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BMW recalls vehicles for second time over fire risk

BMW recalls vehicles for second time over fire risk

December 5, 2021 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ – December 5, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) is recalling 50,404 vehicles that were previously repaired for a coolant leak for the same issue. The leak may result in an engine fire, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Some of the vehicles that are affected by this BMW coolant recall include:  

  • 2014 BMW 328d
  • 2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon
  • 2014 BMW 535d
  • 2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive
  • 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d SAV
  • 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAV

Recall summary  

Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR, is a system that lowers emissions by rerouting a portion of exhaust gases towards the engine. In vehicles that are part of this BMW recall, a cooler within the EGR system may crack and develop a coolant leak. As this fluid mixes with exhaust gases, it will create “smoldering particles”.  This may cause the plastic intake manifold to melt or even result in a fire inside the engine compart]ment. 

The intake manifold “supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders” for optimal engine performance, according to a Wikipedia article.

The full list of vehicles is available here. 

Recall background

Vehicles that are part of this recall were recalled for the same issue  in 2018. However, field data showed that the repair was not sufficient which prompted the manufacturer to call them in for repairs once again.

Recall risks

An engine fire increases the risk of a crash, with flames and smoke distracting the driver. Another risk is the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, leading to an injury or even death. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please refer to the following page.

Warning signs

There are several signs that may alert a driver about this issue, including a “low coolant” warning light on the dashboard and an unusual odor from the exhaust. In more severe cases, the engine may lose power and there might be some smoke  coming from under the hood. 

Other BMW recalls 

Some of these vehicles may have been a part of a recall in August, which was caused by a high-pressure fuel pump that suffers from excessive wear. In addition, even vehicles with gasoline engines, such as the 328i station wagon, had problems with their fuel pumps in the past.  

The repair

To fix the issue, BMW authorized dealers will replace the EGR module and clean the pipe that connects to it. In addition, they will check the intake manifold for any damage and replace it if necessary. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around January 12, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW coolant leak recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To check if your BMW is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls vehicles for second time over fire risk
Toyota recalls vehicles over risk of brake failure

Toyota recalls vehicles over risk of brake failure

December 5, 2021 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX   – December 5, 2021 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 227,490 vehicles that may “suddenly” lose power brake assistance. This may increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.  

This recall affects the following vehicles:  

  • 2018 Toyota Camry  
  • 2019 Toyota Camry  

Recall summary  

These Toyota Camry cars have a vacuum pump which supplies vacuum to the brake booster. In vehicles affected by this recall, certain parts inside the pump may wear out prematurely. As a result, the pump will fail to generate sufficient vacuum, causing a loss of brake assistance performance.  

A faulty vacuum pump will not prevent the vehicle from stopping, although doing this will require much more effort from the driver.

The component in question is the vacuum pump with part number 2930025010. 

Recall risks

A sudden reduction in brake performance may prevent the driver from stopping in time, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Warning signs

The driver may notice the brake pedal becoming harder to press when braking frequently and may also receive “an audible and visual warning” about the problem.

Other Toyota recalls 

There was a 2018 Toyota Camry recall in November of last year because of a faulty fuel pump. The recall also included the 2019 model-year, as well as over 60 other models. That recall was an expansion of a January 2019 Toyota Camry recall caused by the same issue.

In September of this year, there was a Toyota recall over vacuum pumps that may fail to operate as a result of a software issue. 

The repair

Dealers will rectify the problem by inspecting the vacuum pump and replacing it if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between December 16, 2021 and January 16, 2022.  All repairs will be conducted for free.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Toyota recall includes more than 220,000 vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls vehicles over risk of brake failure
Stellantis recalls vehicles over fire risk

Stellantis recalls vehicles over fire risk

December 4, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI   – December 4, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Alfa Romeo brand, is recalling 11,419 vehicles that may develop a fuel leak. This may cause them to stall while driving or even catch fire, which increases the risk of injury. 

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include: 

  • 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia 
  • 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia 
  • 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  • 2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Alfa Romeo recall have a series of fuel lines with a sensor that measures pressure and temperature. On affected vehicles, the sensor housing may crack due to a manufacturing flaw, allowing the fuel to escape. This can cause the engine to stall or even result in a fire should escaping fuel come in contact with the hot exhaust components.  

The component in question is the “Pressure Temperature Sensor” with part number 00505493910. 

Recall risks

For more information on the danger of fuel leaks, please visit this article on the recent Mazda recall for the same issue.  You can read more about what to do in the event of fire in the same article.

Warning signs

Fuel has a strong odor, which is something the driver or passengers may easily notice. Additionally, the leak can cause a drop in engine performance and even trigger the “check engine” warning light. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

Some of the vehicles included in this recall may have already been a part of a May recall, which rectified the brake-related issues. 

In September,  there was a similar Fiat Chrysler recall which involved Jeep Wranglers that could develop a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.  

The repair

To rectify the problem, Alfa Romeo authorized dealers will replace the sensor with one whose housing is not defective. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 1, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Alfa Romeo fuel line recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do an Alfa Romeo recall check, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls vehicles over fire risk
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with faulty airbags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with faulty airbags

December 4, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI   – December 4, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 208,332 vehicles over faulty airbags. The airbags may become inoperable and fail to deploy during a crash, which increases the risk of injury.  

The affected vehicles are:  

  • 2017 – 2020 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi S5 Sportback
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi A5 Sportback
  • 2019  Audi RS5 Sportback
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi A5 Coupe
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi S5 Coupe
  • 2018 – 2019 Audi RS5 Coupe
  • 2017 – 2020 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi S4 Sedan
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2018 – 2020 Audi S5 Cabriolet

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by the recall have a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) with integrated seat heating.  The wire that connects the two is faulty, which may cause PODS to not detect the passenger in the front seat and switch off the airbag.

The PODS involved in this recall has multiple part numbers, including 8W0963556 to 8W7881406.

Warning signs

If the passenger bag is disabled,  the “passenger airbag off” message will appear in the instrument cluster.

Recall risks

In a collision,  the airbags may not deploy as intended, which reduces the level of their protection.

Other Volkswagen recalls 

In May, some of the cars involved in this recall were recalled because of the risk of suspension failure. In September, A4, A5 and  A6 vehicles were recalled because of a faulty child restraint system.

The repair

Audi authorized dealers will fix the issue by replacing the seat heating mats, including the connecting cable or the entire seat cover, depending on the model, at no cost to the customer.

Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 7, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall includes more than 200,000 vehicles. To do an Audi recall Check, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with faulty airbags
Stellantis is recalling vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

Stellantis is recalling vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy

November 27, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI   – November 27, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 99,255 SUVs with faulty passenger airbags. The airbags may fail to deploy during a crash, which increases the risk of injury.  

This recall affects the following vehicles: 

  • 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 
  • 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • 2022 Jeep Wagoneer

Recall summary  

In vehicles that are part of this recall, the module that controls the passenger airbag contains a software error, which may “disable the driver, passenger, and knee airbags without warning.” The airbag warning light will not illuminate meaning that the driver will not know of the issue.

The component in question is the “Occupant Restraint Control Module” with multiple part numbers including 68476781AB and 68518543AC. 

Recall risks

The driver and passenger airbags may not deploy as intended in a collision, meaning that the occupants of the car are at a higher risk of injury.

Other Jeep recalls 

Some of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled this fall over issues with high beam operation and rearview cameras. In May over 18,000 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were recalled because of a transmission fuel leak that could lead to a fire.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by reprogramming the control module and installing the correct software version. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on December 30, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Stellantis recall includes nearly 100,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling vehicles whose airbags may fail to deploy
Kia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

Kia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

November 21, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – January 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Irvine, CA  – November 21, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) is recalling 10,731 cars whose engines may stall or catch fire as a result of premature wear, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall is the newest addition to the long list of fire-related issues that have been plaguing Kia. 

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2017 Kia Optima PHEV
  • 2018 Kia Optima PHEV

Recall summary  

Connecting rod bearings are designed to cut down on the friction between engine parts.

In the affected vehicles, these bearings may suffer from premature wear, which may cause the engine to stall while driving. In addition, the connecting rod can snap and pierce the engine, which may cause an oil leak and result in a fire. 

Background of the recall

This recall is very similar to a recall conducted by Hyundai last year for the same reason. At least six fires have been reported leading up to this recall.

The reasons behind this and other Kia fire-related recalls are not clear. The affected component is the “engine assembly sub” with part number 189N12EH00.

Recall risks

As reported, stalling can lead to dangerous situations, especially if it happens in high-speed traffic. 

A fire inside the engine compartment that occurs while driving has a wide range of potential hazards. For more information, please visit this article.

Warning signs

Warning signs that may alert the driver include vibrations and metallic rattling coming from the engine. In most cases, the “ oil pressure” warning light on the dashboard will be illuminated. If that happens, the driver should stop the vehicle in the first safe spot and turn off the engine to prevent any further damage.

Other Kia Optima recalls 

This recall is one of the eight recalls that came about as a result of an ongoing U.S. government investigation into the reasons behind “non-collision” collision fires that keep affecting Kia vehicles. Other recalls related to this issue include a June recall affecting Kia Optima and Kia Sorento vehicles and one in December of last year affecting Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento and Kia Soul vehicles.

The last 2018 Kia Optima recall was conducted in 2018 due to a risk of stalling while driving.

The repair

As a part of the repair, dealers will inspect the condition of rod bearings. If there are signs of wear, the whole engine will be replaced. Additionally, updated control software that would detect if engines start producing any unusual vibrations will be installed. After the software installation, the warranty for engine block assembly repairs will be extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

All repairs are free.

Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on November 29, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Optima Hybrid engine recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire
Stellantis recalls vehicles whose spoilers may fly away

Stellantis recalls vehicles whose spoilers may fly away

November 20, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI   – November 20, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 4,837 2021 Dodge Durango SUVs with rear spoilers that may detach while driving. This creates a road hazard that may increase the risk of a crash or injury for other motorists.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Stellantis recall have a spoiler, which is a piece of external trim whose purpose is to give the vehicle a slicker appearance.

In affected vehicles, the spoiler may have been fitted incorrectly, allowing it to press against the roof when opening the liftgate. This contact may damage the spoiler over time.

The component in question is a rear spoiler, with part number 7DY53TZZAB or 7DY56TZZAB. 

Recall risks

A loose spoiler may detach while driving and hit other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. It can also land on the road, where it becomes an obstacle that may cause other vehicles to crash. 

Warning signs

When the spoiler is touching the roof, it will create a sound that the driver and passengers can hear. Additionally, if it becomes loose, it will rattle while driving. 

Other Dodge Durango recalls 

Earlier this year, Dodge recalled some of the 2021 Durango SUVs that had a missing side airbag fastener. This may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them with redesigned variants if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around December 17, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes almost 5,000 vehicles. To see if yours is affected by it or any other Chrysler recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls vehicles whose spoilers may fly away

Ferrari recalls vehicles over faulty brakes

November 19, 2021 Bojan Popic

Englewood Cliffs, NJ – November 19, 2021 – Ferrari (NYSE: RACE) is recalling 9,985 cars whose brakes may fail, increasing the risk of a crash. The following sports cars are part of this recall: 

  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2014  – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale 
  • 2012 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider
  • 2016 – 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB
  • 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider 
  • 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta 

Recall summary  

Similar to most other road vehicles, these Ferrari cars have a brake booster which enhances braking capabilities.

The booster in the recalled vehicles may develop a leak, allowing the brake fluid to escape. If left unchecked, the brake fluid level may become too low, “resulting in a loss of braking ability.”

Background of the recall

Ferrari states that it is not completely sure of the number of vehicles that are affected by this recall nor the root cause. 

The component in question is the master cylinder assembly, which has the brake booster inside it, with part number 000244010. 

Recall risks

If the driver is unable to brake, the risk of an accident is very high.

Warning signs

If the level of brake fluid within its reservoir falls below 50%, the driver will see the following message on the dash, “Brake fluid level low. Go to dealer slowly” and will hear the corresponding audio alert. 

If you receive this message, pull over and have your vehicle towed to the nearest Ferrari service.

Other Ferrari recalls

Earlier model-years of some of the cars included in this recall are under an investigation by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) because of fuel leaks out of the cars’ capless fuel fillers, as reported.

The 2019 GTB was among cars recalled in February of 2019 because of a risk of  a fuel leak, which increased the risk of a fire.  

The repair

Notifications with more information about the recall and next steps will be sent to vehicle owners around December 21, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ferrari recall potentially includes almost 10,000 vehicles. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFerrari recalls vehicles over faulty brakes
Stellantis is recalling RAM trucks over risk of fire

Stellantis is recalling RAM trucks over risk of fire

November 14, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI  – November 14, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 131,177 of their heavy-duty pickup trucks that may develop an electrical fire inside the engine compartment. This increases the risk of injury.

This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, comes on the back of multiple fires and customer complaints and includes the following vehicles with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engine :

  • 2021 Ram 2500
  • 2022 Ram 2500
  • 2021 Ram 3500 
  • 2022 Ram 3500
  • 2021 Ram 4500 
  • 2022 Ram 4500 
  • 2021 Ram 5500
  • 2022 Ram 5500

Recall summary  

The engines of the vehicles that are part of this Ram truck recall have an electrical heater that warms up the air coming into the engine to help it get to running temperatures faster. The heater is controlled by an electrical relay, or a switch. 

Recalled vehicles’ switches may short circuit and overheat, causing a fire inside the engine compartment. This can happen both while driving as well as when the vehicle is parked and the engine is turned off. 

The component in question is a solid-state intake heater grid relay, with part number 68444169AA.  

Background of the recall

This recall appears to be an expansion of a smaller recall conducted in April. The first recall involved the relay with the same part number and affected about 19,000 of the 2021 RAM trucks, as reported. Both relays were made by German manufacturer Eberspaecher. The manufacturer became aware of at least eight fires leading up to the recall.

Recall risks

The flames and smoke may distract the driver and other motorists, which may lead to a crash. In addition, the driver may fail to stop the vehicle in time for its occupants to leave it in a safe manner. Both increase the risk of an injury or an accident.

Safety tips

Park your vehicle away from buildings and other vehicles until the final repair is completed.

For tips on what to do if your vehicle catches fire, please read this article relating to car fire safety. 

Other Ram recalls

Over 23,000 RAM ProMaster City vans were recalled in late October because of turn signal indicators that may stop working, increasing the risk of an accident.

The 2020 model-years included in this recall are also being investigated by the U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) because they may stall while in motion, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the relays if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around December 3, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ram recall includes more than 130,000 vehicles, including the widely-popular 2021 Ram 2500 Cummins truck. To see if yours is one of them, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling RAM trucks over risk of fire
Mazda recalls vehicles with seats that may slide forward

Mazda recalls vehicles with seats that may slide forward

November 13, 2021 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C.  – November 13, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS: MZDAY) is recalling 8,648 SUVs whose second-row seats may slide forward during a crash. This increases the risk of an injury.

This recall is affecting the following vehicles:

  • 2020 Mazda CX-9 
  • 2021 Mazda CX-9

Recall summary  

Mazda CX-9 SUVs have second-row “60/40 split bench” seats that allow passengers to adjust their position by sliding them forward or backward.  Split bench is a common seat layout that typically has one smaller and one larger seat which accommodates two people.

Due to a supplier error, the sliding mechanism in the affected vehicles may not lock itself firmly into position in certain situations.  As a result, the second-row seat may not be adequately secured and could slide forward in a collision. 

The affected component is left-side second-row seats with part numbers including TK48-57-25XL and TM53-57-25XD.

Recall risks

A seat that moves forward during a collision would cause the seat belt to press against the passenger more firmly. The resulting higher forces may increase the risk of an injury. 

Other Mazda CX-9 recalls

At this time, this is the only Mazda CX-9 recall that is affecting these particular models. In addition, the Mazda CX-9 crash test rating is among the highest in its class, which ensures excellent passenger safety. 

This month, over 13,000 MazdaSpeed6 and Mazda RX-8 were recalled due to a fuel leak from a cracked fuel pump mount.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the affected seat components with improved versions. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around November 26, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 8,000 Mazda CX-9 SUVs. To do a Mazda recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMazda recalls vehicles with seats that may slide forward

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