KPI — October 2021: Recent Vehicle Recalls
2015-2017 Hyundai Sonatas
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 466,000 2015-2017 Hyundai Sonata sedans are being recalled, including model-year 2016-2017 Sonata Hybrids and Sonata Plug-In Hybrids.
The Problem: Software logic in the Smart Junction Box may not properly interpret the signals received from the multifunction switch. This could cause the turn signal to activate in the opposite direction of what the driver intended, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will update the Smart Junction Box software as necessary and at no charge. Hyundai will begin notifying owners Nov. 19.
2001-2009 Volvo S60 and S80 Sedans
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 259,000 model-year 2001-2009 Volvo S60 and S80 sedans are being recalled.
The Problem: The automaker said potentially defective driver-side airbag inflators could explode upon deployment – and already have resulted in one fatality. The potential for an explosion in deployment is, like the Takata inflators, due to propellant degrading after long-term exposure to high humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling. This could lead to the airbag inflating with too much pressure and exploding, releasing shrapnel in the form of sharp metal fragments that could strike, injure and potentially kill vehicle occupants.
The Fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag as necessary and at no cost. Volvo will begin notifying owners Nov. 29.
2020-2021 Explorers, Aviators and Corsairs
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 228,000 model-year 2020-2021 Explorers, Aviators and Corsairs are being recalled.
The Problem: The vehicles in question are equipped with 360-degree camera systems. The video output may fail and prevent the rearview camera image from displaying, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will update the image processing module software as necessary and at no cost. Lincoln parent Ford will begin notifying owners Oct.7.
2011-2013 Ford Explorer
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 126,000 model-year 2011-2013 Ford Explores are being recalled. Specifically affected are those sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The Problem: These SUVs may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint replacement part that could seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link. This could lead to loss of steering control and/or a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a cross-axis ball joint. If one is found, dealers will inspect its tightness and replace the ball joint, knuckle and toe link as necessary and at no cost. Ford will begin notifying owners Nov. 1.
2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan and Tucson Compact SUV
Vehicles Affected: Nearly 95,500 model-year 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedans and Tucson compact SUVs are being recalled.
The Problem: The problem is connecting rod bearings – the second such recall of this size the automaker has issued in 10 months. Con-rod bearings help the rods better connect the pistons to the crankshaft. Premature wear can result in engine damage, higher risk of fire and potential vehicle stalls – all of which increase the risk of a crash.
The Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, it will be replaced. Dealers also will install a software update containing a new knock-sensor detection system. All repairs will be performed at no charge. Hyundai will begin notifying owners Nov. 12.
*All recall information is courtesy of Cars.com
