KPI — August 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2019-2021 BMW Cars/SUVs and Toyota Supras
Vehicles Affected: The recall list includes model-year 2020 540i and M340i sedans and X3 SUVs; 2020-2021 745Le sedans, X4 SUVs and Toyota Supra sports cars; and 2019-2021 Z4 sports cars.
The Problem: After a recent recall for seat belt retractors, BMW is back in the news. This time, the company is recalling 50,000 models, which also affects the Supra it developed in conjunction with Toyota. At risk is a brake assist malfunction. The engine management software may cause a loss of braking assist, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. BMW did note that full mechanical braking without assist is intact.
The Fix: Dealers will update the engine management software for free to resolve the issue. The automaker will begin notifying owners Oct. 1.
2021-2022 Ford Transit, Transit Connect Vans
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 42,000 model-year 2021 Transit Connect and 2021-2022 Transit vans are being recalled.
The Problem: This marks the company’s second major recall of the year for the 2021 Transit Connect, following a May action over a transmission-related component, reported Cars.com. This time, the front-passenger seat belt automatic locking retractor may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly and increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assembly and replace it for free, as necessary. Ford will begin notifying owners Sept. 13.
2018-2020 Subarus
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 165,000 model-year 2018 Forester wagons; 2018-2019 BRZ coupes and WRX sedans and hatchbacks; 2018-2020 Impreza and Legacy sedans and Outback wagons; 2019-2020 Ascent SUVs; and 2018-2019 Toyota 86 coupes are being recalled.
The Problem: The issue stems from the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank, which may fail and cause an engine stall while driving, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump for free, as necessary. Subaru will begin notifying owners Sept. 13.
2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 50,000 model-year 2017-2019 Bolt EV electric hatchbacks are being recalled.
The Problem: Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pointed to “the simultaneous presence of two rare manufacturing defects in the same battery cell in design” as a cause for concern. In the original recall, GM explained the affected Bolt EVs carry high-voltage battery packs produced at LG Chem’s Ochang, South Korea, plant.
According to Cars.com, the packs, located underneath the backseat bottom cushion, have the potential to smoke and ignite internally when at or near full charge even if the car is parked, turned off and disconnected from a charging unit. Now, owners are advised to activate either the Hill Top Reserve (2017-2018 models) or Target Charge Level (2019) feature to limit the charge level to 90%, charge the vehicle after each use, avoid depleting the battery to 70 miles range remaining, park outside after charging and refrain from charging the vehicle overnight.
The Fix: Interim notification letters alerting owners to the safety risk will be mailed Sept. 6; a second letter will follow once Chevrolet has worked out a final remedy.
2020-2021 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger
Vehicles Affected: Model-year 2020-2021 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans and Dodge Challenger coupes are being recalled.
The Problem: During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash and increasing the risk of injury.
The Fix: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield urethane sealant for free. Stellantis will begin notifying owners Aug. 27.
2013-2017 Explorer SUVs
Affected Vehicles: Nearly 644,000 model-year 2013-2017 Explorers built at the automaker’s Chicago Assembly Plant between September 4, 2012, and September 30, 2017 are being recalled.
The Problem: These Explorers may experience a seized cross-axis ball joint that may cause a fractured rear suspension toe link. Affected vehicles may experience a clunk noise, unusual handling or misaligned rear wheel. Fracture of a rear toe link significantly diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford said it is aware of six related allegations of injury in North America.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint, replace the ball joint and knuckle as necessary, and replace the toe links with a revised design part. Ford will begin notifying owners Aug. 23.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
