Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Dearborn, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 100,689 hybrids whose gasoline engines may fail, causing them to burst into flames. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of 23 owner complaints and includes the following models equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape 
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2022 Ford Maverick

Recall summary  

All listed models have an active grille shutter feature, a series of air flaps that seals the engine bay to improve aerodynamics. On affected vehicles, the 2.5-liter engine may suffer from a catastrophic failure “due to manufacturing issues” that results in a ruptured engine block or oil pan. The hot engine oil, which escapes through the resulting holes and gathers up on the metal shield under the engine, may burst into flames.

Warning signs

In an event of an engine failure, drivers may notice an unusual rattle from the engine bay or a lack of power. A strong smell of burning oil is another tell-tale sign. If the driver detects any of these signs, they should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire that occurs while driving carries several risks, as explained in this Kia recall

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of at least 23 driver complaints received by Ford. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Ford already had issues with engine fires with their larger SUVs, which resulted in a recall that took place in May 2022. In addition, there was a Ford Maveric recall in April, caused by trailer brake issues

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will modify the active shutter grille and the metal shield under the engine. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between August 8, 2022, and August 12, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall is affecting more than 100,000 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 SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over tire failure risk

Sandy Springs, GA – July 17, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 24,403 vehicles whose maximum load rating was calculated incorrectly. Loading the vehicle up to the posted maximum may cause excessive wear on the tires as well as potential “tire failure,” increasing the risk of a crash. 

This recall includes the 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans.

Recall summary

The vehicles were given a maximum load rating that was slightly higher than allowed due to “an oversight.” This means that owners could unknowingly overload the vehicle.

Recall risks

An overloaded vehicle may cause excessive tire wear and lead to tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

In the event of a loss of tire pressure, drivers will be alerted by the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning signal on the instrument cluster and should be able to take “appropriate mitigation measures.”

Other recent Daimler recalls

Other Mercedes-Benz van recalls include one in May involving Metris vans that are unable to dial emergency services. This puts vehicle occupants at risk of not getting the necessary help in time in case of an injury or crash.

In the same month, a stop-drive notice was issued for Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML-Class, and GL-Class vehicles. A defective braking system could  increase the risk of a crash.

Among earlier Mercedes-Benz Metris recalls was one issued in March: 2016–2021 vans were recalled over decreased braking performance, due to a manufacturing error.

Repair

Daimler has not yet announced a remedy for this recall. Vehicle owners can expect to receive further communication by July 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 20,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz tire recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over tire failure risk

Mitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Franklin, TN – July 17, 2022 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) has issued a recall for 56,080 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera. The device could fail to show an image of the vehicle’s rear portion while reversing, increasing the risk of accidents and injury as well as property damage. 

The recall covers the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover SUVs.

Recall summary

The rearview camera enhances safety by providing drivers with a view of the vehicle’s rear while the transmission is in Reverse gear. This image is displayed on the dashboard monitor, allowing users to see more behind the vehicle than is normally possible with the rearview mirror.

Due to a Mitsubishi software issue, the recalled vehicles could fail to show the image on the screen, restricting the driver’s view of the area.

The component involved in this recall is the in-vehicle infotainment system, with part numbers 8740A049 and 8740A050.    

Recall risks

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

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

There was a Mitsubishi Outlander recall in February 2022 over a problem with the fuel pump. “Abnormal wear” on the component could cause it to fail, leading to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2022 Outlander has also been the subject of two complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over defective airbags. One incident was recorded on July 7, when an Outlander’s front airbags failed to deploy, despite the vehicle sustaining severe damage to the “front quarter panels.”

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the software to fix the problem. This will be performed free of charge. Owners who have availed of a remedy prior to the recall order will be directed to contact Mitsubishi for reimbursement.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 56,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mitsubishi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloMitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Fountain Valley, CA – July 10, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 10,575 hybrids that may catch fire due to overheating under their rear seats, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

These vehicles were already repaired due to the same issue in 2018, but are being recalled again on the back of at least 9 fires post-repair. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Recall summary  

All hybrid vehicles listed here have a relay, or a switch, which is a part of their electrical system underneath the rear seats. The purpose of the switch is to connect and disconnect “ the battery and the inverter… wiring.

Due to a supplier error, connectors on these relays could be loose. This increases electrical resistance and causes the relay to overheat, which can, in the worst-case scenario, result in  a vehicle fire

The components causing this recall are the power relay and the main relay within it, with part numbers 37514-G2100QQH and 37583-A8000QQH.

Recall risks

An in-vehicle fire that happens while driving or when parked carries several risks. This includes crashes, injuries and property damage. 

Background of the recall

These cars were already recalled over this issue in 2018.

However, starting in 2021, Hyundai began receiving reports of some of the repaired vehicles catching fire. Upon investigating, the manufacturer found that at least some of the vehicles still had original relays in them, despite “repair history displaying” that the relays were switched.

On the heels of that information, the new recall was initiated.

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation over ongoing fire issues. The investigation has so far resulted in 16 recalls, 8 for each manufacturer, according to the federal auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

The regulator is currently evaluating whether the manufacturers will need to recall more cars and whether or not the remedies performed under these recalls were sufficient, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect previously installed relays and replace them if needed. This repair will be free of charge. Notifications will be sent to the owners on August 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall is affecting more than 10,000 hybrid 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 recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

Plano, TX – July 10, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 46,176 trucks over part of the vehicles’ powertrain detaching from its housing, making the vehicles harder to handle and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Recall summary

A vehicle’s powertrain propels it forward and consists of axles – which are shafts that transfer rotational power from the vehicle’s transmission to its wheels – as well as the engine and the transmission.

The nuts holding together parts of the Toyota Tundra axle shaft assembly may have been improperly tightened during assembly and may loosen further over time. When this happens, parts of the axle shaft may detach from their housing

The components in question are the left and right axle shaft subassemblies, with part numbers 47870-0C020 and 47880-0C020.

Recall risks

Detached axle shaft components can cause the loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If your vehicle is faulty, you may “experience vibration, hear an abnormal noise, and/or observe leaking of differential oil,” according to Toyota. 

Other recent Toyota recalls

One of the most recent Toyota truck recalls was in May. The manufacturer recalled nearly 20,000 2022 Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera that was attributed to a software error.

Earlier in May, Toyota issued another stability-related recall, which affected 17 models. Nearly half a million vehicles’ stability control could fail to automatically turn back on after the vehicle was restarted.

One of the more recent Toyota Tundra recalls included the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The vehicles were recalled in December 2021 over a leak in the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Repair

Owners can take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for a rear axle inspection and retightening of the axle nuts. Any axle-related components that may have been damaged because of this recall issue will be replaced. There will be no cost to the owner.

Owners should expect to receive information regarding the repair program between July 15, 2022 and July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota recall. To perform a check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

Honda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak

Torrance, CA – July 07, 2022 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 112,060 vehicles over a potential fuel leak and increased risk of fire.

This recall includes 2006 – 2014 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks and affects only those sold or registered in “salt belt” states.

Recall summary

On the underside of the truck, straps attach the fuel tank to part of the vehicle’s frame called a “crossmember.”

In states where salt is used to de-ice roadways, salt and dirt may build up underneath the vehicle. This buildup may corrode the crossmember, eventually causing the fuel tank to detach.

An improperly secured fuel tank may come into contact with the ground, causing damage to the tank and possible fuel leaks.

The component in question is the crossmember (component C: floor middle), with part number 65730-SJC-A00.

Recall risks

Since fuel is flammable, a leaking fuel tank increases the risk of a fire, which could cause injuries and property damage.

Safety tips

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Warning signs

Drivers may hear noise from the Honda Ridgeline fuel tank or its straps dragging on the ground.

Other recent Honda recalls and investigations

In February, the U.S. government launched an investigation into defective rearview cameras on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The inability to show an image when reversing increases the risk of a crash and injury.

In December 2021, there was a Honda SUV and pickup truck recall that affected more than 700,000 vehicles. This was over hoods that may fly open while the car is in motion and block the driver’s view. Included in the recall were the 2017 – 2020 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. 

Prior to that, in early December, there was a 2021 Honda Ridgeline recall over a child seat safety concern, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Honda dealers will conduct an inspection of the rear frame. Depending on the extent of the damage, they will attach reinforcements, repair the corroded frame or offer to repurchase the vehicle. Repairs will be completed at no cost to the owner.

Owners can expect to receive information regarding the repair program by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Honda frame rust recall. To perform a Honda recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHonda issues ‘Salt Belt’ recall over risk of fuel leak

Hyundai, Kia issues fifth recall over exploding seat belts

Fountain Valley, CA – July 6, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are issuing recalls for 72,470 and 17,199 vehicles, respectively,  over a defect with the front seat belts. 

The pretensioners – which are parts of seat belts that allow it to tighten in a collision – could explode improperly in an accident, leading to an increased risk of injury. This is at least the fifth recall by Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia due to the same issue.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid   

Recall summary

A pretensioner retracts some of the webbing material used by a seat belt, using an explosive charge to lock the belt in place and secure occupants to their seats in the event of a crash. In the affected vehicles, an overpressurized pretensioner could send metal fragments into the cabin upon exploding.

It is not clear why this is occurring. However, according to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the pretensioners involved in all five recalls were produced by the same supplier, Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, indicating a potential supplier error. The manufacturer runs all of its operations out of Mexico where it supplies parts for Kia, Hyundai and General Motors, according to press reports.

The component involved in this recall is the seat belt assembly with pretensioner, carrying part numbers 88810-P4500, 88820-P4500, 88810-K2500 and 88820-K2500.  

Recall risks

If a defective pretensioner is activated during a crash, metal fragments could shoot into the passenger compartment and injure the occupants.

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

This is at least the fifth recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles over malfunctioning seat belt pretensioners. At least three injuries have already been reported so far.

Previous Hyundai and Kia seat belt recalls include:

In addition to these, there was a small recall in March of this year for the same issue. Owners of the affected vehicles are being asked to bring their vehicles in for the remedy described below.

Other Kia Sorento recalls include one in June 2021 in which 2014–2015 Sorento SUVs were recalled over an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), as reported.

