Navistar recalls school buses over loss of control

Navistar recalls school buses over loss of control

January 14, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Lisle, IL– January 14, 2023 – Navistar has issued a recall for 6,948 school buses over a problem that can cause “loss of handling.” This increases the risk of injury.

The recall covers the following school buses:

  • 2023 – 2024 IC CE 
  • 2023 IC EV 
  • 2023 IC RE

Recall summary

The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported. In the recalled vehicles, the rear axle is not secured because of fasteners that were not tightened correctly.

This can result in the axle moving from side to side.

Recall risks

The defect reduces the vehicle’s handling, potentially leading to a higher risk of injuries to occupants. It could also become necessary for children on board to be transferred to another bus.    

Warning signs 

Users may notice a general “loose” feeling when driving the vehicle. A possible metallic clunking noise may also be observed. Visual inspection might show that the rear axle is not centered with the vehicle’s body. 

Other Navistar recalls

In June 2022, Navistar recalled 5,173 school buses over loose steering wheels that could detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

In September 2022, Navistar also issued a recall for 6,883 International trucks over an engine shutdown problem. This could cause the vehicles to stall while driving, bringing a higher potential for an accident.  

The repair

Dealers will tighten Navistar axle fasteners with new ones. Navistar will reimburse owners who availed of repairs prior to the recall announcement.

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

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Joseph EstabilloNavistar recalls school buses over loss of control
US government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power 

US government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power 

January 8, 2023 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – January 8, 2023 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over an allegation that the brakes on their heavy-duty trucks may stop working. A loss of braking power ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 390,077 trucks, including the following: 

  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 2500
  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 3500

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on November 11 of last year following 134 complaints about a loss of braking, which would occur intermittently or permanently and “at all speeds.”

Replacing the anti-lock brakes (ABS), along with the hydraulic control unit (HCU) would sometimes correct the issue but, at least in several cases, the parts were not available due to a back order. Both systems work together to control the braking force for each wheel and prevent lockups during sudden braking. 

Risks

With inoperable or ineffective brakes, the vehicle may not be able to stop in time. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other RAM truck recalls 

There were several RAM 2500 recalls that took place last year.. Among them, the one caused by a transmission fluid leak, which may lead to a fire, is the latest.

Back in June 2022, a large batch of RAM trucks was pulled from the road because their rearview cameras hadn’t been showing an image when backing up.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This RAM brake performance issues may eventually lead to a recall, possibly affecting more than 300,000 trucks. To do a RAM recall check and see if your car is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over loss of braking power 
GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights 

GM recalls cars because of blinding headlights 

January 1, 2023 Bojan Popic , , , ,

Warren, MI – January 1, 2023 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands, is recalling 740,108 cars, SUVs, and trucks, whose daytime running lights may not deactivate when the headlights are on.  This may blind other motorists, increasing the chances of a crash and injury.  

This recall expands a previous recall conducted for the same reason late last year.

The lengthy list of affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2021 – 2023 Buick Envision
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT4
  • 2020 – 2023 Cadillac CT5
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade 
  • 2022 – 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Suburban 
  • 2022 – 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon 
  • 2022 – 2023 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Daytime running lights are a part of a headlight cluster that, as their name would suggest, increases a vehicle’s visibility during the day. These lights, however, shut off as soon as the headlights are turned off. If not, they may create a glare, which could be blinding to other motorists.

Due to a software error, the DRL lights on affected vehicles may fail to disengage once the headlights are turned on. 

The component causing this recall is the body control module, with part numbers differing depending on the make and model. Some of them include 13534824, 13534861 or 13542151. 

Background of the recall

The 2021 model-years of some of the cars above were recalled in November of last year due to the same issue. Before that recall was announced, GM started an investigation to determine if additional vehicles were affected. As a result of that investigation, the current recall came into life.

Recall risks

Risks caused by blinding headlights were covered in detail in the previous GM recall.  

Other GM recalls

Just a month ago, GM recalled more than 300,000 SUVs over a similar issue, which was also one of the latest Chevrolet Tahoe recalls.

Back in September 2022, GM recalled nearly 100,000 compact SUVs because their rearview cameras could have failed to show an image when backing up. 

The repair

Dealers will install a software update to affected vehicles. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on January 23, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This GM daytime running lights recall affects almost three-quarters of a million vehicles. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls cars because of blinding headlights 
Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

Subaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures

December 19, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – December 23, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling  271,694 of their 2019 – 2022 Subaru Ascent SUVs because their electrical components may overheat and melt. This may lead to a vehicle fire, increasing the risk of property damage, crash, and injury. 

The fire may occur even while the vehicle is turned off and parked. Owners are advised to park away from structures until the issue is addressed. The recall comes on the back of 11 fire-related complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles are equipped with several heaters, including one inside the dashboard. The dashboard heater helps the engine warm up faster when it is cold out. Its grounding wire is bolted to the chassis with a screw. 

On affected SUVs, these screws might not have been tightened up sufficiently during assembly. This may generate excessive heat which may lead to the grounding wire’s terminal and surrounding components melting if the temperature is high enough. It may also lead to a fire.

The component causing this recall is the tapping screw, with part number 904580002

Recall risks

You can find out all about the risks caused by overheating electrics in this recent Hyundai recall. 

Warning signs 

The driver or passengers may notice a burning smell if the grounding wire starts to melt. In addition, there might be smoke coming from underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. 

Safety tips 

If you notice these warning signs, pull over at the first safe spot, turn off the ignition and leave the vehicle with all your passengers.

Keep in mind that your car may still catch fire even when it is not running. This is why you should park it away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done. 

Other Subaru recalls

Apart from these Subaru electrical issues, the manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 of their popular Impreza cars because of defective headlights in August 2022. 

Among previous Subaru Ascent recalls, the one caused by malfunctioning transmission, which took place in January 2022, is the latest. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by installing a new grounding-wire screw. In addition, as a precaution, they will inspect the grounding wire and replace it if needed. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 6, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru ground terminal recall affects almost a quarter of a million SUVs. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls cars over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures
Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

Hyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall

December 18, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Fountain Valley, CA – December 18, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) regarding “the scope and remedy” of a recent recall conducted for faulty windshield wipers.

The investigation could result in a recall of an additional 126,081 cars, including the following:

  • 2021 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  • 2023 Hyundai Palisade

Investigation summary

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened a probe on December 2, 2022 on the back of six complaints about windshield wiper failures in winter conditions. According to these complaints, the wiper motor would work intermittently or malfunction due to accumulated snow or ice. 

Hyundai previously initiated 2020–2021 Hyundai Palisade recalls involving 122,919 vehicles in August 2022 over the problem. However, the vehicles included in the present investigation were not part of that recall.

Risks

Defective windshield wipers prevent drivers from seeing the road clearly when driving in rainy or wintry conditions, increasing the risk of the vehicle crashing.   

Other Hyundai recalls

In September, NHTSA placed Hyundai and sister company Kia under investigation for an estimated 5.2 million vehicles over allegations of a sudden and severe oil leak that can lead to the engine stalling and an increased risk of an accident. In November, Hyundai also recalled 14,928 electric and plug-in vehicles over exploding seat belt pretensioners that pose an increased risk of fire.    

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

More than 126,000 vehicles could be recalled as a result of this Hyundai windshield wiper investigation. To do a Hyundai recall check for your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHyundai under investigation for recent Palisade windshield wipers’ recall
Ford recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

Ford recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away

December 17, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Dearborn, MI – December 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 18,808 vehicles that may lose power or roll away because of a fractured driveshaft. The latter is a component that transfers engine power to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward.

This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 – 2018 F-250 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-350 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2018 F-450 Super Duty

Recall summary

Radial dampers are circular mechanisms that are used to limit uncontrolled movement inside the driveshaft.

In the subject vehicles, the dumbbell-shaped radial damper may move out of position due to the rubber covering becoming deformed over time. This could eventually lead to the fracture of the driveshaft.

Recall risks

The defect can result in a loss of drive power. A vehicle rollaway is also possible if the parking brake is not engaged when the vehicle is parked. These Ford driveshaft issues increase the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

Tell-tale signs related to this Ford F-Series issue include “noise, vibration, or harshness (NVH) symptoms observable to a driver.”

Other recent Ford recalls

One of the most recent Ford truck recalls over a similar matter was in August, where nearly 60,000 F-150 trucks were recalled for the risk of stall and rollaway.

In early December, Ford issued a recall of more than half a million Escape and Bronco vehicles over fire risk. This was the second recall for the same issue, prompted by more than 50 complaints and more than 40 legal claims.

In November, Bronco vehicles were subjected to another recall. This time, more than 40,000 vehicles were included in the rearview image display fault.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost. Owners can expect to be notified about the repair program between January 9, 2023 and January 13, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 vehicles are included in this Ford F-series recall. To perform a Ford recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiFord recalls pickup trucks that may stall or roll away
Stellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power 

Stellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power 

December 16, 2022 Senamile Nkosi ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 16, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 5,834 vehicles that may lose power while in motion due to faulty shifter pawls, which are pins that lock gears in place. This augments the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Dodge Charger
  • 2022 Dodge Durango

Recall summary

In the affected vehicles, the shifter pawls have not been properly heat-treated and may bend or fail to engage as expected when shifting between gears.  Heat-treating, as reported, is a normal part of the manufacturing process which ensures that components made of metal can withstand the test of time.

Recall risks

An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the “Drive” position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. This increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

A warning sign associated with this issue is “a bent or misaligned shifter lever.” In some cases, the driver may even have difficulty selecting gears. 

Other recent Dodge and Chrysler recalls

In November, more than 40,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles were recalled over risk of tire failure. This was a follow-up recall from a July one relating to the same issue.

Prior to that in October, more than 80,000 Dodge Journey SUVs were subjected to a recall over a headlamp issue resulting in poor visibility. This was attributed to a substandard reflector. 

The repair

To fix this Dodge powertrain issues, dealers will replace the shifter assembly  free of charge. Notifications regarding the repair program will be sent to owners on or around January 12, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 6,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Fiat Chrysler recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power 
Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler plug-ins again over risk of engine shutdown

Stellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler plug-ins again over risk of engine shutdown

December 15, 2022 Senamile Nkosi ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 15, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Jeep brands, is recalling 62,909 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) over a loss of internal communication that may lead to an engine shutdown. This increases the risk of a crash.

This is the third stalling-related recall in two months to affect Jeep Wranglers, and the second to affect PHEVs specifically. At least one injury has been reported leading up to the current recall.

Recall summary

Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs that are equipped with the 2.0L Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) engine are at risk of an unexpected engine shutdown. 

The root cause of the issue and affected components are still being investigated and yet to be confirmed.

For now, Chrysler attributes the issue to “diagnostic reactions to faults caused by loss of communication” among the vehicle components.

Recall risks

An engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Background of the recall

To date, Chrysler reports two accidents and one injury related to the issue, as well as 112 customer assistance records, 196 warranty claims and 65 field reports.

Last month, there was another plug-in hybrid recall when 2022-2023 Wrangler plug-in hybrids were recalled for a loose fuse in the battery which could also lead to a stall.

Around the same time, there was another Jeep Wrangler recall over a problem with the fuel pump that could cause the engine to lose power. This was prompted by 250 customer complaints.

Other recent Stellantis recalls

In November, Stellantis recalled almost 250,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks over a potential fuel leak which could lead to a fire.

Also in November was a recall of 2022 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Challengers and Dodge Chargers over a faulty tire pressure monitoring system. 

The repair

Dealers will update vehicle’s software at no cost to the owner. Affected owners will be notified on or around January 12, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Jeep recall check or see other Fiat Chrysler recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Jeep Wrangler plug-ins again over risk of engine shutdown
Tesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights 

Tesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights  

December 14, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – December 14, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is recalling 435,132 electric vehicles made for the China market, as their side markers may fail to illuminate, according to Reuters. This reduces visibility and may lead to a crash, increasing the risk of injury. 

The following vehicles are included: 

  • Tesla Model 3
  • Tesla Model Y 

It is not clear what model-years are affected.

Recall summary

Quarter-panels are panels of a car “between a rear door and the trunk.” The listed cars have side lighting markers placed at the quarter-panels. These may fail to come on. 

Reportedly, these Tesla electrical issues are caused by a software error.   

Recall risks

Inoperable lights make the vehicle less visible to other motorists. In extreme cases, such as thick fog or heavy rain, this may result in a collision, increasing the risk of injury. 

Other Tesla recalls

Light issues caused by faulty tail lamps were the cause of one of the most recent Tesla Model 3 recalls. Certain Model Y cars were affected by this problem, as well.  

In addition, several other Telsa Model Y recalls happened in the past few months, such as one caused by faulty windows, which took place in October 2022. 

The repair

Tesla will launch an over-the-air software update to ensure side markers are on when they should be.

Owners of vehicles whose software has failed to update will be contacted directly. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 435,000 electric cars are affected by this Tesla China recall. To do a Tesla software recall check and see if your car has any similar issues, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicTesla recalls cars in China over inoperable side lights  
Navistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability

Navistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability

December 11, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Lisle, IL – December 11, 2022 – Navistar, which owns the International brand, and General Motors, the owner of the Chevrolet brand, are recalling thousands of vehicles because parts of their suspension and steering mechanisms may break apart. This would lead to a loss of vehicle stability, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The Chevrolet vehicles in question were manufactured by Navistar.

In total, Navistar is recalling 31,467 buses and trucks, including the following models: 

  • 2023 IC Bus 1300FBC
  • 2023 IC Bus CE
  • 2023 IC Bus RE
  • 2023 IC Bus TC
  • 2021 – 2022 International CV 
  • 2021 – 2023 International HV
  • 2023 International HX
  • 2023 International Lonestar
  • 2023 International LT
  • 2023 International MV
  • 2023 International RH

General Motors is recalling 5,861 heavy-duty trucks, including: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 4500HD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 4500XD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 5500HD
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet 5500XD
  • 2022 Chevrolet 6500XD

Recall summary  

Parts of suspension and steering of the recalled vehicles were made with nuts that were not properly heat-treated when made due to a supplier error. Heat-treating these components is an essential part of the manufacturing process to ensure they can withstand the test of time and hold the vehicles’ joints together.

Because of the error, these nuts – called Navistar hex flange lock nuts – may break. This can lead to the “loss of tension” in both steering and suspension and make the vehicle unstable, difficult to control and hard or impossible to steer.

Recall risks

The defect significantly ups the risk of a crash and injury. No injuries or warranty claims have been reported by either manufacturer.

Warning signs 

Should one or more affected nuts fall apart, the driver could notice the steering and overall vehicle handling become less sharp and responsive. 

Safety tips 

If you notice a “loose feeling” when driving, pull off the road to the nearest safe location. If you cannot identify any obvious causes, such as, for instance, a flat tire, get the vehicle towed. 

Other Navistar recalls

This is not the first time Navistar is having steering issues with their vehicles. Back in June 2022, there was a Navistar school bus recall, because their steering wheels could have detached. 

More recently, in September 2022, a batch of heavy-duty Navistar International trucks was recalled because they may stall while driving.  

While there are no recent or large recalls regarding GM vehicles in question, in the past six months, the manufacturer recalled over 1.7 million vehicles. Read more about these GM recalls here.

The repair

To fix this Navistar suspension issue, dealers will replace all suspected nuts with those that are made correctly free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on January 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 36,000 commercial vehicles are affected by this Navistar steering issues. To do a Navistar recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicNavistar and GM recall buses and trucks over risk of steering loss, vehicle instability
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