KPI — December 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2019-2022 Subaru Ascents
Vehicles Affected: Model-year 2019-2022 Subaru Ascents are in the crossfire of recall.
The Problem: The automaker says a ground bolt securing the ground terminal of the positive temperature coefficient heater in the wiring under the dashboard may have been improperly fastened. As a result, the ground terminal and surrounding components could melt, thereby increasing the risk of a fire. Owners are advised to park their Ascent away from structures and to avoid leaving it unattended while the engine is running. If drivers notice or smell smoke coming from the dash or footwell area, they are advised to stop operating the vehicle and turn the ignition switch off.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the PTC heater ground bolts for free and, if necessary, the ground wire and connector holder as well. Owners will be notified February 6, 2023.
2019-2022 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 Pickups
Vehicles Affected: Ram is recalling 1.2 million model-year 2019-2022 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups.
The Problem: Misaligned tailgate strikers could result in the tailgate failing to latch properly, thus opening unexpectedly. This may result in a loss of unsecured cargo and/or road hazards increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the tailgate striker alignment to the box latch and adjust for free, as necessary. Owners will be notified January 27, 2023.
2023 Kia Sportage
Vehicles Affected: Kia’s Sportage compact SUV arrived in 2023 with a new platform, engine option and electrified variants. Unfortunately, its release also is accompanied with early setbacks. The automaker is recalling nearly 77,000 model-year 2023 Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured at its Kia Georgia plant.
The Problem: The side curtain airbags were twisted during installation, which prevents them from being able to deploy properly in the event of a crash and increases the risk of injury.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain airbags for free, as necessary. Kia will begin notifying owners December 28.
2017 Nissan Rogue
Vehicles Affected: Nissan is recalling approximately 125,000 model-year 2017 Rogues that were produced at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
The Problem: Water may leak into the dash side harness connector and cause corrosion, thereby increasing the risk of a fire and injury.
The Fix: Dealers will grease and repair any corroded connector for free, as necessary. Nissan will begin notifying owners January 20, 2023.
2017-2019 Honda Ridgelines
Vehicles Affected: More than 117,000 model-year 2017-2019 Honda Ridgelines are being recalled.
The Problem: The rearview camera wiring harness may fatigue and eventually break due to the opening and closing of the tailgate. An inoperative camera can reduce visibility, thus increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness for free, as necessary. Honda will begin notifying owners January 16, 2023.
Ford Recalls 522,000 Escapes and Broncos
Vehicles Affected: Ford is recalling 522,000 vehicles, including model-year 2020-2023 Escapes and model-year 2021-2023 Bronco Sports equipped with 1.5-liter engines.
The Problem: The fuel injector may crack and leak. As a result, fuel or fuel vapor may accumulate near a hot surface on the engine or around exhaust components. This could potentially cause ignition or an under-hood fire, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
The Fix: Dealers will update the engine control software to include fuel injector leak detection and install a drain tube for free, as necessary. Ford will begin notifying owners December 19.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
