Rivian recalls SUVs due to low visibility when backing up

Rivian recalls SUVs due to low visibility when backing up

April 23, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Plymouth, MI – April 23, 2023 – Rivian (NYSE:RIVN) has issued a recall for 5,030 2022–2023 Rivian R1S SUVs because of a problem with their reverse lights. This could compromise the vehicle’s visibility to other road users and lead to an increased risk of an accident.    

Recall summary

Reverse lights serve to only only illuminate the area behind the vehicle but also to notify other road users that the vehicle is backing up. In the affected vehicles, the center of the light beam may not be visible from certain angles.  The vehicle will still emit audible alerts advising pedestrians that it is reversing.

Recall risks

The driver could hit pedestrians or inanimate objects, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Other Rivian recalls

In October 2022, Rivian recalled 12,212 vehicles because of issues with vehicle’s control and handling, as reported.

Recent Rivian R1S recalls also included a recall issued in March 2023 over a problem with the front passenger seat belt, which could lead to the airbag failing to deploy, also as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will repair or replace the reverse lights at no cost to customers. Rivian will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by May 20, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 vehicles are affected by this Rivian reverse lights recall. To run a Rivian recall check or check for more Rivian recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloRivian recalls SUVs due to low visibility when backing up
Kia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

Kia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation

April 22, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – April 22, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 51,568 2022 – 2023 Kia Carnival minivans because their power sliding doors could trap and injure the occupants of the car. This recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and multiple injuries related to the defect.

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles have sliding rear doors, which are opened and closed by an electric motor. To prevent them from potentially injuring occupants, this system also has a so-called auto-reverse function whose job is to back up the closing door if it detects any obstacles. 

The feature does not work as intended, upping the risk of the car occupants getting injured.

Recall risks

Nine people have been injured as a result of this defect, according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the auto safety regulator in charge of this recall. 

Other Kia recalls

In February 2023, Kia recently recalled Telluride SUVs over an airbag issue. 

As for previous Kia Carnival recalls, the one from December 2021 – also caused by sliding-door issues – is the most recent. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an investigation conducted by the U.S. government’s auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in April of last year. The investigation was kicked off after the regulator received several complaints alleging that “excessive force” was required to close the doors once they got stuck.

The repair

Dealers will update the vehicle’s power sliding door control module with an upgraded software version that gives the driver “two warning chimes” when it starts to close. The repairs are free of charge. 

Owners should have been notified starting April 28, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 50,000 cars are affected by this Kia sliding door recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Carnival minivans with faulty doors following US government investigation
Daimler issues second recall for trucks with faulty windshield wipers

Daimler issues second recall for trucks with faulty windshield wipers

April 16, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Portland, OR – April 16, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMRLY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) including the FCCC and Freightliner brands, is recalling 54,375 trucks because of windshield wipers that could fail and lead to an increased risk of a crash. This expands on an earlier recall conducted in April 2022.  

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2C 
  • 2020 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2G 
  • 2020 – 2022 Daimler FCCC S2RV 
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2020 – 2022 Freightliner M2

Recall summary

The wiper arm assembly is linked together through splines, which are ridges that match with grooves on a connecting piece. In the affected vehicles, the wiper arm splines may experience accelerated wear, causing the wiper to function erratically or stop working altogether.  

The component involved in this recall is the wiper arm assembly with multiple part numbers, including A22-78786-000,  A22-78786-001 and  A22-74082-000.   

Recall risks

If the windshield wiper malfunctions, this could compromise visibility when driving the vehicle in rainy or snowy conditions, increasing the likelihood of a crash.      

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that the windshield wipers are not working properly when operating them as part of performing a pre-trip inspection.  

Background of the recall

DTNA recalled around 500 vehicles over the problem in April 2022. By December that same year, the company received reports that more models may have been affected by a defective windshield wiper arm beyond the original batch. In January 2023, DTNA launched an official investigation in cooperation with its parts supplier Trico, leading to an expansion of the recall order by late March 2023.

DTNA has so far received one field report and 48 warranty claims over the issue since February 2023.     

Other Daimler recalls

In October 2022, Daimler recalled 7,601 school buses due to defective barriers on the front seats, presenting a higher risk of injury in a collision.     

As part of Daimler truck recalls, 218,147 heavy-duty trucks were recalled in November 2022 over a problem with the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, causing the vehicles to pull to one side when braking is engaged. The abrupt change in direction increases the risk of a crash.   

The repair

DTNA is currently developing a remedy for the problem, assuring that dealers will perform repairs free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 23, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 54,000 vehicles are affected by this Daimler truck windshield wipers recall. To run a Daimler recall check or check for more Daimler recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloDaimler issues second recall for trucks with faulty windshield wipers
Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

Honda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars

April 13, 2023 Bojan Popic

Torrance, CA  – April 13, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 563,711 2007 – 2011 Honda CR-V SUVs in “salt-belt” states because part of their suspension may detach from the car. This can lead to the loss of vehicular control, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 60 customer complaints. 

Recall summary  

A car’s rear suspension is made from several components, with trailing arms being one of them. These metal pieces are connected to the the car’s chassis and hold the back wheels at the correct angle. 

The rear suspension and surrounding components in the affected vehicles may corrode because of multi-year exposure to road salt and other agents used to de-ice the roads in the 24 affected states. If severe enough, this can cause the trailing arm to detach from the chassis and cause the rear suspension to break apart. 

Recall risks

This defect will affect the vehicle’s road handling and reduce its steering control. This augments the risk of a crash and injury to its occupants, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. 

Luckily, there have been no reported accidents or injuries leading up to this recall.

Other Honda recalls

This is not the only “salt belt” issue  Honda has recently had. In July 2022, the manufacturer had to recall Ridgeline pickup trucks over a fuel leak also caused by salt-induced corrosion. 

In addition, there is an ongoing U.S. government investigation over Honda cars braking on their own, as reported. This could result in future Honda CR-V recalls.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the rear suspension to see if removing the bolt that holds the trailing arm in place is possible. Should this be possible, they will install a bracket, which will provide additional structural support. 

Otherwise, they will either repair the rear frame or “offer to repurchase the vehicle”  from the owner. The same will happen if the rear suspension breaks apart after the additional bracket is fitted. 

All repairs will be free of charge. Owners should receive letters with additional information starting May 8, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Honda rear trailing arm recall affects more than 500,000 vehicles. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls CR-V SUVs with corroded suspensions, offers to repurchase cars
Daimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

Daimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking

April 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – April 9, 2023 – Daimler (OTCMKTS: DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 69,246 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of affected vehicles includes the following trucks: 

  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2022 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary  

All listed trucks have a safety feature called Electronic Stability Control (ESP), which keeps the car stable by applying brakes when it determines that the driver needs help keeping the car on course.

This is achieved by the so-called brake modulator valves, which regulate the pressure which is applied to brakes on individual wheels.

In the affected vehicles, moisture may cause corrosion within these valves. This may result in the vehicle suddenly being pulled to the side when braking without any action on the part of the driver.

Recall risks

The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

If the ESP malfunctions, an ABS warning light may appear on the dashboard. 

Other Daimler recalls

This is the latest in the series of Freightliner recalls caused by trucks pulling to the side. Just recently, in November 2022, more than 200,000 trucks were affected by a similar issue. 

In addition, fly-away hoods were the reason for one of the recent Western Star recall, which took place in September 2022. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the modulator valve with an upgraded one, which should not be prone to corrosion. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 70,000 trucks are being recalled over these DTNA brake issues. To do a DTNA recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that could pull to the side when braking
Mercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

Mercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode

April 8, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Jacksonville, FL – April 8, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY), which also owns the Maybach brand, is recalling 6,140 vehicles over a water leak that presents a host of dangers to occupants, including the risk of fire and reduced engine performance.

This recall serves as an expansion of two previous recalls for the same issue conducted in 2019 and 2021.

The latest installment covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE53
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLS63
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE580
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450
  • 2020–2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600


Recall summary

Water forms as a typical byproduct of a car’s air conditioning system and is diverted away from the car down to the ground through a drain hose. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose may be incorrectly installed, causing water to leak inside the cabin through the front passenger footwell.

The component involved in this recall is the A/C drain hose with part number A1678323600.  

Recall risks

Water entering the passenger compartment presents many risks to both the vehicle and the occupants. Rust could form from within the vehicle and the water can also potentially short out the electrical system. Apart from presenting an increased risk of fire, this can also cause the car’s electronic features to malfunction, which could affect the ability to unlock doors and call emergency services.

The leak can also accidentally trigger the engine’s limp-home feature while driving, upping the probability of a crash.       

Warning signs

Users may notice that the front footwell carpets have become wet under normal use, as well as misting on the windows.

Background of the recall

In August 2021, Mercedes-Benz conducted an investigation into reports that certain GLE and GLS vehicles that were not included in previous recalls were experiencing water leaks. By February 2023, the automaker traced the problem to drain hoses incorrectly installed during the assembly process. This led to the present recall. There has been no reported crashes or injuries leading up the the recall announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz recalled 59,574 vehicles due to faulty seat back locks on the third row seats that could potentially increase the risk of injury in a crash.    

In January 2023, some 123,696 Mercedes-Benz vehicles spanning multiple models were recalled following reports of detaching sunroofs, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the hoses correctly free of charge.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by May 16, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 61,000 vehicles are affected by this Mercedes-Benz water intrusion recall. To run a Mercedes-Benz recall check or check for more 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG Recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloMercedes-Benz issues third recall for water leak that can lead to fire, limp-home mode
Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation

April 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – April 2, 2023 – Hyundai (NASDAQ: HYMTF) has recalled 167,085 2021-2023 Hyundai Palisade SUVs because their windshield wipers may fail to operate. This reduces visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall, which comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in August 2022. 

Recall summary  

Windshield wipers are held in place and moved with a metal arm, which is mounted to the wiper mechanism with an electric motor. 

In affected vehicles, snow and ice may build up around the wiper arm’s base and obstruct its movement. This may result in the wipers stopping to work.

The component causing this recall is the driver’s windshield wiper arm, with part number 98311-S8000. 

Recall risks

Inoperable windshield wipers will reduce the driver’s visibility, especially in harsh weather, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Background of the recall 

This windshield wiper problem was first spotted on Hyundai Palisade models made before the end of November 2020 around three years ago and was addressed during a recall in August 2022. However, soon after, the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation to access the adequacy and scope of that recall as it was revealed that SUV made after November 2020 were also potentially affected. The present recall is a direct result of the investigation.

Other Hyundai recalls

Apart from this Hyundai Palisade recall, vehicles made by this manufacturer have been plagued by various issues causing them to catch fire.  Aside from this, the manufacturer is currently dealing with an ongoing issue with its seat belt pretensioners, which so far resulted in seven recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s windshield wiper arms with an upgraded version, which is not prone to snow and ice accumulation. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on May 16, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 160,000 SUVs are recalled over this Hyundai windshield wiper failure. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs with faulty wipers following US government investigation
Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

April 1, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 69,201 SUVs and pickup trucks that may catch fire due to overheating transmission. This ups the risk of a crash and injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 

This recall serves as an expansion, as well as replacement of a previous one conducted for the same issue in early 2021 and comes on the back of several vehicle fires. Vehicles repaired back then will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a manual transmission and the corresponding clutch assembly, which allows the driver to change gears.

Part of the clutch in the affected vehicles can overheat and crack “due to extreme overheating.” This creates hot shrapnel, which can pierce transmission housing and catch on fire as it comes in contact with an ignition source. 

Warning signs

An overheating clutch may generate a strong burning smell, which can be perceived by the driver or passengers.  The driver can also notice unspecified warning messages on the dashboard.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are described in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Background of the recall 

The problem with overheating clutches was first discovered several years ago and consequently led to a recall in January 2021. At that time, dealers addressed the issue by updating the vehicle’s software, so that it would reduce the engine’s power output if the clutch overheats.  However, this proved to be insufficient and there have been dozens of warranty claims and one injury leading up to this recall.

The repair

The manufacturer is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once it becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Owners will be receive letters with additional information on April 14, 2023. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wrangler recall in December of last year when  Wrangler SUVs and RAM trucks were recalled for the third time due to the risk of engine shutdown, as reported.

Stellantis is also under a U.S. government investigation due to reports of its Jeep Compass SUVs unexpectedly losing power.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 70,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep clutch pressure plate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire
Ford recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

Ford recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues

March 26, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Dearborn, MI – March 26, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 1.28 million vehicles over a problem with the front brake hose. This augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following vehicles are affected:

  • 2013 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2014 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2015 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2017 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2018 Lincoln MKZ
  • 2013 Ford  Fusion
  • 2014 Ford Fusion
  • 2015 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2017 Ford Fusion
  • 2018 Ford Fusion

There was a related recall in 2020 and this recall is likely the result of an ongoing U.S government investigation.

Recall summary

The brake hose is made of rubber and delivers the brake fluid that ensures that the vehicle will slow down or stop safely when the driver steps on the brake pedal. 

In the affected vehicles, the front brake hose may rupture as a result of certain driving conditions like frequent full suspension and steering movement. This could lead to a brake fluid leak that worsens over time.  

Recall risks

A brake fluid leak reduces the responsiveness of the vehicle’s brakes and forces the driver to increase braking effort. This could lead to a higher risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that they need to step on the brake pedal harder than usual. The brake fluid warning icon will also light up on the dashboard.

Background of the recall

Ford first noticed the defect in Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles which shared the same brake hose material as the vehicles in question in 2018, eventually leading to a recall of these models in August 2020.

Afterwards, Ford received complaints alleging brake hose failure on vehicles that were not included in that recall. This eventually led to the present announcement.

Coincidentally, the U.S. auto-safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been investigating Ford to see if over 1.7 million of Lincoln and MKZ vehicles needed to be recalled on the back of 50 complaints alleging brake hose rupture.  This recall is likely the result of that investigation. However, for reasons that are unclear, it is not mentioned on the agency’s investigation page, as it is customary in such cases.

Other Ford recalls

In January 2023, Ford recalled 2020–2023 101,001 Lincoln Navigator and Corsair SUVs over a problem with the seat belt warning system, as reported.

In February 2023, Ford also issued a recall for 382,759 vehicles including the 2020–2023 Ford Expedition as well as the Lincoln Corsair Aviator over the rear view camera’s failure to display an image when the transmission is shifted to Reverse. This was the second recall involving the issue.  

There are no other recent Ford Fusion recalls.

The repair

Dealers will replace the front brake hoses with new ones made from stronger material free of charge. Anyone who has paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced will be reimbursed. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 28, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 1.2 million vehicles are affected by this Ford brake hose recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for more Lincoln  recalls, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Lincoln and Fusion cars with brake issues
US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

US government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering

March 25, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Honda (NYSE: HMC) vehicles whose steering wheels may become difficult to turn. This reduced the driver’s ability to adequately maneuver at the moment, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 238,271 vehicles, including the following: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Honda Civic 
  • 2022 Honda Civic Si

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on March 17 following 145 complaints about what was described as sticky steering. 

Based on the complaints, the steering wheel would occasionally become noticeably harder to turn, requiring much more effort from the driver. In most reported cases, this would happen after driving at highway speeds for some time.  

Risks

Steering that suddenly requires more effort to operate than usual could affect the driver’s ability to precisely maneuver the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Honda recalls 

Just recently, in November 2022, Honda recalled a large batch of their Ridgeline pickups over an issue with rearview cameras. 

As for previous major Honda Civic recalls, the one from April 2021, caused by faulty fuel pumps that may lead to stalling, was the most recent. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This sticky steering investigation may eventually lead to a Honda recall, possibly affecting nearly a quarter of a million vehicles. In the meantime, to see if your vehicle is under a recall or to do a Honda recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Honda over ‘sticky’ steering
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