KPI — May 2022: Recent Vehicle Recalls

Mechanic.

2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata Sedans

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 215,000 model-year 2013-2014 Hyundai Sonata sedans are being recalled.

The Problem: The fuel hose responsible for connecting the low-pressure fuel pump to the direct-injection fuel pump may crack over time due to excessive heat in the engine compartment. As a result, the hose could leak fuel, thereby increasing the risk of a fire.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the hose for free. Hyundai will begin notifying owners starting July 5.

130,000 Tesla Vehicles Recalled  

Vehicles Affected: Nearly 130,000 Tesla vehicles are being recalled. Affected models include 2021-2022 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, plus model-year 2022 Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs running firmware releases prior to 2022.12.3.3 except 2022.11.101.1.

The Problem: The infotainment central processing unit may overheat during the preparation or process of fast charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart. This may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings and warning lights, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: The automaker will perform an over-the-air software update to remedy the issue. Tesla will begin notifying owners July 1.

2020-2022 Explorers and Police Interceptor

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 252,900 model-year 2020-2022 Explorers and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles are being recalled.

The Problem: The rear-axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect, potentially resulting in a rollaway when the vehicle is placed in “park” without the parking brake applied.

The Fix: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover or update the electronic parking brake software. Both remedies will be done for free. Ford will begin notifying owners June 6.

2015 Ford Escape

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 96,000 model-year 2015 Ford Escapes equipped with 2.0-liter engines are being recalled.

The Problem: The affected models feature a bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission liable to degrade or detach. A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the compact SUV from shifting into the intended gear and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects Park. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the under-hood shifter bushing and add a protective cap over the shift-cable bushing for free. Ford will begin notifying owners May 9.

2015 GM Enclaves, Traverses and Acadias

Vehicles Affected: GM is recalling approximately 2,700 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia mid-size SUVs.

The Problem: The driver’s frontal airbag inflator — manufactured by ARC Automotive — may explode during deployment due to a manufacturing defect. This may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. GM acknowledged one report of the issue in November 2021 but reported no deaths.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag module for free. GM will begin notifying owners May 30.

653,000 Ford/Lincoln Vehicles Recalled

Vehicles Affected: Nearly 653,000 vehicles are being recalled, including model-year 2020-2021 F-150 pickup trucks, Expedition SUVs and Navigator SUVs from Ford’s luxury brand Lincoln, plus model-year 2020-2022 Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 trucks.

The Problem: The windshield wiper arms may break and cause the windshield wipers to fail, reducing visibility in certain driving conditions and increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will replace both front windshield wiper arms for free. Ford will begin notifying owners May 23.

458,000 Toyota/Lexus Vehicles Recalled

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 458,000 vehicles are being recalled, including model-year 2020-2022 Highlander Hybrid SUVs; model-year 2021-2022 Mirai fuel-cell sedans, RAV4 Prime, Venza SUVs and Sienna minivans; and model-year 2022 RAV4 Hybrid SUVs. Lexus models include model-year 2021-2022 LS 500h sedans and model-year 2022 LX 600, NX 350h and NX 450h Plus SUVs.

The Problem: The skid control electronic control unit software may not turn on the vehicle stability control system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

The Fix: Dealers will update the software of the skid control ECU for free. Owners will be notified by mid-June.

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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.