Nissan Infiniti QX50 vehicles recalled for tire information placard issue

Nissan Infiniti QX50 vehicles recalled for tire information placard issue

February 3, 2021 Ken Boyd

Franklin, TN – February 4, 2021 – Nissan Motor Company (NASDAQ:NSANY) has recalled 8,291 vehicles, because the text on the tire and loading information placard is not legible. Owners need the information on the placard to confirm the vehicle’s tire size and tire loading capacity, along with other information. The recall includes 2020 Infiniti QX50 SUVs. 

Recall summary  

The tire and loading information placard is typically located on the driver’s door jamb. It lists tire size, recommended tire pressure and the seating capacity of the vehicle. A manufacturing error may cause the black text on the placard to become illegible.

Risks 

If the loading capacity for the tires is not legible on the placard, the owner may over inflate the tires, which increases the risk of a crash. It can also cause the following issues:

  • If tires are overinflated, they are more rigid than normal and may not be as flexible as needed when running over an obstacle. 
  • The tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes, cracks or hitting a curb.
  • Overinflated tires may wear unevenly, which affects tire performance. You may have to replace the tires sooner than scheduled, due to uneven wear.

In addition, the placard may cause confusion about the required tire size, and incorrect sized tires may be installed.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to inspect the placard and determine if the text on the placard is legible. If not, the placard will be replaced. The repair is free of charge, and the recall is expected to begin March 16, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,200 vehicles are included in this Nissan recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydNissan Infiniti QX50 vehicles recalled for tire information placard issue
BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

BMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure

February 3, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Westwood, NJ – April 18, 2018 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 47,806 vehicles with faulty water pumps that may cause the circuit board that controls them to overheat, creating the risk of a fire. The recall includes the following BMW models with eight- and 12-cylinder engines and MINIs with four-cylinder turbocharged engines:

  • 2011-2012 BMW 550i
  • 2010-2012 BMW 550i Gran Turismo
  • 2012 BMW 650i Convertible and Coupe
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750i
  • 2009-2012 BMW 750li
  • 2009-2012 BMW 760li
  • 2011-2012 BMW Activehybrid 7
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5
  • 2010-2012 BMW X5 M
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6
  • 2010-2011 BMW X6 Activehybrid SAC
  • 2008-2012 BMW X6 M
  • 2007-2012 MINI Cooper S
  • 2008-2012 MINI Cooper S Clubman
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Convertible
  • 2011-2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman
  • 2007-2012 MINI JCW
  • 2008-2012 MINI Clubman JCW 
  • 2011-2012 MINI JCW Convertible
  • 2010-2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Recall summary  

The recall centers around the issues with BMW’s electric auxiliary water pumps, which help regulate temperature under the hood by conducting heat away from the turbocharger. This recall mirrors the 2018 recall of defective electric auxiliary water pumps in BMW and MINI models. The turbocharger is a device designed to make the engine more efficient and amp up its performance.

Because of the faulty design of the recall cars, the circuit board controlling the pump may overheat and start burning the water pump when working in high temperatures. This could potentially result in an engine fire and also cause the pumps to fail.

Similar BMW recalls occurred before including the 2011 BMW auxiliary water pump failure and the 2012 BMW auxiliary water pump failure possibly causing a fire.

Risks

An engine fire creates the risk of death and injury for you and your passengers. Learn more about possible warning signs for Audi engine fires caused by smoldering engine compartment seals included in a recent recall of Audis.

Driving with a faulty water pump may cause the car to overheat, increasing the risk of an engine failure.

The repair

BMW and MINI dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump for free. Owners will be sent recall notifications by mail starting  June 11. Those who have already paid to repair this defect may be eligible for reimbursement. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

As of October 2019 – the last date for which information is available – over 31,000 vehicles have been repaired. To see if your car is amongst those that still need to be fixed,  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.  Avoid parking your car inside until it is repaired.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls 19 models for water pump failure
Nissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off

Nissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off

February 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Franklin, TN – February 2, 2021 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) has recalled 267,276 Pathfinder SUVs with a faulty brake relay –  also known as the brake light switch – that causes the brake lights to stay lit, even when the brake is not pressed. The defect can also have other effects on how the car starts, shifts gears and drives. The affected part number is 25230 79917.

The recall includes:

  • 2013 Nissan Pathfinders
  • 2014 Nissan Pathfinders
  • 2015 Nissan Pathfinders

Recall summary 

The brake light switch is a sensor that tells other parts of the car  – the brake lights, the gear shift and sometimes the ignition – that a driver is pressing the brake. 

This Nissan Pathfinder recall expands and supersedes a prior recall initiated in May 2016. The original recall was conducted because of a defect which caused the switch to turn on and off in rapid succession due to the movement and vibration of the car, eventually damaging the switch until it was stuck in the “on” position. This made the Pathfinders “think” the brake was being pressed when it was not, causing a whole host of driving issues. 

The new recall includes certain 2013-2015 Pathfinders manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee from 2012 to 2017. The first recall only covered 2013 and 2014 Pathfinders manufactured from 2012 to 2013.

Nissan has not disclosed why the previous recall has failed.

Switching gears when it “wants to”

Leading up to this recall, Pathfinder owners filed a litany of complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), describing their harrowing experiences with the brake light switch and related issues. Some drivers said that their brake lights were constantly lit, sometimes draining the battery.  Owners described the car switching “from reverse to drive… when it wants to.” The cars would also stall after stopping or randomly, while out on a highway, “becoming a life hazard” for the driver and his family.

Risks

Functioning brake lights warn drivers when someone is slowing down. If the brake lights are constantly on, other drivers will not know when a car is actually braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

The defect also allows drivers to start the car and shift out of park without pressing on the brake. This may cause the car to roll away, putting people who are in the way at risk.

Some vehicles may also stall, which can be dangerous, particularly on the freeway. Read more about what to do if your car stalls while you’re driving.

The repair

Nissan dealers will check to see if the car’s brake light relay has already been fixed. If it has not, Nissan will replace the switch and change its placement on the brake to prevent the problem from recurring. Recall notifications will be sent to owners starting March 1. 

As of January 1, Nissan reported that repair parts were expected to be in short supply until “February”; they did not specify when in February parts were expected to  become available. 

Owners who had this repair performed on their own dime before the recall was announced may be eligible for reimbursement through Nissan Consumer Affairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 260,000 Pathfinder SUVs are included in this recall. To perform a Nissan recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNissan recalls Pathfinders whose brake lights won’t turn off
Navistar recalls trucks; engine rev may overcome parking brake

Navistar recalls trucks; engine rev may overcome parking brake

February 1, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Lisle, IL – February 1, 2021 –Navistar International (NYSE:NAV) has recalled 17,213 medium- and extreme-duty trucks that may rev while parked and overcome the parking brake. The affected component is engine electronic control module (ECM) calibration software. ECM controls over 100 elements in the truck and is responsible for its smooth operation.

The  recall includes the following Navistar International models:

  • 2014-2020 International Durastar
  • 2020-2021 International HV
  • 2019-2021 International MV
  • 2015-2018 International Workstar

Recall summary  

The trucks in question are equipped with a Power Take Off (PTO) switch that transmits the power of the engine to truck’s accessories such as a dump truck’s bed, water pumps or a garbage truck compactor. PTO is in most cases directly connected to the ECM. 

Due to a programming error, the recalled Navistar International trucks’ may rev strongly enough to overpower the parking brake, while the truck is in drive or reverse. This may cause it to move unexpectedly.

Risks

The International truck, which can weigh up to 36.5 tons, could hit people or things in its path and poses a safety risk to the driver and people nearby.  This is especially dangerous if the truck in question has one of the accessories engaged. Imagine a dump truck moving away with its bed raised or a garbage compactor rolling with the compactor up!

In addition to physical damage to people and property, moving with the PTO switch engaged may harm the motor.

The repair

Navistar International will install an update on vehicles’ Cummins ECMs with a neutral interlock that will keep the vehicle in neutral as long as the PTO is switched on. Navistar plans to send recall notification letters to owners on February 19. More information about the recall and possible reimbursement for repairs will be included in the letter.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 17,000 vehicles are included in this Navistar truck recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandNavistar recalls trucks; engine rev may overcome parking brake
General Motors recalls Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem

General Motors recalls Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem

January 29, 2021 Rebecca Rand ,

Warren, MI – January 29, 2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has recalled 213,128 mid-size cars because parts of the suspension called the toe links may break. The recall includes the following cars:

  • 2012 – 2013 Buick Regal 
  • 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
  • 2010 – 2013 Buick Lacrosse

Recall summary  

The recall concerns the toe links at the rear underside of the car, which hold the rear wheels straight. The toe links are coated to protect them from road debris and corrosion, but the supplier applied too much coating, paradoxically making the protective layer more likely to chip off. 

GM has issued the recall in specific states in the “Salt Belt,” where salt is used to de-ice roads in the winter. Without their protective coating, salt can corrode the metal toe links and cause them to break.

The recall will include models that were sold or ever registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 

Risks

A car with a broken toe link becomes very hard to control and could end up crashing. 

Read more about the risks of a broken toe link in this article about a Ford toe link recall.

Other GM recalls

In December, GM also recalled a host of GMC Sierra 2500, as well Sierra 1500 and 3500 trucks, among others. That GMC Sierra recall was related to the airbag end cap detaching during a crash and potentially hurting the car occupants.

The repair

GM dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners for free. This repair is not yet available. GM is still working on getting enough parts and will offer more details when it starts notifying owners on March 15. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 200,000 vehicles are part of this GM recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors recalls Buick and Chevy cars for suspension problem
Audi vehicles recalled for battery power supply issue

Audi vehicles recalled for battery power supply issue

January 28, 2021 Ken Boyd ,

Auburn Hills, MI – January 28, 2021 – Volkswagen Group (NASDAQ:VWAGY) has recalled 2,355 Audi vehicles, due to an issue with a battery terminal cover. The 12-volt battery power supply may be compromised in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall includes 2018 Audi RS5 Coupe and 2019 Audi RS5 Coupe vehicles. The affected component is terminal cover; part number 8K0 915 429C.

Recall summary  

Vehicle batteries include covers on both the positive and negative charging terminals.

The recalled vehicles have the wrong cover on one battery terminal, which protects the 12-volt battery power supply.  As a result of the incorrect cover being installed, the power supply “may become compromised” in the event of a rear-end crash. This may make it difficult for first responders and bystanders to open the vehicle doors after a crash and also disable hazard warning lights.

2021 Audi R25 Sportback, 2020-2021 Audi A5 Sportbacks and Audi S5  Sportbacks were recalled in December for faulty wiring which could result in the same issues as this one.

Risks 

For risks related to this issue, please visit this article about another Audi recall.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the cover for the positive terminal of the 12-volt battery. The repair is free of charge, and Audi expects the recall to begin February 7, 2021. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2,300 vehicles are included in this Audi RS5 Coupe recall. To perform an Audi recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydAudi vehicles recalled for battery power supply issue
Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

Ford and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags

January 27, 2021 Rebecca Rand , ,

Washington, D.C. – January 27, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) must recall close to 3 million vehicles  in the U.S. after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) denied both manufacturers’ petitions to be excluded from an expansion of Takata airbag inflator recalls. The inflators, which have killed at least 30 people and caused over 400 injuries, are at the center of the largest auto recall in history, involving 19 car manufacturers and tens of millions of vehicles. Ford and Mazda will have to recall and replace airbags in the following models:

  • 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 manufacturers have until February 18 to initiate the recall. The Mazda vehicles involved were built by Ford on Mazda’s platform due to Ford’s past investment in the company.

Summary  

The recall concerns these vehicles’ driver’s-side airbag inflators, which are supposed to inflate the airbags using a small explosion. If moisture gets into the inflator and degrades the explosives inside, it may generate a blast that is too large. This can rupture the inflator and send pieces of metal flying into vehicle occupants, injuring or even killing them. Some inflators, including those in the aforementioned Ford and Mazda models, were made with a drying agent to protect the explosives from water.

Background of the recall

Similar to a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, the vehicles that are set to be recalled were manufactured with a desiccant, or a drying agent, that was set to prevent the possible explosion by blocking the moisture from getting inside. Based on that and other factors, in 2017, Ford and Mazda petitioned NHTSA to be excluded from the recall that was initiated by Takata earlier that year. 

However, this month, NHTSA denied the petitions due to its and Takata’s analysis of salvaged inflators, which showed that these components still degrade over time, increasing the risk of an explosion. 

Risks

For risks related to this recall, please see our recent article about Volkswagen recalling over 100,000 Beetles over similar concerns. Mazda reported injuries related to previous recalls of cars manufactured by the brand but it is not clear how many. The vehicles affected under those Mazda airbag recalls include 2004-2009 B-Series pickup trucks and 2004-2006 Mazda MPV vans.

Other Ford recalls

Recently, Ford recalled 2014-2016 Edge SUVs due to potential brake failure. You can read more about that recall here.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Close to 3 million vehicles will be included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Ford recall check, bookmark MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool and come back to the site when more details become available.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda ordered to recall close to 3 million vehicles with Takata airbags
Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

Hyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire

January 26, 2021 Ken Boyd

Fountain Valley, CA – January 26, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Company (NASDAQ:HYMTF) expanded its September 4, 2020 recall of certain Tucson vehicles, due to an issue with the anti-lock brake system. The recall, which totals 652,024 vehicles, now includes 2016-2018 Tucson SUVs. The original recall involved Hyundai Tucson 2019 and Hyundai Tucson 2020, as well as the 2021 model year for the same car.

Recall summary  

The issue does not directly affect the brakes in the Tucson Instead, it concerns a hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which is a component of the anti-lock brake system. A defective circuit board inside the unit may corrode and cause an electrical short. This may result in an engine compartment fire.

For warning signs related to this issue, please see the article describing the original recall.

Engine fire lawsuit and previous recalls

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson equipped with Theta II gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines was among 2.3 million vehicles that were subject to a 2018 class action lawsuit that claimed that these vehicles were at a higher risk of engine fire and stalling, among other issues. The lawsuit was settled in 2019 with Hyundai and Kia – which used the engines supplied by Hyundai- agreeing to a host of remedies, including cash compensation, free inspection and reimbursement, according to a press release.

Both manufacturers subsequently announced several recalls of other cars – some equipped with Theta II engines – also due to the increased risk of fire. Both the recent Kia Optima and Sorento, as well as Hyundai Santa Fe Sport recalls were linked to brake fluid leaking into the HECU causing an electrical short and potentially, a fire. The third recall – conducted by Kia – did not have definitive reasons behind it.

Risks 

For risks related to this recall, see our previous coverage about this Hyundai Tucson recall here.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will add a fuse kit to the ABS module. Model year 2019-2021 Tucsons will also require an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software update.

The latest leg of this recall starts on February 19 and the owners will be notified when the repair is available. Until repairs have been completed,  owners are urged to  park vehicles outside and away from structures. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 652,000 vehicles are included in this Hyundai recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydHyundai Tucson recall expanded due to risk of engine fire
Volvo recalls SUVs and wagons for defective airbag system

Volvo recalls SUVs and wagons for defective airbag system

January 25, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Ridgeville, SC – January 25, 2021 – Volvo  (OTCMKTS: VLVLY) has recalled 2,883 vehicles  whose supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit – an important safety component – may become detached during a crash, affecting the performance of safety systems such as airbags. The recall includes:

  • 2021 Volvo V60 and V60CC wagons
  • 2021 Volvo V90 and V90CC wagons
  • 2021 Volvo XC60 compact SUVs
  • 2021 Volvo XC90 SUVs

Recall summary  

Volvo’s recall addresses a manufacturing error that may cause the SRS control unit to detach during a crash, affecting multiple crash safety systems. If it is disconnected, the SRS control unit may not properly activate airbags, tighten seat belts or disconnect the car’s high voltage battery, putting vehicle occupants at higher risk of injury. 

The defect can be traced to a 12-day period when the Swedish manufacturer failed to properly measure how tightly they screwed in the SRS control units. 

Risks

In a crash, airbags can reduce vehicle occupants’ risk of fatal injury by 11%, but only if they are functioning properly. Airbags that deploy improperly or do not deploy at all, can’t protect drivers and passengers from impact and could lead to injury or death.

The drivers may be alerted to the potential issue if the SRS warning light comes on and “a text message “Service Urgent” is displayed,” according to NHTSA.

The repair

Volvo dealers will inspect the screws holding the SRS control unit to the car and will tighten them if necessary, at no charge to owners. Owners will be notified with more information about the recall starting February 19. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 3,000 vehicles are included in this Volvo recall. To see if your car is one of them – and if Volvo V60 Cross Country is included – use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolvo recalls SUVs and wagons for defective airbag system
Daimler recalls Sprinter vans due to parking brake issue

Daimler recalls Sprinter vans due to parking brake issue

January 21, 2021 Ken Boyd

Sandy Springs, GA – January 21, 2021– Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF) –known as Mercedes-Benz – has recalled 9,094 vans, due to an issue with leaking brake fluid in these vehicles that are all equipped with electrical parking brake (EPB) systems. The malfunction may change how the brake pedal operates, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes:

  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 1500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 2500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 3500
  • 2019-2020 Freightliner Sprinter 4500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
  • 2019-2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4500

Recall summary  

The problem in this Mercedes-Benz recall involves the rear brake calipers in vehicles that have an EPB, which allows for the activation of parking brakes with a push of a button.

Brake calipers clamp the wheels to slow the vehicle down when brakes are applied. When the EPB is used often, the rear brake calipers may leak brake fluid into the EPB. Then, to replace the lost brake fluid, air may enter the hydraulic brake system, which is used to stop the car. 

Because of the leak and introduction of air, the driver may have to press the brake pedal much farther towards the floor to get the car to slow down or stop. The driver may be alerted to the presence of the leak if the brake pedal is gradually becoming “softer.”

Risks 

If the leaking-fluid problem is not fixed, the vehicle may not respond quickly enough when the driver presses the brake pedal. This may increase the risk of a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists 22 recalls for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500. The 2020 Mercedes Benz Sprinter passenger vans and Freightliner Sprinter vehicles were  recalled  in August of 2020 because they did not meet standards for  Electronic Stability Control Systems.

The repair

Daimler Vans is in the process of devising a remedy for the brake problem. When the manufacturer is ready to perform repairs, customers will receive a final owner notification letter. Daimler Vans expects the recall to begin January 25, 2021, but no date has been set to begin repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,000 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 BoydDaimler recalls Sprinter vans due to parking brake issue

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