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US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

October 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Edge 
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation. 

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 
Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

October 7, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – October 7, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its sister company, Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling approximately 3.4 million vehicles that may catch fire while driving or parked and turned off. This dramatically ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recalls follow on the back of multiple fires, “melting incidents” and lawsuits dating back to 2017. Some of the cars involved are also subject to an ongoing US government investigation and have already been subject to fire-related recalls in the past. 

Hyundai’s recall affects 1.73 million cars, including the following models: 

  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Accent
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Azera 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Equus 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2013 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2010 – 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 
  • 2013 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 

Kia’s recall affects 1.64 million vehicles, including the following models: 

  • 2010 – 2019 Kia Borrego 
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2015 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 – 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2012 – 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2010 – 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2014 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Sportage 

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up in slippery conditions. This is done by the ABS module – or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), as Kia calls it –  which adjusts the brake force to each wheel. 

In affected vehicles, the ABS module may experience an “electrical short” which may cause it to catch fire. This may happen while driving or when the car is parked and its engine shut off. 

Recall risks

You can find out more about fire-related risks in this article about a November 2022 Kia recall over the same issue.

A 2020 class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers for ABS fires related to previous recalls describes hair-raising situations involving “the entire garage” catching fire due to an Elantra vehicle combusting into flames and vehicles bursting into flames “after being turned off for hours.”

Warning signs 

The malfunction indicator or the ABS light may come on the dashboard in the event of a fire. The occupants of the car may also notice smoke or a burning smell.

Safety tips

If your car catches fire, please follow the safety tips laid out in this article about a related GM recall. 

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle “outside and away from structures” until the repair has been conducted.

Background of the recalls

The recalls come on the heels of at least six lawsuits, 66 fires and “melting” incidents dating back to 2017. No injuries, fatalities or crashes have been reported.

Some of the affected vehicles are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation that has been looking into the adequacy of fire-related recalls Kia and Hyundai have conducted so far, as well as the need to recall more vehicles. It is not clear, however, if the present recalls are directly related to this investigation.

The recalls do appear to involve previously recalled vehicles or serve as expansions of recalls conducted for ABS fires in the past.

The repair

Both Kia and Hyundai dealers will remedy the defect by replacing the ABS fuse with one that has a lower amperage rating.

It is possible that your vehicle will need this remedy performed even if it was repaired under a previous fire-related recall.

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Kia will notify the owners between November 14, 2023 and November 23, 2023, while Hyundai will do the same on November 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Hyundai and Kia fire recall affects almost 3.5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked
Kia recalls Stinger cars that may stall

Kia recalls Stinger cars that may stall 

October 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – October 1, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 18,224 2018–2021 Kia Stinger sedans because they may lose power. This ups the risk of an accident and a subsequent injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

The high-pressure fuel pump pressurizes the gasoline coming from the tank and sends it toward the engine. The pressure it generates is controlled by a valve, which in affected vehicles may get stuck open, causing a fuel pressure drop.  If this happens, the engine may not get enough fuel and the car may stall.   

Recall risks

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

Warning signs

A fuel pressure drop might trigger a check engine light on the dashboard.  

Background of the recall

The recall comes after the manufacturer received “two customer complaints… six technical assistance cases…and 77 warranty claims.” No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Kia is being investigated by the U.S. Government over stalling EV6 electric cars. 

In November of last year, Kia and its sister company Hyundai recalled close to 70,000 cars that may also stall due to fuel pump failure, as reported.

Both companies are also subject to an ongoing government investigation due to continuous fire-related recalls. The last recall in the series occurred just last month.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump with an upgraded one and will perform a software update free of charge.

Owners should be notified on November 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 18,000 cars are affected by this Kia fuel pump 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 Stinger cars that may stall 
Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

September 30, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – September 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,795 heavy-duty pickup trucks and full-size vans whose transmissions may not shift into Park as intended. This may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the back of multiple driver complaints and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2024 – 2025 Ford E-350
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-650 SD
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-750 SD

Recall summary  

In order to hold the vehicle in place while stationary, automatic transmissions are fitted with a locking mechanism, which is engaged every time the driver selects “Park”. 

The transmission in the affected trucks and vans may develop “transmission fluid leakage, noise and vibration” due a “casting defect” which may cause a valve to get stuck in the open position.

Over time, this may cause damage to the transmission’s internal parts, including the park gear engagement mechanism. As a result, the transmission may not shift into “Park” when needed. 

Recall risks

If “Park” is not engaged, the vehicle may roll away and crash into other objects or pedestrians. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice a leak under the vehicle as the transmission fluid drips out. In addition, the driver could feel unusual vibrations or hear loud noises while driving. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 95 warranty claims and field reports. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Parking brake issues were the cause of a Ford recall that took place in August 2023, affecting a large batch of F-150 trucks. 

Earlier in the month, Ford recalled Edge SUVs whose headlights are too bright.

The repair

Dealers will check the transmission for the presence of metal shavings, and replace it if there are any. Otherwise, the valve and the part of the transmission which caused issues will be replaced with an upgraded version. 

The repair and inspection are free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between October 30, 2023 and November 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 6,000 trucks and vans are affected by this Ford rollaway 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 heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  
Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

September 16, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – September 16, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, has recalled 7,499 cars with incorrectly labeled brake fluid caps. This may cause the driver to use the wrong type of brake fluid which may hinder the car’s braking ability, upping the risk of a crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 Audi RS6  
  • 2021 Audi RS7
  • 2021 Audi S6
  • 2021 Audi S7  
  • 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6 
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles were fitted with a brake fluid cap which has incorrect information regarding the kind of fluid to use.

As a result, the owner may pour the wrong type of fluid into the reservoir which could damage the brake system.

Recall risks

The damage can reduce “braking ability,” increase stopping distance and augment the risk of a crash.

Other VW recalls

There was an Audi recall in November 2022 caused by a partial power loss, as reported.

In May 2023, over 35,000 ID.4 electric SUVs were recalled due to the risk of their doors opening while driving, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will check the brake reservoir cap and replace it with the corresponding version free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 cars are affected by this Volkswagen brake cap 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 Audis over reduced braking performance
Kia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

Kia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

September 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – September 9, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 144,979 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This reduces visibility when backing up, increasing the chances of a crash.

This recall comes on the back of multiple warranty claims and incidents and includes the following vehicles:  

  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento 
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV

Recall summary  

In the affected SUVs, the brackets that hold the camera in place may break, allowing it to fall out of position. This may result in the rearview camera not working properly.

Recall risks

For risks associated with this recall, please see this article about a similar Honda defect.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 127 incidents “involving rearview camera loosening and/or falling out of position.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Last month, Kia recalled over 50,000 Sorento SUVs because their airbag warning labels may have peeled off. 

Earlier in August, almost 40,000 Kia SUVs were recalled because they could have caught fire.

Separately, Kia’s electric EV6 cars are currently being investigated by the U.S. government over stalling. 

The repair

Dealers will replace rearview camera housing with an upgraded version free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on October 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 150,000 SUVs are affected by this Kia rearview camera 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 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image
Nissan issues second recall for Sentra sedans that may lose steering

Nissan issues second recall for Sentra sedans that may lose steering

September 3, 2023 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – September 3, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 236,238 2020-2022 Nissan Sentra sedans that may lose steering. The defect greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury for everyone involved.

This is the second recall for the same issue since 2021. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall might need a new remedy.

Drivers are encouraged to contact their dealership for “transport instructions” if they experience steering issues. 

Recall summary  

The steering mechanism on a car is connected to the front wheels with tie rods, which turn them left or right when the driver is turning the steering wheel. Affected vehicles were fitted with insufficiently strong rods, which could bend out of shape – or break – under high loads, such as when hitting a curb. This reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and may lead to “a partial loss of steering.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that is difficult to control is more likely to be involved in an accident, upping the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs  

The driver may notice that “the steering wheel [is] off-center” or vibrates.

Safety tips

For tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe if you drive one of the affected vehicles, please see this article about the previous recall.

Background of the recall

The first recall for this issue occurred in August 2021. Between January and August 2023, the manufacturer received four warranty claims and 91 field reports alleging “off-center steering” as a result of broken or bent rods.  Additionally, at least five accidents have occurred on the back of the defect.

While the current recall appears to be an extension of the previous one, the production dates for the vehicles involved also overlap. This means that some of the previously repaired vehicles might need a new remedy. 

Other Nissan recalls

Just last month, over 11,000 Kicks and Versa cars were recalled due to power steering issues, as reported.

The repair

The manufacturer is designing an upgraded version of the tie rod, which is expected to be made available in the winter. In the meantime, dealers will replace any broken or bent ones with the currently available version.

All repairs and spare parts will be free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on October 5, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly a quarter million cars are affected by this Nissan steering recall. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan issues second recall for Sentra sedans that may lose steering
Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own

Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

September 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – September 2, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV hybrid cars because they may speed up on their own. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Recall summary  

All these cars are hybrids, meaning that besides a gas-powered engine, they also have an electric motor. This motor’s operation is regulated by a computer called the motor control unit (MCU).

In the affected vehicles, the unit may malfunction because of a software error. This would cause the vehicle to accelerate once the driver lets go of the brake pedal.

Recall risks

A car that suddenly accelerates on its own may crash into other vehicles, pedestrians or objects before the driver manages to put it under control. 

Other Hyundai recalls

About a 1,000 gas-powered Elantras were among cars affected by a November 2022 recall caused by the risk of stalling, as reported.

Separately, over the last six years, millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been recalled due to non-crash related fires. Both manufacturers are also under a U.S. government investigation to access the adequacy of these recalls and determine if more vehicles have the defect that will require them to be recalled to prevent from catching fire.

The repair

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

Owners should receive letters with more information on  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Hyundai sudden acceleration 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 Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   
Ford recalls F-150s whose parking brakes may activate on their own

Ford recalls F-150s whose parking brakes may activate on their own   

August 19, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 19, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 870,701 2021-2023 Ford F-150 pickup trucks with a single exhaust system over unexpected parking brake activation. This may lead to a crash, upping the risk of an injury.  

The recall comes on the back of almost 1,000 warranty claims and field reports.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with an electric parking brake, which is activated at the push of a button, while the mechanical work is performed by an electric motor. 

In the affected trucks, the wiring that connects to the said motor may rub against the rear axle, which is a shaft that delivers power to the car’s wheels, propelling the car forward.

Over time, this may damage the wires and cause a short circuit, which would result in the inadvertent application of the parking brake.

Recall risks

Unexpected parking brake activation while driving may block the rear wheels and destabilize the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs 

If the parking brake is activated, there will be a corresponding warning light and message on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 918 warranty claims and three field reports alleging unexpected application. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 40,000 super-duty pickup trucks and SUVs because of faulty instrument panels, as reported.

Separately, some of the F-150s involved in the current recalle may have been affected by a recall from November 2022 caused by windshield wiper issues. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the wiring harness with an upgraded one if it is damaged. If it is not, dealers will use protective wrap to prevent damage. All repairs will be free of charge.

Owners should be notified between September 11, 2023 and September 15, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford parking brake recall affects more than 850,000 trucks. 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 F-150s whose parking brakes may activate on their own   
Kia recalls 40,000 SUVs over fire risk

Kia recalls 40,000 SUVs over fire risk  

August 12, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – August 12, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 39,765 SUVs because they may catch fire while driving or parked. This ups the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

This is the latest in an ongoing string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls. The affected vehicles include:

  • 2023 Kia Soul
  • 2023 Kia Sportage
  • 2023 – 2024 Kia Seltos

Recall summary  

The vehicles above are equipped with the Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) system which includes an oil pump and a circuit board and shuts down the engine when the car is stationary “to maximize fuel efficiency.” While the engine is off, the oil pump ensures that transmission, brakes and power steering can remain operational.

In the affected vehicles, the circuit board may develop a short, consequently overheating and potentially leading to a vehicle fire.

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks posed by vehicle fires in this article about another Kia fire recall.

Warning signs 

The defect could trigger multiple warning lights, including those regarding electric power steering, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Auto Hold, Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Other than that, the IGS may fail to operate, sending the vehicle into a limp-home mode, which may be hard to turn off. Lastly, the driver could also notice smoke coming from the engine bay. 

Safety tips 

Kia advises owners to “park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repair has been performed.”

Here are also the things you should do if the car does catch on fire.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from this issue, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a power brake assistance recall that happened in July 2023. 

Moreover, Kia and its sister company Hyundai are being investigated by the U.S government on the back of multiple and continuous fire-related recalls. The last recall in the series occurred in August of last year and affected over 280,000 of Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade cars, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the electric oil pump and the circuit board free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on September 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia fire 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 40,000 SUVs over fire risk  
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