Tesla investigated over distracting video game feature

Tesla investigated over distracting video game feature

January 15, 2022 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2022 – The U.S. Government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla’s “Passenger Play” feature which potentially allows drivers to play Tesla video games on the front console while on the road. The feature – which increases the risk of an accident – is present in the following models :

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

Recall summary  

The government regulator, NHTSA, opened an investigation in December of last year following a complaint alleging that interactive video games and live internet web search are available on the Tesla center console while the car is in motion. 

Before December 2020, video games in Tesla vehicles could only be played when the vehicle was parked. But an update has allowed games to now be played while the car is in motion, requiring the player to only press a button confirming that they are not driving. NHTSA’s investigation will evaluate the “distraction potential” of this feature.

Risks

NHTSA is concerned that the availability of gameplay “may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.” Read more about the dangers of distracted driving in this article about a 2020 Chrysler recall.

Other Tesla investigations

This summer, NHTSA opened a broad investigation into Tesla’s autopilot system after at least 11 cars crashed into parked emergency vehicles. 

The autopilot system has also come under fire for not ensuring that drivers continue to pay attention to the road while autopilot is engaged, as intended. Other types of driver-assist, like GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road. Tesla’s high-tech vehicles do not include this type of monitoring.

Is your vehicle part of a Tesla recall?

An estimated 580,000 Teslas could be subject to a future recall. Check your Tesla for open recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandTesla investigated over distracting video game feature
Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

Daimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering

January 9, 2022 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – January 9, 2022 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) that owns both Mercedes-Benz and AMG brands, is recalling 38,312 vehicles with a suspension issue that may result in a loss of steering. This increases the risk of an accident and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz A220 
  • 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35
  • 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250  

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 SUV is not part of this recall.

Recall summary  

As reported, axles transfer the power from the vehicle to the wheels which enables the car to move. Front axles in particular also aid with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. 

An integral carrier, more commonly known as subframe, is the central part of the front axle that holds most of the suspension components in place. The supplier of these parts in the recalled vehicles did not apply enough “corrosion protection,” potentially leading the carrier to corrode and break or bend under loads. This may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The component in question is the “Integral Carrier” with part number A1776207101. 

Recall risks

Losing control of the car greatly increases the risk of a crash. 

Other Daimler recalls 

Among all the previous recalls concerning the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4matic, the one from July caused by a water leak is the most recent one. As for the 2021 AMG variant, there was a rear-spoiler-related recall in April.

The repair

Mercedes-Benz dealers will fix the issue by checking the condition of the integral carrier and replacing it if needed. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail  on February 15, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz front axle carrier recall is affecting more than 30,000 vehicles. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls Mercedes-Benz SUVs, sedans over loss of steering
Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

Tesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods

January 9, 2022 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – January 9, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 119,009 vehicles whose hoods may open while driving. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include:

  • 2014 Tesla Model S
  • 2015 Tesla Model S
  • 2016 Tesla Model S
  • 2017 Tesla Model S
  • 2018 Tesla Model S
  • 2019 Tesla Model S
  • 2020 Tesla Model S
  • 2021 Tesla Model S

Recall summary  

When closed, the recalled vehicles’ hood – called “frunk,” or front trunk in Tesla speak –  is secured in place with a latch. This is a mechanism with two separate latching assemblies. – The primary latch locks the hood, while the secondary one serves as a backup. In affected sedans, the secondary latch mechanism may be “misaligned,” which prevents it from locking the hood if needed. 

The component in question is the “Hood Latch” with part number 1033011-00-A. 

Recall risks

If the driver accidentally releases the main hood latch while driving, the hood may open unexpectedly. This will obstruct the driver’s view and may result in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury for the car occupants and other motorists.   

Warning signs

Releasing the primary hood latch triggers an alert on the dashboard. 

Other Tesla Model S recalls 

In addition to this Tesla Model S trunk issue, there were several other recalls concerning these vehicles recently. The latest one among them was in November and it was caused by airbags that may rupture during deployment.  

Separately, over 350,000 Model 3 sedans were recalled just last month due to malfunctioning rearview cameras which may fail to display an image when backing up, upping the risk of a backover crash.

The repair

Tesla service centers will fix the issue by inspecting the latch assembly. If needed, they will realign the latch components so it operates as designed. All repairs are free of charge and owners who paid out of pocket may be eligible for reimbursement. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Tesla trunk issues includes more than 110,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model S vehicles with in-your-face hoods
Ford recalls Mustang Mach-E and Maverick over ‘improperly attached’ seat belts

Ford recalls Mustang Mach-E and Maverick over ‘improperly attached’ seat belts

January 7, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – January 7, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,622 vehicles over faulty seat belts that may fail to protect passengers in a crash, putting them at a higher risk of injuries in a crash.

This Ford seat belt recall centers on the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Mustang Mach-E
  • 2021 Mustang Mach-E
  • 2022 Maverick

Recall summary

The rear seat belt buckles of the recalled vehicles are not attached to the rear floor assembly in the right way. This means that the seat belt can detach under load and fail to properly protect the passenger in the event of a crash.

The component involved in this recall is the “Rear Floor Assembly” with part numbers NZ6B-E11215-A/C/D and LJ9B-R11215-AN.

Recall risks

For information on the risks of this recall, please visit our recent article about a Ford F-150 recall because of the same issue.

Other Ford recalls 

This follows the recent recall issued for 2022 Ford Maverick units over an issue with the fuel tank, which may have been pierced by drilling holes during installation of a bed liner. Any damage or puncture to the fuel tank may result in a fuel leak, which increases the risk of fire or environmental pollution, apart from compromising the vehicle’s performance.  

Meanwhile, the last Ford Mustang recall was issued in October of last year over detaching windshields. The front glass on more than 17,600 Mustang Mach-E units was not properly glued in place, presenting a safety hazard for occupants. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and repair the seat belt buckle attachments free of charge. Owners of affected units will be notified by mail between January 17 and January 22, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 2,600 vehicles are being recalled because of this Ford seat belt issue. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Mustang Mach-E and Maverick over ‘improperly attached’ seat belts
Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Tesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

January 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto CA – January 6, 2022 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 356,309 vehicles with rearview cameras that may fail to display an image. This increases the risk of a crash and injury while backing up. This recall affects the following sedans: 

  • 2017 Tesla Model 3
  • 2018 Tesla Model 3
  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3

Recall summary  

All Tesla Model 3 vehicles have a rearview camera that transmits an image, which is then shown on the infotainment display. This makes reversing the vehicle easier and safer. In affected vehicles, the wiring harness inside the trunk lid, which connects the camera to the rest of the vehicle, may experience excessive wear because of “the opening and closing of the trunk lid.” This may interrupt the feed from the camera, preventing it from showing an image. 

The recall comes on the heels of over 2,300 warranty claims and over 600 field reports. No injuries have been reported.

The component in question is the “Trunk Wiring Harness” with part number 1068789-00-G. 

Warning signs

Prior to completely losing the feed from the rearview camera, the central display may flicker or show a distorted image. 

Recall risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Tesla recalls and investigations

There was one Tesla Model 3 recall recently because of unexpected braking

Over half a million of Tesla Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Model S vehicles are subject to a U.S. government investigation over the availability of a touchscreen accessible from the driver’s seat while the vehicle is in motion.

The majority of Tesla models made in the U.S are also being investigated due to a string of crashes with parked emergency vehicles, as reported.

The repair

To rectify this issue, Tesla dealers will check the condition of the trunk harness. If there are no signs of damage, they will install a guide protector that will prevent any further wear. In case the harness is already damaged, the dealer will replace it and install the guide protector for future protection. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 18, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall includes more than 350,000 vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls Model 3 vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
Ford recalls Maverick pickups over fire risk

Ford recalls Maverick pickups over fire risk

January 5, 2022 Sergio Stephano

Dearborn, MI – January 5, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 5,456 2022 Ford Maverick pickup trucks due to a fuel leak, which may increase the risk of fire. This augments the risk of crash and injury to the car occupants and other motorists.

Recall summary

The recalled vehicles had been outfitted with spray-in bedliner – whose non-slip texture ensures that the cargo carried in the bed of the truck does not move around and also protects the vehicle from water and moisture damage. During the installation of the liner, the supplier responsible for putting it in cleared “bed drain holes with a drill.” The drill may have come in contact with the tank, potentially damaging it and prompting this recall.

Recall risks

Damage to the fuel tank could result in a fuel leak, subsequently increasing the risk of a fire. Fire creates a great danger for the lives of the car occupants and those around them. For tips on what to do if your truck catches fire, please visit the following article.

Warning signs

Some of the tell-tale signs of damage to the fuel tank of the Ford Maverick 2022 include noticeable fuel leak on the ground or the unusual smell of fuel from the vehicle. Additionally, those inside the vehicle should see the malfunction indicator light (MIL) being illuminated, signifying an issue that needs to be addressed.

Other Ford and Lincoln recalls

This is not the first fire-related recall that Ford has issued this year. In August 2021, Ford recalled 33,298 Lincoln Aviator SUVs due to a wiring issue that could lead to an electrical fire. While the 2022 Ford Maverick fuel leak recall is due to a supplier error,  the Lincoln Aviator SUVs recall was attributed to a design error. In both cases, car owners were alerted of an increased risk of a fire.

Separately, the 2022 Maverick is subject to another recent recall due to faulty seat belts.

Repair

To remedy the issue, Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the fuel tank for any possible damage. In cases where damage to the surface is identified, the dealer will replace the fuel tank at no cost to the car owner. Car owners should expect to receive notification letters regarding the Ford recall check from January 28, 2022 until February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 5,000 Ford Maverick 2022 vehicles are potentially defective and included in this recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoFord recalls Maverick pickups over fire risk
Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

Subaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission

January 2, 2022 Bojan Popic

Camden, NJ – January 2, 2022  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 198,255 vehicles whose transmission may malfunction, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall supersedes and expands the one conducted for the same issue in 2019 and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2019 Subaru Ascent  
  • 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2020 Subaru Outback

Recall summary  

Affected vehicles have automatic transmission that operates using hydraulic pressure. Upon startup, it takes a brief moment before this pressure is sufficient to move the vehicle. 

Although this only takes a second or two, due to a software issue, the clutch of the affected vehicles may engage before adequate pressure within the transmission is achieved. This may result in the drive chain – which transfers power to the wheels – slipping and the driver not being able to use the gear selector. 

In the long-term, the drive chain may break, which could cause the vehicle to stall while driving.

The component in question is the Transmission Control Unit, or TCU, with multiple part numbers including  30919AG75A and 30919AH14D. 

Recall risks

If the transmission malfunctions in traffic, the vehicle will lose its ability to move. That may increase the risk of a crash or injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic. 

Several complaints associated with this recall mention the car “lurching forward and then back,” sometimes on a multi-lane highway. Another driver describes a harrowing experience of “losing power twice going up the steep hill” and “narrowly avoiding a collision due to slippery road.”

Other Subaru recalls 

In addition to this one, there was a recent Subaru Outback recall in August, caused by a possibility of an engine stall. The culprit was a faulty fuel pump.

Background of the recall

Over 75,000 2019 Subaru Ascent SUVs that are part of this recall were previously recalled for the same issue in December 2019. As of July 22, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – most of them have been repaired. However, according to the manufacturer, they will need to have the new remedy applied to be safe on the road. See information about the remedy further in this article and use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to see if your Subaru is affected.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the TCU software. Additionally, they will conduct appropriate inspections to determine if the transmission has sustained any damage, and replace it if needed. The remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners by mail on February 7, 2022, and owners who repaired the transmission on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Subaru Recall 2021 includes almost 200,000 vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls Ascent, Outback SUVs over loss of transmission
Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

Ford recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away

January 2, 2022 Aleksandra Snesareva

Dearborn, MI – January 2, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 4,548 2020 Ford Transit vans due to a defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away when parked or to stall while in motion. Either situation augments the risk of a crash or injury to the occupants of the van as well as other motorists.

The recall is limited to models equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Recall summary

The drivetrains of these vehicles have transfer cases whose role is to “transfer power from the transmission to the front and rear axles” of the car using driveshafts. The axles are shafts that deliver power to the wheels and the whole system enables the car to move, as reported.

The driveshaft is connected with the transfer case using bolts. The bolts in the recalled cars may come “loose or become damaged,” which could cause the driveshaft to separate from the case. This would result in the car stalling in traffic or rolling away when parked if the parking brake is not engaged.

Lastly, the separation could “damage…surrounding components, such as brake lines.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that rolls away when parked may hit pedestrians or surrounding structures, putting everyone at risk. For more information on the risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a Nissan recall for stalling.  

If there is any damage to the brake lines, this can affect brake performance, which increases the risk of injury to the car occupants and people around them.

Warning signs

In the event that the driveshaft becomes separated, car occupants will hear “driveline noise” and will feel vibration coming from the underside of the vehicle.

More background information

The cause of this recall is still under investigation.

There are two components involved in this recall: “Bolt and washer assembly” with part number LK41-4B496-CA and the “driveshaft assembly” with multiple part numbers, including LK41-4K145-DAE and LK41-4K145-FAE.

Other Ford recalls 

There was a Ford Transit recall involving model years – including the 2021 Ford Transit van – in May of last year due to the risk of rollaway when parked, as reported. Aside from Ford van recalls, there have been at least a couple of recalls related to driveshaft issues. – One was issued just last month for close to 200,000 2020-2021 F-150 pickup trucks and another one came out in September of last year for roughly 27,000 Super Duty F-350 pickups, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will conduct an inspection of the driveshaft and will replace the driveshaft, the bolts and the relevant surrounding components, if necessary. All repairs will be conducted free of charge.   

Owners of affected units will be notified by mail between January 31 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 4,500 vehicles are included in this Ford Transit recall. To do a Ford recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaFord recalls Transit vans that could stall or roll away
Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall

January 1, 2022 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – January 1, 2022 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 24,793 2021 Nissan Rogue SUVs whose fuel pumps may fail. This may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

A fuel pump is an electrical component inside the fuel tank that transfers the gasoline towards the engine.  As a result of incorrect assembly by a supplier, the pump may overheat and stop working. When that happens, the engine may stall and will not restart as if the car were out of gasoline.

The component in question is the Fuel Pump Assembly, with part number 17040 6RE0A for two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles and 17040 6RE1A for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles.  

Recall risks

For more on risks of stalling while driving, please visit this article on a recent RAM truck investigation.

Other Nissan recalls 

The 2021 model-year is subject to four additional recalls. About 2,000 of these cars were recalled about a year ago for fuel pump issues, as reported. More recently, some of these vehicles were affected by a September recall because of poorly secured child seats.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. Notifications about this Nissan Rogue fuel pump replacement will be sent to vehicle owners on January 26, 2022.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan Rogue recall includes more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls Rogue SUVs that may stall
Ford recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

Ford recalls trucks whose tailgates may open

January 1, 2022 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – January 1, 2022 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 57,591 2018 Ford F-150 pickup trucks whose tailgates may open on their own. This may allow the cargo to fall on the road, putting other motorists in danger.

Recall summary  

Ford trucks have latches on their tailgates that hold them in place when closed. On vehicles that are affected by this F-150 tailgate recall, the latching mechanism may unlatch under certain loads due to a design error. This allows the tailgate to open unexpectedly while driving or being stationary.

The component in question is the Tailgate Latch, with part numbers JL3A-9943150-AC and JL3A-9943150-BC. 

Recall risks

If the tailgate opens while driving, the cargo inside may slide out and drop on the road, becoming an obstacle. Other motorists may crash into it or while avoiding it, increasing the risk of an injury. Read more about the danger of road debris in this article about Land Rover fly-away spoilers.

Warning signs

The driver may notice that the tailgate is unlocked “prior to entering the vehicle.”

Other 2018 Ford F-150 recalls 

There were several previous 2018 F-150 recalls, with one from April concerning potential loss of wheel control being the latest. In addition, some of these trucks may have been affected by a March recall caused by tires prone to breakage.

Separately, newer model-years are affected by several recent recalls, including one from December for a faulty component of the drivetrain which may result in the loss of motive power and vehicle control, as well as “unintended movement” when parked.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing the tailgate latches on both left and right sides of the vehicle. All repairs will be done free of charge. Notifications about this replacement will be sent to vehicle owners between January 31, 2022 and February 4, 2022. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This F-Series recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To do a Ford recall check and see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls trucks whose tailgates may open
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories