Volkswagen recalls Taos SUVs over risk of stalling

Volkswagen recalls Taos SUVs over risk of stalling

September 22, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – March 3, 2022  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 4,304 2022 Volkswagen Taos dealing with Engine Control Unit (ECU) problems. So far none of these 2022 VW Taos vehicles have been declared unreachable or removed from the recall. In total Volkswagen remedied the issues with the Engine Control Unit software in one group all during 2021.

Auburn Hills, MI – September 22, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 5,087 vehicles that may stall, increasing the risk of an injury or a crash. This recall is limited to 2022 VW Taos “equipped with all-wheel drive.” 

The Volkswagen Engine Control Unit (ECU ) – which controls engine operations –   is the cause of the recall. In 2017, the Audi brand, which is part of the Volkswagen group, also recalled several 2017-2018 Audi A3 vehicles due to software problems in the ECU.

Recall summary  

VW Taos vehicles involved in the recall run ECU software that controls the engine cooling system. 

For reasons that are not currently known, the ECU may cause the engine to shut off when coming to a stop. The ECUs that may exhibit such behavior have part numbers  05E.906.013.C and 05E.906.013.F. 

Recall risks

Although the driver should be able to restart the vehicle immediately after stalling, situations like this are still potentially dangerous to both its occupants and other motorists, especially if they happen in high-speed or dense traffic conditions. For tips on what to do in the event of an engine stall, please see our coverage of a similar Ford recall.

Other VW recalls

The same 2022 Volkswagen Taos vehicles may also be affected by a separate VW recall due to a risk of an engine fire.

In September, older Audi vehicles were recalled because of potentially deadly Takata airbags which may explode and flung sharp metal fragments at the car occupants.

The repair

To resolve the issue, dealers will update the ECU with a software version that is not prone to such issues.  Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on October 5, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW recall includes more than 11,000 vehicles. To check for this and other VW recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Taos SUVs over risk of stalling
Volkswagen recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

Volkswagen recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

September 19, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – September 19, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 16,737 vehicles that can stall or catch fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. This recall affects 2022 VW Taos. 

Recall summary  

The engine in these Volkswagen Taos cars receives fuel through a series of hoses that are joined together with quick connectors. Due to a manufacturing issue, the connection in the recalled vehicles may not be tight enough, allowing the connector to slip from the fuel line.  This may cause a fuel leak that may result in the vehicle stalling and also bring about a fire as fuel drips on the hot engine components.

The components in question here are the fuel line with part number 5Q0-200-059-KE and the quick connector with part number 05E-133-723-BE) that were manufactured by Volkswagen de Mexico.

Risks

A fire increases the risk of an accident, as flames and smoke may distract drivers and cause them to panic. Another associated risk is stalling while driving on a highway or the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, which may lead to an injury.   For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please see our recent coverage of a BMW recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak could result in a strong gasoline, smoke and melting odor inside the car. In addition, the malfunction indicator light (MIL) may come on on the dashboard. 

Other VW recalls

Some of these 2022 Volkswagen Taos were recently recalled because of a software bug, which may cause the engine to stall. Meanwhile, defective fuel components manufactured in Volkswagen de Mexico continue to plague the manufacturer, such as last year’s 2020 Volkswagen Jetta recall for loose engine Fuel Rail bolts. 

The repair

VW authorized dealers will inspect how the fuel line is connected and replace the fuel line and quick connector if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on October 19, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW recall includes more than 16,000 vehicles. To check for this and other VW recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire
Ford recalls Explorers for fourth time due to steering loss

Ford recalls Explorers for fourth time due to steering loss

September 18, 2021 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI  – September 18, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 644,055 cars in 23 states because of faulty suspension. This issue may reduce steering control and result in a crash and an injury. This is an expansion of three previous recalls conducted by the manufacturer and also affects some cars that have previously been repaired.

Vehicles that are part of this recall include:

  • 2013 Ford Explorer
  • 2014 Ford Explorer
  • 2015 Ford Explorer
  • 2016 Ford Explorer
  • 2017 Ford Explorer

Recall summary  

One of the components of suspension in the recalled vehicles setup is a toe link, which holds the back wheel at the correct angle. The link can fracture due to multi-year exposure to road salt which these states regularly use on the roads to de-ice them.

Faulty toe links are part of the “rear suspension knuckle assembly” with part numbers DB5Z-5B759-B for the left and DB5Z-5B758-B for the right. 

Risks

A broken rear suspension toe link will affect how the vehicle behaves on the road and may result in a “loss of steering control.” This increases the risk of a crash and injury to its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Other Ford Explorer recalls

This recall is a continuation of an ongoing series of rear suspension recalls that affect several models in Ford’s lineup. 

Other similar 2013 Ford Explorer recalls include one from 2017, which addresses a wheel hub bearing issue that may cause the wheel to fall off. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the ball joints on both the right and left toe links. If worn or have seized, the dealer will replace the affected toe link with an updated version. Owners were set to receive a notification as early as August 23, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford Explorer rear toe link recall includes more than 600,000 vehicles. To check if yours is part of this recall, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Explorers for fourth time due to steering loss
Toyota recalls Yaris cars for risk of stalling

Toyota recalls Yaris cars for risk of stalling

September 18, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Plano, TX – September 18, 2021 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 31,307 cars with defective fuel pumps built by Denso (OTCMKTS:DNZOY), which is partially owned by Toyota. This issue may cause cars to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The faulty pumps have been subject to ongoing recalls that has affected millions of cars. The latest installment includes:

  • 2019 Toyota Yaris
  • 2020 Toyota Yaris

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the car’s fuel pump, which moves gas from the tank to the engine, as reported. The defective Denso fuel pumps use a plastic disk called an impeller to move gas to the pump from the tank. These impellers can weaken and deform as they soak in fuel, which may cause the pump to fail.

Risks

Vehicles with broken fuel pumps are starved of gasoline and will stall. Stalling while driving may result in the car getting hit from behind, injuring the drivers and the passengers of both vehicles.  

Warning signs

Drivers should keep an eye on the check engine light, and know that “rough running” or failure to start are signs that something may be wrong with the fuel pump.

Safety tips

If your car stalls out on the road:

  • Turn on your hazard lights.
  • Shift into neutral and steer your car to the shoulder. 
  • Call for help.
  • Stay in the car. The shoulder can be dangerous for pedestrians.

Other Toyota recalls

​​The 2020 Toyota Yaris has not been subject to any other recalls, while the 2019 model-year was recalled for incorrect and faulty labels in May and June 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records. 

This is at least a third recall for Toyota caused by the faulty Denso pumps. Close to five million Toyota vehicles have been affected so far. Subaru and Honda have also been forced to recall cars made with these pumps, as reported.

The repair

Toyota dealers will replace the defective fuel pump with a new one. Owners who repaired their fuel pumps before receiving the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 31,000 cars are part of this Denso fuel pump Toyota recall. Check for Toyota recalls with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandToyota recalls Yaris cars for risk of stalling
Stellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty airbag inflators

Stellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty airbag inflators

September 17, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – September 17, 2021 – Fiat Chrysler, owned by Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), has recalled 212,373 Ram pickup trucks with potentially faulty side-curtain airbag inflators that may rupture and injure vehicle occupants. The recall includes:

  • 2015 -2020 Ram 1500 trucks
  • 2015-2016 Ram 2500 trucks
  • 2015-2016 Ram 3500 trucks

The affected component is the Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain with multiple part numbers, including 68161578AJ.  The airbags were made by Takata’s successor, Joyson Safety Systems.

Recall summary  

As reported, the side-curtain airbags – also known as roof rail airbags – deploy over the windows to drivers’ and passengers’ heads during a crash. The inflators inside them release gas to inflate the airbags quickly.

Due to a manufacturing mistake, moisture got inside some airbag inflators, which could corrode the casing from the inside. The casing could rupture, releasing compressed gas and inflator pieces into the vehicle at high speeds.

Fiat Chrysler is aware of one report of inflator rupture in a 2015 Ram 1500. The automaker expects that 22 percent of trucks in this recall have defective inflators. 

Risks

Read more about the risks of corroded inflator rupture in this recent article about a recall of 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks with corroded Joyson inflators.

Takata airbag recalls

Millions of older cars have been recalled because of faulty airbag inflators that may explode when the airbag is being inflated and hurl sharp metal components at the driver or the passengers. You can read more about these ongoing recalls here.

This recall is not part of the Takata airbag recall, however, because it involves a different type of inflators, according to recall documents.

The repair

Ram dealers will inspect and replace one or both side curtain airbags  as needed. Owner notifications will be sent out starting October 1, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 212,000 vehicles are included in this Fiat Chrysler airbag recall. To see if your Ram truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty airbag inflators
General Motors recalls GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox SUVs over loss of vehicle control

General Motors recalls GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox SUVs over loss of vehicle control

September 15, 2021 Mikaela Bolker , ,

Warren, MI – September 15, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE: GM) has recalled 7,082 vehicles whose drivers may lose control of these vehicles due to faulty tires. This increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs :

  • 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
  • 2021 GMC Terrain
  • 2022 GMC Terrain

Recall summary  

Before going on the road, tires in all vehicles undergo a process that is called “curing.” The curing process is what makes the tires hold their shape and maintain contact with the road while driving. 

Due to a supplier error, the tires in the recalled vehicles were made with an insufficient amount of curative agent. As a result, the tread of these tires – which is the part that makes contact with the road – may separate from the rest of the tire, making the driver lose control of the vehicle.

Warning signs

According to GM, “drivers may hear noise or feel a vibration while driving. A bulge in the tread may also be noticeable.”

Risks

Tread separation may occur at a high speed, increasing the risk of an accident and death or injury for the occupants of the car and motorists around them.

Other relevant recalls

In March, General Motors recalled 33,838 vehicles whose tires may rupture out on the road. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was recalled in December of last year because of faulty seat belts that could separate in the event of a crash. In the same month The 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox cars were part of a large-scale recall initiated because of potential fuel leaks in the same month, as reported. 

The 2018-2020 GMC Terrains were also included in the above recall. 

The repair

GM dealers will inspect and, if necessary,  replace vehicles’ tires for free. Owners will be notified around September 20.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 7,000 vehicles are included in this GM tire recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerGeneral Motors recalls GMC Terrain and Chevy Equinox SUVs over loss of vehicle control
Nissan recalls Rogue crossovers over unsecured child car seats

Nissan recalls Rogue crossovers over unsecured child car seats

September 13, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Franklin, TN – September 13, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 47,098 compact SUVs with faulty back seat tether wires, which help anchor children’s car seats. The wires may fail to hold the seat during a crash or a sudden stop, increasing the risk of injury for the child in the seat.

The recall includes 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs and concerns seat backs with multiple part numbers, including 88650 6RC1A/B and 88650 6RD1A/B.

Recall summary  

There are two ways to secure a child seat: with seat belts or with the so-called lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system. 

The recalled 2021 Nissan Rogues may have some loose car seat anchor points, referred to as “upper tether wires,” that were not welded correctly at the factory. These anchor points are used in car seats with a top tether strap, and may not hold the seat in the event of a crash.

Risks

Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that car seats reduce fatalities by 71% for children under one year old, and by 54% for toddlers between one and four years old. In 2017 alone, car seats saved an estimated 312 lives among children under the age of five. 

If car seats are not properly secured to the car, they will not offer this level of protection. A weak anchor point might fail to hold the car seat during a crash or a sudden stop, increasing the risk of injury to the child sitting in it.

Other Nissan recalls

Over 13,000 2021 Nissan Rogues were recalled earlier this year out of concern that their trunk lids  – called liftgates in auto speak – were to separate in the event of a crash, as reported. In May, the same model year was recalled because of a potential brake fluid leak, also as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the seat back if necessary.  For further information about when and how to find out about the repairs, see this copy of Nissan’s owner notification letter. 

Nissan recall check

Over 47,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan Rogue recall. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Nissan recall VIN check.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls Rogue crossovers over unsecured child car seats
Ford recalls vehicles for stalling during driving

Ford recalls vehicles for stalling during driving

September 12, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Dearborn, MI – September 12, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) has announced a recall for 27,604 Ford Super Duty F-350 pickups due to the risk of the vehicles stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. 

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2020 Ford F-350 SD
  • 2021 Ford F-350 SD

Recall summary 

The driveshaft is what transmits power from a car’s engine to the vehicle’s wheels and keeps the vehicle moving and axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and rotate with them. Due to a supplier error, the drivershafts in the recalled vehicles may separate from the rear axles, resulting in the vehicle stalling or “unintended movement” while it is stopped.

Risks

A driveshaft that disconnects can lead to a loss of power while driving,  increasing the risk that the car may be hit from behind. Unintended movement may result in the car hitting people or property behind it. Both of these increase the risk of an injury to the car occupants and people around them.

Warning signs

The driver may experience vibration and/or shaking while driving at highway speeds or shuddering upon acceleration.

Other Ford recalls

This is not the first time that Ford F-350 diesel recalls have occurred.  In March 2021, there was a Ford F-350 recall due to incorrect information on labels in the vehicles, as reported. In addition, there have been two other large Ford recalls due to the concern of vehicle rollaway.  In June 2021, 4,436 2021 Ford F-150 pickup trucks were recalled due to faulty driveshafts, During the same month, 192,080 Ford Transit Connect vans were recalled due to the risk of a rollaway. 

