Kia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

Kia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk

November 22, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 22, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 27,030 2017-2018 Kia Niro hybrid vehicles whose electric systems may overheat. This may, in extreme cases, result in a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is the second recall for the same issue that comes on the back of five fires and the latest in the long string of both Kia and sister company Hyundai vehicles fire recalls. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall in 2018 will need to have the new remedy implemented.

Recall summary  

Listed vehicles have a series of relays, or switches, under their rear seats which are part of these cars’ electrical systems. The system is collectively called the power relay and contains an element called the main relay due to the important role it plays.

Due to the poor electrical connection, this particular relay may overheat and damage the seat cushion above it. In extreme cases, this may even lead to a vehicle fire. 

Recall risks

As described in previous similar recalls, a fire that occurs while driving is a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards. 

Background of the recall

These vehicles were recalled in 2018 for the same issue and were supposed to received new relays to correct it. However, following several localized fires, the manufacturer discovered that at least some of the cars did not receive the remedy, which prompted another recall.

Warning signs

An overheating main relay may trigger a hybrid system warning sign on the dashboard or prevent the vehicle from being started. 

Other Kia recalls

Kia and their parent company, Hyundai, have been dealing with potential vehicle fires for some time now. The latest in the steak of fiery recalls, which happened just a few days ago, was caused by overheating ABS modules. 

These ongoing issues also caught the U.S. government auto safety regulator’s attention, which is currently investigating whether the current remedies are sufficient to address the fire risk. 

There are no other recent Kia Niro recalls aside from this one.

The repair

To fix these Kia electrical issues, dealers will inspect the power relay assembly for traces of damage caused by overheating. If present, the whole assembly will be replaced with a new one. Otherwise, dealers will replace the original main relay, if still present, with an updated one, made by Panasonic. 

The repair is free of charge, and the owners should be notified on January 9, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 30,000 hybrid Kia vehicles are affected by this Kia fire risk recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia issues second recall for Niro hybrids over fire risk
Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure

Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

November 21, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 21, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 44,212 vehicles that may fail to display the correct tire pressure information to the driver. The system may fail to warn the driver if a tire is underinflated, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is a second recall for the same issue, which affects some of the cars that were previously repaired.

The following models are affected:

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger 
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, which alerts the driver if any of the tires are underinflated. The measurements needed for its operation are done by dedicated TPMS sensors.  On affected cars, the battery used by these sensors may die prematurely, so the sensors could fail to provide data to the TPMS system. 

As a result, the system may fail to warn the driver about tire-pressure-related issues. Alternatively, the battery issue could cause the warning indicator to turn on, masking any new tire pressure issues that occur from that point on.

The component causing the issue is the tire air pressure sensor with part number 68487472AA. 

Recall risks

A car with an underinflated tire has an increased risk of  a crash, as reported. 

Background of the recall

This recall serves as an expansion of one conducted in July for the same issue. After recalling the vehicles, the manufacturer discovered that some of the repaired vehicles still had TMPS battery issues. On the back of that finding, it decided to recall some of the vehicles that were previously repaired, as well as additional ones.

Other Dodge recalls

In October 2022, Dodge pulled some of their Journey crossover SUVs off the roads because of headlamp issues.

In July 2022, the U.S. government launched an investigation into Dodge and Chrysler vans following complaints that the sliding doors could become stuck.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the TPMS sensors on affected vehicles and replace them if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 16,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This tire pressure sensor issue affects more than 40,000 muscle cars and sedans. To do a Chrysler or Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 
Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display

November 20, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – November 20, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), is issuing a recall for 47,046 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a problem with the rearview display. The screen may continue to display the image from the rear camera even after reverse gear is no longer engaged, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

When reverse gear is engaged, the dashboard touchscreen displays a video feed of the area behind the vehicle as taken by the Bronco rearview camera. This guides the driver in maneuvering the vehicle to avoid obstacles and hazards.

In the affected vehicles, a software error could cause the dashboard monitor to continue displaying the image taken by the rear camera, even after the driver has already shifted from reverse gear.

Recall risks

The defect could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash. 

Other Ford Bronco recalls

In June, Ford issued a recall for 53,103 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs over a faulty child safety lock feature on the rear passenger doors, as reported.

Also part of Ford Bronco recalls was an announcement in July involving a total of 63,294 vehicles  due to detaching windshields.

The repair

Ford will deploy an over-the-air software update to fix the issue. Owners can also bring their affected vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer, where the remedy will be provided free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who had these repairs made before the recall order was announced.

Letters with more information will be mailed by December 23, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 47,000 Ford Bronco SUVs are affected by this Ford rearview camera software issue. To see if your vehicle is affected by this or other Ford recalls, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Bronco SUVs over faulty rearview display
Tesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering

Tesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering

November 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – November 19, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 40,168 vehicles whose power steering may stop working. This may cause the driver to lose control of the car, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 – 2021 Tesla Model X

Recall summary

Both listed models are equipped with an Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) which makes it easier for the driver to turn the wheel. In October, Tesla introduced a faulty firmware which resulted in the car losing power steering in certain situations, such as after hitting a pothole or a bump.

The component causing the issue is the vehicle firmware, with release numbers between 2022.36 and 2022.36.4.

Recall risks

With power assistance gone, steering will require more effort. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. 

Warning signs

If the power steering shuts down, a warning sign will appear on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible alert. 

Other Tesla recalls

Among previous Tesla Model S recalls, the one from October 2022, caused by defective windows, is the most recent. This recall affected more than a million vehicles. 

There was a Tesla Model X recall in May due to the risk of the infotainment systems freezing up. 

The repair

Tesla has already issued a firmware updated to fix the issue. The repair is free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on December 31, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 electric cars were recalled over these Tesla power steering issues. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S and Model X cars with faulty power steering
Daimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

Daimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking

November 16, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 16, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 218,147 heavy-duty trucks because they may pull to a side when braking. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall supersedes and expands one conducted in 2020 for the same reason. The affected vehicles will need a new repair.

The following trucks are included in the latest round: 

  • 2021 Freightliner 108SD
  • 2022 Freightliner 114SD
  • 2020 – 2022 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2017 – 2023 Freightliner Cascadia 
  • 2021 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 57X  

Recall summary  

All listed trucks are equipped with a device called Adaptive Cruise Control, or ACC. This comfort and safety feature monitors the road ahead and slows down the vehicle if needed by traffic conditions. On affected vehicles, corrosion within a control module that operates this system may cause the brake force applied to the front wheels to be uneven. As a result, the truck may pull to one side when the ACC activates the brakes to slow it down. Regular brakes the driver applies by pressing the pedal are not affected. 

The component causing this recall is the quick release pneumatic valve, with part numbers  WAB472 196 037 0 and WAB472 196 025 0. 

Recall risks

Uneven brake force may cause the vehicle to suddenly change its direction, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall

Over 164,000 Freightliner Cascadia trucks were recalled for the same issue in July 2020. The manufacturer replaced the affected unpainted valves with painted ones to prevent corrosion. However, in September 2022, it received reports of repaired trucks pulling to the side while braking. On the back of the claims, Daimler decided to conduct another recall which affects both the U.S. and Canada.

Warning signs

The driver may notice the ABS light come on the dashboard,

Other DTNA recalls

A vehicle that pulls to the side while braking may be difficult to control, but so does one whose steering wheel falls off. And this is what happened to certain trucks made by DTNA, which were repaired in Freightliner recalls in June 2022 due to potential loss of steering.

Furthermore, the manufacturer recently recalled some of its buses because their roofs may detach in an event of a crash. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing 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 December 30, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 200,000 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. You can do the same to check all current Western Star recalls. 

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks that may pull to side when braking
Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

Hyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode

November 15, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – November 15, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 14,928 electric and hybrid vehicles whose seat belt pretensioners – which remove the slack from the seat belt during a crash – could explode while deploying, injuring the car occupants. This is the manufacturer’s seventh recall for this issue.

The latest edition includes the following models: 

  • 2023 Genesis G80 Electric 
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid  
  • 2022 – 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid  

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with seat belt pretensioners, whose job is to tighten the seat belt during the crash, additionally protecting the occupants’ torso. The working principle behind this device was already explained in one of the previous Hyundai recalls. 

In affected vehicles, front driver- and passenger-side pretensioners may deploy incorrectly, shattering their housing into pieces and sending pieces of metal flying through the cabin. 

The components in question are seat belt assemblies with pretensioner, with part numbers 888A0-JI500 and 88810-CL000  for the driver’s side and 888B0-JI500 and 88820-CL000 for the passenger’s side. 

Recall risks

Metal fragments flying at high speeds act as shrapnels, potentially injuring occupants if they hit them. 

Background of the recall

This is Hyundai’s seventh recall for this issue. Over 325,000 vehicles have been affected so far and the manufacturer is currently testing additional vehicles that are not part of this recall that may also be affected. The pretensioners in question are made by Korean auto parts manufacturer Samsong, as reported.

In connection with the current recall, no injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Hyundai recalls

Among previous Hyundai Santa Fe recalls, the most recent happened a few days ago. It was caused by automatic transmissions that may shift out of Drive on their own. 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall last year due to the risk of these cars catching fire. Both Hyundai and its sister company Kia have issued a tremendous number of fire-related recalls and are currently subject to a U.S. government investigation over adequacy of the remedies issued under some of these recalls, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cap into the pretensioner, which should prevent them from deploying abnormally and shattering its housings. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 30,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Almost 15,000 cars are being recalled over these Hyundai seat belt issues. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues seventh recall for vehicles with pretensioners that may explode
Volkswagen recalls Audis over rearview display loss

Volkswagen recalls Audis over rearview display loss

November 14, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 14, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 6,076 vehicles over a problem with the infotainment display, which also shows the rearview camera image. The screen may fail to show an image when the vehicle starts, increasing the risk of a crash when the vehicle is reversing.

The recall covers some of the following models: 

  • 2022 Audi A3
  • 2022 Audi A4
  • 2022 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2022 Audi A5
  • 2022 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2022 Audi A6
  • 2022 Audi A7
  • 2022 Audi e-tron GT
  • 2022 Audi Q3
  • 2022 Audi Q7
  • 2022 Audi Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS Q8
  • 2022 Audi RS6
  • 2022 Audi RS7
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2021 – 2022 Audi e-tron
  • 2021 –2022 Audi A8

Recall summary

In the affected vehicles, the infotainment unit can become permanently damaged when the ignition is switched off, due to an electrical problem within the unit. The next time the engine is started, the central display may fail to show any images, including the rearview camera feed.   

The component involved in this recall is the infotainment main unit with multiple part numbers, including 4J3035092A, 4M2035092B, 8W2035050C and 8Y0035050A. 

For the full list of the affected vehicles, please visit the following page.

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of a faulty rearview camera display in our recent article about a similar recall by Nissan.

Other Audi recalls

In April, Volkswagen recalled 26,053 Audi vehicles that could lose engine power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.  

In September, Volkswagen recalled 13,004 Audi vehicles following 192 warranty claims due to a damaged part in the fuel tank, which could lead to fuel spills and prevent the fuel tank from being refilled.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the main infotainment unit on affected vehicles with a new one, at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around December 25, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 6,000 Audi vehicles are affected by these Audi infotainment unit issues. To check for Audi e-tron recalls, Audi A-Class Recalls, Audi S-Class Recalls, and other Audi recalls on your vehicle, run an Audi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls Audis over rearview display loss
Volkswagen recalls vehicles over faulty tire pressure monitoring

Volkswagen recalls vehicles over faulty tire pressure monitoring

November 13, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 13, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 224,704 vehicles for a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which can lead to underinflated tires. This ups the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2020 Audi A3
  • 2019 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas
  • 2020 – 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
  • 2019 – 2020 Volkswagen Jetta
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  • 2019 Volkswagen Golf R
  • 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  • 2019 Audi Q3

Recall summary

The TPMS alerts the driver when the car is losing pressure in one or more tires. This allows users to take the appropriate corrective measures, such as reinflating or replacing the tires.  

In the affected vehicles, a software problem could prevent the TMPS from detecting air pressure loss in the tires in situations where all four tires are losing air at the same rate. The system may fail to promptly notify the driver that the tires need to be inflated. 

The component involved in this recall is the TPMS software with multiple part numbers, including 5Q0.614.517.DS and 5Q0.614.517.EB.   

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of a faulty TPMS in our recent article about a similar recall by Stellantis.

Other Volkswagen recalls

There was an Audi recall last month due to improperly installed passenger airbags, which could fail to deploy properly during a crash, as reported.

In the same month, there was a Volkswagen Golf recall due to the risk of cars overheating and catching fire, also as reported.

There was an Volkswagen Atlas recall in March due to airbags that may deploy slower-than-necessary in a crash. Ironically, three months earlier the manufacturer recalled some of the same models due to airbags that may deploy accidentally even if there is no accident.

The repair

Dealers will update the software on the affected vehicles at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around December 30, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 224,000 vehicles are affected by this TPMS software recall. To check for Volkswagen or Audi tire pressure issue recall on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolkswagen recalls vehicles over faulty tire pressure monitoring
Nissan recalls Frontier and Titan pickups for second time over rollaway risk

Nissan recalls Frontier and Titan pickups for second time over rollaway risk

November 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Franklin, TN – November 12, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 203,223 pickup trucks because of a problem with the Park mode on the automatic transmissions. This could lead to the vehicle rolling away, increasing the risk of a crash. 

This recall expands on an earlier recall done in June of this year for the same issue and covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Nissan Titan
  • 2020 – 2023 Nissan Frontier 

Recall summary

In the subject vehicles, there is a problem with the parking pawl — a metal pin that locks the transmission in place when Park mode is engaged. The parking pawl prevents the wheels from moving.

In the affected vehicles, the parking pawl may not lock into place as expected. As a result, the vehicle could move even when it appears to be in Park.

“Resistance” between two parts of the transmission is to blame for the defect, according to the manufacturer.

Recall risks

A rolling vehicle could cause a crash, injury or damage to property.

Background of the recall

This recall expands upon another in June 2022 for a similar issue; the earlier recall included only the 2020 – 2022 models.

Safety tips

Until the vehicle is repaired, Nissan advises owners to use the parking brake every time they park to ensure that the vehicle does not roll.

Other Nissan recalls

In addition to the June 2022 Nissan Frontier and Nissan Titan recalls mentioned above, the 2022 Frontier and Titan pickups were among the vehicles Nissan recalled in August 2022 due to a problem with the rearview camera. The dashboard display could fail to show the rearview image when the Reverse gear was engaged.

The repair

To remedy this Nissan rollaway issues, dealers will reprogram the computers that are responsible for the cars’ engine and transmission free of charge. It is not clear how these software updates will address the “resistance” issue described above.

Affected owners should have been notified on November 1, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 200,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan Titan and Frontier transmission recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls Frontier and Titan pickups for second time over rollaway risk
Tesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts

Tesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts

November 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – November 11, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 24,064 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3 electric cars, whose seat belts may not restrain occupants in the event of a crash. This ups the risk of injury. 

Recall summary

In the listed vehicles, the second-row left seat buckle and the middle seat anchor are held in place with one bolt. When servicing the vehicles, technicians failed to re-assemble the components correctly. This may result in the seat belts in the second row being loose.

Recall risks

A loose or otherwise defective seat belt might not hold the passenger in place if there is a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

If not reassembled properly, one or both of these components will be loose. 

Other Tesla Model 3 recalls

You can find comprehensive information about all Tesla recalls that took place in 2022 in this article. 

Additionally, some of 2017 Tesla Model 3 cars, as well as many others, were recalled last month because their windows may malfunction and catch passenger limbs. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the seat belt anchoring points on these vehicles and rearrange them correctly if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

In addition, to stop this from happening in the future, Tesla has updated their service procedure manuals. 

Owners will be notified on December 20, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 25,000 electric cars are recalled over this Tesla seat belt issue. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3s with unsecured seat belts
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