Daimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Portland, OR – September 7, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), has issued a recall for 4,006 trucks over a part of their hood that may fly away while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of an accident for other road users.

The recall comes on the back of several complaints regarding the issue and covers the following models: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 47X
  • 2020 – 2023 Western Star 49X

Recall summary

These trucks are equipped with stainless steel hood bezels. The bezels serve both as decoration and as protection to shield the hood’s against corrosion.  

On the affected vehicles, both the inner and outer hood bezel covers may detach while the vehicle is in motion.

The components involved in this recall are the inner and outer hood bezel with multiple part numbers, including A17-21894-000,  A17-21893-000, A17-21893-001 and A17-21894-001.

Recall risks

Detached hood bezel covers may end up on the road, where they become hazards to other road users. In fact, leading up to the recall, drivers of the affected vehicles reported occurrences of these parts doing exactly that. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other Daimler recalls 

In June 2022, there was another Daimler Trucks North America recall – and a a stop-drive notice – for 5,173 Navistar school buses over steering wheels that could easily detach, increasing the risk of an accident.

The same month, there was a recall involving the 2023 Daimler 47X due to the risk of engine stall. The recall also included the 2023 Daimler 49X.

In December 2021, DTNA issued a recall for 7,128 Western Star trucks due to an electrical issue inside the engine bay that could augment the risk of fire.    

Repair

Dealers will fix the hood detaching issue by replacing the cover with parts that have been assembled using an improved process. DTNA will reimburse owners who had related repairs done prior to the announcement of the recall.  

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 28, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,000 vehicles are included in this DTNA recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Daimler recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls trucks over risk of creating road hazard

Ford recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Dearborn, MI – September 4, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 198,482 SUVs over a faulty motor which powers the cars’ air conditioning. Its failure may lead to a fire, increasing the risk of injury to the car occupants.

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2015 – 2017 Ford Expedition
  • 2015 – 2017 Lincoln Navigator 

Recall summary

The air conditioning used by cars relies on a blower motor mounted behind the glove box. This motor is responsible for providing ventilation inside the cabin when the windows are closed, by blowing air through the dashboard vents.     

In the affected vehicles, the front blower motor may fail during operation due to unknown reasons.

The component involved in this recall is the blower motor and wheel assembly with part number CL14-19846-AA. 

Recall risks

The defective motor may present an increased risk of fire to the vehicle’s interior. This also increases the danger of a crash or injury.  

Warning signs

The fan may stop working. In addition to that, the driver may perceive a “burning smell” or see smoke coming from the instrument panel vents while the vehicle’s engine is running. 

Other Ford recalls and lawsuits

Ford is facing a lawsuit regarding alleged defects on the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUV models. The allegations stem from complaints that the company failed to promptly recall the vehicles involved in the lawsuit.

The 2020-2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator were also included in an earlier recall issued in April 2022 due to faulty windshield wipers, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the front blower motor assembly with a new and improved component. The repair will be done free of charge, and Ford will reimburse customers who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall being issued. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around September 16, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 198,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator blower motor recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Ford or Lincoln recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls SUVs over A/C failure, fire risk

Hyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating several Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) models over an allegation that their seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed. This may send metal shrapnel flying through the cabin, potentially injuring the occupants. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 275,000 vehicles, including: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Hyundai Accent
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV
  • 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Venue
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 
  • 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV
  • 2022 Genesis GV70
  • 2021 Genesis GV80

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022 following three complaints about seat belt pretensioner rupturing or exploding during deployment. Based on the allegations, occupants were injured by flying metal shards in all three cases

There have been five recalls  – with all of them including one of the vehicles above – due to this issue. The investigation is being opened to both evaluate “the adequacy” of these recalls and their scope. 

What are seat belt pretensioners?

Seat belt pretensioners help tighten up the seat belt around the passenger’s torso in case of a collision. These are pyrotechnic devices, designed to deploy quickly and forcefully without breaking apart.

Risks

If the pretensioner explodes, it could send metal fragments into the vehicle,  striking occupants and resulting in an injury. 

Other Hyundai recalls 

There was a Hyundai Genesis recall in the spring of last year due to the risk of “short circuit risk in the anti-lock brake system,” as reported.

Both Kia and Hyundai are subject to a separate U.S. government investigation due to multiple non-crash related fires, as reported.

The latest recall for exploding pretensioners  was in May 2022, and it affected more than 200,000 vehicles. There was also a similar recall just before it, in April 2022, although with a significantly smaller scope.  

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Hyundai seat belt recall, possibly affecting over a quarter of a million vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia are investigated over exploding seat belts

US government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2022 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Ford (NYSE:F) over Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ cars that may leak brake fluid. This may lead to longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect an estimated 1.73 million vehicles, including: 

  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion
  • 2013 – 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ 
  • 2013 – 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 8, 2022, following 50 complaints about brake fluid leaks and one crash allegedly caused by such a leak. The leaks are caused by the rupture of brake hoses, which transfer and multiply the force applied to the brake pedal to activate the brakes.

The investigation comes on the heels of an August 2020 recall that was conducted for the same issue and included the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The goal of the investigation is to evaluate “the adequacy” of the recall and see if the Fusion and MKZ cars need to be included as well.

Complaints

Complaints indicate that the front brake lines rupture without warning, causing a sudden brake fluid leak. Drivers have reported that the brake pedal became soft, accompanied by a noticeable drop in braking effect. One driver crashed the vehicle while trying to stop because of this failure.

Risks

A leaking brake line will affect the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. In addition, if left unchecked, this leak may result in a loss of brake fluid severe enough to render all brakes inoperable. Both situations increase the braking distance, upping the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls 

There was a Ford Edge recall in June this year due to the risk of these cars rolling away because of transmission issues. The recall also included Escape, Fusion and C-Max cars and was conducted for at least the fifth time in the past four years, as reported.

There was a Lincoln recall for Aviator SUVs due to the risk of electrical fire, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Ford brake recall, possibly affecting over 1.7 million vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Ford over brake fluid leaks

GM recalls Chevrolets over risk of unexpected hood opening

Warren, MI – September 3, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Chevrolet brand, is recalling 120,688 vehicles whose hoods could be opened accidentally while driving, blocking the driver’s view and increasing the risk of a crash. 

The recall supersedes one issued in 2014 for the same issue, comes on the back of multiple crashes, and includes the following models:

  • 2013 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark
  • 2014 – 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV

Recall Summary

The secondary hood latch is a safety measure to prevent the hood from flying open if the main latch is accidentally released while the car is in motion. In the affected cars, the lever of the secondary hood latch “may prematurely corrode at the pivot” due to a supplier fault. This could cause it to not engage as expected.

The components in question are the hood striker assembly, with part numbers 96688513 and 94534170, as well as the hood latch assembly, with part numbers 94534171 and 96966791.

Recall risks

When the secondary hood latch doesn’t engage properly, the vehicle’s hood could open unexpectedly while the car is in motion (for example, if the driver pulls the hood release lever by accident). The hood would block the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Background of the recall

The current recall is a replacement of the 2014 recall of the same vehicles; GM discovered that the remedy for the earlier recall failed to solve the problem of corroding hood latches. There has been at 22 crashes because of this issue and at least one injury, according to the manufacturer’s data.

Other recent General Motors recalls

In August, General Motors recalled nearly half a million SUVs over a seatbelt fault caused by a supplier error.

In April, more than 600,000 SUVs were recalled due to defective windshield wipers

Repair

To remedy the secondary hood latch issue, dealers will replace the affected parts at no cost to owners. Owners will be notified of the repair program on or around October 10, 2022.   

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 120,000 vehicles are included in this Chevrolet recall. To perform a recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiGM recalls Chevrolets over risk of unexpected hood opening

Stellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

Auburn Hills, MI – September 3, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and Ram brands, is recalling 7,895 vehicles with rearview cameras that may not display an image. This increases the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following pickup trucks and SUVs :

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

Recall summary

Due to a software error, the subject vehicles’ radios may reset repeatedly, interfering with the display and preventing the rearview image from showing while backing up. This reduces the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Only vehicles with EcoDiesel engines are affected.

The component in question is the radio, with part numbers including 68428546AD, 68474392AE and 68428540AC.

Recall risks

When the rearview image does not appear as the driver backs up, the driver’s ability to see behind the vehicle is reduced. This could lead to a collision with pedestrians, property or other vehicles.

Warning signs

A telltale sign of a fault is if the radio resets before the driver shifts to reverse. This is an indication that the radio is not functioning as expected and may prevent the rearview image from displaying.

Other recent Jeep and Ram truck recalls

In early August, Stellantis recalled nearly 100,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles with damaged tail lights.

In April, more than 4,000 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled over improperly secured child car seat anchors, which could increase the risk of injury to a child passenger.

Repair

Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to owners. Owners can expect to receive a letter with more information about this radio software issue, on or around October 14, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 7,000 Stellantis vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a RAM or Jeep recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis issues rearview camera recall for Wrangler, RAM and Gladiator cars

Subaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

Camden, NJ – August 28, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is issuing a recall for 188,397 Impreza vehicles over a problem with the headlamps, which can potentially increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following sedans and station wagons: 

  • 2017 Subaru Impreza
  • 2018 Subaru Impreza
  • 2019 Subaru Impreza

Recall summary

Vehicle headlamps use reflectors to direct the light beam generated by the bulb towards the road, allowing the driver to see ahead while traveling.

In the affected vehicles, due to issues during the manufacturing process, the lamps do not properly reflect the light, resulting in decreased visibility or glare.

The component involved in this recall is the lamp assembly head with part numbers 84001FL01A and 84001FL00A. 

Recall risks

Reduced visibility or glare created by the wrong angle of reflection creates an increased risk of a crash.

Other Subaru recalls 

In January 2022, Subaru announced a recall for 198,255 vehicles over a transmission malfunction, which could increase the risk of crash and injury. The recall includes the Ascent, as well as 2020 releases of the Legacy and Outback vehicles. 

There was a Subaru Impreza recall in May 2021 over the risk of stalling.  The recall also included Crosstrek vehicles, as reported.

Repair

Dealers will replace the left and right front headlamp assemblies with new parts free of charge. Subaru will reimburse owners who paid repairs on their own prior to the recall announcement.

Affected owners will be notified on or around October 11, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 188,000 vehicles are included in this Subaru Impreza reflectors’ recall. To run a Subaru recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls Impreza vehicles over defective headlamps

Nissan recalls SUVs over loss of power brake assist

Franklin, TN – August 28, 2022 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is issuing a recall for 5,904 SUVs because their brake boosters may not work properly, increasing the risk of an accident.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2017 Rogue Hybrid
  • 2018 Rogue Hybrid
  • 2019 Rogue Hybrid

Recall summary

The hydraulic brake booster serves to boost the brakes’ stopping power, helping the vehicle to stop faster in an emergency situation. This is done through the force of a vacuum pump, which sucks all the air out of the brake booster to make it more efficient. 

In the affected vehicles, the effectiveness of the motor used by the brake booster may be reduced due to friction from using the brakes repeatedly or high temperatures generated by the engine. This situation can cause the “loss of power brake assist.”

The component involved in this recall is the hydraulic brake booster assembly with part number 47210 4BC8A. 

Recall risks

The worn out booster would require more effort from the driver to press the brake pedal. This could lead to the vehicle needing a longer distance to slow down or stop, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers will notice the red brake system warning indicator lighting up on the dashboard, accompanied by a buzzing sound. 

Other Nissan Rogue recalls 

The 2020-2021 Nissan Rogues were part of another Nissan recall earlier this month due to a rearview camera defect, as reported.  

There was a Nissan Rogue hybrid recall in November 2021 due to a problem with the engine harness which could cause the vehicles to lose power and stall unexpectedly.

Repair

The remedy is currently under development. Affected owners will receive letters with more information on or around September 22, 2022. 

All repairs will be free of charge and Nissan will reimburse the owners who already paid to have their vehicles repaired due to this issue.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,900 vehicles are included in this Nissan Rogue power brake assist recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Nissan recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls SUVs over loss of power brake assist

Hyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Irvine, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and its subsidiary Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) are recalling 281,447 SUVs that may catch fire while driving or parked. This increases the risk of crash, injury or property damage.

The recall comes on the heels of several fires and includes the following SUVs:

  •  2022 – 2022 Hyundai Palisade
  •  2020 – 2022 Kia Telluride

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles are equipped with a tow package, which, in addition to the tow hitch itself, has a wiring harness and a control module. The module may overheat and, in extreme situations, cause the vehicle to catch fire

The cause of the issue is an electric short caused by moisture and other elements ending up on the tow hitch circuit board during the manufacturing process. The circumstances of how that occurs are currently under investigation.

Recall risks

A burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles and result in injuries to the car occupants.

Recall background

The recall comes on the heels of at least five vehicles catching fire in the bumper area, as well as multiple “melting” incidents and warranty claims.

Other Hyundai and Kia Telluride recalls

This Hyundai Palisade recall is the latest in a series of fire-related recalls the Korean manufacturer has been experiencing lately. However, most of the previous Hyundai fire risks were caused by faulty ABS modules or fuel leaks

Separately, aside from this Kia Telluride tow hitch recall, the 2022 model-years were also subject to a recall about a year ago due to blank instrument clusters, as reported.

Repair

Both manufacturers are still developing the repair for this Kia and Hyundai tow harness issue. 

In the meantime, dealers are set to inspect the tow hitch wiring on suspected vehicles and remove the corresponding fuse which will effectively disconnect the tow module. This and future repairs will be offered free of charge. 

Kia will send the affected owners letters with more information on October 17, 2022, while Hyundai will do the same on October 17, 2022. 

Safety tips

Owners should park their vehicles away from structures until the repair is done.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Hyundai and Kia electrical issues are affecting more than a quarter million SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can use the same tool to do a Kia recall check. 

Bojan PopicHyundai and Kia recall SUVs that may burst into flames

Hyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor

Fountain Valley, CA – August 27, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 122,919 vehicles whose windshield wiper motors may fail, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade SUVs.

Recall summary

When the wipers on the subject vehicles encounter a build-up of snow or ice, the wiper motor may stop functioning or may only function intermittently

The root cause of the issue is not yet known but the manufacturer “suspects” that the accumulation can cause circuit breaker issues which can result in the wiper motor malfunctioning.

The components in question are the windshield wiper motor assemblies, with part numbers 98110-S8000 and 98110-G5000.

Recall risks

Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other recent Hyundai recalls

There is an urgent Hyundai Palisade recall due to the risk of fire. A problem with the tow hitch wiring has already led to fires, and the company is instructing owners to park outside and away from structures until the vehicles are repaired.

In July, more than 10,000 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid vehicles were recalled over fire risk. The subject vehicles were previously recalled for the same issue in 2018, but at least nine fires have been reported after repairs were made.

In January, Hyundai recalled more than 20,000 sedans and SUVs over windshields that could separate from the vehicle during a collision.

Repair

Although the remedy program is still being developed, owners will be able to take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair of the wiper issue at no cost. 

Owners will be notified about the repair program on or around October 14, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai Palisade issue is causing a recall of over 100,000 vehicles. To perform a Hyundai recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiHyundai recalls Palisade SUVs over defective windshield wiper motor