KPI — January 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2014-2021 Tesla Model S Sedans
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 119,000 model-year 2014-2021 Tesla Model S sedans are being recalled.
The Problem: A misaligned latch assembly may prevent the secondary hood latch from engaging. If the primary latch is accidentally released while driving and the secondary latch fails to engage, the hood could open and obstruct the driver’s view, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Tesla will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary and at no charge. Owners will be notified by mail starting Feb. 18, 2022.
2017-2020 Tesla Model 3 Sedans
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 356,000 model-year 2017-2020 Tesla Model 3 sedans are being recalled.
The Problem: The rearview camera cable harness may become damaged from opening and closing the trunk. As a result, the rearview camera image may not display and increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Tesla will install a guide protector and inspect the harness, replacing it as necessary and at no charge. Owners will be notified by mail in mid-February 2022.
2021-2022 Ford F-150 Pickup Trucks
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 184,700 model-year 2021-2022 Ford F-150 pickup trucks are being recalled.
The Problem: The affected trucks have underbody heat and noise insulators that may loosen and contact the aluminum driveshaft, thus damaging the driveshaft and potentially causing it to fracture. A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power or loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could occur while parked if the parking brake is not engaged. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft as necessary and at no charge. Additionally, they also will properly attach the underbody insulators. Owners will be notified starting Jan. 31, 2022.
2019-2020 Ascent SUVs and 2020 Legacy Wagons/Outbacks
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 198,300 model-year 2019-2020 Ascent SUVs and model-year 2020 Legacy wagons and Outback cars are being recalled.
The Problem: A programming error in the transmission control unit may cause the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped; an improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit, inspect the data for chain slip and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. All repairs will be performed for free. Interim letters will be mailed to owners by Feb. 7, 2022.
2021-2022 Audi Q5 Sportback/SQ5 Sportback SUVs, 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 289,000 model-year 2021-2022 Audi Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback SUVs, plus model-year 2018-2022 Q5 and SQ5 SUVs, are being recalled.
The Problem: A liquid spill in the rear seat, or water ingress from an insufficient body seam underneath the vehicle, may allow liquid to penetrate the gateway control module and cause it to shut down. A gateway control module shutdown will suddenly reduce engine power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary and at no charge. Audi will begin notifying owners Feb. 24, 2022.
2019 Passport SUVs, 2016-2019 Pilot SUVs and model-year 2017-2020 Ridgeline Pickups
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 725,000 model-year 2019 Passport SUVs, model-year 2016-2019 Pilot SUVs and model-year 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 with the affected vehicles may cause excessive movement of the hood caused by airflow through the gap, which could lead to hood striker damage and, potentially, to the hood itself. Such damage could also lead to an unexpected hood opening while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda noted that no related crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to this issue.
The Fix: Dealers will reinforce the striker area and inspect the hood for potential related damage; if related damage is found outside the striker area, the hood will be replaced. All repairs will be performed for free. Honda will begin notifying owners in mid-January 2022.
2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 115,000 model-year 2021-2022 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: The issue stems from rear brake linings that may have been manufactured incorrectly. As such, 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. This may increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The Fix: Ford does not yet have a fix for the problem, but owners will be notified starting Jan. 10, 2022.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
