rebecca

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

Mercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light

Mercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light

February 17, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Jacksonville, FL – February 17, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) – which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand – is recalling 8,186 SUVs whose left-side backup light may stay on continuously, potentially confusing pedestrians and other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall concerns a part called “control unit” (part number A1679000414) and includes:

  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUVs
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 SUVs

Recall summary  

The 2020 Mercedes GLE 350  and  GLE450 recall concerns the SUV’s left backup light, which illuminates when the vehicle is put in reverse. This light may stay on after the SUV is shifted out of reverse. This could confuse other drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of a crash.

The lights on the SUV are controlled by a small computer, or “control unit”. The control unit’s circuit board may not be able to withstand the SUV’s vibrations due to a “process deviation” during manufacturing. This causes the control unit to malfunction and keep the backup light on.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will replace the malfunctioning control unit for free. Notifications with more information will be sent out to owners on April 6,  2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes-Benz recalls GLE-class SUVs with confusing backup light
General Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall

General Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall

February 15, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , , ,

December 2, 2021 UPDATE – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has remedied 248,214 models including the 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500. No vehicles have been deemed unreachable but 1,373 vehicles have been removed from the recall of the GM Takata Airbag Recall.

Warren, MI – February 15,  2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has begun a series of recalls of nearly 6 million vehicles built with potentially dangerous Takata airbags. This particular recall covers 1,778,128 vehicles, and includes the following models:

  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles were built with Takata airbag inflators that, due to damage from moisture, may explode when the airbags are deployed. If the inflator explodes, its metal casing can fragment into shrapnel that could fly into drivers’ and passengers’ bodies, possibly maiming or killing them. This December article explains in more depth why the U.S. government ordered General Motors to recall these vehicles. 

Repair

Recalled GM vehicles are divided into five priority groups, labeled priority group 6 through priority group 10. Owners of the vehicles in group 6 – whose cars are older and were sold or registered in the hottest parts of the country –  will be notified by mail when repair is available in early March. Consumers in groups 7-10 – that are considered lower risk – will be advised of the recall in late February, but it is not clear when the repair will be available.

However, consumers in both categories may be able to receive a repair earlier by contacting their dealer.

Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool to see if your car is affected and to connect with an authorized dealership.

All repairs will be free of charge.

Risks

Exploding inflators pose a significant danger to vehicle occupants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that Takata inflators have killed at least 18 people in the U.S. and at least nine more abroad. 

You can find some broad recommendations for owners of affected cars – including a list of cars that should NOT be driven – in this article detailing the background of this GM recall.

Other GM airbag inflator recalls

In December, GM recalled Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks, as well as GMC Sierra 2500, 1500 and 3500 pickups whose roof airbag inflators could shoot off an end cap, potentially injuring occupants or distracting them.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.7 million vehicles were originally included in this Takata / GM airbag recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date information was available – 104,212 airbags had been replaced.  To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall
Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch

February 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 18,  2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), has remedied 26,389 vehicles including the 2020 Jeep Wranglers with clutch pressure plate issues that might overheat in certain conditions. In addition to this, 849 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 380 have been removed from the recall. All these 2018-2021 Jeep Wranglers that had these Clutch Pressure Plate issues were remedied during 2021.   

Auburn Hills, MI – February 11,  2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 42,887 Jeeps because a part of the clutch may overheat and fracture, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following manual transmission vehicles:

  • 2018 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2019 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2021 Jeep Wranglers
  • 2020 Jeep Gladiators
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiators

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the clutch, specifically the clutch pressure plate, which temporarily stops the “transmission of engine power” to allow the driver to switch gears. Due to excessive friction because of a design error, the plate may overheat. The heat may fracture the pressure plate and the resulting hot debris could land on flammable parts of the car, causing a fire.

Prior recall

All vehicles that were part of a similar Jeep recall in 2020 are included in this latest recall. In this recall, Jeep blamed the problem on “air in the hydraulic system,” and the repair involved rerouting the vehicles’ wiring. Testing performed for this recall showed that with excess friction, the clutch could reach 2,012 degrees Fahrenheit, plenty hot to ignite other parts of the car. It is not clear whether this latest recall supersedes the first one.

Recent Jeep recalls

In December of 2021, 2,903 2021 Jeep Wranglers were recalled due to faulty odometers that may fail to display the distance traveled.

A Jeep recall in 2019 of 2011-2018 Wranglers concerned a weak seat belt mount which could fracture and separate from the seat, rendering the belt useless. 

‘The entire vehicle was burned to ashes’

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received numerous complaints describing burning clutch smells, fractured clutch pressure plates and clutch-related fires in vehicles included in the 2020 and 2021 recalls.

Many drivers reported a “burning clutch smell.” This odor may be a sign that the clutch pressure plate is about to fail, according to Chrysler’s report to NHTSA.

Other complaints illustrate the worst-case scenario. “While my 16-year-old daughter and I were driving on the FL 528/Beachline Expressway, the entire clutch pressure plate assembly exploded off my vehicle,” said one Florida driver’s report. “Fluids drained and ignited. The entire vehicle was burned to ashes.”

Despite the dramatic nature of the accident, no injuries have been reported thus far in connection with the latest recall.

Safety concerns

Chrysler acknowledged that a fractured clutch pressure plate could also generate road debris, creating a hazard for other drivers on the road.

Vehicle fires increase drivers’ and passengers’ risk of injury or death. You can read more about what to do if you smell something burning while driving in this article about a 2020 Audi recall.

Repair

Chrysler will add software to affected Jeeps that will reduce the engine torque – essentially how hard the engine works – if the clutch starts getting too hot. Owners who have already paid to repair their clutch pressure plate may be eligible for reimbursement. Recall notification letters will be sent to owners on March 21.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 42,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To see if your Jeep is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators for burnt-out clutch
Nearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions

Nearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions

February 3, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – February 3, 2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 134,951 cars whose display screens – also known as media control units (MCUs) –  are expected to run out of memory and permanently go dark, depriving the driver of access to essential functions. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes:

  • 2012-2018 Tesla Model S cars
  • 2016- 2018 Tesla Model X crossovers

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the main display screens positioned front-and-center in the Tesla Model S and Model X. 

The center display was built with a flash memory device that wears out after an average of five to six years, leaving the touch screen blank and unusable. Without the display panel, drivers can no longer access vital safety features, like defrosting, defogging and the backup camera.

Tesla investigation and NHTSA letter

The recall announcement comes seven months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the failing Tesla screens.  As reported, the investigation was sparked and aided by several thousand complaints submitted to both the manufacturer and NHTSA directly, alleging issues with the MCUs. 

The culmination of the process was a letter sent by NHTSA to the manufacturer on January 13 asking it to recall the cars. On January 27, Tesla capitulated, stating that it would initiate a recall even though it has “not decided that a defect exists.”

More background

The problem originates from a mismatch between the car’s hardware and software. The display system relied on flash memory hardware, an 8GB multi-media card (eMMc), that could not endure the high-intensity demands of the Tesla car’s software and eventually ran out of memory. Without memory, the eMMc controller could not recover the system, causing the screen to go permanently blank. 

Last year, Tesla pushed software updates to extend the useful life of the devices and ensure normal functioning but that did not seem to satisfy NHTSA.

Risks

Losing access to essential safety features, such as the backup camera or ability to hear alert chimes, augments the risk of a crash that can result in injuries for the driver, passenger and bystanders; property damage or even loss of life. 

Other Tesla recalls

So far, the 2018 Model X, along with other Tesla models has been the subject of four NHTSA investigations. This is the first recall to affect this model, and the third recall to include Tesla’s 2017 Model X.

The repair

The failing flash memory devices “live” on a Visual Compute Module daughterboard, which Tesla will replace with a daughterboard equipped with a device with eight times the memory capacity. Owners who paid for replacements on their own dime are eligible for reimbursement.  Recall notifications will be sent to owners starting March 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 135,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNearly 135,000 Teslas recalled over impending loss of essential functions
BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

February 3, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Westwood, NJ – April 18, 2018 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 47,806 vehicles with faulty water pumps that may cause the circuit board that controls them to overheat, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following BMW models with eight- and 12-cylinder engines and MINIs with four-cylinder turbocharged engines:

  • 2011-2012 BMW 550i
  • 2010-2012 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
  • 2012 BMW 650i Convertible and Coupe
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750i
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750li
  • 2009-2012 BMW 760li
  • 2011-2012 BMW Activehybrid 7
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5 M
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 Activehybrid SAC
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6 M
  • 2007-2012 MINI Cooper S
  • 2008-2012 MINI Cooper S Clubman
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman
  • 2007-2012 MINI JCW
  • 2008-2012 MINI Clubman JCW 
  • 2011-2012 MINI JCW Convertible
  • 2010-2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the issues with BMW’s electric auxiliary water pumps, which help regulate temperature under the hood by conducting heat away from the turbocharger. This recall mirrors the 2018 recall of defective electric auxiliary water pumps in BMW and MINI models. The turbocharger is a device designed to make the engine more efficient and amp up its performance.

Because of the faulty design of the recall cars, the circuit board controlling the pump may overheat and start burning the water pump when working in high temperatures. This could potentially result in an engine fire and also cause the pumps to fail.

Similar BMW recalls occurred before including the 2011 BMW auxiliary water pump failure and the 2012 BMW auxiliary water pump failure possibly causing a fire.

Risks

An engine fire creates the risk of death and injury for you and your passengers. Learn more about possible warning signs for Audi engine fires caused by smoldering engine compartment seals included in a recent recall of Audis.

Driving with a faulty water pump may cause the car to overheat, increasing the risk of an engine failure.

The repair

BMW and MINI dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump for free. Owners will be sent recall notifications by mail starting  June 11. Those who have already paid to repair this defect may be eligible for reimbursement. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

As of October 2019 – the last date for which information is available – over 31,000 vehicles have been repaired. To see if your car is amongst those that still need to be fixed,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.  Avoid parking your car inside until it is repaired.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure
Nissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off

Nissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off

February 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Franklin, TN – February 2, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 267,276 Pathfinder SUVs with a faulty brake relay –  also known as the brake light switch – that causes the brake lights to stay lit, even when the brake is not pressed. The defect can also have other effects on how the car starts, shifts gears and drives. The affected part number is 25230 79917.

The recall includes:

  • 2013 Nissan Pathfinders
  • 2014 Nissan Pathfinders
  • 2015 Nissan Pathfinders

Recall summary 

The brake light switch is a sensor that tells other parts of the car  – the brake lights, the gear shift and sometimes the ignition – that a driver is pressing the brake. 

This Nissan Pathfinder recall expands and supersedes a prior recall initiated in May 2016. The original recall was conducted because of a defect which caused the switch to turn on and off in rapid succession due to the movement and vibration of the car, eventually damaging the switch until it was stuck in the “on” position. This made the Pathfinders “think” the brake was being pressed when it was not, causing a whole host of driving issues. 

The new recall includes certain 2013-2015 Pathfinders manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee from 2012 to 2017. The first recall only covered 2013 and 2014 Pathfinders manufactured from 2012 to 2013.

Nissan has not disclosed why the previous recall has failed.

Switching gears when it “wants to”

Leading up to this recall, Pathfinder owners filed a litany of complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), describing their harrowing experiences with the brake light switch and related issues. Some drivers said that their brake lights were constantly lit, sometimes draining the battery.  Owners described the car switching “from reverse to drive… when it wants to.” The cars would also stall after stopping or randomly, while out on a highway, “becoming a life hazard” for the driver and his family.

Risks

Functioning brake lights warn drivers when someone is slowing down. If the brake lights are constantly on, other drivers will not know when a car is actually braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect also allows drivers to start the car and shift out of park without pressing on the brake. This may cause the car to roll away, putting people who are in the way at risk.

Some vehicles may also stall, which can be dangerous, particularly on the freeway. Read more about what to do if your car stalls while you’re driving.

The repair

Nissan dealers will check to see if the car’s brake light relay has already been fixed. If it has not, Nissan will replace the switch and change its placement on the brake to prevent the problem from recurring. Recall notifications will be sent to owners starting March 1. 

As of January 1, Nissan reported that repair parts were expected to be in short supply until “February”; they did not specify when in February parts were expected to  become available. 

Owners who had this repair performed on their own dime before the recall was announced may be eligible for reimbursement through Nissan Consumer Affairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 260,000 Pathfinder SUVs are included in this recall. To perform a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off

Navistar recalls trucks; engine rev may overcome parking brake

February 1, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Lisle, IL – February 1, 2021 –Navistar International (NYSE:NAV) has recalled 17,213 medium- and extreme-duty trucks that may rev while parked and overcome the parking brake. The affected component is engine electronic control module (ECM) calibration software. ECM controls over 100 elements in the truck and is responsible for its smooth operation.

The  recall includes the following Navistar International models:

  • 2014-2020 International Durastar
  • 2020-2021 International HV
  • 2019-2021 International MV
  • 2015-2018 International Workstar

Recall summary  

The trucks in question are equipped with a Power Take Off (PTO) switch that transmits the power of the engine to truck’s accessories such as a dump truck’s bed, water pumps or a garbage truck compactor. PTO is in most cases directly connected to the ECM. 

Due to a programming error, the recalled Navistar International trucks’ may rev strongly enough to overpower the parking brake, while the truck is in drive or reverse. This may cause it to move unexpectedly.

Risks

The International truck, which can weigh up to 36.5 tons, could hit people or things in its path and poses a safety risk to the driver and people nearby.  This is especially dangerous if the truck in question has one of the accessories engaged. Imagine a dump truck moving away with its bed raised or a garbage compactor rolling with the compactor up!

In addition to physical damage to people and property, moving with the PTO switch engaged may harm the motor.

The repair

Navistar International will install an update on vehicles’ Cummins ECMs with a neutral interlock that will keep the vehicle in neutral as long as the PTO is switched on. Navistar plans to send recall notification letters to owners on February 19. More information about the recall and possible reimbursement for repairs will be included in the letter.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 17,000 vehicles are included in this Navistar truck recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNavistar recalls trucks; engine rev may overcome parking brake
General Motors recalls Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem

General Motors recalls Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem

January 29, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Warren, MI – January 29, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 213,128 mid-size cars because parts of the suspension called the toe links may break. The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2012 – 2013 Buick Regal 
  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the toe links at the rear underside of the car, which hold the rear wheels straight. The toe links are coated to protect them from road debris and corrosion, but the supplier applied too much coating, paradoxically making the protective layer more likely to chip off. 

GM has issued the recall in specific states in the “Salt Belt,” where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter. Without their protective coating, salt can corrode the metal toe links and cause them to break.

The recall will include models that were sold or ever registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 

Risks

A car with a broken toe link becomes very hard to control and could end up crashing. 

Read more about the risks of a broken toe link in this article about a Ford toe link recall.

Other GM recalls

In December, GM also recalled a host of GMC Sierra 2500, as well Sierra 1500 and 3500 trucks, among others. That GMC Sierra recall was related to the airbag end cap detaching during a crash and potentially hurting the car occupants.

The repair

GM dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners for free. This repair is not yet available. GM is still working on getting enough parts and will offer more details when it starts notifying owners on March 15. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 200,000 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 Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem
Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

January 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Washington, D.C. – January 27, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) must recall close to 3 million vehicles  in the U.S. after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied both manufacturers’ petitions to be excluded from an expansion of Takata airbag inflator recalls. The inflators, which have killed at least 30 people and caused over 400 injuries, are at the center of the largest auto recall in history, involving 19 car manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles. Ford and Mazda will have to recall and replace airbags in the following models:

  • 2007-2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007-2009 Mazda B-Series pickups
  • 2006-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006-2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The manufacturers have until February 18 to initiate the recall. The Mazda vehicles involved were built by Ford on Mazda’s platform due to Ford’s past investment in the company.

Summary  

The recall concerns these vehicles’ driver’s-side airbag inflators, which are supposed to inflate the airbags using a small explosion. If moisture gets into the inflator and degrades the explosives inside, it may generate a blast that is too large. This can rupture the inflator and send pieces of metal flying into vehicle occupants, injuring or even killing them. Some inflators, including those in the aforementioned Ford and Mazda models, were made with a drying agent to protect the explosives from water.

Background of the recall

Similar to a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, the vehicles that are set to be recalled were manufactured with a desiccant, or a drying agent, that was set to prevent the possible explosion by blocking the moisture from getting inside. Based on that and other factors, in 2017, Ford and Mazda petitioned NHTSA to be excluded from the recall that was initiated by Takata earlier that year. 

However, this month, NHTSA denied the petitions due to its and Takata’s analysis of salvaged inflators, which showed that these components still degrade over time, increasing the risk of an explosion. 

Risks

For risks related to this recall, please see our recent article about Volkswagen recalling over 100,000 Beetles over similar concerns. Mazda reported injuries related to previous recalls of cars manufactured by the brand but it is not clear how many. The vehicles affected under those Mazda airbag recalls include 2004-2009 B-Series pickup trucks and 2004-2006 Mazda MPV vans.

Other Ford recalls

Recently, Ford recalled 2014-2016 Edge SUVs due to potential brake failure. You can read more about that recall here.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 3 million vehicles will be included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Ford recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Volvo recalls SUVs and wagons for defective airbag system

January 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Ridgeville, SC – January 25, 2021 – Volvo  (OTCMKTS: VLVLY) has recalled 2,883 vehicles  whose supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit – an important safety component – may become detached during a crash, affecting the performance of safety systems such as airbags. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Volvo V60 and V60CC wagons
  • 2021 Volvo V90 and V90CC wagons
  • 2021 Volvo XC60 compact SUVs
  • 2021 Volvo XC90 SUVs

Recall summary  

Volvo’s recall addresses a manufacturing error that may cause the SRS control unit to detach during a crash, affecting multiple crash safety systems. If it is disconnected, the SRS control unit may not properly activate airbags, tighten seat belts or disconnect the car’s high voltage battery, putting vehicle occupants at higher risk of injury. 

The defect can be traced to a 12-day period when the Swedish manufacturer failed to properly measure how tightly they screwed in the SRS control units. 

Risks

In a crash, airbags can reduce vehicle occupants’ risk of fatal injury by 11%, but only if they are functioning properly. Airbags that deploy improperly or do not deploy at all, can’t protect drivers and passengers from impact and could lead to injury or death.

The drivers may be alerted to the potential issue if the SRS warning light comes on and “a text message “Service Urgent” is displayed,” according to NHTSA.

The repair

Volvo dealers will inspect the screws holding the SRS control unit to the car and will tighten them if necessary, at no charge to owners. Owners will be notified with more information about the recall starting February 19. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are included in this Volvo recall. To see if your car is one of them – and if Volvo V60 Cross Country is included – use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolvo recalls SUVs and wagons for defective airbag system
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