Toyota recalls hybrid, conventional and FCEV cars over reduced stability

Plano, TX – May 14, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 458,054 vehicles whose stability control may fail to turn back on automatically after it is turned off. This makes the vehicle less stable during sudden maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

A total of 17 different models are affected by this recall, including the following:  

  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Mirai 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Sienna 
  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota Venza
  • 2021 – 2022 Lexus LS500H 
  • 2022 Lexus LX600
  • 2022 Lexus NX350H
  • 2022 Lexus NX450H+
  • 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 

Recall summary  

All cars on this list are equipped with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Its job is to prevent the vehicle from skidding during fast maneuvers or when the road is slippery. The drivers may disengage this system, but it is supposed to resume automatically every time the car is restarted. 

As a result of a programming error, the VSC system in affected vehicles may remain disengaged even after the restart. This happens only when the driver keeps her foot on the brake while shutting off the car and turning it back on

As a result, drivers are more likely to lose control of a vehicle, especially when driving fast or on slippery roads.

The component behind this recall is the brake actuator assembly, with multiple part numbers including 44510-48090 or 44540-50231. 

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the VSC is off, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Other Toyota recalls

There was a Toyota Sienna recall in November 2021, caused by seatbelts that were prone to tearing. In February, the manufacturer recalled 41,544 Toyota Venzas hybrid SUVs because of faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Toyota and Lexus authorized dealers will reprogram the Vehicle Stability Control ECU (electronic control unit) and install an updated software version. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 16, 2022 and June 24, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Toyota electrical issues have caused a recall that affects almost half a million vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls hybrid, conventional and FCEV cars over reduced stability

Porsche recalls vehicles with malfunctioning airbags

Atlanta, GA – May 8, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 9,570 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan sedans. whose airbags may fail to deploy as a result of damaged wiring. This reduces the level of protection in an event of a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.

Recall summary  

The airbags in the recalled vehicles are powered by wiring harnesses under the driver and passenger seats. Because of a supplier error, the harness can get caught up in the seat adjustment mechanism and become damaged when the seats get adjusted.

This can render the vehicle’s airbags inoperable.

The component causing this recall is the seat wire harness with part number N105938. 

Recall risks

Airbag failing to deploy increases the risk of injury in a crash. 

Warning signs

The airbag warning light will appear on the dashboard in case the wires that connect to them get damaged. Apart from that, occupants may have a hard time adjusting the seats or notice “ abnormal noise during adjustment.

Other Porsche Taycan recalls

This is not the only Porsche EV Recall that may be affecting these vehicles. Some of them could also have an issue with inaccessible child seat anchors, which prompted a recall last month. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the harness under both front seats and repair any worn wiring. In addition, to prevent any future damage, they will wrap the harness with textile fabric tape. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 24, 2022 and all repairs will be done free of charge.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Porsche Taycan wiring harness recall affects almost 10,000 vehicles. 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 malfunctioning airbags

Volvo recalls XC40 BEV SUVs that may accelerate on their own

Ridgeville, SC – May 7, 2022 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling 5,351 SUVs with malfunctioning accelerator pedals. This can cause unintentional acceleration or deceleration, increasing the risk of injury or property damage.

The recall affects the following hybrid SUVs:

  • 2021 Volvo XC40 BEV
  • 2022  Volvo XC40 BEV

Recall summary  

On affected Volvo SUVs, a harness that connects to the accelerator pedal housing may not be watertight. As a result, moisture could get in, causing corrosion and interfering with the accelerator pedal’s electrical signals.  This may cause “unintended acceleration,” no acceleration or a stall.

The component causing this recall is the accelerator pedal harness. The exact part number has not been reported at this time. 

Recall risks

Accelerating or decelerating unpredictably increases the risk of crashes and injuries.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice problems with acceleration, including unintentional acceleration, poor pedal response, jerking, failure to accelerate or loss of drive. 

Other Volvo recalls

In October 2021, there was a Volvo EV recall due to faulty retractors that may fail to fully secure child seats, as reported. The recall included XC40 pure electric cars, as well multiple gasoline-powered models.

In November of last year, V70 and XC70 wagons were recalled due to exploding airbags, also as reported.

The repair

To fix these Volvo electrical issues, dealers will modify the wiring harness to prevent water intrusion. They will also replace the accelerator pedal sensor and its connection points if there is corrosion.

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 20, 2022 and all repairs will be made free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo accelerator pedal recall affects more than 5,000 SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls XC40 BEV SUVs that may accelerate on their own

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles over risk of fire

Jacksonville, FL – May 4, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 21,306 vehicles with an electrical installation that could overheat. This may cause a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of injury and property damage.

The affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53

Recall summary  

All models on this are so-called “mild hybrids,” meaning they have an electric motor which works together with an engine to make it more fuel-efficient. This electric motor runs on 48V and has a separate electrical installation with several ground connections to power different components in the car.

In affected vehicles, the nut that secures one of the connections under the front passenger seat might not be tightened sufficiently. This may cause the connector to overheat and catch on fire. 

The component in question is the ground connection nut, with part number A0029906850.  

Recall risks

For more on the risks of fire, please visit this article about a Hyundai recall due to the risk of fire.

Warning signs

The driver may notice warning messages concerning the “48V onboard power supply” on the dashboard

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Apart from this Mercedes-Benz electrical Issue, there were at least two major Mercedes-Benz recalls in the past couple of months.  Earlier this month, over 8,000 new cars were recalled due to incorrectly programmed cruise control. The program would still run even if the driver’s hands were not on the wheel which is required for safety reasons.

In late March, 9,156 cars were subject to a recall due to inoperable rear lights also due to a programming error, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will tighten the nuts in question free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 7, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz electrical ground connection recall is affecting more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles over risk of fire

Ford recalls trucks with inoperable rearview cameras

Dearborn, MI – April 30, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 21,904 trucks whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This can lead to an accident while backing up, increasing the risk of injury or property damage. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2019 Ford F-150
  • 2019 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2019 Ford F-550 SD

Recall summary  

All vehicles that are part of this Ford truck recall have a rearview camera which has a wiring connector. The pins inside the connector of the recalled vehicles are deformed due to a supplier error. This causes the camera to display a distorted or blank image. 

The component in question is the rearview camera, with multiple part numbers including JC3T-19G490-AD and JC3T-19G490-BD.

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this recall and the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Ford recalls

Over 78,000 of Ford Edge SUVs were recalled last month also due to malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

There were at least two F-150 recalls in April. Last week, over 47,000  trucks were recalled due to faulty transmission that could cause them to shift into neutral on their own, increasing the risk of a collision. The week before, F-150s were among roughly 650,000 vehicles that were recalled due to inoperable windshield wipers, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the cameras in question with a redesigned version. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 16, 2022 and May 20, 2022 and all repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford rearview camera recall is affecting more than 20,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks with inoperable rearview cameras

Kia is investigated over doors that may close on occupants’ limbs

Washington, D.C. – April 24, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) minivans whose rear power sliding doors could trap and injure the occupants of the car.

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 24,312 2022 Kia Carnival vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on April 10, following five complaints about alleged issues with rear door operation on vehicles in question. 

These vehicles have automated power sliding doors, which open and close at the touch of a button. This system also has an auto-reverse function, which backs up the closing door if it detects any obstacles. 

Based on the complaints, “excessive force” is required to get the door to reverse the direction. As a result, the occupant’s arm or other objects can be trapped by the closing door

Risks

Power sliding doors that do not stop at an obstacle may trap occupants’ limbs while they are getting in or out of the vehicle. So far, three injuries have been reported as a result of this potential defect.  

Other Kia Carnival recalls 

This is not the first time the Korean manufacturer is having issues with sliding doors. In December 2021, some of these Kia minivan 2022 models have been recalled over sliding doors that may open while driving

Separately, Kia recalled over 70,000 Kia Optima cars in February because of the risk of fire, as reported, as part of its ongoing fire-related recalls that are subject to a separate NHTSA investigation.

Could your vehicle be part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Kia Carnival power sliding door recall, possibly affecting close to 25,000 vehicles.  To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia is investigated over doors that may close on occupants’ limbs

Tesla recalls vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

Austin, TX – April 23, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 7,289 of 2021-2022 Tesla Model X vehicles whose front airbags may not deploy properly if front windows are rolled down. This reduces the level of protection during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.  

Recall summary  

Tesla vehicles that are affected by this recall have airbags on their A-pillars whose purpose is to protect occupants in front seats in case of an accident. Due to a design flaw, these airbags may not deploy properly if front windows are lowered when the accident happens

The components in question are front-row curtain airbags, with part numbers 1036759-00-G for the right-hand airbag and 1036756-00-G for the left-hand one. 

Recall risks

In a collision, the passenger front-row curtain airbags may not deploy as intended, which reduces the level of their protection,  increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Tesla Model X Recalls

Apart from this issue with Tesla Model X airbags, these vehicles may have been a part of some of the previous recalls. This includes issues with the pedestrian warning system and frosted-up windshields

The repair

Dealers will solve this issue on affected vehicles by replacing both left and right front row curtain airbags free of charge. Replacement parts are designed in a way that prevents improper deployment. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 7, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla airbag recall affects more than 7,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

Ford recalls trucks and SUVs whose wipers may fail

Dearborn, MI — April 23, 2022 —   Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 652,996 trucks and full-size SUVs with windshield wipers that may fail to operate. This reduces drivers’ visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

A long list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020–2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2020–2021 Ford F-150
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2020–2022 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2020–2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

Windshields in the recalled vehicles are inoperable because of a faulty windshield arm due to a supplier error.

The components in question are the driver-side windshield wiper arms with part numbers ML34-17527-AB or FL34-17527-AA and passenger-side wiper arms with part numbers ML34-17526-AB or FL34-17526-AB.

Recall risks

If the wipers do not work or become detached, the driver will not be able to clean off dirt or water from the vehicle’s windshield. This reduces visibility and may lead to a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

In some cases, windshield wipers will move erratically or slowly before failing.

Other Ford recalls

There was an F-150 recall last month, also due to inoperative windshields, as reported.

Earlier this month, there was a Lincoln Navigator recall due to malfunctioning trailer brakes, also as reported. The recall also included the 2022 F-150 and other F-series trucks, among others.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing both wiper arms for free. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between April 23, 2022  and April 27, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford F-150 windshield wipers recall affects more than 650,000 trucks and SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks and SUVs whose wipers may fail

Volkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

Auburn Hills, MI – April 16, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 6,553 SUVs whose tailgate spoilers may separate and fly off the car while driving. This creates a road hazard for other motorists, increasing the risk of injury.  

The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Recall summary  

SUVs from this Volkswagen recall have spoilers on their tailgate hatches, held in place with adhesive strips. These external plastic trim pieces improve the appearance of the car by giving them a slicker look, as reported.

On affected vehicles, the adhesive may not be strong enough, causing the spoiler to detach while driving at higher speeds.  

The component in question is the rear hatch spoiler, with part numbers 5NA-071-644–C9A and 5NA-071-644–C9X.

Warning signs   

Drivers may notice that the spoiler is loose or out of place if the adhesive strip starts to let go.  

Recall risks

If the spoiler detaches from the vehicle at speed, it can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  Furthermore, this fly-away object may land on the road and become an obstacle for other vehicles, forcing them to avoid it with quick maneuvers. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of a recent recall that could affect some of these 2021–2022 Volkswagen Tiguans. The cause is the rear suspension that may break and lead to a crash

The repair

As there is no reliable way to inspect if spoilers are attached adequately, dealers will replace them on all affected vehicles free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on June 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen Tiguan recall affects more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Tiguan spoiler check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls SUVs with fly-away spoilers

Hyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Fountain Valley, CA – April 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 6,240 vehicles with front seat pretensioners – which are supposed to protect the car occupants in the event of a crash – that can explode while deploying. The metal shrapnel may injure the car occupants.

 The recall includes the following models: 

  • 2020 Hyundai Accent 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra 

Recall summary  

Pretensioners are part of seat belt retractors whose job is to tighten the seat belt to protect the occupant’s torso during the crash. To do that, they use “expanding gas to…retract a seat belt buckle during the first moment of an accident.”

In affected vehicles, front-seat passenger and driver pretensioner housing may shatter during activation, flinging metal shrapnel at the people inside the car.

The components in question are seat belt pretensioners, with part numbers 88810-AA500 or 88820-AA500 for the right-hand side and 88810-J0600 for the left-hand one. 

Recall risks

These flying fragments may hit one or more occupants and injure them. 

Other Hyundai recalls

There are several previous Hyundai Elantra recalls that owners should be aware of. The most recent one, from January this year, is caused by improperly fitted windshields being the most recent.

In addition, there is a Hyundai Accent recall from August 2021 because of faulty trunk latches. That recall also included Sonata and Azera vehicles.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the problem by replacing seat belt pretensioners on all affected vehicles. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 31, 2022.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai seat belt recall affects more than 6,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls vehicles with pretensioners that may explode