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Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags

March 27, 2022 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 222,892 midsize SUVs, whose airbags may deploy with a delay during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. This recall affects the following vehicles:  

  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Atlas 
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL
  • 2021 – 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles have a wiring harness that goes from the vehicle’s body to its front doors and connects to a variety of components, including  side airbags. 

Due to a supplier error, the harness was not fitted properly, causing it to move slightly under vibration. Over time, this can lead to corrosion, which cause a delay in the deployment of the front side airbags in the event of a “side impact crash.”

Recall risks

Delayed airbag deployment ups the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

The airbag warning light may come on in the event of a malfunction.

Since the corrosion of the harness may also affect other components that are “plugged into” it, the driver may also see “inadvertent rolling down windows, inadvertent park brake engagement” and receive a warning about a “faulty door sensor.”

Other Volkswagen recalls

Some of the model-years involved in this recall may also have been affected by another airbag recall in December, as reported. The recalled vehicles’ airbags were at risk of the airbags accidentally deploying due to a water leak.

Over 45,000 Audi sedans were just recalled due to a manufacturing defect which causes their fuel level indicators to display an inaccurate reading. This may lead to a stall while in traffic, as reported.

The repair

The remedy is currently under development. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by May 10, 2022. All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Volkswagen electrical issues are affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs with faulty airbags
Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges

March 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – March 27, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 45,789 sedans whose fuel gauges may show incorrect fuel levels. This may lead to the vehicles stalling as a result of fuel starvation, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7
  • 2021 Audi RS6
  • 2021 Audi RS7

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are a part of this Audi recall have the so-called fuel level sender units inside their gasoline tanks, which float on the gasoline to measure its level. Due to a supplier error, the senders may have been fitted incorrectly, causing them to get stuck in a certain position. If that happens, the cars’ fuel level indicator will show an incorrect reading.

As the driver will not be aware of the actual amount of fuel in the tank, the car may run out of gas. 

The affected component is the fuel level sender with part number 4K0 919 047. 

Recall risks

The vehicle will stall once it runs out of fuel, which can be dangerous when it happens while driving. The danger is even greater if it happens in high-speed traffic, as a stalled car could get hit by faster-moving vehicles. 

Warning signs

During longer trips, drivers may notice that fuel levels and predicted range remain unchanged, despite covering multiple miles. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Owners should be aware of the most recent Audi A6 recall from February this year, due to a potential loss of control because of premature tire wear. The recall also included A4, A5 and Q5 vehicles, as reported.

Apart from that, there was an Audi RS6 recall in May 2021 caused by broken suspension. The recall included over 40,000 of other vehicles, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix this problem by replacing the fuel level sender with a redesigned one free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on May 13, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi fuel gauge issue is affecting more than 40,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Audi sedans with inaccurate fuel gauges
Ford recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

Ford recalls vehicles because of decreased brake performance

March 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – March 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 280,923 vehicles because of a leak within the brake system that may affect its performance. This can prolong the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. Vehicles that are a part of this recall include:  

  • 2016 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2016 – 2018 Ford F-150
  • 2016 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

This recall only affects vehicles that have a 3.5L Ecoboost engine.   

Recall summary  

The brake master cylinder in the recalled vehicles – whose job is to generate the hydraulic pressure that activates the brakes  – may leak brake fluid into the brake booster, which is a component that boosts brakes’ power. 

The leak could increase brake pedal resistance, requiring more effort from the driver when pressing it. If ignored long enough, it may even cause the front brakes to stop completely working. 

Background of the recall

The leak is a result of “brake fluid contamination” but it is not clear what caused the contamination.

The component in question is the Brake Master Cylinder, with part numbers JL34-2A032-AC for F-150 and HL14-2A032-AA for Expedition or Navigator. 

Recall risks

Increased pedal resistance may prolong stopping distance while inoperative front brakes will dramatically augment the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Warning symbols and messages will appear on the dashboard, together with an audible chime, if brake fluid levels drop below a certain threshold. 

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls

Besides this brake issue, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a recent Ford F-150 recall caused by inadequately secured tailgates. Although there are no other Lincoln Navigator recalls that are affecting these particular vehicles, some of their smaller models are affected by ongoing rearview camera issues. 

The repair

To fix the issue, Ford and Lincoln authorized dealers will replace the suspected brake master cylinder with an improved one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between May 25 and May 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford brake issue is affecting more than 250,000 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 vehicles because of decreased brake performance
Ford recalls trucks whose wipers may fail

Ford recalls trucks whose wipers may fail

March 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – March 20, 2022 –   Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 157,306 2021 Ford F-150 trucks, whose windshield wipers may stop working. This reduces drivers’ visibility, increases the risk of crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

Both windshield wipers are operated by the same electric motor, which is located within the engine compartment. Wiper arms and the motor itself are linked together with a scissor-like mechanism. In affected vehicles, due to a supplier manufacturing error, the motor may stop working. If that happens, both windshield wipers will become inoperable. 

