Tesla recalls Model X SUVs over airbags that can seriously hurt children

Austin, TX – November 29, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 29,348 2021-2023 Tesla Model X electric SUVs because their front passenger airbags may “deploy incorrectly” when a child is seated in that spot. While it is not clear what the manufacturer means by incorrect deployment, airbags that deploy while a small child is in the seat can cause a serious injury or even death of the child occupant.

Recall summary

Front passenger airbags are designed to deploy differently depending on who is seated in that spot. More specifically, this safety device should not be triggered when a small, unbelted child is in that seat. But due to incorrect calibration caused by a software issue, exactly this may happen during a crash at low speeds.  

The part causing this recall is the Vehicle Firmware, with version releases before 2022.40.200.   

Recall risks

Airbags are designed to protect adults. Even then they can cause injuries when deploying given that the deployment happens in milliseconds with very high force. For children, these injuries can prove to be very serious or even fatal as their head can be pulled away from the body by the force of the airbag inflating.

Safety tips

Children under 13 should never be seated in the front seat as it doubles their risk of injury in a crash. If you must put your child in the front seat, make sure that you move the seat as far away from the dash as possible. If possible, also manually turn off the airbag, “especially for a rear-facing seat.”

Be sure to connect with your local fire department or another first responder for free child seat checks.

Other Tesla Model X recalls

Apart from this Tesla airbag recall, Model X was recently affected by a power steering issue that may result in a loss of control

Earlier this month, Model 3 and Model X were recalled over faulty tail lamps, as reported.

The repair

Tesla has launched a free over-the-air firmware update with corrected calibrations for the airbag control module. You can reach out to Tesla customer service to ensure that the update has been implemented on your car.

Owners will be sent letters with additional information on January 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 30,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Tesla Model X airbag recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model X SUVs over airbags that can seriously hurt children

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks that may catch fire

Auburn Hills, MI – November 28, 2022 – Stellanits (NYSE: STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 248,342 heavy-duty pickup trucks over a transmission fluid leak. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of injury or property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of multiple complaints about the issue and at least one injury.

All recalled trucks have a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023  RAM 2500
  • 2020 – 2023  RAM 3500

Recall summary  

The transmission in these trucks has a dipstick, which is a long metal strip used to check the transmission fluid level. In the affected vehicles, a pressure buildup within the transmission’s housing may cause a leak through the dipstick’s tube. The fluid may then come into contact with “an ignition source within the engine compartment,” causing a fire.

Recall risks

A fire dramatically  increases the risk of bodily injury or property damage for the occupants of the car.

Warning signs 

A leaking transmission dipstick may trigger a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)  on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes after 48 complaints and field reports about the issue. There was also one “minor injury” leading up to this announcement, according to Stellantis data.

Other RAM 2500 recalls

Just a month ago, there was a RAM 3500 recall due to the risk of stalling because of an electrical short, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

This month, there was another stall-related recall which included over 60,000 Jeep and RAM 1500 vehicles, also reported.

In June, there was a RAM 2500 recall due to faulty rearview cameras.

The repair

The carmaker is working on a solution for this problem. Once it becomes available, the repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will receive detailed notifications on December 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly a quarter million trucks are affected by these RAM transmission issues. To check all Fiat Chrysler recalls and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls RAM trucks that may catch fire

Tesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y cars over faulty tail lamps 

Austin, TX – November 26, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has issued a recall for 321,628 vehicles due to a problem with the tail lamps. One or both of the lamps at the rear could fail to light up, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2023 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 – 2023 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

In the recalled vehicles, due to a firmware problem, one or both of the tail lamps may fail to illuminate consistently

Recall risks

Tail lamps that do not illuminate as expected reduce the vehicle’s visibility, which could increase the risk of a collision.  

Other Tesla recalls

A Tesla Model X airbag recall was issued in mid-November over airbags that could fail to deploy properly in low-speed crashes.

In November, Tesla recalled 24,064 2017-2022 Model 3 cars over seatbelts that fail to restrain occupants in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.   

In June, the U.S. government upgraded its investigation into problems regarding Tesla’s autopilot feature that caused vehicles to crash into emergency responders attending to a prior, unrelated accident. The probe potentially covers 830,000 Tesla vehicles.

The repair

Tesla will use an over-the-air (OTA) update to correct the problem with the firmware in the affected vehicles, ensuring that the tail lamps will operate as intended. These updates are automatic and do not require owners to bring their cars to a Tesla service center. The timeline of the update is not clear.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around January 14, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 321,000 vehicles are affected by this Tesla tail lamp issue. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for 2023 Tesla Model X recalls, Tesla airbag recalls and more,  run a Tesla recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloTesla recalls Model 3 and Model Y cars over faulty tail lamps 

Volkswagen latest recalls affect over 600,000 cars. Is yours one of them?

Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi and Porsche brands, has racked up 27 recalls in the past six months. In total, 634,241 vehicles have been affected by different Volkswagen recalls. 

Some of the most prominent ones are included below. Read on to find out if your vehicle is affected.

Airbag issues 

In early July, certain Audi sedans had to be recalled because their airbags could explode during deployment in an event of a crash. Almost 30,000 cars were affected by these Volkswagen airbag issues, including: 

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Malfunctioning rearview cameras

At the end of the same month, Volkswagen pulled a large number because their rearview cameras could fail to display an image. In total, 43,091 cars were recalled over this issue. The lengthy list of the affected vehicles includes the following: 

  • 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

An even larger recall took place in October 2022, when Volkswagen had to pull a range of its models because the rearview camera would show a blank image when reversing. This issue affected 170,296 cars, with the following models being included: 

  • 2021 Audi e-Tron
  • 2022 Audi e-Tron GT
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi RSQ8
  • 2021 Audi RS7, RS6 and RS5
  • 2021 Audi S8
  • 2021 Audi A8
  • 2021 Audi SQ8
  • 2021 Audi Q8

The latest Volkswagen rearview camera recalls happened just a few days ago. Here, the problem was with the infotainment system itself, which may become permanently damaged when shut off. This issue affected a total of 6,076 vehicles, including: 

  • 2022 Audi A3
  • 2022 Audi A4
  • 2022 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2022 Audi A5
  • 2022 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2022 Audi A6
  • 2022 Audi A7
  • 2022 Audi e-Tron GT
  • 2022 Audi Q3
  • 2022 Audi Q7
  • 2022 Audi Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS6
  • 2022 Audi RS7
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi e-tron
  • 2021 –2022 Audi A8

A rearview camera that fails to display an image limits visibility while backing up, which may result in a collision with pedestrians, vehicles or property. 

Engine and fuel-system issues 

The Volkswagen engine issues and problems with fuel systems caused several recalls over the past six months.  

First, in August 2022, there was a batch of Audi SUVs with faulty fuel pumps, which could stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall affected 49,443 vehicles, including:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q7
  • 2029 – 2021 Audi Q8

Issues with the fuel systems caused 13,004 2021-2022 Audi Q3 SUVs to be recalled in September 2022.  Here, a damaged vent pipe may lead to increased pressure within the fuel tank, potentially causing the gasoline to be spilled when the cap is removed

In October 2022, sporty Golf models were recalled because they could have developed a coolant leak. This may result in overheating and stalling, or, in more extreme cases, engine fire.  In the end, 8,038 cars had to be recalled over this,  including:

  • 2022 – 2023 Volkswagen Golf R A8
  • 2022 – 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Inoperable tire pressure monitoring system 

Just a few days ago, Volkswagen issued one of the largest recent Jetta recalls, which also affected many other models. This was caused by a software error that could prevent the tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) from detecting tire pressure loss. With 224,704 cars affected, this recall included the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2020 Audi A3
  • 2019 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
  • 2020 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Audi Q3 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, various Volkswagen electrical issues and other problems had caused more than 600,000 cars to be recalled in the past six months. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicVolkswagen latest recalls affect over 600,000 cars. Is yours one of them?

Daimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

Sandy Springs, GA – November 24, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns both the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 124,305 vehicles at risk of rollaway while in Park, increasing the risk of injury and crash. This follows a U.S. government investigation into the issue which so far, has resulted in one other recall.

The recall includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary

In the subject vehicles, part of the mechanism for locking the vehicle in Park can wear out. As a result, the vehicle can roll away when parked, unless the manual parking brake is engaged.

Daimler pointed to a software problem – as well as unspecified “driving practices “ as the cause of the excess wear.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury to those traveling in or near the vehicle, as well as damage to property.

Safety tips

Engaging the Sprinter van parking brake should prevent rollaways until the repair is made.

Background of the recall

The government investigation that was launched in August 2021 affected 19,000 vehicles, including ambulances and Amazon trucks. Eleven reports of the vans rolling away were noted, with one injury recorded at the time.

There was subsequently a recall of 48,400 vehicles issued in January this year, attributed to the same issue.

Other recent Sprinter van recalls

In June 2021, Daimler recalled 4,078 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Freightliner vans over a problem with the side airbags.

The repair

To remedy the Sprinter van parking brake issue, Mercedes-Benz service partners will do a software update of the affected units free of charge . Owners will be notified of the repair program on or around December 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Daimler Mercedes-Benz van recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler issues second recall for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner vans over rollaway risk

General Motors recalls SUVs over faulty daytime running lights

Warren, MI – November 23, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, is recalling 338,735 SUVs over defective GM daytime running lights. These lights may not turn off even after the headlamps are engaged, potentially blinding oncoming motorists and increasing the risk of an accident.

This recall covers the following models:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Cadillac Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

Daytime running lights, or DRLs, are secondary exterior lights designed to make the vehicle more visible during daytime conditions. These give off a bright white light using light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, and are designed to turn off when the headlamps are engaged.

In the affected vehicles, the DRLs remain turned on even when the headlamps are activated.

The component involved in this recall is the body control module, with part numbers 13546033 and 13546036.

Recall risks

The issue could result in glare that could temporarily blind oncoming drivers, augmenting the risk of a crash.

Other General Motors recalls

In April, General Motors issued a recall for 681,509 vehicles, including 2014-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and 2014-2015 GMC Terrain SUVs, over windshield wipers that could fail to clear obstructions on the windshield that are blocking the driver’s view, as reported.

In September, General Motors recalled 95,231 vehicles, including the 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5,  2020-2021 Cadillac XT6 and 2020-2021 GMC Acadia, over faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the body control module software free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around December 19, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 338,000 GMC, Cadillac and Chevrolet models are affected by this daytime running lamp issue. To check for Cadillac Escalade recalls, Chevrolet recalls and more,  run a GM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGeneral Motors recalls SUVs over faulty daytime running lights

Kia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

Irvine, CA – November 22, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 27,030 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles whose electric systems may overheat. This may, in extreme cases, result in a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is the second recall for the same issue that comes on the back of five fires and the latest in the long string of both Kia and sister company Hyundai vehicles fire recalls. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall in 2018 will need to have the new remedy implemented.

Recall summary  

Listed vehicles have a series of relays, or switches, under their rear seats which are part of these cars’ electrical systems. The system is collectively called the power relay and contains an element called the main relay due to the important role it plays.

Due to the poor electrical connection, this particular relay may overheat and damage the seat cushion above it. In extreme cases, this may even lead to a vehicle fire

Recall risks

As described in previous similar recalls, a fire that occurs while driving is a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards

Background of the recall

These vehicles were recalled in 2018 for the same issue and were supposed to received new relays to correct it. However, following several localized fires, the manufacturer discovered that at least some of the cars did not receive the remedy, which prompted another recall.

Warning signs

An overheating main relay may trigger a hybrid system warning sign on the dashboard or prevent the vehicle from being started. 

Other Kia recalls

Kia and their parent company, Hyundai, have been dealing with potential vehicle fires for some time now. The latest in the steak of fiery recalls, which happened just a few days ago, was caused by overheating ABS modules

These ongoing issues also caught the U.S. government auto safety regulator’s attention, which is currently investigating whether the current remedies are sufficient to address the fire risk

There are no other recent Kia Niro recalls aside from this one.

The repair

To fix these Kia electrical issues, dealers will inspect the power relay assembly for traces of damage caused by overheating. If present, the whole assembly will be replaced with a new one. Otherwise, dealers will replace the original main relay, if still present, with an updated one, made by Panasonic. 

The repair is free of charge, and the owners should be notified on January 9, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 30,000 hybrid Kia vehicles are affected by this Kia fire risk recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

Auburn Hills, MI – November 21, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 44,212 vehicles that may fail to display the correct tire pressure information to the driver. The system may fail to warn the driver if a tire is underinflated, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is a second recall for the same issue, which affects some of the cars that were previously repaired.

The following models are affected:

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

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, which alerts the driver if any of the tires are underinflated. The measurements needed for its operation are done by dedicated TPMS sensors.  On affected cars, the battery used by these sensors may die prematurely, so the sensors could fail to provide data to the TPMS system

As a result, the system may fail to warn the driver about tire-pressure-related issues. Alternatively, the battery issue could cause the warning indicator to turn on, masking any new tire pressure issues that occur from that point on.

The component causing the issue is the tire air pressure sensor with part number 68487472AA. 

Recall risks

A car with an underinflated tire has an increased risk of  a crash, as reported. 

Background of the recall

This recall serves as an expansion of one conducted in July for the same issue. After recalling the vehicles, the manufacturer discovered that some of the repaired vehicles still had TMPS battery issues. On the back of that finding, it decided to recall some of the vehicles that were previously repaired, as well as additional ones.

Other Dodge recalls

In October 2022, Dodge pulled some of their Journey crossover SUVs off the roads because of headlamp issues.

In July 2022, the U.S. government launched an investigation into Dodge and Chrysler vans following complaints that the sliding doors could become stuck.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the TPMS sensors on affected vehicles and replace them if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 16,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This tire pressure sensor issue affects more than 40,000 muscle cars and sedans. To do a Chrysler or Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

Dearborn, MI – November 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), is issuing a recall for 47,046 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a problem with the rearview display. The screen may continue to display the image from the rear camera even after reverse gear is no longer engaged, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

When reverse gear is engaged, the dashboard touchscreen displays a video feed of the area behind the vehicle as taken by the Bronco rearview camera. This guides the driver in maneuvering the vehicle to avoid obstacles and hazards.

In the affected vehicles, a software error could cause the dashboard monitor to continue displaying the image taken by the rear camera, even after the driver has already shifted from reverse gear.

Recall risks

The defect could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. 

Other Ford Bronco recalls

In June, Ford issued a recall for 53,103 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a faulty child safety lock feature on the rear passenger doors, as reported.

Also part of Ford Bronco recalls was an announcement in July involving a total of 63,294 vehicles  due to detaching windshields.

The repair

Ford will deploy an over-the-air software update to fix the issue. Owners can also bring their affected vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where the remedy will be provided free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who had these repairs made before the recall order was announced.

Letters with more information will be mailed by December 23, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 47,000 Ford Bronco SUVs are affected by this Ford rearview camera software issue. To see if your vehicle is affected by this or other Ford recalls, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

Tesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering

Austin, TX – November 19, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 40,168 vehicles whose power steering may stop working. This may cause the driver to lose control of the car, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X

Recall summary

Both listed models are equipped with an Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) which makes it easier for the driver to turn the wheel. In October, Tesla introduced a faulty firmware which resulted in the car losing power steering in certain situations, such as after hitting a pothole or a bump.

The component causing the issue is the vehicle firmware, with release numbers between 2022.36 and 2022.36.4.

Recall risks

With power assistance gone, steering will require more effort. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. 

Warning signs

If the power steering shuts down, a warning sign will appear on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible alert. 

Other Tesla recalls

Among previous Tesla Model S recalls, the one from October 2022, caused by defective windows, is the most recent. This recall affected more than a million vehicles. 

There was a Tesla Model X recall in May due to the risk of the infotainment systems freezing up

The repair

Tesla has already issued a firmware updated to fix the issue. The repair is free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on December 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 electric cars were recalled over these Tesla power steering issues. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering