Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power

December 25, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva ,

Auburn Hills, MI. – December 25, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is issuing a recall for 288,991 vehicles over a defect that could cause reduced engine power while moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following compact SUVs:

  • 2018 – 2022 Audi Q5
  • 2018 – 2022 Audi SQ5

Recall summary

The gateway control module is located in the back of the car and allows the vehicle’s various control units – such as those involving the engine, transmission and onboard infotainment– to communicate efficiently, As the component is vulnerable to water damage, it is programmed to shut down when water reaches it.

In the recalled vehicles, water can get into the module due to liquid spills on the rear seats or while driving “through heavy rain…or deep puddles due to an insufficient underbody seam.” This can short-circuit the component. While the vehicle’s steering and braking systems will continue to work when this happens, the engine will switch to emergency mode, resulting in reduced power.  

The component in question is the gateway control module, with part number 80A 907 577 C.

Recall risks

Reduced engine power increases the risk of accidents.

Warning signs

The driver will receive several warning messages as the gateway control module shuts down. These messages are caused by the “interrupted communication” between the networks that the control module manages. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

The Volkswagen recall check comes less than a year after the Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback models were introduced in January 2021. The most recent Audi Q5 recall took place in May 2021 over potential suspension damage, spanning the 2020 and 2021 model years.  

The repair

Dealers will install a protective cover to keep water from reaching the gateway control module. In some units, a sealant will also be applied to secure the underbody seam and prevent water from entering underneath. The repairs will be done free of charge.  

Audi will contact dealers and owners with more detailed information by February 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 280,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To do an  Audi recall check,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Aleksandra SnesarevaVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced engine power
US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

US government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders

December 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – December 25, 2021 – The U.S. government is looking into problems with Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) vehicles whose hood latches may not close, causing the hood to fly open while driving.  If the investigation leads to a recall, it may include 325,512 cars. 

The investigation covers the following models:

  • 2013 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2014 – 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

Investigation summary  

On December 9, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation based on 15 reports of the hoods becoming open while driving.

The complaints describe hoods opening while driving at medium to high speeds, obstructing the driver’s view and sometimes smashing the windshield or breaking the fenders. The government has not yet identified the root cause of the problem.

Risks

According to government investigation documents, “sudden and unexpected opening of the hood can startle drivers, block their visibility, and could lead to a crash into other vehicles or objects.”  

Other Pathfinder recalls

Pathfinders have been plagued by other hood-latch issues since 2015, when a 2013 – 2014 Nissan Pathfinder hybrid recall targeted an issue with the hood latch release cable, which was causing the hood to fly open.  The 2014 model-year, as well as the 2015 one, were among cars recalled in October of this year because of software issues causing stalling .

Another October Nissan Pathfinder recall targeted over 10,000 of the 2022 model-years because of loose headrests, as reported.

Will your vehicle be part of a Nissan recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Nissan Pathfinder recall, possibly affecting over 325,000 cars. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates fly-open hoods on Nissan Pathfinders
Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

December 19, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Portland, OR – December 19, 2021  – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 2,956 2022 Kia Carnival minivans with sliding door issues that result in an open door while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.

Recall summary  

Due to faulty parts inside the sliding passenger-side door, the latch may become “stuck in the open position.” The door may then open while the vehicle is moving.

The component in question is the “Remote Controller Assembly” with part number 814C2-R0100.

Recall risks

Driving with an open door increases the risk of the passenger falling out of the vehicle, especially at high speeds. 

Warning signs  

The driver will hear “four audible alert chimes” and will see the “the door-ajar warning” illuminate in the instrument panel even if the car is not moving. If the driver ignores the warnings and starts driving at speeds higher than 6 mph, he or she will hear “continuous” additional chimes and will see the warning in the instrument cluster, along with a “flashing red graphic.”

Other Kia recalls 

This model-year is subject to an April recall because of fire risk caused by a fuel leak.

Certain Kia vehicles have been long-plagued by the so-called “non-collision” fires, which are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, as reported. In fact, in November, the manufacturer recalled over 10,000 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima PHEV sedans that may catch fire as a result of premature engine wear.

The repair

Dealers will replace two parts in the remote control assembly to ensure that the door closes properly. The repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for their own repairs will be reimbursed.

Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners on December 16, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Carnival recall includes more than 2,500 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaKia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors
Toyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

Toyota recalls vehicles over steering issue

December 19, 2021 Bojan Popic

Plano, TX – December 19, 2021  – Toyota (NYSE:TM) is recalling 22,462 vehicles whose steering may develop a leak. The resulting loss of hydraulic fluid will make the steering harder, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the following SUVs and pickup trucks:

  • 2021 Toyota Sequoia
  • 2022 Toyota Sequoia 
  • 2021 Toyota Tundra

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a steering system with hydraulic power assistance, which reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel by introducing fluid into the power-steering assembly. 

Because of a supplier error, the assembly may develop a leak. This allows the fluid to escape, which eventually causes a loss of power steering assist.  

The component in question is the power steering gear assembly, with part numbers 44250-0C121 and 44250-0C131. 

Recall risks

Although the driver will still be able to steer the vehicle without power-steering assistance, this will require considerably more effort. If this happens suddenly during low-speed maneuvering, it may result in a crash. 

Other Toyota recalls 

There was a recent Toyota Tundra recall in October, caused by faulty headlight wiring that may result in a fire. There are no other Toyota Sequoia recalls concerning the vehicles from this range. 

The repair

To rectify the issue, dealers will inspect the steering rack for leaks. If any are detected, the rack will be replaced with a new one. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 22, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Toyota Tundra oil leak recall includes almost more than 20,000  vehicles. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicToyota recalls vehicles over steering issue
Volkswagen and Audi to p ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Volkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

December 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Miami, FL – December 19, 2021 – Volkswagen and Audi (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) have agreed to pay out $42 million dollars in a settlement with current and former car owners whose vehicles were built with potentially deadly Takata airbags. 

The settlement includes  some of the following vehicles:

  • 2009 – 2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2012 – 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2006 – 2013 Audi A3
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2007 – 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010 – 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2006 – 2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005 – 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2017 Audi R8 Coupe
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007 – 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan

Settlement summary  

The $42-million dollar settlement was reached in November and is the result of a 2014 class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi for selling or leasing vehicles built with defective Takata airbags. The lawsuit sought to recover damages for the risks and costs owners and lessees incurred during Audi and Volkswagen airbag recalls. 

The settlement affects current or former owners or lessees of the vehicles that were all subject to the infamous  Takata airbag recall, which has affected about 100 million airbags worldwide.  The current owners must have bought the car by November 10, 2021 while the former owners must have sold or returned their vehicle after February 9, 2016.

All cars must have been bought or leased in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. For a full list of vehicles, please visit this page. To check if your car is subject to a recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The settlement

To receive settlement funds, you will need to fill out a claim form and send it to a settlement administrator. The form, and more instructions, can be found here.

The settlement is still subject to a final approval by the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida. The hearing to approve it is expected to be held in early March.

The payment

Those who had to pay for transportation, towing, childcare or lost wages during the Volkswagen and Audi airbag recall may be eligible for reimbursement and potentially two payments of up to $250 later on. Those with no expenses are still eligible to receive up to $500.

Risks

Takata airbags contain an inflator that is at risk of exploding when the airbag is deployed. Exploding inflators pose a serious threat to the safety of car occupants, sending sharp shrapnel flying at drivers’ and passengers’ bodies. Reuters reported that as of September this year, Takata airbags had killed 28 people and injured over 400 worldwide. 

Other Takata airbag recall settlements

Audi and Volkswagen are not the first automakers to settle a suit over the defective airbags. The following car companies have settled class action lawsuits with current and former owners:

  • BMW, $131 million
  • Ford, $299.1 million
  • Honda, $605 million
  • Mazda, $75.8 million
  • Nissan, $97.7 million
  • Subaru, $68.2 million
  • Toyota, $278.5 million

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

According to court documents, 35% of recalled Takata inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles still need repairs. To see if your car is one of them, run a VW recall check with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement
Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy

December 12, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – December 12, 2021  – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) is recalling 54,429 vehicles that may develop a water leak that could cause the airbag to accidentally deploy.  This increases the risk of an injury and may also lead to a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2021 VW Atlas
  • 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport
  • 2021 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Recall summary  

During its operation, the air-conditioning system of a car generates condensate, which is drained outside the vehicle through a flexible tube. In affected Volkswagen Atlas vehicles, this drain tube may be blocked due to a supplier error, causing the condensate to build up within the dashboard. There, it can find its way into the airbag control module, causing it to malfunction.  

The drain tube in question is part of the Evaporator Housing with part number 3QF.820.007.  

Recall risks

With a malfunctioning control module, airbags may not deploy in a collision or may inadvertently deploy, although there is no crash. Both situations increase the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs  

If the airbag control module malfunctions, it will trigger airbag warning lights on the dashboard. 

Other Volkswagen recalls 

In addition to VW Atlas air conditioning issues, these vehicles had several recalls that affected them in the past. In February, they were recalled due to a possible loss of steering control, while in March, some 2018 and 2019 Atlas SUVs had to have their tires replaced as part of a larger tire recall due to possible breakage.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the drain tubes and replace them and the airbag control module if necessary. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This VW Atlas recall includes more than 50,000 SUVs. To do a VW Recall Check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs whose airbags may accidentally deploy
Ford recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance

Ford recalls SUVs over reduced braking performance

December 12, 2021 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – December 12, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) has issued a recall for 114,996 vehicles with decreased braking performance. The issue prolongs stopping distance, upping the risk of an accident and injury.

The recall includes the following SUVs: 

  • 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Ford Bronco Sport
  • 2021 Ford Escape
  • 2022 Ford Escape

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this recall have rear brake pads that contain calipers whose role is to stop the car when the driver presses the brake by clamping down on the wheels.  Due to a supplier error, the calipers in the recalled vehicles do not generate sufficient friction to do that properly. As such, it may be harder to stop the car, especially if the brake booster malfunctions.

The component in question is the rear brake caliper with part numbers NX61-2D251-BNA for the left and NX61-2D250-BNA for the right one. 

Recall risks

The issue increases the risk of a crash and injury.  

Other Ford recalls 

In September, there was a Ford Bronco recall that also included 2021 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. The recall was caused by  the possibility of an engine stall. 

Last November, there was a Ford Escape recall because of a faulty rearview camera. The recall also included close to 430,000 other vehicles and was subsequently subject to scrutiny by the auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), because of its timeliness and scope, as reported.

The repair

Dealers are set to rectify the problem by replacing rear brake pads with ones that ensure sufficient friction. This solution, however, is still under development. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners between January 10 and January 14, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 100,000 SUVs. 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 over reduced braking performance
Honda recalls over 700,000 cars whose hoods may fly open

Honda recalls over 700,000 cars whose hoods may fly open

December 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Torrance, CA – December 11, 2021 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) has recalled 724,826 vehicles whose hoods may become damaged and fly open while driving, blocking the driver’s view of the road. This increases the risk of a crash and subsequent injury to the occupants of the car and other motorists.

The component in question is the hood, whose part number is  60100-TG7-A91.

The recall includes the following SUVs and pickups:

  • 2019 Honda Passport
  • 2016 – 2019 Honda Pilot
  • 2017 – 2020 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The recall stems from a gap in the seal between the Honda’s hood and grill, which allows air to get inside while driving. The aerodynamics of this gap cause the hood to vibrate when the car drives at high speeds, which could eventually cause a stress fracture in the hood’s latch. If this occurs, nothing is holding the hood shut and it could fly open while driving, blocking the driver’s view.

Recall risks

Driving with an obstructed view is extremely dangerous and could quickly cause the driver to crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may be able to hear the hood vibrating and should also keep an eye on the hood to see if it seems loose. 

Other Honda recalls

The manufacturer was recently affected by a Honda Insight, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V and Honda Ridgeline recall over issues with securing child safety seats. 

The repair

Depending on the condition of the hood latch, Honda dealers will either repair the hood by adding a striker support plate or will replace the hood entirely. All repairs will be free of charge for Honda owners. Honda will notify owners about the recall by mail starting on January 17, 2022. Owners who had to repair this issue on their own dime before the recall was announced will be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 700,000 vehicles are included in this Honda recall. To see if your car is one of them, do a Honda recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandHonda recalls over 700,000 cars whose hoods may fly open
Stellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty rearview cameras

Stellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty rearview cameras

December 11, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – December 11, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the RAM brand, has recalled 38,157 2021 Ram 1500 trucks whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This limits drivers’ visibility when backing up, increasing the risk of crash and injury.

This recall appears to be an expansion of a previous recall conducted for the same issue in the summer.

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this Ram 1500 recall have software – known as the Trailer Reverse Steering Control Module (TRSCM) –  which assists the driver when backing up a vehicle with a trailer by displaying the image behind the truck.

For unknown reasons, the rearview camera may fail to display an image. 

The component that causes this issue is the TRSCM, with part numbers 68423566AE and 68423566AF. 

Warning signs  

Drivers may notice the image on display not showing up while reversing. When that happens, the Electronic Throttle Control warning will light up on the dashboard. 

Recall risks

Lack of visibility while backing up increases the risk of a crash or injury and may even cause accidents with tragic outcomes. That is why rearview cameras have been mandatory on all vehicles since May 2018.

Other Stellantis recalls 

This recall appears to be an expansion of a previous recall conducted in July for the same issue.

Earlier model-years of Ram 1500 trucks, as well as Ram 2500 and 3500 are subject to a September recall caused by faulty airbag inflators. 

The repair

At this time, the repair is still being developed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around January 12, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ram trailer reverse guidance recall includes more than 30,000 trucks. To do a Ram recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Ram trucks with faulty rearview cameras
Daimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

Daimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire

December 11, 2021 Bojan Popic

Portland, OR – December 11, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ: DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 7,128 vehicles that may develop an electrical discharge inside the engine compartment. This may cause a fire, which increases the risk of an accident and injury. 

This recall supersedes a previous recall conducted for the same issue in 2018.

Trucks affected by this recall include:

  • 2017-2019 Western Star 4700
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 4900
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 5700
  • 2017-2019 Western Star 6900

Recall summary  

Vehicles affected by this recall have a power stud inside the engine bay, which looks like a bolt with an electrical cable attached to it. The stud can be used to jump-start the truck and is usually isolated from the so-called bulkhead, or a partition that separates the passenger space from the engine bay.

However, for reasons not explained by the manufacturer, the stud can come in contact with the bulkhead, creating an electrical arc. This may lead to a fire.

The component in question is the Pass-Thru Stud, with part numbers ranging from A23-14242-000 to A23-14242-003. 

Recall risks

A fire increases the risk of crash and injury, as the driver may not be able to stop the burning vehicle in a safe and timely fashion. 

Other Daimler recalls 

This recall supersedes one that was conducted in 2018 because of the same issue. After further analysis of unforeseen circumstances, Daimler has reconsidered the repair actions. 

In July 2021, 122,056 Daimler heavy-duty vehicles were  afflicted by electrical faults due to incompatible wiring materials which resulted in broken battery cables. 

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by replacing the pass-through power studs with improved components. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around January 09, 2022.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Daimler Trucks North America recall includes more than 7,000 heavy-duty trucks. To check if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls trucks over risk of electrical fire
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