Bojan

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
NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

NHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering

June 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 11, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator has closed an investigation into General Motors (NYSE:GM) over loss of power steering assist, which could increase steering effort and result in a crash. 

The investigation covered a total of 617,166 vehicles, including the following  

  • 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2010-2012 GMC Terrain

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation back in January 2020, following complaints regarding an intermittent lack of power steering support.

However, the lengthy investigation has found out that this would only happen on rare occasions and under unique circumstances. In effect, the vehicle needs to travel in a straight line for at least half an hour, with the driver not turning the steering wheel. Even then, the power steering will regain its function after a brief moment. 

With that in mind, and the fact there were no reported accidents or injuries caused by this issue, the regulator did not identify the issue as a “safety defect” and closed the inquiry.

Risks

A malfunctioning power steering makes maneuvering more difficult, especially at lower speeds. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

The repair

The factory power steering gear on these vehicles suffered from poor lubrication,  which made steering more difficult. General Motors previously addressed this issue in November 2014, as a part of its Special Coverage repair.  During it, dealers have replaced the power steering hardware on affected vehicles with updated components and reprogrammed the “steering gear control module.”

The remedy “appears to be sufficient” to resolve the safety issue, according to NHTSA.

Other General Motors recalls 

In April, the manufacturer recalled GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox cars because of defective windshield wipers, as reported.

There was a GM SUV recall in August of last year because of the loss of power steering assist, as reported.

Could your vehicle be a part of a recall?

This investigation is closed, without any further action being required. However, if GM steering issues led to a recall, it would have affected more than 600,000 vehicles.

Your vehicle could still be part of a different recall. To do a Chevrolet or GMC recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes General Motors investigation over difficult steering
Honda is investigated over non-starting engines

Honda is investigated over non-starting engines

June 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 11, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) cars  whose engines may refuse to start after being shut down briefly. This can make the vehicles immobile, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If this Honda engine issues lead to a recall, it could affect an estimated 194,731 of the following crossover SUVs:

  • 2016 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 Honda Pilot
  • 2018 Honda Pilot
  • 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 Honda Pilot 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on June 3, 2022 following a total of at least 221 complaints regarding engines that would fail to start. 

The affected vehicles are equipped with an engine auto start-stop system, which automatically shuts down the 3.5 L-engine when the car comes to a halt, such as at a traffic light or a stop sign. The purpose of this feature is to save fuel and consequently lower emissions.  

Based on the complaints, the engine would not restart after being shut down by the start-stop system. 

Risks

A stopped car can be hit by other vehicles, especially if this happens in dense traffic or busy junctions, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Honda recalls and investigations

This is not the only investigation this Japanese manufacturer has been facing lately. In March of this year, NHTSA started investigating Accord and CR-V models were investigated over phantom braking, as reported. The investigation could lead to a recall of 1.7 million vehicles.

As far as Honda Pilot recalls go, there was one in December of last year due to hoods that may potentially fly open while driving, obstructing the driver’s view. The recall also included Passport and Ridgeline cars.

Could your vehicle be a part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Honda Pilot start-stop recall, possibly affecting almost 200,000 vehicles.  To do a Honda recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda is investigated over non-starting engines
Navistar recalls buses whose steering wheels may detach, issues stop-drive notice

Navistar recalls buses whose steering wheels may detach, issues stop-drive notice

June 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Lisle, IL – June 5, 2022 – Navistar is recalling 5,173 school buses whose steering wheels have not been tightened sufficiently and may detach. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Buses affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 – 2023 IC Bus CE
  • 2022 – 2023 IC Bus RE
  • 2023 IC Bus EV

Recall summary  

Like most other vehicles, these buses have a retaining nut inside a steering wheel, which holds it in place. This nut might have been tightened insufficiently during the assembly process and could become loose. If that happens, the steering wheel could separate from the column shaft.

Recall risks

Not being able to steer greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

Before the steering wheel becomes loose, drivers may notice a rattle coming from it. 

Other Daimler recalls

Daimler commercial vehicles had several recent recalls, apart from this Navistar steering wheel recall. Among them, one caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras is the latest one. In addition, some of their big trucks also had steering issues, which resulted in a recall in October 2021. 

The repair

Dealers will remove the retaining nut and apply a specialized adhesive before fitting it back on. This repair is free of charge.

In addition, Daimler advises owners not to drive these buses until repairs are done. Notifications will be sent between May 23, 2022 and May 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Navistar school bus recall is affecting more than 5,000 buses. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls buses whose steering wheels may detach, issues stop-drive notice
Ford is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs

Ford is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs

June 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – June 5, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over concerns that 25,538 of its 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles that may stall. This increases the risk of a crash and injury and may lead to a formal recall.

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on May 27, following a total of 32 complaints regarding Ford Broncos that would stall while driving. All of these vehicles have a 2.7L EcoBoost engine. 

According to the complaints, the vehicle would stall without any prior warnings and would not restart afterward. Based on initial findings, this is caused by an engine valve falling apart, which causes a terminal engine failure.  

Risks

There are several risks associated with engine stalling, especially when it happens at highway speeds. You can learn more about the related risks in this Stellantis recall. 

Other Ford recalls 

While these Ford Bronco engine issues are being investigated, owners should check other recalls that may affect their vehicles. Among them, the one from April 2022, caused by fires inside the engine compartement, is the most recent. 

Could your vehicle be a part of the potential recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford Bronco engine valve recall, possibly affecting over 25,000 vehicles.  To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord is investigated over sudden engine cut-outs
Daimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911

Daimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911

May 29, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 254,799 vans and cars over inability of the vehicles to dial emergency services. This compromises the occupants’ ability to get timely help in the event of a crash.

The recall affects Freightliner Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz Metris, and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, as well as CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class and G-Class vehicles.

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S550 
  • 2019–2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS5 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC63
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz  AMG GT C
  • 2017 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
  • 2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz E350

Recall summary  

All of the recalled vehicles have an emergency call system, which Daimler refers to as eCall. This is an in-built communication device that allows occupants to contact emergency services with a touch of a button. 

Due to a SIM card software issue, the eCall may not be able to access the mobile phone network, preventing the car occupants from dialing 911 in the case of an emergency.

The component causing this recall is the communication module software, with different part numbers,  depending on the model. 

 A detailed list of vehicles affected by this recall is available here and here.

Recall risks

The car occupants may not be able to get help in time, increasing the chance of a serious injury or even death.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Just last week, Daimler told drivers not to drive close to 300,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles because of potential brake failure, as reported. Earlier this month, around 12,000 Sprinter vans were recalled due to faulty rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Daimler will update the SIM software using the over-the-air, or OTA, feature. Should this procedure fail, the owners will be individually contacted and advised to visit an authorized dealer. 

Metris and Sprinter van owners will receive letters with additional information on June 20, 2022 while Mercedes-Benz owners will be notified on July 19, 2022. All updates are free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz emergency call recall is affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vans and cars that cannot dial 911
Ford recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

Ford recalls SUVs over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

May 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – May 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which also owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 39,013 SUVs over mysterious engine-bay fires. These fires, which may happen either while driving or while parked, carry the risk of injury or property damage. 

This recall affects the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles can catch fire even when the ignition is turned off. The cause of fires is currently under investigation.

Background of the recall

In March 2022, Ford’s Critical Concern Repair Group (CCRG) opened an investigation into eight reports of vehicle fires and one report of a melted battery junction box. By May, the CCRG knew of 16 fires that were potentially related. According to these reports, fires have started under the hood both while driving and while parked, and even with the ignition turned off.

Recall risks

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

Warning signs 

Occupants may notice a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine compartment.

Safety tips

Ford advises owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures to minimize the risk of damage in the event of a fire. This should prevent additional property damage if an affected SUV catches fire while parked. 

Other Ford recalls

There was a Ford Expedition recall last month due to faulty windshield wiper arms. Inoperable wipers can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Apart from this Lincoln engine fire issue, other recent Lincoln Navigator recalls include one from April this year caused by malfunctioning rearview cameras. 

The repair

Ford is still investigating the cause of these engine compartment fires, so a solution to the problem is not yet available.

Letters with more information will be sent to owners between May 23, 2022 and July 3, 2022. Additional notices will be sent once a remedy is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall affects 32,711 Ford Expeditions and 6,302 Lincoln Navigators. 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 over unexplained fires, advises owners to park away from structures

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