rebecca

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

General Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle

General Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle

November 16, 2020 Rebecca Rand , , , ,

Laguna Hills, CA – November 16, 2020 – General Motors (GM) (NYSE: GM) has recalled 2,781 midsize SUVs which may have a blocked fuel pump nozzle that could stall the vehicle. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Buick Enclave
  • 2020 Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6
  • 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2020 GMC Acadia

and concerns the fuel tank pump module (MODULE – F/TNK F/PMP, #84702674).

Recall summary  

The issue stems from the fuel pump, which supplies the vehicle’s engine with the gasoline it needs to run. A tube inside the fuel pump may be blocked by burrs left over from the manufacturing process. This could keep fuel from getting to the engine, particularly if the gas tank is already running low. If the engine is starved of fuel, the car could unexpectedly stall while driving.

Risks

A car that stalls in moving traffic, especially at high speeds, can get hit from behind as other drivers may not have enough time to react. Even if the driver safely gets to the shoulder, they are still at risk of being hit. This raises the risk of injuries or death for everyone involved.

For information on what to do if your car stalls, please see this article.

The repair

Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on November 30. GM will replace the fuel pump module for free, but this service is not yet available. In the meantime, owners who are not comfortable driving their recalled car may be eligible for courtesy transportation through their vehicle’s warranty.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,700 vehicles are part of this GM recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle
Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

November 11, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – October 23, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 2,535 GLC crossovers with a wiring issue that could take out the car’s power steering. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC350E
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43 AMG
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC63 AMG

and concerns the Electric Wiring harness (part #A2535405521)

Recall summary 

The electric wiring harness is a car’s “central nervous system.” It’s an organized network of wires, terminals, and connectors that relay information and electricity throughout the vehicle, and in these GLC models, it may be damaged.

The damage could allow water to seep through to the steering control unit. If this happens, the unit may short circuit, disabling the car’s power steering. The short circuit could also ignite a fire.

Risks

Power steering helps drivers maneuver heavy cars that would otherwise require substantial effort to turn. A sudden loss of power steering could affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

If your power steering fails

A power steering failure will make steering difficult, but not impossible. Find a safe spot to pull off the road, holding the steering wheel firmly as you turn. Then call for help.

The repair

Mercedes Benz will inspect the wiring harness and replace it, if necessary, at no cost to the owner. This fix is not yet available, but owners will be notified by mail approximately one week after it’s ready.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 crossovers are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure
2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

November 10, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – March 20, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has remedied issues on 2,749 2020 Toyota Highlander models with issues with side curtain airbags that may not deploy properly due to blockage with the seats. Additionally, 47 of these Toyota Highlander models have been categorized as unreachable and only one has been removed from the recall. One group of these Toyota vehicles with side curtain airbag deployment problems were remedied in 2020, and three other groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – October 14, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 3,121 Highlander crossovers whose seats may block the side airbags from deploying. The recall includes 2020 Toyota Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids models. 

Recall summary  

The 2020 Highlander’s seats contain airbags that cushion the driver side and passenger side of the vehicle in the case of a crash. In order to deploy, the airbags must burst through a seam in the front seats that is designed to tear and let the airbag out. 

But, due to a manufacturing mix-up, pieces of the left and right seat-covers may have been reversed in these vehicles. This incorrect seat trim means that the seam may not be in the correct place, which could keep the airbags from deploying. In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles due to similar airbag deployment issues.

The components involved are Seat Assy, Fr LH and Seat Assy, Fr RH, which are part of the driver and passenger seat assembly, respectively.

Risks

These side-impact torso airbags (SABs) are designed to help protect the driver and passenger from impacts on either side of the vehicle. They would come handy if, for example, you are thrown against the door of the car during a crash or t-boned by a distracted driver.

Although they have never been required by law, the percentage of car models built with side airbags has increased steadily since 1996. 2020 Highlanders, and many other vehicles, pair a torso bag with a “curtain” style airbag, which covers the window and protects the driver’s head. Together, they are estimated to reduce side-impact crash fatalities by 31.3%. 

The repair

Vehicle owners will be notified about the recall on December 13. Toyota dealers will replace the seat covers if they are not installed correctly.

Other Toyota Highlander Recalls

In 2020, Toyota recalled certain 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander vehicles due to a software error that showed incorrect information on capacity labels. The recall included Highlander SUVs from the 2018 model year produced between Oct. 24 and 26, 2017.

In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles, including the 2018 Toyota Highlander Sport, due to issues with potentially defective brake components. Toyota directed dealers to replace the vacuum pump assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

There are over 3,000 affected SUVs included in this Toyota recall. To see if your car is subject to this recall or other safety issues, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Rebecca Rand2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags
Land Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers

Land Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers

November 6, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – October 8, 2020 – Jaguar Land Rover (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 21,834 luxury SUVs whose spoilers may detach from the car while driving, creating the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2010-2011 Range Rover Sport SUVs.

Recall summary  

The glue that attaches the spoilers to the car may not hold over time, resulting in the spoilers loosening and potentially falling off while driving at high speeds.

The recall was reluctantly initiated by the manufacturer after consumers in the U.S. logged 132 fly-away spoiler complaints and a recall for the same vehicle and issue was initiated in Japan. The complaints prompted the NHTSA to open an investigation in May.  

In September, Land Rover concluded that there was “limited evidence of a safety defect pattern”  but agreed to issue a  recall to “maintain good relations” with the NHTSA.

Risks

Fly-away spoilers could become an obstacle in the roadway, forcing drivers to make quick maneuvers that could result in a crash.

In fact, leading up to the NHTSA investigation, consumers logged three complaints about spoilers breaking windshields, six about spoilers striking vehicles behind them and four about drivers behind them having to swerve to avoid the detached spoiler in the road.

Road debris’ crash statistics

Between 2011 and 2014, road debris played a role  in around 200,000 crashes  and caused close to 40,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Over 75,000 of those crashes were caused by debris flying off of one vehicle and striking another.  

The repair

Owners will be able to take their SUVs to a Land Rover dealer, who will apply a stronger glue to the spoiler. Drivers who already paid to have their spoilers re-attached may be able to be reimbursed.  The recall begins on NovembeR 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 21,000 vehicles are included in this Land Rover recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandLand Rover recalls Range Rover Sport SUVs for fly-away spoilers
BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

BMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk

November 2, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – BMW of North America has remedied issues with 4,444 models including the 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 due to a risk of fire caused by debris in hybrid battery cells. 0 of these vehicles have been declared as unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. One group of these 2021 BMW X5 and the 2020 BMW X3 models with hybrid battery issues were remedied in 2020 and four more groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 30, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) has recalled 4,509 hybrids in the U.S. that may have debris in the hybrid battery cell, which could lead to a fire. The recall includes:

  • 2021 BMW 330E hybrid sedans
  • 2020-2021 BMW 530E hybrid sedans
  • 2021 BMW 745LE hybrid sedans
  • 2020 BMW i8 hybrid sports cars
  • 2020-2021 BMW X3 hybrid crossovers
  • 2021 BMW X5 hybrid SUVs
  • 2020-2021 Mini Countryman crossovers

These cars are equipped with the following high voltage battery models:

  • 8658344-11/345-11
  • 8678566-10/567-10
  • 9452661-04

Recall summary  

The recall concerns these hybrid vehicles’ high voltage batteries, some of which may be contaminated with debris due to a manufacturing issue at Samsung, the battery producer. The debris could cause the batteries to short-circuit, which could lead to a fire. BMW is aware of a total of four incidents related to this issue, which all took place between early August and mid-September. No related accidents or injuries have been reported to the automaker or the National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Risks

Equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration. Researchers have said that hybrid-electric vehicles are as likely to catch fire as gas-powered vehicles. 

If a vehicle catches fire, the driver should:

  1. Pull over as quickly as it is safe to do so, to a safe location off the road such as the breakdown lane or rest stop.
  2. Once stopped, TURN OFF the engine (using the key or a smart button, if available).
  3. Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car for anything. 
  4. Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic. Call 911.

Hybrid car fires require different firefighting techniques than gas-powered vehicle fires. Engaging with a burning hybrid without the right protection could lead to electric shock, exposure to toxic fumes, and lithium burns. If you experience a hybrid vehicle fire, make sure emergency services know that the vehicle is a hybrid so they can best protect you and themselves.

The repair

According to BMW, the remedy for this issue is still “under discussion.” Customers should look for a recall notification in the mail, which will be sent out sometime in October.

Until the remedy is available, BMW is telling drivers not to charge the battery of their plug-in vehicles, drive in manual mode, sport mode or use the shift paddles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. Use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool to find out if your vehicle is affected by this or other recalls.

Rebecca RandBMW hybrids recalled for contaminated battery, fire risk
FCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction

FCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction

October 28, 2020 Rebecca Rand , , ,

Pleasanton, CA – July 27, 2022 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE: FCAU) has remedied issues with 1.119 vehicles including the 2019-2020 RAM 1500 pickup that was dealing with front seat belt issues. Additionally, 26 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 16 have been removed from the recall. One group of these 2019-2020 RAM 1500 pickups was remedied in 2020, 4 groups in 2021, and 1 other group was remedied in 2022 due to these seat belt locking issues.

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 25, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE: FCAU) has recalled 2,114 SUVs and pickup trucks, and SUVs whose front seat belts may not lock properly during a crash, putting drivers and passengers at risk of injury. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickups
  • 2019 Jeep Wrangler SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Ram 1500 pickups
  • 2019 RAM 2500 pickups

Recall Summary  

Ever wondered why seatbelts sometimes “lock” up if you yank them too hard? This is a design feature that is meant to make the belt easy to pull over your body and comfortable to move around under but will firmly hold you if you crash. In these recalled Jeeps and Rams, a connection part called the “wave disc” may be misshapen, causing the seatbelt to have a much weaker hold on the driver and front seat passenger.

Chrysler first noticed the problem this July when a seatbelt held the crash dummy less forcefully than it was supposed to during a crash test. A part in the seat belt retractor wasn’t formed correctly, weakening the whole seat belt system.

Chrysler is not aware of any complaints, injuries, or deaths relating to this problem.

Risks

If you’re riding in a pickup truck or SUV and you crash, wearing a functioning seat belt will reduce your risk of injury by at least 60% and your risk of dying by at least 65%. A malfunctioning seat belt may not protect you and could increase your risk of getting hurt.

The repair

Owners will be notified about the recall starting on November 17 and Chrysler will replace the faulty seat belt retractors for free. The repair, however, is not yet available. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,000 vehicles are part of this Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look-up tool.

Rebecca RandFCA recalls Jeep and RAM vehicles for seat belt malfunction
General Motors recalls vehicles for contaminated brake booster

General Motors recalls vehicles for contaminated brake booster

October 27, 2020 Rebecca Rand , ,

Pleasanton, CA – Sept 24, 2020 – General Motors (GM) (NYSE: GM) has recalled 6 different vehicle models which may have a contaminated component in the braking system. This contamination could disrupt sensor communications to the brake booster, making it harder to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX subcompact SUVs
  • 2020 Cadillac CT4 and CT5 luxury sedans
  • 2020 Cadillac XT4 compact SUVs
  • 2020 Chevrolet Corvettes
  • 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer crossovers

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the brake-by-wire system, which uses an electronic brake booster to help stop the car quickly without depending on how hard the driver presses the brake pedal. 

In June, GM launched an investigation after receiving multiple complaints about the strength of the brakes. They discovered that, due to a factory cleaning issue, the connector between the rotor position sensor and the electronic brake control module had been contaminated.

This contamination can disrupt communication between the two parts and disable the electronic brake booster.

Safety tips

Drivers with a failing brake booster may notice that their brakes are difficult to press. They may also notice an increase in the car’s stopping distance. 

Own one of these affected vehicles? It may be wise to keep an eye on the instrument panel, which will display a warning message if the brake booster fails. If this happens, keep the increased stopping distance in mind as you drive.

The repair

Dealers will replace the vehicles electronic brake control module for free. However, this repair is not yet available, as GM is still working on sourcing enough replacement brake boost modules. The company will notify owners when the repair becomes available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 3,000 vehicles are part of this GM recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls vehicles for contaminated brake booster
2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk

2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk

October 26, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – October 27, 2023 – Kia announced that 4,241 cars that were part of this recall were still in need of repair. To see if your car is one them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Pleasanton, CA – March 3, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has remedied issues with 19,276 luxury sports sedans including the 2019 Kia Stinger dealing with a risk of fire caused by a failure with the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, 991 of these vehicles have been categorized as unreachable and 477 have been removed from the recall. One group of Kia models 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 similar to a recall that affect several 2014-2015 Kia Sorento and 2013-2015 Kia Optima models in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – August 28, 2020 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has announced a recall of 28,200 luxury sports sedans over concerns of an engine compartment fire, potentially caused by the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The recall includes all 2019 Kia Stingers equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines.

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is an important component of the ABS that prevents the wheels of a car from locking and allows the car to maintain traction with the road.

Recall summary

In recalled cars, there is a risk that an engine compartment fire may occur where the HECU is located.  However, while the recall notice points to the ABS unit as the culprit of fire, other documents from the regulator National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) stop short from confirming that, instead listing the cause of the fire as “unknown.”

At least six Kia Stingers had caught fire before the manufacturer issued the recall.

Risks

Car fires kill over 300 people a year on average and injure over a thousand, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Their report blames at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017 on equipment failures. As far as manufacturer Kia is concerned, there are many recalls caused by fire hazards. In 2021, several Kia Compact SUVs were recalled for fire risk due to electrical issues.

Warning signs

 Before the car catches fire, the driver may notice the following:

  • Tire pressure,  ABS  or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights come on
  • The car emits a “burning/melting odor”
  • Smoke appears from under the hood

What to do in the event of a fire

If you notice any of these conditions, stop your car someplace safe. If you suspect there is an actual fire under the hood, do not open it. Oxygen will rush in and feed the flames. Instead, get yourself and others away from the vehicle, at least 100 feet.

Call the fire department at 911 when you are in a secure location. Do not return to the vehicle for any reason.

The repair

Kia has yet to offer a repair for this recall. The automaker will be notifying owners by mail starting October 26, at which time it will lay out the next steps of the recall process.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,000 Kia Stingers are included in this recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number look up tool.

Rebecca Rand2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk
Ford conducts Edge and Lincoln MKX recall for leaking brake fluid

Ford conducts Edge and Lincoln MKX recall for leaking brake fluid

October 21, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 249,359 2015-2018 Ford Edge Crossovers and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX Luxury SUVs that were dealing with brake fluid leaks. Additionally, 249,359 of these Ford models were categorized as unreachable and only 2 were removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2015-2018 Ford Edge Crossovers models with a fluid leak in the Front Brake Hoses issues were remedied in 2021 and one group was remedied in 2022.

Pleasanton, CA – August 11, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall of 488,594 SUVs whose front brake hoses may leak brake fluid. The recall includes:

  • 2015-2018 Ford Edge crossovers
  • 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

Recall summary

The rubber brake hose in these recalled vehicles may not stand up to stress over time. Hard steering and bumpy roads could stress the front brake jounce hose and cause it to split, resulting in a leak. Brake fluid leaks can make it harder for a driver to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Safety tips

Drivers of Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles should keep an eye on the brake fluid warning indicator light, which will light up if the brakes lose too much fluid. 

Losing brake pressure can be frightening. When you press on your brakes, you may feel the pedal go down to the floor with little or no resistance. If this happens, you should:

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • Try to slow down either by shifting to a lower gear (if you have a manual transmission) or taking your foot off the gas (if you have an automatic transmission).
  • Pump your brakes.
  • If pumping your brakes does not stop the car, slowly engage your parking brake. (This is also called the emergency brake.)
  • Look for a place where you can safely pull off the road. You might be able to steer into an open area or turn your vehicle onto an uphill road.
  • As a last resort, if the vehicle does not stop, turn off the ignition. Do not turn it all the way to Lock to avoid locking up the steering wheel.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the front brake hoses in all recalled vehicles. As of yet, there are not enough parts for Ford and Lincoln dealers to repair the problems described in this recall, but the new hoses should be ready sometime in early 2021. Owners will be notified by mail when they’re available, at which time you can make an appointment with a dealer who will perform the service free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 488,000 SUVs are included in this Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge recall. To see if your car is one use the MotorSafety.org vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Rebecca RandFord conducts Edge and Lincoln MKX recall for leaking brake fluid
Ford issues Lincoln Corsair recall for suspension-spring issue

Ford issues Lincoln Corsair recall for suspension-spring issue

October 20, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 11, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) has recalled 2,965 cars with potentially damaged rear coil springs that may become a road hazard. The recall includes 2020 Lincoln Corsairs crossover SUVs.

Recall summary  

A design mistake in the 2020 Corsair has caused insufficient clearance with some vehicles’ suspensions. Coil springs – which help absorb shock as the vehicle drives over bumps – are grinding against a toe link bracket edge, which can damage the springs and possibly break them. If the driver notices that the vehicle is providing a “bumpy ride,” that may indicate a broken spring, which no longer absorbs little shocks on the road. 

The 2020 Corsair currently has 3 outstanding recalls, including one for an inoperative rearview camera.

Risks

If a coil spring breaks, it could fall off and become a hazard for other drivers on the road, increasing their risk of a crash. Between 2011 and 2014, road trash played a role in around 200,000 crashes and caused close to 40,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect the coil springs for damage and replace them if needed, free of charge. They may also trim down the part that’s been grinding against the spring. Ford is still working on making enough replacement Lincoln coil springs to repair recalled vehicles.

The recall is expected to be ready sometime in the next few months. In the meantime, Ford has not told 2020 Corsair owners to stop driving their vehicles.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord issues Lincoln Corsair recall for suspension-spring issue
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