Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

Hyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire

November 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 10, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 44,396 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, over the risk of catching fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury, or property damage.

This is the latest in the long list of both Hyundai and its sister company Kia fire-related recalls.

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with the anti-lock brake system, or ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up when braking. Due to the reasons still unknown, the electronic module that controls this system may overheat. In some cases, this may result in a fire inside the engine compartment, where this system is located. 

The component causing this recall is the ABS module with part number 58920-4Z300, made by Korean manufacturer Mando. 

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit the following page about a recent Kia recall caused by the same risk.

Other Hyundai recalls

Just a few days ago, Hyundai recalled a range of their models, including Santa Fe, over the risk of stalling.

Both Kia and Hyundai have recalled countless vehicles due to the risk of fire. You can see a summary of the issues here. Since the publication of that article, another Kia fire recall came out less than a week ago.

The repair

As with previous similar issues, the dealers will replace the fuse for the ABS system with a modified one. This new fuse will blow out if the module starts overheating, cutting power to it and preventing it from catching fire. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on December 26, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the new fuse is installed. For more on what to do in the event of a fire, please visit the following page.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai fire issues are affecting more than 40,000 SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Santa Fe SUVs that may catch fire
Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk

Chrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk

November 9, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 9, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, has issued a recall for 26,961 RAM trucks whose brakes could fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 5500

Recall summary

As part of the vehicle’s braking system, the brake hose delivers brake fluid to the calipers located at the wheels. Calipers allow the brakes to clamp down on the wheel, slowing the vehicle or bringing it to a stop as soon as the driver steps on the brake pedal.    

In the affected vehicles, a brake hose with a too-small diameter was fitted on the braking system. This could lead the hose to rupture, leaking brake fluid and reducing the vehicle’s stopping power.  

The components involved in this recall are the left and right rear brake hoses, with part numbers 68371722AA and 68371732AA.   

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of brake fluid leaks in our recent article about a similar recall by Ford. 

Other RAM truck recalls

The 2022 RAM 4500 and 5500 series of pickup trucks were also included in an October 2022 recall by Stellantis over an electrical short that could lead the engine to stall, increasing the risk of an accident.

In June, Stellantis issued a recall for 138,645 vehicles, including 2014-–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2014-–2019 RAM 1500 models equipped with 3.0L diesel engines, over a faulty high-pressure fuel pump, which could also lead to a stall.

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses on all affected vehicles with new ones that have the right diameter, at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around November 30, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 26,000 vehicles are affected by this brake hose recall. To check for RAM 4500 recalls or other potential recalls on your vehicle, run a RAM or Fiat Chrysler recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloChrysler recalls RAM trucks over brake failure risk
Ford recalls Transit vans over inoperative HVAC controls

Ford recalls Transit vans over inoperative HVAC controls

November 8, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Dearborn, MI – November 8, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 31,339 vehicles with inoperative heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system controls, which may lead to reduced visibility under certain weather conditions. This increases the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the 2022-2023 Ford Transit vehicles.

Recall summary

The Ford Transit HVAC system includes not only heating and cooling, but also the defog and defrost function, which blows air onto the windshield to clear condensation or frost.

Due to a software error, the HVAC system in the subject vehicles may stop responding to its controls.

The component in question is the software for the remote climate control module, with part numbers NK4T-18C612-AC and NK4T-18C612-BC.

Recall risks

The inability to control the defrost or defog function may limit the driver’s ability to see through the windshield, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

Other recent Ford recalls

In October, more than 11,000 Maverick pickup trucks were recalled due to brake lights that could illuminate even when the brakes were not in use. This could be confusing to other motorists and increase the risk of a crash.

In the same month, nearly 300,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles were recalled over a cloudy rearview camera image. Any interference or obstruction to the driver’s rear view could lead to a crash, especially when reversing.

Among other Ford Transit recalls was one in mid-June, when more than 30,000 vehicles were recalled over an instrument panel malfunction. 

The repair

To remedy the Ford HVAC issue, dealers will perform an update on the remote climate control module software at no cost to owners.

