Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 13, 2022 –  Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 126,747 cars that may catch fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers.

SUVs and sedans that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a safety system that adjusts the braking force to each wheel, preventing them from locking up while braking hard or on slippery surfaces. On affected vehicles, the ABS module may overheat and cause a fire inside the engine bay.  The exact reason for overheating is still unknown, although it is suspected to be caused by an “internal electrical short“.

The component in question is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)  – which is part of the ABS module – with part numbers 58920-3T380 and 58920-3W810 for K900 and Sportage, respectively.

Recall risks

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

Safety tips

Kia advises owners to park their vehicles outside, away from other vehicles and structures. This will prevent additional property damage in the event of a fire when the vehicle is stationary. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short by the check engine or ABS warning light.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Kia Sportage recalls 

In March 2021, 2018-2021 Sportage cars were part of a recall due to the same issue, as reported.

Additionally, over 50 model-years are currently subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to see if the remedies that have been issued for existing recalls are enough to fix the problem. The regulators are also looking into complaints about vehicles not part of these recalls catching fire to see if they need to be recalled as well. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the fuse with an uprated one, which will prevent the HECU from short circuiting and overheating. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 31, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Kia engine fires is affecting more than 120,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk
Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

Tesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX  – February 13, 2022 –  Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 26,681 sedans and SUVs whose windshields may fail to defrost or defog. This limits driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is the company’s fifth recall this year, which affects the following vehicles;

  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2021 – 2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

All vehicles that are a part of this recall have a heat, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), whose job is to heat and cool the car as needed. Due to a software error, the system may fail to defrost or defog the windshield and also “cause the loss of cabin heating.”

Recall risks

A fogged up or a frosted up windshield may limit driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

If the defrosting feature is not working properly, the driver will get a corresponding warning message from the HVAC system. In addition, drivers may notice that the windshield is fogged up.  

Other Tesla recalls 

This is Tesla’s fifth recall this year. There was a Model Y recall earlier this month – which also included Model 3, S and X – because of a feature that allowed these cars to “roll” through a stop sign under certain conditions. The automaker already disabled the feature thanks to an over-an-air (OTA) update.

You can read about other recent recalls and Tesla investigations in this article about a recent Tesla recall because of defective seat belt chimes.

The repair

Tesla will take care of this problem by issuing an over-the-air (OTA) firmware update. No Tesla windshield replacement will be necessary. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 1, 2022 but it is not clear when the update will be launched.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Bojan PopicTesla recalls vehicles due to frosted-up windshields
Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

Tesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime

February 12, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Austin, TX – February 12, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has issued a recall for 817,143 vehicles across four models over a defective seat belt chime. The absence of an audible reminder to wear the seat belt may cause the driver to operate the vehicle without it, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. 

The recall covers the following models:

  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2021-2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary

The vehicles have a seat belt chime that activates when the vehicle is started, reminding the driver to fasten the seat belt. This works together with a visual seat belt reminder that can be seen on the vehicle’s dashboard.

If the chime is interrupted when the vehicle was previously used while the seat belt was not fastened, a software error will prevent the chime from sounding off the next time the vehicle is used.  This will happen if, for example, the driver left the vehicle while the chime was still going off with the engine running and then returned.

Recall risks

Drivers may not fasten their seat belts, which augments the risk of an injury in a crash.

While the chime will go off at speeds over 13.7 miles per hour (mph), this may not give the driver enough time to fasten the belt before an accident occurs.

Other Tesla recalls 

The latest Tesla seat belt recall is the electric vehicle maker’s fourth, barely two months into 2022. There was a Tesla Model 3 recall  spanning more than 356,000 vehicles in early January over faulty rearview cameras. This was followed by a Tesla Model S recall involving over 119,000 units for hoods that may open while the vehicle is traveling, obscuring the driver’s view.

The third advisory concerned over 53,000 Tesla vehicles over a “rolling stop” feature that allowed them to go through a stop sign without halting completely, presenting a higher risk of collision with other road users.   

In addition to the recalls, the automaker is subject to two investigations, including one for potentially allowing drivers to play video games on the front console while on the road.

The repair

Tesla already released new firmware to correct the software error, enabling the chime to go off. The firmware update was deployed over-the-air (OTA) to the affected vehicles in late January and early February.

Owners will also receive letters with more information on April 1, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 800,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. To do a Tesla recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloTesla recalls four models over faulty seat belt chime
Toyota recalls Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals

Toyota recalls Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals

February 11, 2022 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – February 11, 2022 –  Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 41,544 Toyota Venza Hybrid 2021 SUVs whose their rear turn signals and hazard lights may become inoperative. The defect makes the vehicle less visible to other drivers, upping the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Toyota recall have turn signal lights that may not be sealed properly due to a supplier error. This means that during heavy downpours or even car washing, water can get past the LED bulbs and inside the light housing. If that happens, the moisture might come in contact with the circuit board that powers the bulbs, causing a short circuit.  

This may cause “dimming or deactivation of the rear turn signal.”

The components in question are the rear turn signal lights, with part numbers 81540-48010 for the left-hand assembly and 81530-48010 for the right-hand one. 

Recall risks

With rear turn signal lights being dimmed or not working at all, other motorists may not be aware of driver’s  intentions. This can lead to a crash, which increases the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs

If water gets into the circuit board, the driver may notice “a quick flashing of the turn signal indicator on the instrument panel until the condensation on the circuit board dries.”

Other Toyota Venza recalls 

Apart from this current issue that is affecting these vehicles, there are no other Toyota Venza recalls at this time. There is, however, a handful of complaints from the owners of these vehicles about the faulty lights, as well as fuel tank issues.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the LED bulbs, as well as the turn signal light assembly if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners with more information will be sent by mail between March 19, 2022, and March 26, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Toyota turn signal recall is affecting more than 40,000 vehicles. To do a Toyota recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls Venza hybrids with faulty turn signals
NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

February 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will not have to recall its 2011-2013 Kia Sorento SUVs over failing headlights. The finding follows a U.S government investigation which looked into reports of headlight failures with the goal of identifying a safety-related problem.

Investigation summary  

After receiving over 1,300 complaints from owners of these vehicles,  the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated the investigation in June 2020.  According to the complaints, headlights on the SUVs would shut down on their own, without any apparent reason. 

Investigation conclusion 

Upon closer examination, the regulator has discovered that headlight issues in question are caused by a connector that may overheat. When that happens, the low beam light may start flickering or even shut down completely. In most cases, this issue was limited to one headlight. And even if both low-beam headlights would shut down, the driver was still able to turn them back on by toggling the headlight switch to the “ON” position. 

Because Kia has started replacing these connectors in 2019 as a part of extended warranty,  the regulator concluded last month that there was no need for a recall. 

Other Kia recalls 

Despite the complaints and corresponding investigation, there is no Kia headlights recall or Kia Optima headlight recalls caused by this particular issue. However, Kia and Hyundai are being investigated because of ongoing recalls related to fires, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Kia Sorento highlight issue did not result in a recall, although there may be other ones that are affecting these SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if your vehicle is due for any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights
Tesla recalls cars that don’t stop at stop signs

Tesla recalls cars that don’t stop at stop signs

February 6, 2022 Rebecca Rand

Palo Alto, CA – February 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 53,822 electric vehicles with beta software that intentionally allows cars to come to a “rolling stop” at a stop sign, an illegal driving maneuver that also ups the risk of an accident.

The recall affects  the following models :

  • 2017-2022 Tesla Model 3
  • 2016-2022 Tesla Model S
  • 2016-2022 Tesla Model X
  • 2020-2022 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

Do Teslas stop at stop signs? Not always. 

At the center of this recall is the problematic “rolling stop” feature in Tesla’s self-driving beta software that allows a car to roll through a stop sign at speeds up to 5.6 miles per hour without coming to a complete halt. 

The cars are programmed to not come to a complete stop only if certain conditions are met. This includes the absence of “relevant moving cars,” pedestrians or cyclists near the intersection.

However, according to the Associated Press (AP), there are no states where a rolling stop is legal.

The recall is limited to cars with “full self-driving software,” which is currently in beta.

Recall risks

According to the recall report Tesla submitted to the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “entering an all-way-stop intersection without coming to a complete stop may increase the risk of collision.” 

Other Tesla safety concerns

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun to crack down on Tesla’s safety practices, and has recently launched investigations over distracting game features and failures of its Tesla autopilot feature.

The repair

Tesla will stream an over-the-air (OTA) software update to the affected Teslas early this month that will disable the rolling stop feature. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 53,000 vehicles are included in this Tesla recall. Is your car part of a Tesla Model X recall, Tesla Model S recall or Tesla Model Y recall? Run a Tesla recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls cars that don’t stop at stop signs
Mitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

February 5, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – February 5, 2022 –  Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 16,616 cars whose fuel pumps may fail, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Mitsubishi Outlander recall have a fuel pump with two parts that were incorrectly fused during due to a supplier error. As a result, they may experience “abnormal wear” and eventually render the pump inoperative.

This may cause the car to stall without any prior warning.

Recall risks

Read more about the dangers of stalling in fast-moving traffic in this article about a recent Mazda recall for the same issue.

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

In addition to this fuel pump issue, some of these Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 vehicles are subject to two more recalls. The larger of the two was done in August of last year because of a faulty seat belt retractor that may fail to adequately secure a child seat. That recall was due to a broader issue with the retractor supplier, Swedish-American parts’ manufacturer, Autoliv, and has impacted most major manufacturers.

Outlander’s older model-years were recalled a year ago due to parking brake issues, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the fuel pump with an upgraded version free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 18, 2022. Drivers who paid for repairs out of pocket may be eligible for a reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mitsubishi Fuel Pump recall affects more than 15,000 SUVs. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall
Stellantis recalls RAM trucks with faulty windshield wipers

Stellantis recalls RAM trucks with faulty windshield wipers

February 5, 2022 Senamile Nkosi , ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 5, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, has recalled 171,789 vehicles due to faulty windshield wipers. This may lead to reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash and injury to the driver and other motorists. 

The recall includes the following pickup trucks:

  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 2500 
  • 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500 

The 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500 cab chassis, 2019 – 2020 RAM 4500/5500  cab chassis and 2019 – 2020 RAM 3500 cab chassis are also included in this recall.

Recall summary

The windshield arms of the recalled vehicles may not function properly due to a loose nut which connects it with the car.

Recall risks

As a result of the wipers failing to function optimally, there may be reduced visibility under certain weather conditions. This poses a higher risk of a crash or injury for the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Warning signs

The driver may notice one or both wiper arms not clearing the windshield properly. In other cases, the wipers “may not sit in their proper rest positions.”

Other recent Stellantis recalls

This is not the first RAM 3500 recall in recent months. In fact, 222,410 RAM trucks were recalled in December of last year due to defective fuel pumps which may cause the vans to stall.

Prior to that, in November, Stellantis recalled 7,082 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs due to the high beams being difficult to activate. Much like this recall, this increased the risk of a crash or injury because of reduced visibility.

The repair

To remedy the issue, Chrysler will torque the loose wiper nut, at no cost to the car owner. In cases where an owner has already incurred the costs of repairs, they will be reimbursed upon providing proof of payment. Chrysler is expected to send notifications to owners with more information on March 18, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This RAM windshield wipers’ recall includes more than 170,000 vehicles. To do a RAM recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls RAM trucks with faulty windshield wipers
Kia recalls five models over defective airbags

Kia recalls five models over defective airbags

February 5, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Irvine, CA – February 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 410,619 units spanning various models over faulty airbags that may fail to inflate in case of a crash, putting the occupants of the car at the risk of injury.

The Kia airbag recall involves the following models:

  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul
  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Sedona
  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul EV
  • 2017 – 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2017 Kia Forte Koup

Recall summary

These models use airbags that cushion occupants’ heads and prevent them from hitting the vehicle’s interior during a crash. The airbags are regulated by a computer called the airbag control unit (ACU), which is protected by a cover.

Manufacturing defects can cause this cover to make contact with – and possibly damage – the electronics responsible for controlling the airbags. When this happens, the airbags may become deactivated and not work in the event of a crash.

The component involved in this recall is the “Airbag Module Assembly” with multiple part numbers, including 95910-B2050 and 95910-B2600.

Recall risks

Faulty airbags  expose the vehicle’s occupants to a higher risk of serious injury during a crash.

Warning signs

If the airbags are deactivated, the airbag warning light will come on the dashboard.

Other Kia recalls 

There was a Kia Forte recall in September because of faulty trunk latches, which in rare cases if someone is stuck inside may prevent that person from opening the trunk.

In addition to that, earlier model-years of the same car – as well as close to 3 million of other Hyundai and Kia cars – are being investigated to see if the manufacturers will be required to issue new recalls for these cars based on an increased risk of fire. Kia and Hyundai have been in the crosshairs of the U.S. auto safety regulator for the past couple of years because of their vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons, as reported.

The repair

If the airbag warning light is on, the ACU will be replaced with an improved one. If the ABWL is not on, an update to the airbag’s software will be installed. Both measures will ensure that the airbags inflate during a crash to protect occupants.

All repairs will be done free of charge and owners who already paid out of pocket will be reimbursed. Notifications with more information will be sent March 21 and March 25, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 400,000 vehicles are being recalled because of this Kia airbag issue. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls five models over defective airbags
Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

January 30, 2022 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is looking into whether Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will need to recall additional vehicles that may be prone to catching fire and whether remedies for the recalls both manufacturers have already issued are adequate to lower the risk of fire. Both companies have already issued various recalls for vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons.

This latest development is part of an ongoing probe into the situation that affects an estimated 3 million vehicles. A partial list of the vehicles is below:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

Summary

On December 21, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), opened this probe – called an engineering analysis – on the heels of “161 fires potentially due to engine failures,”  which resulted in three injuries. 

Out of the complaints submitted, 125 were about vehicles that were not previously included in any fire-related recalls, while the rest was about cars that  have already been repaired under one of the eight recalls that have so far been issued due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire. 

The full list of vehicles being investigated is available here. Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

‘Caught fire while parked and turned off’

Some of the cars previously not included in a fire-related recall are the ​​2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Kia Sorento and 2012-2015 Kia Rio with as many as 550,000 of them potentially subject to recalls. 

In one of the related complaints, the driver alleges that his or her car caught fire while turned off in a parking lot of a restaurant. Witnesses mentioned hearing “electrical sparks” before the fire. The driver did not have insurance that would cover the loss of his or her “only mode of transportation.”

In another situation, a 2013 Elantra with only “8-12 miles on it” was “fully engulfed” after minutes of catching fire for unknown reasons. A third driver lost his or her brakes but did not receive any additional warnings before seeing smoke coming out from the back of the car while out on the highway.

Potential inadequate remedies

Over 35 complaints are about cars that received recall repairs, but still ended up having engine issues. The following recalls may need to be “re-done” with a new repair:

Background of the investigation

Hyundai and Kia have been under the scrutiny of the U.S. government since 2017 when NHTSA opened queries regarding Theta II engine recalls that contained various “inaccuracies” in the associated reports. Both manufacturers were found liable and paid hefty penalties – $70 million for Kia and $140 million for Hyundai – and were required to take a host of safety-related measures to ensure that these omissions would not happen in the future. 

In 2019, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate claims of “non-crash fires,” which resulted in multiple recalls. The investigation has now been upgraded to this engineering analysis, which typically takes a year and may result in additional recalls. 

Will your vehicle be part of a new recall?

No new recalls have been announced as of the publication of this article, but future Hyundai engine recalls and Kia engine recalls may be coming. To do a Kia recall check or a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Rebecca RandHyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire
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