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Kia recalls vehicles with loose headliners

Kia recalls vehicles with loose headliners

August 14, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – August 14, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 257,998 2012 – 2013 Kia Optima whose headliners  – the vehicles’ ceilings – may detach during a crash and hit the car occupants, increasing the risk of injury. 

Recall summary  

Headliners are plastic panels that are part of the interior trim. They serve two purposes. – One is to conceal the bare metal elements and wiring running above it, and the second is serve as a cushion in a crash.

In affected vehicles, headlines may not be sufficiently secured, allowing them to detach if a side curtain airbag deploys.

Recall risks

A piece of the interior trim that detaches during a crash and flies through the cabin may hit and injure the car occupants. 

Other Kia recalls

Both Kia and its parent company Hyundai are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation due to non-crash related fires, as reported.  The last Kia Optima recall due to this issue was in February, also as reported.

There were at least two Kia airbag recalls this year. In February, over 410,000 cars were recalled due to airbags potentially failing to deploy in a crash. In March, Kia Souls were recalled for the same reason, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will use an “industrial-grade adhesive tape” to secure the headliners in place. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between September 26, 2022 and September 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia headliner plates’ recall affects more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls vehicles with loose headliners
Volkswagen recalls SUVs that may stall while driving

Volkswagen recalls SUVs that may stall while driving

August 7, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – August 7, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 49,443 SUVs whose fuel pumps may malfunction. This causes various running issues, including engine stalling, which increases the risk of an injury in the event of an accident.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

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

Recall Summary  

Listed SUVs have a fuel delivery module within the tank that transfers the gasoline towards the engine. In affected vehicles, a component inside this module may fall apart and damage the pressure sensor within the module. This results in incorrect fuel pressure, causing the engine to run rough or even preventing it from starting. In some cases, the fuel pump may fail resulting in the vehicle stall.

The component causing this recall is the fuel delivery module made by Vitesco Technologies, with part numbers 4M0919087F or 4M0919087G.   

Warning signs

Apart from the engine running issues, drivers may notice an “Emission control system” warning on the dashboard. 

Recall risks

A stalled car could get hit by faster-moving traffic, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Audi recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the Audi A8 recalls from May 2021, caused by a collapsing rear suspension.  

In addition, Audi is one of the car makers that has been facing a number of issues and consequent recalls caused by Takata airbags. 

Repair

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module on affected vehicles with an improved version, whose design makes it resilient to pressure variations. This repair is free of charge. 

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi fuel pump recall affects almost 50,000 SUVs. To do a Volkswagen or Audi recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs that may stall while driving
Jaguar recalls SUVs with malfunctioning seat belts

Jaguar recalls SUVs with malfunctioning seat belts

August 3, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Mahwah, NJ – August 3, 2022 – Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM), which owns Jaguar Land Rover, has recalled 4,927 SUVs whose seat belts may not tighten properly in an accident. This increases the risk of an injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Land Rover Defender 
  • 2022 – 2023 Land Rover Discovery
  • 2022 – 2023 Land Rover Discovery Sport 
  • 2022 – 2023 Range Rover Sport
  • 2022 – 2023 Range Rover Velar

Recall summary  

The pretensioner is part of the seat belt retractor, whose job is to tighten the seat belt and secure the occupant. On affected vehicles, damaged pretensioners may have been installed during manufacturing in the driver and front seat passenger seats. As a result, they could fail to operate as intended during a crash. 

The component in question is the seat belt assembly made by the Swedish-American supplier Autoliv, which was recently in the center of another seat belt recall that affected over 266,000 vehicles across different manufacturers, as reported.

Part numbers differ depending on the particular model, but include CPLA-611B08-AC8AAM and LK72-611B08-AB8PVJ.  

Recall risks

Pretensioners that fail to deploy as intended prevent the seat belt from tightening properly in a crash, increasing the occupant’s risk of injury. 

Other Land Rover and Range Rover recalls

In April, the company recalled a batch of Range Rovers over a problem with the seat belt’s emergency locking retractors. The retractors were also manufactured by  Autoliv.

In February, the 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SUVs were recalled over faulty airbag system, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will check the pretensioner assembly on affected vehicles and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Jaguar seat belt recall affects almost 5,000 SUVs. To check your vehicle for this and other Land Rover recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicJaguar recalls SUVs with malfunctioning seat belts
US government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

US government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans

July 31, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) PHEV minivans that may stall while driving, even at highway speeds, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If this investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 21,348 minivans, including the following: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 40 complaints about vehicles stalling while in motion. 

According to the complaints, the PHEV minivans would lose power while traveling at speeds higher than 25 miles per hour (mph). In some cases, a charging system failure message would appear on the dashboard. Based on initial findings, the malfunction was related to a transmission issue.

Risks

If a vehicle stalls while driving, it could be hit from behind by oncoming traffic, especially on the highway. In addition, it may be difficult for passengers to get out of the vehicle safely in such situations.   

Other Chrysler Pacifica recalls 

Earlier this year, in February, Chrysler Plug-In hybrid vehicles were recalled over a fire risk, with vehicles suddenly bursting into flames. Apart from that, there was another fire-related recall affecting these minivans in June 2020.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Chrysler stalling issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 20,000 minivans. To do a Chrysler recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over stalling PHEV minivans
US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

US government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking

July 31, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) vehicles whose parking brakes may activate while driving.  If that happens, the car would stall and stop on the road, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This investigation, if it leads to a parking brake recall, could affect an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 22, 2022, following 80 complaints about unexpected and sudden handbrake activation in affected Jeep Cherokees.

These SUVs have an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), which allows the driver to activate it by a push of a button instead of pulling a lever. Parking brake activation is performed by an electric motor, with an EPB module controlling its operation. Based on initial findings, water may find its way into the module and cause electrical shorts. This could lead to unintended parking brake activation while driving.

It appears that Jeep was aware of the problem as early as 2016 when it issued dealer communication advising dealers to check for “corrosion” if there was an issue with the parking brake not releasing. There was also a recall issued in 2015 which dealt with short circuits inside the liftgate module caused by water leaks. Although the “symptoms” are unrelated, both modules are located in a similar area within the SUV.  

Risks

A vehicle that unexpectedly activates its parking brake may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a sudden activation may confuse the driver and cause it to lose control of the vehicle. 

Potential warning signs

Drivers have reported that either the parking brake or ABS light or “most warning lights” would come on prior to the handbrake activation. However, in some cases there was no warning.

Other Jeep recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several other Jeep Cherokee recalls in the past. Among them, the one from May 2022, caused by a transmission leak, is the most recent. 

In addition, some Grand Cherokee and Durango models also suffered from parking brake issues, leading to a recall in June this year. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation into the Jeep electronic parking brake issue may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 1.3 million vehicles. In the meantime, you could do a Jeep recall check for your vehicle using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over unintentional braking
Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

July 24, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry several risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags
Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 100,689 hybrids whose gasoline engines may fail, causing them to burst into flames. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of 23 owner complaints and includes the following models equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape 
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2022 Ford Maverick

Recall summary  

All listed models have an active grille shutter feature, a series of air flaps that seals the engine bay to improve aerodynamics. On affected vehicles, the 2.5-liter engine may suffer from a catastrophic failure “due to manufacturing issues” that results in a ruptured engine block or oil pan. The hot engine oil, which escapes through the resulting holes and gathers up on the metal shield under the engine, may burst into flames.

Warning signs

In an event of an engine failure, drivers may notice an unusual rattle from the engine bay or a lack of power. A strong smell of burning oil is another tell-tale sign. If the driver detects any of these signs, they should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire that occurs while driving carries several risks, as explained in this Kia recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of at least 23 driver complaints received by Ford. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Ford already had issues with engine fires with their larger SUVs, which resulted in a recall that took place in May 2022. In addition, there was a Ford Maveric recall in April, caused by trailer brake issues. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will modify the active shutter grille and the metal shield under the engine. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between August 8, 2022, and August 12, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall is affecting more than 100,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire
Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

July 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – July 10, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 10,575 hybrids that may catch fire due to overheating under their rear seats, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

These vehicles were already repaired due to the same issue in 2018, but are being recalled again on the back of at least 9 fires post-repair. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Recall summary  

All hybrid vehicles listed here have a relay, or a switch, which is a part of their electrical system underneath the rear seats. The purpose of the switch is to connect and disconnect “ the battery and the inverter… wiring.”

Due to a supplier error, connectors on these relays could be loose. This increases electrical resistance and causes the relay to overheat, which can, in the worst-case scenario, result in  a vehicle fire. 

The components causing this recall are the power relay and the main relay within it, with part numbers 37514-G2100QQH and 37583-A8000QQH.

Recall risks

An in-vehicle fire that happens while driving or when parked carries several risks. This includes crashes, injuries and property damage. 

Background of the recall

These cars were already recalled over this issue in 2018.

However, starting in 2021, Hyundai began receiving reports of some of the repaired vehicles catching fire. Upon investigating, the manufacturer found that at least some of the vehicles still had original relays in them, despite “repair history displaying” that the relays were switched.

On the heels of that information, the new recall was initiated.

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation over ongoing fire issues. The investigation has so far resulted in 16 recalls, 8 for each manufacturer, according to the federal auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

The regulator is currently evaluating whether the manufacturers will need to recall more cars and whether or not the remedies performed under these recalls were sufficient, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect previously installed relays and replace them if needed. This repair will be free of charge. Notifications will be sent to the owners on August 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall is affecting more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire
Nissan recalls trucks that may roll away

Nissan recalls trucks that may roll away

July 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin TN – July 5, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 180,176 trucks whose transmissions may slip out of Park and roll away, increasing the risk of crashing into pedestrians or other vehicles. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Frontier 
  • 2020 – 2022 Nissan Titan

Recall summary  

When the driver selects the Park gear, a mechanism inside the transmission locks up and stops the vehicle from moving. In affected trucks, the Park gear mechanism might not engage as intended due to a supplier error during manufacturing.

This may cause the vehicle to roll away.

The component causing this recall is the automatic transmission, with part number 31311 X280A.

Recall risks

As in similar recalls, vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury from a resulting crash.

Safety tips

If your truck is affected by this recall, Nissan advises that you use the parking brake every time you park.

Other Nissan truck recalls

Among other Nissan Titan recalls, one from September 2021, caused by faulty signal bulbs, is the most recent. 

In January 2022, a large number of Nissan Rogue SUVs were recalled over faulty electrical wiring, which could result in a vehicle fire. 

The repair

At this time, Nissan is working on a solution to this problem. Owners will be notified once the final remedy is available.

In the meantime, interim notifications will be sent to owners on July 20, 2022, urging drivers to use the parking brake whenever they park their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan rollaway recall affects more than 180,000 trucks. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls trucks that may roll away
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