Bojan

Ford recalls Mustangs with faulty rearview cameras

Ford recalls Mustangs with faulty rearview cameras

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – February 26, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 330,784 2015 – 2017 Ford Mustang sport cars whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image or distort it.  This limits drivers’ field of view while backing up, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

Two different issues could cause the 2015-2017 Mustangs’ rearview camera not to be available. In some cases, the harness that goes from the trunk lid may become damaged, interrupting the feed from the camera. Another possibility is for the camera wiring to become loose, also resulting in a “blank or distorted image.”

The components in question are Body Harness, with part numbers FR3T-14A005,  GR3T-14A005 or HR3T-14A005, and the Rear View Camera itself, with part number FR3T-19G490-A.

Recall risks

You can find out more about all potential risks in this Ford rearview camera recall from October 2021. 

Other Ford recalls 

Among previous Ford Mustang Recalls, there is only one recent, which was caused by brake pedal assembly issues that could result in a vehicle rollaway. This recall only affects certain 2015 Ford Mustangs, as well Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars.

The repair

Dealers will repair the harnesses and replace the rearview camera if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between March 7 and March 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford Mustang rearview camera problems resulted in a recall that includes more than 300,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Mustangs with faulty rearview cameras
US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

US government investigates Tesla phantom braking

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 26, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating a series of incidents with Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicles that may unexpectedly brake while driving on autopilot. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This investigation may result in a recall, which may affect an estimated 416,000 vehicles, including: 

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

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on February 16, following 354 complaints about phantom braking occurring when the vehicle was driving using the autopilot feature. 

Based on the complaints, vehicles would sometimes start braking “very aggresively”, although there were no obstacles on the road. This happened without any prior warnings or apparent reasons. 

The autopilot  – which is referred to as the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – allows the vehicle to “ brake and steer automatically within its lanes.” 

Risks

A vehicle that slams on the brakes hard and unexpectedly may be hit from behind by oncoming traffic. In addition, a vehicles’ sudden reaction may confuse the driver and cause it to subsequently lose control over the vehicle. 

Other Tesla recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, there were several recent Tesla Model 3 recalls, including one caused by failure to warn the pedestrians about its approach. In addition, there was another previous Tesla Model Y recall in November 2021, which was also caused by sudden and unwanted braking.  Both of the recalls included other Tesla models.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Tesla phantom braking investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 400,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check for your own vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla phantom braking
NHTSA closes investigation into Chevy Bolt’s fire issues

NHTSA closes investigation into Chevy Bolt’s fire issues

February 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 20, 2022 – The U.S. government closed its investigation into fires among 2017-2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The manufacturer of the vehicles, General Motors (NYSE:GM), has already recalled all of the affected vehicles, as well as 2021-2022 model-years.

Investigation conclusion  

General Motors conducted three recalls to address the reports of fires. Because of this, the regulator concluded in February 2022 that there was no need for additional recalls and closed the investigations. 

The first recall

After receiving two complaints from owners and several field reports, the government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated the investigation in October 2020. According to these complaints, a fire would develop inside the passenger cabin, underneath the seats, when the vehicle was parked.

GM was also aware of the incidents and started investigating to discover what was causing them. Based on initial findings, GM concluded fires were caused by an overheating high-voltage battery, which is located under the seat. The fires would happen when the vehicles were charged to “full or nearly full capacity.”

The manufacturer initially addressed the problem by recalling over 50,000 of the 2017-2019 model-years in November 2020 and reprogramming in a way so its high-voltage battery would only charge up to 90% of its capacity.  Later on in the recall, dealers ran diagnostics tests on the batteries to see if they needed replacing.

Subsequent recalls

As this recall was underway, both General Motors and LG, the battery producer, analyzed the data that dealers collected with the tests. They concluded that the repair offered under the last recall was insufficient and that more batteries needed to be replaced.

That prompted GM to recall all the cars included in the previous recall, as well as additional 2017-2019 model-years in July 2021.

By further analyzing the field data that was coming in from the dealers during the second recall, it eventually became apparent that there were more defective batteries.

As a result, General Motors finally recalled all of 2019-2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV vehicles to replace their high voltage batteries. 

Other Chevrolet recalls 

Apart from these Chevy Bolt fire issues mentioned in the summary, there were no other recent Chevy Bolt recalls. Still, other manufacturers have also faced issues with fires caused by high-voltage batteries. One such example is BMW, which had to recall some of its hybrid vehicles back in September 2020 over a similar problem.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Chevy Bolt battery ire investigation did not result in any new recalls, but your car may need repairs for a different issue. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if your vehicle is due for any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes investigation into Chevy Bolt’s fire issues
Honda is investigated over faulty rearview cameras

Honda is investigated over faulty rearview cameras

February 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 20, 2022 – The U.S. government is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) over concerns whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This increases the risk of a crash and injury while backing up.

If the investigation results in a recall, it may affect 71,008 of the following pickup trucks: 

  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  • 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Investigation summary  

On February 7, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation, following 42 complaints and 10 reports of rearview camera becoming inoperable. 

Based on the complaints, the rearview camera may stop working because of “severe damage to the tailgate wire harness,” which happens right after “the warranty mileage is exceeded.”

The goal of this investigation is to determine if there is a safety defect which may require a recall.

Risks

For more information on the risks, please visit this article about a Ford recall due to malfunctioning cameras.

Other Honda recalls 

Apart from this ongoing investigation, owners should also be aware of a Honda Ridgeline recall from December 2021 which was caused by hoods that may fly open while driving.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Honda Ridgeline wiring harness investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting over 70,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check to see if it part of any open recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda is investigated over faulty rearview cameras
Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

February 18, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – February 18, 2022 –  Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 357,830 SUVs that may develop a fire inside their engine compartments, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is the latest addition to the endless list of fire-related recalls that have been the bane of Hyundai’s existence for quite some time.

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson 
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Recall summary  

All models listed here are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system. This is a safety system, whose job is to prevent wheels from locking up while braking. On vehicles that are a part of this Hyundai recall, the ABS control unit may overheat, causing a fire that spreads within the engine bay. The exact reason for overheating is currently under investigation.

The component in question is the ABS module, with part numbers 58920-4Z300, 58920-B8AC0 or 58920-2S820, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A fire that occurs in the vehicle when driving or when parked carries a range of risks. To find out more about them, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when parked, owners should park them outside and away from other vehicles and structures. This precautionary measure will prevent additional property damage if the fire does happen. 

Warning signs

Malfunctioning ABS module will disable the system and trigger a warning light, which is the first warning sign. Others may include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 

These Hyundai Santa Fe engine fires are a reoccurring issue that has been affecting many model years of these and other Hyundai and Kia vehicles. There are also previous Hyundai Tuscon recalls, such as one from January 2021, that was caused by a similar problem.  

The manufacturer and its sister company, Kia, are subject to a U.S. government investigation. The government auto safety regulator is trying to determine the effectiveness of recall repairs and if other vehicles need to be recalled as well, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will remedy this problem by inspecting the ABS module, and replacing it if needed. As an additional precision, they will replace the corresponding fuse with an uprated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 5, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Hyundai engine fires is affecting more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues yet another fire-related recall
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

Recent Posts