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Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

February 18, 2023 Bojan Popic

Richmond, VA – February 18, 2023 – A used-car dealer CarMax (NYSE: KMX) has agreed to disclose open recalls on cars that it sells in certain states.  The agreement follows on the heels of a multi-state investigation into allegations that the company failed to disclose that some of the cars on sale were subject to unrepaired recalls.

This is at least the second time the company settles such allegations. 

Buying a car with an open recall can put your life and that of your passengers and other motorists at risk.

The agreement

This CarMax settlement comes on the heels of an investigation that started in 2014 and was settled on December 5, 2022. That is when the company agreed to disclose open recalls in 36 states, including Alabama, Nevada, Wisconsin and Texas.

To ensure compliance, Carmax will have to implement several mechanisms when selling cars with open recalls.

First, all cars on sale will have to have a link or sticker with a QR code, which would lead to a site like MotorSafety.org that would have more specific information on the recall.

Secondly, before buying the vehicle, the customer would need to sign a waiver that would disclose that the vehicle is subject to a recall.  He or she will also be given a copy of the said recall. 

Third, CarMax cannot market their cars as “safe or repaired for ‘safety issues.'” 

As part of the agreement, the company has also agreed to pay $1 million that is going to be split between the states involved in the settlement.

Is it legal to sell cars with open recalls?

It is illegal for dealers and manufacturers to sell new cars with open recalls. However, “due to legal loopholes and loose regulations,” in some states used cars can be sold with open recalls. 

With the settlement, however, it becomes illegal for CarMax to do so in the 36 states that are subject to the agreement without proper disclosure.

What led to the investigation 

According to the investigation – that started in 2014 –  CarMax did not disclose that “repairs that were necessary on vehicles with open safety recalls, and it represented that those vehicles were safe despite open recalls for airbags, brakes, fuel pumps, and other critical parts and safety features. “

It is not clear how exactly the non-disclosure was accomplished but,  in a related settlement that was achieved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  in 2016, the used-car dealership claimed that all the cars were subject to a rigorous, 12-hour, 125-point inspection. However, some of these cars were subject to open recalls which CarMax did not adequately disclose. 

Does your vehicle have an open recall?

In some states it may be legal to sell used cars with open recalls.  One way to check if your car is one of them is to plug in your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to check for open settlements. For tips on how to find your VIN and other ways to discover if your car is in need of a repair, please see this article.

Bojan PopicUsed car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale
Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

February 12, 2023 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – February 12, 2023 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 24,467 sports cars because their coolant pumps may short-circuit and even catch fire. Besides potential property damage, this also increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The lengthy list of affected models includes the following: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4 Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Recall summary  

All vehicles utilize coolant liquid –also known as antifreeze – whose role is to help regulate the temperature of the engine. The coolant circulates through a radiator, which is a “heat exchanger” located inside the dashboard.

The flow within this system is achieved with an electric coolant pump. 

In the affected vehicles, moisture may get into the pumps, causing them to short-circuit and potentially catch fire. The issue seems to be caused by a supplier error.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle that catches fire while driving or parked are well-documented in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs

The car’s climate control will stop working if the external coolant pump fails.

Other Porsche recalls

Just a few months ago, in September 2022, Porsche recalled almost 200,000 cars over misaligned headlights. 

In July 2022, over 12,000 Porsche Taycan sedans were recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the pumps in question with upgraded ones, which are sealed correctly. They will also check the wiring and connector and repair it if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Porsche coolant pump recall is affecting almost 25,000 cars. To do a Porsche recall check or a Porsche Panamera recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire
Volkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

Volkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

February 5, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 5, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 37,558 cars over an ongoing Takata airbag issue. The issue has resulted in close to 30 deaths and at least 400 injuries due to the propensity of these airbags to explode when deployed in a crash.

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Recall summary  

The inflator, a pyrotechnic device that sets off the driver side airbag, might break apart during deployment because it contains Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical.” PSAN degrades after exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, among other factors.

The resulting explosion can send sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Recall risks

With more than 42 million cars being recalled over Takata airbag issues so far, all risks have already been well documented and thoroughly described. 

Background of the recall

These airbags were made by Takata, a now-defunct Japanese manufacturer which is best-known for being the culprit behind the largest recall in the automotive history. The recall is part of 187 recalls that have come out of an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into airbag explosions.

About a year ago, Volkswagen paid out a $42 million settlement to current and former owners of Audi and Volkswagen cars with Takata airbags for lost wages, childcare and other related expenses that came on the back of Takata recalls. However, the cars that are part of this recall were not included in the settlement.

Other Volkswagen recalls

Coincidently, one of the latest Volkswagen Beetle recalls, which dates back to January 2021, was caused by the same Takata airbag issue.  

