US government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

US government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

June 4, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – June 4, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine if Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) will be required to recall 4,849 for Ferrari 458 issues involving leaking fuel.

The leak can lead to a fire, greatly increasing the risk of bodily injury and property damage. The potentially affected cars include the following:

  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458
  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2013 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
  • 2014 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2012 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider

Summary  

The regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on May 17, after receiving three complaints that described fuel leaking out of the car’s capless fuel filler. In contrast to many other cars, these Ferraris use capless fuel fillers that use self-closing flaps instead of the more traditional gas tank cap.

In the three incidents above, the leak resulted from the damage to the fuel filler. This could in turn allow fuel to slosh out during left turns, according to NHTSA.

Preliminary phase

The investigation is currently in its preliminary phase. If NHTSA finds information that “suggest[s] that a safety defect may exist,”  it will proceed with the so-called engineering analysis, which may result in a recall.

When and if this would occur is not clear at this point.

Risks

While NHTSA has not yet outlined the safety hazards in their investigation, fuel leaks pose a serious fire risk. Fuel is highly flammable and exposure to heat or sparks could cause it to ignite, possibly causing a car fire. 

For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to our recent article about a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recall.

Will your vehicle be part of a Ferrari recall?

Over 4,800 cars are part of this Ferrari investigation, but it is not yet known if they will be recalled. In the meantime, check for any other open recalls on your Ferrari 458 using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks
Nissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

Nissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

June 3, 2021 Sergio Stephano ,

Franklin, TN – June 3, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 24,140 Armada and Infiniti QX80 vehicles with faulty fuel pumps.  The fuel pump issues can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Nissan Armada
  • 2021 Nissan Armada
  • 2020 Infiniti QX80
  • 2021 Infiniti QX80

The recall only includes units equipped with V8 engines. The affected part is the fuel pump module; part number A7040-3ZD0B.

Recall summary

The recall stems from an issue with the impeller similar to that seen with some 2012 Honda and Acura models, which is a disc that draws fuel from the tank and directs it to the fuel pump. As a result of a supplier error, the impeller can swell and cause the fuel pump to “bind internally.”  This can disrupt the flow of fuel to the engine and result in the car stalling while driving.

There have been no incidents caused by this issue in the U.S., according to Nissan.

Risks

A fuel pump failure while driving will cause a vehicle to abruptly lose power, increasing the likelihood of being rear-ended by another vehicle.

If the system fails while the vehicle is immobile, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Warning signs and safety tips

The manufacturer says there are no warnings before a stall. However, generally speaking, a faulty fuel pump can manifest in a number of ways, such as the engine sputtering at high speeds or a drop in the gas mileage.

The “check engine” light may also come on. In case you experience any of the above signs while driving, calmly maneuver your car to the side of the road and contact roadside assistance.

Other Nissan and Infiniti recalls

Back in April, Nissan issued a recall for the 2021 Infiniti Q50 and Q60 sedans that also faced a potential stalling problem. However, that was related to a software issue and bears no connection to this recall. The Nissan Armada 2021 is not subject to any other recalls.

In September 2019, Nissan recalled several models including the 2018-2019 Nissan Armada due to Improper programming that potentially affects the back-up camera display. This recall included more than 1,200,000 automobiles.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected fuel pump module, free of charge. Owners will be sent a letter with more information on July 20. However, it is not clear when the repairs will be performed.

No U.S. drivers had come forward with EPS-related problems. Even so, the stateside Hyundai division chose to initiate a voluntary recall March 24. Dealers were notified March 31.

The Solution

Hyundai Motor America has ordered dealers to replace defective EPS motors in affected vehicles. This particular part falls under the original factory warranty, which covers the EPS system and other components for five years or 60,000 miles. Therefore, owners should not incur expenses when taking their vehicles in for service. The automaker intends to notify affected Elantra owners via first-class mail by April 28.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 24,000 Nissan vehicles have been affected by this Nissan recall. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoNissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump
‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering

‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering

June 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – June 2, 2021 – An arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) after reports that certain 2013-2015 Honda Accords are experiencing sudden steering failure, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.  Up to 1,120,470 vehicles are potentially affected.

The investigation could eventually lead to a Honda Accord recall, but it is unclear when and if this would begin.

The investigation 

The regulator, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the investigation on May 6, after reviewing a total of 32 complaints of steering failure in 2013-2015 Accords. The complaints indicate that the cars may “veer or jerk out of the intended path of travel,” without any input from the driver or warning signs. 

Background of the investigation

The investigation comes on the heels of a petition by Terrie Haggey, a 2013 Honda Accord driver who petitioned NHTSA to look into an “alarming pattern of power steering failures.”  The related repairs are currently not covered under Honda’s current warranty policy. 

In response to Haggey’s request, NHTSA asked Honda to provide additional information and found out that there have been 77 instances of power steering failure stemming from this issue. The agency is currently conducting engineering analysis, a stage of the investigation process that may result in a recall. 

If a recall is initiated, any necessary repairs will be free for drivers.

Terrifying driver experiences

Drivers have been narrating their personal experiences related to this issue since at least 2018. According to one complaint, a driver “collided with the guard wall” after being unable to control the car, which veered “in and out of lanes sharply” on its volition. The driver suffered physical injuries and continues to be haunted by the accident. “Worst of all,” the complaint letter stated, “I suffer from nightmares and I have difficulty sleeping.” 

Another person observed the steering wheel turning “really fast on its own to the left” when they let go of it.

Crashes and injuries

According to NHTSA, the “phantom steering wheel” has so far led to at least two crashes and several injuries.

Previous investigation

Starting in November 2014, NHTSA led a separate investigation of the 2013 Honda Accord over reports of power steering failure, with some reports also describing the steering wheel jerking left or right, veering off-course. That investigation, however, did not result in the 2013 Honda Accord recall as NHTSA deemed that the steering failures were “rare” and that the rate of failures was declining. 

Recent Honda Accord recalls

In December, over 235,000 2013-2015 Honda Accords were subject to a different recall due to a potential loss of power.  It is not clear if the recall included 2013 Honda Accord Sport, 2013 Honda Accord Coupe, 2013 Honda Accord EX L.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.1 million vehicles may become part of this recall. Bookmark our free vehicle lookup tool to check back later, or use it now to see if there are any other recalls on your vehicle that need to be repaired.

Rebecca Rand‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering
Mercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Mercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

May 29, 2021 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 342,366 vehicles whose rearview camera may display no image or reboot while reversing. This limits visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of an accident and injury.  The recall includes 48 model years, including Mercedes Benz GLS vehicles.  The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class cars are not part of the recall.  

The recall includes:

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580

●  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

●  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580

●  2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Please see the full list here.

Recall summary 

Due to a software issue, the rearview camera in the recalled vehicles may reboot while reversing or show a blank image.

Risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has an issue with their rearview cameras. In the beginning of last year, the 2019 Mercedes Benz A class vehicles were subject to a similar recall due to a software glitch.

The repair

The fix is a software update that will be done for free.  The recall will start on July 13.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes Benz recall includes over 340,000 different vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with damaged rear door

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with damaged rear door

May 27, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Jacksonville, FL – May 26, 2021 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has announced a recall for 17,800 vehicles due to faulty rear door latches. The latches may cause the rear door to appear closed even if it is not, upping the risk of injury.

The component in question is a door latch with three part numbers, including A4637309701,  A4637309801 and A4639067802.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz G550
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz G550

Recall summary 

The recall concerns a faulty rear door latch sensor. Due to a design error, the latch can cause the door to appear closed even when it is not, potentially causing it to open while the vehicle is in motion.

Risks

The damaged latch may not allow the door to open or close while passengers are in the vehicle. The door may also open unexpectedly, resulting in the passengers of the vehicle falling out from the car.

The latter is, unfortunately, not an uncommon occurrence. Between 2011 and 2012 75,000 injuries were reported from falls from cars.

Warning signs

The driver might be notified that a door is open on the digital dash.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Earlier this year, over 6,000 Mercedes-Benz SUVs were recalled for the risk of “an electrical short due to a water leak.”

About a year and a half ago, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 were recalled for faulty seat belts.

Repair

The repair is a free rear door latch replacement. Owners will be notified via letter starting July 13th. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 18,000 vehicles are part of this Mercedes Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles with damaged rear door
Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues

Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues

May 26, 2021 Suhas Ramachandra

Camden, NJ – August 24, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) has remedied 353,739 vehicles including the 2019 Subaru Forester that was dealing with suspension problems. Additionally, 2,419 of these Subaru vehicles have been categorized as unreachable, and 2,340 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of these 2019 Subaru Forester were remedied in 2021, and another group was remedied in 2022 due to these issues with the rear suspension stabilizer that could cause the car to roll over.

