Ford recalls almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Dearborn, MI – February 15, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling close to 1.9 million 2011-2019 Ford Explorer SUVs because a piece of exterior trim may detach while driving and create road debris. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall follows a U.S. government investigation caused by several incidents involving trim pieces flying away from these vehicles. 

Recall summary  

The listed SUVs have a plastic trim surrounding the windshield, which is held in place with clip attachments. In the affected vehicles, the trim was not seated properly and may become loose and detach while driving. 

Recall risks

The trim may become a “road hazard” and increase the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation started in January 2023 after the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), received over 150 complaints about the fly-away trims. There have been several instances of drivers behind the Explorers “momentarily” losing control of their cars while trying to evade the object. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice the trim is not seated correctly or hear it rattle while driving.  

Other Ford recalls

Last month, Ford recalled close to 190,000 Maverick pickup trucks whose turn signals may fail to operate

On a separate note, there is an ongoing issue with Explorer SUVs that may stall or roll away, with the latest recall caused by this issue taking place in October 2023.  

The repair

The dealers will replace A-pillar trims repairs are free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information between March 13, 2024, and March 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 2 million of Ford’s popular SUVs are affected by this fly-away trim 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 almost 2 million Explorer SUVs over fly-away trim   

Tesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Austin, TX  – February 12, 2024 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 199,575 electric vehicles whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2023 Tesla Model S  
  • 2023 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the rearview camera image in the affected vehicles may fail to display.

Recall risks

The risks of the defect are outlined in this article about a similar Honda recall.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of 81 warranty claims. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Tesla recalls

Last month, Tesla recalled over 120,000 of Model S and Model X cars because their doors may open in a crash

Also in January, more than 2 million Teslas were recalled over an issue with their autopilot that may cause them to crash into emergency vehicles

The repair

Tesla has already released a free over-the-air update (OTA) to take care of the issue.

Owners should receive letters with more information on March 22, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla rearview camera recall. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls 200,000 cars over reduced rearview visibility  

Volvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ridgeville, SC – February 9, 2024 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling 17,409 2024 Volvo XC40 compact SUVs over the failure of rear turn signals.

With the turn indicator being out of action, the vehicle is more likely to get hit by other motorists.

Recall summary  

Because of a software error, the car may not display the left rear turn signal when the driver flips the indicator on. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar recall conducted by Ford.

Warning signs

The “left turn indicator malfunction message” should display on the dashboard. 

Other Volvo recalls 

Volvo has not had any major recalls lately, with the last one – caused by brake failure – dating back to February 2023, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the faulty software free of charge. Right now, the update requires a visit to the dealership. However, an over-the-air (OTA) update should be released “at a later date,” according to the manufacturer.

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on February 28, 2024.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo XC40 rear turn indicator recall affects nearly 18,000 SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Dearborn, MI – February 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 139,730 cars that may stall because of engine failure. This greatly augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

 Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018  –  2022 Ford Ecosport
  • 2016   2018 Ford Focus 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, thousands of warranty claims and at least one crash.  Replacement parts are currently not available.

Recall summary  

The engine’s internal parts are lubricated with oil, which is circulated under pressure by an oil pump. In the affected vehicles, parts of the pump may “fracture” and “degrade,” leaving the engine without sufficient lubrication and consequently causing its failure and a vehicle shutdown. 

The car may also lose power brake assist.

Only vehicles with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine are affected by this issue.   

Recall risks

For the risks of stall, please refer to this article about a Chevrolet Volt investigation due to a similar issue. For the risks pertaining to the loss of power brake assist, please see this article about a related Nissan recall.

Warning signs

Leading up to the failure, the driver may notice “low oil pressure” and check engine warnings on the dashboard, accompanied by deceleration.  If the engine does fail, the driver should hear “loud noises” coming from the engine bay. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

The investigation was spurred by 95 complaints drivers alleging engine failure. Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer also received over 2,000 warranty claims and became aware of one crash that resulted in two injuries. 

Other Ford recalls 

In December 2023, several compact Ford and Lincoln models were recalled because their doors would open while driving

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 200,000 Maverick pickup trucks over faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty parts of the pump free of charge.

Owners will receive letters acknowledging the recall in mid-February and will be notified once again once the remedy is available between April and June of 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford oil pump recall affects more than 130,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

Warren, MI  – February 5, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 20,712 sedans over roof-rail airbag inflators that may rupture upon deployment and injure the car occupants.

This is an expansion of an earlier recall issued by the automaker in September 2023.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2014 Buick Verano 
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall summary  

Also called side curtain airbags, the roof-rail airbags (RRAB) are mounted on the roof rails above the vehicle’s headliner, which is material that sticks to the car roof on the inside.

In the event of an impact on the vehicle’s roof, the airbags are triggered by inflators welded to the rails.  

In the affected vehicles, a manufacturing defect could introduce contaminants to the airbag inflator chamber. This may cause the metal inflator inside the bag to explode, hurling shrapnel at the occupants or surrounding motorists.

Recall risks

The risks of exploding metal inflators were previously described in articles regarding the eerily similar Takata airbag issue.

Background of the recall

The automaker issued the first recall for this issue in September of last year. In December, it found additional vehicles that had the same defect, prompting the present recall.  No injuries or ruptures have been identified in connection with the current recall.

Other General Motors recalls

In April 2023, GM recalled 40,428 pickups over a problem with the brake system design, which could lead to a higher risk of fire.

In December 2023, GM also recalled 60,154 crossover SUVs spanning the Buick and Chevrolet lines due to the digital instrument cluster switching off while the vehicles were in use.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the RRAB modules in the affected units free of charge, reimbursing owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall notice was issued. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by February 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 sedans are affected by this GM roof-rail airbag recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

Irvine, CA – February 2, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 79,812 2011 Kia Sorento SUVs whose engines may malfunction and catch fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation and is the latest in the ongoing saga of Kia and Hyundai non-crash related fires.

Recall summary  

All SUVs affected by this recall have a Theta II 2.4L gasoline engine, which may catch fire “while driving.” Kia does not explain how and why this occurs.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.  

Warning signs

In addition to an unusual “engine noise” and an illuminated check engine light, occupants could notice a burning smell and smoke. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes following an ongoing investigation by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to determine the adequacy of existing Hyundai and Kia recalls and see if more cars need to be recalled due to non-crash related fires.

The investigation was launched after the agency received more than 100 complaints about vehicles bursting into flames, either while driving or being turned off.

Other Kia recalls

Apart from the said investigation, certain Kia Sorrento SUVs were recently recalled over an issue with their rearview cameras

In addition, these SUVs, alongside many other Kia and Hyundai models, were the subject of a massive fire-related recall that took place in October 2023

The repair

Dealers will replace the engine if necessary. Otherwise, the cars will receive Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, which should detect any abnormal engine operation and take measures to prevent further damage. 

The repair will be free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on February 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia engine fire recall affects almost 80,000 SUVs. 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 Sorento SUVs that may burst into flames 

Mercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

Sandy Springs, GA – January 31, 2024 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 93,402 vans and passenger vehicles whose fuel pumps may fail and cause the vehicle to stall in traffic. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a similar one, which dates back to July of last year. 

Some of the affected vehicles include:

  • 2021 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E53 
  • 2021 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 
  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 
  • 2022 2024 Mercedes-Benz C300 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz E350 
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500
  • 2022 2023 Mercedes-Maybach GL600  
  • 2022 – 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris

Recall summary  

The fuel pump in the affected vehicles has deformed internal parts that can jam at any moment. This may cause the car to stall it would not get enough fuel. 

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

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

Warning signs

Before it stalls, the vehicle may start “running rough,” most likely accompanied by corresponding warning lights on the dashboard. 

Background of the recall

Mercedes first recalled vehicles for this issue in July of last year, as reported. After the recall was issued, the manufacturer became aware of additional vehicles with the same issues that were not included in the original recall, leading to the present announcement.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

Vehicle stalling, accompanied by a potential fire caused another Mercedes-Benz recall, which took place in October 2023 and affected AMG SL roadsters

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent by February 16, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz fuel pump recall affects more than 13,000 vans. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz issues second recall for stalling Metris vans and passenger cars

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai crash fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact Kona SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

Porsche recalls hybrids and electric cars over fire risk 

Atlanta, GA – January 24, 2024 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) is recalling 41,345 hybrid and electric cars whose charging cables may overheat when plugged in, causing fire. This augments the risk of injury and property damage.

The lengthy list of the affected models includes: 

  • 2019 – 2024 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid  
  • 2020 – 2023 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2023 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid 
  • 2021 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 
  • 2022 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
  • 2020 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4S 
  • 2021 – 2024 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles can be charged with a 220V/240V cable, which plugs into an ordinary household power outlet. In some cases, the cable may overheat while charging the car and cause a fire. 

The full list of the affected vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

A charging cable that catches fire greatly increases the risk of injury or property damage.

Safety tips

Before the repair is conducted, owners are advised not to use the charging cables in question and only utilize the 110V ones or “public charging stations.”

Warning signs

The driver may notice that the cable is hot when unplugging it.

Other Porsche recalls

Fire risk was the cause of another larger Porsche recall, which took place in February 2023.

Separately, over 12,000 Porsche Taycans were recalled in June 2022 over malfunctioning rearview cameras

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty cables with improved ones free of charge.  

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 9, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Porsche charging cable fire recall affects more than 40,000 electric and hybrid cars. To do a Porsche recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicPorsche recalls hybrids and electric cars over fire risk 

Toyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect

Plano, TX  – January 22, 2024 – Toyota (NYSE:TM), which also owns the Lexus brand,  is recalling 999,901 vehicles over a problem with a passenger airbag that could prevent it from being deployed in the event of a collision. This ups the risk of an injury.

The recall comes on the heels of over 1,000 warranty claims and includes some of the following vehicles:

  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon 
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Toyota Corolla
  • 2020 – 2022 Toyota Highlander
  • 2020 – 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid
  • 2020 – 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid

Recall summary  

The airbags in Toyota and Lexus vehicles use the so-called Occupant Classification System (OCS), which is an array of sensors designed to classify the weight of the front seat passenger. The OCS information determines whether the airbag should be deployed.

In the affected vehicles, the circuit board where the OCS sits was cracked during production. This may result in the short circuit and prevent the deployment of the front passenger airbag.

The full list of the affected vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

All risks caused by non-inflating airbags are explained in this article about a similar recall by Ford.   

Warning signs

In the event of the airbag failure, the driver should see the “the SRS warning lamp” and “Passenger Airbag OFF” lamp illuminate, among other warnings.

Background of the recall

The recall is a result of 1,194 warranty claims and 27 field reports. It is not clear if any injuries or crashes have been reported because of the defect.

Other Toyota recalls

In August 2023, Toyota and Lexus hybrid SUVs were recalled over the risk of fire from damage caused by “supplier issues.” 

In November 2023, Toyota recalled over three quarters of a million of SUVs over the risk of the front bumpers falling off “during normal operation.”

The repair

Dealers will replace the OCS sensors in the affected units free of charge. Owners will receive letters with more information by February 18, 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 1 million vehicles are affected by this Toyota front passenger airbag recall. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloToyota recalls close to million cars over airbag defect