Owners will be notified of the remedy program between November 7, 2022 and November 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls Transit vans over inoperative HVAC controls
Volvo recalls plug-in hybrids over power loss

Volvo recalls plug-in hybrids over power loss

November 7, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Ridgeville, SC – November 7, 2022 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) has issued a recall for 15,674 plug-in hybrid vehicles whose combustion engines could fail to engage once the battery is depleted. This would cause the vehicle to lose power while driving and increase the risk of a crash. The problem is the result of a Volvo software issue.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Volvo S60
  • 2022 – 2023 Volvo S90
  • 2022 – 2023 Volvo V60
  • 2022 – 2023 Volvo XC60
  • 2022 – 2023 Volvo XC90

Recall summary

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have an electric motor with a high-voltage battery and a combustion engine that takes over in certain circumstances to give the vehicle more range. The electrical drive has a cooling system to prevent it from becoming too hot. This system is managed by a computer called the electronic control module (ECM), which instructs it to increase cooling flow as temperatures rise.

In the affected vehicles, a software error can cause the Volvo ECM to incorrectly set the cooling flow to zero when maximum cooling is needed. If this happens, the system would “tell” the combustion engine not to start.

If this occurs when the vehicle is moving, the vehicle will not be able to switch from electric to combustion and the car will stall when the high-voltage battery runs out.

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar recall by Nissan. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a dim “Propulsion System Service Required” message on the instrument panel upon starting the car; while this message is displayed the vehicle can run on electric power. Before the vehicle is set to switch over to the combustion engine, a second warning in the form of a turtle icon will appear, and the vehicle’s speed will be limited to about 47 miles per hour.  If the two messages are ignored, a “Stop Safely” message will appear as the battery runs out and the vehicle will lose propulsion.

Other Volvo recalls

In May 2022, Volvo issued a recall for 5,351 hybrid SUVs over malfunctioning accelerator pedals. These could result in the vehicle unintentionally accelerating or decelerating, presenting an increased risk of a crash, injury and property damage.

In November 2021, Volvo recalled 194,546 cars over exploding driver’s side airbags that could release shrapnel toward the vehicle’s occupants, increasing the risk of injury. 

The repair

Dealers will update the ECM software on the affected vehicles free of charge. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around December 8, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 15,000 vehicles are affected by this plug-in hybrid recall. To check for Volvo XC90 recalls and more, run a Volvo recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloVolvo recalls plug-in hybrids over power loss
Ford recalls F-150 pickups for the second time over windshield wiper failure

Ford recalls F-150 pickups for the second time over windshield wiper failure

November 7, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – November 27, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 453,650 2021-2022 F-150 pickup trucks over a problem with the windshield wipers. The wiper motor could stop working, causing the wipers to fail, increasing the risk of an accident.  

This is the second recall for the same issue that comes on the back of 1,378 warranty claims.

Recall summary

In the recalled vehicles, the electric motor responsible for operating the windshield wipers may experience electrical issues due to a supplier manufacturing issue. These could damage the circuit board inside the motor, causing the wipers to perform poorly or not at all.  

The component involved in this recall is the front wiper motor with part number ML34-17504-A.

Recall risks

Windshield wipers that work poorly or fail to work at all will not be able to clear the windshield when necessary while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Users may notice that the Ford windshield wipers fail to work properly when turned on.

Background of the recall

This recall follows on the heels of a similar one conducted in April of this year for the same concern for the 2021 F-150 pickups. After recalling the vehicles, the manufacturer became aware of windshield wiper failures on vehicles that were outside of the scope of the original recall.

Other Ford recalls

In April, Ford issued a recall for 47,084 2021 Ford F-150 pickup trucks for a transmission defect that could cause the vehicle to randomly shift to neutral while being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. 

Another of the recent Ford F-150 recalls was issued in August involving 58,203 2021-2022 Ford F-150 pickup trucks. This was over a problem with the driveshaft that could lead the vehicle to stall or roll away. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the defective wiper motor on the affected vehicles with a new one, and the service will be done free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who availed themselves of the repair before the recall was issued.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified on or around January 6, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 453,000 Ford F-150 pickup trucks are affected by this windshield wiper motor issue. To check for Ford truck recalls,  run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls F-150 pickups for the second time over windshield wiper failure
Can my Tesla catch on fire?

Can my Tesla catch on fire?

November 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – November 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been getting a lot of public attention lately because several of its electric cars caught fire. In most cases, this happened while driving and, apparently, without any warning signs, resulting in dangerous situations.  

With all that in mind, it is no wonder drivers worry about Tesla electrical issues. In this article, we will go over the reported cases and assess the risks involved. 

Is my Tesla likely to catch fire? 

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest these electric vehicles (EVs) are more prone to spontaneous fires than any other cars. In fact, manufacturers such as Hyundai or Chrysler had much more trouble with this than Tesla. 

However, recently, there has been a string of Tesla fires. It is not known if they are related or are part of a larger issue.

Recent Tesla fires 

August saw five Tesla fires. First, a Tesla Model S Plaid burst into flames when its drive unit malfunctioned. The defect was detected by the vehicles’ onboard computers, which warned the driver to drive slowly. But this, however, did not seem to help, as the car caught fire just a few miles afterward. 

In California, a Tesla Model S burst into flames while driving on the highway, with fire quickly spreading to nearby vegetation. The state also saw a case of a crash-damaged Tesla suddenly erupting in flames after sitting in a junkyard for three weeks.

Just a few days prior, a similar accident happened in Florida. Luckily, no one was severely injured on these occasions.

A Tesla also caught fire at a store in Massachusetts.

Risks

Although not all fires are caused by Teslas’ battery packs, high-voltage modules that Teslas and other electrical cars have are extremely difficult to put out. There are reports about firefighters tackling the flaming batteries for hours, as they would re-ignite several times. Besides being difficult to put out, these flames also reach much higher temperatures. All of this poses an additional risk if the vehicle fire happens near other cars or inside a building. 

What to do if my Tesla does burst into flames? 

While there is nothing to suggest your Tesla might catch fire, familiarizing yourself with the location and operation of door levers may be useful. This is because in Tesla cars, doors are electrically opened from the inside at a push of a button. But if a fire breaks out, it may bring down the whole electrical system, making the doors inoperable. Because of this, Tesla vehicles also have conventional door levers, which occupants may use in an emergency to safely exit the vehicle.   

You can also find more information about what to do if your car catches fire in this Kia fire-related recall.

 Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, there are no Tesla fire issues or recalls. But to do a Tesla recall check and see what might be troubling your own electric car, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool or see this article for an overview of recent ones. 

Bojan PopicCan my Tesla catch on fire?
Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

Kia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall

November 5, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Irvine, CA – November 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) and sister company Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) are recalling 69,038 sedans and SUVs whose transmissions may shift out of Drive on their own, leaving the vehicle without motive power. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Only the models with a 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission are affected.

 The following models are included:

  • 2021 – 2023 Kia K5
  • 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
  • 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2022 Hyundai Kona N
  • 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Recall summary

The transmission of the affected vehicles has an oil pump whose role is to “drive the engine to rotate,” according to Japanese auto supplier Toyo. Due to a manufacturing error, the pump may fail. If this happens, the vehicle will alert the driver and then, within several seconds, shift the transmission out of Drive. This will cause loss of drive power.

The component causing this recall is the electric oil pump with part number 46220-2N510. 

Background of the recall

The recall follows on the heels of 265 Kia and Hyunda incidents alleging vehicles stalling while driving. Some drivers have reported “doing 70[miles per hour] on heavy traffic with a huge truck to [the] right” when “the engine stopped responding.” No accidents or injuries have been reported so far.

Warning signs 

About 20 to 30 seconds before the stall happens, a chime and a message to “Stop Safely” will warn the driver about the issue. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall please visit this article about a similar RAM recall.

Other Kia recalls

Just recently, Kia recalled some of its Sportage SUVs over loose wiring. This may cause the vehicle to stall or, in some cases, even catch fire. 

Owners should also be aware of Kia and Hyundai recalls caused by this issue that took place during this year. 

The repair

Dealers will check the transmissions on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. In addition, they will reprogram the transmission’s control unit. This repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on December 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia loss of power issue is affecting nearly 70,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicKia and Hyundai recall cars that may stall
Kia issues second recall for older Sportage SUVs over fire risk

Kia issues second recall for older Sportage SUVs over fire risk

November 4, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – November 4, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is once again recalling 71,704 2008 and 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUVs due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire while driving or parked.

These cars were previously repaired for the same problem in 2016 but caught fire several times since, prompting the manufacturer to issue another recall. This is the latest chapter in the Kia and Hyundai fire-related saga.

Recall summary

The vehicles in question may experience an “engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)”, which is part of the anti-lock brake system, or ABS module.

The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, in at least one case, the vehicle that caught fire had “corroded wiring near connector and foreign substances/corrosion on printed circuit board (PCB),” which is a “medium” used to host the car’s “electronic components.”

Background of the recall

The same vehicles were repaired in 2016 due an electrical short within HECU caused by corrosion from an “improperly sealed” HECU cover. Dealers addressed the problem by inspecting the modules and replacing them if any traces of corrosion were present. 

But it appears that the repair may not have been sufficient, given that the current recall comes on the heels of 8 fires and 15 “melting” incidents that occurred in cars post-repair.

Recall risks

Risks with vehicle fires are well documented here and in previous similar recalls, such as this Hyundai fire issue from August 2022. 

Warning signs

If the HECU module overheats or catches fire, the ABS warning light on the dashboard may illuminate. Apart from that, the driver or occupants may notice the smell of burning or observe smoke.

Safety tips

Kia advises owners to park outdoors and away from buildings or other vehicles until the problem has been resolved. For tips on what to do in the even of fire, please visit the following article about yet another Kia fire recall.

Other Kia Sportage recalls

These fire issues are not the only problem that has been troubling the Korean manufacturer lately. Just a few days ago, they had to recall a batch of brand-new Kia Sportages that might catch fire. 

Vehicle fires are a problem that Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, have been tackling for some time now. These issues have been recapped in this article. 

The repair

At this time, the manufacturer is working on a solution for this Kia fire risk issue. Once available, the final repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will receive notification about the current issue on or around December 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 70,000 SUVs are being recalled over this Kia engine fire risk. 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 older Sportage SUVs over fire risk
Nissan recalls trucks and SUVs whose rearview cameras may freeze up

Nissan recalls trucks and SUVs whose rearview cameras may freeze up

November 3, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – November 3, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 27,344 trucks and SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show an image. This increases the risk of a crash while backing up and a consequent injury.

The following models are affected by this recall:

  • 2022 Nissan Frontier
  • 2022 Nissan Titan 
  • 2022 Nissan Titan XD
  • 2021 – 2022 Nissan Rogue

Recall summary

All listed vehicles are fitted with a rearview camera, as mandated by current road regulations. But on affected cars, due to a software error, the display on the central console may fail to show an image from this camera.

The component causing this recall is the In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system, with different part numbers including 25915 9FY1D and 2591A 6RR1A. 

Recall risks

If unable to see what’s behind the vehicle when backing up, the driver may crash into other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Other Nissan recalls

Among previous Nissan Rogue recalls, the one caused by jammed seat belts, which happened in October 2022, is the latest. 

In addition, there were several Nissan Titan recalls during the past few months. One that happened in July 2022 was caused by defective transmissions that may slip out of Park. 

Th repair

The manufacturer will fix the issue by releasing a software update, which will be done “over-the-air”. This means owners won’t have to take their cars to their dealers. And, as always, the repair will be free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on November 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan infotainment system issue is affecting nearly 30,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicNissan recalls trucks and SUVs whose rearview cameras may freeze up
Stellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk

Stellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk

November 2, 2022 Joseph Estabillo , , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – November 2, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 60,413 vehicles over premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. This could lead to the vehicle stalling while in traffic, upping the risk of an accident.

The recall comes on the heels of 250 driver complaints and covers the following models: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2020 – 2022 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2020 – 2022 RAM 1500

Recall summary

The fuel pump moves the fuel from the vehicle’s gas tank to the engine, where it is used for combustion that powers the vehicle’s movement. In the affected vehicles with Jeep fuel pump issues, the pump could fail prematurely. Debris from failed components could get into the fuel system and prevent the fuel from reaching the engine.

This recall applies to vehicles with a 3.0 liter diesel engine.

The component involved in this recall is the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), with part number 68211269AA.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of “22 customer assistance records, 205 warranty claims, and 33 field reports” received between mid-2020 and late September of 2022. No injuries or accidents have been reported because of the issue.

Recall risks

If the fuel fails to reach the engine, “fuel starvation” will occur. This may result in a loss of power, increasing the chances that the vehicle will crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the Service Electronic Throttle Control indicator – which looks like a lighting bolt – turning on in the instrument panel. There may also be excessive noise or a fuel leak coming from the HPFP.

 Other Jeep and RAM truck recalls

A number of 2014-2019 RAM 1500s and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled in June 2022. This recall, which affected 138,645 vehicles in all, was also in response to a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump.

As part of another Fiat Chrysler recall, Stellantis recalled 4,907 RAM pickup trucks in October 2022 over an Engine Control Module (ECM) component that may have been fitted incorrectly. This could cause the vehicle to stall. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the affected fuel system components free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the issuance of the recall order.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are affected by this fuel pump recall. To check for other potential Jeep and RAM 1500 recalls on your vehicle, run a Jeep or RAM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk
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