KPI – April 2024: Recent Vehicle Recalls

Photo by Obi - @pixel8propix on Unsplash

KPI – April 2023: The Brief

KPI – April 2023: State of the Economy

KPI – April 2023: State of Manufacturing

KPI – April 2023: State of Business – Automotive industry

KPI – April 2023: Consumer Trends

All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com

2022-2023 Ford Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape

Vehicles Affected: Ford is recalling approximately 42,000 vehicles, including model-year 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 Escape.

The Problem: The fuel injectors may crack, thereby allowing fuel or vapor to leak and accumulate near ignition sources, which increases the risk of an under-hood fire. 

The Fix: Dealers will install a drain tube and update the engine control software, including fuel injector leak detection. Ford will notify vehicle owners in April.

Image Source: Ford Recalls Over 42,000 Bronco Sports, Escapes for Fire Risk | Cars.com

Kia Recalls 427,000 Vehicles 

Vehicles Affected: Kia is recalling approximately 427,000 model-year 2020-2024 Telluride SUVs.

The Problem: According to the automaker, the intermediate shaft and right-front drive shaft may not be fully engaged due to improper assembly. This can damage the intermediate shaft splines, causing the vehicle to roll away while in Park. Until a remedy is complete, Kia advises drivers to manually engage the emergency parking brake before leaving the vehicle unattended. In addition, drivers may notice a grinding noise and/or reduced motive power in affected vehicles.

The Fix: Dealers will replace any damaged intermediate drive shafts and update the vehicle’s electronic parking brake software as necessary, for free. Kia will notify vehicle owners on May 15.

Image Source: Kia Recalls 427,000 Tellurides for Rollaway Risk While in Park | Cars.com

2020-2022 Subaru Outback/Legacy

Vehicles Affected: Subaru is recalling approximately 119,000 vehicles, including model-year 2020-2022 Outback wagons and Legacy sedans.

The Problem: The front-passenger airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash due to a faulty component in the sensors of the occupant detection system.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the occupant detection system sensors in the front passenger seat as necessary, for free. On May 21st, owners will be notified with an interim letter regarding the safety risks, then a second letter will be sent when a proper remedy is available.

Image Source: Nearly 119,000 Subaru Outbacks, Legacys Recalled for Faulty Airbags | Cars.com

2018-2021 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger

Vehicles Affected: The automaker is recalling approximately 285,000 vehicles, including model-year 2018-2021 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans. 

The Problem: The left and right side-curtain airbag inflators may rupture and send metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin, thereby increasing the risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants.

The Fix: Dealers will replace both side-curtain airbags as necessary, for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on May 3.

Image Source: Nearly 285,000 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers Recalled for Exploding Airbags | Cars.com

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Recall Nearly 150,000 Electric Vehicles

Vehicles Affected: Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are recalling more than 147,000 electric vehicles, including model-year 2022-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 SUVs; model-year 2023-2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedans; as well as model-year 2023-2024 Genesis Electrified G80 sedans and GV60 and Electrified GV70 SUVs.

The Problem: Over time, the integrated charging control units in the affected vehicles may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. 

The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ICCU and its fuse, as well as update the associated software, free of charge. Kia will notify owners on April 29.

Image Source: 147,000 Hyundai, Genesis, Kia EVs Recalled for Faulty Charging Control Unit | Cars.com

Stellantis Recalls Nearly 40,000 Vehicles

Vehicles Affected: Stellantis is issuing two separate recalls for nearly 40,000 vehicles, including model-year 2016 Jeep Wrangler SUVs; model-year 2023-2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivans; model-year 2023-2024 Jeep Wrangler, Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer SUVs; model-year 2023-2024 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks and 3500, 4500 and 5500 cab-chassis trucks; model-year 2023 Chrysler Voyager minivans; model-year 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L SUVs; and model-year 2023 Ram 3500 cab-chassis trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds.

The Problem: According to the automaker, the issue involves the steering column control module, which may have been improperly welded during manufacturing. A faulty steering column could prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury. 

In addition, Stellantis issued a separate recall for nearly 11,000 Mopar steering column modules. While specific models weren’t identified, the recall did include model-year 2017-2024 Chryslers, Jeeps and Rams.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the steering column control module as necessary, for free. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent on May 3. 

Image Source: 40,000 Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Vehicles Recalled Over Airbag Issues | Cars.com

By Pat Curtin

Pat Curtin is the managing editor of THE SHOP magazine.