The component in question is the windshield wiper electric motor with part number ML34-17504-A.

Recall risks

With wipers not working, the driver will not be able to clean off dirt or water from the truck’s windshield. This reduces visibility and may lead to a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Prior to failing completely, windshield wipers may start moving erratically. 

Other Ford F-150 recalls

There are several previous recalls that may be affecting these vehicles. The latest one, caused by driveshafts that could fracture while driving, was issued this January. It is also worth mentioning that seatbelt issues with certain F-150 Super Cab trucks led to a recall in October 2021. 

How to replace the windshield wiper motor in your Ford F-150

To replace your windshield wiper motor, take your car to a Ford dealer. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between April 18 and April 22, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford F-150 windshield wipers issue is affecting more than 150,000 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 whose wipers may fail
BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

March 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ – March 13, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has issued a large-scale recall that involves  917,106 vehicles that may develop a fire inside their engine compartment. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

A rather long list of vehicles affected by this recall includes: 

  • 2008 – 2013 BMW 128i
  • 2006 – 2012 BMW Series 3 
  • 2006 – 2010 BMW Series 5
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X3 SAV
  • 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV
  • 2006 – 2011 BMW Z4

At least some of these vehicles were previously recalled and repaired in 2017 and 2019 but will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

These BMW electrical issues are caused by a fault within a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).  PCV is part of the engine whose role is to reduce air pollution by sending unwanted gases produced during the operation of the car into the cylinder. To stop these gases from solidifying in cold weather, the manufacturer has installed a heater inside this system. Due to a supplier error, the heating element of the recalled vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of fire.  

The component in question is the PCV Valve Heater, with part numbers  7561408 or 2458830. The full list of the vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

See this article about a similar BMW recall for more information on the risks.

Background of the recall

At least some of these vehicles were recalled in 2017 and then subsequently in 2019 for the same issue. This third recall is being done on the back of multiple reports of previously repaired vehicles experiencing fire in the engine compartment. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short if the malfunction indicator light (MIL) warning light comes on.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other BMW recalls

This is not a first-time BMW 3 series recall over the risk of fire, as there was a similar one in December 2021.  Apart from that, in February 2021 there was a BMW 5 series recall also for the risk of fire. 

The repair

At this time, BMW is working on a solution to this problem. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This BMW recall in 2022 is affecting more than 900,000 vehicles. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire
GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

GM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) formally launched this recall around the time this article came out. The remedy is still under development. Owners will receive letters with more information on April 23, 2022.

Washington, D.C. – March 11, 2022 –  General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the GMC brand, will have to recall approximately 725,000 2010-2017 GMC Terrain SUVs following a rejection of appeal to the U.S. auto safety regulator to avoid the recall.

The headlights on these vehicles are too bright and might temporarily blind other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The timeline of the recall is not clear.

Summary  

On vehicles that will be a part of this recall, headlights are brighter than federal regulations allow. This issue was originally noticed by the GMC itself, that reported it to the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in June 2019.

In its report, the manufacturer asked NHTSA to consider the defect “inconsequential” given that the reflections from the lights would appear “high above the vehicle… outside the driver view,” among other reasons.

However, on March 4, NHTSA rejected GM’s petition. As a result, GM will have to recall these vehicles to rectify the problem.  

Recall risks

Headlights that are too bright can cause glare, which may temporarily blind drivers of oncoming and surrounding vehicles. This can cause a crash, which increases the risk of an injury.

Other GMC Terrain recalls 

The last 2012 GMC Terrain recall was in July 2016 due to the risk of rollaway. Similarly, the last 2013 GMC Terrain recall also dates back to 2016, when over 360,000 of these cars were recalled due to faulty windshield wipers.

More recently, the 2020-2021 Terrain SUVs were among vehicles recalled due to tire tread separation that could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle, as reported.

The repair

GM said that it would fix the problem by replacing the faulty headlights. Additional details are not yet available but all repairs will be free of charge as it is always the case for recalls.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Because of this GMC Terrain headlights issue, more than 700,000 vehicles will soon have to be recalled. To do a GMC recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM to recall SUVs with blinding headlights
Toyota recalls C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems

Toyota recalls C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems

March 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – March 11, 2022 –  Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 36,558 2021 Toyota C-HR SUVs because their pre-collision warning systems may malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Toyota recall have a range of driver assistance features, including the so-called pre-collision system (PCS). This safety system uses a camera and radar sensor to scan the road in front of the vehicle. If any obstacles are detected, it will warn the driver and even stop the vehicle if necessary. 

On certain Toyota C-HR 2021 models, the radar sensor may not have been activated during the assembly of the vehicle. With it being inoperable, the PCS may fail to “notice” a potential obstacle and will not know it is inoperative.

The component in question is the “millimeter-wave radar sensor,” with part number 88210-F4070. 

Recall risks

Without PCS, the driver is at a higher risk of a collision.

Other Toyota recalls 

The 2021 Toyota C-HR is not subject to any other recalls.

The 2020 model-year was recalled in December 2019 due to faulty rear seat belts assemblies, as reported.

Separately, in December of last year, over 220,000 Toyota Camry sedans were recalled due to the loss of power brake assistance, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the radar and ensure that it is properly set up. This repair will be done free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners with more information will be sent by mail between April 11, 2022, and April 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota pre-collision braking recall is affecting more than 30,000 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 C-HR SUVs with faulty pre-collision warning systems
US government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking

US government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking

March 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – March 6, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake on their own. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million of the following vehicles:

  • 2018 – 2019 Honda Accord
  • 2017 – 2019 Honda CR-V

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 21, following at least 278 complaints about phantom braking. 

Based on the complaints, the vehicles’ Collision Mitigation Braking System (MBS) may cause the vehicle to start braking sharply in the absence of any visible threats and without any prior warning.

The Collision Mitigation Braking System, or CMBS, is the automated system that monitors the road ahead and stops the vehicle to avoid a crash if there is an obstacle.

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind. In addition, the sudden braking may confuse the driver and cause him or her to lose control over the vehicle, amplifying the risk of a crash.

In fact, six people have already been involved in crashes and injured due to this issue, according to NHTSA’s information.

Other Honda recalls 

There was a Honda Accord recall in December, caused by a faulty child restraint system, as reported. The recall also included CR-V, Ridgeline and Insight vehicles.

In April of last year, there was a large Honda CR-V recall due to faulty fuel pumps that may result in the vehicle stalling on the road. The recall spanned over 600,000 cars and also affected Acura, Civic and Odyssey vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a Honda brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To see if your car is subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates 1.7 million Honda cars over phantom braking
Porsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

Porsche recalls vehicles with inaccessible child seat anchors

March 6, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Atlanta, GA  – March 6, 2022 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) has recalled 5,305 luxury electric cars with a wiring issue that may prevent rear child seats from being adequately restrained. This increases the risk of an injury to the child in that seat in the event of an accident.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 Porsche Taycan
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with an optional rear center seat. Due to a supplier error, the wiring that goes underneath the seat may interfere with the anchoring point for the child seat, preventing it from locking properly.  

Recall risks

The seat may snap out of its anchoring points during a crash. If that happens, the child in the seat may get injured. 

Warning signs

If the wiring is blocking the anchoring point on the rear seat, the person fitting the child seat into the vehicle may notice it does not lock into position.  

Different ways of securing the child seat

There are two ways of securing a child seat. The one that is affected by this recall is known as the so-called  lower anchors and tethers for children system (LATCH) system. Even though the manufacturer does not specify it, parents should still be able to secure the seat using seatbelts.

Other Porsche recalls

There was a Porsche Taycan recall for the same model-years in October 2021 due to hazard lights that may come on on their own, confusing other drivers, as reported. These cars are also subject to a U.S. government investigation due to battery issues that may cause them to stall, also as reported.

As far as child seats go, there was a Volkswagen recall last September due to faulty child seat restraint systems, Volkswagen owns Porsche.

The repair

Dealers will check the positioning of the harness and replace it if necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 22, 2022.  All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Porsche child seatbelt issues are affecting more than 5,000 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 inaccessible child seat anchors
Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 26, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 72,848 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans with 2.0 and 2.4 GDI engines, whose low-pressure fuel lines may develop a leak. This may cause a fire, increasing the risk of injury and a crash. 

These vehicles were affected by an identical recall from February 2020, which apparently failed to solve the issue.

This is the latest recall in a long string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls, as reported.  Both manufacturers are currently subject to a U.S government investigation due to ongoing fire issues spanning millions of vehicles.

Recall summary  

In affected vehicles, the low-pressure fuel line, which goes between the tank and engine, may crack as a result of heat exposure and cause a leak which may lead to a fire.

Background of the recall

This Optima fuel hose issue goes back several years. Kia first addressed it by inspecting the suspected fuel line and replacing those that already developed cracks. As an additional preventive measure, dealers insulated the hose with heat-protective tape to protect it from future deterioration.   

However, on some vehicles, this repair may not have been done properly, necessitating this recall.

The components in question are the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q100 for the 2.0L engine and 31310-3Q900 for the 2.4L engine. 

Recall risks

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. You can find out all about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a different Kia fire recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak would result in a strong gasoline smell and, in case of fire, smoke or melting odor inside the car. In addition, the vehicle may display a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard. 

Other Kia Optima recalls

Over 440,000 of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas were recalled in June of last year, also due to the possibility of these cars catching fire because of brake fluid leaking into the cars’ anti-lock brakes (ABS), as reported. For more fire-related Kia recalls, please visit this page.

The repair

Dealers will fix this issue by replacing the low-pressure fuel hose with the updated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia Optima fuel leak recall is affecting more than 700,000 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 Optima sedans due to risk of fire

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