KPI — May 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvios
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 1,200 model-year 2021 Alpha Romeo Stelvios are being recalled.
The Problem: An improper crimping may cause the side curtain airbag cushion and inflator to separate – leading to an incomplete deployment or preventing airbag deployment, thereby increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the side airbag inflatable curtain assembly for free. Parent company Stellantis will begin notifying owners May 19.
2009-2015 Toyota Venza SUVs
Vehicles Affected: Toyota is recalling more than 279,000 Venza SUVs.
The Problem: Damaged wires may cause the airbag sensors to fail. The issue affects all model years of the original 2009-2015 Venza and concerns the supplemental restraint system wiring, which may become damaged with regular use of the driver-side door. This can lead to the airbag sensor becoming inoperable, preventing the deployment of the side and curtain airbags on the driver’s side, thus increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver-side front door wire harness for free, as necessary. Toyota will begin notifying owners May 31.
2017-2019 Crosstrek, Impreza, Forester
“Two enormous recalls are out for Subaru owners, and if you have a 2019 Crosstrek, your car is affected by both of them,” according to Cars.com.
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 466,000 model-year 2017-2019 Impreza sedans and hatchbacks model-year 2018-2019 Crosstrek SUVs, along with 405,000 model-year 2019 Forester wagons and Crosstrek SUVs.
The Problem: The recall regarding the engine control module is for model-year 2017-2019 Impreza sedans and hatchbacks, as well as model-year 2018-2019 Crosstrek SUVs. Ignition coils could, over time, degrade and cause starting or stalling issues, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will check/update the engine control module programming and replace all ignition coils, as necessary.
The recall for bolts on the rear stabilizer bracket involves model-year 2019 Forester wagons and Crosstrek SUVs. The bolts could loosen over time, which, in turn, could interact with other components – causing damage and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will examine and re-torque the bolts.
The Fix: Subaru says incident rates are extremely low, with no related accidents or injuries being reported. Dealers will perform all repairs for free, and owners will be notified by June 14.
2020-2021 Kia Seltos and Soul
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 147,000 all-new model-year 2021 Seltos and model-year 2020-2021 Soul vehicles specifically equipped with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine are being recalled.
The Problem: The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. A damaged engine can stall or oil can leak onto hot exhaust components, thereby increasing the risk of a fire.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary. Dealers also will install piston ring noise sensing software. All repairs will be done for free, and the recall will begin June 11.
2020-2021 Dodge Durango
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 2,700 model-year 2020-2021 Dodge Durango three-row SUV are being recalled.
The Problem: At fault is the side airbag inflatable curtain fastener, which may be loose or missing. A loose or missing fastener can cause the side curtain airbag to deploy incorrectly, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
The Fix: Dealers will tighten or replace the fastener for free. Parent company Stellantis will begin notifying owners June 11.
2013-2021 Santa Fe Sport, Elantra, Kona, Veloster
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 151,200 model-year 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport are being recalled. Separately, more than 125,800 model-year 2019-2020 Elantras and model-year 2019-2021 Konas and Velosters equipped with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are as well.
The Problem: As it relates to the Santa Fe Sport, brake fluid may leak inside the antilock brake modules. This can result in an electrical short, thereby increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The latter recall involved improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, which can cause engine damage that results in a stall. Additionally, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the ABS multi-fuse and inspect and replace the ABS module as needed. Until then, however, owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Hyundai dealers will inspect and replace the engine, as necessary. Additionally, the automaker will deploy piston ring noise sensing system software. All repairs will be done for free, and Hyundai will begin notifying owners June 25.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
