US government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

Auburn Hills, MI July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) PHEV minivans that may stall while driving, even at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If this investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 21,348 minivans, including the following: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 40 complaints about vehicles stalling while in motion

According to the complaints, the PHEV minivans would lose power while traveling at speeds higher than 25 miles per hour (mph). In some cases, a charging system failure message would appear on the dashboard. Based on initial findings, the malfunction was related to a transmission issue.

Risks

If a vehicle stalls while driving, it could be hit from behind by oncoming traffic, especially on the highway. In addition, it may be difficult for passengers to get out of the vehicle safely in such situations.   

Other Chrysler Pacifica recalls 

Earlier this year, in February, Chrysler Plug-In hybrid vehicles were recalled over a fire risk, with vehicles suddenly bursting into flames. Apart from that, there was another fire-related recall affecting these minivans in June 2020.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Chrysler stalling issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 20,000 minivans. To do a Chrysler recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

Auburn Hills, MI July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) vehicles whose parking brakes may activate while driving.  If that happens, the car would stall and stop on the road, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This investigation, if it leads to a parking brake recall, could affect an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 80 complaints about unexpected and sudden handbrake activation in affected Jeep Cherokees.

These SUVs have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which allows the driver to activate it by a push of a button instead of pulling a lever. Parking brake activation is performed by an electric motor, with an EPB module controlling its operation. Based on initial findings, water may find its way into the module and cause electrical shorts. This could lead to unintended parking brake activation while driving.

It appears that Jeep was aware of the problem as early as 2016 when it issued dealer communication advising dealers to check for “corrosion” if there was an issue with the parking brake not releasing. There was also a recall issued in 2015 which dealt with short circuits inside the liftgate module caused by water leaks. Although the “symptoms” are unrelated, both modules are located in a similar area within the SUV.  

Risks

A vehicle that unexpectedly activates its parking brake may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a sudden activation may confuse the driver and cause it to lose control of the vehicle. 

Potential warning signs

Drivers have reported that either the parking brake or ABS light or “most warning lights” would come on prior to the handbrake activation. However, in some cases there was no warning.

Other Jeep recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several other Jeep Cherokee recalls in the past. Among them, the one from May 2022, caused by a transmission leak, is the most recent

In addition, some Grand Cherokee and Durango models also suffered from parking brake issues, leading to a recall in June this year

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Jeep electronic parking brake issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 1.3 million vehicles. In the meantime, you could do a Jeep recall check for your vehicle using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

Stellantis recalls 300s, Challengers and Chargers over risk of tire failure

Auburn Hills, MI – July 30, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge and Chrysler brands, has issued a recall of 52,340 vehicles over an issue with the built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which may prevent the system from detecting low tire pressure.  This could lead to tire failure, which increases the risk of a crash. 

This Stellantis recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Recall summary

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) notifies drivers about the pressure in each of the vehicle’s tires. When the tire pressure drops below a certain level, the system alerts drivers through a warning light on the instrument panel. This allows the driver to take prompt action, such as inflating the tire to the correct pressure, reducing the risk of tire failure or traction issues.

In the affected vehicles, the battery used by the TPMS sensor may fail prematurely. This can prevent the system from displaying accurate information about the vehicle’s tire pressure.

The component involved in this recall is the tire air pressure sensor, with part number 68487472AA.

Recall risks

If the TPMS cannot sense tire pressure, the low pressure light will not illuminate if the tires become underinflated.

Conversely, the dead sensor battery may also cause a warning light to come on and stay on even if the tire pressure is acceptable. This could mask any new tire pressure issues that arise.

Apart from reducing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and affecting traction, tires with inadequate air pressure can wear out faster and run the risk of being damaged in a tire blowout. When this happens, drivers may lose control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds, leading to an increased risk of an accident.

Other Chrysler and Dodge recalls 

Last summer, Chrysler issued a recall for the 2020-2021 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger over faulty windshields. The front glass was not attached securely to the frame of the affected vehicles, causing them to potentially detach from the vehicle during a crash and increasing the risk of injury. 

Older model-years of the recalled makes are subject to an ongoing Takata recall because of faulty airbags, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the TPMS sensors on the affected vehicles at no cost to owners. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for a related repair before the recall order was issued.

Affected owners will be notified on or around September 2, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 52,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler and Dodge tire sensor recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Chrysler and Dodge recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls 300s, Challengers and Chargers over risk of tire failure

Volkswagen issues recall over rearview camera malfunction

Auburn Hills, MI – July 30, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 43,091 vehicles with an infotainment system that may not display the rearview camera image. This reduces rear visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

The vehicles included in this Volkswagen rearview camera recall are:

  • 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta NF
  • 2022 Volkswagen Jetta PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Arteon FL
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary

The infotainment system in the subject vehicles may fail to display the rearview image. The failure is caused by a problem in the manufacturing process involving the installation of a memory chip.

The component in question is the MIB3 Radio, with part numbers 3G5035842 and 3G5035842A.

Recall risks

The issue increases the risk of a crash, as reported.

Other recent Volkswagen recalls

The current recall follows one from late 2020 that affected many of the same vehicles. That recall also involved rearview cameras failing to display on the infotainment system but appeared to be caused by a different issue.

In mid-July, Volkswagen recalled nearly 30,000 vehicles with exploding airbags. The airbag inflator can absorb moisture and lead to either a slow deploy or rupture during a crash. The issue was attributed to a manufacturing fault.

One of the most notable Volkswagen recalls this year was in early April. It included the 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2022 Volkswagen Taos SUVs over suspension that may break and reduce steering control.

Repair

To address this Volkswagen software issue, dealers will update the infotainment software of the affected vehicles at no cost to the owners. Notifications will be sent to owners by September 17, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To perform a Volkswagen Jetta recall check or a check on any other vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiVolkswagen issues recall over rearview camera malfunction

Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles with defective rearview systems

Plano, TX – July 30, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 31,428 vehicles with a defective rear camera system. The monitor may show the front view instead of the rear view when the vehicle is in reverse. This increases the risk of a crash.

The vehicles included in this Toyota rearview camera recall include:

  • 2022 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Recall summary

The subject vehicles are equipped with a Panoramic View Monitoring (PVM) system, which is made up of cameras located around the vehicle. The PVM works in conjunction with the parking assist electronic control unit (ECU), which is a computer that tells the monitor which view to display. 

Due to a programming error, under certain circumstances the monitor may display the front camera image instead of the rear camera image when the car is in reverse.

The component in question is the parking assist ECU, with part numbers 86792-0C051 and 86792-0C052.

Recall risks

Failure of the monitor to display the correct rearview camera image can prevent the driver from seeing obstacles behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Toyota recalls

The current recall is one of several Toyota Tundra recalls this year, and the second involving the rearview camera.

In May, nearly 20,000 Tundra pickup trucks were recalled over failure to show the video feed on the dashboard monitor. This problem was attributed to a Toyota software issue.

In early July, the 2022 Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tundra Hybrid vehicles were recalled over stability concerns caused by the powertrain detaching from its housing.

Other Toyota models have also been subject to recent recalls. Earlier in May, Toyota issued a recall over reduced stability affecting 17 models. Nearly half a million vehicles were included in the recall due to stability control that could fail to automatically turn back on when the vehicle is restarted.

Repair

To address the issue, owners can take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for a free reprogramming of the parking assist ECU. 

Owners will be notified about the repair program between July 27, 2022 and August 17, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tundra vehicles with defective rearview systems

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Dearborn, MI July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

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

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

BMW recalls vehicles with faulty display

Westwood, NJ – July 23, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 6,930 vehicles whose display does not show critical safety information while being parked by a valet. This increases the risk of a crash.

The following vehicles are included in this recall:

  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive40
  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive50
  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX M60
  • 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40
  • 2022 BMW i4 M50

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are those equipped with a BMW hybrid electric powertrain and have a central information display (CID) that shows important safety information. The recalled vehicles’ CID may fail to show safety warnings when in valet parking mode due to a software error.

Valet parking mode is a setting that protects the main driver’s private information and can lock the tailgate when someone else is driving, such as when a valet is parking the vehicle.

Recall risks

If the driver cannot see warning lights or messages that should appear on the display, the risk of a crash increases.

Other recent BMW recalls

In March, nearly one million 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV vehicles were recalled over engine fire risk.

There are no BMW i4 recall aside from this one at the moment.

There was a BMW hybrid recall in September of last year due to a brake assist issue. The recall included non-hybrid cars as well, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the BMW center display issue, owners will be asked to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the head unit software reprogrammed at no cost. 

Owners can expect to receive further communication from BMW regarding the repair program around August 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 7,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To conduct a BMW recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiBMW recalls vehicles with faulty display

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue

Jacksonville, FL – July 23, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 8,530 vehicles due to a software issue which may prevent the rearview camera from displaying. This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 580

Recall summary

While the rearview and exterior side mirrors allow the driver to check the vehicle’s rear for hazards, the rearview camera provides a clearer view of the areas beyond their reach. When reverse gear is engaged, the camera provides a video feed which is displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard monitor.  

In the affected vehicles, a software error on the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system may cause central display – and by extension, the rearview camera – to remain blank when the car is unlocked.

The component involved in this recall is the MBUX multimedia system software, with multiple part numbers including 2979036000, 2979036501, A2239030203 and A2239025920. 

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar brake recall issued by Mercedes-Benz. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In March 2022, Daimler issued a recall for Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over a similar problem with the rearview cameras. Affected units had the displayed image freeze while the vehicle was reversing, increasing the risk of an accident.  

The Mercedes-Benz S500, S580, EQS 450, and EQS 580 were also the subjects of a recall in the same month due to defective rear lights. On the affected models, the rear turn signals, reversing lights and hazard lights may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash.   

There w​​as a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall in May this year due to the risk of fire, as reported. The recall also included  GLE and GLS vehicles.

The repair

Dealers update the MBUX software used in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service. Mercedes-Benz will reimburse owners who paid to have the problem fixed prior to the recall order.   

Affected owners will be notified by September 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Buick recalls Regal vehicles over loss of brake assist

Warren, MI – July 17, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Buick brand, has issued a recall for 23,734 Regal sedans because of a potential loss of brake assist.

The recall covers the 2018–2020 Buick Regal mid-size cars.  

Recall summary

The brake assist function helps in stopping the car faster during emergency braking. This is achieved through a pump that boosts the brakes’ stopping power by removing all the air inside the booster, creating a vacuum. The pump is regulated by the electronic brake control module, or EBCM.  

In the affected vehicles, a software error may lead to the EBCM failing to engage the brake booster function.

If there is no assist, the vehicle may take a longer distance to stop, depending on the force exerted by the driver on the brake pedal.

The component involved in this recall is the electronic brake control module software, with multiple part numbers including 39135331, 39187211, 39187212 and 39215669.    

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar brake recall issued by Toyota. 

Warning signs 

When the vacuum-brake assist has failed to engage, a message will appear on the dashboard. This will be accompanied by a malfunction warning light, and drivers may observe that the brake pedal becomes harder to press.  

Other Buick recalls 

As part of recent Buick Regal recalls, the 2010-2013 model years were among those included in a recall issued in January over suspension issues. The rear suspension toe links used in the affected vehicles could break due to the supplier’s excessive use of protective coating, which could fail to shield the part against corrosion. This could lead to the toe links wearing down and breaking, causing the rear wheels to wobble. 

The repair

Dealers will reflash the EBCM software used in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service. General Motors will reimburse owners who paid to have the problem fixed prior to the recall order.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 23,000 vehicles are included in this Buick Regal brake recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Buick recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloBuick recalls Regal vehicles over loss of brake assist