Daimler recalls Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire

Daimler recalls Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire

July 14, 2021 Bojan Popic

Portland, OR – February 21, 2022 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF) has remedied 40,686 2017-2022 Freightliner Cascadia vehicles due to an issue where a dislodged headlight may cause a fire. Additionally, Daimler has deemed 0 vehicles unreachable and 28 vehicles including the 2022 Freightliner Cascadia being removed from the dislodged headlight recall. All these models were remedied by Daimler during the third and last quarter of 2021.

Portland, OR – July 14, 2021 – Daimler (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), is recalling 72,508 heavy-duty trucks in which a headlight may dislodge from its position. This can melt surrounding components, which increases the risk of fire.  

This recall includes the following:

  • 2017 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2018 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2019 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2020 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2021 Freightliner Cascadia
  • 2022 Freightliner Cascadia

The trucks in question are equipped with halogen headlights and use Sylvania H11 Long life 55w bulbs. 

Recall summary  

On vehicles that are part of this recall, a headlight bulb that was incorrectly fitted during replacement may dislodge. This allows it to come in contact with surrounding headlight components, which could melt as a result of excessive heat.  

Risks

When the hot headlight bulb comes in contact with surrounding plastic components, it may melt them. Besides causing permanent damage to the affected component, this also increases the risk of fire. For tips on what do if your vehicle catches fire, please visit the following article.

Reduction in visibility is another potential risk, as the beam of light created by a dislodged bulb will be pointing in the wrong direction. 

Warning signs

Owners can conduct a visual check by looking through the headlamp lense to see how the bulb is positioned inside it. An improperly fitted one will be positioned at an awkward angle and may even flicker during its operation.

Other Daimler Trucks recalls

The manufacturer recently recalled Daimler Freightliner Cascadia trucks over a risk of tie rod detaching, caused by defective clamp nuts. 

The repair

To fix the issue on vehicles made before December 2019, dealers will put a grommet,  a fastening inside the headlight.  The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners on July 12.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Freightliner Cascadia headlights’ recall includes more than 70,000 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 Freightliner Cascadia trucks over risk of fire
General Motors recalls vehicles over collapsing emergency jacks

General Motors recalls vehicles over collapsing emergency jacks

July 9, 2021 Bojan Popic

Warren, MI – July 9, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 135,400 vehicles with potentially defective emergency jacks, which may fracture and collapse under load. This increases the risk of injury for people that are near or under the vehicle. This GM recall includes:

  • 2020 Buick Encore GX 
  • 2021 Buick Encore GX 
  • 2022 Buick Encore GX 
  • 2021 – 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer 

The affected component is “jack assembly,” with multiple part numbers, including 42743996 and 42743997.

Recall summary  

The emergency jack is a tool that is used when changing a punctured tire on the side of the road.  After placing it under the appropriate jacking point, the driver uses a lever on the jack to prop up the vehicle.

On affected vehicles, if the driver positions the jack incorrectly, it may collapse while lifting the vehicle. 

Warning signs

According to the manufacturer, defective jacks may collapse only ‘if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner’s manual’. This scenario is, however, likely to happen when the driver is performing a roadside repair, since these are usually less-than-ideal working conditions.  

Safety tips

Roadside repairs are dangerous and should be avoided. Always call a tow truck or try to get to an empty parking lot or somewhere where you are not on the side of the road, if possible.

If you are driving and see a tow truck – or other emergency vehicles – please slow down and move over to the right. Over 30 first responders have been killed just this year due to distracted driving.

Risks

The plastic jack may not be sturdy enough if positioned incorrectly and collapse under unforeseen loads. This may result in injury to people that are close by or under the vehicle.  

Other General Motors recalls

Different model years of Buick Encore were recalled in November of last year because of a potential fluid leak.  Both Buick Encore GX and Chevrolet Trailblazer were part of a separate recall in September of the same year because of potential loss of electronic brake assist. The 2021 Buick Encore has not been subject to any recalls.

The repair

To fix the issue, General Motors dealers will replace the plastic emergency jack with a more robust, metal jack. The repair is free of charge. Notifications will be sent to owners around July 26.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

These Buick recalls and Chevrolet recalls include more than 135,000 SUVs. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicGeneral Motors recalls vehicles over collapsing emergency jacks
Porsche recalls over 10,000 Taycans following government investigation

Porsche recalls over 10,000 Taycans following government investigation

July 8, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Atlanta, GA – July 8, 2021 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAH) has recalled 10,373 luxury electric cars that may stall due to a software issue. The recall comes on the heels of a recent investigation by an auto safety regulator and includes the following models:

  • 2020 – 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo
  • 2020 – 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S
  • 2020 – 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo
  • 2021 Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo

The affected part is “power electronics.” There is no part number available.

Recall summary  

The axles of a car are responsible for transferring  the power from the car to the wheels, which is what moves the car forward, as reported.

In  the recalled Taycans, software designed to monitor communication between two computers on the front and rear axles may incorrectly sense a problem and trigger a shutdown of the car’s powertrain, causing the car to stall.

Investigation

Porsche discovered the issue while it was reviewing complaints brought forward by an investigation, conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about stalls in Taycan vehicles. The administration’s investigation focused on potential issues with the electric cars’ batteries, which are not mentioned in the recall documents.

It is not clear whether Porsche believes all the stalls in Taycans under investigation were caused by this software issue, instead of the battery issue proposed by NHTSA.

Warning signs

If the software error occurs, a warning message will appear on the car’s display, notifying the driver of a “motor control error” and instructing him or her  to stop the car in a safe place. Once the car is stopped, Porsche says, the vehicle can be restarted by pressing the on-off button. 

Read more about what to do if your car stalls in this article about a recent Chrysler recall.

Risks

According to Porsche’s own evaluation, stalls “can increase [the] risk of a crash in certain traffic situations.” Indeed, stalls put a car at risk of being hit by faster-moving traffic behind it.

The repair

Porsche dealers will update the problem software for free. Owners will be notified about the recall by August 27.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 electric 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 over 10,000 Taycans following government investigation
Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

Tesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk

July 7, 2021 Bojan Popic

Palo Alto, CA – July 7,  2021 – Tesla  (NASDAQ:TSLA) is recalling 5,974 cars that may lose tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. This recall includes the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model 3
  • 2021 Tesla Model 3
  • 2020 Tesla Model Y
  • 2021 Tesla Model Y

The parts in question are a brake caliper and a fastener. Tesla did not provide corresponding part numbers.

Recall summary  

The Tesla brake caliper is a part of the brake system, which helps the car slow down by clamping down on the wheels as the driver presses the brake. It is held in place by two bolts, called fasteners. 

During production, the fasteners were not tightened down and may become loose. If bolts become loose enough, the brake caliper will detach from the wheel and come in contact with the inner rim surface. 

This can lead to loss of tire pressure. The caliper may also jam the car wheel and stop it from rotating freely. 

Warning signs

Owners may notice a metal-to-metal grinding noise that changes its pitch depending on the vehicle speed, similar to one that worn brake pads generate. This happens as a result of the contact between the caliper and rim. 

Risks

Both low tire pressure and jammed wheels may make the car less stable and harder to maneuver and  increase the risk of a crash.

Other Tesla recalls

Over 280,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles were recently recalled in China because of an autopilot problem that made it more likely that the car will unexpectedly change speeds.

The November 2020 Tesla Model Y recall because of a trailer brake light glitch included close to 3,000 cars. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will check the condition and tightness of brake caliper bolts on all four wheels. Bolts that are loose will be re-tightened, while those who are damaged will be replaced with new ones. The repair is free of charge. The date on which the notifications will be sent to owners is not yet released. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Tesla Model 3 recall includes almost 6,000 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicTesla recalls almost 6,000 vehicles over increased accident risk
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
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories