The Local & Global Car Defect & Recall Thread

Hyundai and Kia recall 600,000 cars for trunk latch that could trap someone - Autoblog​

It can be damaged by heat, rendering the emergency release inoperable

1628875042918.png

Hyundai and Kia announced this week that they are recalling approximately 600,000 cars produced for the 2016-2020 model years due to a trunk latch design that can break after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, rendering the emergency release inside the trunk inoperable.

"In high-temperature conditions, a thermal crack can develop in the pawl of the trunk latch which can intermittently cause the trunk's interior emergency release to be inoperative," Kia's recall safety report for the 2016-2019 Forte says.

"As a result, the subject vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 401, §S.4.3(a). In the rare event that a person is inside the trunk compartment at the same time the latch pawl cracks, the person may not be able to get out of the trunk."

According to the Associated Press, the campaign covers the 2016 through 2018 Kia Forte and 2018 through 2019 Kia Rio, certain Hyundai Sonatas from 2017 and 2018, Sonata Hybrids from 2016 through 2018, Hyundai Accents from 2018 through 2020, and Hyundai Azeras from 2016 through 2017.

While this may seem like a pretty extreme and rare set of circumstances, the double-whammy potential of a person becoming trapped inside a locked trunk because it's dangerously hot outside is more than enough to warrant the recall campaign.

 
and in south africa... "nah boet.. its orrait.... just dont drive it on empty".
we probably still have Ford Kuga's deciding to become mobile braai-stands.
we dont have nearly the same laws as somewhere like the US,

thats why we keep getting cast-offs from elsewhere as our laws are so pathetic.
 

Mercedes-Benz Will Suspend Sales Of Nearly All 2022 AMG V8 Models In The US: Document - Jalopnik​

A leaked dealer news channel update lists 17 suspended models


1628915960942.png

A leaked News Channel Update document sent to Mercedes-Benz dealers today reveals that sales of a large number of AMG models, all with V8 engines, will be suspended for model year 2022.

These models include the AMG GT 63, AMG E63 S, the AMG G63, the Maybach GLS 600 4Matic, and other fast, expensive cars.

The update explains the situation like this:

MBAG has prioritized its focus to comply with various global, external and internal requirements, as well as several other factors, including but not limited to, challenges in the supply chain that have an impact on the product portfolio offered in the US market.

The update goes on to note that “This action applies to previously ordered MY22 GLE580, GLS580, GLS600 Maybach and AMG V8 models...”

So, if you’ve got any of those already on order, sorry.

Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe
Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupe
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 SUV
Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S SUV
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon
Mercedes-AMG GT 63
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S
GLE 580 4MATIC
GLS 580 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S SUV
Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S Coupe
Mercedes-AMG GLE63 SUV
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC
G550
Mercedes-AMG G63​

A call to a local dealership confirmed the information here, and I’ve reached out to Mercedes-Benz for comment, and will update when and if I hear back. This global supply chain issue is no joke, people.

 

Ram Recalling 212,373 Ram 1500 Classic, 2500 and 3500 Pickups over Airbag​

The current-gen Ram 1500 is not affected by the problem, which involves a defective inflator and could lead to an exploding side curtain airbag.

1629082621338.png

  • Stellantis is recalling 212,373 U.S.-market Ram pickups to fix a problem with the side curtain airbag inflator that could cause the airbag to rupture.
  • The issue affects 2015–2020 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 pickups along with some Ram Classic 1500 pickups, also from 2015–2020. No current-generation Ram 1500 pickups—which started being built in 2019—are involved with this problem.
  • The problem is also unrelated to the massive and well-publicized Takata airbag explosion recalls of the past; those airbags had ammonium nitrate, which the Ram airbags do not, Stellantis said.
 
Exclusive: GM to replace all battery modules in some Chevy Bolts to mitigate fire risk - Electrek

1629181270264.png

Hopefully writing the final chapter in the battery-related Bolt Fire saga, GM is set to start replacing all modules in some Chevy Bolt EV Batteries within weeks.

Electrek had an exclusive sit-down with a spokesperson from GM to get some details on the upcoming program.

For those just tuning in, this is the result of more than a dozen battery-related Chevy Bolt fires in a little more than a year, and four in July of this year alone.

Last year in November, GM issued the first recall notice, telling owners to only charge their vehicles to 90%, and provided a software update shortly after that enforced that restriction.

For many months things were quiet until late April when the “final” software update fix was announced, followed quickly by another fire. This software update was supposed to identify the conditions that could lead to a fire and provide sufficient notice to have the modules replaced before a fire could occur.

However, after two fires in early July GM admitted that their software fix did not work, and proceeded to initiate a second recall. This one told owners to not park indoors, and not charge unattended.

Then on July 25th another two fires occurred. GM is still investigating these and has declined to comment at this time.

Bad year for LG and GM

This has not been a good PR year for GM or LG, who provides the batteries for the Chevy Bolt. While GM has been pushing towards an all-electric future, the Bolt owners who have been supporting GM on this journey have felt left out with no information while more fires have been reported.

Some have received buy-backs or replacement Bolts, while some fire victims are still making car payments.

GM announced that there were not one, but tworare manufacturing defects” found during LG’s manufacturing of the Bolt cells. It’s hard to see how this couldn’t be a systemic problem with LG batteries, or at least terrible quality control on LG’s part.

Finally some good news

Regardless, we have some good news today. A spokesperson from GM has told us that they have informed some owners that, starting on August 23rd, they can start booking appointments to have all of the modules in their batteries replaced with new ones, and giving a new 8 year 100,000 mile warranty.

While this isn’t exactly the same as a full-battery replacement, it’s the next best thing. This is what the owners have been asking for for a very long time. There’s a big caveat in this announcement, which I’ll get to below.

Priority for full-module replacements will go to:
  • Owners with Bolts produced during a time period where GM suspects the battery manufacturing defects were present, and
  • Owners who habitually do deep discharges, and where GM has OnStar telemetry data proving such
This is where GM has identified that the the risk is highest. Presumably priority will continue for the rest of the 2019 model year with South Korean manufactured batteries as module replacements are available, then spread to the 2017 and 2018 model years. The speed of this will depend on availability of modules.

It’s interesting that this matches up with our investigations and the list of all known Bolt fires. It’s clear that the bulk of fires are in 2019 model year Bolts produced during October and November of 2018 – which appear to be significantly more likely to catch fire than a 2019 gas car.

We also found the same charging pattern – most of the fires were from owners who let the state of charge run low before doing a charge up to full.

The GM spokesperson was not aware of the time period for the criteria, but it’s likely to be the same one that we found.

When asked why the change of heart, the GM spokesperson mentioned that they are taking this action out of an abundance of caution in order to ensure that all defective modules are replaced. These modules will be sent back to GM and LG for a forensic analysis.

GM will try to find the defects and figure out if an in-situ detection method can be devised. They hope that they will be able to find a pattern or come up with a reliable detection mechanism.

The big caveat is that if they are able to detect all modules that are defective, then only those modules will be replaced going forwards.

 

MERCEDES BENZ TAKEN TO COURT DOWN UNDER FOR UNDERRATING FAULTY AIRBAG RISK - DRIVETRIBE​

1629863084001.png

Back in 2013, the largest recall in automotive history was conducted over a common issue: defective Takata airbags. Over 100 million cars across 12 brands were affected and 16 people were reportedly killed, as the manufacturer, Takata, was forced to pay out $1 billion in damages. Though not just Takata, even carmakers were expected to claim responsibility and recall all affected cars.

But Australian officials believe Mercedes didn’t carry out the necessary replacements fast enough.

A Reuters report states the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) took Mercedes Benz to court for downplaying the risks associated with faulty airbags in its vehicles.

The authorities from down under claim the Mercedes’ staff assured its customers that affected vehicles older than six years were “okay” to be used, and the recall was simply a precautionary measure. That put the customers at risk of a potential injury or death, claims the ACCC.

In its defence, Daimler, the parent company to Mercedes, has stated that the airbags used in its vehicles are from Takata but not the faulty “Alpha” variant that the ACCC described as a life-threatening risk.

Instead, its vehicles made use of the “Beta” variant. And as this airbag type didn’t pose a threat to consumer lives, the firm says, “recall process overseen by the ACCC did not require affected Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be off the road or owners to cease driving them until the repair was undertaken”.

On the contrary, the ACCC claims the recall notice involved both Alpha and Beta airbag types. The latter was the cause behind a death in Sydney and a serious injury to a driver.

Yet, Daimler maintains it cooperated with the ACCC and has replaced 97.7 per cent of the affected airbags to date.

 

2021's Biggest Car Recalls That Drivers Need To Know About - Hotcars​

Many of America's best-selling nameplates have been subject to recalls in 2021, and these ten are especially important for drivers to know about.

1630662044673.png

It's the news that no owner wants to hear: that their car needs a recall. Most of the time, these recalls are over fairly minor issues, things that won't really affect the day-to-day running of the vehicle.

Porsche, for example, recently issued a recall for the Cayenne SUV over a missing heating element for the passenger seat. As annoying as it would be to have to go and get that fixed, a room-temperature passenger seat isn't going to kill anyone.

Some recalls, on the other hand, are a lot more serious.

There's an alarming amount of them issued each year, and each is dangerous in its own way. Some even pose a potential risk to a driver's life if they're not remedied.

Despite that, many people aren't aware that such recalls are needed, as getting the message out to owners is often a hit-and-miss process.

Many of America's best-selling nameplates have been subject to recalls in 2021, and these ten are especially important for drivers to know about.

 

Maruti Suzuki recalls 182,000 cars over defective MGU - Team-BHP​

1630667266092.png

Maruti Suzuki has announced a recall of 1,81,754 cars over a possible defect in the Motor Generator Unit (MGU).

The recalled models include petrol variants of the Ciaz, Ertiga, Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and XL6 manufactured between May 4, 2018, and October 27, 2020.

The carmaker is undertaking a voluntary recall to inspect and replace the MGU, free of cost. The replacement of the affected part shall start from the first week of November 2021.

In the meantime, Maruti has requested customers to avoid driving through waterlogged areas and direct water sprays on electrical or electronic components.

Owners of the affected cars will be notified by authorized workshops. Customers can also check if their vehicles are among those affected by entering their vehicle's chassis number on this website.

 
seriously, is there in SA a way to see what recalls/service bulletins are on X vehicle? via a website even? maybe overseas?
or do you just hope the front right wheel doesn't overtake you, while your on the N1,

because were in Africa, where vehicles considered death traps elsewhere and given a new lick of paint and some fancy screens and sent out into the world,
knowing Africans buy anything cheaply made.
 
Car recall scams on the rise - here’s how to avoid losing your car

Scamsters will stop at nothing to rob people of their hard-earned possessions and their methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Car recall scams are nothing new, but according to King Price Insurance, the last few months have seen a sharp increase in cases of cybercrime syndicates trying to scam people into handing over their cars.

It typically happens like this: a car owner gets a call from someone claiming to represent the manufacturer or dealer, and claims that a safety recall has been announced for a certain mechanical glitch or an airbag design fault. It all sounds completely legitimate as the scammer already knows the vehicle owner’s registration number and other personal details.

The scammer then makes arrangements for the car to be fetched by a tow truck or flatbed and that’s the last they will ever see of their car.

How to avoid such a scam

If you get a phone call about a recall for your car, the first thing to do is to contact the manufacturer or nearest dealership immediately to verify that it’s a genuine recall, King Price recommends.

 

Porsche recalls some 2013-2015 Boxster and Cayman models over rear axle issue - Autoblog​

Fewer than 5,000 cars are affected in the U.S.

1631715585627.png

Porsche has issued a voluntary recall that applies to about 5,000 units of the Boxster and the Cayman built between 2012 and 2015.

Cars affected by the campaign are fitted with rear axle carrier side sections that can crack.

Assigned number 21V-679 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall applies to 4,934 cars sold in the United States.

It includes Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster GTS, Cayman, Cayman S, and Cayman GTS models manufactured between the 2013 and 2015 model years.

Not all models are represented equally; for example, the affected Boxster and Boxster S models were manufactured between September 2012 and July 2014, while the affected GTS cars were built from May to July 2014. More information is available here.

What all of these two-seaters have in common is that they may have been fitted with out-of-specification rear axle carrier side sections, which help connect mechanical bits to the chassis.

Porsche noticed the problem in March 2020, and it immediately began testing the part.

All told, 10 of the 153 side sections tested were found to be defective; they developed cracks, which could become fractures that might cause the driver to lose control.

Porsche will replace the rear axle carrier side sections free of charge in all of the affected cars, regardless of whether cracks have developed in the parts. It will begin notifying owners in November 2021.

It adds that the issue can create a ratting noise that's heard while driving, though it can also go undetected.

 

Another recalled Chevy Bolt parked indoors catches fire in Georgia - Autoblog​

A vivid reminder why GM and NHTSA say park outside until the batteries are fixed

1631716016481.png

Regrettably, a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt owner in Cherokee County, Georgia, gained an intimate understanding of why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and GM recommend parking and charging your Bolt outside.

We don't have many details, but via Inside EVs, the Cherokee County fire and emergency services got a call to respond to a home fire just after 9 a.m.

The resident told the firefighters his smoke alarms started going off, and he traced the source to a 2019 Bolt parked in an adjoining garage.

Firefighters doused the fire and got the car out of the garage, rescuing the situation soon enough so that the only secondary fallout was to a Dodge Ram parked alongside that "received some smoke damage."

The Bolt, however, was toast — another EV sacrificed to battery chemistry and rare defects.

So far no one has died in any of these spontaneous combustions, but two people reported smoke inhalation and one house went down in a blaze.

If you own a Bolt, do yourself and your loved ones a huge favour and park that puppy outside.

 

General Motors Issues Stop Sale On Certain Heavy Duty Trucks​

The stop sale is due to a quality issue, but GM won't give specifics.

1631998602484.png

General Motors has asked dealers to stop selling the 2021 Chevy Silverado HD and 2021 GMC Sierra HD, GM Authority reports. Right now, all we know is that there’s a purported fire hazard.

Here’s a little more from the publication:

“General Motors has notified Chevrolet and GMC dealerships to stop the delivery of certain 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickup trucks,” GM Senior Communications Manager Dan Flores told GM Authority in an emailed statement. “We are investigating a potential quality issue with these vehicles. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

A salesperson familiar with the matter told GM Authority that the heavy duty trucks have been susceptible to a wire chafing problem that can lead to a fire.

A similar issue issue was the subject of a recall back in July. Basically, that recall then specifically impacted 2017-2019 Silverados and Sierras equipped with the Duramax diesel 6.6-liter engine and optional engine-block heater cord.

The trucks were susceptible to electrical short-circuiting in the engine-block heater cables or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.

Basically, that creates a significant risk of fire, and no one wants their vehicles to be consumed by flames.

In July, the recall was issued for just over an estimated 330,000 models and appeared to be an easily solvable problem.

Whether or not the 2021 models are suffering a similar issue is unconfirmed at the moment, but it’s apparently serious enough to demand dealerships stop selling the afflicted vehicles.

So far, it appears that 2022 models — which have already gone into production — aren't suffering from the same issues, so dealerships are free to sell any brand new trucks it receives.

Unfortunately, in an era of high demand and low supply, GM is likely to take a bit of a hit by recalling two of its most popular nameplates.

 

GM Has Fix For Bolt Battery Fires, Not All Packs Will Be Replaced - Motor1.com​

New diagnostic software will help identify batteries needing to be fixed.

1632209577317.png

Late last month, General Motors voluntarily recalled every Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle ever made because of a potential battery defect that could cause a fire. The automaker issued guidelines on safely operating the EV while it sought a fix, which it has now found.

The automaker announced today its plan to fix the Bolt and Bolt EUV batteries, which includes replacing modules in some vehicles while installing software in others

The announcement arrives alongside news that LG battery plants have resumed production, with new, fixed battery modules expected to begin shipping to dealers as soon as mid-October, according to the company's press release.

However, not every Bolt will get a new pack. The automaker plans to only replace all the modules in 2017 to 2019 models, according to Automotive News.

Those built from 2020 to 2022 will only have their batteries replaced if they're determined to be defective.

The new packs will come with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty.

 

2021 Mustang Mach-E Recalled Due to Risk Of Roof Falling Off - Jalopnik​

The recall is limited to Canadian-delivered Mach-Es, for now.

1632462218199.png

It must be tough to build electric cars. Nearly a year after the first reports of a Tesla Model Y losing its roof on the highway, Ford is recalling thousands of Mustang Mach-E crossovers for similar glass-related issues.

Ford has issued two recalls visible through Transit Canada, concerning the adhesive used in the roof and windshield of the 2021 Mach-E.

The first recall, covering 3,178 cars, says that windshields “may not be properly attached” and could “separate from the vehicle” in the event of an accident.

The second, covering a more modest 1,812 Mach-Es, states that the “glass panel of the panoramic roof may not be properly attached” and may “separate from the vehicle.”

Unlike the windshield recall, this one makes no mention of an accident being necessary for the car to fall apart.

While the recalls are likely entirely unrelated to the electric drivetrain, it’s hard not to draw comparisons to the other battery-powered crossover known for becoming an impromptu Targa.

The recall makes Alanis Morissette’s biggest hit particularly relevant, coming less than a year after Ford EV exec Darren Palmer’s thinly-veiled comments about Tesla build quality.

While the recall hasn’t yet made its way to US-delivered Mustang Mach-Es, an earlier recall for loose front subframe bolts did apply in both territories.

Concerned Mach-E owners can keep an eye on the NHTSA page for the vehicle for any updates.

 

AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING A FURTHER 30 MILLION TAKATA AIRBAGS - DRIVETRIBE​

With the original recall having affected 100 million vehicles across the planet, Takata’s airbags are now under further investigation.

1632465171427.png

As reported by Reuters, the NHTSA has opened another investigation into Takata in what is now the world’s largest recall in the history of the automobile.

Including vehicles built between 2001 and 2019, the investigation includes over 20 manufacturers including Ferrari, BMW, and Tesla. It was revealed in 2018 that the airbag recall cost Ford a whopping $300 million.

Not only will this new investigation include cars with defective inflators which were installed when new, it will also include inflators which were fitted after the first recall which affected approximately 100 million vehicles.

A government document seen by Reuters states that the 30 million have inflators with a drying agent on the inside. This is because the main cause of the original defective inflators were these drying agents however there have been no reported cases of any issues with the 30 million.

The opening statement of NHTSA’s engineering analysis says that "while no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators."

What happens next all depends on the outcome of this new investigation.

 

100,000 More Hyundais Recalled Due To Engine Fires - Jalopnik​

Hyundai is recalling 100,000 Tucson and Sonata hybrids because of a risk of engine fires.

1632892690511.png

There’s a lot of qualities you might look for in a hybrid engine, such as a nice amount of power, good reliability, and decent fuel economy. One thing you probably won’t want, is a tendency to start on fire.

This is exactly the problem facing some owners of Hyundai’s 2017 Tucson and Sonata hybrids, which have now been recalled due to defects with the hybrid power units.

The four-year-old cars are the latest Hyundai vehicles to be hit with wide-reaching recalls, following similar measures announced for the Elantra and Veloster.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hyundai Motor America is recalling as many as 95,515 Tucson and Sonata cars.

The root of the problem is the connecting rod bearings inside the engine, which the NHTSA says may wear prematurely and damage the motor. The defect could result in the engine stalling, or in the worst case, starting on fire.

To rectify the issue, dealers across America will inspect the engines in affected cars for any bearing damage. If any is spotted, Hyundai will replace the engine and dealers will install a software update containing a new knock sensor system.

The NHTSA said Hyundai plans to notify owners in the coming months, or drivers can contact Hyundai customer service. Any repairs will be performed free of charge.

Worryingly, this isn’t the first time Hyundai has faced issues with the engines in its Sonata.

Last year, the Korean manufacturer agreed to pay a penalty of $54 million and pledged to invest in its safety operations following recalls of its 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Those recalls also addressed manufacturing issues that could lead to bearing wear and engine failure.


Hyundai was also forced to recall its Kona electric vehicle earlier this year due to battery issues. The marque called back 82,000 vehicles, and the move was branded one of the most expensive recalls in history.

 

Volvo recalls 260,000 cars for potentially deadly airbags - Autoblog​

It's the same type of issue as with Takata airbags, but these aren't Takata

1633452568724.png

Volvo and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released an expanded recall for just shy of 260,000 of its S60 and S80 sedans.

It affects 2001-2009 S60s and 2001-2006 S80s, which have airbag inflators that could have degraded and could blast shrapnel into occupants.

If that sounds familiar, it's because the monumental Takata airbag recall was for the same basic reason. But these Volvo devices aren't Takata airbags.

Instead, these airbags were manufactured by ZF, the company that builds all varieties of automotive components but is probably best-known among car enthusiasts for their transmissions.

The inflators use a material that, when exposed to high levels of moisture, can start to break down and form dust-like particles. These can ignite rapidly, more so than the component was designed for, which can cause the component to break and release metal shrapnel.

According to the Associated Press, this material is different than the ammonium nitrate used by Takata.

According to the NHTSA documentation, there has been one incident reported concerning the airbags, and it was a fatal one.

Volvo will replace all affected airbags at no charge to the customer. The replacement airbag apparently uses a different type of propellant, so it likely won't need to be replaced again.

Dealers have already been informed, and owner notices will be going out at the end of November.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X