KPI — March 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2014 Kia Soul
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 128,300 model-year 2014 Kia Souls are being recalled.
The Problem: In January, the company issued a recall because the airbag control unit cover was coming into contact with a memory chip, thus potentially damaging the electrical circuits in later-model (2017-2019) Souls and Soul EVs. Now, the airbag control unit may lose communication with the front impact sensors. In both instances, Cars.com reports the airbag may not deploy as intended, thereby increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will update the airbag control unit software for free. Kia will begin notifying owners on April 15.
2017-2022 Super Duty F-250/F-350
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 247,400 model-year 2017-2022 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickups equipped with gas engines and aluminum driveshafts are being recalled.
The Problem: Underbody heat and noise insulators may loosen and contact the driveshaft, which could cause damage or a fracture. The latter can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground. Additionally, unintended movement could if the parking brake is not engaged. Either situation increases the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the driveshaft plus properly attach the underbody insulators, as necessary and free of charge. Ford will begin notifying owners April 4.
2013-2014 Kia Optima
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 72,800 model-year 2013-2014 Kia Optimas are included in the original 142,000 sedan recall during late February 2020.
The Problem: At the time, Cars.com says the low-pressure fuel hose was susceptible to deterioration and cracking from heat in the engine compartment. Now the hose may be damaged or missing heat-protective tape. In both instances, fuel could leak from the hose and increase the risk of a fire.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the hose for free to resolve the issue. Kia will begin notifying owners on April 15.
2016-2017 Ford Mustang
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 330,800 2016-2017 Ford Mustangs are being recalled.
The Problem: The rearview camera wiring may be loose or damaged, which can result in a blank or distorted image. A rearview camera which displays a blank or distorted image is not only a violation of federal mandate, but also can reduce the driver’s rear view and increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the deck lid wiring harness and replace the rearview camera, as necessary and for free. Owners will receive an interim letter notifying them of the safety risk beginning March 7.
2017-2022 Model 3, Model S, and Model X/Y
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 578,600 model-year 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans, as well as model-year 2020-2022 Model S sedans and Model X and Model Y SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: Tesla’s Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion; however, these sounds may obscure the pedestrian warning system, a federally mandated minimum requirement for hybrids and electric vehicles. Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if those warning sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
The Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air software update for free to fix the issue. The automaker will begin notifying owners on April 5.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
