The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued multiple recalls last week, affecting several major automotive companies. Ford, Tesla, Jaguar, Mazda, BMW, and Suzuki are among the manufacturers recalling nearly 2.2 million vehicles in total. The recalls address various safety concerns that could potentially lead to accidents or injuries. If you are a vehicle owner and want to check if your car is affected, you can use USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or search the NHTSA’s database using your vehicle identification number (VIN).
One significant recall involves Ford’s Explorer vehicles. More than 1.8 million Explorer vehicles, spanning model years 2011 to 2019, are being recalled due to a safety hazard related to a part connected to the windshield. Specifically, the A-pillar trim retention clips may not properly engage, leading to detachment of the trim. This detached trim can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash. Ford will be inspecting and replacing the A-pillar trim as necessary. Owners will receive letters notifying them of the safety risks and providing further instructions.
Tesla is also recalling 199,575 of its 2023 model S, X, and Y vehicles, equipped with self-driving computers and running on specific software versions. These vehicles may experience software instability that prevents the rear-view camera image from displaying while in reverse. The lack of visibility increases the risk of a crash. Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to resolve this issue, which will be provided to affected owners free of charge.
Mazda’s recall affects 43,752 of its 2024 CX-90 vehicles. An assembly issue with the worn gear in the steering wheel system could result in a sudden loss of power steering assist. This loss of power steering assist while driving increases the risk of a crash. Mazda owners can visit dealerships to have the spring engaging in the worn gear replaced and grease reapplied to the gear teeth, all free of charge.
Jaguar Land Rover is recalling 58,729 of its 2018 through 2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with a surround camera system. Water may enter the rear-view camera, causing the image displayed to appear distorted or fail to show up entirely while in reverse. This lack of visibility increases the risk of an injury or crash. Owners can take their vehicles to dealerships, where the rear-view camera will be inspected and a new seal or replacement camera will be installed, free of charge.
BMW’s recall affects 107 of its 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre electric vehicles. The ground connection cable between the front electric motor and the vehicle chassis may contain adhesive residue, increasing electrical resistance and potentially causing an insufficient ground. An insufficient ground can pose the risk of electrical shock during service work and increase the risk of a fire. Rolls-Royce owners can have their vehicles inspected at local dealerships, where any residue will be removed from the ground cable connection if necessary.
Finally, Suzuki is recalling 993 of its 2024 GSK1300R motorcycles. The brake fluid pipe flare nut for the brake fluid supply line may have been tightened incorrectly, resulting in a brake fluid leak. This leak can lead to reduced braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Motorcyclists can have their motorcycles inspected by dealerships, where the brake pipe flare nut connection will be tightened, and the brake fluid level adjusted if required.
If you own any of the affected vehicles, make sure to follow the specific instructions provided by each manufacturer. It is crucial to address these safety concerns promptly to ensure the well-being of both drivers and passengers on the road.
