Ford recalls Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs over risk of fire

Dearborn, MI – April 5, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 345,451 vehicles due to the risk of an underhood fire because of an engine issue. This recall comes on the heels of at least 21 warranty claims and reports of fires, many of which occurred despite “low time in service and… low vehicle mileage.”

The recall covers the following Ford models with 1.5L engines:

  • 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2020 Ford Escape
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2022 Ford Escape 

Recall summary

The oil separator is part of the engine that maximizes its performance and increases horsepower by filtering away excess air and other gases that mix with motor oil during the engine’s normal operation, according to LSX Magazine.

In the recalled vehicles, a crack may develop at the edge of the oil separator housing, causing the seals to fail and leading oil to leak out close to the engine. 

The component involved in this recall is the oil separator with part number HX7G-6C757-BA.

Recall risks



If the oil gets close to a heat source,  it could lead to a fire in the engine bay, increasing the likelihood of injury. For more on the risk of engine fires, please see this article about a BMW recall due to a similar issue.

Warning signs

Drivers may smell burning oil or see smoke coming from the engine bay.

Other Ford recalls 

Ford issued a recall for the 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and 2021-2022 Escape vehicles in December 2021 over reduced braking performance, as reported.

In September of the same year, the same model-years were recalled due to the risk of engine stall. The recall also included the 2021 Lincoln Corsair.

There was a small Ford Bronco recall in December 2021 due to a misaligned radar module that may make it difficult for the vehicle to keep a “safe distance” from other vehicles, upping the risk of a crash.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the oil separator on the affected vehicles for damage or oil leaks. If either are found, the oil separator and seals will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who have already paid for repairs related to this recall.

Affected owners will be notified between April 18, 2022 and April 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 345,000 vehicles are included in this Ford oil leak recall. To do a Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs over risk of fire

Volkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has issued a recall for 26,053 vehicles due to the loss of power because of an engine issue. 

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

  • 2013 Audi A8
  • 2014 Audi A8
  • 2015 Audi A8
  • 2016 Audi A8
  • 2017 Audi A8
  • 2013 Audi S6 
  • 2014 Audi S6 
  • 2015 Audi S6 
  • 2016 Audi S6 
  • 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S6 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S7 
  • 2013 – 2017 Audi S8
  • 2014 – 2017 Audi RS7

Recall summary

Turbocharger is a device that is fitted on the engine to improve its performance and fuel efficiency. There are bearings inside the turbocharger that are essential to its operation as they allow the charger to spin at high speeds, increasing the vehicle’s power output. The bearings must be sufficiently lubricated by an oil supply system so they can withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures produced as a result of the turbocharger operation. 

The strainer used by the supply system to keep impurities can become clogged by “carbon deposits” and other contaminants present in the oil. When this happens, it can deprive bearings of lubrication, causing them to wear out faster than usual. It is not clear why this is occurring.

Recall risks


This defect can cause the turbocharger to break. This can cut off power to the engine and result in the vehicle stalling, which increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Warning messages such as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), low oil warning light or electronic power control (EPC) may flash on the dashboard. Customers may also notice “extended cranking or rough idling.”  

Background of the recall

This recall is a result of an investigation by the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), launched a year ago on the back of 58 complaints and a number of field reports alleging a sudden stall while driving. Some of the complaints allege that the car was not able to be restarted after losing power. Several drivers mentioned that repairs ran them in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The repair

Volkswagen will reimburse owners who have already incurred repair expenses arising from the defect while dealers will replace the defective oil strainer for the turbocharger and perform an oil change. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Affected owners will be notified by May 20, 2022. 

Other Audi recalls 

There was an Audi RS6 recall earlier this month due to fuel gauges that could show an inaccurate fuel level, which could lead to the car running out of gas and a stall, as reported. The recall included more than 45,000 RS6 and other vehicles, such as RS7, also as reported.

A recall was issued for more than 280,000 Audi vehicles in December 2021 over due to the loss of control due to premature tire wear, as reported.

Volkswagen also recalled more than 40,000 Audi models in May 2021 over the suspension system which could potentially break, compromising the vehicle’s control.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 26,000 vehicles are included in this Audi turbocharger recall. To see if your vehicle is part of this Audi recall,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audis for loss of engine power

Volkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Auburn Hills, FL – April 1, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 10,119 compact and subcompact SUVs, whose rear suspensions may break. This may reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Recall summary  

This Volkswagen recall concerns the suspension knuckle at the rear underside of the car, which holds the rear wheels straight. As a result of a manufacturing error, this metal linkage may corrode and subsequently snap under load.  If that happens, it would significantly offset the wheel alignment, affecting the driver’s ability to steer. 

The faulty component is the rear suspension knuckle, with part numbers 5QN 505 435A/436A for Tiguan and 5QM 505 435C/436C for Taos. 

Recall risks

A broken rear suspension knuckle affects the car’s behavior on the road and may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of a crash and injury for its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of these vehicles may be affected by a Volkswagen Taos recall from September 2021 caused by the risk of stalling. The same month, over 16,000 of 2022 Taos vehicles were recalled due to the risk of fire.

The last major Volkswagen Tiguan recall took place in November 2020, when over 32,000 Tiguan, Jetta, Atlas and Arteon vehicles were recalled due to non-functional backup cameras.

The repair

Dealers will check both rear knuckles and replace them if needed. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 20, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen recall affects more than 10,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs over risk of steering loss

Volkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk

Auburn Hills, FL – March 31, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), has recalled 4,269 cars because the engine cover may become loose. This can cause a fire inside the engine bay, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Recall summary  

Both these vehicles have a plastic cover design cover over their engines, whose purpose is to improve the engine compartment appearance and reduce noise. During harsh accelerations and similar high-speed maneuvers, this cover might become loose and come in contact with hot engine components

The component that is causing the recall is the Engine design cover with part number 06Q-103-925-K. 

Recall risks

The engine cover can melt if it comes in contact with hot engine components. This can cause a fire inside the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a crash and injury

Warning signs

With the hood up, drivers could notice the engine cover is out of its position. Additionally, the smell of burning plastic may be present if the cover touches hot components. 

Other Volkswagen Golf recalls

This is the only recall that is affecting these particular vehicles. Still, owners should keep an eye on airbag issues as these already caused several recalls

The repair

Volkswagen is designing an upgraded engine cover. To prevent any hazardous situations in the meanwhile, dealers will remove the current covers from affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022.

Once the new engine cover is available, owners will be called back into the service to have them fitted to their vehicles.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Golf engine cover recall affects more than 4,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen is recalling hatchbacks over fire risk

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with inoperable rear lights

Jacksonville, FL – March 31, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has recalled 9,156 cars whose rear turn signals and lights may stop working. This defect augments the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580

Recall summary  

All Mercedes-Benz cars use Signal Acquisition and Actuation Modules, which are usually referred to as SAM modules, whose role is to  control and operate various equipment. On affected vehicles, these electronic control modules have not been programmed correctly. As a result, rear turn signals, reverse and hazard lights may stop working.

Recall risks

With rear turn signal lights being inoperable, other motorists may not be aware of the driver’s intentions. This can lead to a crash, which increases the risk of an injury. The same could happen with malfunctioning hazard lights, as these are used when the vehicle stops at the side of the road. 

Warning signs

The driver might notice several corresponding warning messages on the dashboard.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of the Mercedes-Benz S580 cars may have also been affected by a recall in November 2021. This was also caused by faulty software issues, which could result in an engine stall. In January, over 38,000 sedans and SUVs were recalled due to a loss of steering, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will rectify this problem by reprogramming the SAM module and installing an updated software version to it. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz software recall affects almost 10,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with inoperable rear lights

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 222,892 midsize SUVs, whose airbags may deploy with a delay during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall affects the following vehicles:  

  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles have a wiring harness that goes from the vehicle’s body to its front doors and connects to a variety of components, including  side airbags. 

Due to a supplier error, the harness was not fitted properly, causing it to move slightly under vibration. Over time, this can lead to corrosion, which cause a delay in the deployment of the front side airbags in the event of a “side impact crash.

Recall risks

Delayed airbag deployment ups the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

The airbag warning light may come on in the event of a malfunction.

Since the corrosion of the harness may also affect other components that are “plugged into” it, the driver may also see “inadvertent rolling down windows, inadvertent park brake engagement” and receive a warning about a “faulty door sensor.”

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of the model-years involved in this recall may also have been affected by another airbag recall in December, as reported. The recalled vehicles’ airbags were at risk of the airbags accidentally deploying due to a water leak.

Over 45,000 Audi sedans were just recalled due to a manufacturing defect which causes their fuel level indicators to display an inaccurate reading. This may lead to a stall while in traffic, as reported.

The repair

The remedy is currently under development. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by May 10, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Volkswagen electrical issues are affecting more than 200,000 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 Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 45,789 sedans whose fuel gauges may show incorrect fuel levels. This may lead to the vehicles stalling as a result of fuel starvation, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7
  • 2021 Audi RS6
  • 2021 Audi RS7

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this Audi recall have the so-called fuel level sender units inside their gasoline tanks, which float on the gasoline to measure its level. Due to a supplier error, the senders may have been fitted incorrectly, causing them to get stuck in a certain position. If that happens, the cars’ fuel level indicator will show an incorrect reading.

As the driver will not be aware of the actual amount of fuel in the tank, the car may run out of gas. 

The affected component is the fuel level sender with part number 4K0 919 047. 

Recall risks

The vehicle will stall once it runs out of fuel, which can be dangerous when it happens while driving. The danger is even greater if it happens in high-speed traffic, as a stalled car could get hit by faster-moving vehicles. 

Warning signs

During longer trips, drivers may notice that fuel levels and predicted range remain unchanged, despite covering multiple miles. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of the most recent Audi A6 recall from February this year, due to a potential loss of control because of premature tire wear. The recall also included A4, A5 and Q5 vehicles, as reported.

Apart from that, there was an Audi RS6 recall in May 2021 caused by broken suspension. The recall included over 40,000 of other vehicles, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix this problem by replacing the fuel level sender with a redesigned one free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi fuel gauge issue is affecting more than 40,000 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 Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

Ford recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

Dearborn, MI – March 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 280,923 vehicles because of a leak within the brake system that may affect its performance. This can prolong the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2016 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2016 – 2018 Ford F-150
  • 2016 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

This recall only affects vehicles that have a 3.5L Ecoboost engine.   

Recall summary  

The brake master cylinder in the recalled vehicles – whose job is to generate the hydraulic pressure that activates the brakes  – may leak brake fluid into the brake booster, which is a component that boosts brakes’ power

The leak could increase brake pedal resistance, requiring more effort from the driver when pressing it. If ignored long enough, it may even cause the front brakes to stop completely working

Background of the recall

The leak is a result of “brake fluid contamination” but it is not clear what caused the contamination.

The component in question is the Brake Master Cylinder, with part numbers JL34-2A032-AC for F-150 and HL14-2A032-AA for Expedition or Navigator. 

Recall risks

Increased pedal resistance may prolong stopping distance while inoperative front brakes will dramatically augment the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Warning symbols and messages will appear on the dashboard, together with an audible chime, if brake fluid levels drop below a certain threshold. 

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls

Besides this brake issue, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a recent Ford F-150 recall caused by inadequately secured tailgates. Although there are no other Lincoln Navigator recalls that are affecting these particular vehicles, some of their smaller models are affected by ongoing rearview camera issues

The repair

To fix the issue, Ford and Lincoln authorized dealers will replace the suspected brake master cylinder with an improved one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 25 and May 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford brake issue is affecting more than 250,000 trucks and SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

Kia recalls Cadenza sedans over detaching windshields

Irvine, CA – March 27, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has issued a recall for 30,362 vehicles due to the risk of their windshields detaching from the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following sedans:

  • 2014 Kia Cadenza 
  • 2015 Kia Cadenza 
  • 2016 Kia Cadenza 

Recall summary

Automotive windshields serve to protect car occupants from wind, rain and flying debris during travel, apart from contributing to the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Specific sections of the windshield in the recalled vehicles may have inadequate adhesive, causing the glass to be insufficiently attached to the rest of the car.   

The component involved in this recall is the front windshield glass, including  part numbers 86111-3R150 and 86111-3R***.

Recall risks


Insufficient adhesion of the windshield may cause the glass to detach from the vehicle’s body during operation. This could present an increased risk of a crash, resulting in injuries or property damage.

Warning signs

Occupants may notice “water leaks” or hear “wind noise” coming from the windshield glass.  

Other Kia Cadenza recalls 

A prior Kia Cadenza recall was initiated in March 2021, covering more than 370,000 Kia vehicles including Cadenzas from the 2017 to 2019 model years.  The recall was done due to the risk of these cars catching fire, as reported.

Fires are an ongoing issue for many Kia and Hyundai models. The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), is currently investigating both manufacturers to determine if the fire-related recalls conducted up-to-date  have done enough to address the issues and if more cars will need to be recalled.

The repair

Dealers will remove and reattach the windshield using a better adhesive. All repairs will be done free of charge and owners who have already incurred repair expenses will be reimbursed by Kia. 

Affected owners will be notified by May 13, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Cadenza windshield recall. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Cadenza sedans over detaching windshields

Ford recalls Edge SUVs with faulty rearview cameras

Dearborn, MI – March 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 78,376 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras that may show a blank or distorted image. This increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the 2021 – 2022 Ford Edge SUVs.

Recall summary

The rearview camera’s main purpose is to increase visibility, as it allows the driver to get a clearer picture of the area behind the vehicle when reversing. These Fords’ rearview cameras may display a distorted or blank image due to a software error.

The affected component is SYNC software with multiple part numbers, including MU5T-14G682-EJ.

Recall risks

A faulty rearview camera can make it harder to back up and increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Other recent Ford recalls

Last month, over 330,000 Ford Mustangs were recalled over a similar issue, as reported.

Prior to that, in January, nearly 20,000 Ford trucks were recalled due to fire risk caused by a potential fuel leak

In December 2020, there was a Ford Edge recall due to possible loss of parking function or a stall while in motion, as reported. The recall also included Ford Explorer and Ford Taurus vehicles.

Repair

Dealers are set to perform a free remote software update before the end of the month. Letters with more information are set to be sent to owners on April 25, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 70,000 Ford vehicles are included in this Ford rearview camera recall. To do a Ford recall check, please, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls Edge SUVs with faulty rearview cameras