Volkswagen recalls Audi vehicles over rearview display issue

Auburn Hills, MI – October 26, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 170,296 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera display, which can up the risk of an accident.  

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Audi e-tron
  • 2022 Audi e-tron GT
  • 2021– 2022 Audi RSQ8
  • 2021 Audi RS7, RS6 and RS5
  • 2021 Audi S8, S7, S6, S5, S5 Cabriolet and S4
  • 2021 Audi A8, A7, A6, A5, A5 Cabriolet and A4
  • 2021 Audi SQ8, SQ7 and SQ5
  • 2021 Audi Q8, Q7 and Q5

Recall summary

The dashboard screen on the affected models may fail to display the rearview camera image when Reverse gear is engaged, showing only a blank screen. In certain situations, the dashboard main unit could malfunction, leading to no image being shown. 

Recall risks

For risks of this recall please visit this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Audi recalls

In September 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall for 13,004 2021-2022 Audi Q3 SUVs over a damaged fuel tank vent pipe that could lead to fuel spills and prevent the vehicle’s fuel tank from being filled.

In December 2021, Volkswagen recalled 288,991 2018-2022 Audi Q5 and SQ5 SUVs over gateway control modules that could sustain water damage, leading the engine to lose power, increasing the risk of accidents.

The repair

Dealers will fix these Audi software issues by updating the infotainment software on the affected vehicles at no cost to owners.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around December 2, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 170,000 vehicles are affected by this Audi rearview display recall. To check for Audi e-tron recalls or other Audi recalls on your vehicle,  run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audi vehicles over rearview display issue

Rivian recalls vehicles over faulty steering

Plymouth, MI – October 25, 2022 – Rivian (NYSE:RIVN), an electric vehicle company founded in 2009, is issuing a recall for 12,212 vehicles over improperly tightened steering fasteners on the wheels. These could affect the vehicle’s maneuverability, resulting in a higher risk of an accident.

The recall covers the following models:

  • 2022 Rivian R1T pickup truck
  • 2022 Rivian R1S SUV
  • 2022 Rivian EDV delivery vehicle

The 2022 model year was the first for the company, and nearly all vehicles produced by Rivian so far are affected by this recall.

Recall summary

The vehicle’s steering system uses steering knuckles that allow the wheels to turn when the steering wheel is rotated left or right. The knuckles are connected to the vehicle’s frame by a part called the front upper control arm. A bolt called the steering knuckle fastener joins these two components to ensure that the vehicle’s steering remains within the proper angles

In the affected models, the fastener may not have been sufficiently tightened. This could result in the bolt coming loose while the vehicle is in operation

Recall risks

If the fastener comes loose from the steering assembly, the front wheel could end up being misaligned or even separated from the vehicle. This could make the driver lose steering control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident.

Warning signs 

Drivers of the affected vehicles may observe higher than normal noise, vibration and harshness coming from the front suspension. They might also notice changes in steering feel or performance.

The repair

To address this Rivian steering issue, dealers will inspect the steering system on the affected vehicles and adequately tighten the knuckle fasteners. They will also replace steering components as necessary. There will be no charge for these repairs, and Rivian will reimburse owners who have had such repairs made prior to the recall announcement.

 Affected owners will be notified on or around November 24, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 12,000 vehicles are affected by this Rivian steering recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a Rivian recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloRivian recalls vehicles over faulty steering

Daimler issues Mercedes-Benz C300 recall for risk of fire

Jacksonville, FL – October 24, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 6,752 Mercedes-Benz C-class cars due to an electrical problem, which could result in a short circuit and increased risk of fire.  The recall includes the 2022 C300 luxury cars.

Recall summary

These cars have a Mercedes-Benz signal acquisition and actuation module (SAM) that gathers information from the vehicle’s sensors, switches and controllers. This plays an important part in the car’s functions such as showing the correct fuel level, controlling the lights and receiving signals from the key fob transmitter for locking and unlocking the doors.    

In the affected vehicles, water leaking into the trunk area may reach the SAM’s sensitive electronics, causing a short circuit and increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall risks

A short circuit on the SAM could lead to problems with the vehicle’s various features such as exterior lights, power seat adjustment, side mirrors and rearview cameras. It also increases the risk of fire breaking out in the vehicle.  For more on the risks of fire, please visit the following page.

Warning signs

A warning message will appear on the dashboard, corresponding to the particular function affected by the short circuit.  

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In April 2022, Daimler issued a recall for 8,396 Mercedes-Benz cars for the 2021-2022 model years over faulty cruise control features, as reported.

That same month, another Daimler recall covered 126,443 Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the 2018-2021 model years over a software error on the rearview camera, that could prevent drivers from reversing the vehicle safely. 

Repair

Dealers will install a cover on the SAM to protect it against water leaking into the trunk area. The repair will be done free of charge, as all affected vehicles are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Affected owners will be notified on or around November 11, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Mercedes-Benz electric issues are causing a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Bojan PopicDaimler issues Mercedes-Benz C300 recall for risk of fire

Toyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes

Plano, TX – October 23, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which owns the Lexus brand, has recalled 83,725 pickup trucks and SUVs whose electronic parking brakes may stop working. This increases the risk that a vehicle parked on an incline could roll away and crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 Lexus NX250
  • 2022 Lexus NX350
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have an electronic parking brake (EPB), which is activated by pushing a button instead of pulling a lever. This device’s operation is controlled by a computer which ensures the parking brake is activated in a safe way. 

In the affected vehicles, as a result of a programming error, the parking brake system may falsely detect an electrical problem, causing it to deactivate and display a warning light and message. When this happens, the driver will be unable to engage or disengage the parking brake.

Recall risks

If the parking brake is not activated when intended, a vehicle parked on an incline may roll away, increasing the risk of crash and injury.

Warning signs

When the driver attempts to set the parking brake, the vehicle will display a message: “Parking Brake Malfunction, Visit Your Dealer.” If the parking brake is already on, the driver will be unable to release it; if it is off, they will be unable to set it.

Other Toyota and Lexus recalls

One of the most recent Toyota truck recalls was in July 2022, when the manufacturer recalled more than 40,000 vehicles whose drivetrain axles may detach while driving.

Some Lexus SUVs were affected by a large-scale recall in May 2022, which was caused by the stability control not turning back on automatically after it is turned off.

Repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s software with a new version. This repair is free of charge.

Vehicle owners will receive notifications about this recall between October 17, 2022, and October 30, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota parking brake recall affects more than 80,000 vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Lexus recall check. 

Bojan PopicToyota recalls trucks and SUVs with inoperable parking brakes

Nissan recalls SUVs over faulty seat belts

Franklin, TN – October 22, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 8,391 SUVs over an issue with the seat belts, which could fail to extract or retract properly. This could result in passengers not using the belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. 

The recall affects the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Nissan Rogue
  • 2022 Nissan Rogue

Recall summary

Seat belts use a retractor that keeps the belt taut, removing any slack and safely securing the occupant in the seat. In the affected vehicles, the seat belts on the left and right rear seats may not pull out or retract properly during normal use. This can prevent the seat belts from loosening again as designed.    

Recall risks

The primary risk is that passengers will not use the seat belts. According to Nissan, “There may be difficulty in pulling the seat belt out of the retractor, thus preventing its usage.” Failure to use a seat belt could lead to injury in an accident.

Warning signs

Passengers will observe that the seat belts will still have a slack or loose portion, or that the belts will retract more slowly than intended.

Other Nissan Rogue recalls

In November 2021, Nissan issued a recall for 5,905 Rogue Hybrid SUVs for the 2017 – 2019 model years. This was over a problem with the wiring harness that could cause the vehicle to lose power and stall during operation.

In January 2022, Nissan recalled 688,946 Rogue SUVs spanning the 2014 to 2016 model years, also over a problem with the wiring harness; this defect could lead to an increased risk of fire.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the left- and right-hand passenger seat belts and replace them as needed. The remedy will be performed free of charge for both parts and labor.

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 27, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan Rogue seat belt recall. To see if your vehicle is affected by these Nissan seat belt issues, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs over faulty seat belts

Volkswagen recalls Audi sedans over defective passenger airbags

Auburn Hills, MI – October 21, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, has issued a recall for 4,117 vehicles on account of incorrectly installed airbags on the front passenger side. The airbag may fail to deploy properly in the event of a collision, upping the risk of injury.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 Audi S3 sedan
  • 2022 Audi RS3 sedan
  • 2022 Audi A3 sedan 

Recall summary

When the vehicle experiences a frontal collision with sufficient force, the front passenger airbag is designed to inflate, preventing the passenger from hitting the windshield.  

In the affected vehicles, the airbag may not have been correctly folded before being placed into the airbag housing on the dashboard. Consequently, the airbag could tear when it deploys, preventing it from inflating properly.

Recall risks

If the airbag tears when it deploys, it may not inflate properly, augmenting the risk of injury to the passenger. 

Other Audi recalls

In April 2022, Volkswagen issued a recall for 26,053 Audi vehicles over an engine issue. The turbocharger on the affected vehicles could be clogged by contaminants and eventually break, causing the engine to lose power and increasing the risk of a crash.   

In December 2021, Audi and Volkswagen agreed to pay $42 million as a settlement to owners whose vehicles were outfitted with defective airbags from Takata. This resulted from a class action lawsuit filed in 2014 against the two automakers, and all vehicles involved were part of the massive Takata airbag recall spanning about 100 million airbags worldwide. 

Repair

Dealers will replace the front-passenger airbag module with one that contains a properly folded airbag. There will be no charge for this replacement. Affected owners will be notified on or around October 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,000 vehicles are included in this Audi airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audi sedans over defective passenger airbags

Ford issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

Dearborn, MI – October 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 277,040 vehicles whose rearview camera images may become cloudy, making it hard to see obstacles behind the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-250 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Ford F-450 SD
  • 2017 – 2020 Lincoln Continental 

Recall summary

The subject vehicles have a 360-degree camera system, which allows drivers to get a complete view of their surroundings. Due to a “degradation of the camera’s anti-reflective lens coating” the rearview camera image may become foggy.

The components in question are the rearview cameras, with part numbers HC3T-19G490-DH and GD9T-19G490-BH.

Recall risks

A foggy or cloudy rearview camera image can reduce the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle..

Warning signs

Over time, the clarity of the rearview camera image may worsen as a result of being exposed to UV radiation.

Other recent Ford and Lincoln recalls and investigations

Other Ford truck recalls include one in August, when more than 50,000 Ford F-150 trucks were recalled over a risk of stalling and rolling away. There was another F-150 recall in June over missing tire information, as reported.  

Earlier this month, Ford recalled nearly 200,000 SUVs over fire risk caused by a problem with the air conditioner’s motor.

The U.S. government is investigating Ford over brake fluid leaks, which could lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash. The investigation was prompted by 50 complaints about the issue, as well as a crash that allegedly resulted from it.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will replace the rearview camera at no cost to the owners.

Owners were notified about the repair program between September 12, 2022 and September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than a quarter of a million vehicles are included in this Ford rearview camera recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord issues recall over cloudy rearview camera image

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks that may stall

Auburn Hills, MI – October 19, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 4,907 heavy-duty pickup trucks, which could have an electrical short, causing them to stall. This can happen while driving, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall have a 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo-Diesel engine and include: 

  • 2022 RAM 2500
  • 2022 RAM 3500
  • 2022 RAM 4500
  • 2022 RAM 5500

Recall summary  

Engine operation in all modern cars is controlled by a computer call the Engine Control Module (ECM). In affected trucks, a component inside the ECM might have been fitted incorrectly, which may cause it to short circuit. When this happens, the engine will stall. 

The component causing this recall is the ECM, with part number 68569934AA. 

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle can get hit by oncoming traffic, especially if this happens at high speeds. In addition, with the engine not working, the driver will not have power steering and brake booster. All of this increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other RAM truck recalls

Apart from these RAM truck recalls, some of these vehicles were recalled in June because of an issue with their rearview cameras

In addition, there was a large-scale recall in March 2022 caused by faulty indicator lights

Repair

Dealers will replace the ECM on affected vehicles. This repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on October 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This RAM recall is affecting almost 5,000 trucks. To do a RAM recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls RAM trucks that may stall

KIA recalls SUVs that may stall or burst into flames

Irvine, CA – October 18, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 19,701 2023 Kia Sportage SUVs with an electrical issue that may cause them to stall or even catch fire. This can happen while driving, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The electrical power for a vehicle while it’s running is generated by an alternator. It is connected to the car’s battery with a wire cable, whose connector is held in place with a nut. On affected SUVs, this nut may not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly

As such, the nut could become loose and cause a loss of electrical conductivity. This cuts the power supply to the vehicle, causing it to stall. In addition, loose electrical contact may create sparks, which can cause a fire inside the engine compartment.  

The component causing this recall is the alternator assembly, with part number 37300-2SGD1. 

Recall risks

A stalled vehicle can get hit by oncoming traffic, especially if this happens at high speeds. In addition, potential hazards caused by a fire while driving range from failure to stop and evacuate the car in time to being a threat to other motorists.

Warning signs 

Poor electrical connection at the alternator’s terminal will trigger the battery warning light on the dashboard. 

Other Kia recalls

There is an urgent Kia Sportage recall issued earlier this month due to the risk of the car tow hitch harness catching fire even if the car is parked. Owners are advised to park their vehicles away from structures. To see the full list of vehicles involved, please visit this page.

In addition to that, there are a number of other Kia fire recalls currently outstanding. See the overview of them here.

Repair

Dealers will check the nut and tighten it as necessary.  This repair is free of charge. 

Kia sent notifications to vehicle owners on September 23, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia fire risk issue is affecting almost 20,000 SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKIA recalls SUVs that may stall or burst into flames

Stellantis latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars

Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jee, and RAM brands, has racked up nine recalls in the past six months. In total, more than 1.1 million vehicles have been affected by this. Besides, the recalls, the company is subject to two ongoing investigations by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, which could lead to recalls of additional 1.5 million vehicles.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected. 

Roll-away SUVs

In March, some Jeep and Dodge SUVs were recalled because they could shift out of Park even when the brake was not applied. This was caused by a faulty ABS unit.  Approximately a quarter of a million vehicles were affected by these Stellantis rollaway issues, including: 

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trucks with malfunctioning ESC

That same month,  Stellantis also recalled a large batch of RAM trucks and Dodge SUVs over a software issue within the ABS. This might prevent the warning light on the dashboard from illuminating if the car’s electronic stability control (ESC) malfunctions. In total, 370,437 cars had to be recalled because of this, including: 

  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 3500
  • 2021 – 2022 Dodge Durango 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – roughly half of the vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

SUVs with unsecured child car seats

Certain 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled in April because of an issue with child-seat anchorage points on second-row seats. As a result, the child seat could be inadequately secured during a collision, increasing the risk of injury. In total, 4,586 were affected. 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – 2,746 vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Tire failure risk recall

An issue with the built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which may keep the system from detecting low tire pressure led to a Stellantis recall that took place in June 2022.

In total, 52,340 cars were affected by this issue, including: 

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Stalling vehicles with diesel engines  

One the heels of the tire pressure recall, over 138,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines were recalled over concerns they may stall while driving. The problem was caused by a high-pressure fuel pump, which delivers fuel to the engine.

These Stellantis engine issues affected the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Malfunctioning rearview cameras

In June, almost 120,000 RAM pickup trucks were recalled because of a software issue that would prevent the rearview image from being displayed.

The following vehicles were affected: 

  • 2022 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2022 RAM 3500 

More recently, in September, Jeep recalled some of its models over a similar software error. This recall affected 7,895 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2021 Jeep Wrangler 
  • 2020 – 2021 RAM 1500 
  • 2021 Jeep Gladiator 

Issues with lights 

Two separate light issues led to two Stellantis light recalls that affected over 180,000 cars.

In August, a substantial number of Jeep SUVs were recalled because their tail light side markers were damaged and dimmed. In total, 99,186 vehicles were affected by this recall, including: 

  • 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Earlier this month, Stellantis recalled more than 80,000 of their 2017 – 2018 Dodge Journey crossover SUVs. These vehicles were equipped with headlights that turned out to be defective and not bright enough

Active investigations

Besides the recalls, the U.S government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) is conducting two separate investigations concerning Stellantis vehicles. 

In one of them, the regulator is trying to find out if the alleged stalling of Chrysler’s PHEV minivans is caused by a manufacturer error. If this results in a recall, it may affect more than 20,000 of the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Earlier model-years of the hybrid were recalled in February 2022 over Stellantis fire risk

The other investigation is caused by complaints from Jeep SUV owners regarding unintentional handbrake activating. According to their claims, this would happen even while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The regulator is checking if this may be caused by water leaks, similar to a recall from 2015. This investigation could lead to a recall, potentially affecting an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, Stellantis recalls have affected roughly 1.1 million cars in the past six months. To do a Stellantis recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars