Stellantis recalls 1.2 million RAM pickups over reduced stability 

Auburn Hills, MI – September 24, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling over 1.2 million pickups because of a software glitch that may reduce their stability, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected in this round: 

  • 2019 RAM 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 RAM 1500

Recall summary  

The electronic stability control (ESC) system is an extension of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) whose job is to keep the vehicle stable during “sudden maneuvers.” Due to a software error, the ABS disable the the ESC.

This recall appears to be an expansion of another one conducted for the same issue back in June.

Recall risks

The pickup may be more difficult to control during sudden maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs 

The driver may notice ABS and ESC warning lights on the dashboard. In addition, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the forward collision warning (FCW) will not be operable.

Safety tips

While driving with a malfunctioning ESC is possible, you should adjust your speed and steering inputs accordingly.  

Other RAM recalls

Some of the trucks listed here may have also been affected by a recall caused by inoperable rearview cameras, which took place in October 2023

In May 2023, over 1,500 RAM 1500 pickups were recalled due to the risk of stalling while driving, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will upgrade the ABS module software with a newer version free of charge.  

Owners should receive notifications by mail between October 3, 2024, and October 10, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 1.2 million pickup trucks are affected by this RAM ABS module recall. To do a RAM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls 1.2 million RAM pickups over reduced stability 

Jeep recalls Wranglers, Gladiators over blank instrument clusters

Auburn Hills, MI – September 21, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 32,863 SUVs and pickups, whose instrument clusters may go blank. This can distract the driver and deprive him of “critical safety information,” upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected by the issue: 

  • 2020 – 2024 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

The dashboard in the affected vehicles may suddenly go blank, leaving the driver without vital information, such as speed and turn signals’ status. The driver will not be able to get the cluster working after failure.

Recall risks

The defect augments the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Jeep recalls

In March 2024, close to 200,000 Jeeps – including the 2024 Wrangler – were recalled due to issues with the windshield defrosting system, as reported.

In December 2023, over 32,000 Jeep Wrangler hybrid SUVs were recalled over a battery issue that may have resulted in a vehicle fire.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty instrument clusters with upgraded ones free of charge. 

Owners should receive notifications by mail on October 3, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 33,000 SUVs and pickups are affected by this Jeep blank instrument cluster recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicJeep recalls Wranglers, Gladiators over blank instrument clusters

What to do if your car catches fire?

Laguna Hills, CA – September 17, 2024 – Recalls caused by the risk of a car catching fire are on the rise these days. 

Have you ever wondered what to do if your car catches fire? 

This is a dangerous situation which may result in injuries to the car occupants and property damage. Because of that, taking fast and appropriate action is of utmost importance.

Vehicle fire signs  

You would likely also perceive a strong burning smell, which is an early warning sign that must not be ignored. You could also see smoke inside the cabin or flames emerging from under the hood.

What to do if the car catches fire? 

  • Turn on the hazard lights and pull over as soon as possible. 
  • Once stationary, leave your belongings inside and exit the vehicle with caution to avoid getting hit by the oncoming traffic. – The safest way to do that would be exiting from the passenger side. 
  • Immediately move away from the burning vehicle.
Infographic: If your vehicle catches fire, what to do and how to prevent it

Should I try to put out the fire?

Trying to tackle the fire on your own is extremely dangerous and can lead to additional injuries, such as burns and smoke inhalation. Instead, call 911 and wait for the firefighters to arrive.

Can my car catch fire when parked and turned off?

Unfortunately, depending on the issue causing fire, it is entirely possible that the car may catch fire when parked with the ignition off.

A good example of that is a massive recall conducted in October 2023 by Hyundai and Kia because of flame-prone anti-lock brake systems (ABS), as reported.

Manufacturers typically recommend parking such cars away from structures until they get repaired, also as reported.

What usually causes vehicle fire?

A car can burst into flames for many reasons. For instance – as a recent Kia recall illustrates – fuel or oil might leak onto hot engine components, causing a fire under the hood. 

Damaged wiring may overheat and cause an electrical short, which is exactly what happened to several Mercedes-Benz models

Finally, EVs and hybrids have high-voltage batteries, which may also be the culprit, like in this recent Chrysler Pacifica recall.

Notable fire-related recalls and investigtions

Kia and Hyundai have recalled millions of vehicles over the years and are currently subject to a U.S government investigation to determine if more cars to be recalled and whether the existing remedies actually reduced the risk of car fires.

Other brands are not immune to this issue, either. For instance, Ford recently recalled brand-new Mustangs over a transmission fluid leak that may result in a vehicle fire. 

Is your vehicle at risk of fire?

Fire-related risks are frequent causes of recalls. To do a recall check for your vehicle and see if it is affected by any of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicWhat to do if your car catches fire?

Ford recalls stalling cars following US government investigation

Dearborn, MI September 14, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 90,736 SUVs and trucks that may stall, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models – fitted with a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine – are affected:  

  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco 
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Edge
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  • 2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  • 2021 – 2022 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and over 1,300 customer complaints. 

Recall summary

The engine has intake and exhaust valves, which continuously open and close during engine operation. In the affected vehicles, due to a supplier error, the intake valves may break, causing “catastrophic engine damage.”  

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle is more likely to get hit, augmenting the risk of injury for everyone involved.

Warning signs

Before the engine shuts down completely, it may start “running rough”, likely triggering the check engine light on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator, as reported.

Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer and NHTSA received 1,301 warranty complaints, as well field and customer reports. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Transmission glitches resulting in a loss of motive power led to a recall in June 2024, affecting close to 9,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs, as reported.

Over 8,000 Mustangs were recalled in the same month because of a leak that could cause fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine free of charge, if needed. Owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued, are set to be reimbursed as it is customary with recalls.

The owners should receive notifications between October 7, 2024, and October 11, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 90,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this Ford engine stall recall. To do a Ford recall check or a Lincoln recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicFord recalls stalling cars following US government investigation

BMW recalls hybrid Minis over fire risk

Westwood, NJ  – September 11, 2024 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY), which owns the Mini brand, is recalling 12,535 2020 – 2024 Mini Hardtop two-door hybrids that may catch on fire even when turned off and parked.

The defect ups the risk of injury and property damage. 

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles are equipped with a high-voltage system, whose job is to power the hybrid electric drive. Due to a manufacturing error, this assembly may develop an electrical short, which may cause it to overheat and burst into flames. 

Recall risks

A fire greatly augments the risk of an injury to the car occupants.

Other BMW recalls

In May 2023, there was another BMW fire recall, as reported.

More recently, in August 2024, BMW recalled almost 300,000 X3 SUVs whose trunk luggage rails would detach in a crash

The repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software free of charge.

Owners should receive notifications by mail on October 7, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW fire recall affects more than 12,000 Minis. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicBMW recalls hybrid Minis over fire risk

Tesla issues second Model X recall over fly-away trim 

Austin, TX – September 7, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 9,136 2016 Tesla Model X SUVs whose roof trims may detach and fall onto the road, endangering other motorists and upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

Tesla already attempted to address the issue back in 2020 but was unsuccessful.

Recall summary

These electric SUVs have two pieces of trim on their roofs, one above the windshield and the other between the front and rear doors.  In the affected vehicles, the trim was not properly glued during production and could separate from the car while driving.   

Recall risks

All risks posed by fly-away trims or body panels are described in this Mercedes-Benz recall

Warning signs

Besides noticing trim separation, the driver may also hear wind noises while driving.

Background of the recall

After completing the 2020 recall, Tesla became aware of the trim detaching in a repaired vehicle. Leading up to the present recall, Tesla received “40 warranty claims, 6 field reports, and 125 service reports” about the separation.

No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled almost 2 million vehicles, including Model Xs, whose hoods would open while driving.

Separately, the manufacturer is being investigated by the U.S. government over alleged steering loss.    

The repair

Dealers will put trim adhesion to the test and glue the pieces back on free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on October 14, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 Model X SUVs are affected by this Tesla fly-away trim recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla issues second Model X recall over fly-away trim 

US government investigates Stellantis on back of fatality

Washington, D.C. September 4, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) amid allegations that some Dodge vehicles could trap occupants inside. 

The investigation comes on the back of a fatality and could lead to a recall of roughly one million cars. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2009 – 2020 Dodge Journey
  • 2009 – 2010 Dodge Journey AWD 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation in May 2023, citing a fatal accident in which the occupant could not get out of a 2009 Dodge Journey that caught fire.  

During the investigation, NHTSA found additional complaints about faulty doors and windows and upgraded the inquiry to the so-called engineering analysis on August 1, 2024. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper to find out what the cause of the issue is and whether a recall is warranted.

“Fire consuming the entire vehicle”

The incident that sparked the original investigation took place in 2022 when the driver pulled over because of all “the warning lights… flashing.” The driver eventually passed after a fire engulfed the car.

Other complaints describe similarly horrifying situations. One driver had to crawl out of the vehicle through the window while others described seemingly unprovoked shutdowns of the “entire electrical system” while the car was “in motion and/or parked.” 

Culprit

The culprit appears to be the “failure of the totally integrated power module (TIPM),” which is in charge of distributing electrical power to various parts of the vehicle. However, in at least one of the cases the driver continued to have issues after replacing the TIPM twice.

Risks

Not being able to open the doors or windows, the occupants will have trouble escaping the burning vehicle, which significantly ups the chances of injury and death.  

Other Dodge recalls

In June 2024, Dodge recalled over 200,000 Durango SUVs and RAM trucks because of reduced control, as reported.

In March 2024, over 36,000 Dodge Hornets and Alfa Romeo cars were recalled because they had incorrect weight capacity labels, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Dodge doors recall, potentially affecting nearly a million vehicles. To do a Dodge recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis on back of fatality

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs over malfunctioning airbags 

Fountain Valley, CA – August 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 49,719 SUVs whose airbags may inadvertently activate or fail to deploy. This would up the risk of injury in a crash. 

The recall comes on the back of several incidents and affects the following models:

  • 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

Recall summary  

The airbags are connected to the car’s electrical system through a wiring harness that runs throughout the vehicle. Over time, due to a manufacturing issue, the harness may become damaged as it rubs against the second-row seats. This could cause an electrical short that would negatively affect the airbag’s operation.  

Recall risks

The occupants may get injured if the airbags fail to deploy in a crash. At the same time, airbags that inflate when not needed may also injure the car occupants and augment the risk of an accident.

Warning signs

A red airbag warning light will be illuminated on the dashboard if there is problem with this safety system.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of eight inadvertent airbag deployment incidents. No injuries or crashes have been reported. 

Other Hyundai Santa Fe recalls

In April 2024, Hyundai recalled over 18,000 Santa Fe SUVs due to limited rearview visibility, as reported.

Earlier this month, Santa Fe SUVs were involved in another recall due to the risk of a rollaway, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the wiring and secure it to prevent excessive movement. If the harness is already damaged, it will be replaced.  All repairs will be free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on September 23, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 50,000 Santa Fe SUVs are affected by this Hyundai airbag recall. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs over malfunctioning airbags 

Hyundai recalls Genesis Coupes over unintended movement 

Fountain Valley, CA – August 26, 2024 – Hyundai  (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 12,612 2010-2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupes that may move when started, increasing the risk of a crash.

Only vehicles with manual transmission are affected by this recall. 

Recall summary  

To turn on the engine, the driver must press the clutch, which triggers a switch at the top of the clutch pedal. In the affected vehicles, the switch may break, allowing the vehicle to be started when the clutch is not depressed.

This would result in “unintended movement” upon startup if the vehicle is started in gear and the parking brake is not set.

Recall risks

The defect ups the risk of the car crashing into nearby objects or pedestrians, augmenting the risk of injury or property damage. In fact, the recall comes on the back of three accidents. No injuries have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Earlier this month, Hyundai recalled Santa Fe SUVs over a transmission issue that would cause them to roll away, as reported.

In May 2024, Hyundai recalled over 31,000 Genesis cars that would stall due to a defective fuel pump, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on September 23, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 12,000 coupes are affected by this Hyundai ignition switch recall. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Genesis Coupes over unintended movement 

Tesla recalls nearly 2 million vehicles whose hoods may open while driving  

Austin, TX – August 20, 2024 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 1.85 million electric cars whose hoods may open while driving. This would reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

The company has already released an over-the-air (OTA) update to address the issue.

The list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 2024 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 2024 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

Once shut, a vehicle’s hood is held securely with a latch, which also has a sensor to detect if the hood is left open. Due to a software error, the sensor may fail to warn the driver that the hood is not closed properly. 

Recall risks

The hood may open while driving and obstruct the driver’s view, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Tesla recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by recall over insufficiently visible warning messages in February 2024.

Tesla is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over alleged steering loss

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air (OTA) software updates to resolve the issue. 

The owners should receive letters with more information on September 22, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 2 million Tesla electric vehicles are affected by this fly-open hood recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls nearly 2 million vehicles whose hoods may open while driving