KPI — February 2023: Recent Vehicle Recalls
Nissan Recalls 404,000-Plus Vehicles
Vehicles Affected: Nissan is recalling more than 400,000 vehicles, including model-year 2008-2011 Armada, Pathfinder and Xterra SUVs plus Frontier and Titan pickup trucks, as well as model-year 2008-2009 Quest minivans.
The Problem: The resin emblem attached to the airbag module cover during production may crack over time. Since a shattered emblem could detach and strike occupants, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The Fix: The automaker did not determine a remedy yet but will begin notifying owners of the issue April 10.
2018-2023 Nissan Leaf
Vehicles Affected: Nissan is recalling approximately 64,700 2018-2023 all-electric Leaf hatchbacks.
The Problem: The automaker may have inadvertently included incorrect windshield defroster instructions in the owner’s manuals. Therefore, following the owner’s manual instructions for the defroster could result in decreased performance of the feature, specifically in cold temperatures when needed most. The automaker says engaging the maximum fan speed can cause the heater to enter a fail-safe mode, limiting the defroster’s output. When the defroster is not performing properly, the driver’s visibility may be impacted and increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Nissan will contact affected owners by April 1 and provide instructions on how to operate the defroster.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
Vehicles Affected: Volkswagen is recalling nearly 21,000 model-year 2021 ID.4s.
The Problem: On the heels of a recent recall related to the 12-volt battery, Cars.com reports Volkswagen is issuing another safety missive for its all-electric ID.4 SUV – this time related to the larger 400-volt battery’s control module. Faulty software programming may cause the high-voltage battery management control module to reset or the pulse inverter to deactivate. Either could potentially cause a loss of drive power, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will update the module and pulse inverter control unit software as necessary and for free. Volkswagen will begin notifying owners March 31.
2023 Kia Telluride
Vehicles Affected: Kia is recalling approximately 32,000 model-year 2023 Telluride three-row SUVs.
The Problem: Due to a manufacturing error, the wire harness for the second-row seat side airbags may become damaged and impact proper deployment.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace or secure the airbag wire harnesses as necessary and for free. Kia will begin notifying owners Feb. 28.
Ford Recalls 382,000 Ford Explorers and Lincoln Aviators
Vehicles Affected: Ford is recalling more than 382,000 model-year 2020-2023 Explorers and Aviators, plus model-year 2020-2022 Corsairs.
The Problem: The video output may fail in the Explorers and Aviators. In addition, Corsairs equipped with 360-degree camera systems may malfunction, preventing an image of the rear view from displaying on the infotainment screen. The loss of the image may reduce the driver’s visibility, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will resolve the issue by updating the image processing module software as necessary and for free. Ford will begin notifying owners Feb. 20.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
