Ford recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs over loose seat belts

Ford recalls Explorer and Aviator SUVs over loose seat belts 

March 28, 2025 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – March 28, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 240,510 SUVs whose seat belts “may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash.” This augments the risk of injury to everyone involved.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2021 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 – 2021 Lincoln Aviator

Recall summary  

The bolts that hold the seat belt buckles and seat belt retractors in the affected SUV were not sufficiently tightened during assembly and may become loose over time.     

Recall risks

Insufficiently secured seat belt buckles and retractors may not provide adequate protection to the occupants in a crash and increase the risk of serious injuries.

Warning signs

The occupants may notice squeaking and rattling noises.    

Other Ford recalls

In February 2025, Ford recalled Super Duty trucks and Lincoln Corsairs over malfunctioning rearview cameras.  

On a separate note, Ford is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over allegedly malfunctioning seat belt pretensioners.   

The repair

Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle and retractor bolts free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information between March 31, 2025 and April 4, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford seat belt buckle recall affects more than 240,000 SUVS. 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 Explorer and Aviator SUVs over loose seat belts 
Hyundai recalls Genesis cars over blank instrument panels

Hyundai recalls Genesis cars over blank instrument panels

March 26, 2025 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – March 26, 2025 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF), which owns the Genesis brand, is recalling 32,594 cars over inoperable instrument clusters. This flaw deprives the driver of vital information, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

The recall comes on the back on hundreds of driver complaints and includes the following models:

  • 2025 Genesis GV70
  • 2023 – 2024 Genesis G80
  • 2023 – 2024 Genesis GV80
  • 2023 – 2025 Genesis Electrified GV70

Recall summary  

The instrument cluster in the affected cars may fail to illuminate or may flicker due to a software error. If this happens, the driver will not see vital information, such as the vehicle’s speed and turn signals status.    

Recall risks

The absence of crucial driving parameters augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

The recall is a result of 454 driver complaints about the condition. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

In December 2024, Hyundai sedans and SUVs were recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras. 

In August 2024, Hyundai recalled Santa Fe SUVs whose airbags could inadvertently activate or fail to deploy altogether, as reported.  

The repair

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

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 20, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 32,000 Genesis vehicles are affected by this Hyundai blank instrument cluster recall. 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 Genesis cars over blank instrument panels
Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs over fire risk

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs over fire risk 

March 20, 2025 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – March 20, 2025 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 177,493 SUVs that may catch fire. This defect increases the risk of a crash and injury or property damage.   

The recall comes on the back of several “thermal cases” and affects the following models: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
  • 2024 – 2025 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary  

The affected SUVs have a decorative plastic cover over their engines, which may become loose, move out of position and come in contact with hot exhaust components. If this happens, the extreme temperatures could melt the plastic, causing a fire under the hood. 

Recall risks

If the vehicle bursts into flames, occupants can get injured or even lose their lives. In addition, the fire may spread to surrounding objects, resulting in property damage. 

Warning signs

Apart from the burning smell coming from under the hood, the driver may also notice that the plastic cover is misaligned.

Safety tips

You can find out more about what to do if your vehicle catches fire in this detailed article.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 7 “thermal cases.” The manufacturer does not state if these resulted in any injuries.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In July 2024, Volkswagen recalled Atlas SUVs and Golfs whose rearview cameras failed to show an image while reversing.  

In December 2024, hybrid Audi SUVs were recalled over the risk of fire caused by defective high-voltage batteries. 

The repair

Dealers will remove the engine cover from the affected SUVs free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 18, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 177,000 SUVs are affected by this Volkswagen loose engine cover recall. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs over fire risk 
Kia recalls Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire

Kia recalls Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire

March 18, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – March 18, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 137,256 cars that may stall or catch fire. This defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

This recall is the latest in the long string of Kia fire-related recalls and comes on the back of hundreds of stalls and four fires.

The list of the recalled models includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Seltos
  • 2021 – 2023 Kia Soul

Recall summary  

An engine piston ring is part of the engine whose function is to keep the engine cool and make sure there is enough oil to keep it running.

Due to a supplier error, the affected vehicles’ piston rings can damage the engine block, causing increased oil consumption. 

If the oil level drops below a certain threshold, this may result in the engine seizure. The oil can also leak out and drip onto hot exhaust components, causing the car to catch fire.

Recall risks

Both possible scenarios – loss of motive power and vehicle fire – increase the risk of a crash and injury. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please read this article.

Warning signs  

Besides increased oil consumption, the driver may notice odd engine noises and an illuminated oil pressure warning light if the oil level drops low. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of over 800 allegations of stalls and four fires. No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Kia fires

As reported, Kia and its sister company Hyundai have recalled millions of vehicles due to fire-related issues. They were also subject to an U.S. government investigation to assess the adequacy of these recalls. The investigation was closed last month as the government found that the recall remedies were adequate and Kia committed to re-notifying drivers whose cars still have not been repaired.

Other Kia recalls

In February 2025, Kia recalled over 80,000 Niro EVs and hybrids over malfunctioning seat belts and airbags.

In January 2025, nearly 75,000 Kia Sorrento SUVs were recalled because their headlights and tail lights would stop working.

The repair

Dealers will either replace the engine or install engine-monitoring software to warn the driver about “potential damage.”

Both measures will be implemented free of charge.

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 4, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 140,000 cars are affected by this Kia engine stall 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 Seltos and Soul cars that may stall, catch fire
Mercedes-Benz recalls electric SUVs over fire risk

Mercedes-Benz recalls electric SUVs over fire risk   

March 12, 2025 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – March 12, 2025 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 7,362 electric SUVs can burst into flames while driving or parked. This augments the risk of injury or property damage.  

The recall comes on the heels of “fire incidents” outside of the U.S. and includes the following vehicles:  

  • 2025 Mercedes Benz EQB 250+
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350
  • 2022 – 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4MATIC

Recall summary  

The high-voltage battery stores electricity for the EVs’ electric motors and other electronics.  In the affected SUVs, the battery could overheat and set the vehicle on fire while driving or parked due to an internal short.

Recall risks

Occupants can get injured or even lose their lives if the vehicle bursts into flames. In addition, the fire may spread to surrounding objects and cause property damage. 

Warning signs

The driver may see a warning message on the dashboard if the high-voltage battery overheats while driving. However, there will be no warning signs when the vehicle is parked.  

Safety tips

Mercedes-Benz advises the owners “to charge their vehicle’s battery to a maximum of 80% state of charge” until the repair is performed.    

You can find out more about what to do if your vehicle catches fire in this detailed article. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2024, Mercedes-Benz SUVs were recalled because their airbags could deploy too violently in a crash, as reported. 

In the same month, luxury Mercedes-Benz sedans were recalled over an engine issue that could cause them to stall or even catch fire.  

The repair

Dealers will update battery management software free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 1, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz battery fire recall affects more than 7,000 electric SUVs. 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 electric SUVs over fire risk   
Volkswagen recalls Golfs over faulty rearview cameras

Volkswagen recalls Golfs over faulty rearview cameras 

March 10, 2025 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – March 10, 2025 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 8,237 2022- 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI cars whose rearview cameras may not show an accurate image. This ups the risk of a crash while backing up. 

Recall summary  

The rearview camera in the affected cars may fail to show an image or the feed could be delayed. 

Volkswagen suspects this issue is caused by a software glitch.  

Recall risks

A malfunctioning rearview camera limits visibility while reversing, increasing the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

In September 2024, Volkswagen recalled ID.4 EV cars because their doors could open on their own while driving, as reported.

In July 2024, several Volkswagen models, including the Golf GTI, were recalled over the same issue with their rearview cameras, also as reported. The two recalls do not appear to be related.

The repair

The dealers will update the camera’s software free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 11, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Volkswagen rearview camera recall affects more than 8,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Golfs over faulty rearview cameras 
BMW recalls X3 SUVs over faulty door locks

BMW recalls X3 SUVs over faulty door locks 

March 6, 2025 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ – March 6, 2025 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 40,736 SUVs whose doors can be opened accidentally. This defect could cause injuries to the car occupants, especially if they fall out of the vehicle.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2022 – 2024 BMW X3 sDrive30i
  • 2022 – 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i

Recall summary  

BMW car doors can be unlocked from the inside by pulling on the interior door handle twice – the first pull unlocks the door and the second opens it. In the affected SUVs, the rear doors can be opened with a single pull of the handle due to a manufacturing error.  

Recall risks

An occupant may accidentally open the door while the vehicle is in motion and fall out of the car.

Other BMW recalls

In August, close to 300,000 X3 SUVs were recalled because their luggage rails could detach in a crash, as reported.

In September 2024, BMW recalled over 12,000 Mini hybrids over a battery issue that could result in a vehicle fire, also as reported.

The repair

The dealers will replace rear door lock modules free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by April 14, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 SUVs are affected by this BMW door handle recall. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls X3 SUVs over faulty door locks 
GM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors

GM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors

March 4, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI – March 4, 2025 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC brand, is recalling 70,768 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks whose front grill deflectors – also known as bug or wind deflectors – can detach and fall onto the road. This would endanger other motorists, upping the risk of a crash and injury.   

The recall comes on the back of several accidents.

Recall summary  

The deflector is a piece of exterior trim mounted above or on the car’s front grille. Its purpose is to improve vehicle stability, reduce wind and protect the cooling system.

Due to a supplier error, the attachments holding the deflector in place in the affected vehicles may break, causing it to fly away while driving.    

Recall risks

If the deflector falls off while driving, it may land on the road, creating an obstacle for the other motorists, who may crash while trying to avoid it.  

Warning signs 

A loose deflector may rattle while driving.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of more than 1,200 field complaints, as well as four crashes. No injuries have been reported.

Other GMC recalls

Sierra and Silverado pickup trucks were recalled in December 2024 because their tailgates could open on their own while driving.   

On a separate note, GM is currently being investigated over an engine failure that may cause stalling.  

The repair

The carmaker is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once available, the repair will be free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by March 24, 2025.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 70,000 GMC pickup trucks are affected by this GM bug deflector recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM is recalling Sierra pickups with faulty bug deflectors
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