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 Model X and Model S over torn airbags

Palo Alto, CA – November 27, 2021 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 7,600 luxury electric cars whose driver-side airbags may tear during deployment. The issue increases the risk of driver injury in a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2021 Tesla Model X
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

Tesla’s Model X and Model S recall centers around an issue with the door that covers the driver-side airbag compartment.

Due to a supplier error, the airbag door may have a piece sticking out that catches on the airbag as it goes off, which could cause the airbag to tear.

Recall risks

Like a leaky air mattress, an airbag with a hole will not provide the same firm cushion to protect the driver during a crash. This increases the risk of injury to the driver. Read more about the importance of properly functioning airbags in this article about a recent Volvo recall.

The affected part is driver airbag assembly with part numbers 1625769-72-D and ​​1625769-71-D. 

The repair

Tesla dealers will replace the driver-side airbags in all the recalled cars for free. The new airbags will have a reinforced patch to prevent it from tearing. Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on January 7, 2022.

Recent Tesla recalls

There was a Tesla Model S recall earlier this month due to the possibility of cars braking unexpectedly on their own or activating false forward collision warning. The recall was limited to “fully self-driving cars” and also included Model 3, Model X and Model Y vehicles. Most vehicles involved in that recall have already been fixed thanks to an over-the-air (OTA) update. 

To read more about this and other recent Tesla recalls, please visit the following article.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla 2021 recall includes over 7,500 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls Model X and Model S over torn airbags

Mazda recalls cars with defective fuel pumps

Washington, D.C – November 24, 2021 – Mazda (OTCMKTS: MZDAY) has recalled 121,038 cars that may stall due to a defective fuel pump. Stalling increases the risk of an accident while driving.

The recall includes:

  • 2019 Mazda CX-3 subcompact crossover SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Mazda CX-9 mid-size crossover SUVs
  • 2019-2020 Mazda2 subcompact cars
  • 2018 Mazda3 compact cars
  • 2018 Mazda6 sedans
  • 2018 Mazda MX-5 sports cars

Recall summary  

This recall continues a series of recalls centered around defective fuel pumps manufactured by Denso. 

The fuel pumps contain a plastic impeller, which works by sucking fuel from the tank to the engine. The plastic impellers made by Denso may weaken and deform after spending a long time soaking in fuel, eventually breaking and rendering the fuel pump inoperable. Without a functioning fuel pump, gas cannot get to the engine.

The affected part is the fuel pump with part numbers PE03-13350, PYFL-13350, and P54P-13350.

Risks

Starved of fuel, engines cannot run and the cars stall as though they were out of gas. 

Stalling on the road, especially at high speeds, can be dangerous, as a stalled car could get hit by faster moving traffic. 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 see the check engine light turn on or hear the engine “running rough.” The car also may fail to start entirely.  Learn more about what fuel pump failure looks like in this article about repairing a bad Mazda 3 fuel pump.

The repair

Mazda dealers will replace the fuel pump with a better model for free. Mazda will send owners recall notification letters starting on January 11, 2022. Owners who already replaced their own fuel pumps before the recall started may be eligible for reimbursement.

Recent Mazda recalls

Earlier this month, Mazda issued two recalls with one being for CX-9 vehicles whose second-row seats may slide forward in a crash.  The second one included MazdaSpeed6 and RX-8 sports cars that were recalled because of a fuel leak that may lead to a fire.

A Mazda CX-5 recall was issued in February of last year because the cars’ daytime visibility headlights might not work. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 121,000 vehicles are included in this Mazda recall. To do a Mazda recall check on your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMazda recalls cars with defective fuel pumps

Daimler recalls new Mercedes-Benz s580 cars that may stall

Jacksonville, FL – November 21, 2021 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has recalled 9,120 cars that may stall due to a computer issue. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz s580 sedans
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes-Benz s580 4matic sedans
  • 2021 – 2022 Mercedes Benz Maybach s580 sedans

Recall summary  

The engine control unit (ECU) is a computer inside the car that ensures engine’s performance. Due to a software issue caused by the supplier of the unit, the affected s580’s may suddenly stall, without warning, after the car is started

Drivers may not be able to restart the car after it is stalled.

The ECU at the center of this recall has with multiple part numbers, including A1779023611 and A1779023911.

Recall risks

Stalling unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash for the driver and surrounding vehicles. Read more about how to handle a stalled car in this article about a recent Chrysler recall.

The repair

Dealers will update the software in these vehicles free of charge. Drivers will be sent letters with more information about the recall before December 28, 2021.

Recent Mercedes-Benz recalls

In September, Mercedes-Benz recalled over 4,000 vehicles over a child car seat issue. In July, 2020 Mercedes GLB 250 SUVs were recalled because of a water leak.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandDaimler recalls new Mercedes-Benz s580 cars that may stall

Nissan recalls Rogue hybrids that may stall

Franklin, TN – November 19, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 5,905 hybrids that may stall on the road, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2017 Nissan Rogue hybrid vehicles
  • 2018 Nissan Rogue hybrid vehicles
  • 2019 Nissan Rogue hybrid vehicles

Recall summary  

The recall centers around an issue with the engine harness, which is a bundle of wires that connects the engine to the rest of the car. 

In the recalled vehicles, these wires may rub against another part of the car and become damaged, which could cause a short circuit. This might lead to a blown fuse, which would cause the car to lose power entirely and stall.

Recall risks

Stalls, especially in faster-moving traffic, can be very dangerous, putting a car at risk of getting hit.  Read more about what to do if your car stalls on the road in this article about a recent Chrysler stalling recall.

Background of the recall

The part of the car that the harness may rub against is called the electronic module control (ECM) bracket. The ECM is a computer that controls over 100 elements in the car and the bracket physically supports it.

The harness that is the center of this recall has  part number 240126FM0C.

The repair

Nissan will install a wire harness protector to guard the wires from damage from the Nissan ECM bracket. Nissan will start notifying owners about the recall on December 15.

Recent recalls

Nissan  recently recalled over 7,000 other hybrids for another stalling issue. This recall affected Infiniti, Murano and Pathfinder hybrids. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 5,900 vehicles are included in this Nissan Rogue recall. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Nissan recall check.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls Rogue hybrids that may stall

RAM trucks under investigation for stalling issues

Washington, D.C. – November 14, 2021 – U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over concerns that 604,651of its RAM pickup trucks could stall. These trucks could be subject to a recall in the future.

The investigation involves the following heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engines: 

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

Investigation summary  

The regulator – the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on October 14, after receiving 22 complaints and 2 field reports “alleging incidents of stall/loss of motive power as a result of high pressure fuel pump failures,” according to official documents. 

The stalls occurred “at speeds above 25 mph” and “resulted in permanent disablement” of the implicated vehicles, meaning that they would not restart after the power loss occurred. At least one of the complaints mentioned that the vehicle caught fire.

The investigation will also look for the root cause of the fuel pump failures. If NHTSA discovers a safety defect, it may order Stellantis to issue a recall.

Risks

Stalls put vehicles at risk of being hit from behind by faster-moving traffic and there has been at least one crash after a truck stalled, according to the related driver complaints NHTSA has gathered.

Vehicle fires are also very dangerous for drivers and people nearby. Read more about vehicle fire safety in this article about a BMW recall.

Recent RAM truck recalls

Fire safety has prompted two RAM recalls in recent months—19,214 new RAM heavy duty trucks were recalled this year over a faulty relay switch that could cause a fire. Over 30,000 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks were recalled in August over an engine oil issue that could cause fuel or oil leaks, which are a fire hazard.

Background of the investigation

It is not clear who the supplier of the pump is but one complaint alleged it was made by Bosch.

