KPI — February 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2014-2019 Hyundai and Kia Vehicles
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 484,500 Hyundai and Kia models are being recalled, including model-year 2016-2018 Santa Fe, model-year 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, model-year 2019 Santa Fe XL, model-year 2014-2015 Tucson SUVs, model-year 2016-2018 K900 sedans and model-year 2014-2016 Sportage SUVs.
The Problem: At issue is the antilock brake system module or hydraulic electronic control unit, which could malfunction and cause an electrical short.
The Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Hyundai will begin notifying owners April 5, after which dealers will replace the ABS multifuse, inspect the ABS module and replace it as necessary. Kia dealers will perform a similar repair and install a new fuse for the hydraulic electronic control unit circuit board. Those owners will be notified beginning March 31.
2017-2022 Tesla Model 3/S Sedans, Model Y/X SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 817,000 Teslas are being recalled, including model-year 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans, model-year 2020-2022 Model Y SUVs, as well as model-year 2021-2022 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs.
The Problem: Automakers are federally required to ensure an audible chime notifies drivers when their seat belts are not fastened. The Tesla recall addresses a malfunction in the chime, which fails to alert drivers to buckle when the vehicle is started and, therefore, possibly increases the risk of injury during a potential accident.
The Fix: Tesla will perform a free, over-the-air software update to amend the problem. The automaker will begin notifying owners April 1.
2016-2022 Tesla Model S/X/Y/3
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 54,000 model-year 2016-2022 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, model-year 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans, as well as model-year 2020-2022 Model Y SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: Less than a month after a significant price hike, Cars.com says Tesla’s Full Self-Driving semi-autonomous driving suite is in hot water and under recall. A malfunction in the “rolling stop” function, available as part of the FSD Beta system, may cause a vehicle to travel through an all-way intersection without first coming to a stop, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Tesla will perform a free, over-the-air software update that disables the use of the “rolling stop” function. The automaker will begin notifying owners March 28.
2019-2020 Ram HDs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 171,800 Ram HD pickups are being recalled, including model-year 2019-2020 2500s, 3500 and 3500 chassis cabs, as well as 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs.
The Problem: The wiper arms may loosen, possibly causing the wipers to malfunction and reduce a driver’s visibility during certain weather conditions. The HD recall is an expansion of a similar recall in April 2020, which affected the brand’s 1500 half-ton pickup and Jeep Compass.
The Fix: Dealers will simply tighten the wiper nuts for free. Ram parent company Stellantis will begin notifying owners March 18.
2017-2019 Kia Models
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 410,500 Kia vehicles are being recalled, including model-year 2017 Forte Koup coupes; model-year 2017-2018 Forte sedans; as well as model-year 2017-2019 Sedona minivans and Soul and Soul EV hatchbacks.
The Problem: Cars.com reports both software and hardware are at the heart of Kia’s latest recall, leading to serious consequences like failed airbag deployment. The airbag control unit cover may come into contact with a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Such circuit damage may result in deactivating airbags, causing them to not deploy as intended in the event of a crash and increasing the risk of injury.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the airbag control unit and either update the software or replace the unit for free, as necessary. Kia will begin notifying owners March 21.
2014-2016 Nissan Rogue
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 688,900 model-year 2014-2016 Nissan Rogues are being recalled.
The Problem: The electrical connector for the under-dash harness may corrode due to water and salt intrusion from the driver-side footwell. Such corrosion can result in power window or seat failure, illumination of the all-wheel-drive warning light, battery drainage and damage to the electrical connector which increases the risk of fire.
The Fix: Nissan is still developing a remedy.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
