Kia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams

Kia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams

April 9, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Irvine, CA – April 9, 2024 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has issued a recall for 35,031 2020 Telluride SUVs equipped with “inoperative” high beams. The defect ups the risk of a crash and comes on the back of thousands of customer complaints, alleged deer strikes and a U.S. government investigation.

Recall summary  

Halogen headlights have a high beam shield gear mechanism that allows drivers to switch between low beam and high beam modes. In the affected vehicles, the heat generated by the halogen bulb could damage the shield gear mechanism, disabling the high beam mode.  

Recall risks

For the risks associated with this defect, please refer to this article about a similar Jaguar recall.

Background of the recall

The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation into the issue in January 2023. Kia initially refused to recall the cars  – offering an extended warranty instead –  but eventually relented after meeting with NHTSA. 

The recall comes on the heels of nearly 5,000 warranty claims, 839 “techline cases,” 543 customer complaints and “three unconfirmed deer strikes.” No injuries have been reported.

Other Kia recalls

In February 2023, Kia issued a Telluride SUV recall due to airbags that would not deploy, as reported.

More recently, the automaker recalled Kia K900 and Stinger cars that could catch fire due to an oil leak. The recall was the latest in the long string of Kia fire-related recalls, some of which are also subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by either attaching a clip to hold the shield gear in place or replacing the headlight assembly. The repairs will be free of charge. Kia will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners will receive letters with more information on April 25, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 35,000 SUVs are affected by this Kia headlight recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls Telluride SUVs with faulty high beams
Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs with faulty seat belts

Nissan recalls Rogue SUVs with faulty seat belts

March 14, 2024 Bojan Popic

Franklin, TN – March 14, 2024 – Nissan (OTCMKTS:NSANY) is recalling 9,720 2023 Nissan Rogue SUVs whose seat belts may not operate as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Recall summary

The seat belt pretensioner is a safety device that pulls the seat belt firmly against the passenger’s torso in a crash to reduce the risk of injury. The affected SUVs ended up with “crimped” pretensioners in the “driver and front passenger seat belts” due to a supplier error. 

As a result, they may not work correctly in a crash and fail to protect the occupants.

Recall risks

The lack of restraint may result in an injury in a crash.

Other Nissan recalls

Electrical issues that resulted in a stall were a cause of a Nissan Ariya recall that took place in November 2023, as reported.

In September 2023, Nissan recalled over 150,000 sedans over defective rearview cameras, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace both the front passenger and driver’s seat belt assemblies free of charge. 

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 19, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Nissan seat belt pretensioner affects nearly 10,000 SUVs. To do a Nissan recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNissan recalls Rogue SUVs with faulty seat belts
Hyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’

Hyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’

March 7, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – March 7, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS: HYMTF), who also owns the Genesis brand, is recalling 90,907 cars that may burst into flames while parked and switched off.

This recall comes on the back of multiple “thermal incidents” and is the latest in the string of countless fire-related recalls issued by Hyundai and its sister company Kia.

 The following models are affected by the latest round: 

  • 2017 – 2019 Genesis G80
  • 2017 – 2019 Genesis G90
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Genesis
  • 2019 Genesis G70

Recall summary  

The starter is a component that cranks the engine when the driver presses the ignition button. It works in conjunction with the so-called starter solenoid, which is an electromagnet which sits on top of the starter and relays a “large electric current through the starter, which in turn sets the engine in motion.”

In the affected vehicle, the solenoid may develop a short as a result of moisture getting into it. This may cause it to overheat and catch fire. 

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are well-documented in many previous recalls, such as this one from December 2023, which affected hybrid Jeep Wrangler SUVs.

Warning signs

Apart from the obvious – fire coming from under the hood – a short could cause burning smells and smoke or prevent the engine from starting.

Safety tips

For safety tips regarding this recall, please see an article about a large scale Kia and Hyundai recall for the same issue.

Background of the recall

This recall comes on the heels of 12 “thermal incidents.” No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Other Hyundai fire recalls

Car fires have been a thorn in Hyundai and its sister company Kia’s side for several years.  Both companies are subject to an an ongoing U.S. government investigation which aims to evaluate the adequacy of the existing recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

Just recently, Hyundai recalled Kona SUVs over a wiring that may get damaged in a crash and cause the vehicle to burst into flames. 

The repair

Dealers will install an additional relay kit in the vehicle’s electrical system, which should prevent the short circuit and consequent fire. This repair is free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 13, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai Genesis fire recall affects more than 90,000 compact cars. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai issues umpteenth recall for car fires, tells owners to ‘park away from structures’
US government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss

US government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  

February 27, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C.  – February 27, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) over allegations about their electric cars may lose power steering. The alleged defect ups the risk of a crash and injury.  

If the investigation leads to a Tesla recall, it could affect an estimated 334,569 vehicles, including:   

  • 2023 Tesla Model 3 
  • 2023 Tesla Model Y   

Investigation summary   

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on July 28, 2023, following 12 complaints about cars losing power steering.

While investigating, the agency uncovered over 2,300 complaints alleging the same thing and received information about a crash associated with the defect.

Steering racks provided by Tesla were identified as the culprit.

The regulator is now taking the investigation to the next level, where it aims to discover what causes the racks to fail.

Risks

Jammed or otherwise inoperable steering makes the vehicle difficult to control, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

‘Significant problems with the steering wheel’

Complaints submitted to NHTSA talk about the steering wheel locking up or becoming “exceedingly stiff” in brand new cars. Drivers had to use “immense manual power” to move the vehicle and reported being “lucky” that these incidents did not occur on major highways.

Safety tips

“Multiple complaints” mentioned that the driver could “temporarily” remedy the problem by turning the car on and off. 

Warning signs 

The loss-of-steering incidents were sometimes accompanied by a “Steering Assist Reduced” warning message and clicking sounds while turning. 

Other Tesla recalls

In January, Tesla recalled more than 2 million of their electric cars because they may crash into first-responder vehicles while cruising on autopilot.  

This month, the manufacturer recalled some of the same cars due to “insufficiently visible display messages,” as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Tesla steering loss recall, potentially affecting more than 330,000 electric cars. To do a Tesla recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Tesla over alleged steering loss  
Volvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals

Volvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  

February 9, 2024 Bojan Popic

Ridgeville, SC – February 9, 2024 – Volvo (OTCMKTS:VLVLY) is recalling 17,409 2024 Volvo XC40 compact SUVs over the failure of rear turn signals.

With the turn indicator being out of action, the vehicle is more likely to get hit by other motorists.

Recall summary  

Because of a software error, the car may not display the left rear turn signal when the driver flips the indicator on. 

Recall risks

For the risks of this recall, please see this recent article about a similar recall conducted by Ford.

Warning signs

The “left turn indicator malfunction message” should display on the dashboard. 

Other Volvo recalls 

Volvo has not had any major recalls lately, with the last one – caused by brake failure – dating back to February 2023, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the faulty software free of charge. Right now, the update requires a visit to the dealership. However, an over-the-air (OTA) update should be released “at a later date,” according to the manufacturer.

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on February 28, 2024.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volvo XC40 rear turn indicator recall affects nearly 18,000 SUVs. To do a Volvo recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolvo recalls 2024 XC40 SUVs over inoperable turn signals  
Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

Ford recalls cars over engine failure, power loss

February 7, 2024 Bojan Popic

Dearborn, MI – February 7, 2024 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 139,730 cars that may stall because of engine failure. This greatly augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

 Vehicles affected by this recall include: 

  • 2018  –  2022 Ford Ecosport
  • 2016  –  2018 Ford Focus 

The recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S. government investigation, thousands of warranty claims and at least one crash.  Replacement parts are currently not available.

Recall summary  

The engine’s internal parts are lubricated with oil, which is circulated under pressure by an oil pump. In the affected vehicles, parts of the pump may “fracture” and “degrade,” leaving the engine without sufficient lubrication and consequently causing its failure and a vehicle shutdown. 

The car may also lose power brake assist.

Only vehicles with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine are affected by this issue.   

Recall risks

For the risks of stall, please refer to this article about a Chevrolet Volt investigation due to a similar issue. For the risks pertaining to the loss of power brake assist, please see this article about a related Nissan recall.

Warning signs

Leading up to the failure, the driver may notice “low oil pressure” and check engine warnings on the dashboard, accompanied by deceleration.  If the engine does fail, the driver should hear “loud noises” coming from the engine bay. 

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of an ongoing investigation conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator.

The investigation was spurred by 95 complaints drivers alleging engine failure. Leading up to the recall, the manufacturer also received over 2,000 warranty claims and became aware of one crash that resulted in two injuries. 

Other Ford recalls 

In December 2023, several compact Ford and Lincoln models were recalled because their doors would open while driving. 

Earlier this month, Ford recalled close to 200,000 Maverick pickup trucks over faulty turn signals, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty parts of the pump free of charge.

Owners will receive letters acknowledging the recall in mid-February and will be notified once again once the remedy is available between April and June of 2024.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Ford oil pump recall affects more than 130,000 cars. To do a Ford recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord recalls cars over engine failure, power loss
GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators

GM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 

February 5, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

Warren, MI  – February 5, 2024 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) is recalling 20,712 sedans over roof-rail airbag inflators that may rupture upon deployment and injure the car occupants.

This is an expansion of an earlier recall issued by the automaker in September 2023.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2014 Buick Verano 
  • 2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall summary  

Also called side curtain airbags, the roof-rail airbags (RRAB) are mounted on the roof rails above the vehicle’s headliner, which is material that sticks to the car roof on the inside.

In the event of an impact on the vehicle’s roof, the airbags are triggered by inflators welded to the rails.  

In the affected vehicles, a manufacturing defect could introduce contaminants to the airbag inflator chamber. This may cause the metal inflator inside the bag to explode, hurling shrapnel at the occupants or surrounding motorists.

Recall risks

The risks of exploding metal inflators were previously described in articles regarding the eerily similar Takata airbag issue.

Background of the recall

The automaker issued the first recall for this issue in September of last year. In December, it found additional vehicles that had the same defect, prompting the present recall.  No injuries or ruptures have been identified in connection with the current recall.

Other General Motors recalls

In April 2023, GM recalled 40,428 pickups over a problem with the brake system design, which could lead to a higher risk of fire.

In December 2023, GM also recalled 60,154 crossover SUVs spanning the Buick and Chevrolet lines due to the digital instrument cluster switching off while the vehicles were in use.  

The repair

Dealers will replace the RRAB modules in the affected units free of charge, reimbursing owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall notice was issued. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by February 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 20,000 sedans are affected by this GM roof-rail airbag recall. To do a GM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloGM issues another recall for exploding airbag inflators 
Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk

Hyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 

January 29, 2024 Bojan Popic

Fountain Valley, CA – January 29, 2024 – Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) is recalling 10,984 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUVs because they may catch fire following a crash. The defect increases the risk of injury and property damage.

Recall summary  

The car battery is connected to the vehicle’s electrical system with two cables, one for the positive post and the other for the negative. In the affected SUVs, the positive battery cable may come in contact with surrounding metal brackets during a crash. This can damage the cable and cause a short circuit. 

Recall risks

An electrical short can lead to a fire, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Warning signs

Should a short circuit occur, the occupants may notice a burning smell or smoke coming from the engine compartment. 

Other Hyundai recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have struggled with their cars catching fire, leading to multiple recalls spanning millions of vehicles. 

They are also both subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to evaluate the adequacy of the existing  recalls and determine if more cars need to be recalled, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by adding a “protective sheathing” on all potentially vulnerable segments of the battery cable free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information by February 23, 2024.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Hyundai crash fire recall affects more than 10,000 compact Kona SUVs. To do a Hyundai recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHyundai recalls Kona SUVs over fire risk 
Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving

Ford issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 

December 30, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Dearborn, MI  – December 30, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F), which owns the Lincoln brand, is recalling 45,173 cars whose doors may open while driving, upping the risk of injury. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2015 Ford Fiesta
  • 2016 Ford Fusion
  • 2016 Lincoln MKZ

This is an expansion of a previous recall over the same defect, which dates back to 2020.  Only vehicles sold in states with “high ambient temperatures” are affected.

Recall summary  

The doors in a car stay shut due to a latching mechanism. Due to a supplier error, this mechanism may partially or completely break apart in the listed vehicles, causing the doors not to close securely or open while driving. 

The full list of the affected states is available here.

Recall risks

An unsecured door may open while driving, augmenting the risk of injury.

Warning signs

The driver or passengers may notice that the doors “bounce off” instead of closing, and it may take several attempts to shut them properly. They may also see the “Door ajar” warning on the dashboard and perceive “increased wind noise.”

Background of the recall

The first recall for the issue was done in March 2020. At that time, the manufacturer believed that only vehicles produced from November 2013 to late April 2015 had the faulty part. However, that turned out to be incorrect, which prompted Ford to issue the present recall.

The recall comes on the back of multiple owner complaints and warranty claims. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Ford recalls

Some of these cars may have been affected by a recall from March 2023, which was caused by leaking front brakes. 

Door latch issues were also the cause of a recent Ford Transit Connect recall, which took place in August 2023, as reported.  

The repair

Dealers will check the door latches and replace them free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information between December 4, 2023 and December 8, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 40,000 cars are affected by this door latch Ford recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicFord issues second recall for Fiesta, Fusion cars whose doors may open while driving 
Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment

Stellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  

September 7, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills MI  – September 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – which owns the Jeep brand – is recalling 181,999 2022-2023 Jeep Compass compact crossovers over a problem with the settings of the cars’ instrument panel.

The issue augments the risk of an accident and injury.   

Recall summary  

In automotive electronics, a computer called the body control module (BCM) is in charge of the different electronic features of a vehicle. Among the functions that the BCM regulates is the backlight brightness on the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

In the affected vehicles, the BCM was programmed incorrectly, preventing users from adjusting the intensity of the IPC backlight while using the vehicle.    

Recall risks

If the backlight is too low, users will not be able to adequately see the vehicle speed, engine temperature and other relevant safety-related information. If the backlight is too bright, users may become distracted. Either situation ups the risk of an accident.          

Other Jeep recalls

Just last month, Stellantis recalled roughly 44,000 of Jeep Wagoneer SUVs over a problem with the cars’ side airbags, as reported.

Earlier in the summer, over 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee cars were recalled due to a loss of stability, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the BCM software in the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs prior to the recall announcement. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by October 3, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Around 182,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep instrument panel call. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Compass over instrument panel light adjustment  
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