BMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction

BMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction

July 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Westwood, NJ – July 2, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 4,511 cars equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may cause the airbag malfunction during a crash. This may result in the driver-side airbag exploding during an accident, hurting the driver with metal shrapnel. It may also cause the airbag to become under-inflated, failing to protect the driver from injuries in a crash.

The affected component is the driver-side airbag with multiple part numbers, including 1095767 and 1095763.

BMW will pull Takata airbags from BMW 3 series vehicles, including: 

  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 3 Series
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 323CI
  • 1999 – 2000 BMW 323i
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 325Ci
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 328Ci
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 328i
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 330Ci
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 330i
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 330xi
  • 2001 BMW 323 i

Recall summary  

The recalled BMWs’ airbags contain Non-Azide Driver Inflators (NADI), which  have been subjected to several recalls since 2019. The recalled inflators may have a faulty seal, allowing moisture to get into the inflator and degrade the explosive chemicals inside. 

The NADI airbags have a defect that is similar to – but separate from – the larger Takata airbag recall. That larger recall has affected millions of vehicles across the country, and cost BMW 131 million dollars in a 2017 BMW Takata class action settlement. 

Previous recall

The airbags in question were inspected under a series of prior recalls in 2019, but not replaced. At least one of the prior recalls was associated with several injuries and a fatality outside of the U.S.

Risks

When moisture degrades the explosives in the inflator, the airbag inflator could generate more or less force during deployment than it should. Too much force will explode the airbag inflator, sending dangerous shrapnel through the vehicle, potentially maiming or killing occupants. Too little force will under-inflate the airbag, which could fail to protect someone during a crash, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Some of the BMWs recalled in 2019 were considered so dangerous that BMW instructed owners to not drive the car until the repair was completed.  This time, BMW is telling owners that they can continue to drive the car, but is also imploring owners to schedule a free recall repair appointment as soon as slots become available.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator with a newly designed inflator for free. BMW will notify owners about the recall by mail starting on July 19.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction
GM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

GM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light

July 1, 2021 Vishal Venugopal , , , ,

Warren, MI – July 1, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has issued a recall for 285,622 cars and SUVs over a concern that the airbag malfunction indicator may fail to warn the driver if there is a problem with the airbag, increasing the risk of an injury in a crash. The models that are part of the recall are:

  • 2021 Buick Envision
  • 2021 Cadillac CT4
  • 2021 Cadillac CT5
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2021 Chevrolet Corvette 
  • 2021 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2021 GMC Yukon
  • 2021 GMC Yukon XL

The affected part is the Serial Data Gateway Module (SDM) – a gateway that handles the multiple networks in a vehicle – with part number 13542878. It is not clear if the 2021 Corvette Stingray is part of this recall.

Recall summary

The root of the problem is with the GM SDM Programming; specifically, a software issue that causes the airbag sensor to inconsistently illuminate the airbag malfunction indicator light. As a result, the driver may think his or her airbag is working properly when it is not and this could result in inadequate protection in the event of a collision.

Risks

An airbag is meant to protect the occupant from an upper-body injury and frontal airbags have saved over 50,000 lives in the last 30 years. An airbag that does not deploy in the event of a crash can result in serious injury or even death.

Related complaints

In April 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation over reports concerning airbag malfunctions in General Motor vehicles. Some of the models that are part of this recall were also investigated.

Of 15 complaints submitted to the NHTSA, six mentioned serious crashes where the airbags failed to deploy. Some also mentioned that the warning lights came on “every two to three minutes when driving.”

GM has not commented on whether this recall is a consequence of the investigation.

Other GM recalls

Back in December 2020, General Motors was ordered to recall 5.9 million cars with Takata airbags that may rupture when deployed.  

Other Chevrolet and Buick recalls in the recent past include the January 2021 recall for mid-size sedans over a potential suspension issue.

The repair

The software issue can be resolved with an over-the-air (OTA) update at a dealership. Affected customers will be notified on July 19, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

To find out if your vehicle is a part of this GM recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalGM recalls multiple models for faulty airbag warning light
Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

Tesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem

June 30, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Beijing, China – June 30, 2021 –Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) will recall 285,520 cars in China because drivers can accidentally activate cruise control, causing the car to unexpectedly change speed. The recall includes:

  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built outside of China between January 12, 2019 and November 27, 2019
  • Tesla Model 3 vehicles built in China between December 19, 2019 and June 7, 2021
  • Tesla Model Y SUVs built in China between January 1, 2021 and June 7, 2021

Recall summary  

According to a statement by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation, the recalled Tesla Model Y’s and 3’s “may cause the driver to incorrectly activate the active cruise function” while shifting out of drive or while making a sharp turn. If cruise control is inadvertently turned on, and then the driver presses the brakes, the car will suddenly accelerate back to its original speed once the brakes are released, without the driver pressing the accelerator.

The recall, a voluntary move by Tesla, follows an investigation by the Chinese government into the defect. 

Risks

This kind of unexpected acceleration could confuse or surprise drivers,  potentially causing a crash. 

The repair

Tesla will remotely stream a cruise control software update to recalled Tesla Model 3’s and Y’s. Tesla will contact owners of cars that can not be reached by the update through their dealers. All owners will be notified about the recall and coming update.

Recent Tesla recalls

In the United States, 2020 – 2021 Tesla Model Y SUVs have been recalled three times this year over issues with brakes and seatbelts. Two of these recalls also affected 2020 Tesla Model 3 cars.

Will your vehicle be affected by this recall?

Over 285,000 vehicles are included in China’s 2021 Tesla recall. There is no recall in the United States yet. Bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to stay on top of potential Tesla recalls affecting your car.

Rebecca RandTesla recalls 285,000 cars in China over cruise control problem
Daimler recalls more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering

Daimler recalls more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering

June 25, 2021 Bojan Popic

Portland, OR – June 25, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 8,482 heavy-duty trucks with possible loose tie rods, which are important parts of steering.  The loose rods may result in the loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash or injury. 

This recall concerns the “tie rod clamp nut” (part #MPTUE0171) and includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 114SD 
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner 122SD
  • 2021 – 2022 Freightliner Business Class M2
  • 2021 -2022 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 4900
  • 2021 – 2022 Western Star 5700

Please see the full list of vehicles here.

Recall summary  

A tie rod is part of the steering responsible for “moving the wheel” when you turn it.

On vehicles that are part of this recall, a nut that holds the tie rod clamp in place may become loose. With time, this can allow the tie rod to separate from connecting steering components or even break apart as a result of excessive vibrations.  

Warning signs

A decrease in steering response is an indication that your vehicle’s tie rod ends may have become loose or broken. This may lead to the driver’s eventual loss of control on the steering system.

It is unsafe to continue driving the vehicle with no control over the steering system. If such a situation arises, you should get your vehicle towed by an authorised towing service.

Risks

With the driver’s inability to steer the vehicle, there is an increased chance of a crash or injury. This could also present risks for other motorists and pedestrians as well .

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

Some 2019 models were recalled because of faulty air brakes, which could lower their performance and increase the risk of crash.

The repair

To fix the issue, Daimler dealers will replace tie rod clamp bolts and nuts. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners around July 17.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes-Benz recall includes more than 8,000 heavy-duty trucks and spans over several brands. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicDaimler recalls more than 8,000 trucks for possible loss of steering
Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz recalls Sprinter vans over faulty airbag wiring

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz recalls Sprinter vans over faulty airbag wiring

June 23, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Sandy Springs, GA – June 23,  2021 – Daimler (OTCMKTS:DMLRY), the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has recalled 4,078 Sprinter vans with a wiring issue that may prevent the side airbags from working properly. This issue may reduce the risk of injury in a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vans
  • 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter extended cargo vans
  • 2019-2021 Freightliner Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 vans

The vans are commonly used to haul people, cargo or even as trendy refurbished camper vans as part of a new trend called “Van Life.”

Recall summary  

The recalled Sprinters’ front seats contain side airbags that are meant to protect a person’s torso in the case of a side-impact crash. These front seats can swivel around to face the inside of the van. The problem is that the wiring connecting the side airbags inside the seats to the rest of the car (including the sensors and computers that control these airbags) may get pinched when the seats are rotated.

“Worst case scenario,” Daimler stated in recall documents, “the side airbag may either deploy inadvertently or may not deploy as designed in the event of a crash.” 

Risks

Side airbags, together with curtain airbags, reduce side-impact crash fatalities by an estimated 31.3%. This level of protection disappears if the airbags fail to deploy or deploy at the wrong time. 

Other Freightliner van recalls

In January, Daimler recalled over 9,000 Freightliner Sprinter vans with “electrical parking brake (EPB) systems” due to a potential brake fluid leak.  The issue  may change how the brake pedal operates, increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall includes some of the same model-years that are included in this recall.

The repair

The Sprinter’s seat wiring is held together by something called a wiring harness. Mercedes or Freightliner Sprinter dealers will inspect the front seats’ seat wiring harnesses and will re-route the wires in a way that they will not get pinched when the seat is rotated. This repair will be performed for free. Owners will be notified about the recall approximately one week after it launches, on or around July 6.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles are included in this Mercedes recall. To see if your van is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandDaimler’s Mercedes-Benz recalls Sprinter vans over faulty airbag wiring
Volkswagen recalls more than 3,000 vehicles with misadjusted headlights

Volkswagen recalls more than 3,000 vehicles with misadjusted headlights

June 22, 2021 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – June 22, 2021– Volkswagen  (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 3,231 electric vehicles with headlights that may not have been properly adjusted.  The issue can “increase glare”, especially during nighttime driving, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall concerns a blocking cap with part 8W0.941.041 and includes certain 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 SUVs. 

Recall summary  

Due to a supplier error, the headlights of these recalled vehicles were assembled incorrectly.  Normally, there is a cap inside that blocks the headlights from being adjusted horizontally. The cars that are being recalled had this cap placed in the wrong place, allowing for horizontal adjustment.

Risks

A headlight whose horizontal aim is out of alignment will result in reduced visibility for the driver and may even blind oncoming motorists in certain situations. 

Other Volkswagen recalls

In a similar recall in 2019, Volkswagen had to repair more than 650,000 Passat cars and Atlas SUVs that also had misaligned headlights. 

The repair

To fix the issue, Volkswagen authorized dealers will check the headlights on affected vehicles and determine how they were assembled. In case the blocking caps are improperly fitted, dealers will re-install blocking caps at the correct position. Owners will be notified on July 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen headlight recall includes more than 3,000 compact electric vehicles made during 2021. It is not clear if the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is part of the recall. To do a VW recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls more than 3,000 vehicles with misadjusted headlights
Ford recalls vehicles that may stall or roll away

Ford recalls vehicles that may stall or roll away

June 18, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Dearborn, MI – June 18, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 4,436 2021 Ford F-150 pickup trucks due to faulty driveshafts, which are components of the vehicle responsible for powering them. This defect can cause sudden loss of power or “unintended” movement while parked without warning, increasing the risk of injury due to a crash. 

The affected part is the driveshaft with multiple part numbers, including ML34-4K145-KHE and ML34-4K145-JHE.

Summary

Recalled vehicles feature a two-piece rear driveshaft that transfers power to the vehicle’s rear wheels. Due to a supplier error, the circlip –  a fastener that connects the two pieces together – was not installed properly. The installation issue may result in the pieces of the driveshaft separating, which in turn may cause a sudden loss of vehicle power or “unintended” vehicle movement when “the parking brake is not applied.”

Risks

Stalling while driving may result in the driver getting hit from behind, which may create a multi-car pileup and cause severe injuries. If the car rolls away while parked, it may hit people or inanimate objects, causing injuries or property damage.

Warning signs

Drivers may experience a “clunking or banging noise” before the car stalls or rolls away.

Other Ford recalls

Earlier this month, the manufacturer recalled close to 200,000 Transit vans for the risk of rollaway. In December of last year, Ford issued a recall for 10,905 vehicles with faulty driveshafts, including the 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUV.

Repair

Owners were sent letters instructing them to take their cars to a dealership for assessment and possible driveshaft replacement on June 14. The assessment and replacement, if necessary, will be free. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

An estimated 4,436 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To see if your Ford 2021 F150 is one of them and to do a Ford Recall check,  use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerFord recalls vehicles that may stall or roll away
Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

Own or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls

June 16, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – June 16,  2021 – When recalls affect brand new cars, car manufacturers are required to have the vehicles repaired before selling them to customers. Efforts must also be made to contact owners after cars leave dealers’ lots.

However, due to legal loopholes and loose regulations, in some states used car dealers can sell cars without fixing recalls first, and used car owners might not be informed when their car has been recalled.

Here are a few things you can do to learn about any safety defects your used car has to protect your health and well-being  and that of your loved ones.

1. When you are buying, search for open recalls using the car’s VIN

Use a tool like Motorsafety.org’s recall lookup and plug in your vehicle identification number (VIN)  to find out if your car has any recalls that need fixing.

To find your VIN, check out this resource.

2. Update your registration

Auto manufacturers use the contact information listed in vehicle registrations at the DMV to track down the current owners of a vehicle under recall. Make sure the address listed on your vehicle’s registration is current so that recall notices will be mailed to your address.

3. Register directly with the manufacturer

Many manufacturers have an “owners” page on their website that allows owners to register their vehicle with them even if they bought it used. (For example, this is Toyota’s page.) They can use your registration information to contact you if your car is ever recalled.

Over 54 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. last year and more recalls are issued every week. Check your car for unrepaired recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandOwn or buying a used car? Three things you must do to check for recalls
Stellantis recalls Ram trucks whose wheel may come off

Stellantis recalls Ram trucks whose wheel may come off

June 14, 2021 Sergio Stephano ,

Auburn Hills, MI – June 14, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which makes the Ram brand – has issued a recall for 447,985 Ram trucks over a concern that wheels may come off these vehicles while in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.  The recall includes:

  • 2012 – 2021 Ram 3500
  • 2012 – 2021 Ram 3500
  • 2012 – 2021 Ram 4500 
  • 2012 – 2021 Ram 5500 

The affected part is the lug nut with multiple part numbers starting at 06509.

Recall summary

Because of incorrect information provided in the service and owner’s manual, the lug nuts can be tightened excessively. This could break the wheel stud – which is a fastener that “holds on the wheels” – and cause the wheel to come off the car.

Risks

If your vehicle’s wheel were to come off or even become loose, it could translate to a complete loss of control that may turn fatal for the occupants of the car, as well as other motorists.

Complaints

On June 8, 2021, a 2012 Ram 3500 owner from Raceland, Louisiana, reported that 7 out of 8 lug nuts from the right front wheel broke off while driving down the highway. Thankfully, the driver managed to pull onto the shoulder of the road and avoid a serious mishap.

Other Ram recalls

The 2021 Ram 3500, 2021 Ram 4500 and 2021 Ram 5500 were also recently part of a recall to rectify a faulty relay (switch) inside the engine compartment.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the wheel nuts of vehicles and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. They will also update the torque specifications in the owner’s manual. A letter to notify owners is expected to be sent out on July 16, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly half a million trucks are part of this Ram truck recall. To find out  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoStellantis recalls Ram trucks whose wheel may come off
Kia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire

Kia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire

June 11, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – June 11, 2021 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 440,370 cars for a possible brake fluid leak, which may result in a short circuit and  cause a fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. The affected component is the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), with several part numbers that start with 58920.

The recall supersedes a 2020 recall that encompassed the same model years and is a result of an ongoing investigation that has so far resulted in seven recalls.

 This Kia recall includes the following sedans and SUVs:

  • 2013 Kia Optima
  • 2014 Kia Optima
  • 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2014 Kia Sorento 
  • 2015 Kia Sorento 

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a safety system that adjusts the braking force to each wheel, to “prevent them from locking up when braking.” This gives the driver better control over the vehicle when having to stop quickly, especially in less-than-ideal road conditions. As a result of a supplier error, brake fluid may leak into the HECU, which is part of the ABS module, and cause the electronic circuitry inside it to short out, which may result in an engine fire. 

The fire may occur “while parked or driving,” according to Kia.

Previous recall

This recall supersedes the previous recall that was conducted in 2020 for the same model years because of an enhanced remedy that was developed by Kia subsequent to the start of the previous recall.  

It is also a result of an ongoing investigation launched in 2019 by auto safety regulator, the National Highway Safety Administration, into “non-collision related fires on model year…2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles,” which now also includes the 2011-2015 Kia Soul cars. 

The investigation has so far resulted in seven recalls, including the December for almost 300,000 Kia vehicles that may catch fire.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short by the malfunction indicator light (MIL) or the ABS warning light.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Risks

A fire that occurs while driving is a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards. Besides increasing the risk of collision and posing a threat to other drivers, it may not be possible to stop and evacuate the vehicle in time, which may result in injury or death. There is also a risk of property damage, as the burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles. 

Safety tips

Until the vehicle is repaired, it is important to park it outside, away from other vehicles and structures. This will prevent additional property damage in the event of fire when the vehicle is stationary. 

In case a fire breaks out while driving, the driver and all occupants should follow these steps to get themselves to safety quickly.

Other 2015 Kia Optima recalls

Apart from this recall, the 2015 Kia Optima and 2015 Kia Sorento were among the cars recalled in December 2018 due to fire risk because of a fuel leak. The cars involved in that recall previously received a new engine.

Other 2015 Kia Sorento recalls

Please see above.

The repair

As a part of the repair, dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it with an updated unit if a brake fluid leak is discovered. As an additional safety measure, dealers will replace the ABS fuse with one that is rated at a lower amperage, which will reduce the risk of fire in case of an electric short. The repair is free and the recall is expected to begin on  July 2.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 440,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Sorento recall. To find out if your Optima or Sorento is a part of it, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire
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