Camden, NJ – May 26, 2021 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 408,271 vehicles with a suspension defect that may make it harder to control the car, which increases the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following SUVs:

  • 2018 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
  • 2019 Subaru Forester

The component in question is the “Flange Bolt,” part number 01010820.

Recall Summary  

The part of the suspension that connects the rear wheels of the car with each other is called the rear stabilizer. Its job is to prevent the car from rolling over if the driver makes a sudden turn or comes upon an unexpected bump.

In the recalled cars, due to “variations in dimensions,” the bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket may become loose and come off. It is not clear if the variations exist in the bolts or the bracket itself.

Safety risks

If the bolts are not attached, the stabilizer cannot work properly to keep the car upright when turning the corner or engaging into a sudden maneuver. This may lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle and getting into an accident.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this issue when she or he hears an unusual rattling sound from the rear of the vehicle while it is in motion.

Other Subaru recalls

Earlier this month, over 450,000 Impreza and Crosstrek cars were recalled due to the risk of stalling.

A year and half ago, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid was among the vehicles recalled due to an unexpected “loss of power” while driving.

The repair

Dealers will check the bolts and tighten them, if necessary, free of charge. Owners will be notified between May 14 and June 11.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 400,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru recall. Want to check for Subaru recalls? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Suhas RamachandraSubaru recalls Crosstrek and Forester SUVs for suspension issues
Nissan recalls 2021 Rogue SUVs for brake fluid leak

Nissan recalls 2021 Rogue SUVs for brake fluid leak

May 20, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Franklin, TN – May 20, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 14,054 vehicles that may leak brake fluid. This may cause the brakes to stop working properly, increasing the risk of a crash. It can also lead to an electrical short, upping the risk of a fire.

The recall includes 2021 Nissan Rogue compact SUVs. The components involved are the right- and left-hand brake caliper assemblies, with part numbers 44000-6RA0C and 44010-6RA0C, respectively.

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the rear brake calipers, which help clamp down on the wheels to slow the car down when braking. The calipers in the recalled cars may be missing a small part that helps make sure the brake fluid stays sealed inside the brakes. Without it, the fluid may leak out, reducing the brakes’ ability to stop the car and possibly causing an electrical short.

Warning signs

According to Nissan, a warning light would appear on the dashboard in the case of an electrical short, but would not warn drivers of weakened brakes.

Risks and safety tips

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of death or injury for the people involved. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit our recent article about a fire-related Hyundai recall.

For tips on what to do if your brakes fail, please refer to this article about a recent Ford Edge recall.

The repair

Nissan knows the serial numbers of the affected calipers, but not precisely which cars they were put into. To find the defective parts and see if a replacement is necessary, dealers will scan the QR code on both left and right rear brake calipers. The inspection and any replacements will be free. Owners will receive information about when and how to seek repairs starting June 10.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 Rogue SUVs are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls 2021 Rogue SUVs for brake fluid leak
Hyundai recalls more than 150,000 SUVs over risk of fire

Hyundai recalls more than 150,000 SUVs over risk of fire

May 19, 2021 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – May 19, 2021 – Hyundai  (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 151,205 vehicles because of a short circuit risk within the anti-lock brake (ABS) system. The short circuit may result in a fire, increasing the risk of death and injury for the occupants of the vehicle.

The affected component is the ABS module, with part numbers that start with 58920. The recall includes certain 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs. 

Recall summary  

The ABS is a safety system that prevents wheels from locking up during braking, which gives the driver better control over the vehicle.  Due to a supplier error, a brake fluid leak can occur within the ABS, which can cause the unit to short circuit and lead to an engine fire. 

This may happen both when the vehicle is parked or while it is in motion.

Warning signs

The illumination of either the malfunction indicator light (MIL) or the ABS warning light can alert the driver to the electrical short within the unit. In the event of a fire, the driver may smell something burning or see the smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Risks

A fire can be a serious safety concern if it happens while driving. Potential hazards range from failure to stop and evacuate the vehicle in time to being a threat to other drivers and their passengers. In addition, a burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles. 

Safety tips

For safety tips – including where to park your vehicle before it is repaired, please see this recent Kia Sportage and Cadenza recall article.

If a fire breaks out during the journey, the driver and all occupants should follow these steps to get themselves to safety quickly.

Other Hyundai ABS recalls

This recall is a part of ongoing fire-related issues that both Kia and Hyundai vehicles are suffering from. Recently, Hyundai recalled nearly 180,000 Tucson SUVs and almost 95,000 of certain Genesis models over the similar fire risk caused by faulty ABS components.  Kia – which is part-owned by Hyundai and builds vehicles on its platform – recalled over 300,000 cars because of a risk of a fire inside the engine compartment caused by a defective ABS module. 

Separately, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe was among cars recalled in 2018 for a fuel leak that could lead to a fire.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the ABS fuse with one that is less prone to shorting or potentially replace the whole ABS module. The repair is free and the recall is expected to begin on June 25.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 150,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai Santa Fe recall. To do a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls more than 150,000 SUVs over risk of fire
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees for transmission fluid leak

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees for transmission fluid leak

May 14, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – May 15, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns the Jeep brand – has recalled 18,800 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs that may leak transmission oil, creating the risk of fire.

The component in question is called “3.2L TOC Hose,” with multiple part numbers, including 68399015AA.

Recall summary  

The oil cooler is a component of the engine system designed to keep the engine from overheating, while curing is a process that is used to give final shape to some parts of the car, such as rubber hoses and tires.

Due to a supplier error, the oil cooler hose – which carries lubricating oil from the transmission to the oil cooler – has been cured for too long, making it weak and prone to breaking.  

Risks

The weak hose may rupture, igniting the oil and resulting in an engine fire. Vehicle fires are extremely dangerous, putting occupants at a serious risk of injury or death. Read more about what to do in case of a vehicle fire in this article about a recent Kia Stinger recall.

Warning signs 

The manufacturer says there are no warning signs. If your car is part of this recall, take it in for repair immediately! 

Complaints

Stellantis acknowledges that it knows of four customer assistance records, 160 warranty claims, and seven field reports related to this problem. The automaker estimated that 1 in 10 of the recalled vehicles contained a defective hose.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the transmission oil cooler hose and replace it, if needed, for free. Drivers who paid to have this issue fixed before the recall may be eligible for reimbursement. Owner notifications with more information about when and how to seek repairs will be sent out starting  June 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 18,000 vehicles are included in this Jeep recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees for transmission fluid leak
Ford recalls Explorer SUVs for fly-away roof rail covers

Ford recalls Explorer SUVs for fly-away roof rail covers

May 12, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Dearborn, MI – May 12, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall of 616,967 SUVs whose roof rail covers may detach and fly off the vehicle while driving. Ford is recalling these vehicles:  

  • 2016 Ford Explorer
  • 2017 Ford Explorer
  • 2018 Ford Explorer
  • 2019 Ford Explorer

The affected part is the “roof rail cover,” with multiple part numbers, including FB5Z-78551A46-BA.

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the roof rail covers, which partly cover the roof rails used to hold cargo (such as a kayak) on top of the car. The covers, after being exposed to sunlight and other wear and tear, may detach from the car and fly off into the road, creating a road hazard for other drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) brought the issue to Ford’s attention a year ago, after receiving 11 complaints of roof rail covers falling off. 

Footnotes

According to Ford, some Explorers have metal plated roof rail covers that do not have this problem. Those vehicles will not be recalled. To see if your 2019 Ford Explorer Limited, for example, needs to be repaired, use our VIN lookup tool.

Warning signs

Drivers with insecure roof rail covers may notice louder wind noise or squeaks and rattles while driving. 

Risks

If a roof rail cover flies off the car while driving, it may force other drivers to make quick maneuvers to avoid it, increasing the risk of a crash. Read more about the dangers of road debris in this article about a recent Land Rover recall over fly-away spoilers. 

Other Ford Explorer recalls

The 2016 Ford Explorer was recalled in November of last year because of a defective part that connects the engine to the front axle, which “transmits the power from the vehicle to its wheels,” as reported.

 The issue can result in the car stalling or losing its ability to stay in park, increasing the risk of death or injury for the car occupants, other motorists and pedestrians.

The repair

Ford or Lincoln dealers will use plastic pins to secure the roof rail more tightly to the roof of the car, free of charge. Owners will receive more  instructions by mail between June 28 and July 2. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 617,000 vehicles are included in this recall. Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to do a Ford recall check.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Explorer SUVs for fly-away roof rail covers
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