General Motors recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

Warren, MI – September 30, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac and GMC brands, is recalling 95,231 vehicles over faulty rearview camera systems. Malfunctioning rearview cameras can compromise the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash.

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

  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT5
  • 2020 – 2021 Cadillac XT6
  • 2020 – 2021 GMC Acadia

Recall summary

The recall affects vehicles with the optional Surround Vision feature. In these vehicles,  the cable that transmits images from the rearview camera to the touchscreen monitor on the dashboard may have loose connections, so the signal from the camera may be interrupted. This could result in no image being displayed on the dashboard monitor when the driver shifts to Reverse.

The component involved in this recall is the coaxial video cable with part numbers 84966435, 84704472 and 84704495. 

Recall risks

A missing or intermittent rearview camera image will reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash, injury or property damage when the vehicle is backing up. There has been at least one crash associated with the defect.

Background of the recall

This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation was opened in July on the heels of 12 complaints of black screens, “sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it.” The cars involved had low mileage readings.

Warning signs

Users may notice that the rearview camera is either not consistently displaying images or has lost the image signal altogether, leading to a black screen on the dashboard.

Other General Motors recalls 

In January 2022, General Motors issued a recall for 4,271 sedans, including the Buick Lacrosse, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu. This was over a problem with the rear suspension resulting from corrosion.   

In October 2021, there was a Cadillac recall over a defective fuel pump control module. This could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of the vehicle being hit in traffic.  The recall also included 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and 2021 GMC Yukon vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will replace the coaxial cables on the affected vehicles as necessary. There will be no cost to owners for this repair.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around November 7, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 95,000 GM vehicles are affected by this GM rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a GM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls vehicles with defective rearview cameras

Navistar recalls heavy-duty trucks that may stall

Lisle, IL September 29, 2022 – Navistar, which owns the International brand, is recalling 6,883 heavy-duty trucks whose engines may shut down. This could cause them to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This is the third recall for this issue. Trucks affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Navistar International HV
  • 2018 – 2020 Navistar International HX
  • 2018 – 2019 Navistar International LT
  • 2018 – 2019 Navistar International RH

All affected trucks are equipped with International’s A26 engines.

Recall summary  

Internal combustion engines have many moving parts that work together to generate power output. These include pistons, which move up and down, and connecting rods that attach to them. In the affected vehicles, part of the connecting rod may crack or break apart. If this happens, the engine could shut down with little warning, causing the vehicle to stall. The defect is due to an improperly manufactured part (the connecting rod wrist pin).

The component causing this recall is the connecting rod, with part number 7096533C91. 

Background of the recall

The current recall follows one in May 2020 and another in April 2021 relating to the same issue. Navistar has expanded the scope and introduced a remedy since the initial recall.

Warning signs

The driver might notice a knocking noise or the truck could idle roughly. In addition, the driver may notice an illuminated engine warning light. 

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please see this article about a RAM investigation.

Other Navistar recalls

Earlier this year, in June, Navistar recalled more than 5,000 of their buses because of steering wheels that could detach

In February 2021, Navistar recalled over 27,000 International trucks whose engines could shut down unexpectedly. 

Repair

Dealers will install new knock detection software, which should warn the driver before the engine connecting rod fails. A red warning light on the dashboard will alert drivers to the need to stop as soon as possible. Engines with suspect connecting rods will be repaired. Both the software update and the repair will be performed free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 trucks are being recalled because of this Navistar connecting rod wrist pin problem. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls heavy-duty trucks that may stall

US government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

Washington, D.C. September 28, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and sister company Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) over an allegation some of their cars can develop a severe and sudden engine oil leak. This can cause the engine to seize and stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 5.2 million vehicles.

 Some of the potentially affected vehicles include: 

  • 2010 – 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2013 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2006 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2018 – 2019 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2005 – 2020 Kia Optima
  • 2007 – 2010 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2020 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2021 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

All these vehicles have 1.6L T-GDI Gamma, 2.4L Theta II GDI, 2.4L GDI Theta II, Kappa or 3.8L GDI Lambda-II engines.

Risks

A sudden stall can dramatically increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the unexpected loss of oil can result in “catastrophic engine damage.” Indeed, several owners had to have their engines replaced as a result of this issue.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on September 12,  2022, following a petition submitted by the “majority of the nation’s automotive repair and preventative maintenance professionals” claiming ‘unprecedented’ oil leaks that would happen without any prior warnings

The issue appears to be caused by oil “drain pan assembly failures” that are alleged to be caused in part by “flimsy” materials used in pan construction. In addition to that, the pans appear to have a design defect which makes the oil leak more likely to occur.

What is flimsy?

The oil drain pan – or a sump – is a metal pan that holds oil that is required to lubricate the engine. The sump has a hole whose only purpose is to allow the engine oil to drain during replacement. The hole is sealed off by a plug, which is a bolt that screws into the hole to close it.

Based on the allegations, the oil drain plug can loosen up while driving at highway speeds. This could create a substantial oil leak, which may cause the engine to seize, stalling the vehicle.

