Volvo recalls sedans over exploding airbags

Ridgeville, SC – October 22, 2021 – Volvo  (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) has recalled  259,383 cars because the driver-side airbag may explode during deployment, sending dangerous shrapnel flying at vehicle occupants. The recall includes the following sedans:

  • 2001 Volvo S60 
  • 2002 Volvo S60
  • 2003 Volvo S60
  • 2004 Volvo S60
  • 2005 Volvo S60
  • 2006 Volvo S60
  • 2007 Volvo S60
  • 2008 Volvo S60
  • 2009 Volvo S60 
  • 2001 Volvo S80 
  • 2002 Volvo S80 
  • 2003 Volvo S80 
  • 2004 Volvo S80
  • 2005 Volvo S80 
  • 2006 Volvo S80 

Recall summary  

Airbag inflators protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash by burning fuel inside the inflator and inflating the airbag.

The inflators in this Volvo airbag recall degrade over time because of moisture and high temperatures, among other factors. The degraded chemicals generate a much bigger explosion than intended “during deployment”, bursting the inflator into pieces, which can fly through the vehicle cabin at high speeds and impale occupants. 

This issue is eerily similar to the infamous Takata airbag but the inflators in question were made by a different supplier, German-American parts’ manufacturer ZF. 

Background of the recall

In June 2019, Volvo became aware of one driver who died from an exploding ZF airbag. That death, which is now the subject of a lawsuit, touched off a 54,000-car recall in November 2020. This early recall only covered some of the models now under recall, and only those in hot or humid regions, where the explosives are known to degrade faster.

In late September, Volvo deemed the airbag defect “critical” and initiated the larger recall. The recall applies to cars in all regions of the U.S.

Recall risks

The risks posed by this defect are nearly identical to those in the Takata airbag recall: The metal airbag inflator, blown to pieces, hurls shrapnel at high speeds into the bodies of vehicle occupants. The resulting injuries sometimes resemble gunshot or stab wounds, and can be fatal. Takata airbags have killed at least 28 people worldwide

The repair

All owners of vehicles in this recall are entitled to a free airbag replacement from a Volvo dealer. Notification letters with more instructions will be sent out on November 29.

Recent Volvo S60 recalls

Volvo recently recalled over 19,000 cars – including the 2021 Volvo S60 – over a seatbelt issue affecting children. The company also recalled over 85,000 cars – including the 2020 Volvo S60 – with defective fuel pumps this summer.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 250,000 US vehicles are included in this Volvo recall. To check if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolvo recalls sedans over exploding airbags

Nissan recalls vehicles with loose headrests

Franklin, TN  – October 18, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS: NSANY) is recalling 10,082 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs, whose headrests on third-row seats may detach during a crash, increasing the risk of an injury.  

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Nissan recall notice have headrests on their third-row seats that may have not been assembled properly. This happened because their components were misaligned and incorrectly welded during the production process. As a result, the headrest may detach during a crash.

The components in question are central and outside headrests on the third-row seats, with multiple part numbers including 86410 6TA0A and 86480 6TA2C. 

Recall risks

A loose headrest will not provide sufficient support to the passenger’s head during a rear-end collision, which increases the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs

Owners may notice the headrest moving in an “abnormal” way, which happens because of the excessive play within it. 

Other Nissan Pathfinder recalls

Despite being in production for a few months only, the new Nissan Pathfinder is already subject to at least one more recall. It deals with second-row seats, whose backsides may detach from the restraint points during a crash. 

The repair

To fix the issue, Nissan authorized dealers will replace all three headrests on third-row seats. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around November 19, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls vehicles with loose headrests

Nissan is recalling vehicles over risk of seat detachment

Franklin, TN  – October 17, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS: NSANY) is recalling 5,895 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs, whose second-row seats may collapse in a crash, which increases the risk of an injury. 

Recall summary  

This Nissan recall notice includes vehicles whose second-row seats were not welded properly. In the event of a crash, the backside of the seat may detach from its restraint points

The component in question is the left and right seat frame with multiple part numbers including 88050 6TD4A and 88000 6TF8C. 

Recall risks

Seats with backsides that are not fully secured in place may fail to adequately restrain the passengers during a crash. This increases the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs

Broken welds may produce a noticeable rattle in the seat frame.

Other Nissan Pathfinder recalls

Although it entered production only a few months ago, the new Nissan Pathfinder is already subject to at least two recalls.  Besides the seat issue, there is also a recent problem with third-row headrests that may detach during a collision

The repair

Nissan authorized dealers replace the seat frame assembly if the welds are broken or cracked. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around November 19, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Nissan recall includes more than 5,000 vehicles. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan is recalling vehicles over risk of seat detachment

General Motors recalls new SUVs over stalling issue

Warren, MI – October 17, 2021 –General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 14,901 SUVs that may stall due to a fuel pump issue. Stalling on the road can result in a crash, increasing the risk of injury for the occupants of the car and their fellow motorists. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The faulty component that caused this recall is the “Fuel Pump Power Control Module,” part #13537053. 

Recall summary  

The recalled Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs contain a faulty fuel pump power control module. The module is a small computer that delivers power to run the car’s fuel pump, which in turn, delivers fuel to the engine. 

The defective control module may fail, causing the fuel pump to shut down which may starve the engine of gasoline and stall the car. GM blamed the defect on the supplier, Vitesco, but did not provide a specific cause for the fault. 

The recall is based on 617 related complaints and 229 reports of stalls drawn from warranty claim data. GM said it was not aware of any injuries related to this issue to date. 

Recall risks

Stalling out on the road puts the car at risk of being hit by faster-moving traffic. Read more about the risks of stalling and what to do if your car stalls in this article about a recent Chrysler recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice a few different “symptoms” if this problem is occurring:

  1. The check engine light may illuminate.
  2. The engine is running rough.
  3. The vehicle may enter into a “reduced power” mode, causing sluggish acceleration.

Other related recalls

General Motors recalled the same Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, and Yukon vehicle models over a recent power steering failure that affected 26,847 SUVs. 

In June, there was a Cadillac Escalade recall because of faulty airbag warning lights, as reported. The recall also included Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban and Yukon vehicles. 

There was a Chevrolet Tahoe recall in March because of the risk of flat tires.

There have been many Chevy recalls, including one in October 2019 for unintended braking.

The repair

GM dealers will replace the power control module on the recalled Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade SUVs for free. All owners will be officially notified about the recall starting November 8, but the repair is already available. Customers are eligible for courtesy transportation if they are concerned about driving their cars.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this Chevy, Cadillac and GMC recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls new SUVs over stalling issue

Ford recalls Mustangs with fly-away roof panels

Dearborn, MI – October 16, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 13,544 vehicles with a glass roof panel that may fly off the vehicle while driving, potentially injuring other motorists.

The recall affects 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E SUVs.

Recall summary  

Recalled Mustang Mach Es may have a panoramic glass roof panel that is improperly secured to the roof of the car. Internal inspections by Ford revealed that some of the panel’s urethane glue was “inadequate” to hold the glass to the roof, increasing the hazard of glass flying off the vehicle.

The company does not know as of yet why or how this happened; however, with factory records, they were able to determine which Mustang Mach-Es require inspection and repair..

Recall risks

Much like the recent Mercedes-Benz sunroof recall, the flyaway glass panels pose a threat of striking other drivers and becoming a potentially dangerous obstacle in the road. Read more about the risks posed by road debris in this article about Land Rover’s fly-away spoiler recall.

Warning signs

If the Ford Mustang Mach-E has an unsecured glass roof panel, drivers may hear a “wind noise” while driving or notice that water is leaking through the roof. 

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will fix the faulty roofs for free, cleaning the window frame and the glass, and applying additional glue to hold it in place. Ford will send owners notification letters in the mail detailing how and where to get repairs starting October 27.

Recent fly-away roof recalls

Unfortunately, unsecured roof panels are not uncommon. Tesla also recently recalled cars with fly-away roof panels due a problem with the adhesive used to attach the panels.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 13,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Mustang recall. Check for Ford recalls with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Mustangs with fly-away roof panels

Ford recalls another round of Explorers for toe link suspension issues

Pleasanton, CA – October 16, 2021 – In an expansion of a previous recall, Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 126,033 more SUVs due to a suspension issue that could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall includes 2011-2013 Ford Explorer SUVs and concerns the “left rear knuckle” and the “right rear knuckle” (#DB5Z-5B758-B and #DB5Z-5B759-B).

Recall summary  

The rear toe links hold the car’s back wheels at the correct angle so that the vehicle actually goes in the direction that the driver is steering. The recall centers around a particular joint in the suspension that could become corroded and “seize up”, causing the toe links to snap.

The joint is vulnerable to corrosion from salt, which is used to de-ice roads in cold areas. The recall includes vehicles that were sold in, or at any point, registered in, the following “salt-belt” states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

If you own a used ca​​r, check this page to make sure you will be alerted if your car is part of this recall.

Recall risks

If the knuckle joint seizes up and breaks the toe link, it will allow the wheel to wiggle around and misdirect the car.  You can read more about the risks in this article about a related 2021 Ford toe link recall. 

While these older cars have not yet caused any accidents or injuries, problems relating to the 2020 recall caused at least 13 accidents and six injuries.  

Background of the recall

On July 8, 2021, Ford recalled over 644,000 2013-2017 Explorers in the United States based on 48 reported toe link fractures, but the company was concerned that pre-2013 cars could pose a problem, too.

These vehicles were built before Ford started routinely installing the faulty knuckle joints in 2013 cars. However, Ford believes around 2,800 older vehicles may have been subesquently repaired using the faulty knuckle joints, which is why the older Explorers are being recalled now. Ford must check over 126,000 cars to identify these 2,800 vehicles and inspect them for damage.

Other toe link recalls

Ford has recalled cars over toe link fractures at least three times in the past five years when prior recall campaigns failed to fix the problem. 

General Motors also recently recalled cars over toe link fractures. The problem is caused by a separate issue, but it also affects cars registered or sold in the United States’ “salt belt.” 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect recalled cars to see if they contain a faulty knuckle joint. If they find one, they will check its tightness and replace it if necessary. The inspection and replacement will be performed for free. Notification letters with more details will be sent to owners starting November 1. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 300,000 vehicles are part of this 2011 – 2013 Ford Explorer recall. Check for Ford recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls another round of Explorers for toe link suspension issues

Hyundai issues fifth recall over fire risk

Fountain Valley, CA – January 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Fountain Valley, CA – October 15, 2021 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) has announced its fifth recall this year due to the risk of fire. This recall includes 95,515 cars and is caused by “premature wear” of engine components.

Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson

Recall summary  

Connection rods are engine components which help reduce friction between moving parts in the engine. In affected vehicles, these bearings may suffer from “premature wear,” which may cause the engine to stall while driving. In addition, the connection rod can snap and pierce the engine, which results in oil leaks that may cause fire. 

All vehicles that are part of this Hyundai recall have a 2.0-liter “Nu” GDI engine made in their plant in Ulsan, South Korea, between May 12, 2016 and December 27, 2017. 

Warning signs

Warning signs include a metallic knocking sound and “hesitation” when accelerating. These may be accompanied by illuminated “oil pressure” and “check engine” warning lights on the dashboard, as well as “burning smell, oil leak or smoke.”

To prevent any further damage, the driver should stop the vehicle at the first safe spot and turn off the engine.

Recall risks

Stalling can lead to dangerous situations, especially if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic. A fire inside the engine compartment that occurs while driving has a wide range of potential hazards. Besides the risk of collision, stopping and leaving the vehicle in time may not be possible, which could result in injury or death. There is also a risk of property damage, as the burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles.

For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please refer to the following page.

Other Hyundai recalls

This recall is the newest addition to a long list of fire-related recalls that have been affecting Hyundai and Kia vehicles and is a result of an ongoing investigation into “non-collision” fires by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Among recent recalls is a Hyundai Sonata recall that happened in December  and was caused by connection rod bearings issues nearly identical to this one. In January, there was another Hyundai Tucson recall concerning fire risk, although that one was caused by a leaking ABS module. 

The repair

Dealers will address this problem by inspecting the engine for signs of rod bearing damage and replacing the whole engine if needed. In addition, they will update the control software with one that would detect if engines start producing any unusual vibrations. Notifications about the repair will be  sent to vehicle owners on November 12, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai recall includes more than 95,000 vehicles. To check for this and other recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues fifth recall over fire risk

Ford recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Dearborn, MI – October 10, 2021 – Ford (NYSE: F) – that owns the Lincoln brand – is recalling 228,297 vehicles whose infotainment system may fail to display the image from the rearview camera. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. Affected vehicles include: 

  • 2020 Ford Explorer
  • 2021 Ford Explorer
  • 2020 Lincoln Aviator 
  • 2021 Lincoln Aviator 
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair 
  • 2021 Lincoln Corsair 

Recall summary  

Cars that are part of this Ford recall have a SYNC infotainment system that shows a 360° image around the vehicle.  The rearview camera may occasionally fail to display the image, limiting drivers’ visibility while backing up the vehicle

Recall risks

Limited visibility while backing up the vehicle increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to property damage or injury to people behind the car, especially small children.  The risk is even greater when the driver relies solely on the rearview camera when going in reverse. Read more about the history of rearview cameras in our recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Ford recalls

A wide range of Ford and Lincoln models is having various problems with rearview cameras and other software glitches for some time now. This even caused the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into how the manufacturer handled a recent recall related to the matter.

There were several other Ford Explorer recalls recently as well. In September, for example, over 640,000 2013 – 2017 Ford Explorers were recalled for the fourth time since 2016 due to possible steering loss caused by faulty suspension.

There is also a recent Lincoln Aviator recall, which deals with a wiring issue that could cause electrical fire.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln authorized dealers will fix the problem by updating the software that controls the image processing module (IPMB). Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners from October 7, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 220,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles. To check for this and other recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokees over faulty rearview cameras

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 10, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 56,180 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs with rearview cameras that may fail to display the image. This may result in a crash while reversing, increasing the risk of an injury. 

The faulty component is the radio assembly, with part numbers 68426026AD and 68426027AD. 

Recall summary

Vehicles that are affected by this Jeep recall have an infotainment system, whose central display reproduces images from the rearview camera. Due to a radio software error, this system may malfunction while shutting itself down. Consequently, there will be no image from the rearview camera when the driver starts the vehicle.  

Recall risks

A driver who is reversing a vehicle with a malfunctioning rearview camera may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This increases the risk of a crash or injury and may even cause accidents with tragic outcomes. Because of this, rearview cameras have been  mandatory on all vehicles since May 2018

Other Jeep and Chrysler recalls

At this time, this is the only Jeep Grand Cherokee recall that is affecting this 2021 model. Last year, however, there was a similar Chrysler recall concerning Dodge Charger Pursuit with rearview cameras that may fail to display an image. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will install an updated version of the software that controls radio operation. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around November 10, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Jeep recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokees over faulty rearview cameras

Porsche recalls Cayman and Boxster cars over loss of control

Atlanta, GA – October 9, 2021 – Porsche, a subsidiary of Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 4,934 luxury cars with faulty transmission and suspension that can cause drivers to lose control. This increases the risk of a crash and injuries.

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2013 – 2015 Porsche Boxster
  • 2013 – 2014 Porsche Boxster S
  • 2015 Porsche Boxster GTS
  • 2014 – 2015 Porsche Cayman
  • 2014 – 2015 Porsche Cayman S
  • 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles have a problem with side sections of the rear axle carrier (sometimes called “the differential.”) The differential is how the rear axle – which is responsible for transmitting the power from the vehicle to the wheels – connects to the body of the car. The differential is part of both suspension and transmission as transmission drives the rear axles through the differential which is mounted on rear suspension.

The carriers in question may be weak due to a manufacturing mistake—the metal casing contains more strontium than it is supposed to. Strontium is an element sometimes added to these aluminum car parts to make them stronger. In this case, too much of this additive  has weakened the axle carrier, which could crack or break.

Recall risks

If the rear axle carrier fractures, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and crash. You can read more about axle issues in this article about a recent Ford axle recall.

Warning signs

A rattling noise at the rear of the car could indicate a problem in advance. However, this warning sign “is not ensured” to always happen before a fracture. 

The repair

The problem is not with the whole rear-axle carrier—just the side sections of it. Porsche will replace these side parts for free. Owner notifications with more information about this repair will be sent to owners on November 1.

Other Porsche recalls

There was a Porsche Cayman recall in 2019 because of the risk of a fuel leak in a crash.  The  recall also included Boxster vehicles. A much smalle​​r and a more recent recall included 2021 Porsche Cayman GT4, Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Spyder, and Boxster GTS 4.0 vehicles because of the risk of engine damage, a stall or a fire.

 Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 5,000 vehicles are included in this Porsche  recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandPorsche recalls Cayman and Boxster cars over loss of control