BMW recalls Minis that may catch fire

BMW recalls Minis that may catch fire

May 28, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Westwood, NJ – May 28, 2023 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY), which owns the Mini brand, is recalling 97,933 vehicles in the 30 “salt belt” states due to the risk of fire because of water and salt entering the cars.

This is the second recall issued by BMW over the defect internationally but the first one of its kind in the U.S.

The following models are covered by this recall: 

  • 2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper
  • 2008 – 2014 Mini Cooper Clubman
  • 2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper S
  • 2007 – 2013 Mini JCW

Recall summary

Affected vehicles were registered or sold in the states that use road salt in the winter “to control snow and ice” and also experience large temperature fluctuations throughout the year.  They are also equipped with a sunroof.

Repeated temperature changes result in damage to the sunroof drain hose, allowing water to enter the cabin and combine with the road salt that may also be present in the footwell to form an “electrolyte solution.”

The solution may then come into contact with a computer called the footwell control module (FRM) which controls lighting and power windows. This may lead to the module short-circuiting, causing a fire.

Recall risks

You can read more about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a Hyundai recall due to the same risk. For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please see this article about a recent Navistar fire-related recall. 

Background of the recall

This is the second recall because of this issue internationally but the first one in the U.S. In 2018, these cars were recalled in the Canadian market due to the risk of fires caused by corrosion in the FRM. Following the recall, the manufacturer received reports of the repaired vehicles experiencing fires. The subsequent investigation found the sunroof hose to be the culprit, leading to the present recall.

As of May 2023, BMW has received reports of six incidents in the U.S. market involving the defect, with no record of accidents or injuries.   

Other BMW recalls

In May 2022, BMW recalled 61,221 vehicles over a defect that allowed the sunroof to close even when the key fob is inside the vehicle, leading to an increased risk of injury. 

In July 2022, BMW also recalled 6,930 vehicles for failure to display critical safety information while the car is being parked by a valet, presenting an increased danger of an accident.  

The repair

The remedy for the issue is being developed. It will be offered free of charge once it is made available. BMW will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information on July 3, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 97,000 vehicles are affected by this Mini footwell control module recall. To run a Mini recall check or check for more BMW and Mini recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloBMW recalls Minis that may catch fire
Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

May 27, 2023 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN  – May 27, 2023 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 89,907 SUVs because their rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage.

This is at least the second Mitsubishi recall for this issue since last year.

The latest edition includes:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 
  • 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a display on their dashboard as a part of the infotainment system, which reproduces the image from the rearview camera when backing up. In affected vehicles, a software error may cause this display to show a black screen instead of the rearview camera’s feed. 

Recall risks

The recall comes on the back of several warranty claims and field reports but fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been reported. All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Mitsubishi recalls

In July 2022, Mitsubishi recalled more than 50,000 Outlanders over a similar problem with their rearview cameras.

In addition, some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from August 2022 caused by transmission issues. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the relevant software free of charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 90,000 SUVs are affected by this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  
US government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

US government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

May 21, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – May 21, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is examining a request to recall all Teslas currently on the road to add an allegedly missing safety feature to prevent drivers from accidentally accelerating while parking. Doing so increases the risk of a crash.

This is the second petition of its kind. If it leads to a recall, it could affect over 1.6 million vehicles.

The list includes:

  • 2017 – 2023 Tesla Model 3
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model Y

Petition summary  

On April 7, 2023, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), started examining a petition submitted by Greek engineer Costas Lakafossis.

The petition alleges that Teslas have an “increased likelihood” of the so-called sudden unintended acceleration events (SUAs)  – which is when the driver hits gas instead of brake – because they are programmed to brake automatically and allow the driver to shift into Reverse without application of the brake pedal.

The feature  – which Lakafossis calls a “dangerous ‘party trick'” – may confuse the driver and should be eliminated, according to the petition. Instead, all Teslas should be fitted with a brake shift mechanism.

What is a brake shift mechanism?

The brake shift interlock mechanism is software or a device that prevents the car from shifting into Drive or Reverse until the driver presses the brake pedal. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a safety feature. It proved successful at preventing accidents caused by sudden and unintended acceleration and became mandatory on all new cars in 2010. 

The petitioner argues that there is no reason why Teslas should be allowed to not have this essential safety feature.

Previous investigation points to driver error

To back up his claims, Lakafossis points to a previous NHTSA investigation on the back of another petition. In that case, the petitioner alleged that Teslas had an unidentified “defect” that caused them to suddenly accelerate. However, upon analyzing close to 250 crashes the previous petitioner attributed to the defect, NHTSA found that the majority of them were caused not a technical fault but by “pedal misapplication” by the driver. 

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

Tesla is currently subject to another NHTSA investigation over multiple incidents of their cars colliding with first responder vehicles stationed at a scene of pre-existing crashes. The investigation was upgraded to the engineering analysis in summer of last year after discovery of additional crashes, as reported.

The most recent large-scale Tesla recall occurred in February 2023 when the manufacturer recalled over 350,000 cars that were prone to breaking traffic rules when in the self-driving mode, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

If this petition results in a Tesla brake interlock recall, it could affect more than 1.5 million vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature
Volkswagen recalls electric SUVs whose doors may open while driving

Volkswagen recalls electric SUVs whose doors may open while driving

May 20, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills, MI – May 20, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 35,325 2021–2022 ID.4 electric SUVs due to the risk of their doors opening while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to car occupants falling out, leading to an augmented risk of injury.

Recall summary

Vehicle doors contain sensitive electronic components such as circuit boards and wires. As such, they are built to prevent water from entering and causing damage.   

In the affected vehicles, the door handles may not have sufficient waterproofing protection, leading water to reach the electronics within the door panels, leading to various malfunctions.     

Recall risks

The damaged circuit board can result in the door lock disengaging, causing the door to accidentally open when the vehicle is negotiating a sharp turn at speeds below 9 miles-per-hour (mph). This puts the vehicle’s occupants at risk of injury, apart from presenting a risk of damage to objects and people outside the vehicle. 

Warning signs

Occupants may notice a clicking noise, similar to what the door makes when it is being locked and unlocked.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In November 2022, Volkswagen recalled 6,076 vehicles belonging to its Audi brand because of an infotainment display issue, as reported.

In February 2023, Volkswagen issued a recall for 20,904 2021 ID.4 electric SUVs due to a stalling issue with the vehicle’s electric motor, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the door handles on the affected vehicles and replace them free of charge. The vehicle’s software will also be updated accordingly.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by June 30, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 35,000 vehicles are affected by this Volkswagen door handle recall. To run a Volkswagen recall check or check for more Volkswagen recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls electric SUVs whose doors may open while driving
Ford issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags

Ford issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

May 14, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI  – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 231,942 2004 – 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks because their passenger airbags may fail to deploy in a crash. This reduces occupant protection, increasing the risk of injury. 

This recall is an expansion and replacement of one conducted just recently, in March 2023, over the same issue. 

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles originally had Takata airbags which, as reported, are prone to exploding when deploying. In 2017 and 2018, these airbags were swapped for new ones that did not have that defect. However, dealers botched the repair, resulting in airbags that may not inflate during a crash.

Recall risks

An airbag that fails to deploy in a crash ups the risk of an injury. 

Background of the recall

The manufacturer already recalled a range of these vehicles for the exact same issue in March, as reported. However, in April, it found one additional vehicle that was not included in the original recall that had an incorrectly installed airbag. On the back of that, Ford decided to conduct the current recall, expanding the number of vehicles to 230,000 from 98,000. The current recall supersedes the one conducted in March.

Other Ford recalls

In February Ford issued a second recall for Lincoln Navigator, Corsair and Ford Explorer SUVs due to malfunctioning rearview cameras. The first recall was done in October 2021 but proved to be insufficient, as reported.

In March, Ford recalled over a million vehicles whose brakes may become less responsive than usual due to a brake fluid leak, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the airbags properly. The repairs are free of charge. It is not clear if vehicles that already had their airbags replaced will need a new remedy. Contact your dealer to find out if that is the case.

Owners should also receive letters with more information between May 22, 2023 and May 26, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 230,000 trucks are affected by this Ford airbag recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 
Navistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

Navistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

May 13, 2023 Bojan Popic

Lisle, IL  – May 13, 2023 – Navistar is recalling  9,170 2017 – 2023 International CV heavy-duty pickup trucks because the electric components in their brake systems may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. In addition, the vehicle may burst into flames even when parked, causing property damage.

Recall summary  

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the movement is transferred to a brake booster, which multiplies braking force, as reported. Listed trucks are also equipped with a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied. This is necessary for brake light activation and the operation of various driver assistance systems.   

The brake switch in the affected vehicles has a design flaw that could cause the seal between the brake booster and pressure switch to deteriorate. If this happens, the brake fluid could leak into the switch, which might short-circuit and overheat.    

Recall risks

All fire-related risks are described in this recent GM recall, which affected heavy-duty trucks that have the same brake pressure switch, as reported. The GM vehicles in question were made by Navistar.

Warning signs

A short-circuited brake pressure switch could trigger a “Service Brake System” warning on the vehicle’s display. 

Safety tips

As described in the said recent Chevy recall, you and all the passengers should quickly yet safely leave the vehicle if it catches fire while driving. This includes pulling over at a first safe spot and getting away from the vehicle while also being careful not to get hit by other cars.   

In addition, due to the nature of the defect, the truck may burst into flames even when it is parked with the engine off. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Navistar recalls

In December 2022, Navistar recalled some of its trucks and buses, including International CVs, over a risk of steering loss and vehicle instability.

This was not the only problem with stability this manufacturer had recently, as some of its school buses were recalled in January 2023 over potential loss of control.

The repair

Dealers will replace the leaking brake pressure switch with an upgraded variant. In addition, the connecting wiring harness will also be replaced if the brake fluid is found in its connector. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information starting on June 19, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 trucks are affected by this Navistar brake switch recall. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire
Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

May 7, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – May 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler, Dodge and RAM brands, is issuing a recall for 131,700 2021 RAM 1500 trucks that may stall, which ups the risk of a crash. This is at least the fourth RAM 1500 recall in less than a year because of stalling. The latest edition comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and at least one accident.

Recall summary

The powertrain control module (PCM) is a car computer that regulates how much fuel and air should be injected into the engine to ensure its optimum efficiency.

In the affected vehicles, faulty PCM software may result in a mixture that has too much fuel. This can lead to the engine shutting down during use.

The problem has been reported on models equipped with the 5.7L eTorque mild-hybrid powertrain.      

Recall risks

The defect can lead to the car stalling without prior warning, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and a subsequent injury for the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Background of the recall

The recall is the result of “206 customer records, 636 warranty claims, and 53 field reports,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator in charge of the recall. In addition, at least one accident was caused by this defect. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other RAM recalls

This is at least the fourth recall in less than a year for RAM 1500 trucks due to stalling.

In June 2022, the RAM 1500 was one of two vehicles recalled over an issue with the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), which could lead to the engine stalling.        

In November 2022, Stellantis issued a second recall also involving the RAM 1500 over the premature failure of the HPFP.   That recall was expanded in late April, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM calibration software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by June 2, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 31,000 vehicles are affected by this RAM PCM software recall. To run a RAM 1500 recall check or check for more Chrysler recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling
Nissan recalls SUVs whose driver seats may detach from frame

Nissan recalls SUVs whose driver seats may detach from frame

May 6, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Franklin, TN – May 6, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY), which owns the Infiniti brand, is issuing a recall for 12,400 SUVs due to the risk of the driver seat coming off its frame in the event of a crash. This may result in a serious injury if there is an accident.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2023 Infiniti QX60
  • 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2023 Nissan Rogue

Recall summary

The driver’s seat on a vehicle is mounted on rails, enabling the user to adjust the legroom and find the ideal driving position.

Due to a supplier error, the seat in the affected vehicles may not be fully attached to the rails, potentially leading to its sliding off in the event of a crash.

Recall risks

The defect could lead to the driver getting thrown in the air and injured in the event of the crash.     

Other Nissan recalls

In July 2022, Nissan recalled Nissan Frontier and Nissan Titan trucks over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicles to roll away even when in Park, as reported.   

In March 2023, Nissan also issued a recall for 404,690 vehicles over problems with the driver’s side airbag, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the clearance on the driver’s seat rail and replace the seat frame if needed. The repair will be performed free of charge.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by June 10, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 12,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan driver seat recall. To run a Infiniti recall check or check for more Nissan recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs whose driver seats may detach from frame
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