KPI — June 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2019-2021 Tesla Model 3, Model Y
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 13,000 Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: The first recall involves nearly 6,000 model-year 2019-2021 Model 3s and 2020-2021 Model Ys. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, causing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim. Rim contact may cause a loss of tire pressure, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Additionally, there are two seat belt recalls. One affects nearly 5,500 model-year 2018-2020 Model 3s and 2019-2021 Model Ys, while the other affects approximately 2,000 2019-2021 Model Ys. In both cases the fasteners may not be secured properly, albeit in different areas, which can prevent the seat belts from performing as designed and increase the risk of injury.
The Fix: Tesla will inspect and tighten or replace the caliper bolts as needed. Furthermore, Tesla will inspect and repair the fasteners. All repairs will be done for free; however, Tesla has not yet provided an owner-notification schedule.
2013-2021 Ford Transit Connects
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 192,000 model-year 2013-2021 Ford Transit Connects with a 2.5-liter engine and 6F35 transmission are being recalled.
The Problem: The bushing, which attaches the shifter cable to the transmission, may degrade or detach. A damaged or missing bushing could prevent the shifter from moving the transmission to the intended gear, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Ford isn’t aware of any related reports of accidents or injuries.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the under-hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shifter cable bushing for free. Ford will begin notifying owners June 28.
2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 342,000 model-year 2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles are being recalled, including model-year 2019-2021 A-Class, CLA-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class and AMG GT 4-Door Coupe cars, as well as GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE and GLS-Class SUVs.
The Problem: The vehicle’s backup camera could malfunction. Mercedes’ MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly, reducing the driver’s rear view and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The Fix: The MBUX system software will be updated for free by a dealer, or via an over-the-air update. Mercedes will begin notifying owners July 13.
2013-2015 Optima, 2014-2015 Sorento
Vehicles Affected: More than 440,000 model-year 2013-2015 Optima sedans and 2014-2015 Sorento SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: Similar to the 2020 recall, the risk is brake fluid leaking inside the hydraulic electronic control unit, possibly resulting in an electrical short that could increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the repair is completed.
The Fix: Dealers will install a new multi-fuse and inspect the hydraulic ECU for leaks. The parts will be replaced as necessary, at no cost to owners. Kia will begin notifying owners July 2.
2013-2015 Honda Accord
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 1.1 million vehicles are potentially affected.
The Problem: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation originally received a petition for an investigation into the 2013 Honda Accord’s steering system in October. The petition claimed some 2013 Accords experienced a sudden loss of steering control, causing the vehicle to veer or jerk from its intended path; drivers had no warning or input.
“In November, the ODI requested information from Honda about steering anomalies for the 2013 Accord, and later added 2014 and 2015 models to the request. After receiving the information from Honda and analyzing vehicle owner questionnaires and complaints, the ODI has launched an engineering assessment to analyze the scope, frequency and safety-related consequences of the steering defect,” according to reports from Cars.com.
One particularly serious incident was reported to NHTSA in 2018.
The Fix: The result of the NHTSA investigation will dictate if a recall will be issued, and owners of these vehicles should watch for announcements of a formal recall.
2016-2019 Ford Explorers
Vehicle Affected: More than 620,000 model-year 2016-2019 Explorer SUVs are affected, including base and XLT trim levels, as well as Police Interceptor and Explorer Sport models with roof rail covers that are painted silver, black or Absolute Black.
The Problem: Loose roof rail covers may detach and cause a road hazard, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will secure the roof rails with plastic push pins. Ford will begin notifying owners June 28.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
