US government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

US government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars

January 23, 2025 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – January 23, 2025 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations of vehicles colliding with various objects while in the self-driving mode.

The investigation could lead to a recall of roughly 2.6 million electric vehicles. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2017 – 2025 Model 3 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model S 
  • 2016 – 2025 Model X 
  • 2020 – 2025 Model Y 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on January 6, 2025. The investigation came on the heels of 16 complaints of Teslas crashing into surrounding cars and property while maneuvering out of parking lots on their own thanks to the so-called smart summon feature.

The smart summon feature

Smart summon allow drivers to summon the car to their desired location. It is not designed for use on public roads.

Investigation purpose

The investigation aims to gauge whether Tesla’s self-maneuvering mechanism can reliably detect obstacles it may encounter and if there are any “app connectivity delays” that may be causing “increased stopping distances.”

‘’It was a big pole’’

Drivers reported that their vehicles have crashed into walls as well as other cars, including at least one with a “passenger inside.” In one accident, the vehicle failed to avoid a “big pole,” leaving the driver convinced that there was something wrong with the “camera system, sensor or… the hardware.”

Dealers in some cases blamed the defect on the smart summon still being in beta, despite it being around since 2016. The costs of the repair were thus not covered by the warranty, causing a “perplexing and disheartening” situation for the driver who had to pay $8,000 out of pocket.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, at least in one case, the Tesla and the vehicle it hit both sustained “significant damage.” 

Other Tesla recalls

Close to 2 million Tesla EVs were affected by a recall from August 2024 caused by fly-away hoods, as reported.   

Tesla is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over a suspected fault with another self-driving feature, which led to a fatal crash. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Tesla smart summon recall, potentially affecting nearly 2.6 million electric vehicles. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla over vehicles crashing into poles, walls and other cars
Tesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility

Tesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility 

January 21, 2025 Bojan Popic

Austin, TX – January 21, 2025 – Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 239,382 electric vehicles (EVs) whose rearview camera may not show an image. This defect augments the chances of a crash while reversing.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2024 – 2025 Tesla Model S
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model X
  • 2023 – 2025 Tesla Model Y

Recall summary  

The rearview camera in the listed vehicles may fail because of an electrical short. As a result, the image may not be shown while backing up.  

Background of the recall

The manufacturer decided to recall the listed vehicles following over 900 warranty claims and field reports. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Recall risks

The absence of a rearview camera image limits the driver’s field of view when going backward, increasing the chances of crashing into nearby objects or pedestrians. 

Other Tesla recalls

The U.S. government is currently investigating Tesla after one of its self-driving vehicles killed a pedestrian, as reported.

Last year, Tesla recalled 200,000 cars over an identical issue with their rearview cameras. 

The repair

The affected vehicles will receive a free over-the-air (OTA) software update or a new car computer. The update was deployed on the corresponding vehicles last month.

The owners should receive letters with more information on March 7, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla rearview camera recall affects almost 240,000 electric cars and SUVs. To do a Tesla recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls EVs over reduced rearview visibility 
Ford recalls hybrid SUVs that may stall, catch fire

Ford recalls hybrid SUVs that may stall, catch fire   

January 17, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – January 17, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 20,484 hybrid SUVs over a defect that may cause them to stall or catch fire. This ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially in fast-moving traffic.   

The following models are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2024 Ford Escape
  • 2021 – 2024 Lincoln Corsair 

Recall summary  

The high-voltage battery – which stores electricity for the motor – could develop a short and overheat. This would cause power loss or result in a vehicle fire.

The manufacturer reported four incidents caused by this issue, none of which resulted in accidents or injuries.  

Recall risks

Both possible scenarios – loss of motive power and vehicle fire – up the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

In the event of the short circuit, the driver should see a “Stop Safely Now” message displayed on the screen.

Other Ford recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a Ford recall from June 2024 over stalling risk caused by transmission issues, as reported.  

In September 2024, Ford recalled Broncos and other models that could stall because of a “catastrophic engine damage”.     

The repair

Dealers will install software to monitor battery’s condition. The battery will be then replaced if any signs of malfunction are detected. Both fixes will be free of charge.  

The software is set to become available in 2Q25.

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 20, 2025, and January 24, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 hybrid SUVs are affected by this Ford battery short circuit recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls hybrid SUVs that may stall, catch fire   
Ford recalls Lincoln SUVs over faulty power windows, injury risk

Ford recalls Lincoln SUVs over faulty power windows, injury risk    

January 14, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI – January 14, 2025 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 47,818 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus SUVs whose power windows may hurt occupants’ limbs while closing. This ups the risk of an injury.   

Recall summary  

Power windows must automatically stop and retract if they encounter any obstacle while closing. In the affected vehicles, they may not stop when needed because of a software error.

Recall risks

Power windows that do not retract when they roll up may pinch an occupant’s arm or finger and cause an injury.   

Other Lincoln recalls

In September 2024, over 90,000 Ford and Lincoln SUVs were recalled because they could stall while in motion, as reported.

In June 2024, over 8,000 Lincoln and Ford hybrid models were recalled due to the same issue.

The repair

Dealers will update the power windows control module software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 13, 2025, and January 17, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 48,000 SUVs are affected by this Lincoln power windows recall. To do a Lincoln recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls Lincoln SUVs over faulty power windows, injury risk    
Stellantis recalls Jeeps over reduced rearview visibility

Stellantis recalls Jeeps over reduced rearview visibility 

January 10, 2025 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – January 10, 2025 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 79,365 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show an image. This limits visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash, injury or property damage.  

The following models are affected: 

  • 2024 Jeep Wagoneer
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Recall summary  

The rearview camera may not display an image when backing up because of a software error.  

Recall risks

Without the rearview camera feed, the driver might crash into surrounding objects or pedestrians while backing up, upping the risk of injury or property damage.  

Other Jeep recalls

In December 2024, Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled because their speedometers were not showing accurate speed, as reported. 

In November 2024, Jeep and Dodge SUVs were recalled over an issue with ABS modules that could reduce their stability.   

On a separate note, Jeep is currently being investigated by the U.S. government over a fatality caused by a fire.   

The repair

Dealers will update the camera’s software free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 21, 2025, and January 28, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 80,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rearview camera recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeeps over reduced rearview visibility 
Kia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

Kia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats

January 8, 2025 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – January 8, 2025 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 22,883 2024-2025 Kia EV9 electric SUVs whose seats may fail to restrain occupants during a crash.

Recall summary  

Due to a manufacturing oversight, the bolts holding the second and third-row seats in place are missing.

Recall risks

Insufficiently secured seats may not provide adequate occupant protection in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.    

Warning signs

A loose seat might rattle. 

Other Kia recalls

In October 2024, over 12,000 EV9 SUVs were recalled because they could crash while self-parking, as reported.

On a separate note,  more than 460,00 Kia Telluride SUVs were recalled in June 2024 over electrical issues that may have led to a vehicle fire, as reported.   

The repair

Dealers will install the missing bolts free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information on January 24, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 23,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Kia missing bolt recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls electric SUVs over insufficiently secured seats
GM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems

GM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems 

January 2, 2025 Bojan Popic ,

Warren, MI  – January 2, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 7,606 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV SUVs that may fail to warn pedestrians of their approach. This ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The affected car is equipped with an audio system, which makes a sound to warn nearby pedestrians of its presence. Due to a software error, this safety system may fail to “produce sound at a sufficient volume.”

Recall risks

The pedestrian may not hear an approaching vehicle – or assess whether it is slowing down or accelerating – and come out in front of it. This augments the risk of an accident.

Other Chevrolet recalls

Last month, GM expanded an existing recall of Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks whose tailgates could open while driving, as reported. 

In February 2024, Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze sedans were recalled over roof-rail airbag inflators that could rupture upon deployment, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will upgrade the vehicle software free of charge. 

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 27, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 electric SUVs are affected by this Chevrolet pedestrian warning recall. To do a Chevrolet recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGM recalls electric SUVs with faulty pedestrian warning systems 
Stellantis recalls RAMs over loss of safety aids following government investigation

Stellantis recalls RAMs over loss of safety aids following government investigation

December 27, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 27, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 317,630 heavy-duty pickup trucks that may experience reduced braking performance or become less stable.

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following models:  

  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 2500
  • 2017 – 2018 RAM 3500

The 2017-2018 RAM 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab chassis are also included in this recall.

Recall summary  

The hydraulic control unit (HCU) – which manages the anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control – may fail, rendering all three systems out of order.

Recall risks

With ESP and traction control out of action, the truck will be less stable and harder to control during harsh braking and maneuvers, upping the risk of a crash and injury. Malfunctioning ABS may reduce braking power, which can prolong stopping distance. All of these failures up the risk of a crash.

Warning signs

The malfunctioning indicator lamp (MIL) will light up to indicate faulty ABS.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

From 2016 until the recall was announced, the manufacturer and the regulator received close to 60,000 complaints about the issue. There have been no accidents or injuries.

Other RAM truck recalls

Stability issues were the cause of multiple recent RAM recalls, the latest of which happened in November 2024 and affected over 33,000 brand-new RAM 1500 pickup trucks. 

In October 2024, close to 273,000 RAMs were recalled because their rearview cameras failed to show an image, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the HCU free of charge.  

The owners should receive letters with more information between January 9, 2025, and January 17, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 317,000 pickup trucks are affected by this RAM ABS recall. To do a RAM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls RAMs over loss of safety aids following government investigation
Volkswagen recalls Audi hybrids that may catch fire

Volkswagen recalls Audi hybrids that may catch fire

December 26, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Auburn Hills, MI – December 26, 2024 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 4,616 hybrid cars and SUVs that may ignite. This ups the risk of an accident and injury.

The following models are affected: 

  • 2022 Audi A7 PHEV
  • 2022 – 2023 Audi Q5 PHEV

Recall summary  

The high-voltage battery stores electricity that powers the electric motor and other vehicle systems. In the affected hybrids, this battery may overheat and burst into flames, setting the vehicle on fire. The cause of the defect is “still under investigation.”

Recall risks

If the vehicle catches fire, car occupants can get injured or even lose their life. For more information on what to do in the event of fire, please visit this article.

Safety tips

Owners – especially those who are not opted in to share data with the manufacturer – are advised not to charge the battery until the car is repaired. In other fire recalls, manufacturers have also recommended to park the vehicles outside and away from any structures.

Other Volkswagen recalls

In December 2023, Volkswagen recalled several models, including Audi A7 cars, over the risk of reduced braking performance, as reported.  

In September 2024, ID.4 cars were recalled because their doors could open on their own while driving, also as reported.

The repair

The vehicles will receive a free software update to monitor the battery’s parameters and alert the driver if a replacement is needed. This remedy should be available in 2Q25.

Owners should receive letters with more information by January 24, 2025, and another one once the remedy is available.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Audi fire recall affects close to 5,000 hybrid cars and SUVs. To do an Audi recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Audi hybrids that may catch fire
Honda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk

Honda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk 

December 20, 2024 Bojan Popic

Torrance, CA – December 26, 2024 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling 205,760 SUVs over an issue which may lead to a fire. This ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected: 

  • 2023 – 2024 Honda Passport
  • 2023 – 2025 Honda Pilot 

Recall summary  

The fuel filler neck, through which the gasoline is pumped into the car, and the pipe connecting it to the tank were not connected properly due to a manufacturing error. As a result, they may separate in a crash, causing a fuel leak.  

Recall risks

Leaking fuel may ignite, setting the vehicle on fire. You can find out all about associated risks and safety tips in this article.   

Other Honda recalls

In June 2024, close to 188,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled following a U.S. government investigation into malfunctioning rearview cameras.

In February 2024, Honda recalled approximately 750,000 vehicles whose airbags could have hurt children in a crash, as reported. 

The repair

Dealers will reconnect the two parts free of charge.   

The owners should receive letters with more information by January 6, 2025. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 200,000 SUVs are affected by this Honda fuel leak recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls Passport, Pilot SUVs over fire risk 
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