Ford issues third round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over faulty rearview cameras

Dearborn, MI – June 3, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 422,201 SUVs with rearview cameras that may fail, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.

This recall comes on the back of a “minor crash” and is the third one of its kind since 2021.

The following models are affected:

  • 2020 – 2023 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 – 2023 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Recall summary

Owners of the affected vehicles may experience loss of video feed when either going in Reverse or when the 360-degree camera view is selected and the vehicle is being driven at a low speed. 

Recall risks

For more on risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar issue by Honda.  

Background of the recall

Ford originally recalled some of the affected vehicles in 2021. That recall had to be expanded in February of this year as the original remedy proved to be insufficient, as reported.

Following the second recall, the manufacturer received 250 warranty claims alleging loss of the video feed in cars that previously received repairs. The defect resulted in at least one minor accident.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Ford involving the 2021 Ford Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator, alleging that the two models presented an increased risk of fire while being driven or when parked and switched off. 

The Lincoln Navigator and Corsair were also the subjects of a Ford recall announced in January 2023 because of an issue with the seatbelt chime, as reported.

The repair

The remedy for the issue is being developed and will be available free of charge once ready. Ford will also reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued. 

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by June 30, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 420,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford and Lincoln rearview camera issue. To run a Ford recall check or check for more Ford and Lincoln recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord issues third round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over faulty rearview cameras

BMW recalls Minis that may catch fire

Westwood, NJ – May 28, 2023 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY), which owns the Mini brand, is recalling 97,933 vehicles in the 30 “salt belt” states due to the risk of fire because of water and salt entering the cars.

This is the second recall issued by BMW over the defect internationally but the first one of its kind in the U.S.

The following models are covered by this recall: 

  • 2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper
  • 2008 – 2014 Mini Cooper Clubman
  • 2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper S
  • 2007 – 2013 Mini JCW

Recall summary

Affected vehicles were registered or sold in the states that use road salt in the winter “to control snow and ice” and also experience large temperature fluctuations throughout the year.  They are also equipped with a sunroof.

Repeated temperature changes result in damage to the sunroof drain hose, allowing water to enter the cabin and combine with the road salt that may also be present in the footwell to form an “electrolyte solution.”

The solution may then come into contact with a computer called the footwell control module (FRM) which controls lighting and power windows. This may lead to the module short-circuiting, causing a fire.

Recall risks

You can read more about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a Hyundai recall due to the same risk. For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please see this article about a recent Navistar fire-related recall

Background of the recall

This is the second recall because of this issue internationally but the first one in the U.S. In 2018, these cars were recalled in the Canadian market due to the risk of fires caused by corrosion in the FRM. Following the recall, the manufacturer received reports of the repaired vehicles experiencing fires. The subsequent investigation found the sunroof hose to be the culprit, leading to the present recall.

As of May 2023, BMW has received reports of six incidents in the U.S. market involving the defect, with no record of accidents or injuries.   

Other BMW recalls

In May 2022, BMW recalled 61,221 vehicles over a defect that allowed the sunroof to close even when the key fob is inside the vehicle, leading to an increased risk of injury. 

In July 2022, BMW also recalled 6,930 vehicles for failure to display critical safety information while the car is being parked by a valet, presenting an increased danger of an accident.  

The repair

The remedy for the issue is being developed. It will be offered free of charge once it is made available. BMW will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information on July 3, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 97,000 vehicles are affected by this Mini footwell control module recall. To run a Mini recall check or check for more BMW and Mini recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloBMW recalls Minis that may catch fire

Volkswagen recalls electric SUVs whose doors may open while driving

Auburn Hills, MI – May 20, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 35,325 2021–2022 ID.4 electric SUVs due to the risk of their doors opening while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to car occupants falling out, leading to an augmented risk of injury.

Recall summary

Vehicle doors contain sensitive electronic components such as circuit boards and wires. As such, they are built to prevent water from entering and causing damage.   

In the affected vehicles, the door handles may not have sufficient waterproofing protection, leading water to reach the electronics within the door panels, leading to various malfunctions.     

Recall risks

The damaged circuit board can result in the door lock disengaging, causing the door to accidentally open when the vehicle is negotiating a sharp turn at speeds below 9 miles-per-hour (mph). This puts the vehicle’s occupants at risk of injury, apart from presenting a risk of damage to objects and people outside the vehicle. 

Warning signs

Occupants may notice a clicking noise, similar to what the door makes when it is being locked and unlocked.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In November 2022, Volkswagen recalled 6,076 vehicles belonging to its Audi brand because of an infotainment display issue, as reported.

In February 2023, Volkswagen issued a recall for 20,904 2021 ID.4 electric SUVs due to a stalling issue with the vehicle’s electric motor, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the door handles on the affected vehicles and replace them free of charge. The vehicle’s software will also be updated accordingly.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by June 30, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 35,000 vehicles are affected by this Volkswagen door handle recall. To run a Volkswagen recall check or check for more Volkswagen recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls electric SUVs whose doors may open while driving

Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

Auburn Hills, MI – May 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler, Dodge and RAM brands, is issuing a recall for 131,700 2021 RAM 1500 trucks that may stall, which ups the risk of a crash. This is at least the fourth RAM 1500 recall in less than a year because of stalling. The latest edition comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and at least one accident.

Recall summary

The powertrain control module (PCM) is a car computer that regulates how much fuel and air should be injected into the engine to ensure its optimum efficiency.

In the affected vehicles, faulty PCM software may result in a mixture that has too much fuel. This can lead to the engine shutting down during use.

The problem has been reported on models equipped with the 5.7L eTorque mild-hybrid powertrain.      

Recall risks

The defect can lead to the car stalling without prior warning, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and a subsequent injury for the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Background of the recall

The recall is the result of “206 customer records, 636 warranty claims, and 53 field reports,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator in charge of the recall. In addition, at least one accident was caused by this defect. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other RAM recalls

This is at least the fourth recall in less than a year for RAM 1500 trucks due to stalling.

In June 2022, the RAM 1500 was one of two vehicles recalled over an issue with the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), which could lead to the engine stalling.        

In November 2022, Stellantis issued a second recall also involving the RAM 1500 over the premature failure of the HPFP.   That recall was expanded in late April, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM calibration software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by June 2, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 31,000 vehicles are affected by this RAM PCM software recall. To run a RAM 1500 recall check or check for more Chrysler recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

Nissan recalls SUVs whose driver seats may detach from frame

Franklin, TN – May 6, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY), which owns the Infiniti brand, is issuing a recall for 12,400 SUVs due to the risk of the driver seat coming off its frame in the event of a crash. This may result in a serious injury if there is an accident.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2023 Infiniti QX60
  • 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2023 Nissan Rogue

Recall summary

The driver’s seat on a vehicle is mounted on rails, enabling the user to adjust the legroom and find the ideal driving position.

Due to a supplier error, the seat in the affected vehicles may not be fully attached to the rails, potentially leading to its sliding off in the event of a crash.

Recall risks

The defect could lead to the driver getting thrown in the air and injured in the event of the crash.     

Other Nissan recalls

In July 2022, Nissan recalled Nissan Frontier and Nissan Titan trucks over a problem with the transmission, which could cause the vehicles to roll away even when in Park, as reported.   

In March 2023, Nissan also issued a recall for 404,690 vehicles over problems with the driver’s side airbag, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the clearance on the driver’s seat rail and replace the seat frame if needed. The repair will be performed free of charge.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by June 10, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 12,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan driver seat recall. To run a Infiniti recall check or check for more Nissan recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs whose driver seats may detach from frame

Rivian recalls SUVs due to low visibility when backing up

Plymouth, MI – April 23, 2023 – Rivian (NYSE:RIVN) has issued a recall for 5,030 2022–2023 Rivian R1S SUVs because of a problem with their reverse lights. This could compromise the vehicle’s visibility to other road users and lead to an increased risk of an accident.    

Recall summary

Reverse lights serve to only only illuminate the area behind the vehicle but also to notify other road users that the vehicle is backing up. In the affected vehicles, the center of the light beam may not be visible from certain angles.  The vehicle will still emit audible alerts advising pedestrians that it is reversing.

Recall risks

The driver could hit pedestrians or inanimate objects, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Other Rivian recalls

In October 2022, Rivian recalled 12,212 vehicles because of issues with vehicle’s control and handling, as reported.

Recent Rivian R1S recalls also included a recall issued in March 2023 over a problem with the front passenger seat belt, which could lead to the airbag failing to deploy, also as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will repair or replace the reverse lights at no cost to customers. Rivian will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by May 20, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 vehicles are affected by this Rivian reverse lights recall. To run a Rivian recall check or check for more Rivian recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloRivian recalls SUVs due to low visibility when backing up

Daimler issues second recall for trucks with faulty windshield wipers

Portland, OR – April 16, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMRLY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) including the FCCC and Freightliner brands, is recalling 54,375 trucks because of windshield wipers that could fail and lead to an increased risk of a crash. This expands on an earlier recall conducted in April 2022.  

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2C 
  • 2020 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2G 
  • 2020 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2RV 
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2020 – 2022 Freightliner M2

Recall summary

The wiper arm assembly is linked together through splines, which are ridges that match with grooves on a connecting piece. In the affected vehicles, the wiper arm splines may experience accelerated wear, causing the wiper to function erratically or stop working altogether.  

The component involved in this recall is the wiper arm assembly with multiple part numbers, including A22-78786-000,  A22-78786-001 and  A22-74082-000.   

Recall risks

If the windshield wiper malfunctions, this could compromise visibility when driving the vehicle in rainy or snowy conditions, increasing the likelihood of a crash.      

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that the windshield wipers are not working properly when operating them as part of performing a pre-trip inspection.  

Background of the recall

DTNA recalled around 500 vehicles over the problem in April 2022. By December that same year, the company received reports that more models may have been affected by a defective windshield wiper arm beyond the original batch. In January 2023, DTNA launched an official investigation in cooperation with its parts supplier Trico, leading to an expansion of the recall order by late March 2023.

DTNA has so far received one field report and 48 warranty claims over the issue since February 2023.     

Other Daimler recalls

In October 2022, Daimler recalled 7,601 school buses due to defective barriers on the front seats, presenting a higher risk of injury in a collision.     

As part of Daimler truck recalls, 218,147 heavy-duty trucks were recalled in November 2022 over a problem with the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, causing the vehicles to pull to one side when braking is engaged. The abrupt change in direction increases the risk of a crash.   

The repair

DTNA is currently developing a remedy for the problem, assuring that dealers will perform repairs free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 23, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 54,000 vehicles are affected by this Daimler truck windshield wipers recall. To run a Daimler recall check or check for more Daimler recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloDaimler issues second recall for trucks with faulty windshield wipers

Mercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Jacksonville, FL – April 8, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which also owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 6,140 vehicles over a water leak that presents a host of dangers to occupants, including the risk of fire and reduced engine performance.

This recall serves as an expansion of two previous recalls for the same issue conducted in 2019 and 2021.

The latest installment covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600


Recall summary

Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing water to leak inside the cabin through the front passenger footwell.

The component involved in this recall is the A/C drain hose with part number A1678323600.  

Recall risks

Water entering the passenger compartment presents many risks to both the vehicle and the occupants. Rust could form from within the vehicle and the water can also potentially short out the electrical system. Apart from presenting an increased risk of fire, this can also cause the car’s electronic features to malfunction, which could affect the ability to unlock doors and call emergency services.

The leak can also accidentally trigger the engine’s limp-home feature while driving, upping the probability of a crash.       

Warning signs

Users may notice that the front footwell carpets have become wet under normal use, as well as misting on the windows.

Background of the recall

In August 2021, Mercedes-Benz conducted an investigation into reports that certain GLE and GLS vehicles that were not included in previous recalls were experiencing water leaks. By February 2023, the automaker traced the problem to drain hoses incorrectly installed during the assembly process. This led to the present recall. There has been no reported crashes or injuries leading up the the recall announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled 59,574 vehicles due to faulty seat back locks on the third row seats that could potentially increase the risk of injury in a crash.    

In January 2023, some 123,696 Mercedes-Benz vehicles spanning multiple models were recalled following reports of detaching sunroofs, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the hoses correctly free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 16, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 61,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water intrusion recall. To run a Mercedes-Benz recall check or check for more 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG Recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Ford recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

Dearborn, MI – March 26, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 1.28 million vehicles over a problem with the front brake hose. This augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following vehicles are affected:

  • 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2015 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2018 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2013 Ford  Fusion
  • 2014 Ford Fusion
  • 2015 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2017 Ford Fusion
  • 2018 Ford Fusion

There was a related recall in 2020 and this recall is likely the result of an ongoing U.S government investigation.

Recall summary

The brake hose is made of rubber and delivers the brake fluid that ensures that the vehicle will slow down or stop safely when the driver steps on the brake pedal. 

In the affected vehicles, the front brake hose may rupture as a result of certain driving conditions like frequent full suspension and steering movement. This could lead to a brake fluid leak that worsens over time.  

Recall risks

A brake fluid leak reduces the responsiveness of the vehicle’s brakes and forces the driver to increase braking effort. This could lead to a higher risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that they need to step on the brake pedal harder than usual. The brake fluid warning icon will also light up on the dashboard.

Background of the recall

Ford first noticed the defect in Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles which shared the same brake hose material as the vehicles in question in 2018, eventually leading to a recall of these models in August 2020.

Afterwards, Ford received complaints alleging brake hose failure on vehicles that were not included in that recall. This eventually led to the present announcement.

Coincidentally, the U.S. auto-safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been investigating Ford to see if over 1.7 million of Lincoln and MKZ vehicles needed to be recalled on the back of 50 complaints alleging brake hose rupture.  This recall is likely the result of that investigation. However, for reasons that are unclear, it is not mentioned on the agency’s investigation page, as it is customary in such cases.

Other Ford recalls

In January 2023, Ford recalled 2020–2023 101,001 Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over a problem with the seat belt warning system, as reported.

In February 2023, Ford also issued a recall for 382,759 vehicles including the 2020–2023 Ford Expedition as well as the Lincoln Corsair Aviator over the rear view camera’s failure to display an image when the transmission is shifted to Reverse. This was the second recall involving the issue.  

There are no other recent Ford Fusion recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the front brake hoses with new ones made from stronger material free of charge. Anyone who has paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced will be reimbursed. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 28, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 1.2 million vehicles are affected by this Ford brake hose recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for more Lincoln  recalls, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

Subaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk

Camden, NJ – March 19, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has issued a recall for 8,413 2019–2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SUVs that may stall while driving due to an issue with the cars’ 12-volt battery,  which supplies electricity for a host of cars’ functions. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

Cars use onboard batteries to supply electricity for the vehicle’s various functions. Subaru’s hybrid powertrain includes a battery pack that powers the electric motor assisting the engine. This battery is charged by a harness terminal that delivers electricity from the onboard voltage converter. 

In the affected vehicles, due to faulty design, this terminal could corrode and eventually break. When this happens, the battery will no longer be charged.

Recall risks

If the battery cannot be recharged, the engine could lose the electric motor assist. This could lead to a stall, upping the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the harness breaks, a corresponding light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Other Subaru recalls

In August 2022, Subaru recalled 59,934 2015–2021 WRX sedans over “inoperative” rear lights and reverse camera, which could increase the risk of a crash.  

In December 2022, Subaru issued a recall for 271,694 2019–2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs on account of overheating of the vehicles’ electrical components, leading to an increased risk of fire.        

There have been no other recent Subaru Crosstrek recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the defective terminal mounting bracket with a new one. If no corrosion is found on the terminals of an affected vehicle, a protective rubber cap will be installed. Corroded terminals will involve replacing the entire 12-volt wiring harness with a new one.   

All repairs will be free of charge and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 14, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru battery harness recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Subaru recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Crosstrek Hybrid over loss of power, crash risk