KPI — July 2023: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2021-2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime SUVs/2022 Lexus NX450h+ SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Toyota and Lexus are recalling approximately 43,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs. Affected vehicles include model-year 2021-2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime SUVs and model-year 2022 Lexus NX450h+ SUVs.
The Problem: The automaker is issuing a recall over the DC-DC converter, which may not convert electricity voltage properly and experience a short circuit. As a result of the excessive heat generated by the short circuit, Toyota says there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
The Fix: Toyota and Lexus dealers will inspect and replace the DC-DC converter for free, as necessary.
2023 and 2024 Toyota/Lexus Models
Vehicles Affected: Toyota is recalling 110,000 vehicles, including model-year 2023 Corolla sedans, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs, plus Tacoma pickup trucks. In addition, luxury brand Lexus is recalling model-year 2023 RX and RX hybrid SUVs and model-year 2024 NX and NX hybrid SUVs.
The Problem: The automaker points to the spiral cable assembly located in the steering column, which may lose its electrical connection with the driver’s airbag. While the airbag warning light will illuminate, the airbag may not deploy in a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the driver. The recall is on the heels of two others, including one from May due to faulty front-passenger airbags in model-year 2022-2023 Corolla Cross SUVs.
The Fix: Toyota is advising affected owners to visit a local dealer for replacement of the spiral cable for free, as necessary. The automaker will begin notifying affected owners of the issue by early September.
Stellantis Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Order
According to Cars.com, a traffic fatality in May involving a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is potentially linked to the ongoing Takata airbag inflator recall – bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in the U.S. up to 26. During the collision, the vehicle owner incurred an injury similar to those observed in previous Takata-related fatalities. As a result, Stellantis has issued a “do not drive” order for these vehicles until the defective airbags are replaced.
Click here to review important information related to affected vehicle models and outreach attempts.
Honda/Acura Recall 124,000 Vehicles
Vehicles Affected: Honda and Acura are preparing to recall 124,000 vehicles, including model-year 2020-2021 Civic sedans, 2021-2023 Passport SUVs, 2021-2022 Pilot SUVs and 2020-2023 Ridgeline pickup trucks. Sister company Acura is recalling 2020 MDX SUVs.
The Problem: The automaker says the issue is a tie rod fastener connecting the brake booster and brake master cylinder. Due to an error in assembly, the fastener may be loose or missing tie rod nuts, potentially causing the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly. This could result in a loss of brake function, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly for free, as necessary. Honda will begin notifying owners Aug. 7.
Mercedes-Benz Recalls 143,000 Vehicles
Vehicles Affected: Mercedes-Benz is recalling more than 143,000 of its model-year 2021-2023 vehicles, including 2021-2023 C300, 2022-2023 CLS450, 2021-2023 E350, 2022-2023 E450, 2021-2022 G550, 2021-2023 GLC300, 2021-2022 GLE450, 2021 GLE580, 2021-2023 GLS450, 2021-2023 GLS580, 2022-2023 S500, 2021-2023 S580, 2021-2023 AMG C43, 2021-2023 AMG C63, 2022-2023 AMG E53, 2023 AMG E63, 2021-2023 AMG G63, 2021-2023 AMG GLC43, 2021 AMG GLC63, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53, 2021-2023 AMG GLE63, 2021-2023 AMG GLS63, 2022-2023 AMG GT43, 2022-2023 AMG GT53, 2023 AMG GT63, 2023 AMG SL43, 2022-2023 AMG SL55, 2022-2023 AMG SL63, 2021-2023 Maybach GLS600, 2021-2023 Maybach S580, and 2022-2023 Maybach S680.
The Problem: According to the automaker, the issue is attributed to the fuel pump impeller, which may become deformed when it comes into contact with the fuel pump housing. As a result, the vehicle may lose propulsion unexpectedly, thereby increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump for free, as necessary. Mercedes will begin notifying owners Aug. 25.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
