US government investigates GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

Washington, D.C. January 31, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, over allegations of its vehicles stalling due to engine failure. 

The investigation could lead to a recall of 877,710 SUVs and pickup trucks.

The following vehicles would be affected:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade NA 
  • 2024 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 – 2024 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2019 – 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 – 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2019 – 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon 
  • 2021 – 2024 GMC Yukon XL

All cars have the L87 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 16, 2025, following 39 complaints and numerous reports of vehicles that would stall while driving.

According to the initial findings, this happens because of a connecting rod bearing failure. This can cause the engine to seize or result in the bearing piercing the engine block.

The investigation aims to discover how widespread this problem may be and the impact it may have on road safety.  

Risks

A seized engine will stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Bearings that pierce the engine have been the cause of engine fires in other, similar recalls but it is not clear if that is a possibility in this particular investigation.

Other Chevrolet recalls

In December 2024, GM expanded its previous recall caused by tailgates that would open on their own, as reported.

In January 2025, Chevrolet electric SUVs were recalled over malfunctioning pedestrian warning systems, also as reported.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a GM engine failure recall, potentially affecting over 875,000 SUVs and pickups. To do a GM 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 GM over stalling SUVs and pickups

Kia recalls new Sorento SUVs over reduced visibility  

Irvine, CA – January 28, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 74,469 SUVs whose headlights and tail lights may stop working. This defect ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Kia Sorento
  • 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 

Recall summary  

The headlights and tail lights in the affected SUVs may unexpectedly shut off due to a software error within a computer called the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC), which controls their operation. 

Recall risks

Inoperable headlights and tail lights limit the driver’s field of view and make the vehicle less visible, especially in low-visibility conditions. This increases the chances of a crash and injury.   

Other Kia recalls

This is not the first time Kia vehicles have suffered from inoperable headlights, with certain Telluride SUVs being recalled over a similar issue in April 2024

Earlier this month, Kia recalled their electric EV9 SUVs whose third-row seats were not properly secured, as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will update the BDC software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information by February 21, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia inoperable headlight recall affects almost 75,000 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 new Sorento SUVs over reduced visibility  

US government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

Washington, D.C. January 23, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations of vehicles colliding with various objects while in the self-driving mode.

The investigation could lead to a recall of roughly 2.6 million electric vehicles. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2017 – 2025 Model 3 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model S 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model X 
  • 2020 – 2025 Model Y 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 6, 2025. The investigation came on the heels of 16 complaints of Teslas crashing into surrounding cars and property while maneuvering out of parking lots on their own thanks to the so-called smart summon feature.

The smart summon feature

Smart summon allow drivers to summon the car to their desired location. It is not designed for use on public roads.

Investigation purpose

The investigation aims to gauge whether Tesla’s self-maneuvering mechanism can reliably detect obstacles it may encounter and if there are any “app connectivity delays” that may be causing “increased stopping distances.”

‘’It was a big pole’’

Drivers reported that their vehicles have crashed into walls as well as other cars, including at least one with a “passenger inside.” In one accident, the vehicle failed to avoid a “big pole,” leaving the driver convinced that there was something wrong with the “camera system, sensor or… the hardware.”

Dealers in some cases blamed the defect on the smart summon still being in beta, despite it being around since 2016. The costs of the repair were thus not covered by the warranty, causing a “perplexing and disheartening” situation for the driver who had to pay $8,000 out of pocket.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, at least in one case, the Tesla and the vehicle it hit both sustained “significant damage.” 

Other Tesla recalls

Close to 2 million Tesla EVs were affected by a recall from August 2024 caused by fly-away hoods, as reported.   

Tesla is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over a suspected fault with another self-driving feature, which led to a fatal crash. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Tesla smart summon recall, potentially affecting nearly 2.6 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 over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

Tesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility 

Austin, TX – January 21, 2025 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 239,382 electric vehicles (EVs) whose rearview camera may not show an image. This defect augments the chances of a crash while reversing.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model S
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The rearview camera in the listed vehicles may fail because of an electrical short. As a result, the image may not be shown while backing up.  

Background of the recall

The manufacturer decided to recall the listed vehicles following over 900 warranty claims and field reports. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Recall risks

The absence of a rearview camera image limits the driver’s field of view when going backward, increasing the chances of crashing into nearby objects or pedestrians. 

Other Tesla recalls

The U.S. government is currently investigating Tesla after one of its self-driving vehicles killed a pedestrian, as reported.

Last year, Tesla recalled 200,000 cars over an identical issue with their rearview cameras

The repair

The affected vehicles will receive a free over-the-air (OTA) software update or a new car computer. The update was deployed on the corresponding vehicles last month.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 7, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall affects almost 240,000 electric cars and SUVs. 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 EVs over reduced rearview visibility 

Ford recalls hybrid SUVs that may stall, catch fire   

Dearborn, MI – January 17, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 20,484 hybrid SUVs over a defect that may cause them to stall or catch fire. This ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially in fast-moving traffic.   

The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2024 Ford Escape
  • 2021 – 2024 Lincoln Corsair 

Recall summary  

The high-voltage battery – which stores electricity for the motor – could develop a short and overheat. This would cause power loss or result in a vehicle fire.

The manufacturer reported four incidents caused by this issue, none of which resulted in accidents or injuries.  

Recall risks

Both possible scenarios – loss of motive power and vehicle fire – up the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

In the event of the short circuit, the driver should see a “Stop Safely Now” message displayed on the screen.

Other Ford recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a Ford recall from June 2024 over stalling risk caused by transmission issues, as reported.  

In September 2024, Ford recalled Broncos and other models that could stall because of a “catastrophic engine damage”.     

The repair

Dealers will install software to monitor battery’s condition. The battery will be then replaced if any signs of malfunction are detected. Both fixes will be free of charge.  

The software is set to become available in 2Q25.

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 20, 2025, and January 24, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 hybrid SUVs are affected by this Ford battery short circuit 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 hybrid SUVs that may stall, catch fire   

Ford recalls Lincoln SUVs over faulty power windows, injury risk    

Dearborn, MI – January 14, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 47,818 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs whose power windows may hurt occupants’ limbs while closing. This ups the risk of an injury.   

Recall summary  

Power windows must automatically stop and retract if they encounter any obstacle while closing. In the affected vehicles, they may not stop when needed because of a software error.

Recall risks

Power windows that do not retract when they roll up may pinch an occupant’s arm or finger and cause an injury.   

Other Lincoln recalls

In September 2024, over 90,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs were recalled because they could stall while in motion, as reported.

In June 2024, over 8,000 Lincoln and Ford hybrid models were recalled due to the same issue.

The repair

Dealers will update the power windows control module software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 13, 2025, and January 17, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 48,000 SUVs are affected by this Lincoln power windows recall. To do a Lincoln recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Lincoln SUVs over faulty power windows, injury risk    

Stellantis recalls Jeeps over reduced rearview visibility 

Auburn Hills, MI – January 10, 2025 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 79,365 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show an image. This limits visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash, injury or property damage.  

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 Jeep Wagoneer
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recall summary  

The rearview camera may not display an image when backing up because of a software error.  

Recall risks

Without the rearview camera feed, the driver might crash into surrounding objects or pedestrians while backing up, upping the risk of injury or property damage.  

Other Jeep recalls

In December 2024, Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled because their speedometers were not showing accurate speed, as reported. 

In November 2024, Jeep and Dodge SUVs were recalled over an issue with ABS modules that could reduce their stability.   

On a separate note, Jeep is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over a fatality caused by a fire.   

The repair

Dealers will update the camera’s software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 21, 2025, and January 28, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 80,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rearview camera recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeeps over reduced rearview visibility 

Kia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

Irvine, CA – January 8, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 22,883 2024-2025 Kia EV9 electric SUVs whose seats may fail to restrain occupants during a crash.

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing oversight, the bolts holding the second and third-row seats in place are missing.

Recall risks

Insufficiently secured seats may not provide adequate occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.    

Warning signs

A loose seat might rattle. 

Other Kia recalls

In October 2024, over 12,000 EV9 SUVs were recalled because they could crash while self-parking, as reported.

On a separate note,  more than 460,00 Kia Telluride SUVs were recalled in June 2024 over electrical issues that may have led to a vehicle fire, as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will install the missing bolts free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information on January 24, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 23,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Kia missing bolt recall. 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 electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

GM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems 

Warren, MI  – January 2, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 7,606 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV SUVs that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach. This ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The affected car is equipped with an audio system, which makes a sound to warn nearby pedestrians of its presence. Due to a software error, this safety system may fail to “produce sound at a sufficient volume.”

Recall risks

The pedestrian may not hear an approaching vehicle – or assess whether it is slowing down or accelerating – and come out in front of it. This augments the risk of an accident.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Last month, GM expanded an existing recall of Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks whose tailgates could open while driving, as reported. 

In February 2024, Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze sedans were recalled over roof-rail airbag inflators that could rupture upon deployment, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will upgrade the vehicle software free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 27, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Chevrolet pedestrian warning recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems