GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

GM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags

August 15, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Warren, MI – August 15, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 410,019 pickup trucks with potentially dangerous airbags embedded in the vehicles’ roof-rails. The airbag inflator might rupture, propelling gas and the inflator’s end-cap into the vehicle at high speeds, which could injure vehicle occupants. 

The recall includes:

  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 Chevrolet  Silverado 3500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2015 – 2016 GMC Sierra 3500

The affected component is roof rail airbags with multiple part numbers, including 84487867 and 84487868. The bags were manufactured by a successor of Takata, Joyson Safety Systems, in Mexico.

Recall summary  

The pickup trucks’ roof rail airbags deploy like “curtains” over the windows to protect vehicle occupants’ heads during a crash. Inflators within these bags do what you expect them to do.  

Due to a manufacturing mistake, moisture “was introduced into the [inflator] vessel,” which may result in its corrosion. This may allow compressed gas to escape from the inflator and  result in the parts of the inflator hurling themselves into the car occupants, causing injury.

Background of the recall

Initially, GM recalled a smaller group of approximately 9,000 trucks this past November. The automaker expanded the recall in June after it became aware of three additional roof rail airbag inflator ruptures in Florida and Texas. General Motors noted that “thermal cycling” (i.e. very hot days and cool nights) exacerbate the defect, making the inflator more likely to rupture. 

Risks

If the airbag inflator ruptures and the inflator’s end cap or other parts go flying into the cabin, they could hit vehicle occupants at high speeds, potentially injuring them. 

This defect is different from the infamous Takata airbag defect. Takata airbag inflators do not randomly explode. Rather, they deploy “too hard” during a crash, blowing the inflator to pieces that can impale vehicle occupants. The recalled cars’ inflators, on the other hand, explode because the container holding the compressed gas becomes too weak to hold it. This can occur at any time–not just when the airbags are triggered during a crash. Both are dangerous and should be repaired as soon as possible.

The repair

Chevrolet and GMC dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the right- and left-side roof rail airbags for free. Owners will be warned about the recall by mail around August 16 and will receive a second letter once recall repairs become available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 410,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet and GMC recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM recalls Chevrolet and GMC pickups with dangerous airbags
GM issues second recall for Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras over fire risk

GM issues second recall for Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras over fire risk

August 14, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Warren, MI – August 14, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns GMC and Chevrolet brands, has recalled 331,274 pickup trucks over the risk of an engine fire caused by an electrical short in the engine compartment heater. The recall includes the following vehicles that have a Duramax 6.6- liter engine and are equipped with an optional engine heater power cord:

  • 2017 – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2017 – 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2017 – 2019 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2017 – 2019 GMC Sierra 3500

At least some of the above vehicles were previously repaired under a separate recall for the same issue in 2019.

Recall summary  

The problem originates with the engine block heater, which helps warm up the engine so it starts more easily in cold climates. The heater plugs into an outlet and uses electricity to warm up coolant around the engine block. This coolant might leak out and come in contact with the heater’s electrical wiring, causing the system to short-circuit. The leak is caused by “contamination of the sealing surface” of the block heater during manufacturing.

Previous recall

Some of the vehicles in this recall have already been repaired under another campaign in 2019 which addressed the same problem with the engine block heating system. However, post-recall and repair, GM received “24 reports of potential fires,” prompting the manufacturer to issue a second recall.

Risks

An electrical short can damage the engine and cause a fire in the engine compartment. Read more about what to do in the case of a vehicle fire in this article about a recent Kia recall.

Warning signs

Warning signs for this recall include:

  • Smoke or a burning smell
  • The engine block heater is not working well
  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown vehicle fuses
  • Signs of damage to the engine block heater, the heater’s cable or other engine components
  • Coolant leaking and pooling under the vehicle

Parts affected

Parts: Engine-block heater power cord, Engine-block heater

Names: CORD ASM-ENG COOL HTR, HEATER ASM-ENG COOL

Part Numbers: 12681380, 12705875, 19419326, 84303149

Manufacturer: Electronics Components International, Canada

The repair

GM has not yet developed a permanent solution for this problem. For now, Chevrolet and GMC dealers will disable the engine block heater for free to prevent electrical shorts. In trucks not yet repaired under the 2019 recall, heater cords will be re-routed to prevent chafing and damage. Owners will be notified about the recall on August 16.

When GM has a permanent remedy for this issue, the company will contact owners who had their block heaters disabled and offer a replacement. Owners who already paid for repairs before the recall was announced may be eligible for reimbursement. Courtesy transportation is available to owners whose vehicles are still covered under warranty. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 330,000 vehicles are included in this GMC and Chevrolet recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGM issues second recall for Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras over fire risk
Kia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire

Kia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire

August 13, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – August 13, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 21,575 cars with 2.5 liter-turbocharged engines which may develop a fuel leak in the fuel pump system. This may cause a fire, which increases the risk of injury and a crash. Vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2021 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 Kia K5
  • 2022 Kia K5

This is the latest in a series of Kia and Hyundai recalls due to fire risk. The component in question is the high pressure pipe (Kia fuel rail) with part number 35305-2S200.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this recall receive fuel through a so-called direct injection system. This is a popular type of a fuel injection system that delivers gasoline directly into the engine allowing for greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Gasoline is transported to the engine via the fuel pump connected with a series of metal pipes called fuel rails. In affected vehicles, one or more pipes may not have been tightened during the assembly or may be out of shape due to a manufacturing error. In both cases, pressurized fuel may escape and spray on the engine and other nearby components.    

Risks

Fuel that sprays onto hot components in the engine compartment can easily ignite and cause a vehicle fire. This increases the risk of a crash, as flames and smoke may distract drivers and cause them to panic. Another risk is the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, which may lead to injury. 

Warning signs

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

Other Kia and Kia Sorento recalls

This recall is another in a series of ongoing fire-related issues Kia vehicles are experiencing lately, including one caused by a leaking ABS module.

The 2022 Kia Sorento is not subject to any recalls. At the same time, 2014 and 2015 Sorento were recalled last summer due to a brake fluid leak which can lead to a fire, as reported.

The repair

Affected pipes will be checked for fuel leaks and then replaced or simply tightened as necessary.  Owners should have been notified on July 21, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Recall includes more than 20,000 Sorento and K5 vehicles. To perform a Kia recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire
GM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

GM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading

August 12, 2021 Mikaela Bolker ,

Warren, MI – August 12, 2021  – General Motors (NYSE: GM) has announced a recall for 7,199 2021 GMC Canyon pickup trucks due to an incorrect label which may cause the driver to add too much weight to the truck, increasing the risk of a crash.

The component in question is a “Tire and Loading Information Label,” with the part number 15261447.

Recall summary 

As reported, the tire and loading information label states “the maximum amount of weight the driver can safely add to the truck as cargo.”  The GMC Canyon load capacity label incorrectly overstated the weight capacity by 51 lbs.

Risks

Overloading the pickup truck can cause significant changes to the “driving dynamics” of the vehicle, which may result in a crash. In another similar recall, the issue was also expected to increase the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Other GM recalls

In July 2021, there was a GMC recall for 285,622 vehicles over a concern that the airbag malfunction indicator may fail to warn the driver if there is a problem with the airbag.   

The GMC Canyon 2015 was recalled in April 2021 when 60,678 pickup trucks may lose power steering on “startup or while driving.” 

The GMC Canyon 2021 pickup truck was recalled in December of last year because of faulty seat belts.

Repair

The repair is a modified label that provides the correct vehicle capacity weight.  The manufacturer will mail the labels to the owners, which they can apply themselves or take them to the dealership, if desired. The remedy is free of charge and owner notification letter are set to be sent on August 16, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Over 7,000 vehicles are part of this General Motors recall. To do a GM recall check, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerGM recalls vehicles due to risk of overloading
Stellantis recalls multiple RAM truck models over engine fire risk

Stellantis recalls multiple RAM truck models over engine fire risk

August 7, 2021 Vishal Venugopal

Auburn Hills, MI – August 7, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), the parent company of the Ram brand, has issued a recall for 32,002 Ram trucks over an oil level monitoring issue that could result in an engine fire. The affected models include:

  • 2019 – 2020 Ram 3500
  • 2019 – 2020 Ram 4500
  • 2019 – 2020 Ram 5500

The Chrysler recall affects Ram trucks with a Cummins 6.7L High Output engine with multiple part numbers. 

Recall summary

Because of a software issue, drivers may not be warned of low engine oil levels. This can result in oil levels falling below an acceptable level, “deteriorating” important mechanical parts called bearings and increasing the risk of a punctured engine block or an oil leak, both of which can result in a fire.

Risks

Fires are very dangerous. For more information, please see a recent article on a Kia Optima and Kia Sorento recall caused by fire risk.

Warning signs

The manufacturer says that before the engine catches fire, the driver may hear an unusual noise from the engine. As reported, there are some additional warning signs, including:

  • Tire pressure, ABS or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights come on
  • A burning or melting odor
  • Smoke from under the hood

Fire safety tips

If you suspect your engine may be on fire, remain calm and follow these steps:

  • Bring your car to a halt
  • Do not open the hood –  oxygen will feed the flames 
  • Get yourself and others away from the vehicle
  • Call the fire department when you are in a secure location

Other Stellantis news

Back in August 2020, the same models were part of a Ram recall over a similar concern, with 32,318 Ram pickups affected.

