Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

January 2, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – January 2, 2022  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 198,255 vehicles whose transmission may malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall supersedes and expands the one conducted for the same issue in 2019 and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Subaru Ascent  
  • 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2020 Subaru Outback

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have automatic transmission that operates using hydraulic pressure. Upon startup, it takes a brief moment before this pressure is sufficient to move the vehicle. 

Although this only takes a second or two, due to a software issue, the clutch of the affected vehicles may engage before adequate pressure within the transmission is achieved. This may result in the drive chain – which transfers power to the wheels – slipping and the driver not being able to use the gear selector. 

In the long-term, the drive chain may break, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving.

The component in question is the Transmission Control Unit, or TCU, with multiple part numbers including  30919AG75A and 30919AH14D. 

Recall risks

If the transmission malfunctions in traffic, the vehicle will lose its ability to move. That may increase the risk of a crash or injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic. 

Several complaints associated with this recall mention the car “lurching forward and then back,” sometimes on a multi-lane highway. Another driver describes a harrowing experience of “losing power twice going up the steep hill” and “narrowly avoiding a collision due to slippery road.”

Other Subaru recalls 

In addition to this one, there was a recent Subaru Outback recall in August, caused by a possibility of an engine stall. The culprit was a faulty fuel pump.

Background of the recall

Over 75,000 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs that are part of this recall were previously recalled for the same issue in December 2019. As of July 22, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – most of them have been repaired. However, according to the manufacturer, they will need to have the new remedy applied to be safe on the road. See information about the remedy further in this article and use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to see if your Subaru is affected.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the TCU software. Additionally, they will conduct appropriate inspections to determine if the transmission has sustained any damage, and replace it if needed. The remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 7, 2022, and owners who repaired the transmission on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru Recall 2021 includes almost 200,000 vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission
Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

January 2, 2022 Aleksandra Snesareva

Dearborn, MI – January 2, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans due to a defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away when parked or to stall while in motion. Either situation augments the risk of a crash or injury to the occupants of the van as well as other motorists.

The recall is limited to models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Recall summary

The drivetrains of these vehicles have transfer cases whose role is to “transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles” of the car using driveshafts. The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported.

The driveshaft is connected with the transfer case using bolts. The bolts in the recalled cars may come “loose or become damaged,” which could cause the driveshaft to separate from the case. This would result in the car stalling in traffic or rolling away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

Lastly, the separation could “damage…surrounding components, such as brake lines.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that rolls away when parked may hit pedestrians or surrounding structures, putting everyone at risk. For more information on the risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a Nissan recall for stalling.  

If there is any damage to the brake lines, this can affect brake performance, which increases the risk of injury to the car occupants and people around them.

Warning signs

In the event that the driveshaft becomes separated, car occupants will hear “driveline noise” and will feel vibration coming from the underside of the vehicle.

More background information

The cause of this recall is still under investigation.

There are two components involved in this recall: “Bolt and washer assembly” with part number LK41-4B496-CA and the “driveshaft assembly” with multiple part numbers, including LK41-4K145-DAE and LK41-4K145-FAE.

Other Ford recalls 

There was a Ford Transit recall involving model years – including the 2021 Ford Transit van – in May of last year due to the risk of rollaway when parked, as reported. Aside from Ford van recalls, there have been at least a couple of recalls related to driveshaft issues. – One was issued just last month for close to 200,000 2020-2021 F-150 pickup trucks and another one came out in September of last year for roughly 27,000 Super Duty F-350 pickups, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will conduct an inspection of the driveshaft and will replace the driveshaft, the bolts and the relevant surrounding components, if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge.   

Owners of affected units will be notified by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,500 vehicles are included in this Ford Transit recall. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaFord recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away
Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

January 1, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – January 1, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 24,793 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs whose fuel pumps may fail. This may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

A fuel pump is an electrical component inside the fuel tank that transfers the gasoline towards the engine.  As a result of incorrect assembly by a supplier, the pump may overheat and stop working. When that happens, the engine may stall and will not restart as if the car were out of gasoline.

The component in question is the Fuel Pump Assembly, with part number 17040 6RE0A for two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles and 17040 6RE1A for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles.  

Recall risks

For more on risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a recent RAM truck investigation.

Other Nissan recalls 

The 2021 model-year is subject to four additional recalls. About 2,000 of these cars were recalled about a year ago for fuel pump issues, as reported. More recently, some of these vehicles were affected by a September recall because of poorly secured child seats.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. Notifications about this Nissan Rogue fuel pump replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 26, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan Rogue recall includes more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall
Ford recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

Ford recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

January 1, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 57,591 2018 Ford F-150 pickup trucks whose tailgates may open on their own. This may allow the cargo to fall on the road, putting other motorists in danger.

Recall summary  

Ford trucks have latches on their tailgates that hold them in place when closed. On vehicles that are affected by this F-150 tailgate recall, the latching mechanism may unlatch under certain loads due to a design error. This allows the tailgate to open unexpectedly while driving or being stationary.

The component in question is the Tailgate Latch, with part numbers JL3A-9943150-AC and JL3A-9943150-BC. 

Recall risks

If the tailgate opens while driving, the cargo inside may slide out and drop on the road, becoming an obstacle. Other motorists may crash into it or while avoiding it, increasing the risk of an injury. Read more about the danger of road debris in this article about Land Rover fly-away spoilers.

Warning signs

The driver may notice that the tailgate is unlocked “prior to entering the vehicle.”

Other 2018 Ford F-150 recalls 

There were several previous 2018 F-150 recalls, with one from April concerning potential loss of wheel control being the latest. In addition, some of these trucks may have been affected by a March recall caused by tires prone to breakage.

Separately, newer model-years are affected by several recent recalls, including one from December for a faulty component of the drivetrain which may result in the loss of motive power and vehicle control, as well as “unintended movement” when parked.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing the tailgate latches on both left and right sides of the vehicle. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between January 31, 2022 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This F-Series recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks whose tailgates may open
Ford driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

Ford driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall

January 1, 2022 Rebecca Rand

Warren, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 184,698 F-series trucks whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture. This increases the risk of stall, loss of vehicle control or a rollaway.

The recall includes the following pickups:

  • 2021 Ford F-150 
  • 2022 Ford F-150 

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the trucks’ underbody insulation, as well as their driveshafts. The insulation helps dampen road noise and protect the undercarriage from moisture, scratches and salt to extend the useful life of the vehicle. Driveshafts are critical components that transfer power to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move.

Due to a supplier error, the insulation may become loose and sag, rubbing against the driveshaft, eventually causing it to fracture.

The underbody insulator is the component in question with part numbers ML3B-1611205-AC, ML3B-1611205-BA, ML3B-1611204-AD and ML3B-1611204-BB.

Recall risks

A fractured driveshaft presents a number of concerns—the car may stall or the driver may lose control if the driveshaft snaps and drags on the ground.  The vehicle may roll away if the parking brake is not applied. All of these scenarios increase the risk of injury or a crash.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice loose underbody insulation (which looks a bit like a foil-covered mat) and hear a rattling, clicking or clunking noise. Looking at the driveshaft, they may be able to see “marking or scoring” where the insulation has been touching it.

Other Ford recalls

This is at least the second F-150 recall in the past six months due to driveshaft issues. In June, Ford recalled close to 5,000 2021 F-150 trucks due to driveshaft separation that could also cause the vehicle to roll away or stall, as reported.

Separately, in October, the manufacturer told owners of 2021 F-150 Super Cab pickup trucks not to drive their vehicles pending an inspection because of potentially faulty seat belts that may fail to provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft for damage and “properly attach” the insulators. These services are free. Notifications with more instructions will be sent to owners by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 180,000 trucks are included in this Ford F-150 recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to perform a Ford recall check.

Rebecca RandFord driveshaft issues prompt F Series recall
Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

Hyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration

December 26, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Fountain Valley, CA – December 26, 2021 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) has recalled 2,679 vehicles due to unexpected acceleration after the release of the gas pedal, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following electric vehicles:

  • 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
  • 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Recall summary

The subject vehicles may erroneously enter the fail-safe mode – also known as the “limp-home” – because of a communication error between the vehicle’s components  caused by “the deterioration of the electrical ground.” The ground is meant to protect drivers from electric shock. 

The mode is designed to protect the engine from further damage if something is seriously wrong with one of the car’s systems by reducing its speed and acceleration. However, in this case, it can trigger “unintended acceleration” even after the gas pedal is released.

The component in question is the “Power Electric Module” with multiple  part numbers, including G7GPE-U300050 and G7GPE-U300053.

Recall risks

Although the braking and steering systems remain fully functional when the vehicle is in the fail-safe mode,  the sudden acceleration still augments the risk of a crash.

Warning signs 

When entering the fail-safe mode, the vehicle’s “READY” lamp flashes, which acts as an alert for the driver. 

Other recent Hyundai recalls

In March 2021, some 4,600 Hyundai vehicles – including the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq EVs – were recalled on the back of multiple fires caused by faulty Li-ion batteries. In 2021, there have been multiple recalls of both Kia and Hyundai vehicles because of fire risk, as reported.

Separately, there was a small 2017 Hyundai Ioniq recall in 2017 because of the risk of stall.

Repair

To resolve these Hyundai Ioniq issues, dealers will update the relevant software and add additional ground wiring to prevent miscommunication between the involved components. All of this will be done free of charge. Owners can expect notification letters around February 4, 2022, which will contain further information on the steps to take.

Is your car part of the recall?

This Hyundai electrical issues’ recall includes over 2,600 cars. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaHyundai recalls Ioniq EVs over unintended acceleration
Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers

December 26, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has issued a recall for 2,903 2021 Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrids (PHEV) whose odometers may fail to display the distance traveled. This may cause the driver to miss out on critical maintenance, augmenting the risk of injury and crash. 

Recall summary  

In vehicles that are part of this Jeep Wrangler recall, the instrument panel cluster, or IPC, is programmed incorrectly. As a result, the odometer will only display two dashes after the mileage exceeds 13,342 miles. 

The component in question is the Instrument Panel Cluster, with multiple part numbers including 68499481AH and 68499482AF. 

Recall risks

If the owners do not know how many miles their vehicles have traveled, they may unknowingly skip out on the required maintenance. This may lead to the failure of “safety-critical” components, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

When checking the overall distance traveled, drivers may notice the two dashes instead of a numerical value.  

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls 

Some of these 2021 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid vehicles may have been affected by a recall in January, caused by a potential risk of fire. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the IPC, if the odometer reading is below 13,342 miles. In case the vehicle has done more miles than that, dealers will replace the whole instrument cluster. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Odometer recall includes approximately 3,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler hybrids with faulty odometers
Stellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

Stellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights

December 26, 2021 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has recalled 36,929 vehicles whose headlights may suddenly “become inoperable,” increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is affecting the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs. 

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Jeep recall have a smart lightning module, or SLM, which controls the headlight operation. As a result of an incomplete software update, this module may malfunction in the recalled vehicles. If that happens, one or both headlights could fail to engage without any prior warning. 

The component in question is the Headlamp Assembly, with multiple part numbers including 68376974AE and 68376993AE. 

Recall risks

Inoperable headlights will reduce drivers’ visibility and impact their ability to spot any potential obstacles. In addition, other motorists and pedestrians may fail to notice a moving vehicle that is not illuminated. Both situations increase the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Stellantis recalls 

There were several previous Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls, with one concerning airbags that may fail to deploy being the most recent one. Additionally, some of these vehicles may have been affected by a  November recall caused by difficult high-beam activation. 

The repair

To fix this issue, dealers will reprogram the smart lighting module with an updated software version. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 28, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep Grand Cherokee headlights’ recall includes almost 200,000  vehicles. To do a Fiat-Chrysler Recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling vehicles with faulty headlights
Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

December 25, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva ,

Auburn Hills, MI. – December 25, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is issuing a recall for 288,991 vehicles over a defect that could cause reduced engine power while moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following compact SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2022 Audi Q5
  • 2018 – 2022 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

The gateway control module is located in the back of the car and allows the vehicle’s various control units – such as those involving the engine, transmission and onboard infotainment– to communicate efficiently, As the component is vulnerable to water damage, it is programmed to shut down when water reaches it.

In the recalled vehicles, water can get into the module due to liquid spills on the rear seats or while driving “through heavy rain…or deep puddles due to an insufficient underbody seam.” This can short-circuit the component. While the vehicle’s steering and braking systems will continue to work when this happens, the engine will switch to emergency mode, resulting in reduced power.  

The component in question is the gateway control module, with part number 80A 907 577 C.

Recall risks

Reduced engine power increases the risk of accidents.

Warning signs

The driver will receive several warning messages as the gateway control module shuts down. These messages are caused by the “interrupted communication” between the networks that the control module manages. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

The Volkswagen recall check comes less than a year after the Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback models were introduced in January 2021. The most recent Audi Q5 recall took place in May 2021 over potential suspension damage, spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years.  

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cover to keep water from reaching the gateway control module. In some units, a sealant will also be applied to secure the underbody seam and prevent water from entering underneath. The repairs will be done free of charge.  

Audi will contact dealers and owners with more detailed information by February 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 280,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To do an  Audi recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power
US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

December 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – December 25, 2021 – The U.S. government is looking into problems with Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) vehicles whose hood latches may not close, causing the hood to fly open while driving.  If the investigation leads to a recall, it may include 325,512 cars. 

The investigation covers the following models:

  • 2013 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2014 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Investigation summary  

On December 9, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation based on 15 reports of the hoods becoming open while driving.

The complaints describe hoods opening while driving at medium to high speeds, obstructing the driver’s view and sometimes smashing the windshield or breaking the fenders. The government has not yet identified the root cause of the problem.

Risks

According to government investigation documents, “sudden and unexpected opening of the hood can startle drivers, block their visibility, and could lead to a crash into other vehicles or objects.”  

Other Pathfinder recalls

Pathfinders have been plagued by other hood-latch issues since 2015, when a 2013 – 2014 Nissan Pathfinder hybrid recall targeted an issue with the hood latch release cable, which was causing the hood to fly open.  The 2014 model-year, as well as the 2015 one, were among cars recalled in October of this year because of software issues causing stalling .

Another October Nissan Pathfinder recall targeted over 10,000 of the 2022 model-years because of loose headrests, as reported.

Will your vehicle be part of a Nissan recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Nissan Pathfinder recall, possibly affecting over 325,000 cars. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders
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