Ford recalls Ranger pickups again over non-inflating airbags, injury risk

Dearborn, MI – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall that expands and supersedes the one below after it found more vehicles were affected by this issue than originally thought. If your Ranger already had its airbag replaced, please contact your dealer to see if you need a new remedy or an inspection.

Dearborn, MI – March 18, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is issuing a recall for 98,550 2004–2006 Ranger pickup trucks because the passenger airbags on these vehicles were not installed correctly after a series of previous recalls. This increases the risk of an injury in a crash as the airbag may not inflate.

Recall summary

The front passenger airbag rapidly inflates when a crash is detected, shielding the occupant from directly hitting the dashboard or windshield.   

In the affected vehicles, the airbag inflator – which is what is responsible for the airbag going off – was improperly installed following several Takata airbag recalls.

Recall risks

The airbag may not inflate in a crash, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Background of the recall 

There was a Ford Ranger recall in December 2017 due to the degradation of airbags made by Takata. In 2018, the manufacturer recalled additional vehicles whose inflators were also at risk of rupturing.

By November 2022, Ford initiated an investigation into the repairs following reports that the replacement airbag inflators were improperly installed. This resulted in the present recall.

Other Ford recalls

In November 2022, Ford recalled Bronco SUVs due to the dashboard screen’s failure to display the rearview image whenever the Reverse gear is engaged.

In January 2023, Ford issued a recall for Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Corsair SUVs due to a defective chime that drivers may not hear when being prompted to wear their seat belts.   

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the front passenger airbag inflator free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was officially announced. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by March 31, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 98,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford airbag inflator recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Ranger pickups again over non-inflating airbags, injury risk

Rivian recalls pickups and SUVs whose airbags may fail to deploy

Plymouth, MI – March 12, 2023 – Rivian (NYSE:RIVN) is issuing a recall for 12,716 2022 R1T pickup trucks and 2022 R1S SUVs over a problem with the front passenger seat belt. This could lead to the airbag not deploying when a crash occurs, increasing the risk of injury. 

Recall summary

A car’s seat belt mechanism includes the automatic locking retractor (ALR). This is a device that causes the extra seat belt webbing to retract back into the housing once the seat belt is fastened, ensuring a snug fit of the seat belt for the occupant.

On the affected vehicles, the ALR was installed with a faulty sensor due to “out of tolerance” parts provided by Swedish-American auto parts manufacturer Autoliv. The sensor could report the ALR as being in the “ON” position when it is actually in the “OFF” position.  

Recall risks

A faulty ALR on the front passenger seat could prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in the event of an accident, upping the risk of injury.  

Warning signs 

In some instances, the “Passenger Airbag Off” sign will turn on on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Other Rivian recalls

In October 2022, Rivian recalled the 2022 R1T, 2022 R1S and 2022 EDV vehicles over faulty steering, as reported. There are no other Rivian R1S recalls at this time.       

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat belt system free of charge. The company will reimburse customers who paid for their own repairs before the recall announcement was made.  

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 8, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 12,000 vehicles are affected by this Rivian airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Rivian recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloRivian recalls pickups and SUVs whose airbags may fail to deploy

Jaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs over oil leak, risk of fire

Mahwah, NJ – March 5, 2023 – Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM), which owns Jaguar Land Rover, is issuing a recall for 6,644 vehicles on account of oil potentially leaking into the engine’s air intake system, leading to an increased risk of fire.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2023 Land Rover Defender
  • 2023 Land Rover Discovery
  • 2023 Range Rover
  • 2023 Range Rover Sport
  • 2023 Range Rover Velar          

Recall summary

The cam carrier is part of the engine assembly that supports the camshaft and lubricates it by using oil. Camshaft is a device that controls how much fuel is injected into the engine and how much exhaust is expelled. 

Due to a supplier error, the channel inside the cam carrier of the affected cars may be too small for oil to pass through, potentially leading to a blockage. This could lead the oil to either enter the engine air intake or leak outside the vehicle.   

Recall risks

If oil leaks into the engine, it could cause a fire, which greatly augments the risk of bodily injury and property damage.

Other Jaguar Land Rover recalls

In April 2022, Tata Motors recalled 14,812 vehicles including the 2016–2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport over faulty seat belts.

Another Range Rover recall occurred in August 2022, when 4,927 SUVs were recalled also due to seat belts that may fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash, as reported.

In the same month, the automaker recalled 5,297 Jaguar F-PACE SUVs as part of Jaguar recalls on account of incorrect tail lights that were installed, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the incorrectly made cam carriers with the correct ones free of charge. 

Owners of affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by March 31, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Jaguar Land Rover oil leak recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more recalls, run a Jaguar Land Rover recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloJaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs over oil leak, risk of fire

Nissan recalls SUVs, trucks over detaching airbag cover emblems

Franklin, TN – March 4, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 404,690 vehicles because of the driver’s side airbag cover emblems that may detach when the airbag deploys. This increases the risk of an injury.  

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Armada
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Frontier
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2008 – 2009 Nissan Quest
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Titan
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Xterra        

Recall summary

The driver’s side airbag is secured by a cover with the manufacturer’s emblem affixed on top. 

