Major auto makers have faced a series of setbacks in the past few years, including shutdowns and supply chain shortages, but one of the greatest challenges has been the increasing number of widespread recalls. Not all of the recalls involve serious safety issues, but even relatively “minor” recalls can raise legitimate concerns about quality control. And some of the latest big recalls seem to demonstrate that the more sophisticated auto technology becomes, the more likelihood there is that something can go wrong.
Ford recently announced hefty recalls of two of its most iconic products. The first recall involves more than 330,000 Mustangs produced between 2015 and 2017 that have faulty rearview camera wiring, which can result in a blank or distorted image and increase the risk of a crash. That announcement was quickly followed by another recall of approximately 247,000 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks for model years 2017 through 2022; underbody insulators for these vehicles can loosen, damage the driveshaft and cause it to shatter. A few weeks earlier, Ford issued a recall for about 185,000 F-150 trucks (model years 2021-22) with a similar driveshaft problem. If you suspect your vehicle is part of the recall, you can contact Ford directly at 1-866-436-7332.
Over at Hyundai Motor Group, 128,000 Kia Soul hatchbacks from 2014 have been recalled over defective front airbags that may not deploy as intended. This comes on the heels of an alarming advisory from the company, urging owners of nearly half a million Kia and Hyundai vehicles to park them outside, due to concerns that they could cause a fire even when turned off. The problem stems from a malfunctioning antilock brake control module that can cause an electrical short. Affected models include certain Kia Sportage SUVs from 2014-2016; K900 sedans from 2016-2018; Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs from 2016-2018; 2017 and 2018 Santa Fe Sports; 2019 Santa Fe XL; and 2014 and 2015 Tucson SUVs. For questions about these recalls, contact the auto maker at 1-800-333-4542.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle giant Tesla has its own problems, issuing several sizable recalls just days apart. Two were relatively minor but affect a huge number of vehicles: a seat-belt reminder chime that may not work properly in 817,000 vehicles (2017-22 Model 3 sedans, 2020-22 Model Y SUVs, 2021-22 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs), and a “Boombox” function that could drown out the federally mandated pedestrian warning system in 578,000 vehicles (2017-22 Model 3s, 2020-2022 Models S, X, and Y). More intriguing is a recall of 54,000 vehicles over the company’s “Full Self-Driving” software, which in certain conditions allows the vehicle to roll slowly through an intersection without stopping. The company says it’s unaware of any crashes caused by the “rolling stop” feature and that all these issues can be addressed through software updates; for more information, call Tesla at 1-877-798-3752.
Checking for recall alerts on your own vehicle takes only a few seconds and should be an essential part of your vehicle safety and maintenance routine. Simply locate your vehicle identification number, or VIN, a 17-digit figure that can be found on your insurance card, your vehicle registration, your door jamb, or in the lower corner of your windshield on the driver’s side. Then enter it in the search box on the NHTSA recall search page. If there’s no issue, you can breathe easy. If it turns out there is a recall for your vehicle, schedule an appointment with your dealer so you can get back on the road with confidence.
THE CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT FDAZAR
For more than thirty years the attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates have helped thousands of injured people obtain complete and timely compensation for their losses. Our proven track record and expertise have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call the car accident attorneys at FDAzar day or night at 800-716-9032 or contact us here for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.
