Mercedes-Benz recalls AMG-SL class Roadsters that may stall or catch fire   

Jacksonville, FL – October 22, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 5,326 cars that may stall or catch fire, upping the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL55
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL63

Recall summary  

Gasoline-powered cars have a starter motor – which cranks and starts the engine – and an alternator that produces electricity when the engine is running. These two components are connected to the car’s electrical system with a wiring harness. 

In the affected vehicles, the said harness may be fitted incorrectly and come in contact with the drive shaft, which is a crucial component that transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

The contact may damage the shaft and cause an electrical short. Besides potentially shutting down the engine, this can also cause the wiring to overheat and catch fire. 

Recall risks

Risks posed by the loss of power are described in a this article about stalling Kia EV6 electric cars.

The risks of fire are documented in this article about ongoing Kia and Hyundai fire issues.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Stalling has been the culprit of at least three other Mercedes-Benz recalls this year.

In June, the manufacturer recalled over 8,000 hybrids due to that risk.

In mid-July, the loss of propulsion prompted a recall of 164,000 Daimler and Mercedes-Benz cars.

Later that month, the issue resulted in a recall of C300 and AMG C43 sedans, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the wiring harness and secure it in place so that it does not rub against other vehicle components anymore. The repair will be free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on December 5, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz engine stall recall affects more than 5,000 coupes. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls AMG-SL class Roadsters that may stall or catch fire   

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs over malfunctioning rearview camera

Irvine, CA  – October 21, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has issued a recall for 83,667 2019 Sorento SUVs due to an issue with the rearview camera. The camera could fail to display an image while reversing, increasing the likelihood of a crash. 

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, water leaking into the rearview camera wiring harness may prevent the camera from showing an image on the dashboard screen. This is caused by a supplier “manufacturing error.”

Recall risks

All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall

Other Kia recalls

The 2019 Kia Sorento was recalled a year ago due to the risk of the tow hitch harness catching on fire.

Earlier model-years of the same vehicle also form part of a massive, 3.4-million vehicle recall, due to the risk of fire when parked and turned off, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the camera if there is water damage or apply additional waterproofing if no issues are found. Kia will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the recall announcement.   

Owners will receive letters with more information on November 13, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 83,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia rearview camera recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Sorento SUVs over malfunctioning rearview camera

US government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

Washington, D.C. October 15, 2023 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator has expanded its investigation of Ford (NYSE:F) vehicles that may suffer from engine failure to include 683,000 more cars. The investigation was also upgraded to dig deeper into the issues and determine if a recall is warranted.

The following cars are under scrutiny:

  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Bronco
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Edge 
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford Explorer
  •  2021 – 2022 Ford F-150
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Aviator
  •  2021 – 2022 Lincoln Nautilus 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the preliminary investigation in June 2022, following 32 complaints about Ford Bronco SUVs with 2.7L EcoBoost engines that would suddenly stall and not restart afterwards.

The investigation originally included around 25,000 vehicles.

As part of the process, NHTSA requested information about a broader subset of vehicles equipped with the said engine. The agency then discovered not only a multitude of complaints and engine exchanges but also that the defect potentially affected cars across the so-called “Nano” family which also included cars with the 3.0L EcoBoost engine.

On September 29, 2023, the investigation was upgraded to the so-called engineering analysis and expanded to include a total of 708,000 cars. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper into the issues to understand if the defect warrants a recall.

What has been found so far?

During the preliminary investigation, the regulator found out the likely culprit was an engine valve that was made from material that could become too fragile if overheated during the manufacturing process. This would cause the valves to break apart during operation and damage the engine.

Risks

A vehicle whose engine cuts out may lose power steering and brake assist, making it harder to maneuver and upping the risk of a crash. Additionally, the car may stall without prior warning and get hit by other motorists.

Other Ford recalls

In July 2023, Fusion Plug-in Hybrids vehicles (PHEV) were recalled because they could stall or catch on fire, as reported.

Some of the F-150 trucks listed here may have been affected by a recall from August 2023 caused by unintentional parking brake activation

Ford is also being investigated over allegedly faulty front doors that may not shut properly

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford engine stall recall, potentially affecting more than 700,000 SUVs and trucks. To do a Lincoln or Ford recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government upgrades and expands Ford Bronco engine failure investigation 

Stellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue 

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 14, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 272,911 pickup trucks over rearview cameras that may fail to display an image when backing up. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 – 2024 RAM 2500
  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 3500

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the rearview camera system may be incompatible with the onboard radio software. This may result in no image being displayed on the screen when the vehicle is backing up.  

Recall risks

All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Stellantis recalls

In December 2022, Stellantis issued a recall for 5,834 vehicles including Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango over a transmission problem that could lead to the vehicle losing power during use.  

In March 2023, Stellantis recalled 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because of detaching rear spoilers, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the radio system software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners for repair costs incurred prior to the recall announcement.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on November 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 272,000 trucks are affected by this Chrysler rearview camera recall. To do a Chrysler recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue 

Stellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 8, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand,  is recalling 6,298 vehicles over a problem with the rear camera and reverse lights. The defects augment the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following vehicles equipped with manual transmission: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator 
  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

When the reverse gear is engaged, an all gear sensor (AGS) built into the transmission will activate the vehicle’s reverse lights. It will also cause the rearview camera to display an image on the dashboard, helping drivers watch out for obstacles before reversing.  

In the affected vehicles, a defective AGS could prevent the reverse lights and rearview camera from turning on, resulting in no image being displayed on the monitor.  

Recall risks

The risks of an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall. The risks of faulty reverse lights are outlined in this piece about a related Ford recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that no image is being shown on the dashboard when the transmission is shifted to reverse. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wranger and a Jeep Gladiator recall in April 2023 over the risk of stalling, as reported.  

In August 2023, Stellantis also recalled 44,708 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUV over a problem with side curtain airbags

The repair

Dealers will replace the AGS on the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the recall announcement.   

Owners will receive letters with more information on November 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep rearview camera and reverse lights recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    

Kia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Irvine, CA – October 7, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its sister company, Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling approximately 3.4 million vehicles that may catch fire while driving or parked and turned off. This dramatically ups the risk of a crash and injury.

The recalls follow on the back of multiple fires, “melting incidents” and lawsuits dating back to 2017. Some of the cars involved are also subject to an ongoing US government investigation and have already been subject to fire-related recalls in the past. 

Hyundai’s recall affects 1.73 million cars, including the following models: 

  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Accent
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Azera 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Equus 
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
  • 2013 – 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2011 – 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2010 – 2013 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2012 – 2015 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2010 – 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 
  • 2013 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 

Kia’s recall affects 1.64 million vehicles, including the following models: 

  • 2010 – 2019 Kia Borrego 
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2015 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 – 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2012 – 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2010 – 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2011 – 2014 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 – 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2010 – 2013 Kia Sportage 

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which prevents the wheels from locking up in slippery conditions. This is done by the ABS module – or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), as Kia calls it –  which adjusts the brake force to each wheel. 

In affected vehicles, the ABS module may experience an “electrical short” which may cause it to catch fire. This may happen while driving or when the car is parked and its engine shut off. 

Recall risks

You can find out more about fire-related risks in this article about a November 2022 Kia recall over the same issue.

A 2020 class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers for ABS fires related to previous recalls describes hair-raising situations involving “the entire garage” catching fire due to an Elantra vehicle combusting into flames and vehicles bursting into flames “after being turned off for hours.”

Warning signs 

The malfunction indicator or the ABS light may come on the dashboard in the event of a fire. The occupants of the car may also notice smoke or a burning smell.

Safety tips

If your car catches fire, please follow the safety tips laid out in this article about a related GM recall

The manufacturer recommends parking the vehicle “outside and away from structures” until the repair has been conducted.

Background of the recalls

The recalls come on the heels of at least six lawsuits, 66 fires and “melting” incidents dating back to 2017. No injuries, fatalities or crashes have been reported.

Some of the affected vehicles are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation that has been looking into the adequacy of fire-related recalls Kia and Hyundai have conducted so far, as well as the need to recall more vehicles. It is not clear, however, if the present recalls are directly related to this investigation.

The recalls do appear to involve previously recalled vehicles or serve as expansions of recalls conducted for ABS fires in the past.

The repair

Both Kia and Hyundai dealers will remedy the defect by replacing the ABS fuse with one that has a lower amperage rating.

It is possible that your vehicle will need this remedy performed even if it was repaired under a previous fire-related recall.

All repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Kia will notify the owners between November 14, 2023 and November 23, 2023, while Hyundai will do the same on November 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This large-scale Hyundai and Kia fire recall affects almost 3.5 million vehicles. To do a Hyundai or Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall 3.4 million cars that may burst into flames while parked

Kia recalls Stinger cars that may stall 

Irvine, CA – October 1, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 18,224 20182021 Kia Stinger sedans because they may lose power. This ups the risk of an accident and a subsequent injury. 

The recall comes on the heels of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

The high-pressure fuel pump pressurizes the gasoline coming from the tank and sends it toward the engine. The pressure it generates is controlled by a valve, which in affected vehicles may get stuck open, causing a fuel pressure drop.  If this happens, the engine may not get enough fuel and the car may stall.   

Recall risks

For risks of this recall, please visit this article about a Mercedes-Benz recall due to a similar defect.

Warning signs

A fuel pressure drop might trigger a check engine light on the dashboard.  

Background of the recall

The recall comes after the manufacturer received “two customer complaints… six technical assistance cases…and 77 warranty claims.” No crashes or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Kia is being investigated by the U.S. Government over stalling EV6 electric cars

In November of last year, Kia and its sister company Hyundai recalled close to 70,000 cars that may also stall due to fuel pump failure, as reported.

Both companies are also subject to an ongoing government investigation due to continuous fire-related recalls. The last recall in the series occurred just last month.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump with an upgraded one and will perform a software update free of charge.

Owners should be notified on November 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 18,000 cars are affected by this Kia fuel pump 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 Stinger cars that may stall 

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Dearborn, MI – September 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,795 heavy-duty pickup trucks and full-size vans whose transmissions may not shift into Park as intended. This may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the back of multiple driver complaints and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2024 – 2025 Ford E-350
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-650 SD
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-750 SD

Recall summary  

In order to hold the vehicle in place while stationary, automatic transmissions are fitted with a locking mechanism, which is engaged every time the driver selects “Park”. 

The transmission in the affected trucks and vans may develop “transmission fluid leakage, noise and vibration” due a “casting defect” which may cause a valve to get stuck in the open position.

Over time, this may cause damage to the transmission’s internal parts, including the park gear engagement mechanism. As a result, the transmission may not shift into “Park” when needed. 

Recall risks

If “Park” is not engaged, the vehicle may roll away and crash into other objects or pedestrians. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice a leak under the vehicle as the transmission fluid drips out. In addition, the driver could feel unusual vibrations or hear loud noises while driving. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 95 warranty claims and field reports. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Parking brake issues were the cause of a Ford recall that took place in August 2023, affecting a large batch of F-150 trucks

Earlier in the month, Ford recalled Edge SUVs whose headlights are too bright.

The repair

Dealers will check the transmission for the presence of metal shavings, and replace it if there are any. Otherwise, the valve and the part of the transmission which caused issues will be replaced with an upgraded version. 

The repair and inspection are free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between October 30, 2023 and November 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 6,000 trucks and vans are affected by this Ford rollaway recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Nissan recalls sedans with rearview camera whose image may ‘fail to display’

Franklin, TN  – September 20, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 153,376 sedans over a problem with the rearview cameras. The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Nissan Altima
  • 2020 – 2021 Nissan Sentra

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, a design flaw with the rearview camera harness may result in damage caused by movement and vibration every time the vehicle is used. This could lead to the display image being distorted, blurry or even blank.

Recall risks

All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Nissan recalls

In December of last year, there was another Nissan rearview camera recall affecting over 27,000 Titan, Frontier and Rogue vehicles, as reported.

In September 2022, there was a Nissan Sentra recall due to the risk of steering loss. This was the second recall for the same issue since 2021, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by inspecting and replacing the rear view camera and harness assembly as needed. All repairs will be free or charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan rearview camera recall. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls sedans with rearview camera whose image may ‘fail to display’

Ford recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

Dearborn, MI – September 19, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 8,523 2023 Edge SUVs over headlamps that may be too bright. The issue could increase the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the front right headlamp is brighter than what is currently allowed by the existing regulations or is “misaimed.”

The component involved is the right headlamp assembly with part number KT4B-13W029/30-C.     

Recall risks

The defect may cause glare to oncoming drivers, leading to a higher risk of a crash.  

Other Ford recalls

In June 2023, Ford recalled over 16,000 F-150 pickups with reverse lights that “could flicker or stop working altogether,” as reported.

In July 2023, Ford announced a recall for Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) over an issue with the vehicle’s battery which could result in a fire. The recall followed multiple fires and warranty claims. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the front headlamp assembly free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. 

Owners will receive letters with more information on October 9, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford headlamp recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights