Mitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Franklin, TN – July 17, 2022 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) has issued a recall for 56,080 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera. The device could fail to show an image of the vehicle’s rear portion while reversing, increasing the risk of accidents and injury as well as property damage. 

The recall covers the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover SUVs.

Recall summary

The rearview camera enhances safety by providing drivers with a view of the vehicle’s rear while the transmission is in Reverse gear. This image is displayed on the dashboard monitor, allowing users to see more behind the vehicle than is normally possible with the rearview mirror.

Due to a Mitsubishi software issue, the recalled vehicles could fail to show the image on the screen, restricting the driver’s view of the area.

The component involved in this recall is the in-vehicle infotainment system, with part numbers 8740A049 and 8740A050.    

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar recall issued by Stellantis.

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

There was a Mitsubishi Outlander recall in February 2022 over a problem with the fuel pump. “Abnormal wear” on the component could cause it to fail, leading to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2022 Outlander has also been the subject of two complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over defective airbags. One incident was recorded on July 7, when an Outlander’s front airbags failed to deploy, despite the vehicle sustaining severe damage to the “front quarter panels.”

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the software to fix the problem. This will be performed free of charge. Owners who have availed of a remedy prior to the recall order will be directed to contact Mitsubishi for reimbursement.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 56,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mitsubishi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloMitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Hyundai, Kia issues fifth recall over exploding seat belts

Fountain Valley, CA – July 6, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are issuing recalls for 72,470 and 17,199 vehicles, respectively,  over a defect with the front seat belts. 

The pretensioners – which are parts of seat belts that allow it to tighten in a collision – could explode improperly in an accident, leading to an increased risk of injury. This is at least the fifth recall by Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia due to the same issue.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid   

Recall summary

A pretensioner retracts some of the webbing material used by a seat belt, using an explosive charge to lock the belt in place and secure occupants to their seats in the event of a crash. In the affected vehicles, an overpressurized pretensioner could send metal fragments into the cabin upon exploding.

It is not clear why this is occurring. However, according to the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the pretensioners involved in all five recalls were produced by the same supplier, Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, indicating a potential supplier error. The manufacturer runs all of its operations out of Mexico where it supplies parts for Kia, Hyundai and General Motors, according to press reports.

The component involved in this recall is the seat belt assembly with pretensioner, carrying part numbers 88810-P4500, 88820-P4500, 88810-K2500 and 88820-K2500.  

Recall risks

If a defective pretensioner is activated during a crash, metal fragments could shoot into the passenger compartment and injure the occupants.

Other Hyundai and Kia recalls

This is at least the fifth recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles over malfunctioning seat belt pretensioners. At least three injuries have already been reported so far.

Previous Hyundai and Kia seat belt recalls include:

In addition to these, there was a small recall in March of this year for the same issue. Owners of the affected vehicles are being asked to bring their vehicles in for the remedy described below.

Other Kia Sorento recalls include one in June 2021 in which 2014–2015 Sorento SUVs were recalled over an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), as reported.

The repair

At no charge, dealers will add a cap to the pretensioner, preventing it from deploying abnormally. Hyundai and Kia will reimburse customers who had their vehicles repaired before the recall order was announced. 

Affected Hyundai owners will be notified by mail by August 26, 2022, while affected Kia owners will be notified by August 19, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 89,000 vehicles are included in this Kia and Hyundai seat belt recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Hyundai or Kia recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloHyundai, Kia issues fifth recall over exploding seat belts

Ford Broncos, Rangers recalled over windshields that could detach

Dearborn, MI – July 3, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is issuing a recall for 63,294 Bronco SUVs and Ranger pickups whose windshields may detach from the vehicle frame in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of injuries.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 Ford Bronco 
  • 2022 Ford Ranger   

Recall summary

The windshield protects the vehicle’s occupants from elements such as wind and rain, while contributing to the car’s aerodynamics. Ford reports that the windshield on the recalled vehicles may not have been attached securely enough to the vehicle frame. It is not clear why this happened.

The components involved in this recall are the windshield with part numbers starting with N2DB-S03100 and KB3B-2103100, urethane bond with part number WSS-M2G316-B4 and primer with part number WSS-M5B280-C4.    

Recall risks

Detaching windshields pose a hazard in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the driver, passengers and other road users.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice increased wind noise or water leaks while using the vehicle, indicating that the windshield is not properly secured to the vehicle’s frame. 

Other Ford recalls 

Earlier this month, there was a Ford Bronco recall due a faulty child safety lock, which could permit the child to open the door from the inside, as reported.

In April 2022, Ford issued a similar recall for 39,720 Transit vehicles over insufficiently attached windshield. As in the current recall, the glass could detach from the frame in the event of an accident, increasing the likelihood of injury to the driver and occupants.

Ford also announced a recall for 79,017 F-Series trucks in March 2021 over improperly attached windshields.

The repair

Dealers will remove and reinstall the windshield on affected vehicles, using camera calibration where necessary to ensure a proper fit, at no cost to owners. Ford will reimburse customers who had their windshields repaired before the recall order was announced. 

Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 15, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 63,000 vehicles are included in this Ford windshield recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord Broncos, Rangers recalled over windshields that could detach

Stellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk

Auburn Hills, MI – June 30, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, has issued a recall for 138,645 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines due the risk of stall while driving. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Recall summary

Apart from regulating how much fuel should be injected during combustion, the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine In the affected vehicles, a defect in the HPFP could cause the component to fail and stop working while the vehicle is being used.    

Recall risks

When the fuel pump fails, it can let debris and other contaminants into the fuel system, clogging it so that fuel does not reach the engine. If this happens, the engine may suddenly stall, affecting other functions such as the power steering and service brakes. This leads to an increased risk of a crash.    

For more on risks of this recall, please visit a previous article on a Mazda fuel pump recall over the same issue. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the malfunction indicator lamp or service electronic throttle control warning light flashing on the dashboard. Other signs include “excessive noise” from the fuel pump or even fuel leaking from the component. 

Other Jeep and RAM recalls 

There was a Jeep recall in October 2021, involving 56,180 vehicles because of a faulty rearview camera that prevented drivers from seeing beyond the vehicle’s rear, as reported.

The 2022 RAM trucks were recalled earlier this month also because of faulty rearview cameras, as reported.

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and RAM 1500 were part of an earlier recall in 2020 for a similar risk of stalling.    

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump on affected vehicles at no charge to owners. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for repairs out of pocket. 

Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 29, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 138,000 vehicles are included in this fuel pump failure recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Jeep or Ram recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, Ram vehicles over fuel pump failure, crash risk

Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Auburn Hills, MI – June 28, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) which owns Chrysler, has issued a recall for 117,759 RAM pickup trucks due to a problem with the rearview camera which may not display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2022 RAM 3500 

Recall summary

Rearview camera sends video feed to be displayed on the dashboard monitor when reverse gear is engaged, allowing drivers to watch out for hazards such as obstacles and pedestrians.

On the affected vehicles, “the radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying.”

Recall risks

Without the video image projected onto the dashboard monitor, drivers may find it more difficult to maneuver in reverse as they would not be able to see behind the vehicle if it is safe to proceed.  This puts them at risk of hitting other objects such as poles, walls, and other people outside the vehicle, leading to injury.   

For more on risks of this recall, please visit our recent article on a Toyota rearview camera recall over the same issue.

Other Ram recalls 

Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks for the 2019 and 2020 model years were recalled in February 2022, because of faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

A total of 38,157 Ram 1500 trucks for the 2021 model year were also recalled in December 2021 over a problem with the rearview camera, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect and update the radio software at no cost to customers. Stellantis will reimburse customers who paid for the recall-associated repairs on their own.

 Affected owners will be notified by mail by July 29, 2022

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 117,000 vehicles are included in this Ram truck rearview camera recall . To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ram truck recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloChrysler recalls RAM trucks over faulty rearview cameras

Ford recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

Dearborn, MI – June 18, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 25,032 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustangs equipped with 5.0L engines and manual transmissions. One of the most important parts of the car, the powertrain control module (PCM) may send out a faulty signal, which could disable the reverse lights, backup camera or driver-assist features, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

The PCM is a device that controls over 100 functions performed by the vehicle’s engine and transmission based on the information it receives from various sensors. For example, the PCM ensures that the right amount of fuel is injected into the engine and that the vehicle shifts appropriately to ensure smooth driving.

In the affected 2019 and 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles, a software error could cause the PCM to send the wrong signals, resulting in important functions – such as the rear camera, reverse lights or driver-assist features – being disabled.

Recall risks

The loss of the rear camera or reverse lights would reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle and increase the risk of hitting an obstacle.  An error related to driver assist features could cause the transmission to shift incorrectly, disable the traction control system or prevent the forward collision warning from engaging, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a warning light on the dashboard, accompanied by a message that indicates which function has been disabled. 

Other Ford recalls 

Other Ford PCM recalls include one in April for more than 47,000 2021 F-150 pickup trucks also over a problem with the powertrain control module.

Also part of recent Ford Mustang recalls is an announcement last February involving over 330,000 vehicles for the 2015 to 2017 model years. This is in connection with faulty rearview cameras that either display a distorted image or none at all during reverse.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM software on the affected vehicles at no charge to customers.  Ford will reimburse customers for related repairs made  before the recall was issued for these Ford electric issues.

Affected owners will be notified by mail between June 13, 2022 and June 17, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 25,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Mustang recall. To see if your car is affected, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Mustang vehicles over loss of safety features

NHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

Washington, D.C. – June 12, 2022 – Federal auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a  Ford (NYSE:F) dealer that allegedly sold a 2021 Ford Escape car with an open recall. This is illegal under federal law.

Investigation summary

The dealer, Healey Brothers Ford, LLC, of Beacon, New York, allegedly sold at least one 2021 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV.

The recall in question appears to be one conducted in August 2021 for issues with the fuel delivery module. The issue resulted in the cars stalling while out on the road and affected over 13,000 units, as reported.

Can a dealer sell a car with a recall?

Under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act, selling a car with a recall is illegal unless the dealership labels them as used vehicles. Under Section 108 of the law, the penalty shall be $1,000 for each recorded violation. So, recalls do need to be fixed before a new car leaves the lot.

To learn more about whether or not a dealership sell a car with a recall and what to watch out for, please visit this page.

Risks

If the engine stalls while the vehicle is in motion,  it will be difficult for the driver to perform standard operations such as steering and braking, increasing the risk of a crash.    

Other Ford investigations 

NHTSA is carrying out a separate investigation on Ford regarding 32 complaints of 2021 model year Ford Bronco vehicles that stalled while driving without prior warning. Initial findings suggest that the problem was caused by an engine valve falling apart, resulting in terminal engine failure. 

The Escape was also the subject of a safety recall issued in May 2022 over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicle to unintentionally roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.   

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

To see if your Ford Escape is part of any other vehicle recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNHTSA investigates Ford dealer over sale of recalled Escape SUV

Toyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

Plano , TX – May 22, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has issued a recall for 18,101 2022 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera. The camera might be unable to show the video feed on the dashboard monitor, which can affect the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Recall summary

A parking assist electronic control unit (ECU) controls the signal sent to the panoramic view monitor (PVM) that uses multiple cameras to provide the driver with a 360-degree external view of the vehicle. One of these is the rearview camera that lets the driver see behind the vehicle.

Due to a software error the rear camera may fail to transmit an image during “certain weather conditions,” such as “cold temperatures.

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please visit our recent article on a Daimler truck recall because of the same issue.

Other Toyota recalls 

Toyota electrical issues include a previous recall in October 2021 due to an issue with the headlights.

Among other Toyota Tundra recalls is a recall from November 2021 over an issue with the power steering.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the parking assist ECU on the affected models at no charge to the owner. Affected owners will be notified by June 27, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 18,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota rearview camera recall for the Tundra. To see if your car is affected by this Toyota recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls Tundra pickups over defective rearview camera

Daimler issues stop-drive notice for Mercedes-Benz cars over brake failure risk

Jacksonville, FL – May 22, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is issuing a stop-drive notice and recall for 292,287 vehicles over an issue with the braking system that may lead to a complete brake failure.

The recall affects 2006 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML-Class, and GL-Class vehicles. The following models are subject to the recall:

  • 2007 – 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320CDI
  • 2010 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL350BTC
  • 2007 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL450
  • 2008 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL550
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML320BTC
  • 2007 –2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350
  • 2010 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350BTC
  • 2010 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450H
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML500
  • 2008 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML550
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG ML63
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz R320BTC
  • 2007 – 2008 Mercedes-Benz R320CDI
  • 2006 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350
  • 2010 – 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350BTC
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz R500
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz R550
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG R63

Recall summary

A brake booster enhances the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. This makes it easier for the driver to increase the braking force without having to step too hard on the brake pedal.

In the affected vehicles, the brake booster is encased in a rubber sleeve for aesthetic purposes. Due to a supplier error, water can enter inside the sleeve, causing the brake booster to corrode and leak. 

This could require the driver to press the brake pedal harder than usual to slow the vehicle down. In some cases, the brake pedal may disconnect from the braking system, preventing drivers from stopping the vehicle altogether.

The component involved in this recall is the brake booster with multiple part numbers including A1644310427, A1644310527 and A1644310627.

Recall risks

Brake failure may make it difficult or impossible to slow down or stop the vehicle. This significantly increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Warning signs

Drivers might observe a hissing sound when pressing the brake pedal. They might also notice that the brake pedal is not as responsive as usual.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In March 2022, Daimler announced a recall of 28,743 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over over reduced braking performance that could increase the risk of a crash.

Mercedes-Benz recalls also include certain models of the Mercedes-Benz GLE Class spanning the 2020 to 2022 model years and equipped with mild-hybrid powertrains, which were recalled earlier this month because of the risk of fire.

The repair

Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve to prevent further corrosion and inspect the brake booster housing. Vehicles with minimal corrosion can still be driven normally “for up to two years” before requiring another repair. Vehicles that fail the test must have their brake boosters replaced.

Affected owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. They will be notified of the recall by May 27, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 292,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz brakes recall. To see if your car is affected by any Mercedes-Benz ML-Class recalls, Mercedes Benz GL-Class recalls, or other Mercedes-Benz recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloDaimler issues stop-drive notice for Mercedes-Benz cars over brake failure risk

Ford recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away

Dearborn, MI — May 15, 2022 — Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 252,936 SUVs over an issue with part of the vehicles’ drivetrain – called a driveshaft – and transmission which may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2020 –2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid
  • 2020–2022 Ford Explorer Intercept Hybrid
  • 2020 Ford Explorer PHEV
  • 2020 Ford Explorer Police Intercept FHEV

Recall summary

Rear-wheel drive vehicles use a driveshaft to transmit the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle, which in turn transfers the power to wheels, propelling the vehicle forward.

On affected vehicles, the bolt that connects the axle with the driveshaft may fracture because of a supplier error.  This could disconnect the driveshaft from the rear wheels, rendering the vehicle unable to stay in Park and increasing the risk of a rollaway.

The components involved in this recall are the rear axle cover with part number L1MW-4A028-G and the bushing with part number L1MW-4B425-B.

Recall risks

A rollaway ups the risk of a crash and injury.    

Warning signs

Customers and dealer technicians have described the transmission making various sounds such as “loud, grinding, binding, or clunking noises.”

Other Ford recalls 

One recent case of Ford driveshaft issues involved 184,698 F-Series pickup trucks, which were recalled in January over also because of of disconnecting driveshafts, as reported.

In October of last year there was a Ford Explorer recall due to the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle, also as reported.

A Ford Police Explorer recall was initiated in January 2021, involving contaminated windshield washer fluid that can potentially compromise outward visibility, resulting in an increased risk of accidents.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the bolt and axle covers, if needed. In some cases, a software update will be also be done to ensure that the electronic parking brake will engage when Park is selected. No fees will be collected for the service. Ford will reimburse owners for the costs of any previous repair work involving the component.

Affected owners will be notified between June 6, 2022 and June 10, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 252,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Explorer driveshaft recall. To see if your Ford SUV is part of this Ford recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Explorer SUVs that may roll away