KPI — April 2023: Recent Vehicle Recalls

2021-2023 Jeep Gladiators/Wranglers and Ram 1500

Vehicles Affected: Parent company Stellantis is recalling more than 45,000 Jeep Gladiators/Wranglers and Ram 1500 trucks. Affected vehicles include model-year 2021-2023 Gladiators and Wranglers, plus model-year 2022-2023 Ram 1500s equipped with 3.0-liter diesel V-6 engines.

The Problem: The automaker says high-pressure fuel pump failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system and cause fuel starvation, potentially resulting in a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the pump and other fuel system components for free, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent June 2.

2007-2011 Honda CR-Vs

Vehicles Affected: In March, Honda recalled 330,000 vehicles. Now, the automaker prepares for 563,700 more. Affected vehicles include model-year 2007-2011 CR-Vs sold or registered in areas which experience extreme winter weather conditions, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C.  and Wisconsin.

The Problem: The automaker says driving through puddles or flooded areas at speed can cause an accumulation of salt, mud and/or water in the rear frame. As such, potential corrosion inside the frame can result in the trailing arm falling off while the SUV is in motion, thereby causing a driver to lose control of the vehicle.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and install a support brace or repair the rear frame for free, as necessary. Honda says if the damage is beyond repair, it may repurchase the vehicle. Owners will be notified starting May 8.

2018-2021 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport SUVs

Vehicles Affected: More than 143,000 Volkswagens are being recalled, including model-year 2018-2021 Atlas three-row SUVs and model-year 2020 Atlas Cross Sport two-row SUVs.

The Problem: The automaker says the passenger occupant detection system may experience a fault in the wiring, thus deactivating the front passenger airbag when the seat is occupied.

The Fix: A remedy is still under development. Volkswagen will notify owners of the risk starting May 26.

2020-2022 Honda Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline  

Vehicles Affected: Honda woes continue as approximately 330,300 model-year 2020-2022 Odyssey minivans and Passport SUVs, as well as model-year 2020-2021 Pilot SUV and Ridgeline mid-size truck models, are under recall.

The Problem: Honda says the issue involves the left and right side side-view mirror heater pads, which are located behind the mirrors’ glass. The heater pads are attached with adhesive tape, which may lose adhesion over time and cause the mirror glasses to detach. A detached mirror glass increases the risk of reduced visibility and a crash, notes Cars.com.

The Fix: Dealers will replace both side-view mirrors for free, as necessary. Honda will begin notifying owners May 8.

2020-2023 Jeep Wranger SUVs

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 58,000 model-year 2020-2023 Jeep Wrangler SUVs are subject to recall.

The Problem: The automaker says some models may have been produced with an unnecessary frame stud, which could puncture the fuel tank in the event of a crash. The subsequent fuel leak increases the risk of a fire and injury, especially if it occurs near an ignition source.

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and remove the frame stud and cover the area with paint for free, as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent May 12.

2013-2018 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs

Vehicles Affected: Affected vehicles include more than 1.2 million model-year 2013-2018 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs.

The Problem: The automaker says the issue stems from a ruptured front brake hose that may leak brake fluid. As a result, drivers could experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduced rate of deceleration. Ford notes that drivers may notice a change in brake pedal feel. In addition, a brake fluid warning indicator light may be illuminated. Reduced brake performance increases the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the brake hoses for free, as necessary. Ford will notify owners April 17.

*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com

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By A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.