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Tesla recalls Model X SUVs over airbags that can seriously hurt children

Tesla recalls Model X SUVs over airbags that can seriously hurt children

November 29, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – November 29, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 29,348 2021-2023 Tesla Model X electric SUVs because their front passenger airbags may “deploy incorrectly” when a child is seated in that spot. While it is not clear what the manufacturer means by incorrect deployment, airbags that deploy while a small child is in the seat can cause a serious injury or even death of the child occupant.

Recall summary

Front passenger airbags are designed to deploy differently depending on who is seated in that spot. More specifically, this safety device should not be triggered when a small, unbelted child is in that seat. But due to incorrect calibration caused by a software issue, exactly this may happen during a crash at low speeds.  

The part causing this recall is the Vehicle Firmware, with version releases before 2022.40.200.   

Recall risks

Airbags are designed to protect adults. Even then they can cause injuries when deploying given that the deployment happens in milliseconds with very high force. For children, these injuries can prove to be very serious or even fatal as their head can be pulled away from the body by the force of the airbag inflating.

Safety tips

Children under 13 should never be seated in the front seat as it doubles their risk of injury in a crash. If you must put your child in the front seat, make sure that you move the seat as far away from the dash as possible. If possible, also manually turn off the airbag, “especially for a rear-facing seat.”

Be sure to connect with your local fire department or another first responder for free child seat checks.

Other Tesla Model X recalls

Apart from this Tesla airbag recall, Model X was recently affected by a power steering issue that may result in a loss of control. 

Earlier this month, Model 3 and Model X were recalled over faulty tail lamps, as reported.

The repair

Tesla has launched a free over-the-air firmware update with corrected calibrations for the airbag control module. You can reach out to Tesla customer service to ensure that the update has been implemented on your car.

Owners will be sent letters with additional information on January 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 30,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Tesla Model X airbag recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model X SUVs over airbags that can seriously hurt children
Stellantis recalls RAM trucks that may catch fire

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks that may catch fire

November 28, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 28, 2022 – Stellanits (NYSE: STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 248,342 heavy-duty pickup trucks over a transmission fluid leak. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of injury or property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of multiple complaints about the issue and at least one injury.

All recalled trucks have a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023  RAM 2500
  • 2020 – 2023  RAM 3500

Recall summary  

The transmission in these trucks has a dipstick, which is a long metal strip used to check the transmission fluid level. In the affected vehicles, a pressure buildup within the transmission’s housing may cause a leak through the dipstick’s tube. The fluid may then come into contact with “an ignition source within the engine compartment,” causing a fire.

Recall risks

A fire dramatically  increases the risk of bodily injury or property damage for the occupants of the car.

Warning signs 

A leaking transmission dipstick may trigger a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)  on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes after 48 complaints and field reports about the issue. There was also one “minor injury” leading up to this announcement, according to Stellantis data.

Other RAM 2500 recalls

Just a month ago, there was a RAM 3500 recall due to the risk of stalling because of an electrical short, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

This month, there was another stall-related recall which included over 60,000 Jeep and RAM 1500 vehicles, also reported.

In June, there was a RAM 2500 recall due to faulty rearview cameras.

The repair

The carmaker is working on a solution for this problem. Once it becomes available, the repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will receive detailed notifications on December 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly a quarter million trucks are affected by these RAM transmission issues. To check all Fiat Chrysler recalls and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls RAM trucks that may catch fire
Volkswagen latest recalls affect over 600,000 cars. Is yours one of them?

Volkswagen latest recalls affect over 600,000 cars. Is yours one of them?

November 25, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – November 25, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi and Porsche brands, has racked up 27 recalls in the past six months. In total, 634,241 vehicles have been affected by different Volkswagen recalls. 

Some of the most prominent ones are included below. Read on to find out if your vehicle is affected.

Airbag issues 

In early July, certain Audi sedans had to be recalled because their airbags could explode during deployment in an event of a crash. Almost 30,000 cars were affected by these Volkswagen airbag issues, including: 

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Malfunctioning rearview cameras

At the end of the same month, Volkswagen pulled a large number because their rearview cameras could fail to display an image. In total, 43,091 cars were recalled over this issue. The lengthy list of the affected vehicles includes the following: 

  • 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Jetta NF
  • 2022 Volkswagen Jetta PA
  • 2021 Volkswagen Arteon FL
  • 2022 Volkswagen Taos
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

An even larger recall took place in October 2022, when Volkswagen had to pull a range of its models because the rearview camera would show a blank image when reversing. This issue affected 170,296 cars, with the following models being included: 

  • 2021 Audi e-Tron
  • 2022 Audi e-Tron GT
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi RSQ8
  • 2021 Audi RS7, RS6 and RS5
  • 2021 Audi S8
  • 2021 Audi A8
  • 2021 Audi SQ8
  • 2021 Audi Q8

The latest Volkswagen rearview camera recalls happened just a few days ago. Here, the problem was with the infotainment system itself, which may become permanently damaged when shut off. This issue affected a total of 6,076 vehicles, including: 

  • 2022 Audi A3
  • 2022 Audi A4
  • 2022 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2022 Audi A5
  • 2022 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2022 Audi A6
  • 2022 Audi A7
  • 2022 Audi e-Tron GT
  • 2022 Audi Q3
  • 2022 Audi Q7
  • 2022 Audi Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS6
  • 2022 Audi RS7
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi e-tron
  • 2021 –2022 Audi A8

A rearview camera that fails to display an image limits visibility while backing up, which may result in a collision with pedestrians, vehicles or property. 

Engine and fuel-system issues 

The Volkswagen engine issues and problems with fuel systems caused several recalls over the past six months.  

First, in August 2022, there was a batch of Audi SUVs with faulty fuel pumps, which could stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall affected 49,443 vehicles, including:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q7
  • 2029 – 2021 Audi Q8

Issues with the fuel systems caused 13,004 2021-2022 Audi Q3 SUVs to be recalled in September 2022.  Here, a damaged vent pipe may lead to increased pressure within the fuel tank, potentially causing the gasoline to be spilled when the cap is removed. 

In October 2022, sporty Golf models were recalled because they could have developed a coolant leak. This may result in overheating and stalling, or, in more extreme cases, engine fire.  In the end, 8,038 cars had to be recalled over this,  including:

  • 2022 – 2023 Volkswagen Golf R A8
  • 2022 – 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Inoperable tire pressure monitoring system 

Just a few days ago, Volkswagen issued one of the largest recent Jetta recalls, which also affected many other models. This was caused by a software error that could prevent the tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) from detecting tire pressure loss. With 224,704 cars affected, this recall included the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2020 Audi A3
  • 2019 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
  • 2020 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Audi Q3 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, various Volkswagen electrical issues and other problems had caused more than 600,000 cars to be recalled in the past six months. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicVolkswagen latest recalls affect over 600,000 cars. Is yours one of them?
Kia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

Kia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

November 22, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 22, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 27,030 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles whose electric systems may overheat. This may, in extreme cases, result in a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is the second recall for the same issue that comes on the back of five fires and the latest in the long string of both Kia and sister company Hyundai vehicles fire recalls. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall in 2018 will need to have the new remedy implemented.

Recall summary  

Listed vehicles have a series of relays, or switches, under their rear seats which are part of these cars’ electrical systems. The system is collectively called the power relay and contains an element called the main relay due to the important role it plays.

Due to the poor electrical connection, this particular relay may overheat and damage the seat cushion above it. In extreme cases, this may even lead to a vehicle fire. 

Recall risks

As described in previous similar recalls, a fire that occurs while driving is a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards. 

Background of the recall

These vehicles were recalled in 2018 for the same issue and were supposed to received new relays to correct it. However, following several localized fires, the manufacturer discovered that at least some of the cars did not receive the remedy, which prompted another recall.

Warning signs

An overheating main relay may trigger a hybrid system warning sign on the dashboard or prevent the vehicle from being started. 

Other Kia recalls

Kia and their parent company, Hyundai, have been dealing with potential vehicle fires for some time now. The latest in the steak of fiery recalls, which happened just a few days ago, was caused by overheating ABS modules. 

These ongoing issues also caught the U.S. government auto safety regulator’s attention, which is currently investigating whether the current remedies are sufficient to address the fire risk. 

There are no other recent Kia Niro recalls aside from this one.

The repair

To fix these Kia electrical issues, dealers will inspect the power relay assembly for traces of damage caused by overheating. If present, the whole assembly will be replaced with a new one. Otherwise, dealers will replace the original main relay, if still present, with an updated one, made by Panasonic. 

The repair is free of charge, and the owners should be notified on January 9, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 30,000 hybrid Kia vehicles are affected by this Kia fire risk recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk
Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure

Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

November 21, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 21, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 44,212 vehicles that may fail to display the correct tire pressure information to the driver. The system may fail to warn the driver if a tire is underinflated, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is a second recall for the same issue, which affects some of the cars that were previously repaired.

The following models are affected:

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger 
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, which alerts the driver if any of the tires are underinflated. The measurements needed for its operation are done by dedicated TPMS sensors.  On affected cars, the battery used by these sensors may die prematurely, so the sensors could fail to provide data to the TPMS system. 

As a result, the system may fail to warn the driver about tire-pressure-related issues. Alternatively, the battery issue could cause the warning indicator to turn on, masking any new tire pressure issues that occur from that point on.

The component causing the issue is the tire air pressure sensor with part number 68487472AA. 

Recall risks

A car with an underinflated tire has an increased risk of  a crash, as reported. 

Background of the recall

This recall serves as an expansion of one conducted in July for the same issue. After recalling the vehicles, the manufacturer discovered that some of the repaired vehicles still had TMPS battery issues. On the back of that finding, it decided to recall some of the vehicles that were previously repaired, as well as additional ones.

Other Dodge recalls

In October 2022, Dodge pulled some of their Journey crossover SUVs off the roads because of headlamp issues.

In July 2022, the U.S. government launched an investigation into Dodge and Chrysler vans following complaints that the sliding doors could become stuck.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the TPMS sensors on affected vehicles and replace them if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 16,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This tire pressure sensor issue affects more than 40,000 muscle cars and sedans. To do a Chrysler or Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 
Tesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering

Tesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering

November 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – November 19, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 40,168 vehicles whose power steering may stop working. This may cause the driver to lose control of the car, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X

Recall summary

Both listed models are equipped with an Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) which makes it easier for the driver to turn the wheel. In October, Tesla introduced a faulty firmware which resulted in the car losing power steering in certain situations, such as after hitting a pothole or a bump.

The component causing the issue is the vehicle firmware, with release numbers between 2022.36 and 2022.36.4.

Recall risks

With power assistance gone, steering will require more effort. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. 

Warning signs

If the power steering shuts down, a warning sign will appear on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible alert. 

Other Tesla recalls

Among previous Tesla Model S recalls, the one from October 2022, caused by defective windows, is the most recent. This recall affected more than a million vehicles. 

There was a Tesla Model X recall in May due to the risk of the infotainment systems freezing up. 

The repair

Tesla has already issued a firmware updated to fix the issue. The repair is free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on December 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 electric cars were recalled over these Tesla power steering issues. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering
Daimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

Daimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

November 16, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 218,147 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall supersedes and expands one conducted in 2020 for the same reason. The affected vehicles will need a new repair.

The following trucks are included in the latest round: 

  • 2021 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2020 – 2022 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2021 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 57X  

Recall summary  

All listed trucks are equipped with a device called Adaptive Cruise Control, or ACC. This comfort and safety feature monitors the road ahead and slows down the vehicle if needed by traffic conditions. On affected vehicles, corrosion within a control module that operates this system may cause the brake force applied to the front wheels to be uneven. As a result, the truck may pull to one side when the ACC activates the brakes to slow it down. Regular brakes the driver applies by pressing the pedal are not affected. 

The component causing this recall is the quick release pneumatic valve, with part numbers  WAB472 196 037 0 and WAB472 196 025 0. 

Recall risks

Uneven brake force may cause the vehicle to suddenly change its direction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

Over 164,000 Freightliner Cascadia trucks were recalled for the same issue in July 2020. The manufacturer replaced the affected unpainted valves with painted ones to prevent corrosion. However, in September 2022, it received reports of repaired trucks pulling to the side while braking. On the back of the claims, Daimler decided to conduct another recall which affects both the U.S. and Canada.

Warning signs

The driver may notice the ABS light come on the dashboard,

Other DTNA recalls

A vehicle that pulls to the side while braking may be difficult to control, but so does one whose steering wheel falls off. And this is what happened to certain trucks made by DTNA, which were repaired in Freightliner recalls in June 2022 due to potential loss of steering.

Furthermore, the manufacturer recently recalled some of its buses because their roofs may detach in an event of a crash. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing 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 December 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 200,000 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. You can do the same to check all current Western Star recalls. 

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking
Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

November 15, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – November 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 14,928 electric and hybrid vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which remove the slack from the seat belt during a crash – could explode while deploying, injuring the car occupants. This is the manufacturer’s seventh recall for this issue.

The latest edition includes the following models: 

  • 2023 Genesis G80 Electric 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid  
  • 2022 – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid  

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with seat belt pretensioners, whose job is to tighten the seat belt during the crash, additionally protecting the occupants’ torso. The working principle behind this device was already explained in one of the previous Hyundai recalls. 

In affected vehicles, front driver- and passenger-side pretensioners may deploy incorrectly, shattering their housing into pieces and sending pieces of metal flying through the cabin. 

The components in question are seat belt assemblies with pretensioner, with part numbers 888A0-JI500 and 88810-CL000  for the driver’s side and 888B0-JI500 and 88820-CL000 for the passenger’s side. 

Recall risks

Metal fragments flying at high speeds act as shrapnels, potentially injuring occupants if they hit them. 

Background of the recall

This is Hyundai’s seventh recall for this issue. Over 325,000 vehicles have been affected so far and the manufacturer is currently testing additional vehicles that are not part of this recall that may also be affected. The pretensioners in question are made by Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, as reported.

In connection with the current recall, no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Among previous Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, the most recent happened a few days ago. It was caused by automatic transmissions that may shift out of Drive on their own. 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall last year due to the risk of these cars catching fire. Both Hyundai and its sister company Kia have issued a tremendous number of fire-related recalls and are currently subject to a U.S. government investigation over adequacy of the remedies issued under some of these recalls, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cap into the pretensioner, which should prevent them from deploying abnormally and shattering its housings. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 30,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 15,000 cars are being recalled over these Hyundai seat belt issues. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode
Tesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts

Tesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts

November 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – November 11, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 24,064 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3 electric cars, whose seat belts may not restrain occupants in the event of a crash. This ups the risk of injury. 

Recall summary

In the listed vehicles, the second-row left seat buckle and the middle seat anchor are held in place with one bolt. When servicing the vehicles, technicians failed to re-assemble the components correctly. This may result in the seat belts in the second row being loose.

Recall risks

A loose or otherwise defective seat belt might not hold the passenger in place if there is a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

If not reassembled properly, one or both of these components will be loose. 

Other Tesla Model 3 recalls

You can find comprehensive information about all Tesla recalls that took place in 2022 in this article. 

Additionally, some of 2017 Tesla Model 3 cars, as well as many others, were recalled last month because their windows may malfunction and catch passenger limbs. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the seat belt anchoring points on these vehicles and rearrange them correctly if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

In addition, to stop this from happening in the future, Tesla has updated their service procedure manuals. 

Owners will be notified on December 20, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 25,000 electric cars are recalled over this Tesla seat belt issue. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts
Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

November 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 10, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 44,396 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, over the risk of catching fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury, or property damage.

This is the latest in the long list of both Hyundai and its sister company Kia fire-related recalls.

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with the anti-lock brake system, or ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up when braking. Due to the reasons still unknown, the electronic module that controls this system may overheat. In some cases, this may result in a fire inside the engine compartment, where this system is located. 

The component causing this recall is the ABS module with part number 58920-4Z300, made by Korean manufacturer Mando. 

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit the following page about a recent Kia recall caused by the same risk.

Other Hyundai recalls

Just a few days ago, Hyundai recalled a range of their models, including Santa Fe, over the risk of stalling.

Both Kia and Hyundai have recalled countless vehicles due to the risk of fire. You can see a summary of the issues here. Since the publication of that article, another Kia fire recall came out less than a week ago.

The repair

As with previous similar issues, the dealers will replace the fuse for the ABS system with a modified one. This new fuse will blow out if the module starts overheating, cutting power to it and preventing it from catching fire. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on December 26, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the new fuse is installed. For more on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai fire issues are affecting more than 40,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire
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