Where is the design defect?

The gasket is a piece of rubber or plastic that sits on top of the oil filter and “seals the area between the oil pan and the engine block” to prevent leaks.

When the oil is changed out, the gasket needs to be changed as well to avoid “double-gasketing”, which may result in a leak by pushing the oil out to the top.

In the affected vehicles, the oil pan and the gasket are both painted black, making it easy for the person changing the oil to miss the extra gasket. This can also result in the oil leaking out of the engine, resulting in a stall.

Complaints

There have been multiple customer complaints going back to as far back as 2017. In several cases, dealers refused to cover the cost of the repair, attributing the plug issue to the owner accidentally not tightening it properly during the last oil change or “teenagers… loosening oil plugs as a prank.” 

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles should be aware of the ongoing engine and fire-related issues, as described in one of the Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

In addition, oil starvation and subsequent engine failure caused one of the previous Kia Forte recalls dating to April 2021.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai engine recall, possibly affecting over 5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

 Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

Jacksonville, FL – September 24, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 161,000 vehicles whose window trim bars may detach while driving. This may create a road hazard, augmenting the risk of a crash or injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63S
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE400E
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Recall summary  

Trims are plastic adornments whose purpose is to give a car a slicker look.

In the affected vehicles, both left and right window trim bars were fitted incorrectly as a result of a supplier error. As a result, they may detach from the vehicle while driving.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please see this article about a Volkswagen recall due to a similar issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In July, there was a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall due to faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

In May, there was a Mercedes-Benz AMG recall due to the risk of fire, also as reported.

Both recalls included other vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the window trim bars and modify how they are fitted, if necessary. This repair is free of charge. 

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 11, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Mercedes-Benz trim issues. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan Popic Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

Nissan recalls vehicles over power steering failure

Franklin, TN – September 24, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 20,040 vehicles over a loss of power steering assist. The issue ups the risk of a crash.  

The recall covers the following SUVs and subcompact cars: 

  • 2021 Nissan Kicks
  • 2021 Nissan Versa

Recall summary

The power steering feature makes it easier for drivers to turn or maneuver a vehicle. A sensor measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns, then tells the control unit how much assistance to provide.

In the affected vehicles, an unreliable electrical connection in the sensor could lead to the power steering being disabled

The component involved in this recall is the upper steering column, with part number 48810-5EE0A.  

Recall risks

When power steering fails, the driver must use more effort to steer. For more information, read about a similar recall initiated by General Motors.

Other Nissan recalls

The current recall is one of two 2021 Nissan Versa recalls so far. The model was among 30,799 vehicles recalled in September 2021 over a problem with the front turn signal bulbs. The recall also included the 2021 Kicks SUVs, as reported.

In August 2022, Nissan recalled 10,477 vehicles, including the 2021 Pathfinder and 2021 and 2022 Rogue, over the rearview camera’s failure to display images when reverse gear is selected, also as reported.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the steering sensor assembly and replace it as needed. All repair work will be done free of charge. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around November 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 20,000 Nissan vehicles are being recalled because of this Nissan power steering issue. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls vehicles over power steering failure

Volkswagen recalls Audi SUVs over fuel spill risk

Auburn Hills, MI – September 24, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 13,004 2021-2022 Audi Q3 SUVs due to a problem with the fuel tank vent pipe. A damaged vent pipe could lead to fuel spills and make it difficult to refuel the car.

The recall comes on the back of 192 warranty claims.

Recall summary

The vent pipe serves to relieve the internal pressure in the fuel tank when it is full.

In the affected vehicles, the vent pipe may have been damaged during assembly, allowing fuel to enter it. When pressure builds within the tank, this fuel could rise toward the fuel tank opening on the outside of the vehicle.

The component involved in this recall is the fuel tank, with part number 5QF 201 021 MD.

Recall risks

When the filler cap is opened, fuel might spill out, increasing the risk of injury. Fuel getting into the vent pipe could also cause the fuel pump to click off too early during refueling, which means the tank will not be completely filled.

 Other Volkswagen Audi recalls 

Previous Audi Q3 recalls for the 2022 model year addressed issues with the rearview camera image.

In April 2022, Volkswagen recalled 26,053 Audi vehicles over potential loss of engine power, as reported.

In August 2022, Volkswagen also recalled 49,443 Audi Q7 and Q8 SUVs over malfunctioning fuel pumps that could lead to incorrect fuel pressure, rough engine operation or fuel pump failure and stalling.  

Repair

Dealers will inspect the fuel system on the affected vehicles and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank and charcoal canister free of charge. Affected owners will be notified on or around November 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 13,000 Audi vehicles are affected by this Audi fuel tank recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audi SUVs over fuel spill risk

Porsche recalls vehicles with misaligned headlights 

Atlanta, GA September 24, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 193,259 luxury cars and SUVs whose headlights can be improperly adjusted. Misaligned headlights could reduce visibility or blind other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of affected vehicles comprises 105 models, including the following:

  • 2003 – 2006 and 2008 – 2017 Porsche Cayenne
  • 2014 Porsche Cayman S
  • 2014, 2018 and 2020 Porsche Macan
  • 2010 – 2016 Porsche Panamera

Recall summary  

All cars have mechanisms in their headlights that allow the manufacturer or dealer to adjust their aim for the best possible road illumination. To avoid accidental misalignment after this initial calibration, the alignment mechanism is supposed to be covered with a sealing cap.  

