Bojan

Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 13, 2022 –  Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 126,747 cars that may catch fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers.

SUVs and sedans that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a safety system that adjusts the braking force to each wheel, preventing them from locking up while braking hard or on slippery surfaces. On affected vehicles, the ABS module may overheat and cause a fire inside the engine bay.  The exact reason for overheating is still unknown, although it is suspected to be caused by an “internal electrical short“.

The component in question is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)  – which is part of the ABS module – with part numbers 58920-3T380 and 58920-3W810 for K900 and Sportage, respectively.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Kia advises owners to park their vehicles outside, away from other vehicles and structures. This will prevent additional property damage in the event of a fire when the vehicle is stationary. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short by the check engine or ABS warning light.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Kia Sportage recalls 

In March 2021, 2018-2021 Sportage cars were part of a recall due to the same issue, as reported.

Additionally, over 50 model-years are currently subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to see if the remedies that have been issued for existing recalls are enough to fix the problem. The regulators are also looking into complaints about vehicles not part of these recalls catching fire to see if they need to be recalled as well. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the fuse with an uprated one, which will prevent the HECU from short circuiting and overheating. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 31, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Kia engine fires is affecting more than 120,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk
Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX  – February 13, 2022 –  Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 26,681 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may fail to defrost or defog. This limits driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is the company’s fifth recall this year, which affects the following vehicles;

  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

All vehicles that are a part of this recall have a heat, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), whose job is to heat and cool the car as needed. Due to a software error, the system may fail to defrost or defog the windshield and also “cause the loss of cabin heating.”

Recall risks

A fogged up or a frosted up windshield may limit driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the defrosting feature is not working properly, the driver will get a corresponding warning message from the HVAC system. In addition, drivers may notice that the windshield is fogged up.  

Other Tesla recalls 

This is Tesla’s fifth recall this year. There was a Model Y recall earlier this month – which also included Model 3, S and X – because of a feature that allowed these cars to “roll” through a stop sign under certain conditions. The automaker already disabled the feature thanks to an over-an-air (OTA) update.

You can read about other recent recalls and Tesla investigations in this article about a recent Tesla recall because of defective seat belt chimes.

The repair

Tesla will take care of this problem by issuing an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update. No Tesla windshield replacement will be necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 1, 2022 but it is not clear when the update will be launched.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla defrost recall affects more than 20,000 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 due to frosted-up windshields
Toyota recalls Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals

Toyota recalls Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals

February 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – February 11, 2022 –  Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 41,544 Toyota Venza Hybrid 2021 SUVs whose their rear turn signals and hazard lights may become inoperative. The defect makes the vehicle less visible to other drivers, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Toyota recall have turn signal lights that may not be sealed properly due to a supplier error. This means that during heavy downpours or even car washing, water can get past the LED bulbs and inside the light housing. If that happens, the moisture might come in contact with the circuit board that powers the bulbs, causing a short circuit.  

This may cause “dimming or deactivation of the rear turn signal.”

The components in question are the rear turn signal lights, with part numbers 81540-48010 for the left-hand assembly and 81530-48010 for the right-hand one. 

Recall risks

With rear turn signal lights being dimmed or not working at all, other motorists may not be aware of driver’s  intentions. This can lead to a crash, which increases the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs

If water gets into the circuit board, the driver may notice “a quick flashing of the turn signal indicator on the instrument panel until the condensation on the circuit board dries.”

Other Toyota Venza recalls 

Apart from this current issue that is affecting these vehicles, there are no other Toyota Venza recalls at this time. There is, however, a handful of complaints from the owners of these vehicles about the faulty lights, as well as fuel tank issues.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the LED bulbs, as well as the turn signal light assembly if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners with more information will be sent by mail between March 19, 2022, and March 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota turn signal recall is affecting more than 40,000 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 Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals
NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

February 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will not have to recall its 2011-2013 Kia Sorento SUVs over failing headlights. The finding follows a U.S government investigation which looked into reports of headlight failures with the goal of identifying a safety-related problem.

Investigation summary  

After receiving over 1,300 complaints from owners of these vehicles,  the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated the investigation in June 2020.  According to the complaints, headlights on the SUVs would shut down on their own, without any apparent reason. 

Investigation conclusion 

Upon closer examination, the regulator has discovered that headlight issues in question are caused by a connector that may overheat. When that happens, the low beam light may start flickering or even shut down completely. In most cases, this issue was limited to one headlight. And even if both low-beam headlights would shut down, the driver was still able to turn them back on by toggling the headlight switch to the “ON” position. 

Because Kia has started replacing these connectors in 2019 as a part of extended warranty,  the regulator concluded last month that there was no need for a recall. 

