Bojan

Kia recalls 40,000 SUVs over fire risk

Kia recalls 40,000 SUVs over fire risk  

August 12, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – August 12, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 39,765 SUVs because they may catch fire while driving or parked. This ups the risk of a crash, injury and property damage. 

This is the latest in an ongoing string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls. The affected vehicles include:

  • 2023 Kia Soul
  • 2023 Kia Sportage
  • 2023 – 2024 Kia Seltos

Recall summary  

The vehicles above are equipped with the Idle, Stop and Go (ISG) system which includes an oil pump and a circuit board and shuts down the engine when the car is stationary “to maximize fuel efficiency.” While the engine is off, the oil pump ensures that transmission, brakes and power steering can remain operational.

In the affected vehicles, the circuit board may develop a short, consequently overheating and potentially leading to a vehicle fire.

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks posed by vehicle fires in this article about another Kia fire recall.

Warning signs 

The defect could trigger multiple warning lights, including those regarding electric power steering, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Auto Hold, Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). Other than that, the IGS may fail to operate, sending the vehicle into a limp-home mode, which may be hard to turn off. Lastly, the driver could also notice smoke coming from the engine bay. 

Safety tips 

Kia advises owners to “park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repair has been performed.”

Here are also the things you should do if the car does catch on fire.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from this issue, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a power brake assistance recall that happened in July 2023. 

Moreover, Kia and its sister company Hyundai are being investigated by the U.S government on the back of multiple and continuous fire-related recalls. The last recall in the series occurred in August of last year and affected over 280,000 of Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade cars, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the electric oil pump and the circuit board free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on September 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia fire recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls 40,000 SUVs over fire risk  
Ford issues fifth recall for vehicles with faulty doors

Ford issues fifth recall for vehicles with faulty doors

August 6, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 6, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 112,225 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect vans because their doors may open while driving, upping the risk of an injury.  

This is at least the fifth Ford recall due to this issue. Vehicles that were previously repaired might need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

Due to a supplier error, a spring inside the vans’ locking mechanism may be “susceptible to cracking and failure over time.” As a result, the doors may not close securely and could open while the vehicle is in motion.  

The component causing this recall is the core driver latch, with part numbers DT1A-V21813-B for the driver’s side and DT1A-V21812-A or DT1A-V21812-B for the passenger door. 

Recall risks

You can find out all about the associated risks in this article about a similar Volkswagen recall.

Background of the recall

The part behind the recall has been implicated in at least five other Ford recalls and several U.S. government investigations, according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is the government body in charge of regulating traffic safety. The most recent one occurred in June 2020 and replaced three of the previous recalls conducted for the same issue because of an inadequate remedy.

It is not clear if any of the previously repaired vans are once again included in the current recall, which comes on the back of multiple warranty claims.

Warning signs 

The door with a broken latch mechanism will be difficult to close and will likely rebound when the driver slams it shut. Incorrectly latched doors could also generate excessive “wind noise,” trigger a ”Door Ajar” warning or turn on the interior dome light.  

Other Ford recalls

Ford is currently subject to a separate government investigation involving faulty doors on its Ford Escape SUVs. The investigation could result in a recall of 350,000 of these vehicles, as reported.

Over 14,000 Ford Fusion hybrids were recalled in July 2023 because they could stall or catch fire.

The repair

Dealers will replace the door latches on the affected vehicles with upgraded ones free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between August 28, 2023  and September 1, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford door latch recall affects more than 100,000 vans. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues fifth recall for vehicles with faulty doors
Toyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk

Toyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk   

August 5, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Plano, TX – August 5, 2023 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which also owns the Lexus brand, has recalled 43,442 SUVs because their charging system may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.  

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime 
  • 2022 Lexus NX450H+ 

Recall summary  

Plug-in hybrids have two electrical systems – a high-current one to drive the wheels and a 12-volt system to power other components, such as lights or power windows. In between, there is a converter, which negotiates this voltage difference and ensures the 12-volt battery is being recharged.  

In affected vehicles, the converter may develop an electrical short due to damage “during production by the supplier.” This may cause it to overheat, augmenting the risk of fire. 

Recall risks

You can find out all about fire-related risks in this Hyundai recall from July 2022. 

Other Toyota recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a Toyota recall caused by a potential loss of stability, which took place in May 2022, as reported

More recently, in October 2022, more than 83,000 Lexus SUVs and Toyota trucks were recalled because their parking brakes would stop working, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty converters with improved ones free of charge. 

In the meantime, Toyota advises owners “not to charge their vehicles when the ambient air temperature is below or expected to drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit”. 

Owners should be notified between August 7, 2023, and September 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 SUVs are affected by this Toyota hybrid fire recall. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk   
Mercedes-Benz recalls C300 and AMG C43 sedans that may stall

Mercedes-Benz recalls C300 and AMG C43 sedans that may stall  

July 30, 2023 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – July 30, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS: MBGYY) is recalling 8,178 cars whose transmission may fail, causing the vehicle to lose drive, which ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

This recall affects the following cars with an automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43 

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing error, the transmission wiring harness – which is part of the mechanism responsible for propelling the car forward – is too short and can rub against other components. This could damage the wire over time, resulting in a loss of transmission.

Recall risks

The defect may result in the driver being stranded on the side of the road or losing power in traffic. Both situations increase the risk of an accident and injuries for everyone involved.

Warning signs

If the damaged wiring affects the transmission’s operation, the driver will be warned with several corresponding messages on the dashboard. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Earlier this month, there was a large Mercedes-Benz recall – which included some of the affected vehicles – also due to the risk of stalling, as reported. However, in that case the problem was caused by a failing fuel pump.

Additionally, some of the C300 cars may also have been affected by an October 2022 recall due to a electrical problem which could cause them to burst into flames.

The repair

Dealers will repair the harness free of charge. Owners should be notified on August 29, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 8,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes-Benz loss of drive recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls C300 and AMG C43 sedans that may stall  
US government investigates Ford SUVs with faulty front doors

US government investigates Ford SUVs with faulty front doors

July 29, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – July 29, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over allegations that welds on some of their vehicles’ doors may break, preventing them from closing or opening properly. They may also open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The investigation comes on the back of multiple injuries and one report of property damage.

If it leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 350,000 vehicles, including: 

  •  2020 – 2021 Ford Escape 
  •  2020 – 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 7,  2023, following multiple complaints of the front doors on said SUVs suddenly opening on their own while driving. Drivers also had a hard time opening and closing the doors and reported that some of the windows would also not open.

Based on initial findings, this is caused by the door hinge separating from the pillar to which it is welded. Consequently, the doors are not aligned correctly against the body and will not latch when closed.  

Risks

Doors that open suddenly while the car is moving may hit and injure pedestrians, cause property damage or startle the driver, leading to an accident.

In fact, leading up to the investigation, NHTSA received 118 complaints about the issue, as well as reports of 25 “minor injuries” and one of property damage. 

Warning signs

Many owners heard “loud popping noises” when opening and closing the doors before the hinges separated completely.  

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, Ford recalled a batch of Fusion hybrids with battery issues that may cause them to stall or even catch fire. 

In December of last year, over half a million of Escape and Bronco Sport SUVs were recalled due to a fuel leak that had a potential to cause a vehicle fire, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford broken doors’ recall, potentially affecting almost 350,000 SUVs. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford SUVs with faulty front doors
US government investigates stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles

US government investigates stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles

July 16, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – July 16, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) over an allegation its 2022 Kia EV6 electric cars may lose motive power or even experience a “complete electric failure,” upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect around 20,000 cars. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 3, 2023, following 11 complaints of cars losing power. In at least some cases, the cars could not be restarted and had to be towed.

Upon inspection, dealers found that there was a “strong correlation” between the power loss and the failure of the integrated control charging unit (ICCU).  

What is an integrated control charging unit?

The integrated control charging unit is an electric “charger” that powers up both the high-voltage battery used to drive the electric motor and the low-voltage battery, which provides 12-volt electricity for the rest of the car’s systems.  

Based on the initial findings, an excessive current may damage ICCU’s circuit board, preventing the low-voltage battery from being charged. This ultimately shuts down the systems using it as a power supply, making the vehicle inoperable.  

Risks

Without sufficient power being delivered to the wheels, the driver may have difficulties maneuvering the vehicle into a safe spot. This dramatically increases the risk of a crash.

“Unnerving” experiences

In fact, one driver described an “unnerving” experience when the car suddenly decelerated to 22 miles per hour (mph) from 40 mph “during rush hour on a secondary road with a limited shoulder.”

Drivers also reported their cars being stuck at dealerships for weeks after they “could no longer be driven.”  Some drivers have been told that the part was “on national backorder.”

Warning signs

Before the power loss, some drivers observed “Stop the vehicle and check power supply” and “Check electrical vehicle system” warning messages pop up on the instrument cluster.  In addition, one driver stated there was a “loud pop from the rear passenger side of the vehicle”  just before the message appeared. 

Other Kia recalls

Earlier this month, Kia recalled nearly 100,000 Sportage SUVs because their brake boosters may fail to activate. 

Some of the Kia EV6 cars mentioned here may have been affected by a recall caused by the risk of a rollaway, which took place in May 2022. 

In addition, both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation for non-crash related fires, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Kia loss of power recall, potentially affecting almost 20,000 electric cars. To do a Kia recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates stalling Kia EV6 electric vehicles
Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling

Daimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling 

July 15, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Sandy Springs, GA – July 15, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands, is recalling 164,054 passenger cars and commercial vans because they may stall due to fuel pump failure. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Some of the affected vehicles include: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G53
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz S550
  • 2021 – 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S580
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2021 Freightliner Sprinter 2500

Recall summary  

The fuel pump impeller is a plastic disk that helps “increase the pressure and flow of fuel.” Due to a supplier error, the impeller in the affected vehicles “may deform.” This may result in a shutdown of the pump and an engine stall.

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here. 

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle may get hit by oncoming traffic. This ups the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.

Warning signs

The driver may notice a “malfunction warning message” on the dash or experience the engine “running rough.”

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of these Mercedes-Benz vans may have been affected by a recall caused by the risk of rollaway, which took place in November 2022. 

More recently, in January 2023, a large batch of Mercedes-Benz cars was recalled also because of the risk of stall, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump with an upgraded one free of charge.

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 160,000 cars and vans are being recalled over this Mercedes-Benz fuel pump issue. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls vehicles over risk of stalling 
Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

July 8, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA – July 8, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 124,077 cars whose brakes may fail. This impacts the vehicle’s ability to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of the affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2020 – 2021 Honda Civic
  • 2021 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2021 – 2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 – 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a car is powered by the master cylinder, which generates the pressure necessary for the brake to work. The operation of the brake is also helped by a booster, which multiplies the force generated by the driver’s foot, reducing the necessary physical effort. 

In the affected cars, the brake master cylinder was incorrectly bolted to the brake booster. As a result, the two parts may separate, which would “cause the loss of brake function.”

Recall risks

An unexpected loss of brake function would dramatically increase the odds of a crash.

Other Honda recalls

In April 2023, Honda recalled more than half a million CR-V SUVs whose suspensions may detach because of corrosion. 

More than 117,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled in December 2022 because their rearview cameras failed to display an image, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the booster assembly, if necessary, be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on August 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 120,000 cars and light pickup trucks are affected by this Honda failing brakes recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail
Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

July 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – July 2, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF), is recalling 98,944 2023 Kia Sportage SUVs because their power brake assistance may fail. This would make the vehicles harder to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the heels of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

The power braking in the listed vehicles is done by a brake booster. In the SUVs affected by this recall the brake booster may develop an internal leak reducing its stopping power. 

Recall risks

The defect increases stopping distance, which augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall  

The recall comes on the back of at least 73 customer complaints about the issue. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Warning signs

The loss of brake boost assist “can result in hard pedal feel and increased effort during pedal application.”

Other Kia recalls

In April 2023, Kia recalled minivans over a sliding door issue, as reported.

In February 2023, a batch of Telluride midsize SUVs was recalled because their airbags would fail to deploy.

Separately, millions of Kia and Hyundai cars are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation due to multiple instances of car fires, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the brake boosters free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 100,000 UVs are affected by this Kia brake booster recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

July 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 331,401 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs because a part of their rear suspension may break off. This may cause the vehicle to become unstable and may also lead to road debris, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The spring coil is a flexible component of the vehicle’s suspension, which allows the wheels to go up and down over the bumps. In the affected SUVs, however, the springs at the rear were fitted incorrectly and may fall out of their position. This could cause the rear suspension to break and could also create road debris for other vehicles.

Recall risks

A broken suspension can make the vehicle unstable and difficult to control, upping the chances of a crash and injury.  In addition, other vehicles on the road could come upon the broken coils and crash.

Other Jeep recalls

Just a few days ago, Jeep recalled hybrid Cherokees over the risk of stalling. 

Earlier this year, in April, a batch of Jeeps was recalled because their transmission may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire. 

The repair

Dealers will repair the rear springs free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 300,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rear spring coil recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss
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