Mercedes-Benz recalls hybrid AMG models that may catch fire 

Jacksonville, FL – February 29, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 12,191 hybrid vehicles that may experience a fire, augmenting the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E450
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53

Recall summary  

All listed models have a 48-volt electrical system that powers the electric motor. In the affected cars, the ground cable for the system was not “tightened properly.”  This may lead to increased electrical resistance and cause a fire.

The component causing this recall is the electrical wiring harness, with part number A2135402870.  

Recall risks

A fire that occurs while driving could lead to an accident and injury. Furthermore, property damage to surrounding vehicles or objects can not be ruled out. 

Warning signs

If the high-voltage system malfunctions due to a poor connection, the driver may see a warning messages saying, “48 V Battery – See Operator’s Manual.”

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2023, over 5,000 luxurious AMG SL models were recalled because they would stall or catch fire, as reported.

In July 2023, the manufacturer issued a recall for C300 and AMG C43 sedans that would stall due to transmission failure, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will tighten the bolts that hold the cable in place free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz hybrid fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact cars. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls hybrid AMG models that may catch fire 

US government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

Washington, D.C.  – February 27, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations about their electric cars may lose power steering. The alleged defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

If the investigation leads to a Tesla recall, it could affect an estimated 334,569 vehicles, including:   

  • 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Investigation summary   

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on July 28, 2023, following 12 complaints about cars losing power steering.

While investigating, the agency uncovered over 2,300 complaints alleging the same thing and received information about a crash associated with the defect.

Steering racks provided by Tesla were identified as the culprit.

The regulator is now taking the investigation to the next level, where it aims to discover what causes the racks to fail.

Risks

Jammed or otherwise inoperable steering makes the vehicle difficult to control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

‘Significant problems with the steering wheel’

Complaints submitted to NHTSA talk about the steering wheel locking up or becoming “exceedingly stiff” in brand new cars. Drivers had to use “immense manual power” to move the vehicle and reported being “lucky” that these incidents did not occur on major highways.

Safety tips

“Multiple complaints” mentioned that the driver could “temporarily” remedy the problem by turning the car on and off. 

Warning signs 

The loss-of-steering incidents were sometimes accompanied by a “Steering Assist Reduced” warning message and clicking sounds while turning. 

Other Tesla recalls

In January, Tesla recalled more than 2 million of their electric cars because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while cruising on autopilot.  

This month, the manufacturer recalled some of the same cars due to “insufficiently visible display messages,” as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla steering loss recall, potentially affecting more than 330,000 electric cars. To do a Tesla 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 Tesla over alleged steering loss  

GM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

Warren, MI – February 23, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 323,232 pickups because their tailgates may open while the vehicles are in motion.

The recall comes on the back of multiple complaints and an injury and covers the following models:

  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 2500
  • 2020 – 2024 Chevrolet Sierra 3500

Recall summary

In the affected models, water may find its way into these the gate-release tailgate switch, causing a short circuit. 

This may result in the tailgate opening while the vehicle is in Park. If the driver does not latch it before driving off, “cargo in the bed of the truck may exit the vehicle and become a road hazard.”

Recall risks

All risks caused by a defective tailgate lock are explained in this article about a similar Ford recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 136 complaints. One minor injury and “three complaints of minor property damage” were identified as well.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2023, GM recalled Chevrolet and Buick cars because the digital instrument cluster would suddenly switch off, leaving drivers without important information while operating the vehicle.  

Last month, GM recalled Bolt electric vehicles over a risk of fire following a crash, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected part with one that has improved protection against water. The repairs will be free of charge, and GM will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the issuance of the recall.

Owners will receive letters with more information by March 18, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 323,000 vehicles are affected by this Chevrolet tailgate recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues recall for pickups over faulty tailgates

Honda recalls 750,000 cars with airbags that may hurt children

Torrance, CA – February 20, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which also owns the Acura brand, is recalling 750,114 vehicles due to incorrect airbags deploying in a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury to certain occupants. The recall comes on the back of several thousand warranty claims and covers some of the following vehicles:

  • 2020–2022 Honda Accord
  • 2020–2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Honda Civic 
  • 2021 Honda Civic Type R
  • 2020–2021 Honda CR-V
  • 2020–2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Honda Odyssey
  • 2020–2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020–2021 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2022 Acura MDX
  • 2020 Acura RDX
  • 2022 Acura RDX

Recall summary  

Cars typically have a sensor on the seats that determines the occupant’s weight and prevents the airbags from deploying if the minimum weight requirement is not met, such as in the case of a child or a person weighing less than 108 lbs.

In the affected cars, the front passenger seat weight sensor “may crack and short-circuit,” allowing the airbag to deploy regardless of the occupant weight. The defect is caused by a supplier error.

The full list of the affected models is available here.

Recall risks

All risks caused by defective front passenger airbags are explained in this article about a similar Tesla recall. 

Warning signs

Users may notice the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light activated on the dashboard, with the passenger airbag indicator turned off.  

Background of the recall

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received 3,834 warranty claims. No injuries have been reported.

Other Honda recalls

In July 2023, Honda also issued a recall for almost 1.2 million vehicles on account of a rearview camera issue, as reported.  

In December 2023, the manufacturer recalled Acura, Odyssey, Pilot and Ridgeline cars that may stall or catch fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the seat weight sensor on all affected models with a component that uses the original material. The repairs are free of charge, and Honda will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall..  

Owners will receive letters with more information on March 18, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 750,000 vehicles are affected by this Honda front passenger airbag recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHonda recalls 750,000 cars with airbags that may hurt children

Tesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Austin, TX – February 18, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling close to 2.2 million electric cars because the warning messages on their displays may be too small. As a result, the driver may not be aware of safety issues, which ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
  • 2017 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2012 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 2024 Tesla Model X
  • 2019 2024 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

In the affected Tesla electric cars, the warning messages regarding parking and brakes are displayed in a font that is too small, making it difficult for the driver to read them.

Recall risks

Ignoring warning messages increases the risk of collisions.

Other Tesla recalls

In January 2024, Tesla recalled cars whose doors may open during a crash

In the same month, Tesla also recalled more than 2 million vehicles because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while on autopilot

The repair

Tesla already began releasing over-the-air (OTA) software updates to resolve the issue.  It is not clear if the process has been completed.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 30, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 2 million Tesla electric vehicles are affected by this small-font recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Ford recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Dearborn, MI – February 15, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.9 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because a piece of exterior trim may detach while driving and create road debris. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall follows a U.S. government investigation caused by several incidents involving trim pieces flying away from these vehicles. 

Recall summary  

The listed SUVs have a plastic trim surrounding the windshield, which is held in place with clip attachments. In the affected vehicles, the trim was not seated properly and may become loose and detach while driving. 

Recall risks

The trim may become a “road hazard” and increase the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation started in January 2023 after the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), received over 150 complaints about the fly-away trims. There have been several instances of drivers behind the Explorers “momentarily” losing control of their cars while trying to evade the object. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice the trim is not seated correctly or hear it rattle while driving.  

Other Ford recalls

Last month, Ford recalled close to 190,000 Maverick pickup trucks whose turn signals may fail to operate

On a separate note, there is an ongoing issue with Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away, with the latest recall caused by this issue taking place in October 2023.  

The repair

The dealers will replace A-pillar trims repairs are free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information between March 13, 2024, and March 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 2 million of Ford’s popular SUVs are affected by this fly-away trim 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 recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Tesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Austin, TX  – February 12, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 199,575 electric vehicles whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2023 Tesla Model S  
  • 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the rearview camera image in the affected vehicles may fail to display.

Recall risks

The risks of the defect are outlined in this article about a similar Honda recall.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 81 warranty claims. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled over 120,000 of Model S and Model X cars because their doors may open in a crash

Also in January, more than 2 million Teslas were recalled over an issue with their autopilot that may cause them to crash into emergency vehicles

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air update (OTA) to take care of the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information on March 22, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla rearview camera recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Volvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ridgeville, SC – February 9, 2024 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling 17,409 2024 Volvo XC40 compact SUVs over the failure of rear turn signals.

With the turn indicator being out of action, the vehicle is more likely to get hit by other motorists.

Recall summary  

Because of a software error, the car may not display the left rear turn signal when the driver flips the indicator on. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar recall conducted by Ford.

Warning signs

The “left turn indicator malfunction message” should display on the dashboard. 

Other Volvo recalls 

Volvo has not had any major recalls lately, with the last one – caused by brake failure – dating back to February 2023, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the faulty software free of charge. Right now, the update requires a visit to the dealership. However, an over-the-air (OTA) update should be released “at a later date,” according to the manufacturer.

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on February 28, 2024.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo XC40 rear turn indicator recall affects nearly 18,000 SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Dearborn, MI – February 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 139,730 cars that may stall because of engine failure. This greatly augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

 Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018  –  2022 Ford Ecosport
  • 2016   2018 Ford Focus 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, thousands of warranty claims and at least one crash.  Replacement parts are currently not available.

Recall summary  

The engine’s internal parts are lubricated with oil, which is circulated under pressure by an oil pump. In the affected vehicles, parts of the pump may “fracture” and “degrade,” leaving the engine without sufficient lubrication and consequently causing its failure and a vehicle shutdown. 

The car may also lose power brake assist.

Only vehicles with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine are affected by this issue.   

Recall risks

For the risks of stall, please refer to this article about a Chevrolet Volt investigation due to a similar issue. For the risks pertaining to the loss of power brake assist, please see this article about a related Nissan recall.

Warning signs

Leading up to the failure, the driver may notice “low oil pressure” and check engine warnings on the dashboard, accompanied by deceleration.  If the engine does fail, the driver should hear “loud noises” coming from the engine bay. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

The investigation was spurred by 95 complaints drivers alleging engine failure. Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer also received over 2,000 warranty claims and became aware of one crash that resulted in two injuries. 

Other Ford recalls 

In December 2023, several compact Ford and Lincoln models were recalled because their doors would open while driving

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 200,000 Maverick pickup trucks over faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty parts of the pump free of charge.

Owners will receive letters acknowledging the recall in mid-February and will be notified once again once the remedy is available between April and June of 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford oil pump recall affects more than 130,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

Warren, MI  – February 5, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 20,712 sedans over roof-rail airbag inflators that may rupture upon deployment and injure the car occupants.

This is an expansion of an earlier recall issued by the automaker in September 2023.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2014 Buick Verano 
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall summary  

Also called side curtain airbags, the roof-rail airbags (RRAB) are mounted on the roof rails above the vehicle’s headliner, which is material that sticks to the car roof on the inside.

In the event of an impact on the vehicle’s roof, the airbags are triggered by inflators welded to the rails.  

In the affected vehicles, a manufacturing defect could introduce contaminants to the airbag inflator chamber. This may cause the metal inflator inside the bag to explode, hurling shrapnel at the occupants or surrounding motorists.

Recall risks

The risks of exploding metal inflators were previously described in articles regarding the eerily similar Takata airbag issue.

Background of the recall

The automaker issued the first recall for this issue in September of last year. In December, it found additional vehicles that had the same defect, prompting the present recall.  No injuries or ruptures have been identified in connection with the current recall.

Other General Motors recalls

In April 2023, GM recalled 40,428 pickups over a problem with the brake system design, which could lead to a higher risk of fire.

In December 2023, GM also recalled 60,154 crossover SUVs spanning the Buick and Chevrolet lines due to the digital instrument cluster switching off while the vehicles were in use.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the RRAB modules in the affected units free of charge, reimbursing owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall notice was issued. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by February 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 sedans are affected by this GM roof-rail airbag recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators