GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators

GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

February 5, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

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 
Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

February 2, 2024 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – February 2, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento SUVs whose engines may malfunction and catch fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and is the latest in the ongoing saga of Kia and Hyundai non-crash related fires.

Recall summary  

All SUVs affected by this recall have a Theta II 2.4L gasoline engine, which may catch fire “while driving.” Kia does not explain how and why this occurs.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.  

Warning signs

In addition to an unusual “engine noise” and an illuminated check engine light, occupants could notice a burning smell and smoke. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes following an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to determine the adequacy of existing Hyundai and Kia recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled due to non-crash related fires.

The investigation was launched after the agency received more than 100 complaints about vehicles bursting into flames, either while driving or being turned off.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from the said investigation, certain Kia Sorrento SUVs were recently recalled over an issue with their rearview cameras. 

In addition, these SUVs, alongside many other Kia and Hyundai models, were the subject of a massive fire-related recall that took place in October 2023. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine if necessary. Otherwise, the cars will receive Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, which should detect any abnormal engine operation and take measures to prevent further damage. 

The repair will be free of charge.  

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

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia engine fire recall affects almost 80,000 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 
Mercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

Mercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

January 31, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Sandy Springs, GA – January 31, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 93,402 vans and passenger vehicles whose fuel pumps may fail and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a similar one, which dates back to July of last year. 

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz C300 
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350 
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GL600  
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Recall summary  

The fuel pump in the affected vehicles has deformed internal parts that can jam at any moment. This may cause the car to stall it would not get enough fuel. 

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

For risks of this recall, please visit this Mercedes-Benz article about a recall caused by a similar defect.

Warning signs

Before it stalls, the vehicle may start “running rough,” most likely accompanied by corresponding warning lights on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

Mercedes first recalled vehicles for this issue in July of last year, as reported. After the recall was issued, the manufacturer became aware of additional vehicles with the same issues that were not included in the original recall, leading to the present announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

Vehicle stalling, accompanied by a potential fire caused another Mercedes-Benz recall, which took place in October 2023 and affected AMG SL roadsters. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by February 16, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz fuel pump recall affects more than 13,000 vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars
Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

January 29, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles. 

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 
Porsche recalls hybrids and electric cars over fire risk

Porsche recalls hybrids and electric cars over fire risk 

January 24, 2024 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – January 24, 2024 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 41,345 hybrid and electric cars whose charging cables may overheat when plugged in, causing fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage.

The lengthy list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2019 – 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid  
  • 2020 – 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 
  • 2022 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
  • 2020 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4S 
  • 2021 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles can be charged with a 220V/240V cable, which plugs into an ordinary household power outlet. In some cases, the cable may overheat while charging the car and cause a fire. 

The full list of the affected vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

A charging cable that catches fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.

Safety tips

Before the repair is conducted, owners are advised not to use the charging cables in question and only utilize the 110V ones or “public charging stations.”

Warning signs

The driver may notice that the cable is hot when unplugging it.

Other Porsche recalls

Fire risk was the cause of another larger Porsche recall, which took place in February 2023.

Separately, over 12,000 Porsche Taycans were recalled in June 2022 over malfunctioning rearview cameras. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty cables with improved ones free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Porsche charging cable fire recall affects more than 40,000 electric and hybrid cars. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls hybrids and electric cars over fire risk 
Toyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect

Toyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect

January 22, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

Plano, TX  – January 22, 2024 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which also owns the Lexus brand,  is recalling 999,901 vehicles over a problem with a passenger airbag that could prevent it from being deployed in the event of a collision. This ups the risk of an injury.

The recall comes on the heels of over 1,000 warranty claims and includes some of the following vehicles:

  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon 
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Corolla
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander
  • 2020 – 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid

Recall summary  

The airbags in Toyota and Lexus vehicles use the so-called Occupant Classification System (OCS), which is an array of sensors designed to classify the weight of the front seat passenger. The OCS information determines whether the airbag should be deployed.

In the affected vehicles, the circuit board where the OCS sits was cracked during production. This may result in the short circuit and prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

All risks caused by non-inflating airbags are explained in this article about a similar recall by Ford.   

Warning signs

In the event of the airbag failure, the driver should see the “the SRS warning lamp” and “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp illuminate, among other warnings.

Background of the recall

The recall is a result of 1,194 warranty claims and 27 field reports. It is not clear if any injuries or crashes have been reported because of the defect.

Other Toyota recalls

In August 2023, Toyota and Lexus hybrid SUVs were recalled over the risk of fire from damage caused by “supplier issues.” 

In November 2023, Toyota recalled over three quarters of a million of SUVs over the risk of the front bumpers falling off “during normal operation.”

The repair

Dealers will replace the OCS sensors in the affected units free of charge. Owners will receive letters with more information by February 18, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 1 million vehicles are affected by this Toyota front passenger airbag recall. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect
GM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash

GM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash

January 19, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI – January 19, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling  6,614 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV cars that may catch fire after a crash. This defect greatly augments the risk of injury for everyone involved.

These cars were already recalled over the same issue in December 2022, but the repair was not performed correctly. 

Recall summary  

The seat belt pretensioner is a pyrotechnic device that “uses an explosive charge to lock the seat belt in place” following a crash.

In the affected vehicles, the pretensioner deployment may set fire to the cars’ upholstery.

Recall risks

A fire inside the vehicle occurring right after a crash greatly increases the risk of an injury. 

Background of the recall

In December 2022, the manufacturer conducted a large-scale recall for these vehicles during which dealerships were supposed to add a piece of “metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust.” However, on 66 of the affected cars the repair was done incorrectly, necessitating a re-do.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Last month, General Motors recalled Buicks and Chevrolets whose instrument clusters would switch off, as reported. 

On a separate note, the U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is currently investigating 2016-2019 Chevrolet Volt cars over complaints about sudden loss of motive power. 

The repair

Dealers will install a protective metal foil and matching pretensioner covers free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on January 29, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Chevrolet Bolt seat belt recall affects more than 6,500 electric cars. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM issues second recall for Bolt EVs over risk of fire following crash
Tesla recalls Model S, X cars whose doors may open in crash

Tesla recalls Model S, X cars whose doors may open in crash

January 17, 2024 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – January 17, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 120,423 electric vehicles because their doors may inadvertently open if there is an accident. This augments the risk of injury for the occupants.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall:  

  • 2021 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 – 2023 Tesla Model X   

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have an electronically controlled latching mechanism that keeps the door in a closed position. Due to a software error, the latch may release and open the doors during a crash.

Recall risks

The doors that open on their own in a crash reduce the level of protection for the occupants, upping the risk of an injury.   

Other Tesla recalls

In December, Tesla recalled around 40% of cars it had ever sold due to autopilot issues.

The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is also evaluating whether the manufacturer needs to add an allegedly missing safety feature to prevent unintended acceleration while parking.

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air (OTA) software update to address the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 17, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla open door recall affects more than 100,000 electric vehicles. 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 Model S, X cars whose doors may open in crash
Ford recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning

Ford recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning 

January 15, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI  – January 12, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 189,814 2022-2024 Maverick pickups for their failure to warn drivers when the vehicles’ turn signal lamps stop working. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

The Ford Maverick rear lights use two turn signal bulbs on each side. A computer called the Body Control Module (BCM) controls these bulbs, such that when a turn signal bulb on one side is not working, the second bulb will flash more quickly, accompanied by a dashboard warning to alert the driver of the first bulb’s failure.  

In the affected vehicles, the BCM’s software is unable to detect when a bulb failure occurs. As a result, the other working bulb will continue to flash at the normal rate.

Recall risks

Other road users may also not be alerted when the vehicle makes a turn or lane change, augmenting the risk of a crash and injury.   

Other Ford recalls

In June 2023, Ford recalled more than 175,000 2021–2023 Bronco SUVs over unusable front seat belt latches, as reported.

In September 2023, Ford recalled over 8,000 2023 Edge SUVs because of excessively bright headlights that could blind oncoming drivers at night, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by reconfiguring the BCM in the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall announcement.

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

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 190,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford turn signal recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Maverick pickups over faulty turn signal warning 
Mazda recalls B-series trucks with faulty airbags

Mazda recalls B-series trucks with faulty airbags

January 11, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C.  – January 11, 2024 – Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) is recalling 12,741 2004-2006 Mazda B-Series pickup trucks whose airbags may fail to deploy correctly in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.  

This is the third recall for the issue and is closely linked to the infamous Takata airbag recall, which has claimed many lives.

Recall summary  

The airbag in a car is deployed by an inflator, which fills it with gas during a crash. The front passenger airbag inflators in the affected vehicle were replaced during a previous recall involving Takata airbag issues.

However, they were fitted incorrectly and may fail to inflate the airbag during a crash.

Recall risks

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

Background of the recall

The affected trucks were recalled before in two separate recalls, one in December 2017, and the other in January 2018.  

Other Mazda recalls

In November 2023, Mazda recalled around 12,000 hatchback 3 series cars and CX-90 SUVs over defective rearview cameras. 

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the inflators free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on February 10, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mazda airbag recall affects more than 10,000 trucks. 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 B-series trucks with faulty airbags
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