General Motors ordered to recall 5.9 million cars equipped with Takata airbags

Pleasanton, CA – December, 3 2020 – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered General Motors (NYSE:GM) to recall 5,888,421 pickup trucks and SUVs built with potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators, which could explode and fling deadly shrapnel into vehicle occupants. The infamous airbag inflators have already killed 27 people and injured at least 250 more, and are part of the largest auto recall in history. The latest installment of the recall – which already encompasses 19 car manufacturers and “tens of millions” of cars – includes the following GM models on the GMT900 platform:

2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV and EXT SUVs
2007-2014 Chevrolet Avalanche pickups
2007-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2500/3500 pickups
2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban SUVs
2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs
2007-2014 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500/3500 pickups
2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL SUVs

Recall summary

The recall concerns the vehicles’ passenger-side airbag inflators. The inflators use ammonium nitrate to generate a small explosion to inflate the airbags. If this volatile chemical is exposed to heat and humidity, it becomes porous. The extra surface area in this microscopic swiss-cheese allows the ammonium nitrate to burn faster, thus causing a much stronger explosion than intended. This explosion can blow up the inflator and send bits of shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants at high speeds, potentially maiming or killing them.

NHTSA first ordered GM to recall the affected cars in 2016. The company had recalled 330,198 vehicles on the GMT900 platform in May 2015, but argued that the rest of vehicles that are now being recalled should be excluded because the airbag defect was “inconsequential.” This argument was rejected by NHTSA on November 23. Despite disagreeing with the decision, GM said it would not appeal.

‘Almost no data’ to back up claims

NHTSA consulted air-bag chemical expert Harold Blomquist regarding these findings, who rebutted GM’s many claims that unique design features could prevent their inflators from exploding. “GM expended little effort over the last two years to methodically study the claimed features in order to substantiate their effectiveness,” he said in his 75-page review of GM’s petition. As a result, Blomquist said, GM had “almost no data” to back up their claims that their Takata airbags were somehow less dangerous.

Previous Takata airbag recalls

Automakers have been issuing ever-expanding recalls of Takata airbags for seven years, with 100 million inflators recalled worldwide. Volkswagen, BMW and Honda all recalled cars this and past year because of the airbag issue.

Repair

GM will replace the Takata airbags with a different model, free of charge. More information about the recall schedule should be released by December 24.

What to do if you own a recalled vehicle

NHTSA has issued a few broad recommendations for drivers in the Takata recall population:

Don’t have your dealer disable your airbags. “It is much more likely that your airbag will perform properly and protect you in a crash than cause harm,” NHTSA says.
“If you feel uncomfortable continuing to drive your vehicle before it is repaired, you should contact your dealer to see if they will provide a loaner until the repair is completed,” NHTSA says. Dealers and manufacturers aren’t required to provide loaners, but it can’t hurt to ask.
If you’re offered an interim repair, take it. Some automakers will offer to replace the old Takatas with newer ones, which are safer. “It is an inconvenience to have your vehicle serviced twice and to wait for a final repair,” NHTSA says, “But rejecting an interim replacement air bag is not worth the continued higher risk of injury or even death to you, your family, and your friends while waiting for the final repair.”

Some automakers have advised riders not to sit in the front passenger seat.

Here is the list of vehicles that NHTSA says should NOT be driven.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 6 million vehicles are included in this GM Takata Airbag recall. Use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool to see if your vehicle is affected.

$Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts$

Ford recalls Explorers and Aviators over fractured driveshafts

December 1, 2020 Rebecca Rand Ford Recalls, Lincoln Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – December 1, 2020 – Ford (NYSE: F) is recalling 10,905 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs whose driveshafts – one of the most important components of a car – may fracture, presenting several risks including vehicle rollaway, fuel leaks and fire. All of the recalled vehicles have 10-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and 2.0L or 3.3L engines.

Recall summary

In approximately 18 of the 10,905 recalled vehicles, the rear driveshaft may not have been welded properly and could snap. The driveshaft transfers power to the rear wheels. Its breakage could cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion or roll away when parked. The snapped shaft could also pierce the fuel tank and cause a leak and/or fire.

Ford knows the serial numbers of the faulty driveshafts, but they must inspect over 10,000 vehicles to find them.

Other recalls

The 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator have had close to a dozen of combined recalls since August 2019, including one for malfunctioning rearview camera and another one for defective fuel lines.

Safety risks

The broken driveshaft can cause a whole host of problems. A snapped driveshaft will cut off drive power to the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash because of unexpected movement. The vehicle could also roll away if parked on a hill. This is what killed actor Anton Yelchin, whose Jeep Cherokee (also recalled) rolled down his driveway and crushed him against a pillar. Furthermore, if the driveshaft snaps, it could hit the fuel tank and spring a leak, which in turn could lead to a fire. It’s a frightening list of potential scenarios that should encourage owners to get their vehicles looked at.

Repair

Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and check its serial number. If it matches one on Ford’s list of affected serial numbers, they will replace the driveshaft. Ford plans to notify owners by mail during the week of November 30 as to when the repair will be available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 10,000 cars are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool to check your car for open recalls.

Volvo recalls luxury sedans for Takata-like airbag problems

November 30, 2020 Aleksandra Snesareva Volvo Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 29, 2020 – Volvo Car USA (OTC:GELYF) has recalled 54,124 executive cars with airbags whose inflators may burst and injure or kill the driver and passengers with “metal fragments” when deployed. The recall concerns the FG2 Twin Driver Airbag Inflator Module containing 5AT 148 and includes:

2001-2003 Volvo S60
2001-2003 Volvo S80

Recall summary

Airbag inflators perform exactly what you’d expect them to do – inflate a car’s airbag when needed in the event of a crash. In a scenario that’s eerily similar to the infamous Takata airbag recall, metal fragments that form part of the inflator may shatter during the airbag deployment and strike the occupants of the vehicle.

The defect is a result of the propellant in the airbag being exposed to hot temperatures and “elevated moisture levels” present in the areas with such climate. As such, the recall encompasses 22 Southern U.S. states, as well as five U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

History of airbag troubles

Since 2018, ZF TRW – a U.S. subsidiary of German auto parts maker ZF Group that appears to be behind the recall – has been subject to 68 lawsuits, according to the court records. At least one of the ongoing lawsuits allege that ZF-manufactured airbags fail to deploy during a crash because of a “design defect,” according to a transcript from a hearing.

Risks

In the event of a crash, the airbag deploys at a very high speed, in less than a second. During the deployment, the metal fragments in the inflator can shoot out and injure the driver or the passengers or cause their death.

As of the date of the recall, one fatality was reported.

Repair

Volvo will be replacing the driver side airbag free of charge. The vehicle owners will be notified of the recall on January 4. It is not clear, however, when the remedy will be available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 54,000 vehicles are a part of this Volvo Car recall. To check whether your car is one of them, you can use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Audi recalls Q7 SUVs over higher risk of head injury in event of crash

November 27, 2020 Aleksandra Snesareva Audi Recalls, Volkswagen Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 86,004 2018-2020 Audi Q7 that were dealing with roof issues caused by inadequate padding on the c-pillar. Additionally, 154 of these 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles have been declared unreachable and 0 have been removed from the recall. One group of these Audi Q7 models with c-pillar issues that may cause head injuries were remedied in 2020 and four more groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – November 27, 2020 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled nearly 10% of its 2018-2020 Audi Q7 luxury SUVs due to inadequate padding on one of the pillars – a structure that supports the roof of the car. This issue may translate into a higher risk of a head injury in the event of a crash. Around 94,000 vehicles are affected by this recall.

Part number for the deformation element is 4M0 880 619.

Recall summary

C-pillar is one of the four or five pillars that support the roof of the car and is located towards the back of the car. Recalled vehicles do not have enough padding on this pillar, due to a production error made by a sub-supplier based in Austria.

Risks

Inadequate padding may result in a head injury if a passenger who is not wearing a seatbelt hits his or her head during an accident. Until your car is repaired, pay special attention to your surroundings to protect your loved ones.

The repair

Dealers will replace the non-conforming element of C-pillar free of charge. It is not clear from the recall documents if that element is padding.

The recall started on November 17 but it is uncertain when the remedy will be available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 94,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your Q7 is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

General Motors issues another round of recalls for brake assist system

November 25, 2020 Ken Boyd Cadillac Recalls, Chevrolet Recalls, GM Recalls, GMC Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 25, 2020 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 14,620 vehicles that operate with either 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines. In each case, the power of the mechanical vacuum pump – which helps the engine with several key functions, including braking – may decrease. This may negatively affect the brake assist system. The recall includes:

2018 Cadillac Escalade sedans
2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trucks
2018 Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 trucks
2018 GMC Yukon SUVs

Recall summary

Among other functions, the mechanical vacuum pump provides power to the brake assist system. Due to a design error that was not addressed during a previous recall of the vacuum pump in the power assist brakes last year, essentially “the output” of the pump can drop over time, making the power brake assist system less effective.

There are several factors that alert the driver to the brake assist issue:

The brake pedal may vibrate when the driver applies the brakes
Braking requires more effort
A ticking sound is emitted from the engine compartment when the brakes are applied
The driver may see a “Service Brake” message pop up on the dash

Risks

If the brake assist is not operating correctly, the driver must press on the brake pedal with more effort and depress it further to be able to stop the vehicle.

This change in braking ability increases the risk of a crash. Drivers may not be able to brake quickly enough to slow or stop the vehicle. GM notes that the problem is more apparent at low speeds when a driver applies soft pressure to the brakes.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the Electronic Brake Control Module and reprogram the system. The recall is free of charge and began on November 16.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 14,000 vehicles are included in this General Motors recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ford recalls Explorers for third time due to faulty suspension

November 24, 2020 Rebecca Rand Ford Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 24, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) has recalled 318,381 SUVs because a part of the suspension – which connects the vehicle to the wheels – may fracture, seriously impairing a driver’s ability to steer. The recall includes 2013-2017 Ford Explorer SUVs and concerns the rear suspension toe links (#DB5Z-5B758-B and #DB5Z-5B759-B).

Recall summary

The rear toe links hold the car’s back wheels at the correct angle so that the vehicle actually goes in the direction that the driver is steering.

For a reason that is not entirely clear, the toe links have been snapping, causing the driver to lose control of the cars’ back wheels and get injured. Ford’s investigation up to date has pointed to salt – that is predominantly used in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest – as the culprit of the problem. Salt can corrode vehicles’ underbellies, where the toe links are located.

As such, the recall encompasses 22 states and six Canadian provinces where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter.

Previous recalls

This is the third time the manufacturer recalls Explorers for the same issue that was previously addressed in two separate recalls in 2016 and 2019. The smaller 2016 recall was deemed necessary because of the toe links “improper weld,” while the 2019 one – that involved 1.2 million vehicles – was allegedly caused by rough roads.

Toe link problems have also forced Ford to recall nearly 230,000 Flex, Taurus, and Lincoln MKT vehicles this past February. Ford Focus cars have been subject to several complaints – one as recently as February – for its tires wearing out early.

Risks

A broken rear toe link will sever a driver’s control over one of their back wheels, allowing it to point in any direction. Under these conditions, the vehicle may start fishtailing (weaving left and right like a fish), which can send the car careening into a ditch or oncoming traffic. This is extremely dangerous. In fact, problems relating to this recall have caused at least 13 accidents and six injuries.

‘Sliding on ice sideways’

After one Explorer owner’s toe links snapped last February, they described the experience in a complaint to the NHTSA. “It’s like sliding on ice sideways. Very scary. Never want to go through this ever again.” The driver nearly avoided a head-on collision.

Other drivers were similarly shaken by the sudden loss of control. “My daughter and I should have both been killed” said one NHTSA complaint this past August. “…several weeks since the (near) accident and we are still shaken up by it.” Another driver described how their seven-year-old grandson was now afraid to get in the car alone with them after their Explorer’s toe link broke and the car fishtailed across the median, slamming into a reflector post, just barely missing oncoming traffic.

The repair

Ford will inspect where the toe link attaches to the wheel, and replace it if necessary, for free. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 300,000 vehicles are part of this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ford recalls F-250s and F-350s for front axle issues

November 23, 2020 Ken Boyd Ford Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – January 28, 2022 – Ford (NYSE:F) has remedied issues with 6,185 super-duty trucks including the F-250 Super Duty that had failures with the front drive axle. Additionally, 118 of these vehicles have been categorized as unreachable. One group of these Super Duty models with the front axle improperly welded were remedied in 2020 and three more groups were remedied in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – November 23, 2020 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has recalled 9,628 Ford 4X4 trucks. The front axles may not be properly welded to the trucks, increasing the risk of a crash. Axles are responsible for transmitting the power from the vehicle to the wheels, which is what propels the car forward. Front axles in particular also help with steering and cushioning the blow from driving on uneven roads. As such, having a malfunctioning axis greatly increases the risk of a crash.

Recall summary

A Ford supplier used “non-conforming parts” to assemble the front axle and subsequently welded them incorrectly.

This is at least the second recall that Ford issued because of axle problems for this particular model and year. In October 2019, the manufacturer asked nearly 30,000 drivers of the 2019 F-250s and F-350s to take their cars in for repair because the rear axles were prone to fracture.

These same trucks are also subject to a 2019 California class-action lawsuit, alleging that their suspension and steering problem made the F-250s and F-350s prone to a “death wobble,” or “violent shaking” at higher speeds when traveling on uneven surfaces. The lawsuit was partially dismissed in early November.

The recall includes 2019 Ford F-250 and F-350 super-duty trucks and concerns F250/350 Front Axle Assembly. The part number is JC34-3002-TB/DB/EB/FB.

Warning signs

Here are some signs that your car’s axle may be broken or is not welded properly:

An unusual noise when you turn or put the car into gear
Wobbling or vibration especially in the wheel area
Brake malfunction
Car fails to move

It is unsafe to continue driving the car with a broken or misaligned axle and you should take the car to the shop as soon as possible.

Risks

If the axle is not properly welded to the vehicle, it may break, causing you to lose control of the car and get into an accident. If the axle breaks, you may feel the truck get pulled to the left or the right or find that steering becomes more difficult. The effects can be more pronounced if the axle failure occurs when you brake hard.

Other F-350 Super Duty Trucks recalls

In March 2021, Ford Motor Company recalled several F-350 Super Duty Trucks, due to incorrect information on labels in the vehicles, which may increase the risk of a crash.

In September 2021, Ford announced a recall for several Ford Super Duty F-350 pickups due to the risk of the vehicles stalling while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. A driveshaft that disconnects can lead to a loss of power while driving.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the front axle of the truck and confirm if the welding was performed correctly. If not, the axle assembly will be replaced. The repair is free of charge and the recall was expected to begin on October 15, 2020.

Ford estimates that the repair will be completed in less than two days.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,500 vehicles are included in this Ford truck recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Ford recalls Transit Connect vans due to engine fire risk

November 20, 2020 Rebecca Rand Ford Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 20, 2020 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 2,903 Transit Connect vans with incorrect control software settings that may cause the engine to overheat and could lead to a fire. The recall includes 2019-2020 Transit Connect vans with 2.5L engines and concerns the following components:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Calibration
- R07, #KV6A-12A650-PF
- R21, #KV6A-12A650-AEC
- R25, #KV6A-12A650-APB
- R31, #KV6A-12A650-AJ

Recall summary

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is “the brain” of the car that controls over 100 elements. Usually, the PCM is programmed to enter a “failsafe” mode that will cool the vehicle down if the engine gets too hot. Due to a software calibration issue, however, the software in the recalled vehicles may not trigger the failsafe mode until temperatures exceed safe limits. Running the van at this high temperature could damage the engine or even cause a fire.

This is the second recall for Ford 2020 Transit vans this fall. In September, over 54,000 vans were recalled because of faulty rearview cameras that displayed a “distorted or blank image.”

Safety concerns

The U.S. Fire Administration 2019 Report on Fire in the United States stated that equipment failures accounted for at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017.

Vehicle fires are a fairly common occurrence that can pose a great risk to the occupants of the vehicle, as well as passerbys. For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please visit this page.

Repair

To fix the issue, dealers will reprogram the PCM software. The recall started on October 26 and is free of charge.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Volkswagen Jettas recalled for fuel leak issue

November 19, 2020 Ken Boyd Volkswagen Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – April 14, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has remedied issues with 109,627 2022 Volkswagen Jetta that were dealing with fuel leak issues caused by a manufacturing error. Additionally, 3,100 of these 2017 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles have been declared unreachable and 35 have been removed from the recall. In total Volkswagen remedied the manufacturing error that may cause the fuel rail bolts to loosen provoking a fuel leak in one group all during 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – November 19, 2020 – Volkswagen AG (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 218,192 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles, due to a manufacturing error that may cause a fuel leak. The recall includes 2016-2018 Volkswagen Jetta sedans.

Recall summary

A fuel rail is a high-pressure tube that delivers fuel to the vehicle’s fuel injectors. In recalled cars, the bolts that secure the fuel rail are not properly tightened. That can cause them to loosen over time, which can result in a leak.

Risks

A fuel leak may cause a fire, particularly if it occurs near the sedan’s ignition source. When a leak takes place, drivers may notice fuel leaking from the engine compartment or smell a fuel odor.

A vehicle fire creates a tremendous safety risk for sedan occupants, other drivers and pedestrians. In 2017, for example, vehicle fires were the second most fatal after residential fires, according to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration.

What to do in the event of a vehicle fire

If you suspect that an engine fire is occurring, follow these important steps.

If other people attempt to approach the sedan, warn them to stay away until first responders arrive. Do not attempt to remove any items from the car before exiting.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the fuel rail and the fuel rail bolts. Both of these parts will be replaced, if necessary. The repair is free of charge and Volkswagen expects the recall to begin on December 20, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 218,000 vehicles are included in this Volkswagen Jetta recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Tesla recalls 2020 Model Y SUV for trailer brake lights glitch

November 18, 2020 Rebecca Rand Tesla Recalls

Pleasanton, CA – November 18, 2020 – Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has recalled 2,567 luxury SUVs that may not light up the brake lights on a connected trailer. The recall includes 2020 Tesla Model Y SUVs “with a global rear lamp and tow package,” equipped with the following parts:

1502086-00-A
1502087-00-A
1502088-00-A
1502089-00-A

Recall summary

This particular configuration of the Model Y – which was released on the heels of customer feedback just seven months ago – allows the driver to tow a boat or a trailer if they so wish. Due to a firmware issue that emerged in August, the brake lights on a connected trailer may not illuminate when the driver hits the brakes.

Risks

Brake lights serve the important function of letting cars behind you know when you are stopping or slowing down to prevent accidents. The lights help drivers respond faster than if they had to rely only on depth perception. Having non-functional lights may create a higher risk of an accident, especially at high speeds.

The repair

Tesla has developed a software update, which they beamed to cars remotely on September 23. Within a week, 97% of the recalled cars were up-to-date. To ensure updates are installed on your Tesla, make sure your car is connected to your home WiFi network. Those who have issues are encouraged to contact Tesla customer service.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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

Recall summary

‘Almost no data’ to back up claims

Previous Takata airbag recalls

Repair

What to do if you own a recalled vehicle

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Other recalls

Safety risks

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

History of airbag troubles

Risks

Repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Previous recalls

Risks

‘Sliding on ice sideways’

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Warning signs

Risks

Other F-350 Super Duty Trucks recalls

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Safety concerns

Repair

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

What to do in the event of a vehicle fire

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Recall summary

Risks

The repair

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

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