The repair

At no charge, dealers will add a cap to the pretensioner, preventing it from deploying abnormally. Hyundai and Kia will reimburse customers who had their vehicles repaired before the recall order was announced. 

Affected Hyundai owners will be notified by mail by August 26, 2022, while affected Kia owners will be notified by August 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 89,000 vehicles are included in this Kia and Hyundai seat belt recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Hyundai or Kia recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloHyundai, Kia issues fifth recall over exploding seat belts

Nissan recalls trucks that may roll away

Franklin TN – July 5, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 180,176 trucks whose transmissions may slip out of Park and roll away, increasing the risk of crashing into pedestrians or other vehicles. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Frontier 
  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Titan

Recall summary  

When the driver selects the Park gear, a mechanism inside the transmission locks up and stops the vehicle from moving. In affected trucks, the Park gear mechanism might not engage as intended due to a supplier error during manufacturing.

This may cause the vehicle to roll away.

The component causing this recall is the automatic transmission, with part number 31311 X280A.

Recall risks

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

Safety tips

If your truck is affected by this recall, Nissan advises that you use the parking brake every time you park.

Other Nissan truck recalls

Among other Nissan Titan recalls, one from September 2021, caused by faulty signal bulbs, is the most recent

In January 2022, a large number of Nissan Rogue SUVs were recalled over faulty electrical wiring, which could result in a vehicle fire

The repair

At this time, Nissan is working on a solution to this problem. Owners will be notified once the final remedy is available.

In the meantime, interim notifications will be sent to owners on July 20, 2022, urging drivers to use the parking brake whenever they park their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan rollaway recall affects more than 180,000 trucks. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls trucks that may roll away

Ford Broncos, Rangers recalled over windshields that could detach

Dearborn, MI – July 3, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is issuing a recall for 63,294 Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickups whose windshields may detach from the vehicle frame in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of injuries.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 Ford Bronco 
  • 2022 Ford Ranger   

Recall summary

The windshield protects the vehicle’s occupants from elements such as wind and rain, while contributing to the car’s aerodynamics. Ford reports that the windshield on the recalled vehicles may not have been attached securely enough to the vehicle frame. It is not clear why this happened.

The components involved in this recall are the windshield with part numbers starting with N2DB-S03100 and KB3B-2103100, urethane bond with part number WSS-M2G316-B4 and primer with part number WSS-M5B280-C4.    

Recall risks

Detaching windshields pose a hazard in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the driver, passengers and other road users.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice increased wind noise or water leaks while using the vehicle, indicating that the windshield is not properly secured to the vehicle’s frame. 

Other Ford recalls 

Earlier this month, there was a Ford Bronco recall due a faulty child safety lock, which could permit the child to open the door from the inside, as reported.

In April 2022, Ford issued a similar recall for 39,720 Transit vehicles over insufficiently attached windshield. As in the current recall, the glass could detach from the frame in the event of an accident, increasing the likelihood of injury to the driver and occupants.

Ford also announced a recall for 79,017 F-Series trucks in March 2021 over improperly attached windshields.

The repair

Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield on affected vehicles, using camera calibration where necessary to ensure a proper fit, at no cost to owners. Ford will reimburse customers who had their windshields repaired before the recall order was announced. 

Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 15, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 63,000 vehicles are included in this Ford windshield recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord Broncos, Rangers recalled over windshields that could detach

Nissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods

Franklin, TN – July 2, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 322,671 2013–2016 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs whose hoods may fly open while driving. This obstructs the driver’s field of view, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall follows on the heels of a U.S. government investigation.

Recall summary

The hood on a vehicle is held shut by two mechanisms: the primary latch, which is released when the driver pulls the lever inside the cabin, and the secondary (safety) latch, which is manually released under the front edge of the hood. 

On vehicles affected by this Nissan Pathfinder recall, dust and dirt from the road may create buildup inside the secondary locking mechanism. If that happens, the mechanism may jam in an open position. While the hood will remain securely closed, nothing will stop it from flying open if the driver accidentally pulls the primary latch release lever while driving

Background of the recall

These hood latch issues were investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December 2021, as reported.

The 2014-2016 Pathfinder Hybrids are also subject to the same investigation, which is still ongoing.

Recall risks

In addition to significantly limiting visibility, a suddenly opening hood may startle the driver. This could lead to a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Nissan recalls

A Nissan recall from October 2021 addressed software-related stalling and included Murano, Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles.

In January 2022, Nissan recalled a large number of Rogue SUVs over a risk of fire caused by wiring issues, as reported.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still working on a solution. As a first step, 40,000 owners will be asked to bring their SUVs to a dealer that will inspect the latch assembly and replace it if necessary. Nissan will collect the faulty components for examination. Owners of these vehicles will receive notifications on or after June 30, 2022.

The remaining owners will receive instructions on how to inspect the secondary latch. If a problem is found, owners can visit a dealer for inspection and replacement. Notifications about this temporary solution will be sent by August 3, 2022. 

Lastly, all owners of affected vehicles will be notified once the final remedy is ready.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Nissan Pathfinder hood latch recall includes more than 300,000 SUVs. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Nissan recall check.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods