Kia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches

Kia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches

September 1, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – September 1, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 253,074 cars with truck latches whose interior emergency release may become faulty. This prevents the person inside the trunk from opening the trunk gate, which increases the risk of injury. Vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2018 – 2019 Kia Rio

Recall summary  

On vehicles that are affected by this recall, including a 2017 Kia Rio, trunk latch may not be opened from the inside using the interior emergency release. This happens because of the damage to the internal components of the trunk latch which is caused by high temperature. 

The affected components installed in Kia Forte have part numbers 81230-A7010 or 81230-A7030, while those in Kia Rio have part numbers 81230-H9011 and 81230-H9031. 

Risks

A faulty trunk release would prevent the person closed inside the trunk from getting out of it, increasing the risk of injury or even death.

Warning signs

Owners may notice that the trunk sometimes fails to open or close. 

Other Kia vehicle recalls

Among previous Kia Forte recalls, one that covers potential issues with the oil pump that may cause engine damage is the most recent. 

There are no other Kia Rio recalls associated with the 2018 or 2019 model years.

As reported, thousands of Kia and Hyundai cars – including 2012-2015 Kia Forte sedans – have been subject to ongoing recalls due to fire risk.

The repair

Kia authorized dealers will replace the affected trunk latch assemblies with improved ones. Owners should receive their notifications by mail around October 5, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This trunk latch recall includes more than 250,000 vehicles. To check if yours is part of this recall, please  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches
Jaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs that leak fuel

Jaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs that leak fuel

September 1, 2021 Vishal Venugopal

Mahwah, NJ –  September 1, 2021 – Jaguar Land Rover (NYSE:TTM) has issued a recall for 111,746 cars to replace a part of the fuel tank – a fuel outlet flange – that may crack and result in a fuel leak. This recall is a result of a government investigation and this defect can lead to a car fire.  The affected vehicles include:

  • 2010 – 2016 Land Rover LR4
  • 2010 – 2013 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The recalled vehicles are equipped with 3.0L V6 or 5.0L V8 engines. The affected component is the “fuel tank outlet flange” with part number AH22-9039-A.

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are equipped with a fuel tank outlet flange that may crack and result in a fuel leak. The issue was identified as a result of an investigation by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) after several customers complained about a “fuel odor” and liquid fuel” on the ground under the rear part of the vehicle.

Risks

A fuel leak can result in a fire, which may endanger not only the occupants of the vehicle but also people and property around them. 

For safety tips in the event of a fire, please visit this article on a recent BMW recall for a related issue.

According to the complaints, the leak may also result in the car running out of fuel, leading to a stall, which increases the risk of an accident. 

Other Land Rover recalls

Back in March 2021, Land Rover issued a recall for multiple newer model year vehicles for defective high beams. 

A recall in October 2020 included 2010-2011 Range Rover Sport vehicles to fix an issue where the spoilers may detach from the vehicle while driving.

The repair

Dealers will replace the fuel outlet flange with a new, redesigned part. Land Rover has also mentioned that owners that have already paid to have this issue rectified will be covered by the Jaguar Land Rover reimbursement plan.

Customers will be notified on October 8, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 111,000 vehicles are included in this Land Rover recall. To see if your car is one of them, MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalJaguar Land Rover recalls SUVs that leak fuel
Kia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters

Kia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters

September 1, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Irvine, CA – September 1, 2021 – Kia (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has announced a recall for 5,143 vehicles due to a blank instrument cluster on startup, which augments the risk of a crash or an injury.

This recall is for 2022 Kia Telluride SUVs.

The component in question is the “Instrument Cluster Assembly,” with the part numbers 94001-S9500 and  94001-S9510.

Recall summary 

The Kia Telluride LCD monitor displays various important instrumentation to the driver, including the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer. Under certain conditions, the current software cannot load the large file required on startup for the welcome message, so the screen remains blank.

Risks

A blank LCD display may be missing important instrumentation, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer. A lack of access to this information may heighten the risk of a crash. 

Other Kia recalls

There are no other 2022 Kia Telluride recalls at the moment.  In July 2020, Kia issued another Telluride recall for 86,921 2020 Kia vehicles due to faulty brake lights.

Thousands of various Kia and Hyundai models – including Kia Optima, Soreno and Soul– have also been subject to a series of recalls due to the risk of fire. The recalls have had different causes ranging from brake fuel leaks to internal damage. 

Repair

The repair is a free update of the software that controls the Kia Telluride screen.  Owners will be notified via letter starting August 3, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 5,143 vehicles are part of this Kia Telluride recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerKia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters
BMW recalls vehicles over a risk of engine stalling

BMW recalls vehicles over a risk of engine stalling

August 31, 2021 Bojan Popic

Westwood, NJ – August 31, 2021  – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 11,216 vehicles which may stall, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. This recall affects a wide range of diesel vehicles, including: 

  • 2014 – 2018 BMW 328D
  • 2015 – 2017 BMW X3
  • 2014 – 2016 BMW 535D
  • 2014 – 2018 BMW X5 
  • 2015 BMW 740LD

The affected component in this recall is the BMW high-pressure fuel pump with part number 7810696 and 7283473

Recall summary  

Vehicles in this recall have diesel engines with a so-called “common rail” fuel system, which allows better performance and fuel economy. Part of that system is a high-pressure fuel pump, whose internal components may wear excessively due to factors such as using low-quality fuel. In certain scenarios, the pump may shut itself down as a preventive measure, causing the vehicle to stall. 

Warning signs 

A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate when the fuel pump is not performing properly. 

Risks

A vehicle that stalls while driving may lead to situations that are potentially dangerous to both its occupants and other motorists, especially if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic conditions. To read more

Other BMW recalls

All of these diesel vehicles were involved in a previous BMW recall where a potential coolant leak could result in a fire.

The repair

BMW authorized dealers will solve the issue by replacing the fuel pump with an improved version, which is less susceptible to wear. This repair is free of charge, and notifications will be sent to owners on  September 20, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW recall includes more than 11,000 vehicles. To check for this and other BMW recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicBMW recalls vehicles over a risk of engine stalling
US government investigates rollaway Mercedes ambulances and Amazon trucks

US government investigates rollaway Mercedes ambulances and Amazon trucks

August 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – August 30, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine whether Daimler’s (OTCMKTS:DMLRY) will have to conduct a recall of its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that may roll away when the vehicle is in park.

The investigation focuses on 19,000 vehicles of the following models, specifically those configured as ambulances or Amazon delivery vans:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz  Sprinter Vs30
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

 Consumer complaints

On August 3, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened this investigation based on 11 reports of vans rolling away after the vehicles were put in park. One owner of a fleet of Mercedes 2500 Sprinter vans complained that the vans rolled away after 10 minutes of idling. Other complaints described vans rolling away not long after the driver had gotten out, crashing into other parked cars, and even a house.

The potential defect already resulted in one injury, according to NHTSA’s information.

Risks

Rollaway vehicles with no driver at the helm can crash into pedestrians, other vehicles, or buildings, making this a significant safety hazard to people inside and outside the vehicle. NHTSA is aware of eight crashes and one injury related to this issue. 

Read more about the process NHTSA uses to evaluate these risks in this article about the administration’s ongoing investigation into Dodge and Chrysler minivans.

Prior Mercedes recalls of Sprinter vans

In December 2020, many of the same Sprinter models were recalled for a brake fluid leak that weakened the vans’ braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.  Sprinter vans were recalled again in June over faulty side airbags.

Will your vehicle be part of a recall?

Around 19,000 vans could be implicated in a future Mercedes Sprinter recall. To see if your van is one of them, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and check back for open recalls in the future.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates rollaway Mercedes ambulances and Amazon trucks
Subaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall

Subaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall

August 28, 2021 Bojan Popic ,

Camden, NJ – August 28, 2021  – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 165,026 vehicles in which the engine may stall while driving, which increases the risk of a crash. This recall includes the following models, some of which were developed in partnership with Toyota, which owns a minority stake in the company:

  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Outback
  • 2018 – 2019 Subaru BRZ
  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Impreza 
  • 2018 – 2020 Subaru Legacy
  • 2018 – 2019 Subaru WRX
  • 2019 – 2020 Subaru Ascent
  • 2018 – 2019 Toyota 86 2-Door
  • 2018 Subaru Forester

The affected component is the fuel pump, with different part numbers, including 42022CA000 and 42022FL02A.

Recall summary  

These cars are equipped with an impeller, which is a rotating plastic disk that draws fuel from the tank and directs it to the fuel pump. Due to what appears to be a supplier error, the impeller does not have enough density,  which makes it prone to cracking or becoming deformed. This may cause the fuel pump to stop working and result in the engine stalling, which may cause a crash.

Warning signs 

The ‘check engine’ or malfunction indicator light (MIL) may appear on the dashboard and the engine may run rough. Other potential symptoms include various engine running issues, ranging from sluggish performance to hesitation during accelerations.  To learn more, please refer to this article about a recent Nissan recall for the same issue.

Risks

A vehicle that stalls while driving may lead to situations that are potentially dangerous to both its occupants and other motorists. This is especially true if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic conditions.

Other Subaru recalls

A year ago, there was a similar Subaru Impreza recall caused by the same fuel pump issue. The recall also included Ascent, Legacy and Outback vehicles. The last 2020 Subaru Outback recall occurred in December 2020, also due to glitchy rear view cameras, as reported.

The last 2018 Subaru BRZ recall occurred in late 2018 when these cars were among roughly 70,000 units that had to be repaired due to faulty rear view cameras. The 2019 Subaru BRZ has not been subject to any additional recalls.

The repair

To solve the problem, Subaru authorized dealers will replace the fuel pump inside the tank that includes an impeller with a higher density at no charge. Owners will be notified beginning September 13, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Subaru fuel pump recall includes more than 160,000 vehicles. To check for this and other Subaru recalls, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicSubaru recalls vehicles due to risk of engine stall
US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

US government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall

August 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, DC – August 27, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine whether Ford (NYSE:F) timely and adequately handled a recent recall related to faulty rearview cameras.

The investigation is examining all models included in the original Ford recall of 620,246 cars, which launched in September of last year:

  • Ford F series trucks, including the 2020 Ford F-150, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD trucks
  • 2020 Ford Explorer SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles
  • 2020 Ford Transit vans
  • 2020 Ford Expedition SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Escape  SUVs
  • 2020 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2020 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2020 Lincoln Nautilus crossovers
  • 2020 Lincoln Corsair compact SUVs

Summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on August 3 to evaluate the “timeliness and scope” of Ford’s recall process, as well as whether the company complied with all the reporting requirements mandated by law. 

Prior to the investigation and the original September recall, NHTSA received 14 complaints alleging rearview camera malfunction on Escape, Lincoln Corsair and F-150 vehicles. It is not clear whether these vehicles were included in the original recall or what specifically prompted the regulator to open the investigation.

Long wait for repairs

Owners, however, have been complaining about long wait-times for repairs, and several drivers allege that their Fords have identical backup camera problems, but their vehicle was not included in the recall. Both sets of complaints point to potential issues with Ford’s ability to offer repairs to all the right cars in a timely manner.

The parts for some of the vehicles included in the original recall were on the back order as recently as this month, despite the fact that Ford announced that the repair was available last November.

Vehicle ‘full of gremlins’

At least one owner alleged that the failure of the backup camera system also caused “the forward-collision warning [turn] on by itself, ​​causing the vehicle” to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. Another driver succinctly summarized the issues he or she was having by stating that the vehicle was “full of gremlins” and needed to be “heavily watched.”

Next steps

NHTSA will investigate whether the recall needs to be expanded or adjusted. The agency did not disclose how long this process is expected to take. If NHTSA decides the recall took too long or failed to include all the cars in need of repairs, it may issue fines against Ford.

Original recall

The original recall concerned the back-up camera display, which would sometimes go blank and fail to show drivers what was behind the car, as reported. As of July 23, 2021, close to 289,000 recalled vehicles were repaired, according to information provided to NHTSA by Ford.

Other Ford recalls

In April 2020, the company recalled Ford Rangers because the gear position display may be inaccurate, which could cause a crash. The company recalled Ford Mustangs five months later over an issue with faulty brake pedals.

In 2019 and 2020, there were six 2020 F-150 Ford recalls –  apart from the one that is being investigated – including one “reduced seat back strength” and faulty daytime lights, according to NHTSA records.

Is your vehicle part of this recall or a future recall?

Over 620,000 vehicles are implicated in NHTSA’s investigation into Ford. Check back for any updates using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government scrutinizes recent Ford rearview camera recall
Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire

Ford recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire

August 26, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Dearborn, MI – August 26, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 33,298 luxury SUVs with a wiring issue that could cause an electrical fire. The recall includes 2020 – 2021 Lincoln Aviator SUVs with 3.0L gasoline engines and concerns a faulty wiring harness.

Recall summary  

The recalled Lincoln Aviators use something called a wiring harness to secure the many wires in the car so that they do not rub against one another or other parts of the car or get bent out of shape. This makes sure the insulating rubber does not get worn down, exposing live wires and damaging various electronics in the SUV. 

Due to a design error, one of the wiring harnesses in the recalled cars might not be secured properly, potentially putting the wires in contact with the compressor of the car air conditioning (A/C) system, which is one of the most important parts of the A/C.

This can result in the damage to the A/C and also cause a short-circuit that can grow into a car fire.

Lincoln and Ford recalls

This is not the first batch of Ford or Lincoln cars recently affected by faulty wiring harnesses. About two years ago, the automaker recalled over 10,000 2020 Ford Explorers for a near-identical issue with the wiring harness and the air conditioner pulley. Lincoln MKX and Nautilus cars were recalled a year ago for a wiring harness defect affecting the airbags.

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has been recalled ten times in total, including this recall. Prior to the wiring harness issue, the car has been recalled for the loss of the rearview camera image and due to the risk of rollaway, fuel leaks and fire, as reported.

Risks

Read  more about the risks of vehicle fires, and what to do if one occurs, in this article about a fire-related BMW recall.

The repair

Ford and Lincoln dealers will install a tie strap to secure the faulty wiring harness out the way. Dealers will also check the wiring harness and air conditioner compressor belt for damage and repair them, if needed. All these services are provided free of charge. Owners should have been notified by mail between July 30 and August 6.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 33,000 vehicles are included in this Ford Lincoln recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord recalls Lincoln Aviators for risk of electrical fire
US government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes

US government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes

August 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – August 19, 2021 – A United States auto safety regulator has opened an investigation into Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) autopilot feature over concerns that it may not stop cars from crashing into parked emergency vehicles. Collisions with civilian vehicles represent one of the leading causes of death for first responders and this investigation was opened on the back of 17 injuries and one death.

The investigation could implicate 765,000 vehicles and covers the majority of Tesla models that have been made in the U.S., including:

  • 2017 – 2021 Model 3 sedans
  • 2014 – 2021 Model S sedans
  • 2015 – 2021 Model X SUVs
  • 2019 – 2021 Model Y compact SUVs

Summary  

On August 13, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation based on 11 reports of Tesla cars crashing into first responders’ vehicles parked at emergency scenes on the road.  

All the Teslas involved were using autopilot or Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC) features when they crashed and most crashes occurred at night.

The Teslas, which use eight cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to monitor the road, did not stop driving, despite many visual signs of an emergency scene, including cones, flares and flashing lights on emergency vehicles. At least in one case, the car only detected the emergency vehicle just 0.49 seconds before it made impact.

Scope of the investigation

The investigation will look into Tesla autopilot’s ability to respond to these scenes on the road and will also focus on how Tesla vehicles make sure that drivers are actually paying attention when autopilot is on. 

Tesla’s autopilot is not the same as a self-driving car and drivers are still supposed to watch the road while driving. Tesla’s manual instructs owners to keep their hands on the wheel while autopilot is on. However, Tesla’s autopilot only requires drivers to occasionally tap the steering wheel to keep the autopilot running.

At the same time, some autopilot systems, such as GM’s super cruise, use infrared cameras to monitor drivers’ eyes to make sure they are still watching the road.

Safety tips

If you see an emergency vehicle, please slow down and move over to the right so that the vehicle can respond to the incident as soon as possible. Do not try to beat an ambulance or a police car at a light and keep your eyes on the road while driving. Keep in mind that your car is likely soundproof and you may only have a couple seconds to react to an emergency vehicle before it is too late. Do not engage in conversations with your passengers and try to avoid eating and drinking while driving.

Investigation process

The safety agency’s investigation is currently in a preliminary stage that usually lasts under four months. If evaluators find a safety defect, the agency will escalate the investigation to decide whether to mandate a recall. This typically takes up to a year to complete.

Tesla recalls in 2021

Earlier this summer, Tesla recalled Model Y and Model 3 cars first due to potential loss of tire pressure and then because of faulty seatbelts. In February, the manufacturer issued a Tesla Model S recall over impending loss of essential safety features due to a memory issue. In addition to Model S vehicles, this recall also included Model X crossovers.

Will your vehicle be part of a recall?

Around 765,000 cars could be involved in a future Tesla recall. To see if yours is one of them, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and check back for open recalls in the future.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates Tesla autopilot crashes
Stellantis is recalling vehicles over a risk of windshield detachment

Stellantis is recalling vehicles over a risk of windshield detachment

August 18, 2021 Bojan Popic , ,

Auburn Hills, MI  – August 18, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – that owns both Chrysler and Dodge brands – has announced a recall for 21,258 vehicles whose windshields may have been improperly fitted. This may lead to its separation from the vehicle during a collision, which increases the risk of injury. This Dodge and Chrysler recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2020 Chrysler 300
  • 2021 Chrysler 300
  • 2020 Dodge Challenger
  • 2021 Dodge Challenger
  • 2020 Dodge Charger
  • 2021 Dodge Charger

Recall summary  

The vehicles affected by this recall may have been painted with a “non-conforming” coat which does not adequately bonds the windshield with the metal beneath it. As a result, the windshield could detach from the vehicle during a collision.  

Risks

A large piece of glass that is flying out of control can injure passengers inside the vehicle, other motorists and nearby pedestrians. In addition, such vehicles fail to comply with a U.S. safety standard which requires at least half of the windshield to stay in place during a collision. 

Other Dodge Challenger recalls

In April of last year, the 2019 Dodge Challenger was part of a 300,000-unit strong recall for a lingering rearview camera image which could distract the driver and lead to a crash. The 2020 model-year is not subject to any additional recalls.

Other Dodge Charger recalls

The 2018, 2019 and 2020 Dodge Charger were recalled in August of last year because the backup camera image would not display when these cars were in the so-called stealth mode, as reported. The 2021 model-year does not have any additional recalls outstanding.

The repair

Chrysler and Dodge authorized dealers will fix this issue by removing the windshield and applying a different type of urethane sealant which will ensure that the windshield will stay in place. Notifications will be sent to owners around August 27. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Chrysler and Dodge recall includes more than 20,000 vehicles. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis is recalling vehicles over a risk of windshield detachment
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