In vehicles affected by this recall, the sealing caps are missing. Without them, the headlights could be adjusted to point in the wrong direction.

The full list of the affected vehicles can be found here. The 2003 Porsche Cayman S is not part of this recall.

Recall risks

Misaligned headlights reduce the driver’s ability to see in front of the vehicle and may cause glare for oncoming motorists.

Other Porsche recalls

Among previous Porsche recalls, one from June 2022 dealing with malfunctioning rearview cameras is the most recent.

In October 2021, the manufacturer recalled close to 5,000 Boxster and Cayman models due to potential loss of control while driving, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will check both headlights to see if the caps are installed, and if not, fit new ones. This repair is free of charge.

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on October 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Porsche headlight issues. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with misaligned headlights 

Daimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Portland, OR – September 7, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), has issued a recall for 4,006 trucks over a part of their hood that may fly away while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of an accident for other road users.

The recall comes on the back of several complaints regarding the issue and covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary

These trucks are equipped with stainless steel hood bezels. The bezels serve both as decoration and as protection to shield the hood’s against corrosion.  

On the affected vehicles, both the inner and outer hood bezel covers may detach while the vehicle is in motion.

The components involved in this recall are the inner and outer hood bezel with multiple part numbers, including A17-21894-000,  A17-21893-000, A17-21893-001 and A17-21894-001.

Recall risks

Detached hood bezel covers may end up on the road, where they become hazards to other road users. In fact, leading up to the recall, drivers of the affected vehicles reported occurrences of these parts doing exactly that. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other Daimler recalls 

In June 2022, there was another Daimler Trucks North America recall – and a a stop-drive notice – for 5,173 Navistar school buses over steering wheels that could easily detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

The same month, there was a recall involving the 2023 Daimler 47X due to the risk of engine stall. The recall also included the 2023 Daimler 49X.

In December 2021, DTNA issued a recall for 7,128 Western Star trucks due to an electrical issue inside the engine bay that could augment the risk of fire.    

Repair

Dealers will fix the hood detaching issue by replacing the cover with parts that have been assembled using an improved process. DTNA will reimburse owners who had related repairs done prior to the announcement of the recall.  

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,000 vehicles are included in this DTNA recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Daimler recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Ford recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Dearborn, MI – September 4, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 198,482 SUVs over a faulty motor which powers the cars’ air conditioning. Its failure may lead to a fire, increasing the risk of injury to the car occupants.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2015 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2015 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

Recall summary

The air conditioning used by cars relies on a blower motor mounted behind the glove box. This motor is responsible for providing ventilation inside the cabin when the windows are closed, by blowing air through the dashboard vents.     

In the affected vehicles, the front blower motor may fail during operation due to unknown reasons.

The component involved in this recall is the blower motor and wheel assembly with part number CL14-19846-AA. 

Recall risks

The defective motor may present an increased risk of fire to the vehicle’s interior. This also increases the danger of a crash or injury.  

Warning signs

The fan may stop working. In addition to that, the driver may perceive a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the instrument panel vents while the vehicle’s engine is running. 

Other Ford recalls and lawsuits

Ford is facing a lawsuit regarding alleged defects on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUV models. The allegations stem from complaints that the company failed to promptly recall the vehicles involved in the lawsuit.

The 2020-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were also included in an earlier recall issued in April 2022 due to faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly with a new and improved component. The repair will be done free of charge, and Ford will reimburse customers who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 198,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator blower motor recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Hyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating several Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) models over an allegation that their seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed. This may send metal shrapnel flying through the cabin, potentially injuring the occupants. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 275,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Genesis GV70
  • 2021 Genesis GV80

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022 following three complaints about seat belt pretensioner rupturing or exploding during deployment. Based on the allegations, occupants were injured by flying metal shards in all three cases

There have been five recalls  – with all of them including one of the vehicles above – due to this issue. The investigation is being opened to both evaluate “the adequacy” of these recalls and their scope. 

What are seat belt pretensioners?

Seat belt pretensioners help tighten up the seat belt around the passenger’s torso in case of a collision. These are pyrotechnic devices, designed to deploy quickly and forcefully without breaking apart.

Risks

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

Other Hyundai recalls 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall in the spring of last year due to the risk of “short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system,” as reported.

Both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation due to multiple non-crash related fires, as reported.

The latest recall for exploding pretensioners  was in May 2022, and it affected more than 200,000 vehicles. There was also a similar recall just before it, in April 2022, although with a significantly smaller scope.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai seat belt recall, possibly affecting over a quarter of a million vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts