Bojan

Mercedes-Benz recalls sedans over loss of stability and ABS   

June 4, 2023 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – June 4, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 7,558 sedans whose stability and handling may be affected by a software error. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Affected models include the following: 

  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz S580E
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S580
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S680

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with a safety feature called Electronic Stability Control (ESP). Its job is to prevent the wheels from locking up or losing traction during harsh cornering, as reported.

In the affected vehicles, the software error might result in the ESP shutting down, affecting a variety of different functions, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), anti-skid regulation and the vehicle’s speedometer.

Recall risks

With the ESP out of order, the vehicle will be less stable and harder to handle. In addition, the speedometer will not work, showing zero miles-per-hour (mph) regardless of the actual speed. All these issues up the risk of an accident.

Warning signs 

Should the ESP malfunction occur, multiple warning lights and messages will pop up on the vehicle’s dashboard. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by a recall caused by inoperable rearview cameras, which took place in July 2022. 

In January 2023, Mercedes-Benz recalled a large batch of cars over the risk of stalling. 

In April 2023, the manufacturer conducted a third round of recalls for cars that may catch fire due to water intrusion, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the ESP software free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by July 18, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 7,000 luxurious sedans are affected by this Mercedes-Benz ESP recall. 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 sedans over loss of stability and ABS   

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

May 27, 2023 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN  – May 27, 2023 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 89,907 SUVs because their rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage.

This is at least the second Mitsubishi recall for this issue since last year.

The latest edition includes:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 
  • 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a display on their dashboard as a part of the infotainment system, which reproduces the image from the rearview camera when backing up. In affected vehicles, a software error may cause this display to show a black screen instead of the rearview camera’s feed. 

Recall risks

The recall comes on the back of several warranty claims and field reports but fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been reported. All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Mitsubishi recalls

In July 2022, Mitsubishi recalled more than 50,000 Outlanders over a similar problem with their rearview cameras.

In addition, some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from August 2022 caused by transmission issues. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the relevant software free of charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 90,000 SUVs are affected by this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

US government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

May 21, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – May 21, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is examining a request to recall all Teslas currently on the road to add an allegedly missing safety feature to prevent drivers from accidentally accelerating while parking. Doing so increases the risk of a crash.

This is the second petition of its kind. If it leads to a recall, it could affect over 1.6 million vehicles.

The list includes:

  • 2017 – 2023 Tesla Model 3
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model Y

Petition summary  

On April 7, 2023, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), started examining a petition submitted by Greek engineer Costas Lakafossis.

The petition alleges that Teslas have an “increased likelihood” of the so-called sudden unintended acceleration events (SUAs)  – which is when the driver hits gas instead of brake – because they are programmed to brake automatically and allow the driver to shift into Reverse without application of the brake pedal.

The feature  – which Lakafossis calls a “dangerous ‘party trick'” – may confuse the driver and should be eliminated, according to the petition. Instead, all Teslas should be fitted with a brake shift mechanism.

What is a brake shift mechanism?

The brake shift interlock mechanism is software or a device that prevents the car from shifting into Drive or Reverse until the driver presses the brake pedal. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a safety feature. It proved successful at preventing accidents caused by sudden and unintended acceleration and became mandatory on all new cars in 2010. 

The petitioner argues that there is no reason why Teslas should be allowed to not have this essential safety feature.

Previous investigation points to driver error

To back up his claims, Lakafossis points to a previous NHTSA investigation on the back of another petition. In that case, the petitioner alleged that Teslas had an unidentified “defect” that caused them to suddenly accelerate. However, upon analyzing close to 250 crashes the previous petitioner attributed to the defect, NHTSA found that the majority of them were caused not a technical fault but by “pedal misapplication” by the driver. 

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

Tesla is currently subject to another NHTSA investigation over multiple incidents of their cars colliding with first responder vehicles stationed at a scene of pre-existing crashes. The investigation was upgraded to the engineering analysis in summer of last year after discovery of additional crashes, as reported.

The most recent large-scale Tesla recall occurred in February 2023 when the manufacturer recalled over 350,000 cars that were prone to breaking traffic rules when in the self-driving mode, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

If this petition results in a Tesla brake interlock recall, it could affect more than 1.5 million vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

Ford issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

May 14, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI  – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 231,942 2004 – 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks because their passenger airbags may fail to deploy in a crash. This reduces occupant protection, increasing the risk of injury. 

This recall is an expansion and replacement of one conducted just recently, in March 2023, over the same issue. 

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles originally had Takata airbags which, as reported, are prone to exploding when deploying. In 2017 and 2018, these airbags were swapped for new ones that did not have that defect. However, dealers botched the repair, resulting in airbags that may not inflate during a crash.

Recall risks

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

Background of the recall

The manufacturer already recalled a range of these vehicles for the exact same issue in March, as reported. However, in April, it found one additional vehicle that was not included in the original recall that had an incorrectly installed airbag. On the back of that, Ford decided to conduct the current recall, expanding the number of vehicles to 230,000 from 98,000. The current recall supersedes the one conducted in March.

Other Ford recalls

In February Ford issued a second recall for Lincoln Navigator, Corsair and Ford Explorer SUVs due to malfunctioning rearview cameras. The first recall was done in October 2021 but proved to be insufficient, as reported.

In March, Ford recalled over a million vehicles whose brakes may become less responsive than usual due to a brake fluid leak, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the airbags properly. The repairs are free of charge. It is not clear if vehicles that already had their airbags replaced will need a new remedy. Contact your dealer to find out if that is the case.

Owners should also receive letters with more information between May 22, 2023 and May 26, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 230,000 trucks are affected by this Ford airbag 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 issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

Navistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

May 13, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Lisle, IL  – May 13, 2023 – Navistar is recalling  9,170 2017 – 2023 International CV heavy-duty pickup trucks because the electric components in their brake systems may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. In addition, the vehicle may burst into flames even when parked, causing property damage.

Recall summary  

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the movement is transferred to a brake booster, which multiplies braking force, as reported. Listed trucks are also equipped with a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied. This is necessary for brake light activation and the operation of various driver assistance systems.   

The brake switch in the affected vehicles has a design flaw that could cause the seal between the brake booster and pressure switch to deteriorate. If this happens, the brake fluid could leak into the switch, which might short-circuit and overheat.    

Recall risks

All fire-related risks are described in this recent GM recall, which affected heavy-duty trucks that have the same brake pressure switch, as reported. The GM vehicles in question were made by Navistar.

Warning signs

A short-circuited brake pressure switch could trigger a “Service Brake System” warning on the vehicle’s display. 

Safety tips

As described in the said recent Chevy recall, you and all the passengers should quickly yet safely leave the vehicle if it catches fire while driving. This includes pulling over at a first safe spot and getting away from the vehicle while also being careful not to get hit by other cars.   

In addition, due to the nature of the defect, the truck may burst into flames even when it is parked with the engine off. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Navistar recalls

In December 2022, Navistar recalled some of its trucks and buses, including International CVs, over a risk of steering loss and vehicle instability.

This was not the only problem with stability this manufacturer had recently, as some of its school buses were recalled in January 2023 over potential loss of control.

The repair

Dealers will replace the leaking brake pressure switch with an upgraded variant. In addition, the connecting wiring harness will also be replaced if the brake fluid is found in its connector. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information starting on June 19, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 trucks are affected by this Navistar brake switch recall. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire
General Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

General Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

April 30, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI  – April 30, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 40,428 heavy-duty pickup trucks. The brake system in these vehicles may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage.

 The recall comes on the back of at least one fire. The following trucks are affected: 

  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 4500HD
  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 5500HD
  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 6500HD

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a vehicle is connected to a brake booster, which multiplies brake power. Affected trucks also have a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied and activates the brake lights. 

Due to a design flaw, the seal between the brake booster and the said switch may deteriorate and develop a leak. This allows brake fluid into the switch, causing it to overheat because of an electrical short. 

The component behind the recall is the brake master cylinder pressure sensor with part number 19407495.  

Recall risks

Short-circuited brake pressure switch may cause an under-the-hood fire, which can spread to the rest of the vehicle. All risks associated with a fire are described in this recall. 

Warning signs

An issue with the  brake pressure switch may cause a “Service Brake System” warning to appear. 

Safety tips

If your Chevy truck catches fire while driving, pull over immediately and, together with all occupants, leave the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Move away from the vehicle but be careful not to get hit by other cars.   

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when the engine is off,  you should park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Chevrolet recalls

In January 2023, General Motors recalled a large batch of their vehicles, including Silverado trucks, over blinding headlights. 

This was not the only recent light-related recall, as some of their SUVs had defective GM daytime running lights and were recalled over that issue in November 2022.

The repair

Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch with an upgraded one, which is not prone to leakage. In addition, they will check the connecting harness for damage and replace it if necessary. The repairs will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified starting May 29, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures
Stellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling

Stellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling

April 29, 2023 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – April 29, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 45,711 SUVs and pickup trucks because they may lose power while driving due to a faulty fuel pump. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall seems to be an expansion of one conducted in November for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and warranty claims.

The list of the affected models includes:

  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 1500

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a 3.0-liter diesel engine with a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Its job is to collect fuel from the tank, compress it and deliver it to the engine, where it is used for combustion that moves the vehicle forward.

Just like in the previous recall, the pump may break apart, sending debris into the fuel system and clogging it. This can prevent fuel flow to the engine, causing the vehicle to stall.  

The component behind the recall is the HPFP with part number 68501449AA.  

Recall risks

All associated risks are described in the previous Jeep fuel pump recall.  

Warning signs

Besides the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the “Service Electronic Throttle” warnings on the dashboard, drivers may pick up on the “excessive noise” from the engine bay or notice a fuel leak around the high-pressure pump.

Background of the recall

This recall appears to expand on one done in November of last year due to the same issue. It is not clear what led to the expansion but the current recall includes additional model-years and comes on the back of “​​seven customer assistance records, 126 warranty claims, eight field reports and three other service records.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls

The Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler model-years affected by this recall may also be part of a a different recall caused by the transmission that may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Among other Chrysler recalls, the one from March this year caused by detaching rear spoilers is the most recent, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump with an upgraded one. They will inspect the rest of the fuel delivery system and replace as needed. Everything will be done free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on or before June 2, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 45,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this high-pressure fuel recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to do a RAM recall check. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling
Kia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

Kia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

April 22, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – April 22, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 51,568 2022 – 2023 Kia Carnival minivans because their power sliding doors could trap and injure the occupants of the car. This recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and multiple injuries related to the defect.

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles have sliding rear doors, which are opened and closed by an electric motor. To prevent them from potentially injuring occupants, this system also has a so-called auto-reverse function whose job is to back up the closing door if it detects any obstacles. 

The feature does not work as intended, upping the risk of the car occupants getting injured.

Recall risks

Nine people have been injured as a result of this defect, according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the auto safety regulator in charge of this recall. 

Other Kia recalls

In February 2023, Kia recently recalled Telluride SUVs over an airbag issue. 

As for previous Kia Carnival recalls, the one from December 2021 – also caused by sliding-door issues – is the most recent. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an investigation conducted by the U.S. government’s auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in April of last year. The investigation was kicked off after the regulator received several complaints alleging that “excessive force” was required to close the doors once they got stuck.

The repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s power sliding door control module with an upgraded software version that gives the driver “two warning chimes” when it starts to close. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should have been notified starting April 28, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 50,000 cars are affected by this Kia sliding door 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 Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation
Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

April 13, 2023 Bojan Popic

Torrance, CA  – April 13, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 563,711 2007 – 2011 Honda CR-V SUVs in “salt-belt” states because part of their suspension may detach from the car. This can lead to the loss of vehicular control, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 60 customer complaints. 

Recall summary  

A car’s rear suspension is made from several components, with trailing arms being one of them. These metal pieces are connected to the the car’s chassis and hold the back wheels at the correct angle. 

The rear suspension and surrounding components in the affected vehicles may corrode because of multi-year exposure to road salt and other agents used to de-ice the roads in the 24 affected states. If severe enough, this can cause the trailing arm to detach from the chassis and cause the rear suspension to break apart. 

Recall risks

This defect will affect the vehicle’s road handling and reduce its steering control. This augments the risk of a crash and injury to its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Luckily, there have been no reported accidents or injuries leading up to this recall.

Other Honda recalls

This is not the only “salt belt” issue  Honda has recently had. In July 2022, the manufacturer had to recall Ridgeline pickup trucks over a fuel leak also caused by salt-induced corrosion. 

In addition, there is an ongoing U.S. government investigation over Honda cars braking on their own, as reported. This could result in future Honda CR-V recalls.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension to see if removing the bolt that holds the trailing arm in place is possible. Should this be possible, they will install a bracket, which will provide additional structural support. 

Otherwise, they will either repair the rear frame or “offer to repurchase the vehicle”  from the owner. The same will happen if the rear suspension breaks apart after the additional bracket is fitted. 

All repairs will be free of charge. Owners should receive letters with additional information starting May 8, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda rear trailing arm recall affects more than 500,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars
Daimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

Daimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

April 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – April 9, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS: DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 69,246 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of affected vehicles includes the following trucks: 

  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary  

All listed trucks have a safety feature called Electronic Stability Control (ESP), which keeps the car stable by applying brakes when it determines that the driver needs help keeping the car on course.

This is achieved by the so-called brake modulator valves, which regulate the pressure which is applied to brakes on individual wheels.

In the affected vehicles, moisture may cause corrosion within these valves. This may result in the vehicle suddenly being pulled to the side when braking without any action on the part of the driver.

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the ESP malfunctions, an ABS warning light may appear on the dashboard. 

Other Daimler recalls

This is the latest in the series of Freightliner recalls caused by trucks pulling to the side. Just recently, in November 2022, more than 200,000 trucks were affected by a similar issue. 

In addition, fly-away hoods were the reason for one of the recent Western Star recall, which took place in September 2022. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the modulator valve with an upgraded one, which should not be prone to corrosion. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 70,000 trucks are being recalled over these DTNA brake issues. To do a DTNA recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking
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