Ford recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues

Ford recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues

November 23, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – January 28, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 6,185 super-duty trucks including the F-250 Super Duty that had failures with the front drive axle. Additionally, 118 of these vehicles have been categorized as unreachable. One group of these Super Duty models with the front axle improperly welded were remedied in 2020 and three more groups were remedied in 2021. 

Pleasanton, CA – November 23, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 9,628 Ford 4X4 trucks. The front axles may not be properly welded to the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash. Axles are responsible for transmitting the power from the vehicle to the wheels, which is what propels the car forward. Front axles in particular also help with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. As such, having a malfunctioning axis greatly increases the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

A Ford supplier used “non-conforming parts” to assemble the front axle and subsequently welded them incorrectly.

This is at least the second recall that Ford issued because of axle problems for this particular model and year. In October 2019, the manufacturer asked nearly 30,000 drivers of the 2019 F-250s and F-350s to take their cars in for repair because the rear axles were prone to fracture.

These same trucks are also subject to a 2019 California class-action lawsuit, alleging that their suspension and steering problem made the F-250s and F-350s prone to a “death wobble,”  or “violent shaking” at higher speeds when traveling on uneven surfaces. The lawsuit was partially dismissed in early November.

The recall includes 2019 Ford F-250 and F-350 super-duty trucks and concerns F250/350 Front Axle Assembly. The part number is JC34-3002-TB/DB/EB/FB.

Warning signs

Here are some signs that your car’s axle may be broken or is not welded properly:

  • An unusual noise when you turn or put the car into gear
  • Wobbling or vibration especially in the wheel area
  • Brake malfunction
  • Car fails to move

It is unsafe to continue driving the car with a broken or misaligned axle and you should take the car to the shop as soon as possible.

Risks 

If the axle is not properly welded to the vehicle, it may break, causing you to lose control of the car and get into an accident. If the axle breaks, you may feel the truck get pulled to the left or the right or find that steering becomes more difficult. The effects can be more pronounced if the axle failure occurs when you brake hard.  

Other F-350 Super Duty Trucks recalls

In March 2021, Ford Motor Company recalled several F-350 Super Duty Trucks, due to incorrect information on labels in the vehicles, which may increase the risk of a crash.

In September 2021, Ford announced a recall for several Ford Super Duty F-350 pickups due to the risk of the vehicles stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. A driveshaft that disconnects can lead to a loss of power while driving.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the front axle of the truck and confirm if the welding was performed correctly. If not, the axle assembly will be replaced. The repair is free of charge and the recall was expected to begin on October 15, 2020.

Ford estimates that the repair will be completed in less than two days. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,500 vehicles are included in this Ford truck recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydFord recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues
Ford recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk

Ford recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk

November 20, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – November 20, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,903 Transit Connect vans with incorrect control software settings that may cause the engine to overheat and could lead to a fire. The recall includes 2019-2020 Transit Connect vans with 2.5L engines and concerns the following components:

  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Calibration 
    • R07, #KV6A-12A650-PF 
    • R21, #KV6A-12A650-AEC 
    • R25, #KV6A-12A650-APB 
    • R31, #KV6A-12A650-AJ

Recall summary

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is “the brain” of the car that controls over 100 elements.  Usually, the PCM is programmed to enter a “failsafe” mode that will cool the vehicle down if the engine gets too hot. Due to a software calibration issue, however, the software in the recalled vehicles may not trigger the failsafe mode until temperatures exceed safe limits. Running the van at this high temperature could damage the engine or even cause a fire.

This is the second recall for Ford 2020 Transit vans this fall. In September, over 54,000 vans were recalled because of faulty rearview cameras that displayed a “distorted or blank image.”

Safety concerns

The U.S. Fire Administration 2019 Report on Fire in the United States stated that equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017.  

Vehicle fires are a fairly common occurrence that can pose a great risk to the occupants of the vehicle, as well as passerbys. For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please visit this page.

Repair

To fix the issue, dealers will reprogram the PCM software. The recall started on October 26 and is free of charge.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk
Volkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue

Volkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue

November 19, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 109,627 2022 Volkswagen Jetta that were dealing with fuel leak issues caused by a manufacturing error. Additionally, 3,100 of these 2017 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles have been declared unreachable and 35 have been removed from the recall. In total Volkswagen remedied the manufacturing error that may cause the fuel rail bolts to loosen provoking a fuel leak in one group all during 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – November 19, 2020 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 218,192 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles, due to a manufacturing error that may cause a fuel leak. The recall includes 2016-2018 Volkswagen Jetta sedans.

Recall summary  

A fuel rail is a high-pressure tube that delivers fuel to the vehicle’s fuel injectors. In recalled cars, the bolts that secure the fuel rail are not properly tightened. That can cause them to loosen over time, which can result in a leak.

Risks 

A fuel leak may cause a fire, particularly if it occurs near the sedan’s ignition source. When a leak takes place, drivers may notice fuel leaking from the engine compartment or smell a fuel odor.

A vehicle fire creates a tremendous safety risk for sedan occupants, other drivers and pedestrians. In 2017, for example, vehicle fires were the second most fatal after residential fires, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration.

What to do in the event of a vehicle fire

If you suspect that an engine fire is occurring, follow these important steps.

If other people attempt to approach the sedan, warn them to stay away until first responders arrive. Do not attempt to remove any items from the car before exiting. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the fuel rail and the fuel rail bolts. Both of these parts will be replaced, if necessary. The repair is free of charge and Volkswagen expects the recall to begin on December 20, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 218,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen Jetta recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydVolkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue
Tesla recalls 2020 Model Y SUV for trailer brake lights glitch

Tesla recalls 2020 Model Y SUV for trailer brake lights glitch

November 18, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – November 18, 2020 – Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has recalled  2,567 luxury SUVs that may not light up the brake lights on a connected trailer. The recall includes 2020 Tesla Model Y SUVs “with a global rear lamp and tow package,” equipped with the following parts:

  • 1502086-00-A
  • 1502087-00-A
  • 1502088-00-A
  • 1502089-00-A

Recall summary  

This particular configuration of the Model Y – which was released on the heels of customer feedback just seven months ago – allows the driver to tow a boat or a trailer if they so wish. Due to a firmware issue that emerged in August, the brake lights on a connected trailer may not illuminate when the driver hits the brakes. 

Risks

Brake lights serve the important function of letting cars behind you know when you are stopping or slowing down to prevent accidents. The lights help drivers respond faster than if they had to rely only on depth perception. Having non-functional lights may create a higher risk of an accident, especially at high speeds.

The repair

Tesla has developed a software update, which they beamed to cars remotely on September 23. Within a week, 97% of the recalled cars were up-to-date. To ensure updates are installed on your Tesla, make sure your car is connected to your home WiFi network. Those who have issues are encouraged to contact Tesla customer service.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls 2020 Model Y SUV for trailer brake lights glitch
Chrysler Ram trucks recalled for driver side mirror issue

Chrysler Ram trucks recalled for driver side mirror issue

November 17, 2020 Rebecca Rand , ,

Pleasanton, CA – November 17, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 19,075 Ram trucks, due to an issue with the driver side mirror. The mirror glass may detach from the backing plate such that it may no longer show a reflection of what’s behind. The recall includes 2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 1500 luxury heavy-duty pickup trucks.

Recall summary  

The backing plate holds the mirror glass in place. In recalled trucks, the mirror glass was not adhered to the backing plate properly, due to a manufacturing error. This limits the visibility for the driver and may result in a crash.

Recalled trucks fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rear Visibility.” Specifically, the “mirrors must be mounted according to certain specifications, and must provide the driver with a specified minimum field of view.”

Risks 

Side rear view mirrors are critically important for safe driving, particularly if an object is blocking the rear window view. They help drivers enter traffic and safely change lanes. If these mirrors are not functioning properly, the driver may not see other vehicles, pedestrians or physical objects. All of these conditions increase the risk of an accident.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the glass in the driver side mirror. The recall begins on November 27 and the repair is free of charge. The estimated repair time is 30 minutes, but plan for additional time for check in and check out.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?Over 19,000 vehicles are included in this Ram truck recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandChrysler Ram trucks recalled for driver side mirror issue
General Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle

General Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle

November 16, 2020 Rebecca Rand , , , ,

Laguna Hills, CA – November 16, 2020 – General Motors (GM) (NYSE: GM) has recalled 2,781 midsize SUVs which may have a blocked fuel pump nozzle that could stall the vehicle. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Buick Enclave
  • 2020 Cadillac XT5 and Cadillac XT6
  • 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2020 GMC Acadia

and concerns the fuel tank pump module (MODULE – F/TNK F/PMP, #84702674).

Recall summary  

The issue stems from the fuel pump, which supplies the vehicle’s engine with the gasoline it needs to run. A tube inside the fuel pump may be blocked by burrs left over from the manufacturing process. This could keep fuel from getting to the engine, particularly if the gas tank is already running low. If the engine is starved of fuel, the car could unexpectedly stall while driving.

Risks

A car that stalls in moving traffic, especially at high speeds, can get hit from behind as other drivers may not have enough time to react. Even if the driver safely gets to the shoulder, they are still at risk of being hit. This raises the risk of injuries or death for everyone involved.

For information on what to do if your car stalls, please see this article.

The repair

Owners will be notified about the recall by mail starting on November 30. GM will replace the fuel pump module for free, but this service is not yet available. In the meantime, owners who are not comfortable driving their recalled car may be eligible for courtesy transportation through their vehicle’s warranty.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,700 vehicles are part of this GM recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls SUVs for blocked fuel pump nozzle
Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

Range Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue

November 13, 2020 Ken Boyd ,

Pleasanton, CA – September 24, 2020 – Tata Motors Limited (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 11,159 Range Rover Sport vehicles that do not properly warn the driver when the tire pressure is low. Low tire pressure may cause tread separation and increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

Range Rover Sport vehicles with 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch wheels have a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Here is how the monitoring system should work:

  • Each tire manufacturer lists an inflation pressure level that should be maintained in the tire.
  • When the tire pressure reaches 25% below the recommended pressure level, the TMPS warning light should come on in the instrument panel.
  • This light alerts the driver to check the tire pressure and inflate the tire to the proper minimum level.

In recalled vehicles, the tire pressure level has not been set correctly in the instrument cluster. Drivers are not notified when a tire’s pressure is too low for safe driving.

Risks 

Underinflated tires are a common problem that reduce fuel economy and can become dangerous if the tire tread  – which is the rubber part of the tire that makes contact with the road – separates  from the body of the tire.  The separation can cause a tire blowout, which can result in the driver losing control of the car and crashing, especially when moving at high speeds. Tire-related crashes killed over 700 people in 2017, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What to do in the event of a blowout

As the tire bursts, the driver may hear a loud boom and be pulled to one side. 

Here is what to do if it happens:

  • Maintain composure. Don’t try to suddenly break, turn or pull over. Any of these actions can cause the car to spin out of control.
  • Turn your emergency lights on.
  • Try to regain control by gently stepping on the gas and steering straight.
  • Once you feel you have more control, let go of gas and let the car slow down.
  • Once the speed drops below 30 mph, pump the brakes and try to pull over.
  • Call for help.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to update the instrument cluster software, so that the TPMS operates correctly. Land Rover will notify owners by November 13  but it is not clear if the update will be available by then.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,000 vehicles are included in this Range Rover Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Ken BoydRange Rover Sport recalled for tire pressure issue
Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

Mercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue

November 12, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – October 9 2020 – Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) has recalled 12,799 Mercedes-Benz SUVs that operate with an optional star logo in the front grill. The electrical ground connection that illuminates the logo may be installed incorrectly and may affect other components of the electrical system. If the components do not operate correctly, the risk of a crash increases. The recall includes the following mid-size luxury SUV models:

  • 2020 GLE 350 
  • 2020 GLE 450 
  • 2020 GLE 580
  • 2020 GLS 450 
  • 2020 GLS 580 

Recall summary  

The star logo shares an electrical ground connection with the power steering control unit, wiper motor and the left headlamp. If the connection is not installed correctly, all of the components may malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers are alerted to a malfunction by audible and visual warnings in the instrument panel.

Risks 

The potential electrical component failures present a number of risks to drivers:

  • A driver may lose control of the vehicle, if the power steering system fails. If a failure occurs, turn on your emergency lights, reduce the speed gradually and find a safe place to pull over.
  • A loss of wiper power can obstruct the driver’s view in heavy snow or rain.
  • The loss of a headlight can lead to an accident, given the limited visibility.

In each case, you should pull over as soon as it is safe  to prevent an accident.

The repair

To fix the issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will need to relocate the faulty ground wire connection, so that the components operate correctly. The repair is free of charge. The recall begins on December 8, 2020. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 12,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes SUV recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes recalls GLE-class SUVs due to electrical ground issue
Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

Mercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure

November 11, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – October 23, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 2,535 GLC crossovers with a wiring issue that could take out the car’s power steering. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC300
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC350E
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC43 AMG
  • 2020 MERCEDES-BENZ GLC63 AMG

and concerns the Electric Wiring harness (part #A2535405521)

Recall summary 

The electric wiring harness is a car’s “central nervous system.” It’s an organized network of wires, terminals, and connectors that relay information and electricity throughout the vehicle, and in these GLC models, it may be damaged.

The damage could allow water to seep through to the steering control unit. If this happens, the unit may short circuit, disabling the car’s power steering. The short circuit could also ignite a fire.

Risks

Power steering helps drivers maneuver heavy cars that would otherwise require substantial effort to turn. A sudden loss of power steering could affect a driver’s ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. 

If your power steering fails

A power steering failure will make steering difficult, but not impossible. Find a safe spot to pull off the road, holding the steering wheel firmly as you turn. Then call for help.

The repair

Mercedes Benz will inspect the wiring harness and replace it, if necessary, at no cost to the owner. This fix is not yet available, but owners will be notified by mail approximately one week after it’s ready.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 crossovers are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Rebecca RandMercedes GLC recalled for wiring problem, power steering failure
2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags

November 10, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – March 20, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) has remedied issues on 2,749 2020 Toyota Highlander models with issues with side curtain airbags that may not deploy properly due to blockage with the seats. Additionally, 47 of these Toyota Highlander models have been categorized as unreachable and only one has been removed from the recall. One group of these Toyota vehicles with side curtain airbag deployment problems were remedied in 2020, and three other groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – October 14, 2020 – Toyota (NYSE: TM) has recalled 3,121 Highlander crossovers whose seats may block the side airbags from deploying. The recall includes 2020 Toyota Highlanders and Highlander Hybrids models. 

Recall summary  

The 2020 Highlander’s seats contain airbags that cushion the driver side and passenger side of the vehicle in the case of a crash. In order to deploy, the airbags must burst through a seam in the front seats that is designed to tear and let the airbag out. 

But, due to a manufacturing mix-up, pieces of the left and right seat-covers may have been reversed in these vehicles. This incorrect seat trim means that the seam may not be in the correct place, which could keep the airbags from deploying. In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles due to similar airbag deployment issues.

The components involved are Seat Assy, Fr LH and Seat Assy, Fr RH, which are part of the driver and passenger seat assembly, respectively.

Risks

These side-impact torso airbags (SABs) are designed to help protect the driver and passenger from impacts on either side of the vehicle. They would come handy if, for example, you are thrown against the door of the car during a crash or t-boned by a distracted driver.

Although they have never been required by law, the percentage of car models built with side airbags has increased steadily since 1996. 2020 Highlanders, and many other vehicles, pair a torso bag with a “curtain” style airbag, which covers the window and protects the driver’s head. Together, they are estimated to reduce side-impact crash fatalities by 31.3%. 

The repair

Vehicle owners will be notified about the recall on December 13. Toyota dealers will replace the seat covers if they are not installed correctly.

Other Toyota Highlander Recalls

In 2020, Toyota recalled certain 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander vehicles due to a software error that showed incorrect information on capacity labels. The recall included Highlander SUVs from the 2018 model year produced between Oct. 24 and 26, 2017.

In 2018, Toyota recalled several vehicles, including the 2018 Toyota Highlander Sport, due to issues with potentially defective brake components. Toyota directed dealers to replace the vacuum pump assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

There are over 3,000 affected SUVs included in this Toyota recall. To see if your car is subject to this recall or other safety issues, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.

Rebecca Rand2020 Toyota Highlanders recalled for suffocated airbags
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