Stellantis recalls Pacifica Hybrids over fire hazard

Stellantis recalls Pacifica Hybrids over fire hazard

February 19, 2022 Joseph Estabillo ,

Auburn Hills, MI – February 19, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns Chrysler brand – has issued a recall for 16,741 vehicles over a risk of fire which may occur even if the car is parked and turned off. A fire greatly increases the risk of an injury. 

The recall covers the following minivans:

  • 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV)
  • 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV)

Recall summary

Due to reasons that are currently being investigated, the recalled vehicles may suddenly burst into flames even when parked and with the ignition turned off. 

The recall comes on the heels of “five customer records and 12 field reports” of Pacifica PHEVs spontaneously combusting.

‘The vehicle exploded into a fireball’

One driver’s complaint described his or her family’s horrifying experience which happened while the car was driven by the person’s wife with five children inside. The wife noticed “smoke coming from under the hood.”  Within “seconds”  of continuing on, smoke turned into flames. She pulled over and barely got her kids out before the “vehicle exploded into a fireball.”  

Recall risks

A fire may damage nearby structures and vehicles. It also puts the life of the car occupants at risk.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of victims so far. 

Other Chrysler Pacifica recalls 

Chrysler Pacifica PHEV minivans were involved in at least two other fire-related recalls in the last couple of years.

Over 10,000 units of the 2017-2018 model-years were recalled in October 2018 partially because of a fire hazard caused by improperly starting the engine. In June 2020, the 2017-2020 model-years were recalled due to the risk of fire due to a faulty connector post behind the driver’s seat.

Safety tips

While the repair for these Chrysler Pacifica fire incidents is being worked on, owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles and to park them a safe distance away from structures and other vehicles. To learn what to do if your car catches fire, please visit this article about a related Hyundai recall.

The repair

The remedy is currently not available.  Owners will receive more information by mail by April 2, 2022. Any recall-affiliated repairs will be done free-of-charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 16,700 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To do a Chrysler recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Pacifica Hybrids over fire hazard
Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

Hyundai issues yet another fire-related recall

February 18, 2022 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – February 18, 2022 –  Hyundai (NASDAQ:HYMTF) is recalling 357,830 SUVs that may develop a fire inside their engine compartments, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is the latest addition to the endless list of fire-related recalls that have been the bane of Hyundai’s existence for quite some time.

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe 
  • 2017 – 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
  • 2014 – 2015 Hyundai Tucson 
  • 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Recall summary  

All models listed here are equipped with ABS, which is short for the anti-lock brake system. This is a safety system, whose job is to prevent wheels from locking up while braking. On vehicles that are a part of this Hyundai recall, the ABS control unit may overheat, causing a fire that spreads within the engine bay. The exact reason for overheating is currently under investigation.

The component in question is the ABS module, with part numbers 58920-4Z300, 58920-B8AC0 or 58920-2S820, depending on the model. 

Recall risks

A fire that occurs in the vehicle when driving or when parked carries a range of risks. To find out more about them, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Because the vehicle may catch fire even when parked, owners should park them outside and away from other vehicles and structures. This precautionary measure will prevent additional property damage if the fire does happen. 

Warning signs

Malfunctioning ABS module will disable the system and trigger a warning light, which is the first warning sign. Others may include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Hyundai Santa Fe recalls 

These Hyundai Santa Fe engine fires are a reoccurring issue that has been affecting many model years of these and other Hyundai and Kia vehicles. There are also previous Hyundai Tuscon recalls, such as one from January 2021, that was caused by a similar problem.  

The manufacturer and its sister company, Kia, are subject to a U.S. government investigation. The government auto safety regulator is trying to determine the effectiveness of recall repairs and if other vehicles need to be recalled as well, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will remedy this problem by inspecting the ABS module, and replacing it if needed. As an additional precision, they will replace the corresponding fuse with an uprated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 5, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Hyundai engine fires is affecting more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues yet another fire-related recall
Tesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach

Tesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach

February 18, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Austin, TX – February 18, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 578,607 vehicles that may not warn pedestrians of their approach. This increases the risk of a crash.

This is the sixth Tesla recall in the past couple of months. It applies to the following models:

  • 2020 – 2022 Model S
  • 2020 – 2022 Model X
  • 2020 – 2022 Model Y
  • 2017 – 2022 Model 3

Recall summary

All the vehicles that are included in this recall have a so-called Boombox function. The Boombox function allows owners to play any sound in place of the regular horn when the car is moving. At the same time, these cars are equipped with the Tesla Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) which warns pedestrians of the vehicle’s typically quiet approach.

The Boombox sound may “obscure” the PWS since they are both played through the same speaker. This means that pedestrians may be unaware of the car’s approach. 

Recall risks

Inaudible pedestrian warnings increase the risk of a crash. Fortunately, Tesla has not recorded any injuries or fatalities related to this issue.

Other recent Tesla recalls

In 2022 and late 2021, the above-mentioned Tesla models have already been subject to five additional recalls, as well as a government investigation over a potentially distracting video game feature.

The most recent Tesla Model Y recall was earlier this month due to frosted-up windshields which limited the driver’s visibility, as reported. Prior to that,  there was a Tesla Model S recall due to faulty seat beltchime, preceded by a Tesla Model 3 recall due to these cars not fully stopping at stop signs. 

You can read up on the investigation and the other Tesla recalls that have already been issued this year here. 

Repair

To remedy the situation, Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) update to disable the Boombox functionality when the car is in Reverse, Neutral and Drive. This will be done at no cost to the owners.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Tesla regarding the repair program by April 5, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than half a million Tesla vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiTesla recalls vehicles that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach
Volkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

Volkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control

February 13, 2022 Senamile Nkosi

Auburn Hills, MI – February 13, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 31,058 vehicles due to premature tire wear which could lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. This is a redo of a last year’s Audi recall.

The recall includes some the following models:

  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A4 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A5 Sportback
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A5 Coupe
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A7
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi A8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi Q5
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi RS5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S4
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi S5
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S6
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S7 
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi S8
  • 2020 – 2021 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

Axles transmit power from the vehicle to the wheels in order to move the car forward. In this Volkswagen recall, the rear axles are misaligned. As a result, the wheels may have less grip on the surface of the road.

The full list of vehicles is available here.

Recall risks

The Audi rear axle misalignment may cause premature or uneven tire wear. When the tires are worn “to the carcass,” they may get punctured, which may lead to a loss of driver’s control of the vehicle.

Background of the recall

Some of the cars included in this recall were recalled in April of last year due to a broken nut in the rear axle, which could also cause a loss of control. Included in the recall were the 2021 Audi RS6 Avant and 2019 Audi S5 Sportback vehicles.  However, dealers did not check the wheel alignment when addressing the issue, leading to today’s recall.

Warning signs

The driver may not be able to keep the car straight, especially “when braking or accelerating.” The tires may also show signs of unexpected or premature wear and tear upon inspection.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In December 2021, the 2018-2022 Audi Q5 and 2018—´2022 Audi SQ5 models were recalled due to a defect that could cause reduced engine power.

Repair

The rear axles of the affected vehicles will be inspected and where necessary, be adjusted. Tires will also be checked for premature and uneven wear that may have resulted from the misalignment. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from Audi regarding the repair program by March 25, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 30,000 Audis included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiVolkswagen recalls Audis due to loss of control
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
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