KPI – July 2024: Recent Vehicle Recalls

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KPI – July 2024: The Brief

KPI – July 2024: State of the Economy

KPI – July 2024: State of Manufacturing

KPI – July 2024: State of Business – Automotive industry

KPI – July 2024: Consumer Trends

Recent Vehicle Recalls   

Alfa Romeo/Fiat/Jeep Recall 332,000 Vehicles 

Vehicles Affected: Parent company Stellantis is recalling 332,000 model-year 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia sedans and 2018-2025 Stelvio SUVs, 2024 Fiat 500e electric hatchbacks, as well as 2019-2023 Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade SUVs.

The Problem: A disrupted connector on the buckle of the seat belt’s switch sensor may affect conduction on the connectors of the seat wiring and buckle. This prevents the front-seat airbag from deploying correctly in the event of a crash, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

The Fix: Dealers will repair the connection for free. Owner notification letters will be sent by August 22nd. 

Image Source: 332,000 Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep Vehicles Recalled for Airbag Issue | Cars.com

2006-2012 BMW 3-Series 

Vehicles Affected: BMW is recalling 394,000 vehicle models, including model-year 2006-2011 3-Series sedans (323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i and 335xi), 2006-2012 Sportswagons (325xi, 328i and 328xi), as well as 2009-2011 sedans (335d).

The Problem: According to the automaker, the original steering wheels may have been replaced with unofficial and unapproved Sport or M Sport steering wheels equipped with an inflator that could potentially explode during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin.

While BMW states it did not receive any reports of injury or death related to these specific models, defective Takata airbags have killed 27 people and injured more than 400 people in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the driver’s air bag module as necessary, for free. BMW will notify owners starting August 23rd. 

Image Source: BMW Recalls 394,000 3 Series for Takata Airbags | Cars.com

2022-2023 Ford Mustang

Vehicles Affected: Ford is recalling more than 30,700 model-year 2022-2023 Mustangs.

The Problem: The secondary steering torque sensor may have been calibrated incorrectly, therefore causing the steering wheel to turn side-to-side without any warning when a driver tries to steer. Unintentional steering may cause the vehicle to lose control, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will update the power steering control module software for free. Ford will notify owners by August 5th. 

Image Source: 30,000-Plus Ford Mustangs Recalled for Unintentional Steering Issue | Cars.com

2022-2024 Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport/GTI/R

Vehicles Affected: Volkswagen is recalling more than 84,000 SUVs and hatchbacks. Affected vehicles include more than 84,400 model-year 2024 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sports, as well as model-year 2022-2024 Golf GTIs and Golf Rs.

The Problem: The backup camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into Reverse. This may reduce the driver’s view and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

The Fix: Dealers will update the infotainment system software for free. The automaker will notify owners by August 23rd. 

Image Source: VW Recalls More than 84,000 SUVs, Hatchbacks Over Backup Cameras | Cars.com

2014 Ford F-150 

Vehicles Affected: Ford is recalling more than 552,000 model-year 2014 F-150s.

The Problem: According to the automaker, the issue involves a loss of signal between the transmission output shaft speed sensor and powertrain control module, which could result in an expected downshift into first gear at any vehicle speed. An unexpected downshift may cause the vehicle to lose control and increase the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module for free. Ford will notify owners by July 1st. 

Image Source: Ford Recalls 552,000-Plus F-150s for Transmission Issue | Cars.com

 *All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com

By Pat Curtin

Pat Curtin is the managing editor of THE SHOP magazine.