Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

March 23, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , ,

Dearborn, MI and Washington, D.C. – March 23, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) have begun recalls of 2,608,515 vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags whose inflators could explode, injuring or killing drivers and passengers. This latest Takata airbag recall includes:

  • 2007 – 2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007 – 2009 Mazda B Series pickups
  • 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006 – 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007 – 2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007 – 2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are Fords; the Mazda models in this recall were built by Ford due to a past relationship between the two companies.

Recall summary  

This Takata airbag recall is caused by faulty airbag inflators that can degrade over time and rupture when the airbags are deployed, sending shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants. Worldwide, these explosions have killed 27 people and have injured over 400.

The recall follows on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rejecting the automakers’ petition not to recall these vehicles.

The inflators explode because of repeated exposure to high humidity and “high temperatures” and despite the addition of a desiccant, or a drying agent, that is meant to minimize the risk.

Risks

The risks involved in this recall are similar to those in a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, which we cover in this previous article.

Other Takata airbag recalls

Over 66 million Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years in what amounts to the largest recall in the automotive history up-to-date. Just this year alone, General Motors recalled 6 million vehicles equipped with these potentially lethal airbags. 

Some of the cars involved in earlier rounds of recalls should NOT be driven at all. See the full list here.

The repair

Ford, Lincoln and Mazda dealers will replace the defective airbags with one that does not contain ammonium nitrate. The dealer will not charge for this service.

It is not clear when the parts will be available.

Ford and Lincoln owners should receive recall notifications with more instructions as early as April 1; Mazda owners can expect theirs to arrive by May 9. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2.6 million vehicles are included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Mazda or Ford recall check, enter your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall
Kia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

Kia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

March 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Irvine, CA – June 17, 2022 – Kia Motors (KIMTF:OTC US) has remedied 261,537 electrical issues that might cause engine fire in several vehicles including the 2017-2021 Kia Sportage. Additionally, 11,485 of these Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza models have been deemed unreachable, and 9,550 models have been removed from the recall. In total Kia remedied the engine compartment fire issues in three groups during 2021 and one group during the first quarter of 2022.

Irvine, CA – March 19, 2021 – Kia  (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 379,931 cars whose engines may catch fire due to an electrical issue.  The recall includes the following mid-size cars and compact SUVs:

  • 2017 Kia Cadenza
  • 2018 Kia Cadenza
  • 2019 Kia Cadenza 
  • 2017 Kia Sportage
  • 2018 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Kia Sportage
  • 2020 Kia Sportage
  • 2021 Kia Sportage 

The 2020 Kia Cadenza and 2021 Kia Cadenza are not included in the recall. The affected part is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which is part of the anti-lock brakes’ system (ABS). The part numbers are 58920-D9100 and 58920-F6210 for Sportage and Cadenza, respectively.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an electrical issue in the HECU, a component of the anti-lock braking system, which ensures that the car maintains contact with the road and prevents the wheels from locking, as reported.

A short in the wiring of the HECU may spark a fire in the engine compartment. The recall has been issued for cars sold in the United States and South Korea, where Kia is based. Kia said in recall documents that they did not know what was causing the short-circuit in the HECU.

Ongoing fire issues

Shorting in the ABS system seem to be an ongoing issue for this manufacturer.

In the past five years, Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, have recalled over 2.5 million cars due to fire risks arising from ABS problems. Kia is also subject to an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looking into the frequency of vehicle fires in Optima, Sorento, and Soul vehicles.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this issue if he or she notices the illumination of “tire pressure,” ABS or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights. The latter is also known as the “check engine” light. 

Additionally, the driver may smell “burning [or] melting odor” and see “smoke from [the] engine compartment,” according to the manufacturer.

Safety tips

Kia has advised that owners should park their recalled cars outdoors and away from structures until they have their cars repaired.

Read more about the dangers of vehicle fires and what to do if one occurs in this article about a recent Kia Stinger recall.

The repair

Kia dealers will replace certain fuses in the car’s electronics to prevent the HECU from short-circuiting. Certain vehicles will also receive a software update. Both repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Owner notifications with more detailed instructions will be sent out on April 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 380,000 vehicles are included in this Kia vehicle recall. Want to check for Kia recalls? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandKia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk
Nissan Sentras recalled for brake light malfunction

Nissan Sentras recalled for brake light malfunction

March 18, 2021 Ken Boyd

Franklin, TN – March 18, 2021 – Nissan (NASDAQ:NSANY) has recalled 807,376 Nissan Sentra vehicles, due to a brake light switch issue that may prevent the brake lights from illuminating, increasing the risk of a crash.  The components in question are stop light switch and grommet, with part numbers 25320 AX10A and  24268 6KE0A, respectively.

The recall includes the following compact cars:

  • 2016 Nissan Sentra
  • 2017 Nissan Sentra 
  • Nissan Sentra 2018 
  • 2019 Nissan Sentra 

Recall summary  

Brake light, or stop light switches are what transmits power to the brake lights, warning other drivers that you are slowing down. Due to an unknown issue, the switches in the recalled vehicles may become contaminated by the grease that is used in the “surrounding components.” This may lead to the brake lights not turning on when the brake is pressed, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.

Additionally, as a result of the brake light contamination, the car may not start.

Warning signs

The malfunction indicator light (MIL) may turn on and the driver may notice that brake lights do not work.

Risks 

A collision may result in injuries or a loss of life for everyone involved.

Other Nissan Sentra recalls

Older model years of Nissan Sentra are subject to a December recall due to the Takata airbag inflators. As reported, the inflators are prone to exploding when the airbag is deployed and hurling shrapnel at the occupants. This may lead to the people inside the car getting killed or injured.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the brake light switch and install a protective grommet – or a ring – over the edges of the switch to prevent future problems. The repair is free of charge and owners will notified beginning on April 7.

Additional repair parts should be available in the fall. Nissan will contact the owners again to let them know when the parts are available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 807,000 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To do a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydNissan Sentras recalled for brake light malfunction
Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs as part of Continental tire recall

Volkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs as part of Continental tire recall

March 17, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Auburn Hills, MI – June 7, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 2,110 vehicles including the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas that had problems with Continental tires. So far, six of these Volkswagen vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 has been removed from the recall. Four groups of these 2019 Volkswagen Atlas models were remedied in 2021, and one group was remedied in 2022 due to this issue with Continental tires that can suffer a sudden air loss and rupture.

Auburn Hills, MI – March 17, 2021 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 2,535 SUVs equipped with problematic Continental tires that may break apart or rupture. The recall includes 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Volkswagen 2019 SUVs and concerns 255/50 R20 and 245/60 R18 105 T CrossContact LX Sport tires.

Recall summary

When tires are manufactured, they have to be “cured” inside a mold to hold their final shape.  The tires used on the 2019 and 2018 VW Atlas were accidentally cured for longer than necessary, making them more brittle and susceptible to breakage.

The tires are part of a larger problem with Continental brand tires, which has led to recalls by General Motors and Mercedes Benz in the past month.

Risks

The tire rupture could take place in two possible ways:  the tire wall may burst, causing a flat. Alternatively, the tire tread – the part that touches the road – could separate from the rest of the tire. Both could result in the car spinning out of control, raising the risk of an accident.

Although VW recall documents do not specify any warning signs that drivers should look out for,  Mercedes Benz’s recall of the same tires on their GLE SUVs says that the following may be signs of trouble:

  • Visible wear of the tire tread
  • A bulge in the tire tread area
  • Excessive vibrations of the car

The repair

Volkswagen will inspect and, if needed, replace vehicles’ tires for free. Owners will be notified with more information about the recall starting on May 4.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen recall. To see if your SUV is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen recalls Atlas SUVs as part of Continental tire recall
Jaguar recalls SUVs for defective high beams

Jaguar recalls SUVs for defective high beams

March 16, 2021 Suhas Ramachandra ,

Dearborn, MI – March 16, 2021 – Jaguar Land Rover (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 26,805 sports utility vehicles due to a faulty Auto High Beam (AHB) system. The high beams light up on their own, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes the following compact SUVs:

  • Land Rover Discovery 2020
  • Land Rover Discovery 2018 – 2019 
  • Range Rover 2018 – 2020
  • Range Rover Sport 2018 – 2020
  • Range Rover Velar 2018 – 2019
  • Range Rover Velar 2020

Recall summary 

The above mentioned vehicles have a faulty Auto High Beam (AHB) system. The beams light up without the driver’s input and the instrument cluster does not provide any indication that they are on. The cause of the defect is software, with multiple part numbers, including JY32-14C088-JL and KY32-14C088-JG.

Safety risks

During nighttime, the faulty lights may blind oncoming drivers, upping the risk of an accident, which can injure or kill the motorists and passengers involved.

Other Jaguar Land Rover recalls

In July 2019, a “seat belt locking glitch” forced Jaguar to recall the Range Rover Sport 2018 and  Range Rover Sport 2019.  The driver and passengers could not properly fasten their seat belts, increasing the risk of an injury during an accident.

The 2020 Velar has not been subject to any other recalls.

Repair

Dealers will fix the issue by providing a free software update. The recall starts on April 23.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 27,000 sports utility vehicles will be included in this Jaguar Land Rover recall.  Use the MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check if your vehicle is a part of this recall.

Suhas RamachandraJaguar recalls SUVs for defective high beams
Porsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure

Porsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure

March 15, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Atlanta, GA – March 15, 2021 – Porsche (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 39,547 vehicles due to faulty front seat occupancy sensors, which may fail to detect a front seat passenger. This may result in the airbag failing to activate in the event of a crash,  magnifying the risk of the injury. 

The component in question is a sensor mat with multiple part numbers, including 95B881256L and 95B881256M.

The recall includes the following compact SUVs:

  • 2017 Porsche Macan
  • 2018 Porsche Macan
  • 2017 – 2018 Porsche Macan GTS 
  • 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan S
  • 2015 – 2018 Porsche Macan Turbo 

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the front seat occupancy sensor mats, which identify when a passenger is sitting in the seat, ultimately determining whether or not the airbag deploys. Because of the degradation of the fabric that composes the mat, the sensor may fail to “see” the passenger. In that case, the airbag will fail to deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Warning signs

The occupants will be alerted to the faulty sensor by activation of the “airbag warning” or “passenger airbag OFF” lamps.

Other Porsche recalls  

This is at least the second Porsche recall since 2019 concerning software affecting airbag activation. In July 2019, over 7,500 vehicles were recalled for a similar issue.  The recall did not include any of the cars that are part of this recall.  Additionally, in February of last year, the 2017 Porsche Macan and 2017 Porsche Macan S  were among the cars recalled for a possible fuel leak.

Risks 

Airbags’ goal is to cut down on the risk of “upper body injury.” As such, passengers in a crash without an airbag are at a higher risk of injury, especially in a “moderate or severe” crash.

Repair 

The repair is a free replacement on the sensor mat and seat cushion. The recall will begin on May 2, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Approximately 40,000 vehicles are part of this Porsche recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaPorsche recalls cars due to potential airbag failure
General Motors recalls over 33,000 cars over risk of flat tires

General Motors recalls over 33,000 cars over risk of flat tires

March 11, 2021 Rebecca Rand , , , ,

Warren, MI – March 11, 2021 – General Motors  (NYSE:GM) has recalled 33,838 vehicles whose tires may rupture out on the road. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 Buick Enclave
  • 2020 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2020 Cadillac XT4
  • 2020 Cadillac XT5
  • 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer
  • 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express
  • 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2020 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2020 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2019-2020 GMC Acadia
  • 2018-2021 GMC Savana
  • 2019-2020 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2020 GMC Yukon
  • 2020 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

Before being placed in service, tires are “cured,” or given final shape, using a mold and a rubber “bladder.” The tires in question were accidentally cured for longer than necessary, making them prone to rupture and failure.

While the tires are being recalled by GM, they are part of a larger problem with Continental brand tires. This recall expands an earlier GM recall in November 2020 and includes more models that may be equipped with defective tires.

In its turn, Mercedes-Benz has also just announced that it would inspect over 2,500 cars due to the same issue. To read about warning signs that may indicate that the tires are defective, please see the recent article we wrote about that recall.

Risks

The defective tires may suddenly go flat. Additionally, the outer tread – which is the part that touches the road –  could separate from the rest of the tire. Both conditions could cause the driver to lose control of the car and crash.

The repair

GM dealers will inspect and, if necessary,  replace vehicles’ tires for free. Notifications with more information will be sent to owners around April 12.

Recent Chevrolet recalls, GMC recalls

GM recalled nearly 6 million vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags in February. The airbags’ inflators may break apart after a crash and kill or injure the occupants of the car with sharp metal fragments.

The recall spanned several GM brands, including Chevrolet and GMC. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 33,000 vehicles are included in this GM recall. To see if your [type of vehicle] is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls over 33,000 cars over risk of flat tires
Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles due to defective tires

Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles due to defective tires

March 10, 2021 Ken Boyd

Jacksonville, FL – March 10, 2021 – Daimler AG – known as Mercedes-Benz – (NASDAQ:DDAIF) is recalling 2,529 vehicles because of defective tires. The defect may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2018 Mercedes GLE350 luxury cars, 2018 GLE43 AMG crossovers and 2018 GLE400 vehicles that operate with tires made by auto parts manufacturer Continental.

Recall summary  

This recall is caused by defective tires that were reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by Continental in February.  Due to a “process deviation,” the sidewall of the tire may break, causing a “sudden air loss” in the tire. The break may also cause the tire tread – which is the part that comes in contact with the road– to separate from the tire. This is very dangerous as it may result in the driver losing control of the car, especially when moving at a high speed.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice visible tread wear on the tire, a bulge in the tread area or experience excessive vibrations in the vehicle.

Risks 

If the driver loses control, the vehicle may crash into other vehicles, into an object or hit a pedestrian. The occupants of vehicles and pedestrians may be injured. The risks increase if the tire failure occurs at high speeds.

Other Mercedes recalls

The 2018 GLE 350 luxury car has had recalls for wheels, brakes and other issues. For example, the model was recently amongst 1.4 million Mercedes-Benz cars recalled because it may potentially lead first responders to the wrong place when the car occupants need assistance after a crash. The issue was caused by a “disruption in the car’s power supply,” as reported. 

Older GLE 350 model years were recently part of a recall involving over 40,000 luxury SUVs due to faulty stability control software. A software error may result in these vehicles jerking to a side while trying to avoid a crash,  ironically increasing the possibility of a collision.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the tires and replace them as needed. The repair is free of charge. The recall is slated to begin April 27, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,500 vehicles are included in this Mercedes-Benz recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMercedes-Benz recalls vehicles due to defective tires
BMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras

BMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras

March 9, 2021 Ken Boyd

Westwood, NJ – March 9, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 13,858 vehicles, due to an issue with the rearview camera. The recall includes the following models:

  • BMW X models, including BMW X3 2021 and 2019-2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i crossovers
  • BMW Alpina, including 2019-2021 BMW Alpina B7 xDrive sports car

For a complete list of models and model years included, please refer to this page.

Recall summary  

Rearview cameras became required on all new cars in 2007. Due to a software bug, when these recalled cars are shifted into reverse, the drivers may not see the entire rearview image or the screen may fail to illuminate altogether.  

Risks 

A malfunctioning rearview camera may result in a crash, as the driver may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This issue may cause injury or even death.

The cars in question, however, are equipped with a Park Distance Control (PDC) system, which alerts drivers to objects behind the vehicle, reducing the risk.

To read more about why rearview cameras were made standard, please visit our recent article about a Ford recall for a similar issue.

BMW xDrive recalls

BMW has just recalled over 14,000 cars – including 228i xDrive coupes and M235i xDrive high-performance cars – over a faulty sunroof that is prone to continuing to close after the car is turned off. This may result in an injury to a small child or a person inside the car.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and perform a free update, if necessary.  The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 13,800 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydBMW recalls X models, Alpina for faulty rearview cameras
BMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake

BMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake

March 8, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Westwood, NJ – March 8, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 14,011 cars whose sunroofs do not adhere to federal safety guidelines about how and when power windows are allowed to close. The recall includes:

  • 2020-2021 BMW 228i coupes
  • 2020-2021 BMW 228i xDrive coupes
  • 2020-2021 BMW M235i xDrive cars

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the sunroof, which may continue to close even after the car has been turned off. This breaks a federal safety regulation requiring all power windows, including sunroofs, to be unable to close when the car is off and the front doors have been opened.

In a document submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW said that this recall is caused by window-controlling software intended for European cars  “inadvertently” implemented in US cars.

Other BMW xDrive recalls

In February, BMW recalled 901 cars – including 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive – because of a risk that parts of the cars’ braking system may separate if the driver brakes hard. This may result in a loss of anti-lock brakes and “braking assistance,” increasing the risk of a crash.

Risks

If the sunroof continues to close after the ignition is turned off, it may hurt small children and other car occupants.

In fact, the regulation requiring windows to stop closing when the car is off was put in place in 1970 after “numerous cases” of children who suffered injuries or were choked to death after getting stuck in closing power windows. Many of these cases involved children who were left unattended in cars with the ignition off. 

The BMW sunroof, however, does feature an “anti-trap” feature, meaning that it would stop moving if it encountered resistance – such as a person’s limb – while closing.

The repair

BMW dealers will reprogram the sunroof’s electronic coding for free. Notifications with more information about how and when to get this repair will be mailed out to owners starting on April 12.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To perform a BMW recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls 14,000 cars over sunroof programming mistake
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