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
Ford recalls vehicles due to risk of rollaway

Ford recalls vehicles due to risk of rollaway

June 10, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Dearborn, MI– June 10, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) has announced a recall for 192,080 vans due to the risk of a rollaway when the car is placed in “Park.”  This is caused by the missing links between the shifter cable – which is what puts a car into a driver’s desired gear – and transmission. 

The component in question is the shifter cable bushing; part number DT1P-7E395-AB.

The recall includes the following vans:

  • 2013 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2014 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2015 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2016 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2017 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2018 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2019 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2020 Ford Transit Connect
  • 2021 Ford Transit Connect

Summary

The missing links are called bushings and their role is to “act as a cushion” between the shifter cable and transmission so that the car can shift into the appropriate gear when the lever is switched. Due to potential “thermal degradation” and contaminant exposure, the bushing may “degrade or detach.” 

This can cause the vehicle to shift into the wrong gear without proper instrument panel notification, meaning that it may appear that the vehicle is, for example, in “Park,” while it is actually not. 

Risks

This defect can cause the van to roll away unexpectedly when parked, which may result in it hitting the driver or pedestrians or causing property damage. This is particularly dangerous if the van is parked on the incline.

Warning signs

Drivers may be alerted to this problem if the instrument panel display position on the cluster does not match the gear shift lever position. They may also notice that when they shift into a gear, the vehicle responds differently than it should based on the transmission gear state. Finally, if the engine was turned off in a gear other than “Park” – regardless of the gear lever position – the car may not restart.

Other Ford Transit recalls

In 2017, there was a recall issued for over 1 million Ford Transit vehicles due to faulty automatic transmission.  In November of last year, 2019-2020 Transit Connect vans were recalled due to engine fire risk.

Repair

Owners will be notified by mail starting June 28 and instructed to take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer. The dealer will replace one of the bushings and add a protective cap over the other  This service will be free. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 192,080 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To do a Ford recall check, use Motorsafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerFord recalls vehicles due to risk of rollaway
US government investigates Porsche Taycan battery issues

US government investigates Porsche Taycan battery issues

June 9, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – June 9, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine if Porsche (OTCMKTS:POAHY) will be required to recall 12,146 2020-2021 Porsche Taycan electric cars for battery issues that can cause the car to stall.

Investigation summary  

The regulator – the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on May 17, after receiving nine Taycan owners’ complaints that described the cars’ stalling without warning, sometimes while driving on a freeway.

The cause appears to be the shutdown of the vehicle’s electrical system potentially brought upon by the loss of charge of the car’s 12-volt auxiliary battery, which normally powers headlights and climate control. Indeed, all drivers who submitted complaints saw an error message about a “battery fault” on the car’s display.  

Complaints

This issue potentially represents a serious safety hazard. One driver complained that not only the car stalled, but it also locked him or her inside while on a freeway. Six owners stated in their complaints that they were not able to restart their cars.

Risks

Stalling turns your car into a road hazard that other faster-moving cars may hit. Read more about the dangers of stalling, and what to do if your car loses power, in this article about a recent Jeep and Ram recall. 

Next steps

NHTSA is currently investigating the “scope and severity” of the Porsche Taycan’s issues with its battery. This process – called preliminary evaluation – usually takes about four months. If NHTSA finds a possible safety defect, it will conduct the so-called engineering analysis to see if a recall is warranted.

Recent Porsche Taycan recalls

The 2021 Porsche Taycan was just recalled for a separate issue with its suspension, which may break, causing the vehicle to lose control. Read more about it in NHTSA’s official recall documents.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 12,000 vehicles are implicated in this Porsche investigation. To see if this Porsche battery issue affects your car, bookmark our MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government investigates Porsche Taycan battery issues
US government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

US government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks

June 4, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – June 4, 2021 – The arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is conducting an investigation to determine if Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) will be required to recall 4,849 for Ferrari 458 issues involving leaking fuel.

The leak can lead to a fire, greatly increasing the risk of bodily injury and property damage. The potentially affected cars include the following:

  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458
  • 2010 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
  • 2013 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
  • 2014 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale A
  • 2012 – 2015 Ferrari 458 Spider

Summary  

The regulator – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – opened the investigation on May 17, after receiving three complaints that described fuel leaking out of the car’s capless fuel filler. In contrast to many other cars, these Ferraris use capless fuel fillers that use self-closing flaps instead of the more traditional gas tank cap.

In the three incidents above, the leak resulted from the damage to the fuel filler. This could in turn allow fuel to slosh out during left turns, according to NHTSA.

Preliminary phase

The investigation is currently in its preliminary phase. If NHTSA finds information that “suggest[s] that a safety defect may exist,”  it will proceed with the so-called engineering analysis, which may result in a recall.

When and if this would occur is not clear at this point.

Risks

While NHTSA has not yet outlined the safety hazards in their investigation, fuel leaks pose a serious fire risk. Fuel is highly flammable and exposure to heat or sparks could cause it to ignite, possibly causing a car fire. 

For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please refer to our recent article about a Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recall.

Will your vehicle be part of a Ferrari recall?

Over 4,800 cars are part of this Ferrari investigation, but it is not yet known if they will be recalled. In the meantime, check for any other open recalls on your Ferrari 458 using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandUS government opens probe into Ferrari fuel leaks
Nissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

Nissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump

June 3, 2021 Sergio Stephano ,

Franklin, TN – June 3, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has issued a recall for 24,140 Armada and Infiniti QX80 vehicles with faulty fuel pumps.  The fuel pump issues can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2020 Nissan Armada
  • 2021 Nissan Armada
  • 2020 Infiniti QX80
  • 2021 Infiniti QX80

The recall only includes units equipped with V8 engines. The affected part is the fuel pump module; part number A7040-3ZD0B.

Recall summary

The recall stems from an issue with the impeller similar to that seen with some 2012 Honda and Acura models, which is a disc that draws fuel from the tank and directs it to the fuel pump. As a result of a supplier error, the impeller can swell and cause the fuel pump to “bind internally.”  This can disrupt the flow of fuel to the engine and result in the car stalling while driving.

There have been no incidents caused by this issue in the U.S., according to Nissan.

Risks

A fuel pump failure while driving will cause a vehicle to abruptly lose power, increasing the likelihood of being rear-ended by another vehicle.

If the system fails while the vehicle is immobile, it can prevent the engine from starting.

Warning signs and safety tips

The manufacturer says there are no warnings before a stall. However, generally speaking, a faulty fuel pump can manifest in a number of ways, such as the engine sputtering at high speeds or a drop in the gas mileage.

The “check engine” light may also come on. In case you experience any of the above signs while driving, calmly maneuver your car to the side of the road and contact roadside assistance.

Other Nissan and Infiniti recalls

Back in April, Nissan issued a recall for the 2021 Infiniti Q50 and Q60 sedans that also faced a potential stalling problem. However, that was related to a software issue and bears no connection to this recall. The Nissan Armada 2021 is not subject to any other recalls.

In September 2019, Nissan recalled several models including the 2018-2019 Nissan Armada due to Improper programming that potentially affects the back-up camera display. This recall included more than 1,200,000 automobiles.

The repair

Dealers will replace the affected fuel pump module, free of charge. Owners will be sent a letter with more information on July 20. However, it is not clear when the repairs will be performed.

No U.S. drivers had come forward with EPS-related problems. Even so, the stateside Hyundai division chose to initiate a voluntary recall March 24. Dealers were notified March 31.

The Solution

Hyundai Motor America has ordered dealers to replace defective EPS motors in affected vehicles. This particular part falls under the original factory warranty, which covers the EPS system and other components for five years or 60,000 miles. Therefore, owners should not incur expenses when taking their vehicles in for service. The automaker intends to notify affected Elantra owners via first-class mail by April 28.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 24,000 Nissan vehicles have been affected by this Nissan recall. To see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sergio StephanoNissan recalls Armada and Infiniti QX80 over faulty fuel pump
‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering

‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering

June 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Washington, D.C. – June 2, 2021 – An arm of the U.S. government that regulates vehicle safety is investigating Honda (NYSE:HMC) after reports that certain 2013-2015 Honda Accords are experiencing sudden steering failure, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.  Up to 1,120,470 vehicles are potentially affected.

The investigation could eventually lead to a Honda Accord recall, but it is unclear when and if this would begin.

The investigation 

The regulator, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened the investigation on May 6, after reviewing a total of 32 complaints of steering failure in 2013-2015 Accords. The complaints indicate that the cars may “veer or jerk out of the intended path of travel,” without any input from the driver or warning signs. 

Background of the investigation

The investigation comes on the heels of a petition by Terrie Haggey, a 2013 Honda Accord driver who petitioned NHTSA to look into an “alarming pattern of power steering failures.”  The related repairs are currently not covered under Honda’s current warranty policy. 

In response to Haggey’s request, NHTSA asked Honda to provide additional information and found out that there have been 77 instances of power steering failure stemming from this issue. The agency is currently conducting engineering analysis, a stage of the investigation process that may result in a recall. 

If a recall is initiated, any necessary repairs will be free for drivers.

Terrifying driver experiences

Drivers have been narrating their personal experiences related to this issue since at least 2018. According to one complaint, a driver “collided with the guard wall” after being unable to control the car, which veered “in and out of lanes sharply” on its volition. The driver suffered physical injuries and continues to be haunted by the accident. “Worst of all,” the complaint letter stated, “I suffer from nightmares and I have difficulty sleeping.” 

Another person observed the steering wheel turning “really fast on its own to the left” when they let go of it.

Crashes and injuries

According to NHTSA, the “phantom steering wheel” has so far led to at least two crashes and several injuries.

Previous investigation

Starting in November 2014, NHTSA led a separate investigation of the 2013 Honda Accord over reports of power steering failure, with some reports also describing the steering wheel jerking left or right, veering off-course. That investigation, however, did not result in the 2013 Honda Accord recall as NHTSA deemed that the steering failures were “rare” and that the rate of failures was declining. 

Recent Honda Accord recalls

In December, over 235,000 2013-2015 Honda Accords were subject to a different recall due to a potential loss of power.  It is not clear if the recall included 2013 Honda Accord Sport, 2013 Honda Accord Coupe, 2013 Honda Accord EX L.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.1 million vehicles may become part of this recall. Bookmark our free vehicle lookup tool to check back later, or use it now to see if there are any other recalls on your vehicle that need to be repaired.

Rebecca Rand‘Of its own accord’— US government investigates Honda Accords’ phantom steering
Mercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

Mercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras

May 29, 2021 Bojan Popic

Jacksonville, FL – May 29, 2021 – Daimler AG (NASDAQ:DDAIF), which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, is recalling 342,366 vehicles whose rearview camera may display no image or reboot while reversing. This limits visibility for the driver, increasing the risk of an accident and injury.  The recall includes 48 model years, including Mercedes Benz GLS vehicles.  The 2019 Mercedes Benz GLE Class cars are not part of the recall.  

The recall includes:

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450

●  2020 – 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580

●  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

●  2020-2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS580

●  2021 Mercedes-Benz Maybach GLS600

Please see the full list here.

Recall summary 

Due to a software issue, the rearview camera in the recalled vehicles may reboot while reversing or show a blank image.

Risks

Without the video feed from a rear camera, the driver will have limited visibility while backing up. This can lead to property damage or injury. The risk is even greater if the driver relies solely on the backup camera when going in reverse.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

This is not the first time Mercedes-Benz has an issue with their rearview cameras. In the beginning of last year, the 2019 Mercedes Benz A class vehicles were subject to a similar recall due to a software glitch.

The repair

The fix is a software update that will be done for free.  The recall will start on July 13.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mercedes Benz recall includes over 340,000 different vehicles. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMercedes-Benz recalls 340,000  vehicles with faulty rearview cameras
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