Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

Ford sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire

July 24, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – July 24, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is being sued over allegations that it should have known that the vehicles it recently recalled were defective and that it waited too long to launch the said recall.

The allegations are based on reports of fire and consequent damage which plaintiffs experienced even when the vehicle was turned off.

The lawsuit is coming on the back of a recall for the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Ford Expedition
  • 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The events that led to this Ford lawsuit  

Vehicles listed above can catch fire while driving or when parked and turned off. In total, 21 SUVs have burst into flames so far, with one of the events leading to an injury. 

Ford first recalled 39,000 of these models in May 2022. The manufacturer, however, did not reveal the source of the problem or the fix for it. Instead, it advised drivers to “park away from structures.”

Earlier this month, the recall was expanded to 66,221 cars, according to a press release. The cause of the issue is believed to be defective “printed circuit boards” which are “uniquely susceptible” to short-circuiting and fires. The repair for some of the vehicles will involve replacing the vehicles’ electronic circuit control center and only one-third of the recalled vehicles can be repaired now.

The allegations

A total of 22 plaintiffs sued Ford on June 7 in the Michigan Eastern District Court and amended the complaint earlier this month on the back of the recall expansion. They are claiming that Ford’s approach to the recall and the fire issue are inadequate in several ways.

First, Ford “either knew or should have known” of the fire defect before it launched the vehicles but “did nothing” to warn consumers of it. Instead, it waited “months” to launch the recall.

In addition, while the fix for the majority of the cars is not available, the manufacturer made no attempts to provide loaner vehicles or offer reimbursements to the owners who still have to make payments on the purchase. These are now considered unusable by some owners because of the risk of fire. 

Lastly, there is a worry that not all affected vehicles are included in the current recall. This claim is backed up by the case of one of the plaintiffs whose 2021 Ford Expedition XLT burst into flames in front of his home last month. This particular vehicle, however, is not a part of the recalled population, because it was built in December 2021, while the recall only includes cars built between July 27, 2020 and August 31, 2021.

The plaintiffs are alleging that by engaging in the actions described above, Ford violated multiple state and federal consumer protection laws, including the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

The asks 

In this Ford engine fire lawsuit, plaintiffs are looking for “restitution,”  including the reimbursement of the purchase price of the vehicles, as well as any damages and other costs associated with the lawsuit. 

They are also asking for a jury trial to help decide their case. 

Recall risks

Vehicle fires carry several risks, as described in this article about a Hyundai fire-related recall.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

Over 66,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs are affected by this Ford recall lawsuit. However, this number might increase in the future. To check on other Ford Expedition recalls or Lincoln Navigator recalls, go to MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord sued over Lincoln Navigator and Expedition SUVs that may catch fire
BMW recalls vehicles with faulty display

BMW recalls vehicles with faulty display

July 23, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Westwood, NJ – July 23, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 6,930 vehicles whose display does not show critical safety information while being parked by a valet. This increases the risk of a crash.

The following vehicles are included in this recall:

  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive40
  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive50
  • 2022 – 2023 BMW iX M60
  • 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40
  • 2022 BMW i4 M50

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are those equipped with a BMW hybrid electric powertrain and have a central information display (CID) that shows important safety information. The recalled vehicles’ CID may fail to show safety warnings when in valet parking mode due to a software error.

Valet parking mode is a setting that protects the main driver’s private information and can lock the tailgate when someone else is driving, such as when a valet is parking the vehicle.

Recall risks

If the driver cannot see warning lights or messages that should appear on the display, the risk of a crash increases.

Other recent BMW recalls

In March, nearly one million 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV vehicles were recalled over engine fire risk.

There are no BMW i4 recall aside from this one at the moment.

There was a BMW hybrid recall in September of last year due to a brake assist issue. The recall included non-hybrid cars as well, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the BMW center display issue, owners will be asked to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the head unit software reprogrammed at no cost. 

Owners can expect to receive further communication from BMW regarding the repair program around August 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 7,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To conduct a BMW recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiBMW recalls vehicles with faulty display
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue

July 23, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Jacksonville, FL – July 23, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, has issued a recall for 8,530 vehicles due to a software issue which may prevent the rearview camera from displaying. This increases the risk of a crash. 

The recall covers the following models: 

  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach S 580
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 500
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 450
  • 2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 580

Recall summary

While the rearview and exterior side mirrors allow the driver to check the vehicle’s rear for hazards, the rearview camera provides a clearer view of the areas beyond their reach. When reverse gear is engaged, the camera provides a video feed which is displayed on the vehicle’s dashboard monitor.  

In the affected vehicles, a software error on the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system may cause central display – and by extension, the rearview camera – to remain blank when the car is unlocked.

The component involved in this recall is the MBUX multimedia system software, with multiple part numbers including 2979036000, 2979036501, A2239030203 and A2239025920. 

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar brake recall issued by Mercedes-Benz. 

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls 

In March 2022, Daimler issued a recall for Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over a similar problem with the rearview cameras. Affected units had the displayed image freeze while the vehicle was reversing, increasing the risk of an accident.  

The Mercedes-Benz S500, S580, EQS 450, and EQS 580 were also the subjects of a recall in the same month due to defective rear lights. On the affected models, the rear turn signals, reversing lights and hazard lights may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash.   

There w​​as a Mercedes-Benz Maybach recall in May this year due to the risk of fire, as reported. The recall also included  GLE and GLS vehicles.

The repair

Dealers update the MBUX software used in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service. Mercedes-Benz will reimburse owners who paid to have the problem fixed prior to the recall order.   

Affected owners will be notified by September 9, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mercedes-Benz recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz vehicles over rearview camera issue
Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags
Buick recalls Regal vehicles over loss of brake assist

Buick recalls Regal vehicles over loss of brake assist

July 17, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Warren, MI – July 17, 2022 – General Motors (NYSE:GM), which owns the Buick brand, has issued a recall for 23,734 Regal sedans because of a potential loss of brake assist.

The recall covers the 2018–2020 Buick Regal mid-size cars.  

Recall summary

The brake assist function helps in stopping the car faster during emergency braking. This is achieved through a pump that boosts the brakes’ stopping power by removing all the air inside the booster, creating a vacuum. The pump is regulated by the electronic brake control module, or EBCM.  

In the affected vehicles, a software error may lead to the EBCM failing to engage the brake booster function.

If there is no assist, the vehicle may take a longer distance to stop, depending on the force exerted by the driver on the brake pedal.

The component involved in this recall is the electronic brake control module software, with multiple part numbers including 39135331, 39187211, 39187212 and 39215669.    

Recall risks

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

Warning signs 

When the vacuum-brake assist has failed to engage, a message will appear on the dashboard. This will be accompanied by a malfunction warning light, and drivers may observe that the brake pedal becomes harder to press.  

Other Buick recalls 

As part of recent Buick Regal recalls, the 2010-2013 model years were among those included in a recall issued in January over suspension issues. The rear suspension toe links used in the affected vehicles could break due to the supplier’s excessive use of protective coating, which could fail to shield the part against corrosion. This could lead to the toe links wearing down and breaking, causing the rear wheels to wobble. 

The repair

Dealers will reflash the EBCM software used in the affected vehicles. There will be no charge for this service. General Motors will reimburse owners who paid to have the problem fixed prior to the recall order.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 23,000 vehicles are included in this Buick Regal brake recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Buick recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloBuick recalls Regal vehicles over loss of brake assist
Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

Ford recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire

July 17, 2022 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 100,689 hybrids whose gasoline engines may fail, causing them to burst into flames. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the heels of 23 owner complaints and includes the following models equipped with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine: 

  • 2020 – 2022 Ford Escape 
  • 2020 – 2022 Lincoln Corsair
  • 2022 Ford Maverick

Recall summary  

All listed models have an active grille shutter feature, a series of air flaps that seals the engine bay to improve aerodynamics. On affected vehicles, the 2.5-liter engine may suffer from a catastrophic failure “due to manufacturing issues” that results in a ruptured engine block or oil pan. The hot engine oil, which escapes through the resulting holes and gathers up on the metal shield under the engine, may burst into flames.

Warning signs

In an event of an engine failure, drivers may notice an unusual rattle from the engine bay or a lack of power. A strong smell of burning oil is another tell-tale sign. If the driver detects any of these signs, they should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Recall risks

Vehicle fire that occurs while driving carries several risks, as explained in this Kia recall. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the heels of at least 23 driver complaints received by Ford. No injuries have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Ford already had issues with engine fires with their larger SUVs, which resulted in a recall that took place in May 2022. In addition, there was a Ford Maveric recall in April, caused by trailer brake issues. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will modify the active shutter grille and the metal shield under the engine. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent between August 8, 2022, and August 12, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Ford engine fire recall is affecting more than 100,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls SUVs and pickup over risk of fire
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over tire failure risk

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over tire failure risk

July 17, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Sandy Springs, GA – July 17, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 24,403 vehicles whose maximum load rating was calculated incorrectly. Loading the vehicle up to the posted maximum may cause excessive wear on the tires as well as potential “tire failure,” increasing the risk of a crash. 

This recall includes the 2016 – 2018 Mercedes-Benz Metris vans.

Recall summary

The vehicles were given a maximum load rating that was slightly higher than allowed due to “an oversight.” This means that owners could unknowingly overload the vehicle.

Recall risks

An overloaded vehicle may cause excessive tire wear and lead to tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

In the event of a loss of tire pressure, drivers will be alerted by the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning signal on the instrument cluster and should be able to take “appropriate mitigation measures.”

Other recent Daimler recalls

Other Mercedes-Benz van recalls include one in May involving Metris vans that are unable to dial emergency services. This puts vehicle occupants at risk of not getting the necessary help in time in case of an injury or crash.

In the same month, a stop-drive notice was issued for Mercedes-Benz R-Class, ML-Class, and GL-Class vehicles. A defective braking system could  increase the risk of a crash.

Among earlier Mercedes-Benz Metris recalls was one issued in March: 2016–2021 vans were recalled over decreased braking performance, due to a manufacturing error.

Repair

Daimler has not yet announced a remedy for this recall. Vehicle owners can expect to receive further communication by July 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 20,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz tire recall. To perform a Mercedes-Benz recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz Metris vans over tire failure risk
Mitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Mitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

July 17, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Franklin, TN – July 17, 2022 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) has issued a recall for 56,080 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera. The device could fail to show an image of the vehicle’s rear portion while reversing, increasing the risk of accidents and injury as well as property damage. 

The recall covers the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover SUVs.

Recall summary

The rearview camera enhances safety by providing drivers with a view of the vehicle’s rear while the transmission is in Reverse gear. This image is displayed on the dashboard monitor, allowing users to see more behind the vehicle than is normally possible with the rearview mirror.

Due to a Mitsubishi software issue, the recalled vehicles could fail to show the image on the screen, restricting the driver’s view of the area.

The component involved in this recall is the in-vehicle infotainment system, with part numbers 8740A049 and 8740A050.    

Recall risks

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

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

There was a Mitsubishi Outlander recall in February 2022 over a problem with the fuel pump. “Abnormal wear” on the component could cause it to fail, leading to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2022 Outlander has also been the subject of two complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over defective airbags. One incident was recorded on July 7, when an Outlander’s front airbags failed to deploy, despite the vehicle sustaining severe damage to the “front quarter panels.”

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the software to fix the problem. This will be performed free of charge. Owners who have availed of a remedy prior to the recall order will be directed to contact Mitsubishi for reimbursement.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 56,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mitsubishi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloMitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras
Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

Hyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire

July 10, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – July 10, 2022 – Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 10,575 hybrids that may catch fire due to overheating under their rear seats, increasing the risk of crash and injury. 

These vehicles were already repaired due to the same issue in 2018, but are being recalled again on the back of at least 9 fires post-repair. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

Recall summary  

All hybrid vehicles listed here have a relay, or a switch, which is a part of their electrical system underneath the rear seats. The purpose of the switch is to connect and disconnect “ the battery and the inverter… wiring.”

Due to a supplier error, connectors on these relays could be loose. This increases electrical resistance and causes the relay to overheat, which can, in the worst-case scenario, result in  a vehicle fire. 

The components causing this recall are the power relay and the main relay within it, with part numbers 37514-G2100QQH and 37583-A8000QQH.

Recall risks

An in-vehicle fire that happens while driving or when parked carries several risks. This includes crashes, injuries and property damage. 

Background of the recall

These cars were already recalled over this issue in 2018.

However, starting in 2021, Hyundai began receiving reports of some of the repaired vehicles catching fire. Upon investigating, the manufacturer found that at least some of the vehicles still had original relays in them, despite “repair history displaying” that the relays were switched.

On the heels of that information, the new recall was initiated.

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia are subject to a U.S. government investigation over ongoing fire issues. The investigation has so far resulted in 16 recalls, 8 for each manufacturer, according to the federal auto safety regulator, the National Transportation Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

The regulator is currently evaluating whether the manufacturers will need to recall more cars and whether or not the remedies performed under these recalls were sufficient, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect previously installed relays and replace them if needed. This repair will be free of charge. Notifications will be sent to the owners on August 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Hyundai fire recall is affecting more than 10,000 hybrid vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues second recall of Ioniq hybrids over risk of fire
Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

Toyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns

July 10, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Plano, TX – July 10, 2022 – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 46,176 trucks over part of the vehicles’ powertrain detaching from its housing, making the vehicles harder to handle and increasing the risk of a crash.

This recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

Recall summary

A vehicle’s powertrain propels it forward and consists of axles – which are shafts that transfer rotational power from the vehicle’s transmission to its wheels – as well as the engine and the transmission.

The nuts holding together parts of the Toyota Tundra axle shaft assembly may have been improperly tightened during assembly and may loosen further over time. When this happens, parts of the axle shaft may detach from their housing. 

The components in question are the left and right axle shaft subassemblies, with part numbers 47870-0C020 and 47880-0C020.

Recall risks

Detached axle shaft components can cause the loss of vehicle stability and brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If your vehicle is faulty, you may “experience vibration, hear an abnormal noise, and/or observe leaking of differential oil,” according to Toyota. 

Other recent Toyota recalls

One of the most recent Toyota truck recalls was in May. The manufacturer recalled nearly 20,000 2022 Tundra pickup trucks over a problem with the rearview camera that was attributed to a software error.

Earlier in May, Toyota issued another stability-related recall, which affected 17 models. Nearly half a million vehicles’ stability control could fail to automatically turn back on after the vehicle was restarted.

One of the more recent Toyota Tundra recalls included the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The vehicles were recalled in December 2021 over a leak in the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Repair

Owners can take their vehicles to a Toyota dealer for a rear axle inspection and retightening of the axle nuts. Any axle-related components that may have been damaged because of this recall issue will be replaced. There will be no cost to the owner.

Owners should expect to receive information regarding the repair program between July 15, 2022 and July 29, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 40,000 vehicles are included in this Toyota recall. To perform a check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiToyota recalls Tundra vehicles over stability concerns
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories