rebecca

Rebecca Rand is a freelance science and technology writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She drives a 2010 Toyota Yaris.

Tesla recalls cars that don’t stop at stop signs

Palo Alto, CA – February 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 53,822 electric vehicles with beta software that intentionally allows cars to come to a “rolling stop” at a stop sign, an illegal driving maneuver that also ups the risk of an accident.

The recall affects  the following models :

  • 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2016-2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2016-2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Do Teslas stop at stop signs? Not always. 

At the center of this recall is the problematic “rolling stop” feature in Tesla’s self-driving beta software that allows a car to roll through a stop sign at speeds up to 5.6 miles per hour without coming to a complete halt. 

The cars are programmed to not come to a complete stop only if certain conditions are met. This includes the absence of “relevant moving cars,” pedestrians or cyclists near the intersection.

However, according to the Associated Press (AP), there are no states where a rolling stop is legal.

The recall is limited to cars with “full self-driving software,” which is currently in beta.

Recall risks

According to the recall report Tesla submitted to the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “entering an all-way-stop intersection without coming to a complete stop may increase the risk of collision.” 

Other Tesla safety concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun to crack down on Tesla’s safety practices, and has recently launched investigations over distracting game features and failures of its Tesla autopilot feature.

The repair

Tesla will stream an over-the-air (OTA) software update to the affected Teslas early this month that will disable the rolling stop feature. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 53,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. Is your car part of a Tesla Model X recall, Tesla Model S recall or Tesla Model Y recall? Run a Tesla recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls cars that don’t stop at stop signs

Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is looking into whether Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will need to recall additional vehicles that may be prone to catching fire and whether remedies for the recalls both manufacturers have already issued are adequate to lower the risk of fire. Both companies have already issued various recalls for vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons.

This latest development is part of an ongoing probe into the situation that affects an estimated 3 million vehicles. A partial list of the vehicles is below:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

Summary

On December 21, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), opened this probe – called an engineering analysis – on the heels of “161 fires potentially due to engine failures,”  which resulted in three injuries. 

Out of the complaints submitted, 125 were about vehicles that were not previously included in any fire-related recalls, while the rest was about cars that  have already been repaired under one of the eight recalls that have so far been issued due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire. 

The full list of vehicles being investigated is available here. Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

‘Caught fire while parked and turned off’

Some of the cars previously not included in a fire-related recall are the ​​2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Kia Sorento and 2012-2015 Kia Rio with as many as 550,000 of them potentially subject to recalls. 

In one of the related complaints, the driver alleges that his or her car caught fire while turned off in a parking lot of a restaurant. Witnesses mentioned hearing “electrical sparks” before the fire. The driver did not have insurance that would cover the loss of his or her “only mode of transportation.”

In another situation, a 2013 Elantra with only “8-12 miles on it” was “fully engulfed” after minutes of catching fire for unknown reasons. A third driver lost his or her brakes but did not receive any additional warnings before seeing smoke coming out from the back of the car while out on the highway.

Potential inadequate remedies

Over 35 complaints are about cars that received recall repairs, but still ended up having engine issues. The following recalls may need to be “re-done” with a new repair:

Background of the investigation

Hyundai and Kia have been under the scrutiny of the U.S. government since 2017 when NHTSA opened queries regarding Theta II engine recalls that contained various “inaccuracies” in the associated reports. Both manufacturers were found liable and paid hefty penalties – $70 million for Kia and $140 million for Hyundai – and were required to take a host of safety-related measures to ensure that these omissions would not happen in the future

In 2019, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate claims of “non-crash fires,” which resulted in multiple recalls. The investigation has now been upgraded to this engineering analysis, which typically takes a year and may result in additional recalls. 

Will your vehicle be part of a new recall?

No new recalls have been announced as of the publication of this article, but future Hyundai engine recalls and Kia engine recalls may be coming. To do a Kia recall check or a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Rebecca RandHyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Ford recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

Dearborn, MI – January 23, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 199,085 vehicles with a brake issue that increases the risk of a rollaway and also means that the brake lights may be “continuously” on, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall applies only to vehicles sold or registered in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii, and includes the following models :

  • 2015 Ford Mustang
  • 2014 – 2015 Ford Fusion 
  • 2014 – 2015 Lincoln MKZ

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an issue with the brake pedal stop bumper, which helps properly activate the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed. Due to higher temperatures, humidity and salinity in the states where the vehicles are being recalled, the rubber that the bumper is made out of disintegrates “after several years in service,” according to Ford.

As a result, these vehicles can be started without “depressing the brake,” increasing the risk of a rollaway. Additionally the missing bumper may also result in the brake lights being constantly on.

The component in question is the brake pedal assembly with multiple part numbers, found here.

Recall risks

The rollaway can up the risk of a back-over accident that can lead to property damage and injuries for everyone involved. The illuminated brake lights can confuse other drivers, also augmenting the risk of a crash.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, there was a Ford Mustang recall for improperly attached seat belts, as reported. The recall also included Mach-E vehicles. Rollaway risks were also a concern for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans, also recalled earlier this month.

The repair

Dealers will replace the recalled cars’ brake pedal and clutch pedal bumpers for free. Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on March 3, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 200,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To run a Ford recall check on  your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Mustang, Fusion cars over faulty brake lights, rollaway risk

Tesla investigated over distracting video game feature

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2022 – The U.S. Government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla’s “Passenger Play” feature which potentially allows drivers to play Tesla video games on the front console while on the road. The feature – which increases the risk of an accident – is present in the following models :

  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2017 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The government regulator, NHTSA, opened an investigation in December of last year following a complaint alleging that interactive video games and live internet web search are available on the Tesla center console while the car is in motion

Before December 2020, video games in Tesla vehicles could only be played when the vehicle was parked. But an update has allowed games to now be played while the car is in motion, requiring the player to only press a button confirming that they are not driving. NHTSA’s investigation will evaluate the “distraction potential” of this feature.

Risks

NHTSA is concerned that the availability of gameplay “may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.” Read more about the dangers of distracted driving in this article about a 2020 Chrysler recall.

Other Tesla investigations

This summer, NHTSA opened a broad investigation into Tesla’s autopilot system after at least 11 cars crashed into parked emergency vehicles. 

The autopilot system has also come under fire for not ensuring that drivers continue to pay attention to the road while autopilot is engaged, as intended. Other types of driver-assist, like GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road. Tesla’s high-tech vehicles do not include this type of monitoring.

Is your vehicle part of a Tesla recall?

An estimated 580,000 Teslas could be subject to a future recall. Check your Tesla for open recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla investigated over distracting video game feature

Ford driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

Warren, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 184,698 F-series trucks whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture. This increases the risk of stall, loss of vehicle control or a rollaway.

The recall includes the following pickups:

  • 2021 Ford F-150 
  • 2022 Ford F-150 

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the trucks’ underbody insulation, as well as their driveshafts. The insulation helps dampen road noise and protect the undercarriage from moisture, scratches and salt to extend the useful life of the vehicle. Driveshafts are critical components that transfer power to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move.

Due to a supplier error, the insulation may become loose and sag, rubbing against the driveshaft, eventually causing it to fracture.

The underbody insulator is the component in question with part numbers ML3B-1611205-AC, ML3B-1611205-BA, ML3B-1611204-AD and ML3B-1611204-BB.

Recall risks

A fractured driveshaft presents a number of concerns—the car may stall or the driver may lose control if the driveshaft snaps and drags on the ground.  The vehicle may roll away if the parking brake is not applied. All of these scenarios increase the risk of injury or a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice loose underbody insulation (which looks a bit like a foil-covered mat) and hear a rattling, clicking or clunking noise. Looking at the driveshaft, they may be able to see “marking or scoring” where the insulation has been touching it.

Other Ford recalls

This is at least the second F-150 recall in the past six months due to driveshaft issues. In June, Ford recalled close to 5,000 2021 F-150 trucks due to driveshaft separation that could also cause the vehicle to roll away or stall, as reported.

Separately, in October, the manufacturer told owners of 2021 F-150 Super Cab pickup trucks not to drive their vehicles pending an inspection because of potentially faulty seat belts that may fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft for damage and “properly attach” the insulators. These services are free. Notifications with more instructions will be sent to owners by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 180,000 trucks are included in this Ford F-150 recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to perform a Ford recall check.

Rebecca RandFord driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

Washington, D.C. – December 25, 2021 – The U.S. government is looking into problems with Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) vehicles whose hood latches may not close, causing the hood to fly open while driving.  If the investigation leads to a recall, it may include 325,512 cars. 

The investigation covers the following models:

  • 2013 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2014 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Investigation summary  

On December 9, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation based on 15 reports of the hoods becoming open while driving.

The complaints describe hoods opening while driving at medium to high speeds, obstructing the driver’s view and sometimes smashing the windshield or breaking the fenders. The government has not yet identified the root cause of the problem.

Risks

According to government investigation documents, “sudden and unexpected opening of the hood can startle drivers, block their visibility, and could lead to a crash into other vehicles or objects.”  

Other Pathfinder recalls

Pathfinders have been plagued by other hood-latch issues since 2015, when a 2013 – 2014 Nissan Pathfinder hybrid recall targeted an issue with the hood latch release cable, which was causing the hood to fly open.  The 2014 model-year, as well as the 2015 one, were among cars recalled in October of this year because of software issues causing stalling .

Another October Nissan Pathfinder recall targeted over 10,000 of the 2022 model-years because of loose headrests, as reported.

Will your vehicle be part of a Nissan recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Nissan Pathfinder recall, possibly affecting over 325,000 cars. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

Volkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Miami, FL – December 19, 2021 – Volkswagen and Audi (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) have agreed to pay out $42 million dollars in a settlement with current and former car owners whose vehicles were built with potentially deadly Takata airbags. 

The settlement includes  some of the following vehicles:

  • 2009 – 2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2012 – 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2006 – 2013 Audi A3
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2007 – 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010 – 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2006 – 2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005 – 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2017 Audi R8 Coupe
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007 – 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan

Settlement summary  

The $42-million dollar settlement was reached in November and is the result of a 2014 class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi for selling or leasing vehicles built with defective Takata airbags. The lawsuit sought to recover damages for the risks and costs owners and lessees incurred during Audi and Volkswagen airbag recalls. 

The settlement affects current or former owners or lessees of the vehicles that were all subject to the infamous  Takata airbag recall, which has affected about 100 million airbags worldwide.  The current owners must have bought the car by November 10, 2021 while the former owners must have sold or returned their vehicle after February 9, 2016.

All cars must have been bought or leased in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. For a full list of vehicles, please visit this page. To check if your car is subject to a recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The settlement

To receive settlement funds, you will need to fill out a claim form and send it to a settlement administrator. The form, and more instructions, can be found here.

The settlement is still subject to a final approval by the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida. The hearing to approve it is expected to be held in early March.

The payment

Those who had to pay for transportation, towing, childcare or lost wages during the Volkswagen and Audi airbag recall may be eligible for reimbursement and potentially two payments of up to $250 later on. Those with no expenses are still eligible to receive up to $500.

Risks

Takata airbags contain an inflator that is at risk of exploding when the airbag is deployed. Exploding inflators pose a serious threat to the safety of car occupants, sending sharp shrapnel flying at drivers’ and passengers’ bodies. Reuters reported that as of September this year, Takata airbags had killed 28 people and injured over 400 worldwide. 

Other Takata airbag recall settlements

Audi and Volkswagen are not the first automakers to settle a suit over the defective airbags. The following car companies have settled class action lawsuits with current and former owners:

  • BMW, $131 million
  • Ford, $299.1 million
  • Honda, $605 million
  • Mazda, $75.8 million
  • Nissan, $97.7 million
  • Subaru, $68.2 million
  • Toyota, $278.5 million

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

According to court documents, 35% of recalled Takata inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles still need repairs. To see if your car is one of them, run a VW recall check with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Honda recalls over 700,000 cars whose hoods may fly open

Torrance, CA – December 11, 2021 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) has recalled 724,826 vehicles whose hoods may become damaged and fly open while driving, blocking the driver’s view of the road. This increases the risk of a crash and subsequent injury to the occupants of the car and other motorists.

The component in question is the hood, whose part number is  60100-TG7-A91.

The recall includes the following SUVs and pickups:

  • 2019 Honda Passport
  • 2016 – 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 – 2020 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The recall stems from a gap in the seal between the Honda’s hood and grill, which allows air to get inside while driving. The aerodynamics of this gap cause the hood to vibrate when the car drives at high speeds, which could eventually cause a stress fracture in the hood’s latch. If this occurs, nothing is holding the hood shut and it could fly open while driving, blocking the driver’s view.

Recall risks

Driving with an obstructed view is extremely dangerous and could quickly cause the driver to crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may be able to hear the hood vibrating and should also keep an eye on the hood to see if it seems loose

Other Honda recalls

The manufacturer was recently affected by a Honda Insight, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V and Honda Ridgeline recall over issues with securing child safety seats. 

The repair

Depending on the condition of the hood latch, Honda dealers will either repair the hood by adding a striker support plate or will replace the hood entirely. All repairs will be free of charge for Honda owners. Honda will notify owners about the recall by mail starting on January 17, 2022. Owners who had to repair this issue on their own dime before the recall was announced will be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 700,000 vehicles are included in this Honda recall. To see if your car is one of them, do a Honda recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandHonda recalls over 700,000 cars whose hoods may fly open

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks following government investigation

Auburn Hills, MI – December 5, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, has recalled 222,410 RAM trucks that may stall due to a defective high pressure fuel pump.  The issue increases the risk of an accident and injury.

The recall includes the following trucks:

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 2500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 5500

Recall summary  

The fuel pump may fail and generate debris, which could clog up the whole fuel system. This starves the engine of fuel and causes the truck to stall. The reason for the recall is not explicitly stated but appears to be connected to the pump itself, as well as the powertrain control module (PCM), which is the brain of the car that controls over 100 elements and also transfers power to the driving wheels, as reported.

The affected part number is the “engine assembly” with multiple part numbers,  including R3041229AA and  R3041230AA.

The recall follows on the heels of a government investigation into stalling RAM trucks. However, the recall documents do not link the two and the investigation is still ongoing. 

Recall risks

Stalling on the road is dangerous, especially at high speeds, because a stalled car could get hit by faster moving traffic behind it. Read more about what to do if your car stalls on the freeway in this article about a Toyota Denso fuel pump recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice any of the following signs: 

  • A malfunction indicator light turning on 
  • A fuel leak
  • Abnormal engine noise
  • Change in drive quality

The repair

RAM dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, and will inspect and replace additional fuel system components, if necessary. Notification letters with more information will be sent out starting January 1, 2022.

Recent RAM truck recalls

RAM recently recalled 2021-2022 RAM 2500,3500,4500, and 5500 trucks over a risk of engine fire. The 4 million-vehicle RAM PCM recall continues as well — as of January last year, a little over 1 million cars had yet to be repaired.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 222,000 vehicles are included in this RAM recall. To do a RAM recall check on your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls RAM trucks following government investigation

Honda recalls over 4,000 cars over child seat safety issue

Warren, MI – December 5, 2021 – Honda  (NYSE:HMC) has recalled 4,346 vehicles with a defective seat belt locking mechanism for securing children’s car seats.  The issue ups the risk of an injury to the child in the seat in an accident.

This is part of an ongoing recall with multiple manufacturers affected due to faulty parts supplied by Swedish-American manufacturer Autoliv.

The latest install includes includes the following models:

  • 2021 Honda Accord
  • 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid
  • 2021 Honda CR-V
  • 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid
  • 2022 Honda Insight
  • 2021 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The seat belt retractor is what tightens the belt. There are two types of retractors – an emergency one that only tightens when there is an accident and an automatic one – known as the automatic locking retractor (ALR) –  which will lock up once it is spooled out.  The ALRs is one of the two mechanisms used to secure a child seat. 

The recalled vehicles have faulty ALRs which may deactivate without the driver’s knowledge, leaving the child loosely secured.

The component in question is the “second row center seat belt assembly” with multiple part numbers including 82480TLAA012M1 and  82455TVAA111M1.

Recall risks

If the ALR deactivates, the child will be able to move around freely, increasing the risk of injury to the child in the seat.

Safety tips

For safety tips, please visit this article.

Not just a Honda seat belt recall

These faulty seat belt assemblies made their way into thousands of cars, causing recalls of several car brands including Volvo, RAM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, BMW and Audi.

Other Honda Accord recalls

The Honda Accord is currently under a pre-recall investigation over reports of steering failure. Honda also recently recalled 18 models, including the Accord,  with fuel pump issues.

The repair

Honda dealers will replace the second row center seat belt assembly with a new one free of charge. Honda will notify owners of the recall by mail starting on January 17, 2022. Any owners who noticed the problem and replaced the center seat belt assembly on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,300 vehicles are included in this Honda recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandHonda recalls over 4,000 cars over child seat safety issue