Ford recalls heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Dearborn, MI – September 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 5,795 heavy-duty pickup trucks and full-size vans whose transmissions may not shift into Park as intended. This may cause them to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

The recall comes on the back of multiple driver complaints and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2024 – 2025 Ford E-350
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-650 SD
  • 2024 – 2025 Ford F-750 SD

Recall summary  

In order to hold the vehicle in place while stationary, automatic transmissions are fitted with a locking mechanism, which is engaged every time the driver selects “Park”. 

The transmission in the affected trucks and vans may develop “transmission fluid leakage, noise and vibration” due a “casting defect” which may cause a valve to get stuck in the open position.

Over time, this may cause damage to the transmission’s internal parts, including the park gear engagement mechanism. As a result, the transmission may not shift into “Park” when needed. 

Recall risks

If “Park” is not engaged, the vehicle may roll away and crash into other objects or pedestrians. 

Warning signs

The driver may notice a leak under the vehicle as the transmission fluid drips out. In addition, the driver could feel unusual vibrations or hear loud noises while driving. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 95 warranty claims and field reports. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Parking brake issues were the cause of a Ford recall that took place in August 2023, affecting a large batch of F-150 trucks

Earlier in the month, Ford recalled Edge SUVs whose headlights are too bright.

The repair

Dealers will check the transmission for the presence of metal shavings, and replace it if there are any. Otherwise, the valve and the part of the transmission which caused issues will be replaced with an upgraded version. 

The repair and inspection are free of charge. 

Owners should be notified between October 30, 2023 and November 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 6,000 trucks and vans are affected by this Ford rollaway 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 heavy-duty trucks and vans over rollaway risk  

Nissan recalls sedans with rearview camera whose image may ‘fail to display’

Franklin, TN  – September 20, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 153,376 sedans over a problem with the rearview cameras. The defect increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Nissan Altima
  • 2020 – 2021 Nissan Sentra

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, a design flaw with the rearview camera harness may result in damage caused by movement and vibration every time the vehicle is used. This could lead to the display image being distorted, blurry or even blank.

Recall risks

All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Nissan recalls

In December of last year, there was another Nissan rearview camera recall affecting over 27,000 Titan, Frontier and Rogue vehicles, as reported.

In September 2022, there was a Nissan Sentra recall due to the risk of steering loss. This was the second recall for the same issue since 2021, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by inspecting and replacing the rear view camera and harness assembly as needed. All repairs will be free or charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 150,000 vehicles are affected by this Nissan rearview camera recall. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloNissan recalls sedans with rearview camera whose image may ‘fail to display’

Ford recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

Dearborn, MI – September 19, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 8,523 2023 Edge SUVs over headlamps that may be too bright. The issue could increase the risk of a crash.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the front right headlamp is brighter than what is currently allowed by the existing regulations or is “misaimed.”

The component involved is the right headlamp assembly with part number KT4B-13W029/30-C.     

Recall risks

The defect may cause glare to oncoming drivers, leading to a higher risk of a crash.  

Other Ford recalls

In June 2023, Ford recalled over 16,000 F-150 pickups with reverse lights that “could flicker or stop working altogether,” as reported.

In July 2023, Ford announced a recall for Fusion Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV) over an issue with the vehicle’s battery which could result in a fire. The recall followed multiple fires and warranty claims. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the front headlamp assembly free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced. 

Owners will receive letters with more information on October 9, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 8,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford headlamp recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Edge SUVs over excessively bright headlights

Subaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

Camden, NJ  – September 17, 2023 – Subaru (OTCMKTS:FUJHY) is recalling 8,915 sports cars – including the 2022 Subaru BRZ and the 2022 Toyota GR8 – because of a problem with the rear turn signals which may result in a higher risk of an accident. 

Both models were made in partnership with Toyota, which owns a 20% stake in Subaru.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, exposure to strong sunlight could cause less voltage to flow through the car, resulting in the rear turn signal being temporarily disabled.

Recall risks

The risks caused by a faulty turn signal are covered in this report about a similar recall by Toyota.  

Warning signs

If there is an issue with the signal, “the driver will notice rapid flashing of the dashboard turn signal indicator lamp,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Other Subaru recalls

In December 2022, Subaru recalled a number of 2019-2022 Ascent SUVs due to overheating electrical systems that led to a higher risk of fire

In March 2023, Subaru issued a recall for some 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid units over a charging problem with the cars’ 12-volt battery. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the rear lamp assemblies with ones containing an improved circuit. This will be done free of charge, and Subaru will reimburse owners who paid for repairs before the recall order was issued.

Owners will be notified by October 29, 2023.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Close to 9,000 vehicles are affected by this Subaru rear turn signal recall. To do a Subaru recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloSubaru recalls cars over faulty rear turn signals    

Volkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

Auburn Hills, MI – September 16, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, has recalled 7,499 cars with incorrectly labeled brake fluid caps. This may cause the driver to use the wrong type of brake fluid which may hinder the car’s braking ability, upping the risk of a crash.

Vehicles affected by this recall include:  

  • 2021 Audi RS6  
  • 2021 Audi RS7
  • 2021 Audi S6
  • 2021 Audi S7  
  • 2021 Audi A6 Allroad
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A6 
  • 2019 – 2021 Audi A7

Recall summary  

The affected vehicles were fitted with a brake fluid cap which has incorrect information regarding the kind of fluid to use.

As a result, the owner may pour the wrong type of fluid into the reservoir which could damage the brake system.

Recall risks

The damage can reduce “braking ability,” increase stopping distance and augment the risk of a crash.

Other VW recalls

There was an Audi recall in November 2022 caused by a partial power loss, as reported.

In May 2023, over 35,000 ID.4 electric SUVs were recalled due to the risk of their doors opening while driving, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will check the brake reservoir cap and replace it with the corresponding version free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 8,000 cars are affected by this Volkswagen brake cap recall. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Audis over reduced braking performance

Kia recalls SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

Irvine, CA – September 9, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 144,979 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to display an image. This reduces visibility when backing up, increasing the chances of a crash.

This recall comes on the back of multiple warranty claims and incidents and includes the following vehicles:  

  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento 
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
  • 2022 – 2023 Kia Sorento PHEV

Recall summary  

In the affected SUVs, the brackets that hold the camera in place may break, allowing it to fall out of position. This may result in the rearview camera not working properly.

Recall risks

For risks associated with this recall, please see this article about a similar Honda defect.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of 127 incidents “involving rearview camera loosening and/or falling out of position.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

Last month, Kia recalled over 50,000 Sorento SUVs because their airbag warning labels may have peeled off

Earlier in August, almost 40,000 Kia SUVs were recalled because they could have caught fire.

Separately, Kia’s electric EV6 cars are currently being investigated by the U.S. government over stalling

The repair

Dealers will replace rearview camera housing with an upgraded version free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on October 27, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 150,000 SUVs are affected by this Kia rearview camera 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 SUVs whose rearview cameras may fail to show image

Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

Auburn Hills MI  – September 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns the Jeep brand – is recalling 181,999 2022-2023 Jeep Compass compact crossovers over a problem with the settings of the cars’ instrument panel.

The issue augments the risk of an accident and injury.   

Recall summary  

In automotive electronics, a computer called the body control module (BCM) is in charge of the different electronic features of a vehicle. Among the functions that the BCM regulates is the backlight brightness on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

In the affected vehicles, the BCM was programmed incorrectly, preventing users from adjusting the intensity of the IPC backlight while using the vehicle.    

Recall risks

If the backlight is too low, users will not be able to adequately see the vehicle speed, engine temperature and other relevant safety-related information. If the backlight is too bright, users may become distracted. Either situation ups the risk of an accident.          

Other Jeep recalls

Just last month, Stellantis recalled roughly 44,000 of Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over a problem with the cars’ side airbags, as reported.

Earlier in the summer, over 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee cars were recalled due to a loss of stability, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the BCM software in the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall announcement. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by October 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Around 182,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep instrument panel call. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

Nissan issues second recall for Sentra sedans that may lose steering

Franklin, TN – September 3, 2023 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 236,238 2020-2022 Nissan Sentra sedans that may lose steering. The defect greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury for everyone involved.

This is the second recall for the same issue since 2021. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall might need a new remedy.

Drivers are encouraged to contact their dealership for “transport instructions” if they experience steering issues. 

Recall summary  

The steering mechanism on a car is connected to the front wheels with tie rods, which turn them left or right when the driver is turning the steering wheel. Affected vehicles were fitted with insufficiently strong rods, which could bend out of shape – or break – under high loads, such as when hitting a curb. This reduces the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and may lead to “a partial loss of steering.”

Recall risks

A vehicle that is difficult to control is more likely to be involved in an accident, upping the risk of an injury.  

Warning signs  

The driver may notice that “the steering wheel [is] off-center” or vibrates.

Safety tips

For tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe if you drive one of the affected vehicles, please see this article about the previous recall.

Background of the recall

The first recall for this issue occurred in August 2021. Between January and August 2023, the manufacturer received four warranty claims and 91 field reports alleging “off-center steering” as a result of broken or bent rods.  Additionally, at least five accidents have occurred on the back of the defect.

While the current recall appears to be an extension of the previous one, the production dates for the vehicles involved also overlap. This means that some of the previously repaired vehicles might need a new remedy. 

Other Nissan recalls

Just last month, over 11,000 Kicks and Versa cars were recalled due to power steering issues, as reported.

The repair

The manufacturer is designing an upgraded version of the tie rod, which is expected to be made available in the winter. In the meantime, dealers will replace any broken or bent ones with the currently available version.

All repairs and spare parts will be free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on October 5, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly a quarter million cars are affected by this Nissan steering recall. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan issues second recall for Sentra sedans that may lose steering

Hyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

Fountain Valley, CA – September 2, 2023 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is recalling 37,997 2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra HEV hybrid cars because they may speed up on their own. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

Recall summary  

All these cars are hybrids, meaning that besides a gas-powered engine, they also have an electric motor. This motor’s operation is regulated by a computer called the motor control unit (MCU).

In the affected vehicles, the unit may malfunction because of a software error. This would cause the vehicle to accelerate once the driver lets go of the brake pedal.

Recall risks

A car that suddenly accelerates on its own may crash into other vehicles, pedestrians or objects before the driver manages to put it under control. 

Other Hyundai recalls

About a 1,000 gas-powered Elantras were among cars affected by a November 2022 recall caused by the risk of stalling, as reported.

Separately, over the last six years, millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been recalled due to non-crash related fires. Both manufacturers are also under a U.S. government investigation to access the adequacy of these recalls and determine if more vehicles have the defect that will require them to be recalled to prevent from catching fire.

The repair

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

Owners should receive letters with more information on  October 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 40,000 vehicles are affected by this Hyundai sudden acceleration recall. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Elantra HEV hybrids that may accelerate on their own   

Kia recalls Sorento SUVs over detaching airbag warning labels  

Irvine, CA  – August 27, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has issued a recall for 50,517 2023 Sorento midsize crossover SUVs, as the airbag warning labels can detach. This increases the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.   

Recall summary  

Vehicles are required by law to carry airbag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors. In the affected vehicles, the labels were applied improperly, causing them to peel away under normal use.

Recall risks

The driver “may not be warned of the risks of airbag deployment, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.”

Other Kia recalls

In November 2022, there was a recall that included earlier model-year Kia Sorento vehicles due to the risk of stall while driving.

Separately, millions of Kia and Hyundai are subject to recalls – as well as a U.S. government investigation – due to non-crash related fires.

Just earlier this month, Kia issued a recall for 40,000 vehicles including the 2023 Soul, 2023 Sportage and 2023–2024 Seltos due to that risk, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the driver and front passenger sun visors on the affected vehicles, replacing them as necessary free of charge.

Owners should be notified by October 10, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 50,000 vehicles are affected by this Kia airbag warning label recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Sorento SUVs over detaching airbag warning labels