As the investigation progresses, additional complaints may surface. – In these investigations, the government will typically ask car companies to turn over warranty claim data so it can get a better sense of how widespread the problem is. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 604,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of NHTSA’s RAM fuel pump investigation. To do a RAM recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

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Rebecca RandRAM trucks under investigation for stalling issues

Volvo recalls station wagons over exploding airbags

Ridgeville, SC – November 7, 2021 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) has recalled 194,546 cars because the driver-side airbag may explode and hurt shrapnel at vehicle occupants when deployed. This increases the risk of injury or even death for the occupants of the vehicle.

The recall follows on the heels of another recent Volvo recall due to the same issue and includes the following station wagons:

  • 2001 – 2007 Volvo V70
  • 2001 – 2007 Volvo XC70

Recall summary  

The Volvo V70 and Volvo XC70 airbag inflators under recall, built by German-American parts’ supplier ZF,  have a similar problem to the infamous Takata airbag — moisture, over time, corrodes explosive tablets inside the airbag inflator.

The degraded tablets, which are only supposed to explode hard enough to fill the airbag with gas, create a much larger explosion than intended. This may destroy the inflator and send its pieces flying through the vehicle with great force, resulting in an injury to its occupants.

Background of the recall

For background of this recall, please refer to this article.

Recall risks

The risks posed by this defect match those in the Takata airbag recall: Shrapnel from burst airbag inflators can cause injuries that sometimes resemble gunshot or stab wounds, and can be fatal. Takata airbags have killed at least 28 people worldwide. 

The repair

All owners of vehicles in this recall are entitled to a free airbag replacement from a Volvo dealer. Notification letters with more instructions will be sent out on December 14.

Recent Volvo recalls

Volvo recently recalled over 259,000 cars that are also subject to this ZF airbag hazard.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 194,000 vehicles are included in this Volvo airbag recall. To run a Volvo recall check on your car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolvo recalls station wagons over exploding airbags

Tesla recalls cars that may brake on their own

Palo Alto, CA – November 6, 2021 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 11,704 cars that may brake unexpectedly or issue a false “collision warning.” This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall is  limited to “full-self driving” cars – that are currently in beta –and includes the following electric cars:

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S 
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X 
  • 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y 

Recall summary  

Due to a faulty over-the-air (OTA) software update issued by Tesla in October, the recalled cars may unexpectedly activate the emergency brake or falsely warn of a collision ahead

Background of the recall

This Tesla brakes’ failure issue was identified on the back of owners’ complaints after the update was performed. 

After Tesla began working on the issue, it remotely deactivated the entire forward collision avoidance system. The LA Times reported that owners were not informed of this deactivation, which raised safety concerns. 

Warning signs

A “warning message” is displayed in the instrument panel if the “false-positive braking” happens. The driver may also hear a “warning chime.”

Recall risks

This Tesla brakes’ issue can cause a collision if a car unexpectedly slams on the brakes ahead of faster moving traffic. The false warning messages and chimes can also distract drivers, also raising the risk of an accident.

Recent Tesla recalls

In July, the manufacturer recalled over 5,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles with incorrectly fitted seat belts, which increased the risk of an injury in a crash. Earlier that month, the same vehicles were subject to a recall due to the possibility of them losing tire pressure, as reported. 

The company is also a subject to ongoing investigation for its vehicles’ failure to detect emergency vehicles in their path, as reported.

The repair

As of October 29, 99.8% of cars involved in this recall received an OTA update resolving the issue. If you are having issues, make sure your Tesla is set up for remote updates to receive this repair. Go to a dealer if you are having trouble connecting your Tesla to the internet.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,704 vehicles are included in this Tesla emergency brake recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls cars that may brake on their own

Porsche recalls Taycan for hazard light issue

Atlanta, GA – October 30, 2021 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) has recalled 11,827 2020 – 2021 Porsche Taycan electric vehicles whose hazard lights may come on automatically in the absence of an emergency. This issue increases the risk of an accident.

Recall summary  

The recalled Taycan’s hazard lights are programmed to light up automatically in “non-emergency situations.” It is unknown under what circumstances this happens.

Recall risks

If these Porsche Taycans’ hazard lights are flashing in the absence of an emergency, this “could confuse other road users,” increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the hazard lights are activated, the driver may notice the activation of the respective signage in the instrument cluster.

The repair

Porsche dealers will reprogram the headlights for free to remove the automatic hazard lights activation altogether. Recall notification letters with further instructions will be mailed to owners starting December 13, 2021.

Recent Porsche Taycan recalls

Porsche recalled over 12,000 Taycans this summer following a government investigation into the cars’ battery faults, which were causing cars to stall. The recall included the 2020 Porsche Taycan, as well as as the 2021 model-year.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,000 cars are included in this Porsche recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandPorsche recalls Taycan for hazard light issue

Stellantis recalls Ram ProMaster City to fix faulty turn signals

Auburn Hills, MI – October 29, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, has issued a recall for 23,853 Dodge Ram ProMaster City vans to address an issue with the turn signal indicators on the instrument panel. The problem may cause users to be unaware of inoperative turn signals, increasing the risk of a crash.

The faulty component is the “Body Control Module” (BCM) with part number 52214967.

Recall summary

When a turn signal bulb burns out, the signal fails and the signal indicator in the instrument cluster starts flashing faster to indicate that. However, the faulty software on the affected vehicles by this Chrysler recall may prevent the flashing rate on the instrument cluster from changing when the bulb is out. As a result, the driver may be unaware that the turn signals are not working.

Recall risks

Drivers who are unaware of turn indicators not signaling their intentions to other drivers increases the risk of a crash or injury and may cause accidents with tragic outcomes. 

Other Stellantis recalls

Last month, the 2021 Dodge Ram ProMaster City was recalled to address unsecured child seats. Another Ram recall from September was conducted for Ram 1500, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks because of faulty airbag inflators.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will install an updated version of the software that controls the BCM. Chrysler will send notifications about the repair to vehicle owners on November 10, 2021. 

Owners that have already paid to have the issue resolved will be reimbursed.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

To see if your 2021 Ram ProMaster City is one of the affected vehicles, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Ram ProMaster City to fix faulty turn signals

Ford recalls Ranger trucks with backrests not compatible with child seats

Dearborn, MI – October 27, 2021 – Ford  (NYSE:F) has recalled 37,625 cars whose backseat headrests are incompatible with some children’s car seats, making the seats difficult to install and improperly positioned. This increases the risk of an injury to the child in the seat if there is an accident.

The recall includes 2020 – 2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab trucks.

Recall summary  

The trucks in question have a headrest positioned in a way that makes proper installation of taller children’s car seats difficult. The headrests in the backseats of this Ford truck recall are not removable, and may tilt some childrens’ car seats out of proper position.

Federal regulations require cars to be compatible with a wide range of different types and sizes of car seats. However, this headrest design was not checked against taller car seats.

Recall risks

Childrens’ car seats save lives, but they need to be securely attached and positioned on the seat in order to work properly. Learn more about child car seat safety in this article about a recent Nissan recall,

Warning signs

Owners may notice that it is difficult to install a child car seat in the back of the Ranger.

The repair

As Ford investigated this issue, the company also discovered the anchor points used to secure children’s car seats in the car were crooked. The remedy for this recall will address both issues: Ford dealers will check the car seat anchors and replace the headrests with an updated model. Ford will send owners recall notification letters with further instructions by November 19.

Recent similar recalls

Nissan, Stellantis and Jaguar recently recalled cars over a separate issue with the seat belts that could affect the safety of some child car seats. You can read more about the Stellantis recall here.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 37,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Ranger child car seat recall. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Ranger trucks with backrests not compatible with child seats