KPI — February 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
Ford to Recall 2.7 Million Vehicles for Takata Airbag Inflators: What Owners Need to Know
Similar to GM, Ford will recall approximately 2.7 million 2006-2012 cars, pickup trucks and SUVs for defective Takata airbag inflators. The move comes after federal authorities denied a 2017 petition for exemption in which Ford cited “inconsequentiality” in the potential defects of the inflators, given their differences in design and performance from earlier Takata inflators, according to Cars.com.
Vehicles Affected: All three contemporaneous Ford brands were affected, including the 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, 2007-2011 Ford Ranger, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ and Zephyr, 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX and 2006-2011 Mercury Milan. (Ford stopped producing Mercury vehicles in late 2010.)
Which airbags are in question?
The latest recalls are in addition to any existing recalls stemming from potentially faulty inflators. Such vehicles have non-desiccated Takata inflators categorized as SPI “YP” and PSPI-L “YD” variants. The affected calcium-sulfate desiccated PSDI-5 inflators are limited to the driver’s side.
Why did it take so long to issue the recall: Read here.
2018-2020 Accord and Accord Hybrid Sedans/2019-2020 Insight Sedans
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 737,000 2018-2020 Honda Accord/Accord Hybrid and 2019-2020 Insight sedans will be recalled.
The Problem: A software error may disrupt communication between the body control module and other components. This could result in malfunctions of various systems, including the windshield wipers and defroster, rearview camera, exterior lights, power windows and audible warnings of a stopped vehicle. Any of these issues can increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will update the body control module software; all repairs will be done for free.
2019-2021 GM Vehicles
Vehicle Affected: Nearly 624,200 GM vehicles will be recalled, including 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks; 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe SUVs and GMC Yukon XL SUVs; 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 pickups and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 pickups.
The Problem: The seat belt bracket may not be secured to the center-seat frame. If the bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not restrain the occupant in the front-center seat, thereby increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Obviously, vehicles without a front center seat—which is to say, outboard bucket seats—do not have the problem.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the left- and right-side bracket attachments for the center belt and reassemble them correctly as necessary, free of charge.
2007-2014 Acura and Honda Vehicles
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 430,000 Acura and Honda vehicles will be recalled, including the 2007-2008 Fit with a manual transmission, 2009-2014 Fit (all transmissions), 2012 Civic Hybrid, 2013-2015 Accord sedan with four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission, 2013-2015 Acura ILX and 2013 ILX Hybrid.
The Problem: The issue stems from the drive shafts’ protective coating, which may not have been applied properly during manufacturing and makes them more susceptible to damage from road salt or other contaminants, potentially causing them to break. Not only could this result in a sudden loss of drive power, but also the vehicle could roll away if the parking brake has not been applied when parked.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshafts, replacing either the left or right driveshaft, as necessary. Repairs will be done for free.
2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 267,000 2013-2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs will be recalled.
The Problem: Over time, the location of the brake light switch may cause the switch relay to stick in its on position and the lights to remain illuminated even when the driver does not hit the brake pedal. Additionally, it may interfere with another component that could allow the driver to shift out of “park” without depressing the brakes. With the brake override activated, it is possible a driver will not be able to accelerate normally, further increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and either reinstall the brake light switch or swap positions with the switch for the automatic speed-control device. The repair depends on the Pathfinder’s model year and will be completed as necessary. In addition, dealers will replace the brake light relay with a new one. All repairs are free, and Nissan will begin notifying owners on March 1.
2002-2006 Honda CR-V Compact SUVs
Vehicle Affected: Nearly 268,000 2002-2006 Honda CR-V compact SUVs will be recalled.
The Problem: Moisture may enter the switch, which could damage its wire harness and cause the switch to melt or fail. This, in turn, could lead to overheating or smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. The automaker conducted a recall of the switches in October 2012, calling for repair of the switch rather than replacement. This new recall responds to moisture-related failures of switches repaired under the previous action. There have been 16 reported switch fires in the wake of the earlier repairs, but no known related injuries.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage (with the option of replacement if necessary). All repairs will be done for free.
2010-2013 GM Sedans
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 213,000 GM sedans will be recalled, including the 2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse, 2012-2013 Buick Regal and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
The Problem: The rear toe link may have been given excessive electrocoating to protect against corrosion, which could become brittle over time and chip away as it comes into contact with road debris. This may lead to corrosion of the rear toe link and the greater possibility of the rear toe link fracturing, which would reduce the driver’s ability to safely control the car.
The Fix: Dealers will replace both the rear suspension toe links and adjuster fasteners for free. Parts for the repairs are not currently available, but an interim notification will be mailed to owners on Feb. 15, 2021. An additional notification will be mailed to owners when parts are available, currently estimated to be March 21, 2021.
2011-2016 Hyundai Cars and SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 129,000 Hyundai cars and SUVs will be recalled, including 2012 Santa Fe SUVs, 2011-2013 and 2016 Sonata Hybrid sedans and 2015-2016 Veloster coupes.
The Problem: The bearings’ premature wear can lead to a damaged engine and increase the risk of a fire or cause a stall, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: To fix the issue, dealers will inspect the engine and, if bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new knock sensor detection system. All repairs will be done for free.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
