Mercedes-Benz recalls hybrid AMG models that may catch fire 

Jacksonville, FL – February 29, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 12,191 hybrid vehicles that may experience a fire, augmenting the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT43
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E450
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS53

Recall summary  

All listed models have a 48-volt electrical system that powers the electric motor. In the affected cars, the ground cable for the system was not “tightened properly.”  This may lead to increased electrical resistance and cause a fire.

The component causing this recall is the electrical wiring harness, with part number A2135402870.  

Recall risks

A fire that occurs while driving could lead to an accident and injury. Furthermore, property damage to surrounding vehicles or objects can not be ruled out. 

Warning signs

If the high-voltage system malfunctions due to a poor connection, the driver may see a warning messages saying, “48 V Battery – See Operator’s Manual.”

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2023, over 5,000 luxurious AMG SL models were recalled because they would stall or catch fire, as reported.

In July 2023, the manufacturer issued a recall for C300 and AMG C43 sedans that would stall due to transmission failure, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will tighten the bolts that hold the cable in place free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz hybrid fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact cars. 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 hybrid AMG models that may catch fire 

US government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

Washington, D.C.  – February 27, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations about their electric cars may lose power steering. The alleged defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

If the investigation leads to a Tesla recall, it could affect an estimated 334,569 vehicles, including:   

  • 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Investigation summary   

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on July 28, 2023, following 12 complaints about cars losing power steering.

While investigating, the agency uncovered over 2,300 complaints alleging the same thing and received information about a crash associated with the defect.

Steering racks provided by Tesla were identified as the culprit.

The regulator is now taking the investigation to the next level, where it aims to discover what causes the racks to fail.

Risks

Jammed or otherwise inoperable steering makes the vehicle difficult to control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

‘Significant problems with the steering wheel’

Complaints submitted to NHTSA talk about the steering wheel locking up or becoming “exceedingly stiff” in brand new cars. Drivers had to use “immense manual power” to move the vehicle and reported being “lucky” that these incidents did not occur on major highways.

Safety tips

“Multiple complaints” mentioned that the driver could “temporarily” remedy the problem by turning the car on and off. 

Warning signs 

The loss-of-steering incidents were sometimes accompanied by a “Steering Assist Reduced” warning message and clicking sounds while turning. 

Other Tesla recalls

In January, Tesla recalled more than 2 million of their electric cars because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while cruising on autopilot.  

This month, the manufacturer recalled some of the same cars due to “insufficiently visible display messages,” as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla steering loss recall, potentially affecting more than 330,000 electric cars. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

Tesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Austin, TX – February 18, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling close to 2.2 million electric cars because the warning messages on their displays may be too small. As a result, the driver may not be aware of safety issues, which ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2024 Tesla Cybertruck
  • 2017 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2012 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 2024 Tesla Model X
  • 2019 2024 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

In the affected Tesla electric cars, the warning messages regarding parking and brakes are displayed in a font that is too small, making it difficult for the driver to read them.

Recall risks

Ignoring warning messages increases the risk of collisions.

Other Tesla recalls

In January 2024, Tesla recalled cars whose doors may open during a crash

In the same month, Tesla also recalled more than 2 million vehicles because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while on autopilot

The repair

Tesla already began releasing over-the-air (OTA) software updates to resolve the issue.  It is not clear if the process has been completed.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 30, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 2 million Tesla electric vehicles are affected by this small-font recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 2 million cars over insufficiently visible display messages   

Ford recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Dearborn, MI – February 15, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.9 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because a piece of exterior trim may detach while driving and create road debris. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall follows a U.S. government investigation caused by several incidents involving trim pieces flying away from these vehicles. 

Recall summary  

The listed SUVs have a plastic trim surrounding the windshield, which is held in place with clip attachments. In the affected vehicles, the trim was not seated properly and may become loose and detach while driving. 

Recall risks

The trim may become a “road hazard” and increase the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation started in January 2023 after the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), received over 150 complaints about the fly-away trims. There have been several instances of drivers behind the Explorers “momentarily” losing control of their cars while trying to evade the object. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice the trim is not seated correctly or hear it rattle while driving.  

Other Ford recalls

Last month, Ford recalled close to 190,000 Maverick pickup trucks whose turn signals may fail to operate

On a separate note, there is an ongoing issue with Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away, with the latest recall caused by this issue taking place in October 2023.  

The repair

The dealers will replace A-pillar trims repairs are free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information between March 13, 2024, and March 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 2 million of Ford’s popular SUVs are affected by this fly-away trim 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 almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Tesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Austin, TX  – February 12, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 199,575 electric vehicles whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2023 Tesla Model S  
  • 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the rearview camera image in the affected vehicles may fail to display.

Recall risks

The risks of the defect are outlined in this article about a similar Honda recall.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 81 warranty claims. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled over 120,000 of Model S and Model X cars because their doors may open in a crash

Also in January, more than 2 million Teslas were recalled over an issue with their autopilot that may cause them to crash into emergency vehicles

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air update (OTA) to take care of the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information on March 22, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla rearview camera recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Volvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ridgeville, SC – February 9, 2024 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling 17,409 2024 Volvo XC40 compact SUVs over the failure of rear turn signals.

With the turn indicator being out of action, the vehicle is more likely to get hit by other motorists.

Recall summary  

Because of a software error, the car may not display the left rear turn signal when the driver flips the indicator on. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar recall conducted by Ford.

Warning signs

The “left turn indicator malfunction message” should display on the dashboard. 

Other Volvo recalls 

Volvo has not had any major recalls lately, with the last one – caused by brake failure – dating back to February 2023, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the faulty software free of charge. Right now, the update requires a visit to the dealership. However, an over-the-air (OTA) update should be released “at a later date,” according to the manufacturer.

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on February 28, 2024.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo XC40 rear turn indicator recall affects nearly 18,000 SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Dearborn, MI – February 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 139,730 cars that may stall because of engine failure. This greatly augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

 Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018  –  2022 Ford Ecosport
  • 2016   2018 Ford Focus 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, thousands of warranty claims and at least one crash.  Replacement parts are currently not available.

Recall summary  

The engine’s internal parts are lubricated with oil, which is circulated under pressure by an oil pump. In the affected vehicles, parts of the pump may “fracture” and “degrade,” leaving the engine without sufficient lubrication and consequently causing its failure and a vehicle shutdown. 

The car may also lose power brake assist.

Only vehicles with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine are affected by this issue.   

Recall risks

For the risks of stall, please refer to this article about a Chevrolet Volt investigation due to a similar issue. For the risks pertaining to the loss of power brake assist, please see this article about a related Nissan recall.

Warning signs

Leading up to the failure, the driver may notice “low oil pressure” and check engine warnings on the dashboard, accompanied by deceleration.  If the engine does fail, the driver should hear “loud noises” coming from the engine bay. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

The investigation was spurred by 95 complaints drivers alleging engine failure. Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer also received over 2,000 warranty claims and became aware of one crash that resulted in two injuries. 

Other Ford recalls 

In December 2023, several compact Ford and Lincoln models were recalled because their doors would open while driving

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 200,000 Maverick pickup trucks over faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty parts of the pump free of charge.

Owners will receive letters acknowledging the recall in mid-February and will be notified once again once the remedy is available between April and June of 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford oil pump recall affects more than 130,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

Irvine, CA – February 2, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento SUVs whose engines may malfunction and catch fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and is the latest in the ongoing saga of Kia and Hyundai non-crash related fires.

Recall summary  

All SUVs affected by this recall have a Theta II 2.4L gasoline engine, which may catch fire “while driving.” Kia does not explain how and why this occurs.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.  

Warning signs

In addition to an unusual “engine noise” and an illuminated check engine light, occupants could notice a burning smell and smoke. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes following an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to determine the adequacy of existing Hyundai and Kia recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled due to non-crash related fires.

The investigation was launched after the agency received more than 100 complaints about vehicles bursting into flames, either while driving or being turned off.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from the said investigation, certain Kia Sorrento SUVs were recently recalled over an issue with their rearview cameras

In addition, these SUVs, alongside many other Kia and Hyundai models, were the subject of a massive fire-related recall that took place in October 2023

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine if necessary. Otherwise, the cars will receive Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, which should detect any abnormal engine operation and take measures to prevent further damage. 

The repair will be free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on February 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia engine fire recall affects almost 80,000 SUVs. 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 Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

Mercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

Sandy Springs, GA – January 31, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 93,402 vans and passenger vehicles whose fuel pumps may fail and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a similar one, which dates back to July of last year. 

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 
  • 2021 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2022 2024 Mercedes-Benz C300 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GL600  
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Recall summary  

The fuel pump in the affected vehicles has deformed internal parts that can jam at any moment. This may cause the car to stall it would not get enough fuel. 

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

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

Warning signs

Before it stalls, the vehicle may start “running rough,” most likely accompanied by corresponding warning lights on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

Mercedes first recalled vehicles for this issue in July of last year, as reported. After the recall was issued, the manufacturer became aware of additional vehicles with the same issues that were not included in the original recall, leading to the present announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

Vehicle stalling, accompanied by a potential fire caused another Mercedes-Benz recall, which took place in October 2023 and affected AMG SL roadsters

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by February 16, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz fuel pump recall affects more than 13,000 vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai crash fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact Kona SUVs. 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 Kona SUVs over fire risk