US government investigates Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners

US government investigates Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners

November 27, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 28, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over allegations of seat belts locking in place following a recall issued for the same issue. The alleged defect may compromise occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.   

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 112,657 2019-2020 Ford Expedition SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 15, 2024, following three complaints of seat belt retractor pretensioners deploying with no apparent reason.

What is a seat belt pretensioner?

The pretensioner is a device that deploys during a crash to tighten the seat belt against the occupant’s torso to prevent him from getting ejected from the vehicle. If it is deployed in the absence of a crash, the car occupants may not be able to use the seat belt because it may get locked in place. Conversely, if the seat belt is still usable but the pretensioner has deployed, the belt will not tighten during an accident.

Risks

Both scenarios up the risk of a serious injury in an accident.

Background of the investigation

In February 2024, Ford recalled over 77,000 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs over the same issue.

The 110,000 vehicles that are part of this investigation were not part of the initial recall but potentially have the same defect.

The investigation aims to assess whether these additional vehicles also need to be recalled.  

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled over 6,000 Mustangs whose instrument clusters would fail to illuminate.  

In September, more than 90,000 Lincoln and Ford vehicles were recalled due to “catastrophic engine damage” that could result in a stall, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may result in a Ford seat belt pretensioner recall, potentially affecting more than 110,000 SUVs. To do a Ford 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 Ford over faulty seat belt pretensioners
Stellantis recalls SUVs over reduced stability, rollaway risk

Stellantis recalls SUVs over reduced stability, rollaway risk

November 23, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 23, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Jeep and Dodge brands, is recalling 206,502 SUVs over an issue that may reduce their stability or cause them to roll away. Both scenarios up the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the back of hundreds of warranty claims and two previous recalls which failed to address the issue.

The following models are affected:

  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango

Recall summary

The brakes in these SUVs are operated by the anti-lock brakes (ABS) module, which also controls the electronic stability control (ESC) system.

In the affected vehicles, false readings from the brake pressure sensor may cause the ABS and ESC to malfunction, making the car harder to handle. The car can also be shifted out of Park even when the brake pedal is not pressed.

Warning signs

The ABS and ESC warning lights – as well as a red brake indicator – may illuminate on the dashboard. In addition, the brake light may come on even when the brakes are not applied.

Recall risks

The vehicle may become less stable on slippery roads or during sudden maneuvers, while the erroneously illuminated brake lights may confuse other drivers.

Additionally, if the car is accidentally shifted out of Park, the vehicle may roll away and crash into surrounding objects or pedestrians.

All of these defects up the risk of a crash and injury.

Background of the recall

The cars and some of the ABS modules were recalled in 2022 and 2023. Earlier this year, it turned out that not only the remedies failed to address the defect but that the vehicles also presented additional issues.

The present recall comes on the back of over 500 warranty claims. No accidents have been reported.

Other Jeep recalls

In October 2024, Stellantis recalled over 154,000 Jeeps due to the risk of fire, as reported.

The carmaker is also currently being investigated by the U.S. government over allegations of Jeeps catching fire due to a different issue, also as reported.

The repair

Stellantis is currently working on a solution for this problem, and once the repair is available, it will be free of charge.

The owners should receive notification by December 5, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 200,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rollaway recall. To do a Jeep or Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls SUVs over reduced stability, rollaway risk
Mazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over power loss, failure to restart 

Mazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over power loss, failure to restart 

November 21, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington D.C. – November 21, 2024 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 70,414 SUVs in two separate recalls over a software glitch that may cause their engines to lose power or prevent them from restarting. The issue augments the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected:

  • 2025 Mazda CX-70 
  • 2024 Mazda CX-90

Recall summary

The engine’s operation in the listed SUVs is controlled by two computers, called the powertrain control module (PCM) and engine control modules (ECM). Due to a software error, these modules may malfunction and send the engine into so-called limp-home mode, which significantly limits its power output.   

Additionally, a software error inside the battery energy control module (BECM), which controls the vehicle’s hybrid battery, may prevent the engine from starting after it is been shut down. This issue only affects CX-90 SUVs.     

Warning signs 

A “hybrid system malfunction” message and the engine warning light, as well as as malfunction indicator light (MIL) may illuminate on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Recall risks

Loss of motive power or an inability to restart the engine increases the risk of a crash and injury, especially if this happens in fast-moving traffic. 

Other Mazda recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a November Mazda recall, caused by inoperable driver aid features, as reported.

On a separate note, nearly 10,000 CX-70 SUVs were recalled In June 2024 because of sudden braking, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the software for the affected control modules free of charge.

The owners should receive notification by December 30, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 70,000 hybrid SUVs are affected by this Mazda powertrain error recall. To do a Mazda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicMazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over power loss, failure to restart 
Ford recalls new Mustangs over blank instrument clusters

Ford recalls new Mustangs over blank instrument clusters 

November 16, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – November 16, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 6,212 2024 Ford Mustang sport cars whose instrument clusters may fail to illuminate. This may distract the driver and deprive him of vital safety information, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary

The digital instrument cluster in the affected vehicles may become blank as a result of a software error. If this happens, the driver will not have access to information such as vehicle speed and any warnings.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a blank instrument cluster are documented in this recent Jeep recall.  

Other Ford recalls

In June 2024, Ford recalled over 8,000 2024 Mustangs that had shifting issues or could catch fire, as reported.

In September 2024, over 90,000 Ford Bronco SUVs were recalled over the risk of stalling, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the instrument panel cluster’s software free of charge.

The owners should receive notifications between November 11, 2024 and November 15, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 6,000 Mustangs are affected by this Ford blank instrument cluster 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 new Mustangs over blank instrument clusters 
Mazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over faulty safety features

Mazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over faulty safety features

November 14, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington D.C. – November 14, 2024 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 80,915 SUVs whose safety features, such as the defroster, may not work. The defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected:

  • 2025 Mazda CX-70 
  • 2024 – 2025 Mazda CX-90

Recall summary

In the affected SUVs, the windshield defroster, 360° view monitor, and the seatbelt warning may not work properly due to a software error caused by the dash electrical supply unit (ESU). The latter is a computer responsible for powering various dashboard electronics.

Warning signs 

Corresponding warning messages and the malfunction indicator light (MIL) should appear on the dashboard when the vehicle is turned on. 

Recall risks

Faulty defroster and 360° view monitor reduce the driver’s visibility while the missing seatbelt warning ups the risk that the driver will not use it.

Both issues up the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Mazda recalls

In June 2024, close to 10,000 CX-70 SUVs were recalled because of sudden braking, as reported.

In November 2023, close to 12,000 CX-90 and Mazda 3 were recalled over inoperable 360-degree cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the dash ECU software free of charge.

The owners should receive notifications by December 30, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mazda defroster recall affects close to 81,000 hybrid SUVs. To do a Mazda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls CX-90, 70 SUVs over faulty safety features
Volvo recalls trucks with malfunctioning ABS, cruise control

Volvo recalls trucks with malfunctioning ABS, cruise control  

November 8, 2024 Bojan Popic

Greensboro, NC – November 8, 2024 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) has recalled 126,649 heavy-duty commercial trucks in which important safety features may stop working. The defect ups the risk of crash and injury.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2025 Volvo VAH
  • 2020 – 2025 Volvo VHD
  • 2020 – 2025 Volvo VN
  • 2020 – 2025 Volvo VNRE  

Recall summary  

The affected trucks are equipped with tow trailers and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). The ABS is in communication with the trailers through a system called the power line carrier (PLC). Due to electrical interference inside the PLC, messages between the ABS and the PLC may get jumbled.

This may cause the ABS – as well other systems that are connected to it – to experience “diminished or lost functionality.”  This includes electronic stability control, collision mitigation system and active cruise control, among others.

Recall risks

Besides being more difficult to control during sudden maneuvers, a truck with inoperable stability and driver’s aid systems may not respond to road hazards as well as the driver expects.  This augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

The driver may notice an illuminated ABS warning light on the dashboard. 

Other Volvo recalls

In February 2023, malfunctioning ABS and other brake-assist features were the cause of a Volvo recall that affected over 27,000 sedan and SUVs.

Over 17,000 XC40 compact SUVs were recalled in February 2024 over inoperable turn signals.  

The repair

Dealers will update PLC software free of charge. 

Owners should be notified by December 13, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 120,000 heavy-duty trucks are affected by this Volvo ABS recall. To do a Volvo truck recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls trucks with malfunctioning ABS, cruise control  
Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 pickups over reduced stability

Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 pickups over reduced stability  

November 6, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – November 6, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, has recalled 33,777 2025 RAM 1500 pickup trucks with faulty electronic stability systems (ESC). 

The defect makes the vehicle less stable, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This is at least the third stability-related RAM recall this year.

Recall summary  

The ESC monitors the speed of the vehicle’s wheels and – if one of them is spinning faster or slower than the others – applies the brakes or reduces the engine’s output. In the affected pickups, the ESC may stop working because of a faulty bearing.

Recall risks

The defect makes the car harder to control, upping the risk of a crash.

Other RAM recalls

This is at least the third time this year ESC issues resulted in a RAM recall. In June, the automaker recalled over 211,000 RAM 2500 and 3500 cars as well Dodge Durangos due to stability issues caused by a software error. In September, the recall was expanded.

Separately, last month, Stellantis recalled close to 130,000 RAM trucks whose turn signals would fail to self-cancel.

 The repair

Dealers will replace the wheel bearings if needed. The repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified by December 19, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Stellantis reduced stability recall is affecting more over 33,000 pickup trucks. To do a RAM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls RAM 1500 pickups over reduced stability  
US government investigates Tesla after self-driving car kills pedestrian

US government investigates Tesla after self-driving car kills pedestrian

November 1, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 1, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over crashes that have occurred in the so-called full self-driving mode (FSD).

The investigation could lead to a recall of roughly 2.4 million electric vehicles and comes on the back of four accidents, including one that resulted in a fatality.

The following models would be affected:

  • 2016 – 2024 Model S 
  • 2016 – 2024 Model X 
  • 2017 – 2024 Model 3 
  • 2020 – 2024 Model Y 
  • 2023 – 2024 Cybertruck

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on October 17, 2024, following a fatal accident in which Tesla struck a pedestrian.

Apart from this incident, three more crashes – with one resulting in an injury – were reported. All happened while the car was operating in the full self-driving mode in conditions with reduced visibility, such as “sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.”

The investigation aims to assess how well Tesla’s self-driving mechanism can spot obstacles and prevent accidents in such circumstances. 

Full-self driving feature

FSD allows Tesla vehicles to steer, accelerate and brake on their own, while the driver supervises the process. 

Other Tesla recalls

In January 2024, Tesla recalled 2 million EVs with faulty autopilot following a U.S. government investigation.

In September 2024, certain Tesla Model X SUVs were recalled because their roof trims could detach and create road debris.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Tesla FSD recall, potentially affecting approximately 2.4 million electric vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla after self-driving car kills pedestrian
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