Ken

Ken Boyd is a five-time Dummies book author, including Accounting All-In-One for Dummies, and a frequent contributor at QuickBooks.

Hyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit

Hyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit

November 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – October 13, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 6,707 Kona Electric Vehicles that operate using lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. After the battery is fully charged, it may short circuit. The recall includes 2019-2020 Hyundai Kona EVs.

Recall summary  

Li-ion batteries are high-voltage batteries that power Kona SUVs. These batteries are increasingly used in electric vehicles, because they can provide a higher level of voltage and require less maintenance than other types of batteries.

In recalled vehicles, there is a risk of a short circuit, possibly because of  a damaged battery cell or faulty  battery management system (BMS) software.

Risks 

A short circuit in the Li-ion battery creates the risk of a fire.  So far, there have been 10 reports of fires associated with this recall.

A fire in a parked vehicle can injure the vehicle occupants, nearby pedestrians, and property. If your Kona vehicle catches fire, immediately call 911.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will update the BMS software that controls the Li-ion battery. Dealers will also inspect the battery and replace it, if necessary. The repair is free of charge and is expected to  begin on December 11th.

Owners should park the SUV outside and away from structures until the vehicle software is updated. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 6,700 vehicles are included in this Hyundai Kona recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Kona Electric recalled for battery short circuit
Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

Ford recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image

November 4, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 23 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 620,246 vehicles with rearview cameras that may display a “distorted or blank” image.  The recall includes:

  • 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F 550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Recall summary  

Due to a poor “electrical connection,”  the backup cameras can show a distorted image to the driver. The culprit is the printed circuit board within the vehicle that connects electrical components.

As a result,  the vehicles do not meet the federal requirements that require them to display a “field of view” to the driver before  backing up.

Risks 

A driver who cannot see the rearview camera display may run into a person or an object behind them. In fact, back-up cameras became mandatory after two-year old Cameron Gulbransen was tragically killed by a backing up SUV that could not “see” him. 

Prior to the passage of the related act in 2007, around 284 people were killed and injured around 12,000 in back-up crashes annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the rearview camera.  The recall  will  begin on November 7 and the replacement – once available – is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls vehicles with distorted rearview camera image
Isuzu and Chevrolet trucks recalled for starter motor cable issue

Isuzu and Chevrolet trucks recalled for starter motor cable issue

October 29, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 11 2020 –Isuzu Motors Ltd. (NASDAQ:ISUZY) has recalled 4,352 Isuzu and Chevrolet trucks that were manufactured by a joint venture between the two manufacturers.

A cable that connects the starter motor to the vehicle’s frame may break, making it impossible to start the engine. The cable issue also creates a risk of fire. The recall includes:

  • 2018-2021 Isuzu FTR medium-duty trucks
  • 2018-2021 Chevrolet 6500XD commercial trucks

Recall summary  

When the driver starts the vehicle, an electrical current flows through the cable to the starter motor. Here are the problems generated by a broken cable:

  • If the cable is broken, the electrical current moves through the power steering hose. 
  • When a driver attempts to start the truck repeatedly, the heat from the electrical current may melt and rupture the power steering hose.
  • The ruptured hose may leak power steering fluid onto a hot engine or exhaust surface, creating the risk of a fire. Drivers have reported seeing smoke coming from the engine compartment.

Risks 

A fire in the engine compartment can injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the driver loses control of the vehicle due to a fire, other vehicles, pedestrians, and property may be at risk.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated over 171,000 engine fires annually from 2014 to 2016. 

What to do in the event of a fire?

If you try to start the truck and your vehicle catches fire:

  • Remove the key from the ignition.
  • Get all of the occupants away from the vehicle.
  • Call 911.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers need to replace the ground cable on affected Isuzu FTR and Chevrolet 6500XD vehicles, and inspect the power steering hose. If the hose is damaged, it will also be replaced. All repairs will be free of charge. The recall  is set to begin on October 16th.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,300 vehicles are included in this Isuzu and Chevrolet truck recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number(VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydIsuzu and Chevrolet trucks recalled for starter motor cable issue
Kia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks

Kia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks

October 23, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27, 2020 – Kia Motors America (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has recalled 440,370 Optima and Sorento vehicles, due to a brake fluid leak, which increases the risk of an engine fire. The recall includes: 

  • 2013-2015 Optima Sedans
  • 2014-2015 Sorento SUVs

Recall summary  

These cars are equipped with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which is a component of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking. Due to an error on the part of a supplier, brake fluid may enter the HECU, cause an electrical short and create a fire risk. 

This is the second recall Kia is conducting for a similar issue. In April, the manufacturer recalled Sedona and other Sorento vehicles, of several different model years, due to another error that allowed moisture to enter the control unit.

Risks 

A fire in the engine compartment can injure the vehicle occupants. If the driver loses control of the vehicle due to a fire, other vehicles, pedestrians, and property may be at risk.

Engine fires are a real risk for drivers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated over 171,000 engine fires annually from 2014 to 2016. 

Warning signs

In some instances, the driver may see the ABS light or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) come on prior to the fire. She also may become aware of “burning/melting smell [or] smoke from [the] engine compartment,” according to the recall notice.

What to do in the event of a fire?

If you suspect that your vehicle is on fire:

  • Pull over
  • Turn off the engine
  • Get all of the occupants away from the vehicle
  • Call 911

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will examine the HECU and determine if brake fluid is leaking. If the a brake fluid leak is found, the dealer will replace it free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2020.

Vehicle owners should park the vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until repairs can be made.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 440,000 vehicles are included in this Optima and Sorento recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks
Mitsubishi Outlander recalled for faulty seat belts

Mitsubishi Outlander recalled for faulty seat belts

October 22, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – July 13, 2020 – Mitsubishi Motors (NASDAQ:MMTOF) has recalled 177,000 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs due to an issue with the second-row seat belt. When the seat backs are folded down, the right-side seat buckle latch may become inoperable. The recall includes: 

  • 2014-2019 Outlander SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV SUVs

Recall summary  

Due to an improper design, when folding the left-hand back row seat, the center seat may damage the belt buckle of the right-hand seat. If this happens, the buckle latch may not restrain an occupant during an accident.

Risks 

Seat belt use is critically important. If an occupant is not restrained by a seat belt, he or she has a high risk of injury in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly 15,000 lives were saved in 2017 by seat belts used in passenger vehicles. Over 90% of occupants used seat belts in 2019.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to modify the seat belt buckle cover for the center seat belt in the second row. Dealers will also add a new warning label to the support base of the second row seat. The repair is free of charge and is available in September. Owners should plan on up to half a day to complete the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 170,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi Outlander recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMitsubishi Outlander recalled for faulty seat belts
Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

October 16, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – March 4, 2022 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has remedied issues with 495,532 2019-2021 Tucson SUVs dealing with anti-lock brake system problems. Additionally, 11,593 of these Hyundai Tucson models have been categorized as unreachable and 7,877 have been removed from the recall. One group of 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs were remedied in 2020 and four groups were remedied in 2021 for this issue with the ABS Unit that may cause an engine compartment fire.

In 2021, Hyundai informed about expanding this recall to 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs due to a similar issue with the anti-lock brake system and a risk of engine fire.

Pleasanton, CA – September 4, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 180,000 Hyundai Tucson SUVs that operate with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). A component within the brake system may corrode and cause an electrical short.

A short may cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The recall includes:

  •  2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system includes a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). A defective circuit board on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson Suvs may corrode internally and cause an electrical short. This type of electrical issue may result in an engine compartment fire.

There are several situations that may indicate an engine compartment fire. If the driver sees smoke from the engine compartment, smells burning or melting, a fire may be taking place. If the vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or ABS warning light is illuminating (or both lights are on), there is a risk of engine compartment fire.

Statista estimates that there were 189,500 highway vehicle fires in the US during 2019. On the other hand, Hyundai has documented 12 engine compartment fires related to this defect. 

Risks 

An engine fire can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle which may result in an accident. Causing injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or to occupants in other vehicles.

If your vehicle has an engine compartment fire, the National Fire Association Council recommends that you do the following:

  • Pull over as quickly as you can into a safe location, such as a rest stop or breakdown lane.
  • Turn off the engine
  • Make sure that all occupants get out of the vehicle
  • Move everyone at least 100 feet away 
  • Call 9-1-1 and explain the situation

The repair

Hyundai will notify owners and replace the defective components. To eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit, dealers will need to replace the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). The recall is expected to begin October 30, and is free of charge.

Other Hyundai Tucson Recalls

In February 2022, Hyundai recalled several SUVs models including the 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson due to a risk of fire inside their engine compartments. The models included on the recall are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system.

Back in 2011, Hyundai recalled several 2011 Tucson vehicles due to a possible transmission fluid leak caused by a badly produced hose. This recall affected models manufactured between July and October in 2010.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Up to 180,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai ABS recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk
Dodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

Dodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

October 15, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27 2020 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 26,361 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles that operate with backup cameras.  When the driver selects the “stealth mode” setting and shifts into reverse, the backup camera rearview image does not display, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans.

Recall summary  

Federal safety regulations require that vehicle manufactures make the rearview camera image visible at all times to ensure the safety of the public and driver. The image for the cars in question is not displayed when the car enters “the stealth mode,” which is the ability to dim most of the sedan’s interior lights.

Risks 

A malfunctioning rearview camera may result in a crash as the driver may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This can result in injury or even death for everyone involved.

In fact, before back-up cameras became obligatory on all new vehicle models in 2018, back-up crashes killed an estimated 284 people and injured around 12,000 annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will update the software of the body control module (BCM), which is the “center” of the vehicle responsible for many of its operations. The update will disable the stealth mode when the vehicle is put into reverse. 

The repair is free of charge and is available now. Owners should plan on a half day to complete the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 25,000 vehicles are included in this Dodge Charger Pursuit recall. MotorSafety.org allows you to use your vehicle identification number to find if your vehicle has been recalled and we will help you find a dealer to get this issues fixed.

Ken BoydDodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras
Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

October 14, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – July 28, 2020 – Kia Motors Corporation (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has recalled 86,921 cars that operate with smart cruise control (SCC). In certain situations, the brake lights will not light up when the SCC brakes the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.  The recall includes 2020 Kia Telluride SUVs.

Recall summary  

When the SCC system is on, if it senses another vehicle is within a certain distance in front of it, it will automatically apply the brakes to slow down. This is meant to keep the vehicle from coming too close to the one in front of it and reduce the risk of a crash. 

In recalled cars, the brake lights will not come on when a trailer is attached to the back of the car.

Risks 

If the trailer brake lights do not turn on, other drivers are not warned that the vehicle is slowing. This could cause a rear-end collision, which may injure the people in both cars. 

If the driver in the vehicle behind changes lanes quickly to avoid a collision, people nearby or in other vehicles may be injured.  If a driver loses control of a vehicle, it may cause property damage. If an accident happens, items in the trailer can damage the vehicle it’s attached to or other vehicles or may injure people in the area.

The repair

The dealer will notify owners and install a wire harness, which will allow the trailer brake lights to operate correctly. The recall begins in September and it is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 86,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Telluride SUV recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

October 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – January 3, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) repaired 75,650 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Models dealing with ABS brake module failures that may cause engine fires. Additionally, 3,540 of these Santa Fe Sport models have been categorized as unreachable and 6,204 have been removed from the recall. One group of Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was remedied in 2020 and the other two groups were remedied in 2021 for this risk of an electrical short in the ABS module.

In 2021, Hyundai expanded a similar recall of the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson due to a faulty circuit board within the ABS module that can cause an electrical short.

Pleasanton, CA – August 27, 2020 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 151,205 Santa Fe Sport vehicles due to the risk of an electrical short in the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which may cause an engine compartment fire. The recall includes 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

The 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sports are equipped with ABS that may leak brake fluid into the module due to a design issue. Over time this can result in a short circuit and potentially catch fire.

Fire presents a high risk to car occupants, Santa Fe owners should have their vehicles evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.

Risks 

Drivers and passengers may be harmed by “toxic gases and other hazardous substances,” if an engine compartment fire occurs. There is also a risk of “flying debris” or an explosion. 

If you notice the ABS indicator light or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) turn on or smell “smoke or a burning or melting order,” your Santa Fe vehicle may be at risk of an engine compartment fire. 

What to do in the event of a fire

 If you suspect that the car may be on fire, you should:

  • Pull over as soon as possible.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Exit the vehicle immediately.
  • Call 911.
  • Avoid opening up the hood.

The repair

The dealer will inspect the ABS system and, if necessary, will replace it free of charge. Hyundai expects to begin the recall on October 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

To date, fifteen engine compartment fires related to the Hyundai anti-lock brake recall have been documented. Over 150,000 vehicles are included in this Santa Fe Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire
RAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats

RAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats

October 2, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27 2020 – FCA US LLC (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 160,229 Ram 1500 trucks that operate with adjustable pedals. The driver side floor mats may prevent the accelerator pedal from returning to an idle position, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 pickup.

Recall summary  

The vehicles equipped equipped with all-weather floor mats and adjustable accelerator pedals. Due to a design issue, the mats may prevent the pedal from returning to idle position after the driver accelerates. This recall does not effect the RAM 3500, 4500 or 5500 this time.

Risks 

There are several situations in which the floor mat issue can cause a crash. First, if the car is moving at a high speed, the stuck accelerator pedal would prevent the car from slowing down as expected. This may cause the driver to run a light or hit another vehicle from behind.

Secondly, during traffic congestion, the repeated use of the accelerator pedal increases the risk of the floor mat problem occurring. The risk of a crash is also higher if the floor mat is moved out of position when the driver enters and exits the vehicle.

What to do if the accelerator pedal is stuck

If you feel that the accelerator pedal is stuck, DriverEd.com recommends: 

First, shift your pickup into neutral. Then, apply the brakes to begin to slow your vehicle down. Always, keep your eyes on the road and look for a way out.

If possible you should warn other drivers by blinking and flashing your hazard lights. Attempt to drive the car safely off the road. once you have come to a complete stop turn off the ignition.

The repair

The dealer will notify owners and modify the floor mat, so that the mat does not interfere with the accelerator pedal. The recall begins October 16, and is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 160,000 vehicles are included in this Ram truck recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) lookup tool and get help scheduling a repair with dealer today.

Ken BoydRAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories