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

Kia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

Irvine, CA  – April 22, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 51,568 2022 – 2023 Kia Carnival minivans because their power sliding doors could trap and injure the occupants of the car. This recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and multiple injuries related to the defect.

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles have sliding rear doors, which are opened and closed by an electric motor. To prevent them from potentially injuring occupants, this system also has a so-called auto-reverse function whose job is to back up the closing door if it detects any obstacles. 

The feature does not work as intended, upping the risk of the car occupants getting injured.

Recall risks

Nine people have been injured as a result of this defect, according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the auto safety regulator in charge of this recall. 

Other Kia recalls

In February 2023, Kia recently recalled Telluride SUVs over an airbag issue

As for previous Kia Carnival recalls, the one from December 2021 – also caused by sliding-door issues – is the most recent

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an investigation conducted by the U.S. government’s auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in April of last year. The investigation was kicked off after the regulator received several complaints alleging that “excessive force” was required to close the doors once they got stuck.

The repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s power sliding door control module with an upgraded software version that gives the driver “two warning chimes” when it starts to close. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should have been notified starting April 28, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 50,000 cars are affected by this Kia sliding door 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 Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

Torrance, CA  – April 13, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 563,711 2007 – 2011 Honda CR-V SUVs in “salt-belt” states because part of their suspension may detach from the car. This can lead to the loss of vehicular control, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 60 customer complaints. 

Recall summary  

A car’s rear suspension is made from several components, with trailing arms being one of them. These metal pieces are connected to the the car’s chassis and hold the back wheels at the correct angle. 

The rear suspension and surrounding components in the affected vehicles may corrode because of multi-year exposure to road salt and other agents used to de-ice the roads in the 24 affected states. If severe enough, this can cause the trailing arm to detach from the chassis and cause the rear suspension to break apart

Recall risks

This defect will affect the vehicle’s road handling and reduce its steering control. This augments the risk of a crash and injury to its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Luckily, there have been no reported accidents or injuries leading up to this recall.

Other Honda recalls

This is not the only “salt belt” issue  Honda has recently had. In July 2022, the manufacturer had to recall Ridgeline pickup trucks over a fuel leak also caused by salt-induced corrosion

In addition, there is an ongoing U.S. government investigation over Honda cars braking on their own, as reported. This could result in future Honda CR-V recalls.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension to see if removing the bolt that holds the trailing arm in place is possible. Should this be possible, they will install a bracket, which will provide additional structural support. 

Otherwise, they will either repair the rear frame or “offer to repurchase the vehicle”  from the owner. The same will happen if the rear suspension breaks apart after the additional bracket is fitted. 

All repairs will be free of charge. Owners should receive letters with additional information starting May 8, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda rear trailing arm recall affects more than 500,000 vehicles. 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 CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

Daimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

Irvine, CA – April 9, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS: DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 69,246 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of affected vehicles includes the following trucks: 

  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary  

All listed trucks have a safety feature called Electronic Stability Control (ESP), which keeps the car stable by applying brakes when it determines that the driver needs help keeping the car on course.

This is achieved by the so-called brake modulator valves, which regulate the pressure which is applied to brakes on individual wheels.

In the affected vehicles, moisture may cause corrosion within these valves. This may result in the vehicle suddenly being pulled to the side when braking without any action on the part of the driver.

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the ESP malfunctions, an ABS warning light may appear on the dashboard. 

Other Daimler recalls

This is the latest in the series of Freightliner recalls caused by trucks pulling to the side. Just recently, in November 2022, more than 200,000 trucks were affected by a similar issue

In addition, fly-away hoods were the reason for one of the recent Western Star recall, which took place in September 2022

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the modulator valve with an upgraded one, which should not be prone to corrosion. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 70,000 trucks are being recalled over these DTNA brake issues. To do a DTNA recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Fountain Valley, CA – April 2, 2023 – Hyundai (NASDAQ: HYMTF) has recalled 167,085 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade SUVs because their windshield wipers may fail to operate. This reduces visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall, which comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in August 2022. 

Recall summary  

Windshield wipers are held in place and moved with a metal arm, which is mounted to the wiper mechanism with an electric motor. 

In affected vehicles, snow and ice may build up around the wiper arm’s base and obstruct its movement. This may result in the wipers stopping to work.

The component causing this recall is the driver’s windshield wiper arm, with part number 98311-S8000. 

Recall risks

Inoperable windshield wipers will reduce the driver’s visibility, especially in harsh weather, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Background of the recall 

This windshield wiper problem was first spotted on Hyundai Palisade models made before the end of November 2020 around three years ago and was addressed during a recall in August 2022. However, soon after, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation to access the adequacy and scope of that recall as it was revealed that SUV made after November 2020 were also potentially affected. The present recall is a direct result of the investigation.

Other Hyundai recalls

Apart from this Hyundai Palisade recall, vehicles made by this manufacturer have been plagued by various issues causing them to catch fire.  Aside from this, the manufacturer is currently dealing with an ongoing issue with its seat belt pretensioners, which so far resulted in seven recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s windshield wiper arms with an upgraded version, which is not prone to snow and ice accumulation. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on May 16, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 160,000 SUVs are recalled over this Hyundai windshield wiper failure. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 69,201 SUVs and pickup trucks that may catch fire due to overheating transmission. This ups the risk of a crash and injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 

This recall serves as an expansion, as well as replacement of a previous one conducted for the same issue in early 2021 and comes on the back of several vehicle fires. Vehicles repaired back then will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a manual transmission and the corresponding clutch assembly, which allows the driver to change gears.

Part of the clutch in the affected vehicles can overheat and crack “due to extreme overheating.” This creates hot shrapnel, which can pierce transmission housing and catch on fire as it comes in contact with an ignition source. 

Warning signs

An overheating clutch may generate a strong burning smell, which can be perceived by the driver or passengers.  The driver can also notice unspecified warning messages on the dashboard.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are described in this recent Hyundai recall

Background of the recall 

The problem with overheating clutches was first discovered several years ago and consequently led to a recall in January 2021. At that time, dealers addressed the issue by updating the vehicle’s software, so that it would reduce the engine’s power output if the clutch overheats.  However, this proved to be insufficient and there have been dozens of warranty claims and one injury leading up to this recall.

The repair

The manufacturer is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once it becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Owners will be receive letters with additional information on April 14, 2023. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wrangler recall in December of last year when  Wrangler SUVs and RAM trucks were recalled for the third time due to the risk of engine shutdown, as reported.

Stellantis is also under a U.S. government investigation due to reports of its Jeep Compass SUVs unexpectedly losing power.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 70,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep clutch pressure plate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE: HMC) vehicles whose steering wheels may become difficult to turn. This reduced the driver’s ability to adequately maneuver at the moment, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 238,271 vehicles, including the following: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Honda Civic 
  • 2022 Honda Civic Si

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on March 17 following 145 complaints about what was described as sticky steering

Based on the complaints, the steering wheel would occasionally become noticeably harder to turn, requiring much more effort from the driver. In most reported cases, this would happen after driving at highway speeds for some time.  

Risks

Steering that suddenly requires more effort to operate than usual could affect the driver’s ability to precisely maneuver the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Honda recalls 

Just recently, in November 2022, Honda recalled a large batch of their Ridgeline pickups over an issue with rearview cameras

As for previous major Honda Civic recalls, the one from April 2021, caused by faulty fuel pumps that may lead to stalling, was the most recent

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This sticky steering investigation may eventually lead to a Honda recall, possibly affecting nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. In the meantime, to see if your vehicle is under a recall or to do a Honda recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Auburn Hills, MI – March 11, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because their rear spoilers may detach. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in October 2021.

Recall summary  

A spoiler is a piece of plastic trim that sits on the top of the liftgate, which is an attachment that is used to load and unload cargo. The spoilers in the listed vehicles were fitted incorrectly, causing them to come in contact with the roof edge when the liftgate is opened. This may lead to the spoiler becoming loose and subsequently separating from the vehicle.

Recall risks

As described in a similar Volkswagen recall from April 2022, a spoiler that detaches from the vehicle at speed can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  

Warning signs

The driver or occupants may hear rattling if the spoiler becomes loose. 

Background of the recall 

Close to 5,000 2021 Durango SUV were recalled for the same issue in October 2021. It is not clear how the manufacturer became aware of the fact that more cars needed to be recalled.

Other Dodge recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the latest Dodge Durango recalls, which happened in December 2022 due to the the risk of vehicles stalling.

Other recent Stellantis recalls include one caused by a risk of tire failure and defective fuel pumps that may cause the vehicles to stall. Both occurred in November of last year.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 140,000 SUVs are affected by this Stellantis spoiler issue. To do a Chrysler recall check or a Dodge recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Volkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving

Auburn Hills, MI – February 26, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling  20,904 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric cars whose motors may lose power while driving.  This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The ID.4 is driven by an electric motor, which gets its power from a battery pack. The power delivery between the two is controlled by a computer called high voltage (HV) battery management control module, which ensures this is done optimally. 

In the affected vehicles, the control module that operates the battery and corresponding components may reset because of a software error. If that happens while driving, the vehicle may stall.

Recall risks

Stalling increases the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens on a highway. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Earlier this month, Volkswagen recalled a batch of Bettles that might be affected by an ongoing Takata airbag issue

The repair

To prevent the vehicles from shutting down, dealers will install updated software versions for the battery management and pulse inverter control units. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 31, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen high voltage battery recall is affecting more than 20,000 electric cars. To do a Volkswagen recall check or a Volkswagen ID.4 recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving