Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Jacksonville, FL – January 9, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) that owns both Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands, is recalling 38,312 vehicles with a suspension issue that may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of an accident and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250  

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 SUV is not part of this recall.

Recall summary  

As reported, axles transfer the power from the vehicle to the wheels which enables the car to move. Front axles in particular also aid with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. 

An integral carrier, more commonly known as subframe, is the central part of the front axle that holds most of the suspension components in place. The supplier of these parts in the recalled vehicles did not apply enough “corrosion protection,” potentially leading the carrier to corrode and break or bend under loads. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The component in question is the “Integral Carrier” with part number A1776207101. 

Recall risks

Losing control of the car greatly increases the risk of a crash. 

Other Daimler recalls 

Among all the previous recalls concerning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4matic, the one from July caused by a water leak is the most recent one. As for the 2021 AMG variant, there was a rear-spoiler-related recall in April.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the issue by checking the condition of the integral carrier and replacing it if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail  on February 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz front axle carrier recall is affecting more than 30,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

Palo Alto, CA – January 9, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 119,009 vehicles whose hoods may open while driving. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2014 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 Tesla Model S
  • 2018 Tesla Model S
  • 2019 Tesla Model S
  • 2020 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

When closed, the recalled vehicles’ hood – called “frunk,” or front trunk in Tesla speak –  is secured in place with a latch. This is a mechanism with two separate latching assemblies. – The primary latch locks the hood, while the secondary one serves as a backup. In affected sedans, the secondary latch mechanism may be “misaligned,” which prevents it from locking the hood if needed

The component in question is the “Hood Latch” with part number 1033011-00-A. 

Recall risks

If the driver accidentally releases the main hood latch while driving, the hood may open unexpectedly. This will obstruct the driver’s view and may result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.   

Warning signs

Releasing the primary hood latch triggers an alert on the dashboard. 

Other Tesla Model S recalls 

In addition to this Tesla Model S trunk issue, there were several other recalls concerning these vehicles recently. The latest one among them was in November and it was caused by airbags that may rupture during deployment.  

Separately, over 350,000 Model 3 sedans were recalled just last month due to malfunctioning rearview cameras which may fail to display an image when backing up, upping the risk of a backover crash.

The repair

Tesla service centers will fix the issue by inspecting the latch assembly. If needed, they will realign the latch components so it operates as designed. All repairs are free of charge and owners who paid out of pocket may be eligible for reimbursement. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Tesla trunk issues includes more than 110,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Palo Alto CA – January 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 356,309 vehicles with rearview cameras that may fail to display an image. This increases the risk of a crash and injury while backing up. This recall affects the following sedans: 

  • 2017 Tesla Model 3
  • 2018 Tesla Model 3
  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3

Recall summary  

All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have a rearview camera that transmits an image, which is then shown on the infotainment display. This makes reversing the vehicle easier and safer. In affected vehicles, the wiring harness inside the trunk lid, which connects the camera to the rest of the vehicle, may experience excessive wear because of “the opening and closing of the trunk lid.” This may interrupt the feed from the camera, preventing it from showing an image

The recall comes on the heels of over 2,300 warranty claims and over 600 field reports. No injuries have been reported.

The component in question is the “Trunk Wiring Harness” with part number 1068789-00-G. 

Warning signs

Prior to completely losing the feed from the rearview camera, the central display may flicker or show a distorted image. 

Recall risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

There was one Tesla Model 3 recall recently because of unexpected braking

Over half a million of Tesla Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Model S vehicles are subject to a U.S. government investigation over the availability of a touchscreen accessible from the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion.

The majority of Tesla models made in the U.S are also being investigated due to a string of crashes with parked emergency vehicles, as reported.

The repair

To rectify this issue, Tesla dealers will check the condition of the trunk harness. If there are no signs of damage, they will install a guide protector that will prevent any further wear. In case the harness is already damaged, the dealer will replace it and install the guide protector for future protection. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall includes more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

Camden, NJ – January 2, 2022  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 198,255 vehicles whose transmission may malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall supersedes and expands the one conducted for the same issue in 2019 and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Subaru Ascent  
  • 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2020 Subaru Outback

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have automatic transmission that operates using hydraulic pressure. Upon startup, it takes a brief moment before this pressure is sufficient to move the vehicle. 

Although this only takes a second or two, due to a software issue, the clutch of the affected vehicles may engage before adequate pressure within the transmission is achieved. This may result in the drive chain – which transfers power to the wheels – slipping and the driver not being able to use the gear selector. 

In the long-term, the drive chain may break, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving.

The component in question is the Transmission Control Unit, or TCU, with multiple part numbers including  30919AG75A and 30919AH14D. 

Recall risks

If the transmission malfunctions in traffic, the vehicle will lose its ability to move. That may increase the risk of a crash or injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic. 

Several complaints associated with this recall mention the car “lurching forward and then back,” sometimes on a multi-lane highway. Another driver describes a harrowing experience of “losing power twice going up the steep hill” and “narrowly avoiding a collision due to slippery road.”

Other Subaru recalls 

In addition to this one, there was a recent Subaru Outback recall in August, caused by a possibility of an engine stall. The culprit was a faulty fuel pump.

Background of the recall

Over 75,000 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs that are part of this recall were previously recalled for the same issue in December 2019. As of July 22, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – most of them have been repaired. However, according to the manufacturer, they will need to have the new remedy applied to be safe on the road. See information about the remedy further in this article and use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to see if your Subaru is affected.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the TCU software. Additionally, they will conduct appropriate inspections to determine if the transmission has sustained any damage, and replace it if needed. The remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 7, 2022, and owners who repaired the transmission on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru Recall 2021 includes almost 200,000 vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

Franklin, TN – January 1, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 24,793 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs whose fuel pumps may fail. This may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

A fuel pump is an electrical component inside the fuel tank that transfers the gasoline towards the engine.  As a result of incorrect assembly by a supplier, the pump may overheat and stop working. When that happens, the engine may stall and will not restart as if the car were out of gasoline.

The component in question is the Fuel Pump Assembly, with part number 17040 6RE0A for two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles and 17040 6RE1A for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles.  

Recall risks

For more on risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a recent RAM truck investigation.

Other Nissan recalls 

The 2021 model-year is subject to four additional recalls. About 2,000 of these cars were recalled about a year ago for fuel pump issues, as reported. More recently, some of these vehicles were affected by a September recall because of poorly secured child seats.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. Notifications about this Nissan Rogue fuel pump replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 26, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan Rogue recall includes more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

Ford recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

Dearborn, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 57,591 2018 Ford F-150 pickup trucks whose tailgates may open on their own. This may allow the cargo to fall on the road, putting other motorists in danger.

Recall summary  

Ford trucks have latches on their tailgates that hold them in place when closed. On vehicles that are affected by this F-150 tailgate recall, the latching mechanism may unlatch under certain loads due to a design error. This allows the tailgate to open unexpectedly while driving or being stationary.

The component in question is the Tailgate Latch, with part numbers JL3A-9943150-AC and JL3A-9943150-BC. 

Recall risks

If the tailgate opens while driving, the cargo inside may slide out and drop on the road, becoming an obstacle. Other motorists may crash into it or while avoiding it, increasing the risk of an injury. Read more about the danger of road debris in this article about Land Rover fly-away spoilers.

Warning signs

The driver may notice that the tailgate is unlocked “prior to entering the vehicle.”

Other 2018 Ford F-150 recalls 

There were several previous 2018 F-150 recalls, with one from April concerning potential loss of wheel control being the latest. In addition, some of these trucks may have been affected by a March recall caused by tires prone to breakage.

Separately, newer model-years are affected by several recent recalls, including one from December for a faulty component of the drivetrain which may result in the loss of motive power and vehicle control, as well as “unintended movement” when parked.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing the tailgate latches on both left and right sides of the vehicle. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between January 31, 2022 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This F-Series recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has issued a recall for 2,903 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV) whose odometers may fail to display the distance traveled. This may cause the driver to miss out on critical maintenance, augmenting the risk of injury and crash. 

Recall summary  

In vehicles that are part of this Jeep Wrangler recall, the instrument panel cluster, or IPC, is programmed incorrectly. As a result, the odometer will only display two dashes after the mileage exceeds 13,342 miles. 

The component in question is the Instrument Panel Cluster, with multiple part numbers including 68499481AH and 68499482AF. 

Recall risks

If the owners do not know how many miles their vehicles have traveled, they may unknowingly skip out on the required maintenance. This may lead to the failure of “safety-critical” components, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

When checking the overall distance traveled, drivers may notice the two dashes instead of a numerical value.  

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls 

Some of these 2021 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid vehicles may have been affected by a recall in January, caused by a potential risk of fire. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the IPC, if the odometer reading is below 13,342 miles. In case the vehicle has done more miles than that, dealers will replace the whole instrument cluster. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Odometer recall includes approximately 3,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

Stellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has recalled 36,929 vehicles whose headlights may suddenly “become inoperable,” increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is affecting the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs. 

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Jeep recall have a smart lightning module, or SLM, which controls the headlight operation. As a result of an incomplete software update, this module may malfunction in the recalled vehicles. If that happens, one or both headlights could fail to engage without any prior warning

The component in question is the Headlamp Assembly, with multiple part numbers including 68376974AE and 68376993AE. 

Recall risks

Inoperable headlights will reduce drivers’ visibility and impact their ability to spot any potential obstacles. In addition, other motorists and pedestrians may fail to notice a moving vehicle that is not illuminated. Both situations increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

There were several previous Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls, with one concerning airbags that may fail to deploy being the most recent one. Additionally, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a  November recall caused by difficult high-beam activation

The repair

To fix this issue, dealers will reprogram the smart lighting module with an updated software version. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Grand Cherokee headlights’ recall includes almost 200,000  vehicles. To do a Fiat-Chrysler Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

Toyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

Plano, TX – December 19, 2021  – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 22,462 vehicles whose steering may develop a leak. The resulting loss of hydraulic fluid will make the steering harder, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the following SUVs and pickup trucks:

  • 2021 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2022 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2021 Toyota Tundra

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a steering system with hydraulic power assistance, which reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel by introducing fluid into the power-steering assembly. 

Because of a supplier error, the assembly may develop a leak. This allows the fluid to escape, which eventually causes a loss of power steering assist.  

The component in question is the power steering gear assembly, with part numbers 44250-0C121 and 44250-0C131. 

Recall risks

Although the driver will still be able to steer the vehicle without power-steering assistance, this will require considerably more effort. If this happens suddenly during low-speed maneuvering, it may result in a crash. 

Other Toyota recalls 

There was a recent Toyota Tundra recall in October, caused by faulty headlight wiring that may result in a fire. There are no other Toyota Sequoia recalls concerning the vehicles from this range. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will inspect the steering rack for leaks. If any are detected, the rack will be replaced with a new one. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 22, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota Tundra oil leak recall includes almost more than 20,000  vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Auburn Hills, MI – December 12, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) is recalling 54,429 vehicles that may develop a water leak that could cause the airbag to accidentally deploy.  This increases the risk of an injury and may also lead to a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2021 VW Atlas
  • 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary  

During its operation, the air-conditioning system of a car generates condensate, which is drained outside the vehicle through a flexible tube. In affected Volkswagen Atlas vehicles, this drain tube may be blocked due to a supplier error, causing the condensate to build up within the dashboard. There, it can find its way into the airbag control module, causing it to malfunction.  

The drain tube in question is part of the Evaporator Housing with part number 3QF.820.007.  

Recall risks

With a malfunctioning control module, airbags may not deploy in a collision or may inadvertently deploy, although there is no crash. Both situations increase the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs  

If the airbag control module malfunctions, it will trigger airbag warning lights on the dashboard. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

In addition to VW Atlas air conditioning issues, these vehicles had several recalls that affected them in the past. In February, they were recalled due to a possible loss of steering control, while in March, some 2018 and 2019 Atlas SUVs had to have their tires replaced as part of a larger tire recall due to possible breakage.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the drain tubes and replace them and the airbag control module if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW Atlas recall includes more than 50,000 SUVs. To do a VW Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy