Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Jacksonville, FL – January 22, 2023 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 123,696 vehicles whose sunroofs may detach. This creates a road hazard and ups the risk of a crash.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes the following models: 

  • 2002 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C230
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C240
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C280
  • 2001 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz C320
  • 2006 – 2007 Mercedes-Benz C350
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK350
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550
  • 2005 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E320
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz E500
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E550
  • 2002 – 2004 Mercedes-Benz AMG C32
  • 2005 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG C55
  • 2003 – 2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK55
  • 2007 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS63
  • 2003 – 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55
  • 2007 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63
  • 2006 – 2009 Mercedes-Benz E350
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLS55

Recall summary  

All vehicles affected by this recall are equipped with a sunroof. Due to a supplier error, the sunroof’s glass panel was inadequately bonded to the metal frame beneath it. 

Because of that, the bonding adhesive could deteriorate and not hold these two components together. As a result, the glass panel may detach from the frame and fly away from the vehicle

The component causing this recall is the sunroof cover, with part numbers  A2117800300, A2097800200, A2197800100 or A2037800121, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A glass panel that detaches while driving will fly off, potentially hitting nearby pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. In addition, this part might land on the road, endangering other motorists.

Warning signs 

If the adhesive starts falling apart, the owners might notice a partially detached sunroof and excessive wind noise while driving. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has had issues with fly-away components. Back in September 2022, they recalled more than 100,000 SUVs and sedans because their trim bars could detach while driving.

In addition, one of the recent Mercedes-Benz C-Class recalls over a fire risk took place in October 2022

The repair

Dealers will inspect the sunroof and replace it if the bondage between the glass panel and the metal frame is inadequate. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes detached sunroof panel recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz cars with fly-away sunroofs

Ford recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

Dearborn, MI – January 21, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 101,001 vehicles over a problem with the seat belt warning system. The issue could prevent the drivers from buckling up, augmenting the risk of an injury in a crash.   

The recall covers the following SUVs:

  • 2020 – 2023 Lincoln Navigator
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair

Recall summary

The seat belt warning system is a safety feature that delivers an audible sound when it detects that the driver is not wearing the seat belt after the engine has been started. Due to a software error, part of the chime may be muted, causing it to play for less than four seconds. 

The part involved in this recall is the audio head unit with multiple part numbers, including PJ7T-18D890-SC, LC5T-18K810-JC and MC5T-18D890-SC.    

Recall risks

A seat belt warning chime that is partially inaudible may do an inadequate job of reminding drivers to put on their seat belts before driving the car. This could lead them to drive without it, presenting an increased risk of injury if a crash occurs.   

Other Ford recalls

In April of last year, there was a Lincoln Navigator recall due to trailer brakes, which may fail to engage when applied, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

In July 2022,  Ford was sued by owners of the 2021 Expedition and 2021 Lincoln Navigator SUVs who alleged that the manufacturer waited too long to recall these vehicles over risk of fire. On January 13, 2023, the lawsuit was dismissed, according to court records.

In December 2022, Ford issued a second recall for 521,778 SUVs including the 2021-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020-2023 Ford Escape. This was over reports of a defect with the fuel injectors, leading to fire in the engine bay and an increased risk of injury. 

The repair

Dealers will update the audio control module software on the affected vehicles free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repair before the recall was issued.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified between February 6, 2023 and February 10, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 100,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford seat belt chime recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to run a Lincoln recall check.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over defective seat belt chimes

US government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating 2019-2020 Jeep Compass SUVs made by Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) whose engines may shut down. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 228,971 vehicles. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on December 2, 2022 following 15 complaints of Compass engines shutting down unexpectedly. 

According to the complaints, operators saw a warning message on the dashboard stating “high coolant temperature” or “coolant temperature too high.” After the message appeared, the engine shut down. NHTSA indicates that that the temperature warning is not accurate.

Risks

For more on the risks posed by a sudden loss of power, please visit this RAM recall article.

Other Stellantis recalls

While there have been no recent Jeep Compass recalls, other models made by this manufacturer have been affected by several issues. Just recently, more than 60,000 Gladiators, Wranglers and RAM trucks were recalled over a defective fuel pump.  

You can find out all about the latest Stellantis recalls in this article

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Jeep loss of motive power investigation may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 200,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check to see if your car is currently subject to a recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over mysterious engine shutdowns

Navistar recalls school buses over loss of control

Lisle, IL– January 14, 2023 – Navistar has issued a recall for 6,948 school buses over a problem that can cause “loss of handling.” This increases the risk of injury.

The recall covers the following school buses:

  • 2023 – 2024 IC CE 
  • 2023 IC EV 
  • 2023 IC RE

Recall summary

The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported. In the recalled vehicles, the rear axle is not secured because of fasteners that were not tightened correctly.

This can result in the axle moving from side to side.

Recall risks

The defect reduces the vehicle’s handling, potentially leading to a higher risk of injuries to occupants. It could also become necessary for children on board to be transferred to another bus.    

Warning signs 

Users may notice a general “loose” feeling when driving the vehicle. A possible metallic clunking noise may also be observed. Visual inspection might show that the rear axle is not centered with the vehicle’s body. 

Other Navistar recalls

In June 2022, Navistar recalled 5,173 school buses over loose steering wheels that could detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

In September 2022, Navistar also issued a recall for 6,883 International trucks over an engine shutdown problem. This could cause the vehicles to stall while driving, bringing a higher potential for an accident.  

The repair

Dealers will tighten Navistar axle fasteners with new ones. Navistar will reimburse owners who availed of repairs prior to the recall announcement.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around February 6, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Navistar school bus recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more Navistar recalls, run a Navistar recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNavistar recalls school buses over loss of control

US government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power

Washington, D.C. – January 8, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over an allegation that the brakes on their heavy-duty trucks may stop working. A loss of braking power ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 390,077 trucks, including the following: 

  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 2500
  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 3500

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 11 of last year following 134 complaints about a loss of braking performance, which would occur intermittently or permanently and “at all speeds.”

Replacing the anti-lock brakes (ABS), along with the hydraulic control unit (HCU) would sometimes correct the issue but, at least in several cases, the parts were not available due to a back order. Both systems work together to control the braking force for each wheel and prevent lockups during sudden braking. 

Risks

With inoperable or ineffective brakes, the vehicle may not be able to stop in time. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other RAM truck recalls 

There were several RAM 2500 recalls that took place last year.. Among them, the one caused by a transmission fluid leak, which may lead to a fire, is the latest.

Back in June 2022, a large batch of RAM trucks was pulled from the road because their rearview cameras hadn’t been showing an image when backing up.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This RAM brake performance issues may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 300,000 trucks. To do a RAM recall check and see if your car is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power

GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

Warren, MI January 1, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, is recalling 740,108 cars, SUVs, and trucks, whose daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on.  This may blind other motorists, increasing the chances of a crash and injury.  

This recall expands a previous recall conducted for the same reason late last year.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Buick Envision
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT5
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Daytime running lights are a part of a headlight cluster that, as their name would suggest, increases a vehicle’s visibility during the day. These lights, however, shut off as soon as the headlights are turned off. If not, they may create a glare, which could be blinding to other motorists.

Due to a software error, the DRL lights on affected vehicles may fail to disengage once the headlights are turned on

The component causing this recall is the body control module, with part numbers differing depending on the make and model. Some of them include 13534824, 13534861 or 13542151. 

Background of the recall

The 2021 model-years of some of the cars above were recalled in November of last year due to the same issue. Before that recall was announced, GM started an investigation to determine if additional vehicles were affected. As a result of that investigation, the current recall came into life.

Recall risks

Risks caused by blinding headlights were covered in detail in the previous GM recall.  

Other GM recalls

Just a month ago, GM recalled more than 300,000 SUVs over a similar issue, which was also one of the latest Chevrolet Tahoe recalls.

Back in September 2022, GM recalled nearly 100,000 compact SUVs because their rearview cameras could have failed to show an image when backing up

The repair

Dealers will install a software update to affected vehicles. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on January 23, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM daytime running lights recall affects almost three-quarters of a million vehicles. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls cars because of blinding headlights

Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Camden, NJ December 23, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling  271,694 of their 2019 – 2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs because their electrical components may overheat and melt. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of property damage, crash, and injury. 

The fire may occur even while the vehicle is turned off and parked. Owners are advised to park away from structures until the issue is addressed. The recall comes on the back of 11 fire-related complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with several heaters, including one inside the dashboard. The dashboard heater helps the engine warm up faster when it is cold out. Its grounding wire is bolted to the chassis with a screw. 

On affected SUVs, these screws might not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly. This may generate excessive heat which may lead to the grounding wire’s terminal and surrounding components melting if the temperature is high enough. It may also lead to a fire.

The component causing this recall is the tapping screw, with part number 904580002

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks caused by overheating electrics in this recent Hyundai recall

Warning signs 

The driver or passengers may notice a burning smell if the grounding wire starts to melt. In addition, there might be smoke coming from underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Safety tips 

If you notice these warning signs, pull over at the first safe spot, turn off the ignition and leave the vehicle with all your passengers.

Keep in mind that your car may still catch fire even when it is not running. This is why you should park it away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done. 

Other Subaru recalls

Apart from these Subaru electrical issues, the manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 of their popular Impreza cars because of defective headlights in August 2022

Among previous Subaru Ascent recalls, the one caused by malfunctioning transmission, which took place in January 2022, is the latest

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by installing a new grounding-wire screw. In addition, as a precaution, they will inspect the grounding wire and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 6, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru ground terminal recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Fountain Valley, CA – December 18, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) regarding “the scope and remedy” of a recent recall conducted for faulty windshield wipers.

The investigation could result in a recall of an additional 126,081 cars, including the following:

  • 2021 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Investigation summary

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a probe on December 2, 2022 on the back of six complaints about windshield wiper failures in winter conditions. According to these complaints, the wiper motor would work intermittently or malfunction due to accumulated snow or ice. 

Hyundai previously initiated 2020–2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls involving 122,919 vehicles in August 2022 over the problem. However, the vehicles included in the present investigation were not part of that recall.

Risks

Defective windshield wipers prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly when driving in rainy or wintry conditions, increasing the risk of the vehicle crashing.   

Other Hyundai recalls

In September, NHTSA placed Hyundai and sister company Kia under investigation for an estimated 5.2 million vehicles over allegations of a sudden and severe oil leak that can lead to the engine stalling and an increased risk of an accident. In November, Hyundai also recalled 14,928 electric and plug-in vehicles over exploding seat belt pretensioners that pose an increased risk of fire.    

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

More than 126,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of this Hyundai windshield wiper investigation. To do a Hyundai recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Ford recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 18,808 vehicles that may lose power or roll away because of a fractured driveshaft. The latter is a component that transfers engine power to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward.

This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2018 F-250 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-450 Super Duty

Recall summary

Radial dampers are circular mechanisms that are used to limit uncontrolled movement inside the driveshaft.

In the subject vehicles, the dumbbell-shaped radial damper may move out of position due to the rubber covering becoming deformed over time. This could eventually lead to the fracture of the driveshaft.

Recall risks

The defect can result in a loss of drive power. A vehicle rollaway is also possible if the parking brake is not engaged when the vehicle is parked. These Ford driveshaft issues increase the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Tell-tale signs related to this Ford F-Series issue include “noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) symptoms observable to a driver.

Other recent Ford recalls

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls over a similar matter was in August, where nearly 60,000 F-150 trucks were recalled for the risk of stall and rollaway.

In early December, Ford issued a recall of more than half a million Escape and Bronco vehicles over fire risk. This was the second recall for the same issue, prompted by more than 50 complaints and more than 40 legal claims.

In November, Bronco vehicles were subjected to another recall. This time, more than 40,000 vehicles were included in the rearview image display fault.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost. Owners can expect to be notified about the repair program between January 9, 2023 and January 13, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 vehicles are included in this Ford F-series recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

Stellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power

Auburn Hills, MI – December 16, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 5,834 vehicles that may lose power while in motion due to faulty shifter pawls, which are pins that lock gears in place. This augments the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Dodge Charger
  • 2022 Dodge Durango

Recall summary

In the affected vehicles, the shifter pawls have not been properly heat-treated and may bend or fail to engage as expected when shifting between gears.  Heat-treating, as reported, is a normal part of the manufacturing process which ensures that components made of metal can withstand the test of time.

Recall risks

An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the “Drive” position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. This increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

A warning sign associated with this issue is “a bent or misaligned shifter lever.” In some cases, the driver may even have difficulty selecting gears. 

Other recent Dodge and Chrysler recalls

In November, more than 40,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles were recalled over risk of tire failure. This was a follow-up recall from a July one relating to the same issue.

Prior to that in October, more than 80,000 Dodge Journey SUVs were subjected to a recall over a headlamp issue resulting in poor visibility. This was attributed to a substandard reflector. 

The repair

To fix this Dodge powertrain issues, dealers will replace the shifter assembly  free of charge. Notifications regarding the repair program will be sent to owners on or around January 12, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 6,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Fiat Chrysler recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power