Other Kia recalls 

Despite the complaints and corresponding investigation, there is no Kia headlights recall or Kia Optima headlight recalls caused by this particular issue. However, Kia and Hyundai are being investigated because of ongoing recalls related to fires, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Kia Sorento highlight issue did not result in a recall, although there may be other ones that are affecting these SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if your vehicle is due for any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights
Mitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

February 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – February 5, 2022 –  Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 16,616 cars whose fuel pumps may fail, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Mitsubishi Outlander recall have a fuel pump with two parts that were incorrectly fused during due to a supplier error. As a result, they may experience “abnormal wear” and eventually render the pump inoperative.

This may cause the car to stall without any prior warning.

Recall risks

Read more about the dangers of stalling in fast-moving traffic in this article about a recent Mazda recall for the same issue.

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

In addition to this fuel pump issue, some of these Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 vehicles are subject to two more recalls. The larger of the two was done in August of last year because of a faulty seat belt retractor that may fail to adequately secure a child seat. That recall was due to a broader issue with the retractor supplier, Swedish-American parts’ manufacturer, Autoliv, and has impacted most major manufacturers.

Outlander’s older model-years were recalled a year ago due to parking brake issues, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the fuel pump with an upgraded version free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 18, 2022. Drivers who paid for repairs out of pocket may be eligible for a reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mitsubishi Fuel Pump recall affects more than 15,000 SUVs. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall
Nissan recalls over 500,000 Rogue SUVs over fire risk

Nissan recalls over 500,000 Rogue SUVs over fire risk

January 30, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – January 30, 2022 –  Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 688,946 SUVs that may catch fire because of an electrical issue, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The recall affects 2014 – 2016 Nissan Rogue SUVs. 

Recall summary  

All recalled vehicles listed here have a wiring harness – which is a bundle of wires with electrical connectors – under their floor carpets on the driver side. 

One of the connectors may not be sealed properly, allowing water and moisture to get in contact with bare wiring. This causes the connectors to corrode. The corrosion, in turn, increases the chance of an electrical short and fire and may negatively affect the operation of the driver-side window and seat. The issue may also result in “battery drainage.”

The component in question is the “Secondary Dash Side Harness” with multiple part numbers including 24014-4BA0A and 24014-5HK1E. 

Recall risks

Malfunctioning seats and windows or the smoke within the vehicle may distract the driver. 

A fire greatly increases the risk of injury or even death for the occupants of the car, as well as potentially other motorists. For tips on what to do if there is a fire, please visit the following page.  

Warning signs 

In addition to malfunctioning driver-side window and door, the driver may also notice the AWD sign come on. If there is an electrical short or a fire, the driver or passengers may notice smoke and a burning smell inside the vehicle. 

Other Nissan Rogue recalls 

Apart from these Nissan Rogue electrical issues, there were no other recent recalls that were affecting vehicles from this list.  However, the 2021 Nissan Rogue was recalled five times last year. The two recent recalls were caused by unsecured child seats in September and an overheating fuel pump which may cause the car to stall in December, as reported.

The repair

At this time, Nissan has not yet come up with a solution to the problem, although it is expected to be “available in spring 2022”.  All repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for theirs out-of-pocket will be reimbursed. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan water intrusion recall affects more than 650,000 SUVs. To do a Nissan recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls over 500,000 Rogue SUVs over fire risk
Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

Hyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach

January 23, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – January 23, 2022 –  Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling  26,413 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may separate during a collision. This increases the risk of injury for the car occupants and surrounding pedestrians. Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2021 Hyundai Sonata 
  • 2020 – 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 

Recall summary  

Due to a supplier error, the recalled vehicles may have been painted with a clear coat that does not meet manufacturer’s specifications. As a result, the sealant that holds the windshield in place may not adequately bond with the metal beneath it and cause the windshield to detach during a collision. 

The component in question is the front windshield panel with multiple part numbers including 86110L0130 and 86110AB045, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

The detaching windshield could injure passengers inside the vehicle, other motorists and nearby pedestrians.

Warning signs 

The sealant that holds the windshield in place may partially separate from the surrounding body frame. If that happens, drivers may notice “wind noise” while driving or “water leaking” into the cabin when it rains. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by a fire-related Hyundai Sonata Recall from September of last year. There was a Hyundai Elantra recall in October, caused by a seat belt issue. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will remove the windshield and apply a different type of sealing material, which will ensure that it will stay in place. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai windshield recall is affecting more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls vehicles whose windshields may detach
Ford recalls trucks over fire risk

Ford recalls trucks over fire risk

January 23, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 –  Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 19,697 trucks that may develop a fuel leak. This can cause a fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Trucks that are part of this recall include:

  • 2021 Ford F-250 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-350 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-450 SD 
  • 2021 Ford F-550 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-600 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-650  
  • 2021 Ford F-750

Recall summary  

All trucks from this list are equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine with a pair of fuel filters, which protect the engine from debris and rust. Due to “foreign material” mixed with the material the filter is made from, the affected vehicles’ secondary fuel filter may develop a small crack, which may cause a fuel leak under the hood.     

The component in question is the secondary diesel fuel filter with part number LC34-9150-AA. 

Recall risks

Fuel that is leaking inside the engine compartment can come in contact with hot components, such as an exhaust manifold or turbocharger. Although not flammable as gasoline, diesel fuel can still ignite, causing vehicle fire, which carries several risks. For more on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to this article about a Mazda recall due to the same risk.

Warning signs 

If a leak develops, drivers and passengers may notice a strong fuel smell coming from under the hood. In addition, a leak may be severe enough to trigger the “Check Engine” light on the dashboard. 

Other  Ford recalls 

Some of the Ford F-350 SD trucks from this recall may have been affected by a driveshaft issue from September last year. Additionally, there was a recall in August, caused by the possibility of the trucks’ wheels falling off the car. Ford advised owners not to drive the truck if it were affected. Check if yours is by using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The repair

Dealers will rectify this problem by replacing both fuel filters. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between February 21, 2022, and February 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford fuel filter recall is affecting almost 20,000 trucks. To do a Ford recall check and see if your Super Duty truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks over fire risk
Daimler recalls vans that may roll away

Daimler recalls vans that may roll away

January 16, 2022 Bojan Popic

Sandy Springs, GA – January 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), that owns both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 48,400 vans that may roll away while the vehicle is in park. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is a result of a U.S. government investigation into the issue and includes the following vans:

  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 – 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this recall are equipped with automatic transmission and a manual parking brake. Unless the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle may roll away even when the gear selector is placed in “Park.”

The exact cause of the recall is currently under investigation, but seems to be connected to a software issue.

The component in question is the “Electronic Stability Program (ESP) control unit” software. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of a U.S government investigation into the rollaways opened in August of last year based on 11 complaints. You can read more here.

Recall risks

Vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. In fact, leading up to the recall, there was at least one collision with a house and one injury, as reported.

Other Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van recalls 

The 2021 Sprinter passenger vans have been recalled 7 times in total. One of the more recent ones includes one in December of last year because of damaged brake hoses.  The 2020 Sprinter vans are subject to 14 recalls, including one in June of last year for malfunctioning backup cameras.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will flash the ESP control unit and install an updated software version. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall is affecting more than 40,000 Mercedes Freightliner and Sprinter vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vans that may roll away
General Motors issues third recall for Buick and Chevrolet due to suspension issues

General Motors issues third recall for Buick and Chevrolet due to suspension issues

January 15, 2022 Bojan Popic , ,

Warren, MI – January 15, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), that owns both Chevrolet and Buick brands, is recalling 4,271 sedans in 23 states whose rear suspensions may break, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This is an expansion of two previous recalls conducted by the manufacturer. Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse
  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Regal
  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu

Recall summary  

All recalled vehicles have an identical rear suspension assembly. A part of that assembly is a toe link, which holds the wheels straight. In affected vehicles, this component was coated with insufficient anti-corrosion protection. As a result, this link may corrode and subsequently fracture due to exposure to road salt. 

This recall only affects vehicles that were sold or registered in the so-called “Salt Belt” states, which regularly use salt on the roads to de-ice them. 

The component in question is the “Rear Suspension Toe Link” with part numbers 13219171 and 22924230, built by Shanghai Huizhong Automotive Manufacturing.

Recall risks

For risks of this recall, please visit this article about a previous recall for the same issue conducted in August 2020.

Background of the recall

This recall is an expansion of two previous recalls that were conducted in December 2020 and August of 2021. It is occurring because, during the course of its investigation conducted leading up to the last recall, GM discovered that the defective links were installed in a wider population of vehicles than previously thought.

Other General Motors recalls 

Cadillac, Chevrolet and Yukon SUVs were subject to an October recall due to the risk of stalling while driving.

The last 2012 Buick Lacrosse recall was conducted in 2014 because of the driver seat that may unexpectedly drop, upping the risk of a crash.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the suspected toe links and realign the rear suspension. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on February 7, 2022. All repairs will be done free-of-charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM Toe Link recall is affecting more than 4,000 Chevrolet and Buick sedans. To do a GM recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors issues third recall for Buick and Chevrolet due to suspension issues
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