More recently, in November of last year, Volkswagen recalled nearly a quarter of a million vehicles over a faulty tire pressure monitoring system. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag with an upgraded one, which is not susceptible to moisture-driven degradation. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen airbag recall affects almost 40,000 Beetles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

January 22, 2023 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – January 22, 2023 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 123,696 vehicles whose sunroofs may detach. This creates a road hazard and ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes the following models: 

  • 2002 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C280
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C350
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
  • 2005 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E550
  • 2002 – 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32
  • 2005 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG C55
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK55
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS55

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with a sunroof. Due to a supplier error, the sunroof’s glass panel was inadequately bonded to the metal frame beneath it. 

Because of that, the bonding adhesive could deteriorate and not hold these two components together. As a result, the glass panel may detach from the frame and fly away from the vehicle. 

The component causing this recall is the sunroof cover, with part numbers  A2117800300, A2097800200, A2197800100 or A2037800121, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A glass panel that detaches while driving will fly off, potentially hitting nearby pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. In addition, this part might land on the road, endangering other motorists.

Warning signs 

If the adhesive starts falling apart, the owners might notice a partially detached sunroof and excessive wind noise while driving. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has had issues with fly-away components. Back in September 2022, they recalled more than 100,000 SUVs and sedans because their trim bars could detach while driving.

In addition, one of the recent Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls over a fire risk took place in October 2022. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the sunroof and replace it if the bondage between the glass panel and the metal frame is inadequate. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes detached sunroof panel recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs
US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

January 15, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating 2019-2020 Jeep Compass SUVs made by Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) whose engines may shut down. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 228,971 vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on December 2, 2022 following 15 complaints of Compass engines shutting down unexpectedly. 

According to the complaints, operators saw a warning message on the dashboard stating “high coolant temperature” or “coolant temperature too high.” After the message appeared, the engine shut down. NHTSA indicates that that the temperature warning is not accurate.

Risks

For more on the risks posed by a sudden loss of power, please visit this RAM recall article.

Other Stellantis recalls

While there have been no recent Jeep Compass recalls, other models made by this manufacturer have been affected by several issues. Just recently, more than 60,000 Gladiators, Wranglers and RAM trucks were recalled over a defective fuel pump.  

You can find out all about the latest Stellantis recalls in this article. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Jeep loss of motive power investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check to see if your car is currently subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns
US government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power

US government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power

January 8, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – January 8, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over an allegation that the brakes on their heavy-duty trucks may stop working. A loss of braking power ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 390,077 trucks, including the following: 

  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 2500
  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 3500

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 11 of last year following 134 complaints about a loss of braking performance, which would occur intermittently or permanently and “at all speeds.”

Replacing the anti-lock brakes (ABS), along with the hydraulic control unit (HCU) would sometimes correct the issue but, at least in several cases, the parts were not available due to a back order. Both systems work together to control the braking force for each wheel and prevent lockups during sudden braking. 

Risks

With inoperable or ineffective brakes, the vehicle may not be able to stop in time. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other RAM truck recalls 

There were several RAM 2500 recalls that took place last year.. Among them, the one caused by a transmission fluid leak, which may lead to a fire, is the latest.

Back in June 2022, a large batch of RAM trucks was pulled from the road because their rearview cameras hadn’t been showing an image when backing up.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This RAM brake performance issues may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 300,000 trucks. To do a RAM recall check and see if your car is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power
GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

January 1, 2023 Bojan Popic , , , ,

Warren, MI – January 1, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, is recalling 740,108 cars, SUVs, and trucks, whose daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on.  This may blind other motorists, increasing the chances of a crash and injury.  

This recall expands a previous recall conducted for the same reason late last year.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Buick Envision
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT5
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Daytime running lights are a part of a headlight cluster that, as their name would suggest, increases a vehicle’s visibility during the day. These lights, however, shut off as soon as the headlights are turned off. If not, they may create a glare, which could be blinding to other motorists.

Due to a software error, the DRL lights on affected vehicles may fail to disengage once the headlights are turned on. 

The component causing this recall is the body control module, with part numbers differing depending on the make and model. Some of them include 13534824, 13534861 or 13542151. 

Background of the recall

The 2021 model-years of some of the cars above were recalled in November of last year due to the same issue. Before that recall was announced, GM started an investigation to determine if additional vehicles were affected. As a result of that investigation, the current recall came into life.

Recall risks

Risks caused by blinding headlights were covered in detail in the previous GM recall.  

Other GM recalls

Just a month ago, GM recalled more than 300,000 SUVs over a similar issue, which was also one of the latest Chevrolet Tahoe recalls.

Back in September 2022, GM recalled nearly 100,000 compact SUVs because their rearview cameras could have failed to show an image when backing up. 

The repair

Dealers will install a software update to affected vehicles. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on January 23, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM daytime running lights recall affects almost three-quarters of a million vehicles. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls cars because of blinding headlights
Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

December 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – December 23, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling  271,694 of their 2019 – 2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs because their electrical components may overheat and melt. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of property damage, crash, and injury. 

The fire may occur even while the vehicle is turned off and parked. Owners are advised to park away from structures until the issue is addressed. The recall comes on the back of 11 fire-related complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with several heaters, including one inside the dashboard. The dashboard heater helps the engine warm up faster when it is cold out. Its grounding wire is bolted to the chassis with a screw. 

On affected SUVs, these screws might not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly. This may generate excessive heat which may lead to the grounding wire’s terminal and surrounding components melting if the temperature is high enough. It may also lead to a fire.

The component causing this recall is the tapping screw, with part number 904580002

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks caused by overheating electrics in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs 

The driver or passengers may notice a burning smell if the grounding wire starts to melt. In addition, there might be smoke coming from underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Safety tips 

If you notice these warning signs, pull over at the first safe spot, turn off the ignition and leave the vehicle with all your passengers.

Keep in mind that your car may still catch fire even when it is not running. This is why you should park it away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done. 

Other Subaru recalls

Apart from these Subaru electrical issues, the manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 of their popular Impreza cars because of defective headlights in August 2022. 

Among previous Subaru Ascent recalls, the one caused by malfunctioning transmission, which took place in January 2022, is the latest. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by installing a new grounding-wire screw. In addition, as a precaution, they will inspect the grounding wire and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 6, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru ground terminal recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures
Tesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights

Tesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights 

December 14, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – December 14, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 435,132 electric vehicles made for the China market, as their side markers may fail to illuminate, according to Reuters. This reduces visibility and may lead to a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 

The following vehicles are included: 

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Tesla Model Y 

It is not clear what model-years are affected.

Recall summary

Quarter-panels are panels of a car “between a rear door and the trunk.” The listed cars have side lighting markers placed at the quarter-panels. These may fail to come on. 

Reportedly, these Tesla electrical issues are caused by a software error.   

Recall risks

Inoperable lights make the vehicle less visible to other motorists. In extreme cases, such as thick fog or heavy rain, this may result in a collision, increasing the risk of injury. 

Other Tesla recalls

Light issues caused by faulty tail lamps were the cause of one of the most recent Tesla Model 3 recalls. Certain Model Y cars were affected by this problem, as well.  

In addition, several other Telsa Model Y recalls happened in the past few months, such as one caused by faulty windows, which took place in October 2022. 

The repair

Tesla will launch an over-the-air software update to ensure side markers are on when they should be.

Owners of vehicles whose software has failed to update will be contacted directly. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 435,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla China recall. To do a Tesla software recall check and see if your car has any similar issues, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights 
Navistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability

Navistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability

December 11, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Lisle, IL – December 11, 2022 – Navistar, which owns the International brand, and General Motors, the owner of the Chevrolet brand, are recalling thousands of vehicles because parts of their suspension and steering mechanisms may break apart. This would lead to a loss of vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The Chevrolet vehicles in question were manufactured by Navistar.

In total, Navistar is recalling 31,467 buses and trucks, including the following models: 

  • 2023 IC Bus 1300FBC
  • 2023 IC Bus CE
  • 2023 IC Bus RE
  • 2023 IC Bus TC
  • 2021 – 2022 International CV 
  • 2021 – 2023 International HV
  • 2023 International HX
  • 2023 International Lonestar
  • 2023 International LT
  • 2023 International MV
  • 2023 International RH

General Motors is recalling 5,861 heavy-duty trucks, including: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 4500HD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 4500XD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 5500HD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 5500XD
  • 2022 Chevrolet 6500XD

Recall summary  

Parts of suspension and steering of the recalled vehicles were made with nuts that were not properly heat-treated when made due to a supplier error. Heat-treating these components is an essential part of the manufacturing process to ensure they can withstand the test of time and hold the vehicles’ joints together.

Because of the error, these nuts – called Navistar hex flange lock nuts – may break. This can lead to the “loss of tension” in both steering and suspension and make the vehicle unstable, difficult to control and hard or impossible to steer.

Recall risks

The defect significantly ups the risk of a crash and injury. No injuries or warranty claims have been reported by either manufacturer.

Warning signs 

Should one or more affected nuts fall apart, the driver could notice the steering and overall vehicle handling become less sharp and responsive. 

Safety tips 

If you notice a “loose feeling” when driving, pull off the road to the nearest safe location. If you cannot identify any obvious causes, such as, for instance, a flat tire, get the vehicle towed. 

Other Navistar recalls

This is not the first time Navistar is having steering issues with their vehicles. Back in June 2022, there was a Navistar school bus recall, because their steering wheels could have detached. 

More recently, in September 2022, a batch of heavy-duty Navistar International trucks was recalled because they may stall while driving.  

While there are no recent or large recalls regarding GM vehicles in question, in the past six months, the manufacturer recalled over 1.7 million vehicles. Read more about these GM recalls here.

The repair

To fix this Navistar suspension issue, dealers will replace all suspected nuts with those that are made correctly free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on January 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 36,000 commercial vehicles are affected by this Navistar steering issues. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicNavistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability

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