Ford issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

May 14, 2023 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI  – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 231,942 2004 – 2006 Ford Ranger pickup trucks because their passenger airbags may fail to deploy in a crash. This reduces occupant protection, increasing the risk of injury. 

This recall is an expansion and replacement of one conducted just recently, in March 2023, over the same issue. 

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles originally had Takata airbags which, as reported, are prone to exploding when deploying. In 2017 and 2018, these airbags were swapped for new ones that did not have that defect. However, dealers botched the repair, resulting in airbags that may not inflate during a crash.

Recall risks

An airbag that fails to deploy in a crash ups the risk of an injury. 

Background of the recall

The manufacturer already recalled a range of these vehicles for the exact same issue in March, as reported. However, in April, it found one additional vehicle that was not included in the original recall that had an incorrectly installed airbag. On the back of that, Ford decided to conduct the current recall, expanding the number of vehicles to 230,000 from 98,000. The current recall supersedes the one conducted in March.

Other Ford recalls

In February Ford issued a second recall for Lincoln Navigator, Corsair and Ford Explorer SUVs due to malfunctioning rearview cameras. The first recall was done in October 2021 but proved to be insufficient, as reported.

In March, Ford recalled over a million vehicles whose brakes may become less responsive than usual due to a brake fluid leak, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the airbags properly. The repairs are free of charge. It is not clear if vehicles that already had their airbags replaced will need a new remedy. Contact your dealer to find out if that is the case.

Owners should also receive letters with more information between May 22, 2023 and May 26, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 230,000 trucks are affected by this Ford airbag recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Ranger pickups with faulty airbags 

Navistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire

May 13, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Lisle, IL  – May 13, 2023 – Navistar is recalling  9,170 2017 – 2023 International CV heavy-duty pickup trucks because the electric components in their brake systems may short-circuit and catch fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. In addition, the vehicle may burst into flames even when parked, causing property damage.

Recall summary  

When the driver presses the brake pedal, the movement is transferred to a brake booster, which multiplies braking force, as reported. Listed trucks are also equipped with a brake pressure switch, which detects when the brake is applied. This is necessary for brake light activation and the operation of various driver assistance systems.   

The brake switch in the affected vehicles has a design flaw that could cause the seal between the brake booster and pressure switch to deteriorate. If this happens, the brake fluid could leak into the switch, which might short-circuit and overheat.    

Recall risks

All fire-related risks are described in this recent GM recall, which affected heavy-duty trucks that have the same brake pressure switch, as reported. The GM vehicles in question were made by Navistar.

Warning signs

A short-circuited brake pressure switch could trigger a “Service Brake System” warning on the vehicle’s display. 

Safety tips

As described in the said recent Chevy recall, you and all the passengers should quickly yet safely leave the vehicle if it catches fire while driving. This includes pulling over at a first safe spot and getting away from the vehicle while also being careful not to get hit by other cars.   

In addition, due to the nature of the defect, the truck may burst into flames even when it is parked with the engine off. Because of this, it’s strongly recommended to park it in the open and away from other cars and structures until the repair is done. 

Other Navistar recalls

In December 2022, Navistar recalled some of its trucks and buses, including International CVs, over a risk of steering loss and vehicle instability.

This was not the only problem with stability this manufacturer had recently, as some of its school buses were recalled in January 2023 over potential loss of control.

The repair

Dealers will replace the leaking brake pressure switch with an upgraded variant. In addition, the connecting wiring harness will also be replaced if the brake fluid is found in its connector. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information starting on June 19, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 9,000 trucks are affected by this Navistar brake switch recall. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNavistar recalls International CV trucks that may catch fire
Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

February 18, 2023 Bojan Popic

Richmond, VA – February 18, 2023 – A used-car dealer CarMax (NYSE: KMX) has agreed to disclose open recalls on cars that it sells in certain states.  The agreement follows on the heels of a multi-state investigation into allegations that the company failed to disclose that some of the cars on sale were subject to unrepaired recalls.

This is at least the second time the company settles such allegations. 

Buying a car with an open recall can put your life and that of your passengers and other motorists at risk.

The agreement

This CarMax settlement comes on the heels of an investigation that started in 2014 and was settled on December 5, 2022. That is when the company agreed to disclose open recalls in 36 states, including Alabama, Nevada, Wisconsin and Texas.

To ensure compliance, Carmax will have to implement several mechanisms when selling cars with open recalls.

First, all cars on sale will have to have a link or sticker with a QR code, which would lead to a site like MotorSafety.org that would have more specific information on the recall.

Secondly, before buying the vehicle, the customer would need to sign a waiver that would disclose that the vehicle is subject to a recall.  He or she will also be given a copy of the said recall. 

Third, CarMax cannot market their cars as “safe or repaired for ‘safety issues.'” 

As part of the agreement, the company has also agreed to pay $1 million that is going to be split between the states involved in the settlement.

Is it legal to sell cars with open recalls?

It is illegal for dealers and manufacturers to sell new cars with open recalls. However, “due to legal loopholes and loose regulations,” in some states used cars can be sold with open recalls. 

With the settlement, however, it becomes illegal for CarMax to do so in the 36 states that are subject to the agreement without proper disclosure.

What led to the investigation 

According to the investigation – that started in 2014 –  CarMax did not disclose that “repairs that were necessary on vehicles with open safety recalls, and it represented that those vehicles were safe despite open recalls for airbags, brakes, fuel pumps, and other critical parts and safety features. “

It is not clear how exactly the non-disclosure was accomplished but,  in a related settlement that was achieved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  in 2016, the used-car dealership claimed that all the cars were subject to a rigorous, 12-hour, 125-point inspection. However, some of these cars were subject to open recalls which CarMax did not adequately disclose. 

Does your vehicle have an open recall?

In some states it may be legal to sell used cars with open recalls.  One way to check if your car is one of them is to plug in your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to check for open settlements. For tips on how to find your VIN and other ways to discover if your car is in need of a repair, please see this article.

Bojan PopicUsed car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale
Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

June 16, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – June 16,  2021 – When recalls affect brand new cars, car manufacturers are required to have the vehicles repaired before selling them to customers. Efforts must also be made to contact owners after cars leave dealers’ lots.

However, due to legal loopholes and loose regulations, in some states used car dealers can sell cars without fixing recalls first, and used car owners might not be informed when their car has been recalled.

Here are a few things you can do to learn about any safety defects your used car has to protect your health and well-being  and that of your loved ones.

1. When you are buying, search for open recalls using the car’s VIN

Use a tool like Motorsafety.org’s recall lookup and plug in your vehicle identification number (VIN)  to find out if your car has any recalls that need fixing.

To find your VIN, check out this resource.

2. Update your registration

Auto manufacturers use the contact information listed in vehicle registrations at the DMV to track down the current owners of a vehicle under recall. Make sure the address listed on your vehicle’s registration is current so that recall notices will be mailed to your address.

3. Register directly with the manufacturer

Many manufacturers have an “owners” page on their website that allows owners to register their vehicle with them even if they bought it used. (For example, this is Toyota’s page.) They can use your registration information to contact you if your car is ever recalled.

Over 54 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. last year and more recalls are issued every week. Check your car for unrepaired recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandOwn or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls
Navistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown

Navistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown

February 26, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Lisle, IL – February 26, 2021 – Navistar has recalled 27,457 International brand trucks that may stall. The recall includes:

  • 2018-2020 International LoneStar trucks
  • 2021 International LoneStar trucks
  • 2017-2021 International LT trucks

Recall summary  

The problem originates with a battery cable that may break, causing the truck to lose electrical power and the engine to shut down. This is caused by the cable not being able to withstand the “stresses” placed on it by the trucks’ movement due to a design error, according to the testing conducted by the manufacturer.

Warning signs

In some cases, drivers may be warned of the problem if the engine briefly or intermittently shuts down prior to a complete stall.

Other Navistar recalls

This is the second Navistar recall in February. Earlier in the month, the truck manufacturer recalled over 17,000 medium- and extreme-duty trucks that may move unexpectedly after overpowering the parking brake.

Safety risks

If the truck loses power on the road, it creates a hazard for the driver and other motorists and could lead to a crash.

The repair

Dealers will replace the battery ground cable “with a more flexible” one designed to not to break while the truck is moving. Navistar will send owners recall notifications with more information around April 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 27,000 vehicles are included in this Navistar recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNavistar International recalls trucks for possible engine shutdown

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
Volvo Recalls 2018-19 XC60 and S90 Vehicles For Front Seat Defect

Volvo Recalls 2018-19 XC60 and S90 Vehicles For Front Seat Defect

April 5, 2019 Sean Reyes

 

Laguna Hills, CA – April 5, 2019 – Volvo Car USA is recalling certain 2018-2019 XC60 and S90 vehicles. The rear flange nuts on the driver and passenger front seat rail may not have been installed during assembly. If a crash were to happen, the missing nuts could affect the front seat structure and position, increasing the chance of injury. As many as 2,297 vehicles may be involved.

The Defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this problem, because of potentially missing flange nuts, the front driver and passenger seats may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to front-seat occupants. Installation of the flange nuts may have been omitted as the result of an error during the supplier’s assembly process, compromising the front seat’s structure and position.

Timeline of Events

Volvo received information from its supplier March 4, 2019, indicating issues in their production during a certain period of time meant the quality of delivered components could not be guaranteed. A review was initiated immediately and the potential issue went to the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT), which began an internal investigation March 6. This led to the CCMT identifying the issue as critical. Consequently, based on its internal analysis and supplier documents, Volvo decided March 20 to institute a worldwide recall of all affected vehicles.

The Solution

The recall will begin May 17, 2019. Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat rails for missing flange nuts, installing them as necessary, free of charge to car owners. In addition, the supplier process has been updated and improved.

Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo’s number for this recall is R19931. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V220000.

Sean ReyesVolvo Recalls 2018-19 XC60 and S90 Vehicles For Front Seat Defect
Fiat Chrysler recalls 882,000 pickup trucks for steering, pedal issues

Fiat Chrysler recalls 882,000 pickup trucks for steering, pedal issues

February 5, 2019 Sean Reyes

Fiat Chrysler recalls 882,000 pickup trucks for steering, pedal issues

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV said on Tuesday it would recall 882,000 pickup trucks worldwide in two new recalls to address steering and pedal issues.

The Italian-American automaker said it was recalling about 660,000 heavy duty Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks from the 2013 through 2017 model years, including 574,000 in the United States, as drivers could potentially experience steering loss.

A nut could come loose and prevent drivers from being able to steer the vehicle, Fiat Chrysler said, adding it had reports of one injury and eight accidents possibly related to the issue.

Read more on Reuters.com…

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler recalls 882,000 pickup trucks for steering, pedal issues
Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles Due to Takata Air Bags

Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles Due to Takata Air Bags

January 29, 2019 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 29, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. to have their Takata air bag inflators replaced. The action includes 2010-2015 Chrysler 300 sedans, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota trucks, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger coupes, 2011-2015 Dodge Charger sedans, 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler SUVs, and 2010 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks.

The Defect

According to Consumer Reports, the Takata air bag inflators use ammonium nitrate to inflate the air bag in the event of a crash. That compound has been found to become unstable over time, especially after exposure to temperature fluctuations and periods of constant high humidity. The instability can cause inflators to explode with violent force during an impact.

If a defective air bag ruptures, it can cause sharp metal fragments to fly outwards directly into the faces of the driver and passengers. This loose debris can significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death for all occupants of the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Takata recall is the largest and most complex automotive recall in U.S. history. It covers 50 million air bag inflators in 37 million cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks from 19 manufacturers. At least 15 drivers’ and passengers’ deaths – and more than 250 injuries – have been attributed to the devices.

The recall has been spaced out to allow manufacturers time to acquire and stock replacement parts. Since the degradation of the inflator material occurs over time, the recall addressed the oldest affected cars first as well as those located in areas of temperature fluctuation and high humidity. The recall notices have been since rolled out in phases on a predetermined schedule. The latest rollout includes the Fiat Chrysler vehicles, and these recalls will continue into 2020.

The Solution

FCA says it will let owners of affected vehicles know when they can schedule service. Dealers will replace the passenger-side front air bag inflator free of charge. Owners can contact FCA’s recall information center at 800-853-1403. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date for which information was available – 958,175 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesFiat Chrysler Recalls 1.4 Million Vehicles Due to Takata Air Bags
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