On the affected vehicles, the adhesive holding the emblem in place may be weaker than standard due to a supplier error. This can result in the emblem becoming loose when the driver airbag deploys upon impact.   

The supplier behind the recall is the Swedish-American manufacturer Autoliv which was recently at the center of a sweeping recall for unsecured child seats, as reported.

Recall risks

The loosened emblem could act as a projectile and hit the driver or the passengers upon deployment of the airbag. This presents an increased risk of injury.   

Other Nissan recalls

In August 2022, there was a Nissan Pathfinder recall due to a problem with the rearview camera. The recall also included other vehicles, as reported.

In November 2022, Nissan recalled 203,223 pickup trucks including the 2020–2023 Titan and 2020–2023 Frontier due to the risk of a rollaway, as reported.

In December 2022, Nissan recalled 125,215 2017 Nissan Rogue SUVs over a corrosion problem with the wiring system, which increases the risk of fire.

The repair

Nissan is currently working on the remedy for the issue. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 10, 2023.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 400,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more recalls, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs, trucks over detaching airbag cover emblems

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs whose airbags may not deploy

Irvine, CA – February 11, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF), has issued a recall for 31,943 2023 Telluride midsize SUV due to a problem with the second-row side airbags, which could prevent them from deploying in the event of a crash. This exacerbates the risk of injury to the cars’ occupants.

Recall summary

On the affected vehicles, the wiring harness fitted to the side airbags for the second-row seats may be too short due to a supplier error. This could lead to the harness coming in contact with the seat frame and getting damaged when the middle seats are adjusted or folded.   

The part involved in this recall is the second-row seat cushion wire harness assembly, with multiple part numbers including 89551-S9510, 89551-S9610 and 89651-S9710. 

Recall risks

Damage to the wiring harness may prevent the second-row side airbags from deploying when the vehicle is involved in a collision, upping the risk of injury to occupants. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the illumination of the airbag warning light if the issue exists.

Other Kia recalls

There was a Kia Telluride recall in August 2022 due to an overheating tow hitch that brings an augmented risk of fire. The recall also included Hyundai Palisade vehicles, as reported.

In November 2022, Kia recalled 71,704 2008–2009 Sportage SUVs over a problem with the anti-lock brakes which could cause the affected vehicles to also catch fire.

The following month, Kia issued a recall for 76,918 2023 Sportage vehicles on account of side curtain airbags that were not installed properly during assembly, preventing them from deploying in a crash and leading to an increased risk of injury.        

The repair

Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the damaged second-row wiring harnesses with the correct ones. Harnesses with no damage will be secured to prevent them from coming into contact with the seat frame. Kia will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 31,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for more recalls, run a Kia recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Telluride SUVs whose airbags may not deploy

Ford issues second round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over rearview camera issue

Dearborn, MI – February 4, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 382,759 vehicles due to a problem with the rearview camera. This increases the risk of a crash. This recall “expands and replaces” one conducted in 2021 for the same issue. 

The latest round covers the following models:

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

Recall summary

On affected models equipped with the 360-degree surround camera system, the video output may fail due to a software error. 

The part involved in this recall is the rearview camera with multiple part numbers, including LB5T-19G490-D,  LC5T-19G490-D and LJ7T-19H423-A.

Recall risks

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

Background of the recall

This is the second recall for this issue which follows on the back of over 2,000 warranty claims. The first one was conducted in October 2021, as reported. However, the remedy that was performed was insufficient to address the issue and the manufacturer continued to receive complaints about the camera failure. 

There have been at least 17 “minor accidents” related to the issue. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

There was a Lincoln recall last month due to defective seat belt chimes, as reported. The recall included over 100,000 of Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs.

In May 2022, there was a Ford Explorer recall due to an issue with the vehicles’ drivetrain which may cause the cars to roll away when parked, as reported.

In December, Ford super-duty pickups were recalled over the same issue.

The repair

Dealers will once again update the related software on the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse drivers who paid for their own repairs.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by February 24, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 382,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord issues second round of Explorer, Lincoln recalls over rearview camera issue

Mercedes-Benz recalls cars that may stall due to water damage

Jacksonville, FL – January 29, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 323,963 vehicles due to an engine stall caused by water getting into the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models:

  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 250
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450
  • 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML 400
  • 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 300D
  • 2012 – 2015 Mercedes-Benz ML350
  • 2012 – 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML550
  • 2017 – 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE43
  • 2016 – 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2012 – 2015 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63
  • 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350
  • 2016 – 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400
  • 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE 550E

Recall summary

Water may find its way into the rear part of the vehicle and reach the fuel pump and interfere with its work, starving the car of fuel. There are several causes of the defect, with one of them seemingly related to a manufacturing error and the other caused by unspecified actions taken by the owner when opening and closing the hatch.

The components involved in the recall are the plug with part number A0039981450 and the fuel pump control unit with multiple part numbers including A0009003800, A0009003101 and A0009007306.

Recall risks

Lack of fuel pumping into the engine can lead to a stall, which ups the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

Drivers may hear the sound of water sloshing around from inside the spare tire wheel well or notice dampness in the carpet in the rear area of the cabin. The check engine light could also come on on the dashboard before the issue occurs. After the water enters the car, a different, unspecified warning message should pop up on the screen.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz issued a stop-drive order and a recall for 292,287 vehicles over a brake failure risk that increases the risk of a crash. As of January 11, 2023, over 145,000 cars still needed to be repaired. Please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to determine if yours is one of them.

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz also recalled 19,698 vehicles over the loss of safety features caused by the 12-volt battery in the trunk being improperly secured. This could lead to an inability to call emergency services or exit the vehicle in the event of a crash.

The repair

To prevent this Mercedes-Benz engine stall, dealers will install a water drain plug in the spare tire wheel well and replace the fuel pump control unit if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge and owners who paid for repairs before the recall was announced will be reimbursed.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around February 21, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 300,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water ingress recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for Mercedes-Benz AMG recalls, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz recalls cars that may stall due to water damage

Ford recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

Dearborn, MI – January 21, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 101,001 vehicles over a problem with the seat belt warning system. The issue could prevent the drivers from buckling up, augmenting the risk of an injury in a crash.   

The recall covers the following SUVs:

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

Recall summary

The seat belt warning system is a safety feature that delivers an audible sound when it detects that the driver is not wearing the seat belt after the engine has been started. Due to a software error, part of the chime may be muted, causing it to play for less than four seconds. 

The part involved in this recall is the audio head unit with multiple part numbers, including PJ7T-18D890-SC, LC5T-18K810-JC and MC5T-18D890-SC.    

Recall risks

A seat belt warning chime that is partially inaudible may do an inadequate job of reminding drivers to put on their seat belts before driving the car. This could lead them to drive without it, presenting an increased risk of injury if a crash occurs.   

Other Ford recalls

In April of last year, there was a Lincoln Navigator recall due to trailer brakes, which may fail to engage when applied, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

In July 2022,  Ford was sued by owners of the 2021 Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUVs who alleged that the manufacturer waited too long to recall these vehicles over risk of fire. On January 13, 2023, the lawsuit was dismissed, according to court records.

In December 2022, Ford issued a second recall for 521,778 SUVs including the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Ford Escape. This was over reports of a defect with the fuel injectors, leading to fire in the engine bay and an increased risk of injury. 

The repair

Dealers will update the audio control module software on the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repair before the recall was issued.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified between February 6, 2023 and February 10, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford seat belt chime recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to run a Lincoln recall check.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

Navistar recalls school buses over loss of control

Lisle, IL– January 14, 2023 – Navistar has issued a recall for 6,948 school buses over a problem that can cause “loss of handling.” This increases the risk of injury.

The recall covers the following school buses:

  • 2023 – 2024 IC CE 
  • 2023 IC EV 
  • 2023 IC RE

Recall summary

The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported. In the recalled vehicles, the rear axle is not secured because of fasteners that were not tightened correctly.

This can result in the axle moving from side to side.

Recall risks

The defect reduces the vehicle’s handling, potentially leading to a higher risk of injuries to occupants. It could also become necessary for children on board to be transferred to another bus.    

Warning signs 

Users may notice a general “loose” feeling when driving the vehicle. A possible metallic clunking noise may also be observed. Visual inspection might show that the rear axle is not centered with the vehicle’s body. 

Other Navistar recalls

In June 2022, Navistar recalled 5,173 school buses over loose steering wheels that could detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

In September 2022, Navistar also issued a recall for 6,883 International trucks over an engine shutdown problem. This could cause the vehicles to stall while driving, bringing a higher potential for an accident.  

The repair

Dealers will tighten Navistar axle fasteners with new ones. Navistar will reimburse owners who availed of repairs prior to the recall announcement.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around February 6, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Navistar school bus recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more Navistar recalls, run a Navistar recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNavistar recalls school buses over loss of control

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Fountain Valley, CA – December 18, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) regarding “the scope and remedy” of a recent recall conducted for faulty windshield wipers.

The investigation could result in a recall of an additional 126,081 cars, including the following:

  • 2021 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Investigation summary

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a probe on December 2, 2022 on the back of six complaints about windshield wiper failures in winter conditions. According to these complaints, the wiper motor would work intermittently or malfunction due to accumulated snow or ice. 

Hyundai previously initiated 2020–2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls involving 122,919 vehicles in August 2022 over the problem. However, the vehicles included in the present investigation were not part of that recall.

Risks

Defective windshield wipers prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly when driving in rainy or wintry conditions, increasing the risk of the vehicle crashing.   

Other Hyundai recalls

In September, NHTSA placed Hyundai and sister company Kia under investigation for an estimated 5.2 million vehicles over allegations of a sudden and severe oil leak that can lead to the engine stalling and an increased risk of an accident. In November, Hyundai also recalled 14,928 electric and plug-in vehicles over exploding seat belt pretensioners that pose an increased risk of fire.    

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

More than 126,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of this Hyundai windshield wiper investigation. To do a Hyundai recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall