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

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

October 8, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

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

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

October 7, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

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

Kia recalls Stinger cars that may stall 

October 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – October 1, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 18,224 2018–2021 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

Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

September 30, 2023 Bojan Popic

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’

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

September 20, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

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

Ford recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

September 19, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

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
Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals

Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

September 17, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

Camden, NJ  – September 17, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 8,915 sports cars – including the 2022 Subaru BRZ and the 2022 Toyota GR8 – because of a problem with the rear turn signals which may result in a higher risk of an accident. 

Both models were made in partnership with Toyota, which owns a 20% stake in Subaru.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, exposure to strong sunlight could cause less voltage to flow through the car, resulting in the rear turn signal being temporarily disabled.

Recall risks

The risks caused by a faulty turn signal are covered in this report about a similar recall by Toyota.  

Warning signs

If there is an issue with the signal, “the driver will notice rapid flashing of the dashboard turn signal indicator lamp,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Other Subaru recalls

In December 2022, Subaru recalled a number of 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs due to overheating electrical systems that led to a higher risk of fire. 

In March 2023, Subaru issued a recall for some 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid units over a charging problem with the cars’ 12-volt battery. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear lamp assemblies with ones containing an improved circuit. This will be done free of charge, and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for repairs before the recall order was issued.

Owners will be notified by October 29, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 9,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru rear turn signal recall. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    
Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

September 16, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – September 16, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, has recalled 7,499 cars with incorrectly labeled brake fluid caps. This may cause the driver to use the wrong type of brake fluid which may hinder the car’s braking ability, upping the risk of a crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 Audi RS6  
  • 2021 Audi RS7
  • 2021 Audi S6
  • 2021 Audi S7  
  • 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6 
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles were fitted with a brake fluid cap which has incorrect information regarding the kind of fluid to use.

As a result, the owner may pour the wrong type of fluid into the reservoir which could damage the brake system.

Recall risks

The damage can reduce “braking ability,” increase stopping distance and augment the risk of a crash.

Other VW recalls

There was an Audi recall in November 2022 caused by a partial power loss, as reported.

In May 2023, over 35,000 ID.4 electric SUVs were recalled due to the risk of their doors opening while driving, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will check the brake reservoir cap and replace it with the corresponding version free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 cars are affected by this Volkswagen brake cap recall. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance
Kia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

Kia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

September 9, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – September 9, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 144,979 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This reduces visibility when backing up, increasing the chances of a crash.

This recall comes on the back of multiple warranty claims and incidents and includes the following vehicles:  

  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento 
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV

Recall summary  

In the affected SUVs, the brackets that hold the camera in place may break, allowing it to fall out of position. This may result in the rearview camera not working properly.

Recall risks

For risks associated with this recall, please see this article about a similar Honda defect.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 127 incidents “involving rearview camera loosening and/or falling out of position.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Last month, Kia recalled over 50,000 Sorento SUVs because their airbag warning labels may have peeled off. 

Earlier in August, almost 40,000 Kia SUVs were recalled because they could have caught fire.

Separately, Kia’s electric EV6 cars are currently being investigated by the U.S. government over stalling. 

The repair

Dealers will replace rearview camera housing with an upgraded version free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on October 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 150,000 SUVs 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.

Bojan PopicKia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image
Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment

Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

September 7, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills MI  – September 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns the Jeep brand – is recalling 181,999 2022-2023 Jeep Compass compact crossovers over a problem with the settings of the cars’ instrument panel.

The issue augments the risk of an accident and injury.   

Recall summary  

In automotive electronics, a computer called the body control module (BCM) is in charge of the different electronic features of a vehicle. Among the functions that the BCM regulates is the backlight brightness on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

In the affected vehicles, the BCM was programmed incorrectly, preventing users from adjusting the intensity of the IPC backlight while using the vehicle.    

Recall risks

If the backlight is too low, users will not be able to adequately see the vehicle speed, engine temperature and other relevant safety-related information. If the backlight is too bright, users may become distracted. Either situation ups the risk of an accident.          

Other Jeep recalls

Just last month, Stellantis recalled roughly 44,000 of Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over a problem with the cars’ side airbags, as reported.

Earlier in the summer, over 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee cars were recalled due to a loss of stability, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the BCM software in the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall announcement. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by October 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Around 182,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep instrument panel call. 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 Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

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