The company also recently issued a Ram truck recall over a concern that wheels may come off while driving.

The repair

The engine calibration software on the affected vehicles will be updated, free of charge. Owners will be notified by the company by July 30, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 32,000 Ram trucks are part of this recall. As of July 20, 2021, over 6,000 trucks have been repaired. To see if your vehicle still needs to be fixed, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalStellantis recalls multiple RAM truck models over engine fire risk
General Motors recalls multiple SUVs over power steering failure

General Motors recalls multiple SUVs over power steering failure

August 3, 2021 Vishal Venugopal , ,

Warren, MI – August 3, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 26,847 SUVs over a potential loss in power steering assist, which could increase steering effort and result in a crash. This GM recall includes:

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

The affected part is the power steering motor control module with multiple part numbers – 84893520, 84876238, 84846488.

Recall summary

The power steering assist makes it easier to steer a vehicle. A software issue in the power steering control module may result in the loss of the feature, increasing the effort needed to steer and the risk of a crash. 

An affected vehicle will still have manual steering control. 

Warning signs

Drivers will be warned of a loss in power steering functionality by a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard and with a chime sound.  More effort will also be required to steer but the issue may be remedied if the car is restarted.

Risks

Losing the power steering can make maneuvering quite difficult, particularly with larger vehicles, like the ones that are a part of this recall. The effort required is greater at slower speeds and increases the risk of the driver losing control and crashing.

Related complaints

Back in May, a 2021 GMC Yukon owner experienced a similar loss in power steering functionality.  

Other GM recalls

Another recent Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac recall was for a failing airbag malfunction warning light.

The repair

The software issue can be resolved with an over-the-air (OTA) update without having to bring the vehicle to a dealership. The owner can also schedule to have the dealer perform the update. Some vehicles will require a new steering gear motor kit in order to download the software update, in which case the car will have to visit the dealer. In all cases the repair will be free of charge. Affected customers were set to be notified on August 2, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

To find out if your vehicle is a part of this GM recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalGeneral Motors recalls multiple SUVs over power steering failure
Ford tells owners not to drive F-series pickups with wheels that may fall off

Ford tells owners not to drive F-series pickups with wheels that may fall off

August 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Dearborn, MI – August 2, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 17,616 pickup trucks with potentially loose wheel hub extenders that may cause the wheel to fall off of the car. This defect is serious enough where Ford is telling owners NOT TO DRIVE the car, even to the dealership.

It includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford F350 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F450 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F550 SD pickups
  • 2021 Ford F600 SD pickups

Recall summary 

The recall concerns the front wheel hub extender, which extends the size of the wheel hub on pickups with wide front body axles and dual rear wheels. The extenders – that are typically used for aesthetic purposes or to provide more stability while driving – may not be screwed in all the way.

Background of the recall

The Michigan factory where the trucks’ axles were assembled has an “automated torque station” that checks to make sure everything is screwed in properly. Ford believes the recalled trucks must have bypassed this checkpoint and estimates that 80% of the recalled trucks have loose hub extenders.

Risks

This defect puts the wheel hub extenders and the wheels at risk of detaching from the truck, greatly increasing the risk of a crash. Ford has received two reports of wheels falling off trucks as a result of this flaw. Neither resulted in an accident or injuries.

Detached wheels not only put the driver at risk of losing control, but the tires themselves become a dangerous, fast-moving road hazard that could cause other cars to crash.

Warning signs

According to the manufacturer, drivers might, while driving, experience vibration and noise, as the nuts loosen.

The repair

The risks posed by this defect are high enough that Ford is telling owners NOT to drive their recalled car — not even to the dealership. Dealers have been told to send someone out to fix the car, and if this is not possible, to tow the car to the dealership. The dealer will check that the hub extenders are screwed in properly. If the hub extenders are loose, the dealer will tighten them. This inspection and repair, including necessary towing services, will be offered free of charge.

Owner notifications and instructions

Ford mailed notifications to owners in mid-June. The notifications include instructions for car-savvy owners on how to perform the inspection/repair themselves.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 17,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. Check your truck for Ford recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord tells owners not to drive F-series pickups with wheels that may fall off
Nissan recalls almost 140,000 Sentras for possible loss of steering

Nissan recalls almost 140,000 Sentras for possible loss of steering

August 1, 2021 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – August 01, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 138,736 vehicles with an issue that may result in a loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash or injury. This recall includes: 

  • 2020 Nissan Sentra
  • 2021 Nissan Sentra

The affected component is  the “inner tie rod” with part number D8521-6LB0A.

Recall summary  

A tie rod is part of the steering mechanism that connects the steering wheel to the wheels.

On vehicles that are part of this recall, both left and right tie rods may have been damaged during manufacture, making them less sturdy.  As a result, these tie rods may bend or even break apart when going over bumps and other obstacles.  

Warning signs

Depending on how severe the damage is, bent tie rods may cause the steering wheel to be “off-center” and vibrate at certain speeds. In addition, a broken tie rod would cause a significant decrease in steering response and control.

Risks

A reduction in steering response makes the vehicle less stable and responsive, which increases the chance of a crash or injury. This risk is as severe to the driver and its passengers as it is to other motorists and pedestrians. 

Safety tips

Driving with any of the symptoms that indicate an issue with the steering system is extremely unsafe. If such a situation arises, you should get your vehicle towed by an authorized towing service.

Other Nissan recalls

Nissan had recently recalled certain Nissan Murano 2020 crossover SUVs that had faulty control arms. In addition, there was a Nissan Sentra recall earlier this year for faulty brake lights.   

The 2020 Sentra is not subject to any other recalls.

The repair

To fix the issue, Nissan dealers will check both left and right tie rods  and replace them if they are bent. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners around August 05, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan recall includes almost 140,000 of their sedan vehicles. To check for this and other Nissan recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls almost 140,000 Sentras for possible loss of steering
Stellantis recalls vehicles due to risk of limited visibility

Stellantis recalls vehicles due to risk of limited visibility

July 28, 2021 Mikaela Bolker , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – July 28, 2021  – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which makes the Ram and Chrysler brands – has announced a recall for 14,096 vehicles due to the limited visibility from faulty front cameras, which augements the risk of a crash when backing up. The recall includes 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks.

The component in question is a “trailer reverse steering control module,” with a part number of 68423566AE.

Recall summary 

Due to a software error, the rearview camera image in the recalled cars fails to display when backing up.

Risks

A lack of visibility when backing up can increase the risk of an accident, leading to a crash or injury.

Warning signs

The first warning sign is the rear view image not displaying on the software when the vehicle is placed into reverse. The second warning sign is when the Electronic Throttle Control warning indicator illuminates on the instrument panel cluster.

Other Ram recalls

In April 2021, Stellantis Chrysler recalled 19,000 Dodge Ram vehicles over concern the vehicles would catch fire.  For more Chrysler recalls, please check out this page.

At the same time, rearview camera recalls are very common. In May, Daimler recalled more than 340,000 Mercedes-Benz cars because of a similar issue. In March, BMW asked drivers to take in 13,858 cars for repair because of a software glitch that made the cameras prone to malfunctioning when the cars were shifted in reverse.

Repair

Owners are set to be notified via mail starting July 30, 2021. The repair is a software fix that takes about 30 minutes and is provided free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Over 14,000 vehicles are part of this Chrysler recall and as of July 20, 1,398 of them were already remedied.  To check if your vehicle is part of this Ram 1500 recall, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerStellantis recalls vehicles due to risk of limited visibility
Daimler recalls more than 120,000 trucks over risk of stalling

Daimler recalls more than 120,000 trucks over risk of stalling

July 26, 2021 Bojan Popic

Portland, OR – July 26 , 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 122,056 heavy-duty trucks with battery cables that could break. This would cause the vehicle to stall, upping the risk of a crash or injury.  This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 – 2022 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 49X
  • 2021 Western Star WH126
  • 2020 Western Star WJ121

The affected parts are positive and negative power cables, with part numbers not available.

Recall summary  

The vehicles that are affected by this recall have battery cables that are made from aluminum and brass. In recalled trucks, the battery cable terminal connected to the vehicle frame may break or separate because the the bond between the two materials – that are incompatible – was not properly sealed, allowing debris to get through and damage the cables.

This could result in a loss of electrical power which in turn would cause the engine to stall.

Risks

Unexpected and sudden engine shutdown while driving can lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially when traveling at high-speed or in heavy traffic. Specifically, the truck may be hit from behind by other motorists, increasing the risk of injury for everyone involved.

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

Over 8,000 2020 and 2021 Freightliner Cascadia trucks are subject to a June recall due to possible loss of steering, as reported. These and several other model years were also recently recalled due to an increased fire risk, also as reported.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will check the aluminum battery cables and repair or replace them with conventional copper ones if needed. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners on August 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Daimler Trucks recall includes more than 120,000 heavy-duty trucks and several brands. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls more than 120,000 trucks over risk of stalling
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