KPI — July: Recent Vehicle Recalls

2007-2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs, 2008-2010 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 925,200 model-year 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs and model-year 2008-2010 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
  • The Problem: Certain airbag cover clips—no longer in use—may loosen and disengage over time. Should this happen and there’s a driver-side airbag deployment, the clips and/or plastic emblems they are meant to secure may act as projectiles. Chrysler and Dodge parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it is aware of 14 potentially related injuries, none of which involved occupants of the front-passenger or rear seats. Also, FCA noted none of the airbag covers involved were manufactured by Takata.
  • The Fix: Recall instructions will be mailed in August. In the interim, FCA strongly advises against tampering with the emblems, which are located in the center of the vehicles’ steering wheels.

2008-2020 Volvo Sedans, SUVs and Wagons

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 307,900 model-year 2008-2016 Volvo V70 wagons and XC70 SUVs; model-year 2007-2016 S80 sedans; model-year 2011-2018 S60 sedans and V60 wagons; model-year 2016-2018 S60 Cross Country sedans; model-year 2014-2020 S60L sedans; model-year 2009-2015 S80L sedans; model-year 2009-2016 XC60 SUVs; and model-year 2015-2018 V60 Cross Country wagons.
  • The Problem: The flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue over time, causing the seat belt to not secure the occupant and increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
  • The Fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt anchor cable for both front seats for free.

2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra, Sonata Hybrid and 2012 Accent, Veloster

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 272,100 model-year 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra sedans and hatchbacks and Sonata Hybrid sedans, as well as model-year 2012 Accent sedans and hatchbacks and Veloster hatchbacks.
  • The Problem: The 12-volt accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use (such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire), which increases the risk of fire.
  • The Fix: A remedy is still being developed.

2018-2020 Toyota Tundras

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 183,000 model-year 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks.
  • The Problem: The wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs was assembled incorrectly, causing the bulbs not to illuminate as brightly as intended and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • The Fix: Dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs for free.

2013-2018 Audi A8, S8

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 13,000 model-year 2013-2018 Audi A8 and S8 sedans.
  • The Problem: The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components, thereby increasing the risk of a fire.
  • The Fix: At no cost, dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening.

2019-2020 Mercedes-AMG Sedans and SUVs

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 5,000 model-year 2019-2020 Mercedes-AMG C63, GT 53 and GT 63 sedans, as well as model-year 2020 GLC63 SUVs.
  • The Problem: An incorrect electronic stability program software version may cause the ESP system to react inaccurately while driving, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
  • The Fix: Dealers will update the ESP software for free.

2015-2016 Kia Soul EV

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 3,700 model-year 2015-2016 Kia Soul EV electric hatchbacks.
  • The Problem: The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear selector into Park before coming to a complete stop. If the mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear selector is in Park and the parking brake is not applied, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
  • The Fix: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software for free.

2013-2016 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 6,200 model-year 2013-2016 Land Rover Range Rover SUVs and model-year 2014-2016 Range Rover Sport SUVs involved in a previous recall.
  • The Problem: Due to a problem with the keyless vehicle latching system, the doors may appear to be closed but may be unlatched, which could lead to the door opening while the vehicle is in motion, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. The repair from the previous recall may not have been completed properly.
  • The Fix: Dealers will inspect for any issues with the keyless vehicle system, disabling the KV mechanisms if necessary and updating the KV latch software for free.

2020 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator

  • Vehicles Affected: Approximately 2,600 model-year 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs
  • The Problem: The attachment bracket for the second row, driver-side head restraint may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. This reduces its strength and may inadequately restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Ford said it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injury related to this condition.
  • The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the bracket, as necessary for free.

*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com

Key Performance Indicators Report — July 2020

By A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.