Alex

Aleksandra has close to a decade of experience in financial journalism and copywriting. She has written for Global Finance Magazine, BNamericas and Redd Intelligence and covered multinational companies in automotive, healthcare and energy industries.

Toyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire

Toyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire

November 27, 2023 Aleksandra Snesareva

Plano, TX  – November 27, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 1.85 million 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4 SUVs over the risk of an electrical short which may lead to a fire.

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and multiple fires.

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles received aftermarket batteries with incorrect dimensions.  This may allow them to move and contact the bracket they are in, causing an electrical short.

Recall risks

An electrical short may generate excessive heat, which may cause the components around the battery – and the car – to catch fire. 

Investigation

The recall comes on the back of an investigation launched in February 2021 by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation was launched after the agency received almost a dozen complaints about fires and smoke. At least four of the fires occurred when the ignition was off. 

Other Toyota recalls

The risk of a vehicle fire was also the cause of a Toyota recall from August 2023, which affected RAV4 and Lexus SUV Hybrids. 

Earlier this month, the manufacturer recalled approximately 250,000 Highlander SUVs because their front bumper could detach.

The repair

Dealers will replace the battery tray and the retaining bracket with upgraded versions free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 17, 2023 and December 31, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota battery fire recall affects almost 2 million SUVs. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Aleksandra SnesarevaToyota recalls RAV4 SUVs over risk of fire
Mercedes recalls hybrids that may stall

Mercedes recalls hybrids that may stall

June 18, 2023 Aleksandra Snesareva

Jacksonville, FL  – June 18, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 8,281 cars because they may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The following luxury hybrid sedans and SUVs are affected:

  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the vehicles’ drivetrain may deactivate. This may result in the car losing power unexpectedly.

Recall risks

All of the associated risks are described in a recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of the model-years involved in this recall were recalled earlier this month due to another software error which may cause them to lose stability and result in the loss of anti-lock brakes, as reported.

In April 2023, the manufacturer issued a third recall over a water leak which may cause a fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the software on the affected vehicles free of charge.

Owners should receive correspondence with more information by August 4, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes software error recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaMercedes recalls hybrids that may stall
Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

January 2, 2022 Aleksandra Snesareva

Dearborn, MI – January 2, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans due to a defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away when parked or to stall while in motion. Either situation augments the risk of a crash or injury to the occupants of the van as well as other motorists.

The recall is limited to models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Recall summary

The drivetrains of these vehicles have transfer cases whose role is to “transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles” of the car using driveshafts. The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported.

The driveshaft is connected with the transfer case using bolts. The bolts in the recalled cars may come “loose or become damaged,” which could cause the driveshaft to separate from the case. This would result in the car stalling in traffic or rolling away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

Lastly, the separation could “damage…surrounding components, such as brake lines.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that rolls away when parked may hit pedestrians or surrounding structures, putting everyone at risk. For more information on the risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a Nissan recall for stalling.  

If there is any damage to the brake lines, this can affect brake performance, which increases the risk of injury to the car occupants and people around them.

Warning signs

In the event that the driveshaft becomes separated, car occupants will hear “driveline noise” and will feel vibration coming from the underside of the vehicle.

More background information

The cause of this recall is still under investigation.

There are two components involved in this recall: “Bolt and washer assembly” with part number LK41-4B496-CA and the “driveshaft assembly” with multiple part numbers, including LK41-4K145-DAE and LK41-4K145-FAE.

Other Ford recalls 

There was a Ford Transit recall involving model years – including the 2021 Ford Transit van – in May of last year due to the risk of rollaway when parked, as reported. Aside from Ford van recalls, there have been at least a couple of recalls related to driveshaft issues. – One was issued just last month for close to 200,000 2020-2021 F-150 pickup trucks and another one came out in September of last year for roughly 27,000 Super Duty F-350 pickups, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will conduct an inspection of the driveshaft and will replace the driveshaft, the bolts and the relevant surrounding components, if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge.   

Owners of affected units will be notified by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,500 vehicles are included in this Ford Transit recall. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaFord recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away
Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

December 26, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Fountain Valley, CA – December 26, 2021 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) has recalled 2,679 vehicles due to unexpected acceleration after the release of the gas pedal, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following electric vehicles:

  • 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Recall summary

The subject vehicles may erroneously enter the fail-safe mode – also known as the “limp-home” – because of a communication error between the vehicle’s components  caused by “the deterioration of the electrical ground.” The ground is meant to protect drivers from electric shock. 

The mode is designed to protect the engine from further damage if something is seriously wrong with one of the car’s systems by reducing its speed and acceleration. However, in this case, it can trigger “unintended acceleration” even after the gas pedal is released.

The component in question is the “Power Electric Module” with multiple  part numbers, including G7GPE-U300050 and G7GPE-U300053.

Recall risks

Although the braking and steering systems remain fully functional when the vehicle is in the fail-safe mode,  the sudden acceleration still augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

When entering the fail-safe mode, the vehicle’s “READY” lamp flashes, which acts as an alert for the driver. 

Other recent Hyundai recalls

In March 2021, some 4,600 Hyundai vehicles – including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EVs – were recalled on the back of multiple fires caused by faulty Li-ion batteries. In 2021, there have been multiple recalls of both Kia and Hyundai vehicles because of fire risk, as reported.

Separately, there was a small 2017 Hyundai Ioniq recall in 2017 because of the risk of stall.

Repair

To resolve these Hyundai Ioniq issues, dealers will update the relevant software and add additional ground wiring to prevent miscommunication between the involved components. All of this will be done free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters around February 4, 2022, which will contain further information on the steps to take.

Is your car part of the recall?

This Hyundai electrical issues’ recall includes over 2,600 cars. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaHyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration
Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

December 25, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva ,

Auburn Hills, MI. – December 25, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is issuing a recall for 288,991 vehicles over a defect that could cause reduced engine power while moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following compact SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2022 Audi Q5
  • 2018 – 2022 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

The gateway control module is located in the back of the car and allows the vehicle’s various control units – such as those involving the engine, transmission and onboard infotainment– to communicate efficiently, As the component is vulnerable to water damage, it is programmed to shut down when water reaches it.

In the recalled vehicles, water can get into the module due to liquid spills on the rear seats or while driving “through heavy rain…or deep puddles due to an insufficient underbody seam.” This can short-circuit the component. While the vehicle’s steering and braking systems will continue to work when this happens, the engine will switch to emergency mode, resulting in reduced power.  

The component in question is the gateway control module, with part number 80A 907 577 C.

Recall risks

Reduced engine power increases the risk of accidents.

Warning signs

The driver will receive several warning messages as the gateway control module shuts down. These messages are caused by the “interrupted communication” between the networks that the control module manages. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

The Volkswagen recall check comes less than a year after the Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback models were introduced in January 2021. The most recent Audi Q5 recall took place in May 2021 over potential suspension damage, spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years.  

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cover to keep water from reaching the gateway control module. In some units, a sealant will also be applied to secure the underbody seam and prevent water from entering underneath. The repairs will be done free of charge.  

Audi will contact dealers and owners with more detailed information by February 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 280,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To do an  Audi recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power
Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

December 19, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Portland, OR – December 19, 2021  – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 2,956 2022 Kia Carnival minivans with sliding door issues that result in an open door while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.

Recall summary  

Due to faulty parts inside the sliding passenger-side door, the latch may become “stuck in the open position.” The door may then open while the vehicle is moving.

The component in question is the “Remote Controller Assembly” with part number 814C2-R0100.

Recall risks

Driving with an open door increases the risk of the passenger falling out of the vehicle, especially at high speeds. 

Warning signs  

The driver will hear “four audible alert chimes” and will see the “the door-ajar warning” illuminate in the instrument panel even if the car is not moving. If the driver ignores the warnings and starts driving at speeds higher than 6 mph, he or she will hear “continuous” additional chimes and will see the warning in the instrument cluster, along with a “flashing red graphic.”

Other Kia recalls 

This model-year is subject to an April recall because of fire risk caused by a fuel leak.

Certain Kia vehicles have been long-plagued by the so-called “non-collision” fires, which are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, as reported. In fact, in November, the manufacturer recalled over 10,000 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima PHEV sedans that may catch fire as a result of premature engine wear.

The repair

Dealers will replace two parts in the remote control assembly to ensure that the door closes properly. The repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for their own repairs will be reimbursed.

Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners on December 16, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Carnival recall includes more than 2,500 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaKia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors
General Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts

General Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts

April 7, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva , , ,

Warren, MI – April 7, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 94,641 vehicles whose seat belts may become damaged or trapped, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary

The third-row seat and third-row seat belts in these vehicles may have been installed incorrectly. Therefore, they may become “entrapped” or damaged, making them difficult to use or latch. 

Risks

In the event of a crash, the seatbelt might break, amplifying the risk of injury. As stated in this  article about  a recent General Motors recall, seat belts saved about 15,000 lives in 2017 alone.  

Other General Motors recalls

In December 2020 General Motors recalled over 600,000 vehicles, including the 2021 Yukon XL, due to the seat belts being “loose or detached from the seat frame.” In 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe was part of a 33,000-strong  recall due to defective Continental tires.

Repair

GM dealers will inspect and replace damaged seat belts for free. Owners will be contacted about this recall on May 3.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 95,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To perform a General Motors recall check, use Motor Safety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaGeneral Motors recalls over 94,000 SUVs for damaged seat belts
Nissan recalls Infiniti SUVs due to risk of airbag failure

Nissan recalls Infiniti SUVs due to risk of airbag failure

March 26, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva ,

Franklin, TN – March 26, 2021- Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY ) is recalling 26,156 vehicles due to an incorrectly folded airbag cushion. This may result in the airbag tearing “during deployment” and failing to cushion the passenger to the fullest extent, magnifying the risk of injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2006  Infiniti FX35
  • 2007 Infiniti FX35
  • 2008 Infiniti FX35
  • 2006 – 2008 Infiniti FX45

The component in question is the Passenger Air Bag Module with the part number K8515 CL71A.

Recall summary

This recall is caused  by an improperly folded front passenger airbag cushion, which may restrict the flow of gas required to inflate the airbag during during deployment. This increases the cushion’s internal pressure and may cause a tear. 

The cars included in this recall were part of a massive 2020 recall because they were equipped with potentially lethal Takata airbag inflators. The airbags were then replaced by a different brand whose supplier did not fold them correctly, leading Nissan to issue corrective action.

Risks

As reported in our recent article about a Porsche recall, airbags’ goal is to cut down on the risk of upper body injury. Therefore, passengers in a crash without a fully functional airbag face an increased risk of injury, especially in a “moderate or severe” accident.

Other Infiniti recalls

Nissan recently recalled over 2020 Infiniti QX50 SUVs due to illegible text on the tire and loading information placard. The issue could potentially lead the driver to overinflate tires, increasing the likelihood of an accident. 

Repair

The repair is a free front passenger airbag module replacement at any Infiniti dealer. The recall is slated to start on April 18, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 26,000 vehicles are part of this Nissan recall. To perform a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaNissan recalls Infiniti SUVs due to risk of airbag failure
Porsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure

Porsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure

March 15, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Atlanta, GA – March 15, 2021 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 39,547 vehicles due to faulty front seat occupancy sensors, which may fail to detect a front seat passenger. This may result in the airbag failing to activate in the event of a crash,  magnifying the risk of the injury. 

The component in question is a sensor mat with multiple part numbers, including 95B881256L and 95B881256M.

The recall includes the following compact SUVs:

  • 2017 Porsche Macan
  • 2018 Porsche Macan
  • 2017 – 2018 Porsche Macan GTS 
  • 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan S
  • 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan Turbo 

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the front seat occupancy sensor mats, which identify when a passenger is sitting in the seat, ultimately determining whether or not the airbag deploys. Because of the degradation of the fabric that composes the mat, the sensor may fail to “see” the passenger. In that case, the airbag will fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

The occupants will be alerted to the faulty sensor by activation of the “airbag warning” or “passenger airbag OFF” lamps.

Other Porsche recalls  

This is at least the second Porsche recall since 2019 concerning software affecting airbag activation. In July 2019, over 7,500 vehicles were recalled for a similar issue.  The recall did not include any of the cars that are part of this recall.  Additionally, in February of last year, the 2017 Porsche Macan and 2017 Porsche Macan S  were among the cars recalled for a possible fuel leak.

Risks 

Airbags’ goal is to cut down on the risk of “upper body injury.” As such, passengers in a crash without an airbag are at a higher risk of injury, especially in a “moderate or severe” crash.

Repair 

The repair is a free replacement on the sensor mat and seat cushion. The recall will begin on May 2, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 40,000 vehicles are part of this Porsche recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaPorsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure
Mercedes-Benz recalls luxury SUVs due to faulty stability control software

Mercedes-Benz recalls luxury SUVs due to faulty stability control software

March 3, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Jacksonville, FL – March 3, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) – known as Mercedes-Benz – has recalled 41,838 luxury SUVs due to a possibility that these vehicles may unexpectedly jerk to one side during quick movements, increasing the risk of a crash. The problem is caused by an issue with the cars’ electronic stability control software, which helps drivers maintain control of the vehicle.

The recall includes 2020 and 2021 Mercedes GLE-  and GLS-class cars, including the following models:

  • 2020-2021 Mercedes GLE350 
  • 2020-2021 Mercedes GLE450 
  • 2020 Mercedes GLE580 
  • 2020 Mercedes GLE450 
  • 2020 Mercedes GLS580 

Recall summary

These vehicles operate with an Electronic Stability Control system (ESP), which “ensures that the car moves in the direction it wants to go”, as reported. Due to a software error, if the driver needs to quickly change direction – when trying, for example, to avoid a crash –  the ESP may jolt the vehicle to the side. This makes the crash more likely to occur.

Other Mercedes recalls

This is the second Mercedes-Benz recall since last year concerning the ESP software. In July, over 5,000 high-performance AMG vehicles were recalled for a similar issue.

In February, 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 SUVs were among cars recalled for a backup light issue. The light would stay on continuously, even after the drivers shifted out of reverse. In December 2019, a single 2020 Mercedes Benz GLE450 4matic vehicle needed to be taken in for repair for insufficient padding on some of the headrests.

Risks

Getting pulled to a side can result in a crash which may hurt the occupants of the car, other drivers and pedestrians. Due to the nature of the defect, the driver will not be alerted to the problem in advance.

Repair

Dealers will perform a free software update on the ESP to fix the issue.  The recall will start on April 13.

Is your car part of this recall?

Over 40,000 vehicles are part of this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaMercedes-Benz recalls luxury SUVs due to faulty stability control software
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