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US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

March 25, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE: HMC) vehicles whose steering wheels may become difficult to turn. This reduced the driver’s ability to adequately maneuver at the moment, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 238,271 vehicles, including the following: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Honda Civic 
  • 2022 Honda Civic Si

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on March 17 following 145 complaints about what was described as sticky steering. 

Based on the complaints, the steering wheel would occasionally become noticeably harder to turn, requiring much more effort from the driver. In most reported cases, this would happen after driving at highway speeds for some time.  

Risks

Steering that suddenly requires more effort to operate than usual could affect the driver’s ability to precisely maneuver the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Honda recalls 

Just recently, in November 2022, Honda recalled a large batch of their Ridgeline pickups over an issue with rearview cameras. 

As for previous major Honda Civic recalls, the one from April 2021, caused by faulty fuel pumps that may lead to stalling, was the most recent. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This sticky steering investigation may eventually lead to a Honda recall, possibly affecting nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. In the meantime, to see if your vehicle is under a recall or to do a Honda recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering
Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

March 11, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – March 11, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because their rear spoilers may detach. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in October 2021.

Recall summary  

A spoiler is a piece of plastic trim that sits on the top of the liftgate, which is an attachment that is used to load and unload cargo. The spoilers in the listed vehicles were fitted incorrectly, causing them to come in contact with the roof edge when the liftgate is opened. This may lead to the spoiler becoming loose and subsequently separating from the vehicle.

Recall risks

As described in a similar Volkswagen recall from April 2022, a spoiler that detaches from the vehicle at speed can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  

Warning signs

The driver or occupants may hear rattling if the spoiler becomes loose. 

Background of the recall 

Close to 5,000 2021 Durango SUV were recalled for the same issue in October 2021. It is not clear how the manufacturer became aware of the fact that more cars needed to be recalled.

Other Dodge recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the latest Dodge Durango recalls, which happened in December 2022 due to the the risk of vehicles stalling.

Other recent Stellantis recalls include one caused by a risk of tire failure and defective fuel pumps that may cause the vehicles to stall. Both occurred in November of last year.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 140,000 SUVs are affected by this Stellantis spoiler issue. To do a Chrysler recall check or a Dodge recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach
Volkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving

Volkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving

February 26, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – February 26, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling  20,904 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric cars whose motors may lose power while driving.  This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The ID.4 is driven by an electric motor, which gets its power from a battery pack. The power delivery between the two is controlled by a computer called high voltage (HV) battery management control module, which ensures this is done optimally. 

In the affected vehicles, the control module that operates the battery and corresponding components may reset because of a software error. If that happens while driving, the vehicle may stall.

Recall risks

Stalling increases the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens on a highway. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Earlier this month, Volkswagen recalled a batch of Bettles that might be affected by an ongoing Takata airbag issue. 

The repair

To prevent the vehicles from shutting down, dealers will install updated software versions for the battery management and pulse inverter control units. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 31, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen high voltage battery recall is affecting more than 20,000 electric cars. To do a Volkswagen recall check or a Volkswagen ID.4 recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving
Tesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules

Tesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules

February 25, 2023 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – February 25, 2023 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 362,758 self-driving cars that may drive unsafely, increasing the risk of an accident.

This recall is a result of a U.S. government investigation.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2017 – 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2016 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 – 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with a beta version of full self-driving software, which can take control of the car’s steering, acceleration and braking. 

When this mode is activated in the affected cars, they may commit traffic violations. This includes speeding, going through yellow lights, inappropriate lane switching or not stopping at stop signs for long enough. 

Recall risks

A vehicle that breaks traffic rules is more likely to crash, upping the risk of injury. 

Warning signs

The software is set up to warn the driver if it cannot safely operate the vehicle. If this happens, the driver should take over the control. 

Background of the recall

The defect that caused this recall was identified by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), last month as part of an ongoing investigation into Tesla collisions with emergency vehicles. You can find more information about the investigation here. 

There have been 18 warranty claims related to the recall. 

Other Tesla recalls

Some of the listed electric SUVs may have been affected by a recent Tesla Model X recall caused by airbags that may deploy incorrectly. 

Among previous Tesla Model 3 recalls, the one caused by faulty tail lamps, which took place in November 2022, is the most recent. 

The repair

Tesla will fix the issue by upgrading the vehicles’ software free of charge. The update will be done over-the-air, meaning that there is no need to take the car back to the dealer.

Vehicle owners will get letters with more information on  April 15, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla full self-driving software recall is affecting more than 350,000 cars. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules
Volvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure

Volvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure

February 19, 2023 Bojan Popic

Ridgeville, SC – February 19, 2023 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling  27,457 cars whose anti-lock brakes and other brake-assistant features may fail. This would make the vehicle less stable during hard braking, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2023 Volvo C40
  • 2023 Volvo S60
  • 2023 Volvo V60
  • 2023 Volvo V60CC
  • 2023 Volvo V90CC
  • 2023 Volvo XC40
  • 2023 Volvo XC60
  • 2023 Volvo XC90

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles are equipped with a computerized braking system. Here, a computer called brake control module 2 (BCM2) activates and controls the brakes when the driver presses the brake pedal. One of its features is the anti-lock braking system, or ABS, which prevents wheels from locking up while braking.

In affected vehicles, this system may fail because of a software error. This consequently shuts down the ABS and other brake-assistance features, such as the electronic stability and cruise control.

Recall risks

The vehicle will become harder to control during braking, augmenting the risk of a crash and injury.  

Warning signs

Apart from ABS and other related warnings, the driver may notice that the brake pedal is stiffer than usual. This is because the brake system has gone into a fail-safe, hydraulically operated mode. 

Other Volvo recalls

Just recently, in November 2022, there was a Volvo S60 recall because their combustion engines could fail to engage once the battery is depleted, as reported.

The repair

To fix this safety-critical issue, the manufacturer will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update on February 20, 2023. The repair is free of charge and does not require drivers to take the car back to the dealership.

Vehicle owners will receive letters with more information on March 15, 2023

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo ABS recall affects almost 30,000 cars and SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure
Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

February 18, 2023 Bojan Popic

Richmond, VA – February 18, 2023 – A used-car dealer CarMax (NYSE: KMX) has agreed to disclose open recalls on cars that it sells in certain states.  The agreement follows on the heels of a multi-state investigation into allegations that the company failed to disclose that some of the cars on sale were subject to unrepaired recalls.

This is at least the second time the company settles such allegations. 

Buying a car with an open recall can put your life and that of your passengers and other motorists at risk.

The agreement

This CarMax settlement comes on the heels of an investigation that started in 2014 and was settled on December 5, 2022. That is when the company agreed to disclose open recalls in 36 states, including Alabama, Nevada, Wisconsin and Texas.

To ensure compliance, Carmax will have to implement several mechanisms when selling cars with open recalls.

First, all cars on sale will have to have a link or sticker with a QR code, which would lead to a site like MotorSafety.org that would have more specific information on the recall.

Secondly, before buying the vehicle, the customer would need to sign a waiver that would disclose that the vehicle is subject to a recall.  He or she will also be given a copy of the said recall. 

Third, CarMax cannot market their cars as “safe or repaired for ‘safety issues.'” 

As part of the agreement, the company has also agreed to pay $1 million that is going to be split between the states involved in the settlement.

Is it legal to sell cars with open recalls?

It is illegal for dealers and manufacturers to sell new cars with open recalls. However, “due to legal loopholes and loose regulations,” in some states used cars can be sold with open recalls. 

With the settlement, however, it becomes illegal for CarMax to do so in the 36 states that are subject to the agreement without proper disclosure.

What led to the investigation 

According to the investigation – that started in 2014 –  CarMax did not disclose that “repairs that were necessary on vehicles with open safety recalls, and it represented that those vehicles were safe despite open recalls for airbags, brakes, fuel pumps, and other critical parts and safety features. “

It is not clear how exactly the non-disclosure was accomplished but,  in a related settlement that was achieved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  in 2016, the used-car dealership claimed that all the cars were subject to a rigorous, 12-hour, 125-point inspection. However, some of these cars were subject to open recalls which CarMax did not adequately disclose. 

Does your vehicle have an open recall?

In some states it may be legal to sell used cars with open recalls.  One way to check if your car is one of them is to plug in your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to check for open settlements. For tips on how to find your VIN and other ways to discover if your car is in need of a repair, please see this article.

Bojan PopicUsed car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale
Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

February 12, 2023 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – February 12, 2023 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 24,467 sports cars because their coolant pumps may short-circuit and even catch fire. Besides potential property damage, this also increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The lengthy list of affected models includes the following: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4 Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Recall summary  

All vehicles utilize coolant liquid –also known as antifreeze – whose role is to help regulate the temperature of the engine. The coolant circulates through a radiator, which is a “heat exchanger” located inside the dashboard.

The flow within this system is achieved with an electric coolant pump. 

In the affected vehicles, moisture may get into the pumps, causing them to short-circuit and potentially catch fire. The issue seems to be caused by a supplier error.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle that catches fire while driving or parked are well-documented in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs

The car’s climate control will stop working if the external coolant pump fails.

Other Porsche recalls

Just a few months ago, in September 2022, Porsche recalled almost 200,000 cars over misaligned headlights. 

In July 2022, over 12,000 Porsche Taycan sedans were recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the pumps in question with upgraded ones, which are sealed correctly. They will also check the wiring and connector and repair it if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Porsche coolant pump recall is affecting almost 25,000 cars. To do a Porsche recall check or a Porsche Panamera recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire
Volkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

Volkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

February 5, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 5, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 37,558 cars over an ongoing Takata airbag issue. The issue has resulted in close to 30 deaths and at least 400 injuries due to the propensity of these airbags to explode when deployed in a crash.

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Recall summary  

The inflator, a pyrotechnic device that sets off the driver side airbag, might break apart during deployment because it contains Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical.” PSAN degrades after exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, among other factors.

The resulting explosion can send sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Recall risks

With more than 42 million cars being recalled over Takata airbag issues so far, all risks have already been well documented and thoroughly described. 

Background of the recall

These airbags were made by Takata, a now-defunct Japanese manufacturer which is best-known for being the culprit behind the largest recall in the automotive history. The recall is part of 187 recalls that have come out of an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into airbag explosions.

About a year ago, Volkswagen paid out a $42 million settlement to current and former owners of Audi and Volkswagen cars with Takata airbags for lost wages, childcare and other related expenses that came on the back of Takata recalls. However, the cars that are part of this recall were not included in the settlement.

Other Volkswagen recalls

Coincidently, one of the latest Volkswagen Beetle recalls, which dates back to January 2021, was caused by the same Takata airbag issue.  

More recently, in November of last year, Volkswagen recalled nearly a quarter of a million vehicles over a faulty tire pressure monitoring system. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag with an upgraded one, which is not susceptible to moisture-driven degradation. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen airbag recall affects almost 40,000 Beetles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

January 22, 2023 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – January 22, 2023 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 123,696 vehicles whose sunroofs may detach. This creates a road hazard and ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes the following models: 

  • 2002 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C280
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C350
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
  • 2005 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E550
  • 2002 – 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32
  • 2005 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG C55
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK55
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS55

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with a sunroof. Due to a supplier error, the sunroof’s glass panel was inadequately bonded to the metal frame beneath it. 

Because of that, the bonding adhesive could deteriorate and not hold these two components together. As a result, the glass panel may detach from the frame and fly away from the vehicle. 

The component causing this recall is the sunroof cover, with part numbers  A2117800300, A2097800200, A2197800100 or A2037800121, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A glass panel that detaches while driving will fly off, potentially hitting nearby pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. In addition, this part might land on the road, endangering other motorists.

Warning signs 

If the adhesive starts falling apart, the owners might notice a partially detached sunroof and excessive wind noise while driving. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has had issues with fly-away components. Back in September 2022, they recalled more than 100,000 SUVs and sedans because their trim bars could detach while driving.

In addition, one of the recent Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls over a fire risk took place in October 2022. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the sunroof and replace it if the bondage between the glass panel and the metal frame is inadequate. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes detached sunroof panel recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs
US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

January 15, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating 2019-2020 Jeep Compass SUVs made by Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) whose engines may shut down. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 228,971 vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on December 2, 2022 following 15 complaints of Compass engines shutting down unexpectedly. 

According to the complaints, operators saw a warning message on the dashboard stating “high coolant temperature” or “coolant temperature too high.” After the message appeared, the engine shut down. NHTSA indicates that that the temperature warning is not accurate.

Risks

For more on the risks posed by a sudden loss of power, please visit this RAM recall article.

Other Stellantis recalls

While there have been no recent Jeep Compass recalls, other models made by this manufacturer have been affected by several issues. Just recently, more than 60,000 Gladiators, Wranglers and RAM trucks were recalled over a defective fuel pump.  

You can find out all about the latest Stellantis recalls in this article. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Jeep loss of motive power investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check to see if your car is currently subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns
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