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Navistar recalls heavy-duty trucks that may stall

Navistar recalls heavy-duty trucks that may stall

September 29, 2022 Bojan Popic

Lisle, IL – September 29, 2022 – Navistar, which owns the International brand, is recalling 6,883 heavy-duty trucks whose engines may shut down. This could cause them to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This is the third recall for this issue. Trucks affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Navistar International HV
  • 2018 – 2020 Navistar International HX
  • 2018 – 2019 Navistar International LT
  • 2018 – 2019 Navistar International RH

All affected trucks are equipped with International’s A26 engines.

Recall summary  

Internal combustion engines have many moving parts that work together to generate power output. These include pistons, which move up and down, and connecting rods that attach to them. In the affected vehicles, part of the connecting rod may crack or break apart. If this happens, the engine could shut down with little warning, causing the vehicle to stall. The defect is due to an improperly manufactured part (the connecting rod wrist pin).

The component causing this recall is the connecting rod, with part number 7096533C91. 

Background of the recall

The current recall follows one in May 2020 and another in April 2021 relating to the same issue. Navistar has expanded the scope and introduced a remedy since the initial recall.

Warning signs

The driver might notice a knocking noise or the truck could idle roughly. In addition, the driver may notice an illuminated engine warning light. 

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please see this article about a RAM investigation.

Other Navistar recalls

Earlier this year, in June, Navistar recalled more than 5,000 of their buses because of steering wheels that could detach. 

In February 2021, Navistar recalled over 27,000 International trucks whose engines could shut down unexpectedly. 

Repair

Dealers will install new knock detection software, which should warn the driver before the engine connecting rod fails. A red warning light on the dashboard will alert drivers to the need to stop as soon as possible. Engines with suspect connecting rods will be repaired. Both the software update and the repair will be performed free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 trucks are being recalled because of this Navistar connecting rod wrist pin problem. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls heavy-duty trucks that may stall
US government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

US government investigates Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles

September 28, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – September 28, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and sister company Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) over an allegation some of their cars can develop a severe and sudden engine oil leak. This can cause the engine to seize and stall the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 5.2 million vehicles.

 Some of the potentially affected vehicles include: 

  • 2010 – 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2013 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2006 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2019 Hyundai Sonata Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2018 – 2019 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2005 – 2020 Kia Optima
  • 2007 – 2010 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2020 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2021 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell

All these vehicles have 1.6L T-GDI Gamma, 2.4L Theta II GDI, 2.4L GDI Theta II, Kappa or 3.8L GDI Lambda-II engines.

Risks

A sudden stall can dramatically increase the risk of a crash. In addition, the unexpected loss of oil can result in “catastrophic engine damage.” Indeed, several owners had to have their engines replaced as a result of this issue.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on September 12,  2022, following a petition submitted by the “majority of the nation’s automotive repair and preventative maintenance professionals” claiming ‘unprecedented’ oil leaks that would happen without any prior warnings. 

The issue appears to be caused by oil “drain pan assembly failures” that are alleged to be caused in part by “flimsy” materials used in pan construction. In addition to that, the pans appear to have a design defect which makes the oil leak more likely to occur.

What is flimsy?

The oil drain pan – or a sump – is a metal pan that holds oil that is required to lubricate the engine. The sump has a hole whose only purpose is to allow the engine oil to drain during replacement. The hole is sealed off by a plug, which is a bolt that screws into the hole to close it.

Based on the allegations, the oil drain plug can loosen up while driving at highway speeds. This could create a substantial oil leak, which may cause the engine to seize, stalling the vehicle.

Where is the design defect?

The gasket is a piece of rubber or plastic that sits on top of the oil filter and “seals the area between the oil pan and the engine block” to prevent leaks.

When the oil is changed out, the gasket needs to be changed as well to avoid “double-gasketing”, which may result in a leak by pushing the oil out to the top.

In the affected vehicles, the oil pan and the gasket are both painted black, making it easy for the person changing the oil to miss the extra gasket. This can also result in the oil leaking out of the engine, resulting in a stall.

Complaints

There have been multiple customer complaints going back to as far back as 2017. In several cases, dealers refused to cover the cost of the repair, attributing the plug issue to the owner accidentally not tightening it properly during the last oil change or “teenagers… loosening oil plugs as a prank.” 

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles should be aware of the ongoing engine and fire-related issues, as described in one of the Hyundai Santa Fe recalls. 

In addition, oil starvation and subsequent engine failure caused one of the previous Kia Forte recalls dating to April 2021.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai engine recall, possibly affecting over 5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or 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 Kia and Hyundai over stalling vehicles
Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

 Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars

September 24, 2022 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – September 24, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 161,000 vehicles whose window trim bars may detach while driving. This may create a road hazard, augmenting the risk of a crash or injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63S
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE400E
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Recall summary  

Trims are plastic adornments whose purpose is to give a car a slicker look.

In the affected vehicles, both left and right window trim bars were fitted incorrectly as a result of a supplier error. As a result, they may detach from the vehicle while driving.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please see this article about a Volkswagen recall due to a similar issue.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In July, there was a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall due to faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

In May, there was a Mercedes-Benz AMG recall due to the risk of fire, also as reported.

Both recalls included other vehicles.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the window trim bars and modify how they are fitted, if necessary. This repair is free of charge. 

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on November 11, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Mercedes-Benz trim issues. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan Popic Daimler recalls vehicles with fly-away trim bars
Porsche recalls vehicles with misaligned headlights

Porsche recalls vehicles with misaligned headlights 

September 24, 2022 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – September 24, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 193,259 luxury cars and SUVs whose headlights can be improperly adjusted. Misaligned headlights could reduce visibility or blind other motorists, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of affected vehicles comprises 105 models, including the following:

  • 2003 – 2006 and 2008 – 2017 Porsche Cayenne
  • 2014 Porsche Cayman S
  • 2014, 2018 and 2020 Porsche Macan
  • 2010 – 2016 Porsche Panamera

Recall summary  

All cars have mechanisms in their headlights that allow the manufacturer or dealer to adjust their aim for the best possible road illumination. To avoid accidental misalignment after this initial calibration, the alignment mechanism is supposed to be covered with a sealing cap.  

In vehicles affected by this recall, the sealing caps are missing. Without them, the headlights could be adjusted to point in the wrong direction.

The full list of the affected vehicles can be found here. The 2003 Porsche Cayman S is not part of this recall.

Recall risks

Misaligned headlights reduce the driver’s ability to see in front of the vehicle and may cause glare for oncoming motorists.

Other Porsche recalls

Among previous Porsche recalls, one from June 2022 dealing with malfunctioning rearview cameras is the most recent.

In October 2021, the manufacturer recalled close to 5,000 Boxster and Cayman models due to potential loss of control while driving, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will check both headlights to see if the caps are installed, and if not, fit new ones. This repair is free of charge.

The notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on October 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 vehicles are being recalled because of these Porsche headlight issues. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with misaligned headlights 
Hyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

Hyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

September 4, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating several Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) models over an allegation that their seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed. This may send metal shrapnel flying through the cabin, potentially injuring the occupants. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 275,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Genesis GV70
  • 2021 Genesis GV80

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022 following three complaints about seat belt pretensioner rupturing or exploding during deployment. Based on the allegations, occupants were injured by flying metal shards in all three cases. 

There have been five recalls  – with all of them including one of the vehicles above – due to this issue. The investigation is being opened to both evaluate “the adequacy” of these recalls and their scope. 

What are seat belt pretensioners?

Seat belt pretensioners help tighten up the seat belt around the passenger’s torso in case of a collision. These are pyrotechnic devices, designed to deploy quickly and forcefully without breaking apart.

Risks

If the pretensioner explodes, it could send metal fragments into the vehicle,  striking occupants and resulting in an injury. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall in the spring of last year due to the risk of “short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system,” as reported.

Both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation due to multiple non-crash related fires, as reported.

The latest recall for exploding pretensioners  was in May 2022, and it affected more than 200,000 vehicles. There was also a similar recall just before it, in April 2022, although with a significantly smaller scope.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai seat belt recall, possibly affecting over a quarter of a million vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts
US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

September 4, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks
Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

August 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 281,447 SUVs that may catch fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.

The recall comes on the heels of several fires and includes the following SUVs:

  •  2022 – 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  •  2020 – 2022 Kia Telluride

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with a tow package, which, in addition to the tow hitch itself, has a wiring harness and a control module. The module may overheat and, in extreme situations, cause the vehicle to catch fire. 

The cause of the issue is an electric short caused by moisture and other elements ending up on the tow hitch circuit board during the manufacturing process. The circumstances of how that occurs are currently under investigation.

Recall risks

A burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles and result in injuries to the car occupants.

Recall background

The recall comes on the heels of at least five vehicles catching fire in the bumper area, as well as multiple “melting” incidents and warranty claims.

Other Hyundai and Kia Telluride recalls

This Hyundai Palisade recall is the latest in a series of fire-related recalls the Korean manufacturer has been experiencing lately. However, most of the previous Hyundai fire risks were caused by faulty ABS modules or fuel leaks. 

Separately, aside from this Kia Telluride tow hitch recall, the 2022 model-years were also subject to a recall about a year ago due to blank instrument clusters, as reported.

Repair

Both manufacturers are still developing the repair for this Kia and Hyundai tow harness issue. 

In the meantime, dealers are set to inspect the tow hitch wiring on suspected vehicles and remove the corresponding fuse which will effectively disconnect the tow module. This and future repairs will be offered free of charge. 

Kia will send the affected owners letters with more information on October 17, 2022, while Hyundai will do the same on October 17, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the repair is done.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai and Kia electrical issues are affecting more than a quarter million SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames
Ferrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail

Ferrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail

August 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Englewood Cliffs, NJ – August 14, 2022 – Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) is recalling  23,555 cars that may develop a brake fluid leak, causing a partial or complete loss of brakes. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

A lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2005 – 2009 Ferrari 430
  • 2019 – 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista 
  • 2010 – 2011 Ferrari 612
  • 2010 – 2011 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 
  • 2018 – 2022 Ferrari 812 
  • 2009 – 2017 Ferrari California 
  • 2015 – 2017 Ferrari California T
  • 2013 – 2017 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 
  • 2020 – 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider
  • 2020 – 2022 Ferrari F8 Tributo
  • 2012 –2016 Ferrari FF
  • 2018 – 2020 Ferrari GTC4LUSSO
  • 2018 –2019 Ferrari GTC4LUSSO T
  • 2013 –2015 Ferrari LaFerrari
  • 2019 –2022 Ferrari Portofino
  • 2021 – 2022 Ferrari Roma 
  • 2017 Ferrari F12 TDF
  • 2016 Ferrari F60 America
  • 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

Recall summary  

The brake fluid reservoir stores brake fluid and keeps from getting contaminated by moisture and dirt, allowing the car’s brake to function in the best way possible. The cap on top of the reservoir is vented to maintain adequate pressure inside.

In the affected vehicles due to a supplier error, the cap may not be ventilated properly. This can result in a brake fluid leak which in turn, can result in partial or total loss of braking action. 

The component causing this recall is the brake fluid reservoir cap, with part numbers 259047, 242849, 743123, 307671 and 203903.

Recall risks

Reduced braking ability increases the risk of a crash and consequent injury.  

Warning signs

The car will use various warning methods to alert the driver about potential brake issues, depending on the model. Most older vehicles will have a warning light on the dashboard, while newer cars will have a “Brake fluid level low, Go to dealer slowly” message, accompanied by an audible buzzer in some cases. 

Other Ferrari recalls

This is not the first time the Italian manufacturer has had brake-related issues. In November 2021, Ferrari recalled almost 10,000 cars with potentially malfunctioning brake boosters. 

There are no recent Ferrari LaFerrari recalls. The cars were a limited edition and have not been produced since 2018.

Repair

Dealers will replace the brake reservoir cap with a redesigned one, which vents as it should. In addition, they will update the car’s software to warn the driver about any brake fluid losses more adequately.  

Vehicle owners will be notified on September 24, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ferrari brake recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Ferrari recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFerrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail
GM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts

GM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts

August 21, 2022 Bojan Popic , , ,

August 21, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands, is recalling 484,155 SUVs seat belts that may not protect the occupant in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of an injury.  

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban  
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have a third row of seats with seat belts that are held in place by metal fasteners called rivets which are part of the belt buckle.

Due to a supplier error, these rivets were not formed correctly during manufacturing and could break during a crash. 

Recall risks

The occupant may get ejected from the car and get seriously hurt in a crash.

Other GM recalls

Among previous Chevrolet Tahoe recalls the one from October 2021 caused by stalling issues is the most recent. 

There was a small GMC Yukon recall in January of this year due to “a loss of drive power,” according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) records. Both recalls included other vehicles.

Among other GM recalls there was one for Terrain SUVs due to a blinding-headlights’ issue in March, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect how the seat belt is secured and replace the buckle if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on September 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM seat belt recall is affecting almost half a million SUVs. To do a GM or Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts
Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

August 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 58,203 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks that may roll away and stall due to a fracture of one of the most important components of the car – the driveshaft.

This recall only affects the Crew Cab models with a 4×4 drive and 145” wheelbase and can increase the risk of injury for the car occupants and people around them.

Recall summary  

Underbody insulators are sheets that reduce the road noise inside the cabin. The driveshaft is a component that connects the transmission and differential, effectively transferring the engine power to the wheels and propelling the vehicle forward.

The insulators were installed on the affected vehicles by mistake and could become loose. 

When that happens, they can come into contact with the driveshafts beneath it and scratch them. This could damage the driveshaft and eventually fracture it.

Recall risks

With a snapped driveshaft, the truck will not be able to transfer the engine to its wheels and may lose power. In addition, it may also roll away if the parking brake is not engaged.

Warning signs

Besides noticing one or both insulators hanging below the vehicle, drivers may hear a rattling or clicking noise that only appears while driving.  In addition, scratches may be visible on the driveshaft. 

Other Ford truck recalls

A large batch of trucks with properly installed insulators was recalled over an identical issue in December 2021. 

Among more recent Ford F-150 recalls, one from May 2022, caused by airbag issues, is the latest one. 

The repair

Dealers will check if the truck has underbody insulators, and if it does, secure them in place using suitable fasteners. In addition, they will inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage. The repair is free of charge. 

Truck owners will be notified between September 5, 2022, and September 9, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford driveshaft issues are causing more than 50,000 trucks to be recalled. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away
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