Repair

The repair is a free repair or part replacement at any Ford or Lincoln Dealership. Owners were set to be notified starting August 16, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 27,604 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To check if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerFord recalls vehicles for stalling during driving
GM recalls Cadillacs for twisted airbags

GM recalls Cadillacs for twisted airbags

September 10, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Warren, MI – September 10, 2021 – General Motors  (NYSE:GM) has recalled 34,157 Cadillac CT sedans that whose roof rail airbags (also called side-curtain airbags) may fail to deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes:

  • 2020 – 2022 Cadillac CT4 sedans
  • 2020 – 2022 Cadillac CT5 sedans

Recall summary  

These Cadillacs are built with roof rail airbags, which  deploy like “curtains” over the windows to protect vehicle occupants’ heads during a crash. The airbags are stored compactly folded along the sides of the car’s roof. However, the recalled vehicles’ airbags may actually be twisted, meaning that they may not deploy properly in a crash.

The problem was first discovered over a year ago when a roof rail airbag failed to properly deploy during crash testing conducted by a government safety agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The affected part is the roof rail side airbag with multiple part numbers, including 84929315 and 84929316.

Risks

Side and curtain airbags reduce side-impact crash fatalities by an estimated 31.3%, according to NHTSA. If these airbags do not properly deploy in a crash, this safety benefit is stripped away.

Cadillac recalls

Over the summer, GM recalled close to 400,000 Cadillac and Saab vehicles due to faulty suspension. Rear toe links – which is what keeps tires on the ground and the car stable – on these vehicles were misadjusted leading to some of the recalled vehicles veering uncontrollably off the road. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect both left- and right-side roof rail airbags to see if they are twisted and will untwist them if necessary. This service will be free of charge. Courtesy transportation is available for Cadillac CT owners. Customers will be notified about the recall starting September 20, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 34,000 vehicles are included in this GM airbag recall. To see if your Cadillac is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Cadillacs for twisted airbags
General Motors issues third Chevrolet Bolt recall following car fires

General Motors issues third Chevrolet Bolt recall following car fires

September 9, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Warren, MI – September 9, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 52,403 2020 – 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV cars whose batteries may catch fire, increasing the risk of death or injury for the car occupants and people around them.

This recall is a result of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, which so far has resulted in three recalls, including this one, and is an expansion of a previous recall conducted in July. There have been multiple fires and at least one injury associated with this recall.

The recall concerns the “High Voltage Battery Pack” with multiple part numbers, including 24042761, 24044172 and  24044527.

Recall summary  

These Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicles contain defective high-voltage LG batteries that may catch fire when they are charged to “charged to full, or very close to full, capacity.” In fact, the recall is being conducted on the back of a recent car fire in the recalled population.

The cause of the fire  is the presence of “two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell” but it is not clear what these defects are. 

Previous recalls and an investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which regulates vehicle safety in the U.S., opened an investigation in October after receiving two owner complaints alleging that their vehicles “caught fire under the rear seat while parked and unattended.” The investigation resulted in the first recall which was conducted in November 2020 and included over 50,000 2019, 2018 and 2017 Chevrolet Volt EVs. The cars were outfitted with “diagnostic software” and also received new battery modules. The repair, however, may have been insufficient as the same vehicles were again recalled in July of this year.

Risks

Battery fires are serious: One of the Chevrolet Bolt fires reported to NHTSA took three hours for the fire department to put out, and reportedly caused owners smoke inhalation injuries from the “thick and noxious” fumes it produced. Car battery fires pose a number of risks to vehicle occupants and people nearby, and require specialized firefighting techniques to extinguish. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit this article about battery fires in BMW hybrids.

Warning signs

Before the Chevy Bolt fire, owners may notice that the battery emits “smoke or heat” or see the battery or “ other vehicle components” melt or become damaged.

The repair

Dealers will eventually replace defective battery modules for free, but this repair is not yet available. 

Safety tips

You can do the following while waiting for the final repair: 

  • Activate the Target Charge Level (referred to as the Hilltop Reserve mode on the 2017-2018 Bolts) feature to limit the battery charge level to 90% full. If you are unable to adjust these settings yourself, visit your dealer for help.
  • Charge the vehicle after each use.
  • Do NOT deplete the battery further than 70 miles of range remaining.
  • Park the vehicle outside and away from structures after charging.
  • Do NOT charge the vehicle overnight.
  • If you own a 2017, 2018 or 2019 model-year,  visit your nearest Chevrolet dealer to get an important software update, which includes a diagnostic check on the health of the Bolt’s battery system. This service is provided free of charge.

Letters with these instructions will be sent out to owners on October 4, 2021. Owners will receive a second letter when the final repair is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 50,000 vehicles are included in GM’s Chevrolet recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors issues third Chevrolet Bolt recall following car fires
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