Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

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

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

Auburn Hills, MI – June 24, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand is recalling 12,458 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrids because they may shut down. The resulting loss of power ups the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the back of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed SUVs are plug-in hybrids fitted with a 2-liter engine and an electric motor. Their drive-related functions are managed by a computer called the hybrid control unit (HCU). Due to unknown reasons, the communication between the transmission and HCU may be lost. This may lead to the vehicle stalling with no warning.

Recall risks

Unexpected engine shutdown may cause a loss of motive power. In fact, leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received “seven customer assistance records, 10 warranty claims, and six field reports” about the stall.

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Jeep recalls

Earlier this month, a large batch of Cherokee SUVs was recalled over a risk of fire, as reported.

Last April, over 45,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles were recalled also because of the risk of stalling.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the engine’s software. This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 12,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep engine 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 Cherokees that may stall

Stellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   

Auburn Hills, MI – June 10, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 132,099 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee SUVs because they can catch fire, upping the risk of an injury and crash.

This recall supersedes two previous recalls conducted for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints. Vehicles that have already received repairs will need a new remedy. 

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a power liftgate, which is an electrically operated trunk lid that opens and closes at a touch of a button. Its operation is controlled by a module, which, in the affected vehicles, may suffer from water intrusion. This can result in an electrical short and cause the SUV to catch fire while driving or parked. 

Recall risks

You can find more about fire-related risks in this Hyundai recall from July 2022

Safety tips

As vehicles can catch fire while being driven or while parked, owners are also advised to park away from structures until such repairs have been completed.

Warning signs 

Water intrusion could cause the module to stop working, which prevents the power liftgate operation. 

Background of the recall 

These SUVs were already recalled over the same issue on two separate occasions, in June 2015 and  December 2015. During these repairs, the power liftgate module and its connectors were inspected for traces of corrosion. Furthermore, the suspected area was modified to prevent water intrusion and the module was covered with a foam shield.  However, the manufacturer received “50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports” for repaired vehicles leading up to the recall.

Other Jeep recalls

In November 2022, nearly a quarter of a million RAM trucks were recalled over a fire risk

More recently, in April 2023, Stellantis recalled more than 69,000 Jeeps and RAMs because their transmissions could overheat and crack, resulting in a fire.

Finally, last month, more than 130,000 RAM trucks were subject to a recall due to the risk of stalling. This is at least the fourth recall for these vehicles due to the same issue, as reported.

The repair

At this point, the manufacturer is working on a solution. Once it is available, it will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on June 30, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 130,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep power liftgate 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 SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   

Mercedes-Benz recalls sedans over loss of stability and ABS   

Jacksonville, FL – June 4, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 7,558 sedans whose stability and handling may be affected by a software error. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Affected models include the following: 

  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz S580E
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S580
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S680

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with a safety feature called Electronic Stability Control (ESP). Its job is to prevent the wheels from locking up or losing traction during harsh cornering, as reported.

In the affected vehicles, the software error might result in the ESP shutting down, affecting a variety of different functions, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), anti-skid regulation and the vehicle’s speedometer.

Recall risks

With the ESP out of order, the vehicle will be less stable and harder to handle. In addition, the speedometer will not work, showing zero miles-per-hour (mph) regardless of the actual speed. All these issues up the risk of an accident.

Warning signs 

Should the ESP malfunction occur, multiple warning lights and messages will pop up on the vehicle’s dashboard. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by a recall caused by inoperable rearview cameras, which took place in July 2022

In January 2023, Mercedes-Benz recalled a large batch of cars over the risk of stalling

In April 2023, the manufacturer conducted a third round of recalls for cars that may catch fire due to water intrusion, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the ESP software free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by July 18, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 7,000 luxurious sedans are affected by this Mercedes-Benz ESP 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 sedans over loss of stability and ABS   

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

Franklin, TN  – May 27, 2023 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 89,907 SUVs because their rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage.

This is at least the second Mitsubishi recall for this issue since last year.

The latest edition includes:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 
  • 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a display on their dashboard as a part of the infotainment system, which reproduces the image from the rearview camera when backing up. In affected vehicles, a software error may cause this display to show a black screen instead of the rearview camera’s feed

Recall risks

The recall comes on the back of several warranty claims and field reports but fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been reported. All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Mitsubishi recalls

In July 2022, Mitsubishi recalled more than 50,000 Outlanders over a similar problem with their rearview cameras.

In addition, some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from August 2022 caused by transmission issues

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the relevant software free of charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 90,000 SUVs are affected by this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

US government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

Washington, D.C. May 21, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is examining a request to recall all Teslas currently on the road to add an allegedly missing safety feature to prevent drivers from accidentally accelerating while parking. Doing so increases the risk of a crash.

This is the second petition of its kind. If it leads to a recall, it could affect over 1.6 million vehicles.

The list includes:

  • 2017 – 2023 Tesla Model 3
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2013 – 2023 Tesla Model Y

Petition summary  

On April 7, 2023, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), started examining a petition submitted by Greek engineer Costas Lakafossis.

The petition alleges that Teslas have an “increased likelihood” of the so-called sudden unintended acceleration events (SUAs)  – which is when the driver hits gas instead of brake – because they are programmed to brake automatically and allow the driver to shift into Reverse without application of the brake pedal.

The feature  – which Lakafossis calls a “dangerous ‘party trick'” – may confuse the driver and should be eliminated, according to the petition. Instead, all Teslas should be fitted with a brake shift mechanism.

What is a brake shift mechanism?

The brake shift interlock mechanism is software or a device that prevents the car from shifting into Drive or Reverse until the driver presses the brake pedal. It was first introduced in the 1980s as a safety feature. It proved successful at preventing accidents caused by sudden and unintended acceleration and became mandatory on all new cars in 2010. 

The petitioner argues that there is no reason why Teslas should be allowed to not have this essential safety feature.

Previous investigation points to driver error

To back up his claims, Lakafossis points to a previous NHTSA investigation on the back of another petition. In that case, the petitioner alleged that Teslas had an unidentified “defect” that caused them to suddenly accelerate. However, upon analyzing close to 250 crashes the previous petitioner attributed to the defect, NHTSA found that the majority of them were caused not a technical fault but by “pedal misapplication” by the driver. 

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

Tesla is currently subject to another NHTSA investigation over multiple incidents of their cars colliding with first responder vehicles stationed at a scene of pre-existing crashes. The investigation was upgraded to the engineering analysis in summer of last year after discovery of additional crashes, as reported.

The most recent large-scale Tesla recall occurred in February 2023 when the manufacturer recalled over 350,000 cars that were prone to breaking traffic rules when in the self-driving mode, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

If this petition results in a Tesla brake interlock recall, it could affect more than 1.5 million vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government mulls request to recall all Teslas to add missing safety feature

Ford issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

Dearborn, MI  – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 231,942 2004 – 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks because their passenger airbags may fail to deploy in a crash. This reduces occupant protection, increasing the risk of injury. 

This recall is an expansion and replacement of one conducted just recently, in March 2023, over the same issue. 

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles originally had Takata airbags which, as reported, are prone to exploding when deploying. In 2017 and 2018, these airbags were swapped for new ones that did not have that defect. However, dealers botched the repair, resulting in airbags that may not inflate during a crash.

Recall risks

An airbag that fails to deploy in a crash ups the risk of an injury. 

Background of the recall

The manufacturer already recalled a range of these vehicles for the exact same issue in March, as reported. However, in April, it found one additional vehicle that was not included in the original recall that had an incorrectly installed airbag. On the back of that, Ford decided to conduct the current recall, expanding the number of vehicles to 230,000 from 98,000. The current recall supersedes the one conducted in March.

Other Ford recalls

In February Ford issued a second recall for Lincoln Navigator, Corsair and Ford Explorer SUVs due to malfunctioning rearview cameras. The first recall was done in October 2021 but proved to be insufficient, as reported.

In March, Ford recalled over a million vehicles whose brakes may become less responsive than usual due to a brake fluid leak, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the airbags properly. The repairs are free of charge. It is not clear if vehicles that already had their airbags replaced will need a new remedy. Contact your dealer to find out if that is the case.

Owners should also receive letters with more information between May 22, 2023 and May 26, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 230,000 trucks are affected by this Ford airbag recall. 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 second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

Navistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

Lisle, IL  – May 13, 2023 – Navistar is recalling  9,170 2017 – 2023 International CV heavy-duty pickup trucks because the electric components in their brake systems may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. In addition, the vehicle may burst into flames even when parked, causing property damage.

Recall summary  

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the movement is transferred to a brake booster, which multiplies braking force, as reported. Listed trucks are also equipped with a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied. This is necessary for brake light activation and the operation of various driver assistance systems.   

The brake switch in the affected vehicles has a design flaw that could cause the seal between the brake booster and pressure switch to deteriorate. If this happens, the brake fluid could leak into the switch, which might short-circuit and overheat.    

Recall risks

All fire-related risks are described in this recent GM recall, which affected heavy-duty trucks that have the same brake pressure switch, as reported. The GM vehicles in question were made by Navistar.

Warning signs

A short-circuited brake pressure switch could trigger a “Service Brake System” warning on the vehicle’s display. 

Safety tips

As described in the said recent Chevy recall, you and all the passengers should quickly yet safely leave the vehicle if it catches fire while driving. This includes pulling over at a first safe spot and getting away from the vehicle while also being careful not to get hit by other cars.   

In addition, due to the nature of the defect, the truck may burst into flames even when it is parked with the engine off. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Navistar recalls

In December 2022, Navistar recalled some of its trucks and buses, including International CVs, over a risk of steering loss and vehicle instability.

This was not the only problem with stability this manufacturer had recently, as some of its school buses were recalled in January 2023 over potential loss of control.

The repair

Dealers will replace the leaking brake pressure switch with an upgraded variant. In addition, the connecting wiring harness will also be replaced if the brake fluid is found in its connector. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information starting on June 19, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 trucks are affected by this Navistar brake switch recall. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

General Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

Warren, MI  – April 30, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 40,428 heavy-duty pickup trucks. The brake system in these vehicles may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash, injury and property damage.

 The recall comes on the back of at least one fire. The following trucks are affected: 

  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 4500HD
  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 5500HD
  • 2019 – 2023 Chevrolet 6500HD

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a vehicle is connected to a brake booster, which multiplies brake power. Affected trucks also have a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied and activates the brake lights. 

Due to a design flaw, the seal between the brake booster and the said switch may deteriorate and develop a leak. This allows brake fluid into the switch, causing it to overheat because of an electrical short

The component behind the recall is the brake master cylinder pressure sensor with part number 19407495.  

Recall risks

Short-circuited brake pressure switch may cause an under-the-hood fire, which can spread to the rest of the vehicle. All risks associated with a fire are described in this recall

Warning signs

An issue with the  brake pressure switch may cause a “Service Brake System” warning to appear. 

Safety tips

If your Chevy truck catches fire while driving, pull over immediately and, together with all occupants, leave the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. Move away from the vehicle but be careful not to get hit by other cars.   

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when the engine is off,  you should park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Chevrolet recalls

In January 2023, General Motors recalled a large batch of their vehicles, including Silverado trucks, over blinding headlights

This was not the only recent light-related recall, as some of their SUVs had defective GM daytime running lights and were recalled over that issue in November 2022.

The repair

Dealers will replace the brake pressure switch with an upgraded one, which is not prone to leakage. In addition, they will check the connecting harness for damage and replace it if necessary. The repairs will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified starting May 29, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors recalls HD pickups over fire risk, advises owners to park away from structures

Stellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling

Auburn Hills, MI  – April 29, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 45,711 SUVs and pickup trucks because they may lose power while driving due to a faulty fuel pump. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall seems to be an expansion of one conducted in November for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and warranty claims.

The list of the affected models includes:

  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 1500

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a 3.0-liter diesel engine with a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Its job is to collect fuel from the tank, compress it and deliver it to the engine, where it is used for combustion that moves the vehicle forward.

Just like in the previous recall, the pump may break apart, sending debris into the fuel system and clogging it. This can prevent fuel flow to the engine, causing the vehicle to stall.  

The component behind the recall is the HPFP with part number 68501449AA.  

Recall risks

All associated risks are described in the previous Jeep fuel pump recall.  

Warning signs

Besides the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the “Service Electronic Throttle” warnings on the dashboard, drivers may pick up on the “excessive noise” from the engine bay or notice a fuel leak around the high-pressure pump.

Background of the recall

This recall appears to expand on one done in November of last year due to the same issue. It is not clear what led to the expansion but the current recall includes additional model-years and comes on the back of “​​seven customer assistance records, 126 warranty claims, eight field reports and three other service records.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls

The Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler model-years affected by this recall may also be part of a a different recall caused by the transmission that may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Among other Chrysler recalls, the one from March this year caused by detaching rear spoilers is the most recent, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump with an upgraded one. They will inspect the rest of the fuel delivery system and replace as needed. Everything will be done free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on or before June 2, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 45,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this high-pressure fuel recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to do a RAM recall check. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling