US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

September 4, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks
GM recalls Chevrolets over risk of unexpected hood opening

GM recalls Chevrolets over risk of unexpected hood opening

September 3, 2022 Senamile Nkosi ,

Warren, MI – September 3, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 120,688 vehicles whose hoods could be opened accidentally while driving, blocking the driver’s view and increasing the risk of a crash. 

The recall supersedes one issued in 2014 for the same issue, comes on the back of multiple crashes, and includes the following models:

  • 2013 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

Recall Summary

The secondary hood latch is a safety measure to prevent the hood from flying open if the main latch is accidentally released while the car is in motion. In the affected cars, the lever of the secondary hood latch “may prematurely corrode at the pivot” due to a supplier fault. This could cause it to not engage as expected.

The components in question are the hood striker assembly, with part numbers 96688513 and 94534170, as well as the hood latch assembly, with part numbers 94534171 and 96966791.

Recall risks

When the secondary hood latch doesn’t engage properly, the vehicle’s hood could open unexpectedly while the car is in motion (for example, if the driver pulls the hood release lever by accident). The hood would block the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Background of the recall

The current recall is a replacement of the 2014 recall of the same vehicles; GM discovered that the remedy for the earlier recall failed to solve the problem of corroding hood latches. There has been at 22 crashes because of this issue and at least one injury, according to the manufacturer’s data.

Other recent General Motors recalls

In August, General Motors recalled nearly half a million SUVs over a seatbelt fault caused by a supplier error.

In April, more than 600,000 SUVs were recalled due to defective windshield wipers. 

Repair

To remedy the secondary hood latch issue, dealers will replace the affected parts at no cost to owners. Owners will be notified of the repair program on or around October 10, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet recall. To perform a recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiGM recalls Chevrolets over risk of unexpected hood opening
Stellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

Stellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

September 3, 2022 Senamile Nkosi , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – September 3, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and Ram brands, is recalling 7,895 vehicles with rearview cameras that may not display an image. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following pickup trucks and SUVs :

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

Recall summary

Due to a software error, the subject vehicles’ radios may reset repeatedly, interfering with the display and preventing the rearview image from showing while backing up. This reduces the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Only vehicles with EcoDiesel engines are affected.

The component in question is the radio, with part numbers including 68428546AD, 68474392AE and 68428540AC.

Recall risks

When the rearview image does not appear as the driver backs up, the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle is reduced. This could lead to a collision with pedestrians, property or other vehicles.

Warning signs

A telltale sign of a fault is if the radio resets before the driver shifts to reverse. This is an indication that the radio is not functioning as expected and may prevent the rearview image from displaying.

Other recent Jeep and Ram truck recalls

In early August, Stellantis recalled nearly 100,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles with damaged tail lights.

In April, more than 4,000 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled over improperly secured child car seat anchors, which could increase the risk of injury to a child passenger.

Repair

Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to owners. Owners can expect to receive a letter with more information about this radio software issue, on or around October 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 7,000 Stellantis vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a RAM or Jeep recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars
Subaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

Subaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

August 28, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Camden, NJ – August 28, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is issuing a recall for 188,397 Impreza vehicles over a problem with the headlamps, which can potentially increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following sedans and station wagons: 

  • 2017 Subaru Impreza
  • 2018 Subaru Impreza
  • 2019 Subaru Impreza

Recall summary

Vehicle headlamps use reflectors to direct the light beam generated by the bulb towards the road, allowing the driver to see ahead while traveling.

In the affected vehicles, due to issues during the manufacturing process, the lamps do not properly reflect the light, resulting in decreased visibility or glare.

The component involved in this recall is the lamp assembly head with part numbers 84001FL01A and 84001FL00A. 

Recall risks

Reduced visibility or glare created by the wrong angle of reflection creates an increased risk of a crash.

Other Subaru recalls 

In January 2022, Subaru announced a recall for 198,255 vehicles over a transmission malfunction, which could increase the risk of crash and injury. The recall includes the Ascent, as well as 2020 releases of the Legacy and Outback vehicles. 

There was a Subaru Impreza recall in May 2021 over the risk of stalling.  The recall also included Crosstrek vehicles, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the left and right front headlamp assemblies with new parts free of charge. Subaru will reimburse owners who paid repairs on their own prior to the recall announcement.

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 188,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru Impreza reflectors’ recall. To run a Subaru recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps
Nissan recalls SUVs over loss of power brake assist

Nissan recalls SUVs over loss of power brake assist

August 28, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Franklin, TN – August 28, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is issuing a recall for 5,904 SUVs because their brake boosters may not work properly, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 Rogue Hybrid
  • 2018 Rogue Hybrid
  • 2019 Rogue Hybrid

Recall summary

The hydraulic brake booster serves to boost the brakes’ stopping power, helping the vehicle to stop faster in an emergency situation. This is done through the force of a vacuum pump, which sucks all the air out of the brake booster to make it more efficient. 

In the affected vehicles, the effectiveness of the motor used by the brake booster may be reduced due to friction from using the brakes repeatedly or high temperatures generated by the engine. This situation can cause the “loss of power brake assist.”

The component involved in this recall is the hydraulic brake booster assembly with part number 47210 4BC8A. 

Recall risks

The worn out booster would require more effort from the driver to press the brake pedal. This could lead to the vehicle needing a longer distance to slow down or stop, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers will notice the red brake system warning indicator lighting up on the dashboard, accompanied by a buzzing sound. 

Other Nissan Rogue recalls 

The 2020-2021 Nissan Rogues were part of another Nissan recall earlier this month due to a rearview camera defect, as reported.  

There was a Nissan Rogue hybrid recall in November 2021 due to a problem with the engine harness which could cause the vehicles to lose power and stall unexpectedly.

Repair

The remedy is currently under development. Affected owners will receive letters with more information on or around September 22, 2022. 

All repairs will be free of charge and Nissan will reimburse the owners who already paid to have their vehicles repaired due to this issue.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,900 vehicles are included in this Nissan Rogue power brake assist recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs over loss of power brake assist
Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

August 27, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 281,447 SUVs that may catch fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.

The recall comes on the heels of several fires and includes the following SUVs:

  •  2022 – 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  •  2020 – 2022 Kia Telluride

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with a tow package, which, in addition to the tow hitch itself, has a wiring harness and a control module. The module may overheat and, in extreme situations, cause the vehicle to catch fire. 

The cause of the issue is an electric short caused by moisture and other elements ending up on the tow hitch circuit board during the manufacturing process. The circumstances of how that occurs are currently under investigation.

Recall risks

A burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles and result in injuries to the car occupants.

Recall background

The recall comes on the heels of at least five vehicles catching fire in the bumper area, as well as multiple “melting” incidents and warranty claims.

Other Hyundai and Kia Telluride recalls

This Hyundai Palisade recall is the latest in a series of fire-related recalls the Korean manufacturer has been experiencing lately. However, most of the previous Hyundai fire risks were caused by faulty ABS modules or fuel leaks. 

Separately, aside from this Kia Telluride tow hitch recall, the 2022 model-years were also subject to a recall about a year ago due to blank instrument clusters, as reported.

Repair

Both manufacturers are still developing the repair for this Kia and Hyundai tow harness issue. 

In the meantime, dealers are set to inspect the tow hitch wiring on suspected vehicles and remove the corresponding fuse which will effectively disconnect the tow module. This and future repairs will be offered free of charge. 

Kia will send the affected owners letters with more information on October 17, 2022, while Hyundai will do the same on October 17, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the repair is done.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai and Kia electrical issues are affecting more than a quarter million SUVs. To do a Hyundai 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 Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames
Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

August 27, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Fountain Valley, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 122,919 vehicles whose windshield wiper motors may fail, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SUVs.

Recall summary

When the wipers on the subject vehicles encounter a build-up of snow or ice, the wiper motor may stop functioning or may only function intermittently. 

The root cause of the issue is not yet known but the manufacturer “suspects” that the accumulation can cause circuit breaker issues which can result in the wiper motor malfunctioning.

The components in question are the windshield wiper motor assemblies, with part numbers 98110-S8000 and 98110-G5000.

Recall risks

Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Hyundai recalls

There is an urgent Hyundai Palisade recall due to the risk of fire. A problem with the tow hitch wiring has already led to fires, and the company is instructing owners to park outside and away from structures until the vehicles are repaired.

In July, more than 10,000 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles were recalled over fire risk. The subject vehicles were previously recalled for the same issue in 2018, but at least nine fires have been reported after repairs were made.

In January, Hyundai recalled more than 20,000 sedans and SUVs over windshields that could separate from the vehicle during a collision.

Repair

Although the remedy program is still being developed, owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair of the wiper issue at no cost. 

Owners will be notified about the repair program on or around October 14, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai Palisade issue is causing a recall of over 100,000 vehicles. To perform a Hyundai recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor
Ferrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail

Ferrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail

August 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Englewood Cliffs, NJ – August 14, 2022 – Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) is recalling  23,555 cars that may develop a brake fluid leak, causing a partial or complete loss of brakes. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

A lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2005 – 2009 Ferrari 430
  • 2019 – 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista 
  • 2010 – 2011 Ferrari 612
  • 2010 – 2011 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 
  • 2018 – 2022 Ferrari 812 
  • 2009 – 2017 Ferrari California 
  • 2015 – 2017 Ferrari California T
  • 2013 – 2017 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta 
  • 2020 – 2022 Ferrari F8 Spider
  • 2020 – 2022 Ferrari F8 Tributo
  • 2012 –2016 Ferrari FF
  • 2018 – 2020 Ferrari GTC4LUSSO
  • 2018 –2019 Ferrari GTC4LUSSO T
  • 2013 –2015 Ferrari LaFerrari
  • 2019 –2022 Ferrari Portofino
  • 2021 – 2022 Ferrari Roma 
  • 2017 Ferrari F12 TDF
  • 2016 Ferrari F60 America
  • 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

Recall summary  

The brake fluid reservoir stores brake fluid and keeps from getting contaminated by moisture and dirt, allowing the car’s brake to function in the best way possible. The cap on top of the reservoir is vented to maintain adequate pressure inside.

In the affected vehicles due to a supplier error, the cap may not be ventilated properly. This can result in a brake fluid leak which in turn, can result in partial or total loss of braking action. 

The component causing this recall is the brake fluid reservoir cap, with part numbers 259047, 242849, 743123, 307671 and 203903.

Recall risks

Reduced braking ability increases the risk of a crash and consequent injury.  

Warning signs

The car will use various warning methods to alert the driver about potential brake issues, depending on the model. Most older vehicles will have a warning light on the dashboard, while newer cars will have a “Brake fluid level low, Go to dealer slowly” message, accompanied by an audible buzzer in some cases. 

Other Ferrari recalls

This is not the first time the Italian manufacturer has had brake-related issues. In November 2021, Ferrari recalled almost 10,000 cars with potentially malfunctioning brake boosters. 

There are no recent Ferrari LaFerrari recalls. The cars were a limited edition and have not been produced since 2018.

Repair

Dealers will replace the brake reservoir cap with a redesigned one, which vents as it should. In addition, they will update the car’s software to warn the driver about any brake fluid losses more adequately.  

Vehicle owners will be notified on September 24, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ferrari brake recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Ferrari recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFerrari recalls cars whose brakes may fail
GM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts

GM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts

August 21, 2022 Bojan Popic , , ,

August 21, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands, is recalling 484,155 SUVs seat belts that may not protect the occupant in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of an injury.  

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2021 – 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Suburban  
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 – 2022 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have a third row of seats with seat belts that are held in place by metal fasteners called rivets which are part of the belt buckle.

Due to a supplier error, these rivets were not formed correctly during manufacturing and could break during a crash. 

Recall risks

The occupant may get ejected from the car and get seriously hurt in a crash.

Other GM recalls

Among previous Chevrolet Tahoe recalls the one from October 2021 caused by stalling issues is the most recent. 

There was a small GMC Yukon recall in January of this year due to “a loss of drive power,” according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) records. Both recalls included other vehicles.

Among other GM recalls there was one for Terrain SUVs due to a blinding-headlights’ issue in March, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect how the seat belt is secured and replace the buckle if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on September 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM seat belt recall is affecting almost half a million SUVs. To do a GM or Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls SUVs with faulty seat belts
Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

Ford recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away

August 20, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – August 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 58,203 2021-2022 Ford F-150 trucks that may roll away and stall due to a fracture of one of the most important components of the car – the driveshaft.

This recall only affects the Crew Cab models with a 4×4 drive and 145” wheelbase and can increase the risk of injury for the car occupants and people around them.

Recall summary  

Underbody insulators are sheets that reduce the road noise inside the cabin. The driveshaft is a component that connects the transmission and differential, effectively transferring the engine power to the wheels and propelling the vehicle forward.

The insulators were installed on the affected vehicles by mistake and could become loose. 

When that happens, they can come into contact with the driveshafts beneath it and scratch them. This could damage the driveshaft and eventually fracture it.

Recall risks

With a snapped driveshaft, the truck will not be able to transfer the engine to its wheels and may lose power. In addition, it may also roll away if the parking brake is not engaged.

Warning signs

Besides noticing one or both insulators hanging below the vehicle, drivers may hear a rattling or clicking noise that only appears while driving.  In addition, scratches may be visible on the driveshaft. 

Other Ford truck recalls

A large batch of trucks with properly installed insulators was recalled over an identical issue in December 2021. 

Among more recent Ford F-150 recalls, one from May 2022, caused by airbag issues, is the latest one. 

The repair

Dealers will check if the truck has underbody insulators, and if it does, secure them in place using suitable fasteners. In addition, they will inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage. The repair is free of charge. 

Truck owners will be notified between September 5, 2022, and September 9, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Ford driveshaft issues are causing more than 50,000 trucks to be recalled. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls F-150s that may stall and roll away
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