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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
Nissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods

Nissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods

July 2, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – July 2, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 322,671 2013–2016 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs whose hoods may fly open while driving. This obstructs the driver’s field of view, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall follows on the heels of a U.S. government investigation.

Recall summary

The hood on a vehicle is held shut by two mechanisms: the primary latch, which is released when the driver pulls the lever inside the cabin, and the secondary (safety) latch, which is manually released under the front edge of the hood. 

On vehicles affected by this Nissan Pathfinder recall, dust and dirt from the road may create buildup inside the secondary locking mechanism. If that happens, the mechanism may jam in an open position. While the hood will remain securely closed, nothing will stop it from flying open if the driver accidentally pulls the primary latch release lever while driving. 

Background of the recall

These hood latch issues were investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in December 2021, as reported.

The 2014-2016 Pathfinder Hybrids are also subject to the same investigation, which is still ongoing.

Recall risks

In addition to significantly limiting visibility, a suddenly opening hood may startle the driver. This could lead to a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Nissan recalls

A Nissan recall from October 2021 addressed software-related stalling and included Murano, Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles.

In January 2022, Nissan recalled a large number of Rogue SUVs over a risk of fire caused by wiring issues, as reported.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still working on a solution. As a first step, 40,000 owners will be asked to bring their SUVs to a dealer that will inspect the latch assembly and replace it if necessary. Nissan will collect the faulty components for examination. Owners of these vehicles will receive notifications on or after June 30, 2022.

The remaining owners will receive instructions on how to inspect the secondary latch. If a problem is found, owners can visit a dealer for inspection and replacement. Notifications about this temporary solution will be sent by August 3, 2022. 

Lastly, all owners of affected vehicles will be notified once the final remedy is ready.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Nissan Pathfinder hood latch recall includes more than 300,000 SUVs. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Nissan recall check.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls SUVs with fly-open hoods
Stellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

Stellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away

June 28, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – June 28, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Jeep and Dodge brands, is recalling 270,904 vehicles with a fault in the brake control system. The malfunction can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Recall summary  

When pressing the brake pedal, the driver pressurizes the hydraulic fluid, which activates the brakes. The operation of this system is controlled by Antilock Brake System (ABS) modules. This device uses system data to keep the vehicle from skidding by adjusting the brake pressure as needed to ensure optimum braking performance. 

On affected vehicles, the ABS module could receive inaccurate brake fluid pressure readings. In some cases, it may falsely appear as if the driver is pressing the brake. If that happens, it can be possible for the driver to start the engine or shift the transmission out of Park without pressing the brake pedal. 

Recall risks

Shifting out of Park can cause the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

Warning signs 

There will be no warning signs before the defect occurs. But once it does, there will be a range of brake/ABS-related warning lights on the dashboard. In addition, owners may notice that brake lights stay illuminated after turning off the vehicle. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

In April 2022, Stellantis recalled a batch of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs due to a child seat issue. In addition, the 2020-2021 Dodge Durango model-years were affected by a March 2022 recall caused by faulty indicators.

The repair

Currently, the manufacturer is still working on a solution for this problem, which should be available by the time the owners visit authorized dealers. Once available, the repair will be free of charge. 

Notifications to the owners will be sent on July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep and Dodge rollaway recall affects more than 200,000 SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Durango, Grand Cherokee SUVs that may roll away
Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

Ford issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away

June 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,925,968 vehicles that may roll away while in Park.

This is the fifth recall in the past four years due to this issue for some of the model-years involved. It comes on the heels of several reports of property damage and injuries associated with this defect.​​  

 The list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford C-Max
  • 2015 – 2018 Ford Edge
  • 2013 – 2019 Ford Escape 
  • 2013 – 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2021 Ford Transit Connect 

Recall summary  

A damaged or detached part called bushing may cause the gear shift lever to disconnect from the transmission. As a result, the transmission could fail to shift into the correct gear in response to the shifter. If the shifter is in the Park position but the transmission is not, the vehicle could roll away.

The component in question is the shift cable bushing, with component number 7E395. 

Background of the recall

This is the fifth time some of the model-years included in this recall are being recalled due to the same issue. The first recall occurred in 2018 and included the 2013-2014 Ford Escape and 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles.  That recall was later expanded in 2019 as Ford identified “two distinct vehicle populations” with deteriorated bushings either due to a supplier error or unknown causes.

In May of this year, there was a Ford Escape recall due to deteriorated bushings, this time because of heat and humidity, as reported.

Finally, this recall follows the discovery of additional claims alleging failure of said bushings, as well property damage and injuries. The root cause is unknown but may be connected with heat and humidity just like in the May recall.

Warning signs 

Drivers may notice that the gear shift lever does not put the vehicle into the correct gear or that the dashboard instrument panel shows a different gear than the shifter position indicates. If the vehicle is turned off when the shifter is in Park but the transmission is in a different gear, the vehicle will not restart.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among other relevant Ford Fusion Recalls, one from January 2022, caused by issues with the brake pedal, is the most recent. 

The 2022 Transit vans were just recalled due to malfunctioning instrument panel, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected bushings with a redesigned part and add a protective cap. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent on June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This large-scale Ford rollaway recall affects almost three million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues sweeping recall for C-Max, Edge cars that may roll away
Ford recalls electric vehicles that may lose power

Ford recalls electric vehicles that may lose power

June 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – June 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 48,924 2021 – 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs that may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Electric cars have a high-voltage battery that stores the electric charge used to power the vehicle. Due to a design error, frequent fast charging and driving with the accelerator fully depressed can cause the battery to overheat. If this happens, internal battery connectors – which are “electrical contacts” that connect charger to the b​​attery – may deform and detach, cutting off the power supply to the vehicle’s electric motor. 

Recall risks

There are several risks associated with this loss of motive power, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about stalling risks in this coverage of a Stellantis recall. 

Warning signs 

Several warnings may appear, depending on what happens to the battery connector. If the connector detaches, a “Stop Safely Now” message will appear on the dashboard and the vehicle will lose power.

The connector may also weld to the battery in which case drivers will not be able to restart the car after shutting it off and will see a powertrain malfunction warning message. 

Other Ford recalls 

Some of these electric cars may have been affected by a Mustang Mach-E recall from this January involving improperly attached seat belts. Other recent Ford Mustang recalls include one earlier this month caused by a software error that disables the rearview camera and backup lights.

The repair

Ford will launch an over-the-air (OTA) update to the control software. The updated software will monitor the contactor and adjust battery and vehicle power as needed to prevent damage.

Another option is to visit the nearest authorized dealer. In both cases, the repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to owners will be sent between July 18, 2022 and July 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford battery recall affects almost 50,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls electric vehicles that may lose power
Porsche recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Porsche recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

June 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – June 26, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS: POAHY) is recalling 12,490 vehicles whose central display may fail to display an image from the rearview camera. This increases the risk of a crash and injury when backing up. The recall affects 2020-2022 Porsche Taycan sedans.

Recall summary  

Porsche vehicles listed in this recall have a touch control panel in their center console. This display shows a video feed from the rearview camera, among other things. On affected vehicles, as a result of software issues, the screen could freeze up and remain black just after the driver starts the car. In other cases, the image coming from this camera may flicker. 

The component causing this issue is the software for the center and passenger displays and the touch control panel, with part numbers SW33XX, 35XX and 36XX.

Recall risks

Limited visibility while backing up the vehicle increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to property damage or injury to people behind the car, especially small children. Read more about the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Porsche recalls

In May, the 2020-2021 Taycans were recalled due to airbags that may fail to deploy, as reported.

In October of last year, the same model-years were recalled due to malfunctioning hazard lights, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the problem by updating the software that controls the central computer (PCM) free of charge. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on August 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Porsche Taycan recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do a Porsche recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

US government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level

June 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 19, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator took their investigation of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) collisions with emergency vehicles to the next level.

This investigation may result in a Tesla recall, which may affect an estimated 830,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2018 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2014 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 –2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation on August 13, 2021, following a total of 14 Tesla crashes with first responders.

In each event, the electric car, driving autonomously on the autopilot, would crash into a first-responder vehicle, which had stopped on the road to assist on a previous, unrelated accident. These accidents resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries. 

On June 8, 2022, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the potential safety defect that exists in connections with these collisions warrants a recall.

Why is the investigation being upgraded?

The investigation is now being upgraded on the back of the analysis of other crashes involving Telsa autopilots “not limited to first responder scenes”, as well as the discovery of additional crashes with first responder and “road maintenance” vehicles.

During this leg of the investigation,  NHTSA will continue to evaluate this crash data, examine a larger subset of Tesla vehicles and will focus on “driver behavior and associated system performance.” 

The goal is to determine if Teslas’ methods of ensuring drivers’ constant attention while the vehicle is on autopilot are sufficient.  The vehicles currently use 12 sensors and eight cameras to monitor the road but do not have anything that is ensuring that the driver is keeping their eyes on the road, as reported.

What has been found so far?

Between the time the original investigation was open and this next stage, the regulator discovered 16 additional first responder crashes and found that drivers were warned of the impending collision by the vehicle Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system “immediately prior to impact.”  Despite having their hands on the steering wheel and being able to see the first responder – at least in theory – around 8 seconds in advance, drivers did nothing to prevent the crash.

For more background on the investigation, please visit this article about the first stage of the investigation.

Risks

Collisions with civilian vehicles are one of the major causes of first responder deaths and are unfortunately becoming more widespread given the level of driver distraction and the fact that cars are soundproof. In addition to that, the drivers that collide with emergency vehicles – especially fire trucks – are also at a high risk of an injury because the size of the former.

Safety tips

To minimize distraction on the road, keep multitasking  – such as playing with the radio or car controls, listening to loud music, consuming food or beverages – to a minimum. If you see flashing lights behind you or come across an emergency scene, slow down and move over to give first responders space to work and protect them and yourself.

Other Tesla recalls 

Just recently, there was a Tesla software recall, which rectified the issue of vehicles’ failure to warn the pedestrians about their approach. In addition, there was a Tesla Model S recall in November 2021, caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla autopilot recall, possibly affecting over 800,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla model recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

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Bojan PopicUS government takes Tesla autopilot investigation to the next level
Daimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering

Daimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering

June 19, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Portland, OR – June 19, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 6,492 heavy trucks who steering may stop to work. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Trucks affected by this recall include: 

  • 2021 –2022 FCCC MT45
  • 2022 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 4900

Recall summary  

Trucks have steering gears, which connect their steering wheels to the front wheels and transfer movement between them. These components have recirculating steel balls inside it. Their job is to reduce friction between moving components. 

On affected trucks, the steering gear may have been assembled with fewer recirculating balls than needed. This increases the loads on the remaining ones while steering, which can cause them to fracture and fall apart, resulting in a loss of steering.

Recall risks

Not being able to steer greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury. You can find out more about risks caused by loss of steering in this Daimler article. 

Other Daimler recalls

Some big trucks were recalled over steering issues in October 2021, as reported.

There was a Navistar school bus recall earlier this month because of steering wheels that may potentially detach, as reported. The electric vehicle (EV) school bus – the 2023 Navistar IC EV – as well as the 2023 Navistar CE was part of this recall.

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is still trying to figure out how to fix the issue. But once the repair becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Notifications to the owners will be sent on August 6, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Daimler truck steering recall is affecting more than 6,000 heavy trucks. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks over a risk of loss of steering
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