Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

March 11, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – March 11, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because their rear spoilers may detach. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in October 2021.

Recall summary  

A spoiler is a piece of plastic trim that sits on the top of the liftgate, which is an attachment that is used to load and unload cargo. The spoilers in the listed vehicles were fitted incorrectly, causing them to come in contact with the roof edge when the liftgate is opened. This may lead to the spoiler becoming loose and subsequently separating from the vehicle.

Recall risks

As described in a similar Volkswagen recall from April 2022, a spoiler that detaches from the vehicle at speed can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  

Warning signs

The driver or occupants may hear rattling if the spoiler becomes loose. 

Background of the recall 

Close to 5,000 2021 Durango SUV were recalled for the same issue in October 2021. It is not clear how the manufacturer became aware of the fact that more cars needed to be recalled.

Other Dodge recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the latest Dodge Durango recalls, which happened in December 2022 due to the the risk of vehicles stalling.

Other recent Stellantis recalls include one caused by a risk of tire failure and defective fuel pumps that may cause the vehicles to stall. Both occurred in November of last year.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 140,000 SUVs are affected by this Stellantis spoiler issue. To do a Chrysler recall check or a Dodge recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach
2023 Subaru Solterra EV Wheels may Detach

2023 Subaru Solterra EV Wheels may Detach

March 6, 2023 James Douglas

February 10, 2023, Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) issued a “do not drive” safety recall 2023 Subaru Solterra due to service performed by a negligent third-party contractor. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners are advised NOT to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. The recall repair can be performed relatively quick as it only requires the replacement of original hub bolts, but repairs can only be performed by an official Subaru Dealer.

Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected. The 2023 Subaru Solterra was previously subject to a recall requiring replacement of original hub bolts in 2021. In a press release, Subaru said

We have identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors.

The recall affects an estimated 1182 vehicles serviced at certain port locations operated by a third-party contractor. Subaru did not name the contractor in their statement, but said

The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first vehicle of this year to be flagged as a “DO NOT DRIVE” recall, a special status the NHTSA uses to indicate the vehicle is to risky to drive. Less than half of 1% of all recalls since NHTSA’s inception in 2012 have ever been given this status.

February 10, 2023, Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) issued a “do not drive” safety recall 2023 Subaru Solterra due to service performed by a negligent third-party contractor. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners are advised NOT to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. The recall repair can be performed relatively quick as it only requires the replacement of original hub bolts, but repairs can only be performed by an official Subaru Dealer.

Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected. The 2023 Subaru Solterra was previously subject to a recall requiring replacement of original hub bolts in 2021. In a press release, Subaru said

We have identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors.

The recall affects an estimated 1182 vehicles serviced at certain port locations operated by a third-party contractor. Subaru did not name the contractor in their statement, but said

The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first vehicle of this year to be flagged as a “DO NOT DRIVE” recall, a special status the NHTSA uses to indicate the vehicle is to risky to drive. Less than half of 1% of all recalls since NHTSA’s inception in 2012 have ever been given this status.

February 10, 2023, Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) issued a “do not drive” safety recall 2023 Subaru Solterra due to service performed by a negligent third-party contractor. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners are advised NOT to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. The recall repair can be performed relatively quick as it only requires the replacement of original hub bolts, but repairs can only be performed by an official Subaru Dealer.

Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected. The 2023 Subaru Solterra was previously subject to a recall requiring replacement of original hub bolts in 2021. In a press release, Subaru said

We have identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors.

The recall affects an estimated 1182 vehicles serviced at certain port locations operated by a third-party contractor. Subaru did not name the contractor in their statement, but said

The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first vehicle of this year to be flagged as a “DO NOT DRIVE” recall, a special status the NHTSA uses to indicate the vehicle is to risky to drive. Less than half of 1% of all recalls since NHTSA’s inception in 2012 have ever been given this status.

February 10, 2023, Camden, N.J. – Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) issued a “do not drive” safety recall 2023 Subaru Solterra due to service performed by a negligent third-party contractor. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners are advised NOT to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. The recall repair can be performed relatively quick as it only requires the replacement of original hub bolts, but repairs can only be performed by an official Subaru Dealer.

Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected. The 2023 Subaru Solterra was previously subject to a recall requiring replacement of original hub bolts in 2021. In a press release, Subaru said

We have identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors.

The recall affects an estimated 1182 vehicles serviced at certain port locations operated by a third-party contractor. Subaru did not name the contractor in their statement, but said

The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra is the first vehicle of this year to be flagged as a “DO NOT DRIVE” recall, a special status the NHTSA uses to indicate the vehicle is to risky to drive. Less than half of 1% of all recalls since NHTSA’s inception in 2012 have ever been given this status.

James Douglas2023 Subaru Solterra EV Wheels may Detach
Jaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs over oil leak, risk of fire

Jaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs over oil leak, risk of fire

March 5, 2023 Joseph Estabillo , ,

Mahwah, NJ – March 5, 2023 – Tata Motors (NYSE:TTM), which owns Jaguar Land Rover, is issuing a recall for 6,644 vehicles on account of oil potentially leaking into the engine’s air intake system, leading to an increased risk of fire.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2023 Land Rover Defender
  • 2023 Land Rover Discovery
  • 2023 Range Rover
  • 2023 Range Rover Sport
  • 2023 Range Rover Velar          

Recall summary

The cam carrier is part of the engine assembly that supports the camshaft and lubricates it by using oil. Camshaft is a device that controls how much fuel is injected into the engine and how much exhaust is expelled. 

Due to a supplier error, the channel inside the cam carrier of the affected cars may be too small for oil to pass through, potentially leading to a blockage. This could lead the oil to either enter the engine air intake or leak outside the vehicle.   

Recall risks

If oil leaks into the engine, it could cause a fire, which greatly augments the risk of bodily injury and property damage.

Other Jaguar Land Rover recalls

In April 2022, Tata Motors recalled 14,812 vehicles including the 2016–2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport over faulty seat belts.

Another Range Rover recall occurred in August 2022, when 4,927 SUVs were recalled also due to seat belts that may fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash, as reported.

In the same month, the automaker recalled 5,297 Jaguar F-PACE SUVs as part of Jaguar recalls on account of incorrect tail lights that were installed, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the incorrectly made cam carriers with the correct ones free of charge. 

Owners of affected vehicles will receive letters with more information by March 31, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Jaguar Land Rover oil leak recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more recalls, run a Jaguar Land Rover recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloJaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs over oil leak, risk of fire
Nissan recalls SUVs, trucks over detaching airbag cover emblems

Nissan recalls SUVs, trucks over detaching airbag cover emblems

March 4, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Franklin, TN – March 4, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 404,690 vehicles because of the driver’s side airbag cover emblems that may detach when the airbag deploys. This increases the risk of an injury.  

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Armada
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Frontier
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2008 – 2009 Nissan Quest
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Titan
  • 2008 – 2011 Nissan Xterra        

Recall summary

The driver’s side airbag is secured by a cover with the manufacturer’s emblem affixed on top. 

On the affected vehicles, the adhesive holding the emblem in place may be weaker than standard due to a supplier error. This can result in the emblem becoming loose when the driver airbag deploys upon impact.   

The supplier behind the recall is the Swedish-American manufacturer Autoliv which was recently at the center of a sweeping recall for unsecured child seats, as reported.

Recall risks

The loosened emblem could act as a projectile and hit the driver or the passengers upon deployment of the airbag. This presents an increased risk of injury.   

Other Nissan recalls

In August 2022, there was a Nissan Pathfinder recall due to a problem with the rearview camera. The recall also included other vehicles, as reported.

In November 2022, Nissan recalled 203,223 pickup trucks including the 2020–2023 Titan and 2020–2023 Frontier due to the risk of a rollaway, as reported.

In December 2022, Nissan recalled 125,215 2017 Nissan Rogue SUVs over a corrosion problem with the wiring system, which increases the risk of fire.

The repair

Nissan is currently working on the remedy for the issue. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by April 10, 2023.  All repairs will be free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 400,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, or to check for more recalls, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs, trucks over detaching airbag cover emblems
Volkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving

Volkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving

February 26, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – February 26, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling  20,904 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric cars whose motors may lose power while driving.  This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The ID.4 is driven by an electric motor, which gets its power from a battery pack. The power delivery between the two is controlled by a computer called high voltage (HV) battery management control module, which ensures this is done optimally. 

In the affected vehicles, the control module that operates the battery and corresponding components may reset because of a software error. If that happens while driving, the vehicle may stall.

Recall risks

Stalling increases the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens on a highway. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

Earlier this month, Volkswagen recalled a batch of Bettles that might be affected by an ongoing Takata airbag issue. 

The repair

To prevent the vehicles from shutting down, dealers will install updated software versions for the battery management and pulse inverter control units. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 31, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen high voltage battery recall is affecting more than 20,000 electric cars. To do a Volkswagen recall check or a Volkswagen ID.4 recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls ID.4 EVs that may stall while driving
Tesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules

Tesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules

February 25, 2023 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – February 25, 2023 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has recalled 362,758 self-driving cars that may drive unsafely, increasing the risk of an accident.

This recall is a result of a U.S. government investigation.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2017 – 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2016 – 2023 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 – 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2020 – 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with a beta version of full self-driving software, which can take control of the car’s steering, acceleration and braking. 

When this mode is activated in the affected cars, they may commit traffic violations. This includes speeding, going through yellow lights, inappropriate lane switching or not stopping at stop signs for long enough. 

Recall risks

A vehicle that breaks traffic rules is more likely to crash, upping the risk of injury. 

Warning signs

The software is set up to warn the driver if it cannot safely operate the vehicle. If this happens, the driver should take over the control. 

Background of the recall

The defect that caused this recall was identified by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), last month as part of an ongoing investigation into Tesla collisions with emergency vehicles. You can find more information about the investigation here. 

There have been 18 warranty claims related to the recall. 

Other Tesla recalls

Some of the listed electric SUVs may have been affected by a recent Tesla Model X recall caused by airbags that may deploy incorrectly. 

Among previous Tesla Model 3 recalls, the one caused by faulty tail lamps, which took place in November 2022, is the most recent. 

The repair

Tesla will fix the issue by upgrading the vehicles’ software free of charge. The update will be done over-the-air, meaning that there is no need to take the car back to the dealer.

Vehicle owners will get letters with more information on  April 15, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Tesla full self-driving software recall is affecting more than 350,000 cars. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls self-driving cars that may break traffic rules
Volvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure

Volvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure

February 19, 2023 Bojan Popic

Ridgeville, SC – February 19, 2023 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling  27,457 cars whose anti-lock brakes and other brake-assistant features may fail. This would make the vehicle less stable during hard braking, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2023 Volvo C40
  • 2023 Volvo S60
  • 2023 Volvo V60
  • 2023 Volvo V60CC
  • 2023 Volvo V90CC
  • 2023 Volvo XC40
  • 2023 Volvo XC60
  • 2023 Volvo XC90

Recall summary  

The listed vehicles are equipped with a computerized braking system. Here, a computer called brake control module 2 (BCM2) activates and controls the brakes when the driver presses the brake pedal. One of its features is the anti-lock braking system, or ABS, which prevents wheels from locking up while braking.

In affected vehicles, this system may fail because of a software error. This consequently shuts down the ABS and other brake-assistance features, such as the electronic stability and cruise control.

Recall risks

The vehicle will become harder to control during braking, augmenting the risk of a crash and injury.  

Warning signs

Apart from ABS and other related warnings, the driver may notice that the brake pedal is stiffer than usual. This is because the brake system has gone into a fail-safe, hydraulically operated mode. 

Other Volvo recalls

Just recently, in November 2022, there was a Volvo S60 recall because their combustion engines could fail to engage once the battery is depleted, as reported.

The repair

To fix this safety-critical issue, the manufacturer will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update on February 20, 2023. The repair is free of charge and does not require drivers to take the car back to the dealership.

Vehicle owners will receive letters with more information on March 15, 2023

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo ABS recall affects almost 30,000 cars and SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls cars over risk of brake failure
Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

Used car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale

February 18, 2023 Bojan Popic

Richmond, VA – February 18, 2023 – A used-car dealer CarMax (NYSE: KMX) has agreed to disclose open recalls on cars that it sells in certain states.  The agreement follows on the heels of a multi-state investigation into allegations that the company failed to disclose that some of the cars on sale were subject to unrepaired recalls.

This is at least the second time the company settles such allegations. 

Buying a car with an open recall can put your life and that of your passengers and other motorists at risk.

The agreement

This CarMax settlement comes on the heels of an investigation that started in 2014 and was settled on December 5, 2022. That is when the company agreed to disclose open recalls in 36 states, including Alabama, Nevada, Wisconsin and Texas.

To ensure compliance, Carmax will have to implement several mechanisms when selling cars with open recalls.

First, all cars on sale will have to have a link or sticker with a QR code, which would lead to a site like MotorSafety.org that would have more specific information on the recall.

Secondly, before buying the vehicle, the customer would need to sign a waiver that would disclose that the vehicle is subject to a recall.  He or she will also be given a copy of the said recall. 

Third, CarMax cannot market their cars as “safe or repaired for ‘safety issues.'” 

As part of the agreement, the company has also agreed to pay $1 million that is going to be split between the states involved in the settlement.

Is it legal to sell cars with open recalls?

It is illegal for dealers and manufacturers to sell new cars with open recalls. However, “due to legal loopholes and loose regulations,” in some states used cars can be sold with open recalls. 

With the settlement, however, it becomes illegal for CarMax to do so in the 36 states that are subject to the agreement without proper disclosure.

What led to the investigation 

According to the investigation – that started in 2014 –  CarMax did not disclose that “repairs that were necessary on vehicles with open safety recalls, and it represented that those vehicles were safe despite open recalls for airbags, brakes, fuel pumps, and other critical parts and safety features. “

It is not clear how exactly the non-disclosure was accomplished but,  in a related settlement that was achieved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  in 2016, the used-car dealership claimed that all the cars were subject to a rigorous, 12-hour, 125-point inspection. However, some of these cars were subject to open recalls which CarMax did not adequately disclose. 

Does your vehicle have an open recall?

In some states it may be legal to sell used cars with open recalls.  One way to check if your car is one of them is to plug in your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to check for open settlements. For tips on how to find your VIN and other ways to discover if your car is in need of a repair, please see this article.

Bojan PopicUsed car dealer CarMax to disclose open recalls on vehicles on sale
Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

Porsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire

February 12, 2023 Bojan Popic

Atlanta, GA – February 12, 2023 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 24,467 sports cars because their coolant pumps may short-circuit and even catch fire. Besides potential property damage, this also increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The lengthy list of affected models includes the following: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4 Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S
  • 2017 – 2021 Porsche Panamera 4S Executive
  • 2018 – 2020 Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS
  • 2019 – 2021 Porsche Panamera GTS Sport Turismo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo
  • 2017 – 2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive
  • 2021 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sport Turismo

Recall summary  

All vehicles utilize coolant liquid –also known as antifreeze – whose role is to help regulate the temperature of the engine. The coolant circulates through a radiator, which is a “heat exchanger” located inside the dashboard.

The flow within this system is achieved with an electric coolant pump. 

In the affected vehicles, moisture may get into the pumps, causing them to short-circuit and potentially catch fire. The issue seems to be caused by a supplier error.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle that catches fire while driving or parked are well-documented in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs

The car’s climate control will stop working if the external coolant pump fails.

Other Porsche recalls

Just a few months ago, in September 2022, Porsche recalled almost 200,000 cars over misaligned headlights. 

In July 2022, over 12,000 Porsche Taycan sedans were recalled over malfunctioning rearview cameras, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the pumps in question with upgraded ones, which are sealed correctly. They will also check the wiring and connector and repair it if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on March 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Porsche coolant pump recall is affecting almost 25,000 cars. To do a Porsche recall check or a Porsche Panamera recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls Panamera luxury sports cars over risk of fire
Kia recalls Telluride SUVs whose airbags may not deploy

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs whose airbags may not deploy

February 11, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Irvine, CA – February 11, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF), has issued a recall for 31,943 2023 Telluride midsize SUV due to a problem with the second-row side airbags, which could prevent them from deploying in the event of a crash. This exacerbates the risk of injury to the cars’ occupants.

Recall summary

On the affected vehicles, the wiring harness fitted to the side airbags for the second-row seats may be too short due to a supplier error. This could lead to the harness coming in contact with the seat frame and getting damaged when the middle seats are adjusted or folded.   

The part involved in this recall is the second-row seat cushion wire harness assembly, with multiple part numbers including 89551-S9510, 89551-S9610 and 89651-S9710. 

Recall risks

Damage to the wiring harness may prevent the second-row side airbags from deploying when the vehicle is involved in a collision, upping the risk of injury to occupants. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the illumination of the airbag warning light if the issue exists.

Other Kia recalls

There was a Kia Telluride recall in August 2022 due to an overheating tow hitch that brings an augmented risk of fire. The recall also included Hyundai Palisade vehicles, as reported.

In November 2022, Kia recalled 71,704 2008–2009 Sportage SUVs over a problem with the anti-lock brakes which could cause the affected vehicles to also catch fire.

The following month, Kia issued a recall for 76,918 2023 Sportage vehicles on account of side curtain airbags that were not installed properly during assembly, preventing them from deploying in a crash and leading to an increased risk of injury.        

The repair

Dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the damaged second-row wiring harnesses with the correct ones. Harnesses with no damage will be secured to prevent them from coming into contact with the seat frame. Kia will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 31,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia airbag recall. To see if your vehicle is among them or to check for more recalls, run a Kia recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Telluride SUVs whose airbags may not deploy