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US government investigates stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles

US government investigates stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles

July 16, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – July 16, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) over an allegation its 2022 Kia EV6 electric cars may lose motive power or even experience a “complete electric failure,” upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect around 20,000 cars. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 3, 2023, following 11 complaints of cars losing power. In at least some cases, the cars could not be restarted and had to be towed.

Upon inspection, dealers found that there was a “strong correlation” between the power loss and the failure of the integrated control charging unit (ICCU).  

What is an integrated control charging unit?

The integrated control charging unit is an electric “charger” that powers up both the high-voltage battery used to drive the electric motor and the low-voltage battery, which provides 12-volt electricity for the rest of the car’s systems.  

Based on the initial findings, an excessive current may damage ICCU’s circuit board, preventing the low-voltage battery from being charged. This ultimately shuts down the systems using it as a power supply, making the vehicle inoperable.  

Risks

Without sufficient power being delivered to the wheels, the driver may have difficulties maneuvering the vehicle into a safe spot. This dramatically increases the risk of a crash.

“Unnerving” experiences

In fact, one driver described an “unnerving” experience when the car suddenly decelerated to 22 miles per hour (mph) from 40 mph “during rush hour on a secondary road with a limited shoulder.”

Drivers also reported their cars being stuck at dealerships for weeks after they “could no longer be driven.”  Some drivers have been told that the part was “on national backorder.”

Warning signs

Before the power loss, some drivers observed “Stop the vehicle and check power supply” and “Check electrical vehicle system” warning messages pop up on the instrument cluster.  In addition, one driver stated there was a “loud pop from the rear passenger side of the vehicle”  just before the message appeared. 

Other Kia recalls

Earlier this month, Kia recalled nearly 100,000 Sportage SUVs because their brake boosters may fail to activate. 

Some of the Kia EV6 cars mentioned here may have been affected by a recall caused by the risk of a rollaway, which took place in May 2022. 

In addition, both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation for non-crash related fires, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Kia loss of power recall, potentially affecting almost 20,000 electric cars. To do a Kia 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 stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles
Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling

Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling 

July 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Sandy Springs, GA – July 15, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 164,054 passenger cars and commercial vans because they may stall due to fuel pump failure. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Some of the affected vehicles include: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S550
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S580
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Recall summary  

The fuel pump impeller is a plastic disk that helps “increase the pressure and flow of fuel.” Due to a supplier error, the impeller in the affected vehicles “may deform.” This may result in a shutdown of the pump and an engine stall.

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here. 

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle may get hit by oncoming traffic. This ups the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.

Warning signs

The driver may notice a “malfunction warning message” on the dash or experience the engine “running rough.”

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of these Mercedes-Benz vans may have been affected by a recall caused by the risk of rollaway, which took place in November 2022. 

More recently, in January 2023, a large batch of Mercedes-Benz cars was recalled also because of the risk of stall, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump with an upgraded one free of charge.

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 160,000 cars and vans are being recalled over this Mercedes-Benz fuel pump issue. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling 
Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

July 8, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA – July 8, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 124,077 cars whose brakes may fail. This impacts the vehicle’s ability to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of the affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2020 – 2021 Honda Civic
  • 2021 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2021 – 2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 – 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a car is powered by the master cylinder, which generates the pressure necessary for the brake to work. The operation of the brake is also helped by a booster, which multiplies the force generated by the driver’s foot, reducing the necessary physical effort. 

In the affected cars, the brake master cylinder was incorrectly bolted to the brake booster. As a result, the two parts may separate, which would “cause the loss of brake function.”

Recall risks

An unexpected loss of brake function would dramatically increase the odds of a crash.

Other Honda recalls

In April 2023, Honda recalled more than half a million CR-V SUVs whose suspensions may detach because of corrosion. 

More than 117,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled in December 2022 because their rearview cameras failed to display an image, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the booster assembly, if necessary, be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on August 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 120,000 cars and light pickup trucks are affected by this Honda failing brakes recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail
Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

July 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – July 2, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF), is recalling 98,944 2023 Kia Sportage SUVs because their power brake assistance may fail. This would make the vehicles harder to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the heels of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

The power braking in the listed vehicles is done by a brake booster. In the SUVs affected by this recall the brake booster may develop an internal leak reducing its stopping power. 

Recall risks

The defect increases stopping distance, which augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall  

The recall comes on the back of at least 73 customer complaints about the issue. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Warning signs

The loss of brake boost assist “can result in hard pedal feel and increased effort during pedal application.”

Other Kia recalls

In April 2023, Kia recalled minivans over a sliding door issue, as reported.

In February 2023, a batch of Telluride midsize SUVs was recalled because their airbags would fail to deploy.

Separately, millions of Kia and Hyundai cars are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation due to multiple instances of car fires, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the brake boosters free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 100,000 UVs are affected by this Kia brake booster 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 for loss of brake boost assist
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

July 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 331,401 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs because a part of their rear suspension may break off. This may cause the vehicle to become unstable and may also lead to road debris, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The spring coil is a flexible component of the vehicle’s suspension, which allows the wheels to go up and down over the bumps. In the affected SUVs, however, the springs at the rear were fitted incorrectly and may fall out of their position. This could cause the rear suspension to break and could also create road debris for other vehicles.

Recall risks

A broken suspension can make the vehicle unstable and difficult to control, upping the chances of a crash and injury.  In addition, other vehicles on the road could come upon the broken coils and crash.

Other Jeep recalls

Just a few days ago, Jeep recalled hybrid Cherokees over the risk of stalling. 

Earlier this year, in April, a batch of Jeeps was recalled because their transmission may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire. 

The repair

Dealers will repair the rear springs free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 300,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rear spring coil recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

June 24, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – June 24, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand is recalling 12,458 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrids because they may shut down. The resulting loss of power ups the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the back of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed SUVs are plug-in hybrids fitted with a 2-liter engine and an electric motor. Their drive-related functions are managed by a computer called the hybrid control unit (HCU). Due to unknown reasons, the communication between the transmission and HCU may be lost. This may lead to the vehicle stalling with no warning.

Recall risks

Unexpected engine shutdown may cause a loss of motive power. In fact, leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received “seven customer assistance records, 10 warranty claims, and six field reports” about the stall.

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Jeep recalls

Earlier this month, a large batch of Cherokee SUVs was recalled over a risk of fire, as reported.

Last April, over 45,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles were recalled also because of the risk of stalling.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the engine’s software. This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 12,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep engine recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall
Stellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Stellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   

June 10, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – June 10, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 132,099 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee SUVs because they can catch fire, upping the risk of an injury and crash.

This recall supersedes two previous recalls conducted for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints. Vehicles that have already received repairs will need a new remedy. 

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a power liftgate, which is an electrically operated trunk lid that opens and closes at a touch of a button. Its operation is controlled by a module, which, in the affected vehicles, may suffer from water intrusion. This can result in an electrical short and cause the SUV to catch fire while driving or parked. 

Recall risks

You can find more about fire-related risks in this Hyundai recall from July 2022. 

Safety tips

As vehicles can catch fire while being driven or while parked, owners are also advised to park away from structures until such repairs have been completed.

Warning signs 

Water intrusion could cause the module to stop working, which prevents the power liftgate operation. 

Background of the recall 

These SUVs were already recalled over the same issue on two separate occasions, in June 2015 and  December 2015. During these repairs, the power liftgate module and its connectors were inspected for traces of corrosion. Furthermore, the suspected area was modified to prevent water intrusion and the module was covered with a foam shield.  However, the manufacturer received “50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports” for repaired vehicles leading up to the recall.

Other Jeep recalls

In November 2022, nearly a quarter of a million RAM trucks were recalled over a fire risk. 

More recently, in April 2023, Stellantis recalled more than 69,000 Jeeps and RAMs because their transmissions could overheat and crack, resulting in a fire.

Finally, last month, more than 130,000 RAM trucks were subject to a recall due to the risk of stalling. This is at least the fourth recall for these vehicles due to the same issue, as reported.

The repair

At this point, the manufacturer is working on a solution. Once it is available, it will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on June 30, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 130,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep power liftgate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   
Mercedes-Benz recalls sedans over loss of stability and ABS

Mercedes-Benz recalls sedans over loss of stability and ABS   

June 4, 2023 Bojan Popic

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

Affected models include the following: 

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

Recall summary  

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

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

Recall risks

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

Warning signs 

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

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

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

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

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

The repair

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

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

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 7,000 luxurious sedans are affected by this Mercedes-Benz ESP recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls sedans over loss of stability and ABS   
Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

May 27, 2023 Bojan Popic

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

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

The latest edition includes:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 
  • 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Recall summary  

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

Recall risks

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

Other Mitsubishi recalls

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

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

The repair

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

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  
US government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

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

May 21, 2023 Bojan Popic

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

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

The list includes:

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

Petition summary  

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

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

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

What is a brake shift mechanism?

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

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

Previous investigation points to driver error

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

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

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

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

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

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

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

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