Volkswagen Passat recall for airbag with excessive force

Volkswagen Passat recall for airbag with excessive force

October 19, 2020 Nate Gouldsbrough

Pleasanton, CA – May 13, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied 1,506 2020 Volkswagen Passat vehicles dealing with airbags issues. So far 8 of these 2020 Volkswagen Passat vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 have been removed from the recall. In total, Volkswagen fixed issues with mis-deployed airbags in one group during 2020 and 3 other groups during 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – September 2, 2020 – Volkswagen Group of America (NASDAQ:VWAPY) has recalled 1,829 Passat vehicles whose airbags do not deploy correctly in the event of a crash. The recall includes 2020 Volkswagen Passat vehicles.

Recall summary  

The frontal air bag on the passenger side may not have been folded correctly, which may cause it to deploy “too forcefully” in a collision. These airbags are in noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard number 208 “Occupant crash protection”.

Risks 

Airbags provide cushioning to protect passengers during a crash and keep the occupant from being thrown outside of the car during a collision.

When a crash is severe enough to deploy the air bags, sensors inflate the bags with gas in less than a second. If the airbag deploys with too much force, the passenger may be injured.

According to documents found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration if a small child is standing on the passenger floor, the child may be injured when the faulty airbag deploys.

The repair

Volkswagen with notify owners and dealers by October 30. To fix the issue, the latter will  replace the airbags free of charge when the repair is available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1,800 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen Passat recall. Use MotorSafety’s VIN look up tool to discover if your vehicle is affected by this recall.

Nate GouldsbroughVolkswagen Passat recall for airbag with excessive force
Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

Hyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk

October 16, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – March 4, 2022 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has remedied issues with 495,532 2019-2021 Tucson SUVs dealing with anti-lock brake system problems. Additionally, 11,593 of these Hyundai Tucson models have been categorized as unreachable and 7,877 have been removed from the recall. One group of 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs were remedied in 2020 and four groups were remedied in 2021 for this issue with the ABS Unit that may cause an engine compartment fire.

In 2021, Hyundai informed about expanding this recall to 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs due to a similar issue with the anti-lock brake system and a risk of engine fire.

Pleasanton, CA – September 4, 2020 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 180,000 Hyundai Tucson SUVs that operate with an anti-lock brake system (ABS). A component within the brake system may corrode and cause an electrical short.

A short may cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The recall includes:

  •  2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson SUVs

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system includes a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). A defective circuit board on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Tucson Suvs may corrode internally and cause an electrical short. This type of electrical issue may result in an engine compartment fire.

There are several situations that may indicate an engine compartment fire. If the driver sees smoke from the engine compartment, smells burning or melting, a fire may be taking place. If the vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or ABS warning light is illuminating (or both lights are on), there is a risk of engine compartment fire.

Statista estimates that there were 189,500 highway vehicle fires in the US during 2019. On the other hand, Hyundai has documented 12 engine compartment fires related to this defect. 

Risks 

An engine fire can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle which may result in an accident. Causing injuries to passengers, pedestrians, or to occupants in other vehicles.

If your vehicle has an engine compartment fire, the National Fire Association Council recommends that you do the following:

  • Pull over as quickly as you can into a safe location, such as a rest stop or breakdown lane.
  • Turn off the engine
  • Make sure that all occupants get out of the vehicle
  • Move everyone at least 100 feet away 
  • Call 9-1-1 and explain the situation

The repair

Hyundai will notify owners and replace the defective components. To eliminate the risk of an electrical short circuit, dealers will need to replace the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU). The recall is expected to begin October 30, and is free of charge.

Other Hyundai Tucson Recalls

In February 2022, Hyundai recalled several SUVs models including the 2014-2015 Hyundai Tucson due to a risk of fire inside their engine compartments. The models included on the recall are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system.

Back in 2011, Hyundai recalled several 2011 Tucson vehicles due to a possible transmission fluid leak caused by a badly produced hose. This recall affected models manufactured between July and October in 2010.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Up to 180,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai ABS recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number look up tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recalled for faulty brake system and fire risk
Dodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

Dodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

October 15, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27 2020 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 26,361 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles that operate with backup cameras.  When the driver selects the “stealth mode” setting and shifts into reverse, the backup camera rearview image does not display, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans.

Recall summary  

Federal safety regulations require that vehicle manufactures make the rearview camera image visible at all times to ensure the safety of the public and driver. The image for the cars in question is not displayed when the car enters “the stealth mode,” which is the ability to dim most of the sedan’s interior lights.

Risks 

A malfunctioning rearview camera may result in a crash as the driver may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This can result in injury or even death for everyone involved.

In fact, before back-up cameras became obligatory on all new vehicle models in 2018, back-up crashes killed an estimated 284 people and injured around 12,000 annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will update the software of the body control module (BCM), which is the “center” of the vehicle responsible for many of its operations. The update will disable the stealth mode when the vehicle is put into reverse. 

The repair is free of charge and is available now. Owners should plan on a half day to complete the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 25,000 vehicles are included in this Dodge Charger Pursuit recall. MotorSafety.org allows you to use your vehicle identification number to find if your vehicle has been recalled and we will help you find a dealer to get this issues fixed.

Ken BoydDodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras
Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

October 14, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – July 28, 2020 – Kia Motors Corporation (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has recalled 86,921 cars that operate with smart cruise control (SCC). In certain situations, the brake lights will not light up when the SCC brakes the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.  The recall includes 2020 Kia Telluride SUVs.

Recall summary  

When the SCC system is on, if it senses another vehicle is within a certain distance in front of it, it will automatically apply the brakes to slow down. This is meant to keep the vehicle from coming too close to the one in front of it and reduce the risk of a crash. 

In recalled cars, the brake lights will not come on when a trailer is attached to the back of the car.

Risks 

If the trailer brake lights do not turn on, other drivers are not warned that the vehicle is slowing. This could cause a rear-end collision, which may injure the people in both cars. 

If the driver in the vehicle behind changes lanes quickly to avoid a collision, people nearby or in other vehicles may be injured.  If a driver loses control of a vehicle, it may cause property damage. If an accident happens, items in the trailer can damage the vehicle it’s attached to or other vehicles or may injure people in the area.

The repair

The dealer will notify owners and install a wire harness, which will allow the trailer brake lights to operate correctly. The recall begins in September and it is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 86,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Telluride SUV recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights
Volvo XC60 recalled for loose windshield wipers

Volvo XC60 recalled for loose windshield wipers

October 13, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 4, 2022 – Volvo Car USA LLC (OTCMKTS: VLVLY) has remedied issues with 82,889 SUV models including the 2018-2020 Volvo XC60 Compact that were dealing with windshield wipers installation issues. Additionally, 3,699 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 77 have been removed from the recall. Two groups of these 2018-2020 Volvo XC60 Compact were remedied in 2020, 4 groups in 2021, and 1 other group was remedied in 2022 due to these issues with the windshield wipers that might loosen and prevent them to work properly.

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 27, 2020 –Volvo Car USA LLC (OTCMKTS: VLVLY) has recalled 87,226 compact SUVs with improperly attached windshield wipers. The recall includes model year 2018-2020 Volvo XC60 compact SUVs.

Recall Summary  

The wipers on the recalled Volvos may not be properly screwed into the car. The nuts holding the wipers to the windshield could loosen and keep the blades from effectively clearing water from the windshield, causing visibility problems for the driver. 

The issue has been traced to a mistake in the instructions Volvo gave to the Swedish and Chinese factories who build their XC60s. The mistake has since been corrected, so only cars manufactured before May 20, 2020 are implicated in the recall.

Risks

Nearly 1,235,000 crashes each year are weather-related, and 40% of these occur in the rain. It is important to maintain good visibility in wet weather so that you can react as quickly as possible to hazards and other driving obstacles. Poorly attached windshield wipers can seriously affect visibility in these conditions, making driving on wet roads even more dangerous.

The repair

Volvo will tighten the loose windshield wiper arm on the affected vehicles for free. The recall repair is currently available and should take less than half a day.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 87,000 vehicles are part of this Volvo recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolvo XC60 recalled for loose windshield wipers
BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights

BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights

October 12, 2020 Rebecca Rand ,

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 28, 2020 – BMW of North America LLC (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) has recalled 4,265 cars with faulty headlights that may create glare for oncoming drivers, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes: 

  • 2019-2020 BMW Z4 roadsters
  • 2020 Toyota Supra sports cars

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing mistake, the headlights on these vehicles are able to be pointed left and right. This is not allowed by federal motor vehicle safety regulations, which state that the low beams – used to light the road ahead of the car – must not be horizontally adjustable.

What does Toyota have to do with it? 

The 2020 Toyota Supra is part of the BMW Z4 recall because both vehicles are the result of a collaboration between Toyota and BMW. The Supra uses many BMW parts and is built at the same plant as the Z4.

Risks

It is important for headlights to work properly to maximize visibility for everyone on the road. Beams that are not aimed properly may cause glare, blinding oncoming drivers. At the same time, lights that are not bright enough limit how much the person behind the wheel can see. Both increase the risk of collisions.

Of all the fatal accidents in the United States, about half happen at night, when only a quarter of trips take place. So not only is reduced visibility responsible for more accidents, these accidents are also more severe.

The repair

BMW dealers will inspect vehicles’ headlights and correct the problem for free. The recall repair is currently available and should take less than half a day.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles are part of this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW Z4 and Toyota Supra recalled for in-your-face headlights
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire

October 9, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – January 3, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) repaired 75,650 2013 to 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Models dealing with ABS brake module failures that may cause engine fires. Additionally, 3,540 of these Santa Fe Sport models have been categorized as unreachable and 6,204 have been removed from the recall. One group of Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was remedied in 2020 and the other two groups were remedied in 2021 for this risk of an electrical short in the ABS module.

In 2021, Hyundai expanded a similar recall of the 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson due to a faulty circuit board within the ABS module that can cause an electrical short.

Pleasanton, CA – August 27, 2020 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) has recalled 151,205 Santa Fe Sport vehicles due to the risk of an electrical short in the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which may cause an engine compartment fire. The recall includes 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

The 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sports are equipped with ABS that may leak brake fluid into the module due to a design issue. Over time this can result in a short circuit and potentially catch fire.

Fire presents a high risk to car occupants, Santa Fe owners should have their vehicles evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.

Risks 

Drivers and passengers may be harmed by “toxic gases and other hazardous substances,” if an engine compartment fire occurs. There is also a risk of “flying debris” or an explosion. 

If you notice the ABS indicator light or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) turn on or smell “smoke or a burning or melting order,” your Santa Fe vehicle may be at risk of an engine compartment fire. 

What to do in the event of a fire

 If you suspect that the car may be on fire, you should:

  • Pull over as soon as possible.
  • Turn off the engine.
  • Exit the vehicle immediately.
  • Call 911.
  • Avoid opening up the hood.

The repair

The dealer will inspect the ABS system and, if necessary, will replace it free of charge. Hyundai expects to begin the recall on October 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

To date, fifteen engine compartment fires related to the Hyundai anti-lock brake recall have been documented. Over 150,000 vehicles are included in this Santa Fe Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Santa Fe Sport recalled for risk of engine fire
RAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk

RAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk

October 7, 2020 Rebecca Rand , ,

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 28, 2020 – Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) (NYSE: FCAU)  has recalled 32,318 Ram pickups for an engine oiling issue. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2020 Ram 3500 heavy duty trucks
  • 2019-2020 Ram 4500 commercial trucks
  • 2019-2020 Ram 5500 commercial trucks

Recall summary  

The vehicles in questions are equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines. A software problem can starve engine parts of oil as the car warms up. This could damage the engine and the related parts and cause a fire.

Risks

Car fires kill over 300 people a year on average and injure over a thousand, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Their report blames at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017 on equipment failures.

FCA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have not received any reports of injuries or deaths resulting from the Ram software problem. 

Fire safety tips

If you suspect your engine is on fire:

  • Stop your car someplace safe. 
  • Do not open the hood. Oxygen will rush in and feed the flames. 
  • Get yourself and others away from the vehicle, at least 100 feet. 
  • Call the fire department at 911 when you are in a secure location.
  • Do not return to the vehicle for any reason.

The repair

The fix is a free software update that a dealer will upload to your vehicle. The new software will make sure that plenty of oil is sent to the engine as the car warms up. The repair should take less than half a day, and is currently available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 32,000 vehicles are included in this Fiat Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandRAM recalls pickups for engine fire risk
Nissan recalls compact cars for crooked headlight

Nissan recalls compact cars for crooked headlight

October 5, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – Aug 27, 2020 – Nissan (OTCMKTS: NSANY) has recalled 5,520 compact cars with crooked headlights that may affect the driver’s ability to avoid collisions. The recall includes 2020 Nissan Sentras.

Recall summary  

The right-side LED headlight on these 2020 Sentras is misaligned. That goes against the federal safety guidelines that require headlights to adequately light the road without blinding oncoming drivers.

Risks

Headlights that are not adjusted properly may reduce the visibility for drivers coming your way.  At the same time, lights that are too dim limit how much the person behind the wheel can see. Both create a higher risk of accidents. 

As such, out of all the fatal accidents which occur In the United States, about half happen at night. Considering that only about 25% of all driving takes place at night, this means the nighttime fatality rate is about three times as high as the daytime rate. Data also shows that the more poorly lit a road is, the more severe its accidents are.

The repair

Originally, Nissan planned to have dealers replace the faulty headlights, starting October 5.

But, on August 27, 2020 Nissan notified dealers that it was filing a petition arguing that the defect did not warrant a recall because of how minor it is. If the supervising agency National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sides with the manufacturer, the lights would not be replaced.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 5,000 vehicles are part of this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls compact cars for crooked headlight
RAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats

RAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats

October 2, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27 2020 – FCA US LLC (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 160,229 Ram 1500 trucks that operate with adjustable pedals. The driver side floor mats may prevent the accelerator pedal from returning to an idle position, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500 pickup.

Recall summary  

The vehicles equipped equipped with all-weather floor mats and adjustable accelerator pedals. Due to a design issue, the mats may prevent the pedal from returning to idle position after the driver accelerates. This recall does not effect the RAM 3500, 4500 or 5500 this time.

Risks 

There are several situations in which the floor mat issue can cause a crash. First, if the car is moving at a high speed, the stuck accelerator pedal would prevent the car from slowing down as expected. This may cause the driver to run a light or hit another vehicle from behind.

Secondly, during traffic congestion, the repeated use of the accelerator pedal increases the risk of the floor mat problem occurring. The risk of a crash is also higher if the floor mat is moved out of position when the driver enters and exits the vehicle.

What to do if the accelerator pedal is stuck

If you feel that the accelerator pedal is stuck, DriverEd.com recommends: 

First, shift your pickup into neutral. Then, apply the brakes to begin to slow your vehicle down. Always, keep your eyes on the road and look for a way out.

If possible you should warn other drivers by blinking and flashing your hazard lights. Attempt to drive the car safely off the road. once you have come to a complete stop turn off the ignition.

The repair

The dealer will notify owners and modify the floor mat, so that the mat does not interfere with the accelerator pedal. The recall begins October 16, and is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 160,000 vehicles are included in this Ram truck recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number (VIN) lookup tool and get help scheduling a repair with dealer today.

Ken BoydRAM 1500 pickup trucks recalled for faulty floor mats

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