KPI — December 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2016-2020 Passport SUVs, Pilot SUVs and Ridgeline pickup trucks
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 725,000 model-year 2019 Passport SUVs, 2016-2019 Pilot SUVs and 2017-2020 Ridgeline pickup trucks are being recalled.
The Problem: At issue is the gap between the closed hood and the upper grille, which may be too large to allow full contact between the hood and the striker – a rubber seal meant to prevent airflow and reduce vibration between the two surfaces. Over time, high-speed highway driving can cause excessive movement of the hood caused by airflow through the gap. This may lead to hood striker damage and, potentially, to the hood itself. Such damage also could lead to an unexpected hood opening while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda said it is unaware of any related crashes or injuries.
The Fix: Dealers will reinforce the striker area and inspect the hood for potential related damage. If any related damage is found outside the striker area, then the hood will be replaced at no cost. Honda will begin notifying owners in January 2022.
2021-2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 115,000 model-year 2021-2022 Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: The issue stems from rear brake linings that may have been manufactured incorrectly. Thus, in certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake-pedal force than usual and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Ford does not have a fix for the problem yet, but owners will be notified starting January 10, 2022.
2020-2021 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 54,400 model-year 2021 Volkswagen Atlas three-row and 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport two-row SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: A potential airbag malfunction is at the root of the recall. More specifically, the issue stems from the air-conditioning system drain tube, which could be blocked. It may cause water to leak inside the vehicle near the airbag control module, damaging it enough to cause an inadvertent deployment and thereby increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will repair the drain tube and replace the airbag control module for free. Owners will receive an interim notification of the safety risk starting Jan. 14, 2022. A second notice will be issued once remedy parts are available.
2018-2019 Toyota Camry
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 227,400 model-year 2018-2019 Toyota Camrys are being recalled.
The Problem: The cars have a system that provides power brake assist when a driver depresses the brake pedal; however, some system components may prematurely wear, leading to a sudden loss of power braking assist. Though non-power-assisted braking would remain functional, a sudden loss of power braking assist could increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the vacuum pump and repair or replace it for free, as necessary. Owners will be notified in January 2022.
2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500 HD Pickups/3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 220,000 model-year 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD pickups – as well as 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs – are being recalled; all come equipped with the Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine.
The Problem: The high-pressure fuel pump’s failure may result in a sudden engine stall without warning, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the pump, update the powertrain control module software, plus inspect and replace additional fuel-system components. These services will be provided as necessary and at no charge. Owners will be notified starting January 1, 2022.
Largescale Audi and Jeep Airbag Failure Recall
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 208,300 model-year 2017-2020 Audi A4 Allroad wagons and A4 sedans; model-year 2018-2019 RS 5 coupes; model-year 2019 RS 5 Sportback coupes; and model-year 2018-2020 A5 and S5 cabriolets, A5 and S5 coupes, A5 and S5 Sportback coupes and S4 sedans.
The Problem: A cable connecting the seat heater to the passenger occupant detection system may have a contact fault, causing the software to misdiagnose a malfunction and disable the passenger airbag.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the connecting cable and either the heating mat or the entire seat cover as necessary. Audi manufacturer Volkswagen will begin notifying owners January 7, 2022.
Similarly, Jeep is in the hot seat as well.
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 99,300 model-year 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs and model-year 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: The occupant restraint controller may have incorrect software that can disable the driver, passenger and knee airbags without warning.
The Fix: Dealers will reprogram the occupant restraint controller.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
