driver behavior and associated system performance.” 

The goal is to determine if Teslas’ methods of ensuring drivers’ constant attention while the vehicle is on autopilot are sufficient.  The vehicles currently use 12 sensors and eight cameras to monitor the road but do not have anything that is ensuring that the driver is keeping their eyes on the road, as reported.

What has been found so far?

Between the time the original investigation was open and this next stage, the regulator discovered 16 additional first responder crashes and found that drivers were warned of the impending collision by the vehicle Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system “immediately prior to impact.”  Despite having their hands on the steering wheel and being able to see the first responder – at least in theory – around 8 seconds in advance, drivers did nothing to prevent the crash.

For more background on the investigation, please visit this article about the first stage of the investigation.

Risks

Collisions with civilian vehicles are one of the major causes of first responder deaths and are unfortunately becoming more widespread given the level of driver distraction and the fact that cars are soundproof. In addition to that, the drivers that collide with emergency vehicles – especially fire trucks – are also at a high risk of an injury because the size of the former.

Safety tips

To minimize distraction on the road, keep multitasking  – such as playing with the radio or car controls, listening to loud music, consuming food or beverages – to a minimum. If you see flashing lights behind you or come across an emergency scene, slow down and move over to give first responders space to work and protect them and yourself.

Other Tesla recalls 

Just recently, there was a Tesla software recall, which rectified the issue of vehicles’ failure to warn the pedestrians about their approach. In addition, there was a Tesla Model S recall in November 2021, caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla autopilot recall, possibly affecting over 800,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla model recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

Daimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering

Portland, OR – June 19, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 6,492 heavy trucks who steering may stop to work. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Trucks affected by this recall include: 

  • 2021 –2022 FCCC MT45
  • 2022 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 4900

Recall summary  

Trucks have steering gears, which connect their steering wheels to the front wheels and transfer movement between them. These components have recirculating steel balls inside it. Their job is to reduce friction between moving components. 

On affected trucks, the steering gear may have been assembled with fewer recirculating balls than needed. This increases the loads on the remaining ones while steering, which can cause them to fracture and fall apart, resulting in a loss of steering.

Recall risks

Not being able to steer greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury. You can find out more about risks caused by loss of steering in this Daimler article

Other Daimler recalls

Some big trucks were recalled over steering issues in October 2021, as reported.

There was a Navistar school bus recall earlier this month because of steering wheels that may potentially detach, as reported. The electric vehicle (EV) school bus – the 2023 Navistar IC EV – as well as the 2023 Navistar CE was part of this recall.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still trying to figure out how to fix the issue. But once the repair becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Notifications to the owners will be sent on August 6, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Daimler truck steering recall is affecting more than 6,000 heavy trucks. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering