Manufacturer recalls for December 2019

Here is the last set of recalls announced around the world before the end of 2019.

The latest examples of Mazda 3 hatchbacks have been recalled several times for various reasons. Now, there’s a new reason. About 35,000 2019-2020 Mazda 3 sedans and hatchbacks are being recalled due to a defect in the automatic emergency braking system. The software of the system may “falsely detect an obstacle in front of the vehicle while driving” and apply the brakes despite having no threat of colliding into something. The defect has been reported by Mazda to the U.S. NHTSA. The repair procedure for these vehicles depends on how old the vehicle is. If the vehicle has an early build date, the entire instrument cluster may have to be replaced or reprogrammed. The newer cars will just need an update to the Smart Braking System Software. It is unclear if any GCC-spec cars are offered with this feature.

If you own a latest-gen Mazda 3, it’s not time for you to sigh yet. The 2019 Mazda 3 is also being recalled because their wheels can fall off. Only 2019 model cars are affected by this issue, which is attributed to a gap between the wheel hub bolt and hub flange. This allows the lug nuts to loosen over time and ultimately, the wheel can fall off. Affected owners will soon be notified by Mazda, but it is unclear if GCC-spec models are affected because the model was offered very late in this region. Till then, break out the torque wrench and make sure that the nuts are not loose.

Ford’s new Super Duty trucks from 2017 to 2019 model years are being recalled for a potential fire risk due to sparks created by seatbelt pre-tensioners. After a report of a post-crash cabin fire in a Super Duty, Ford says that the flame was caused by a “front seat belt pretensioner that deploys during a crash can generate excessive sparks”. “In some cases, this could ignite the carpet or carpet insulation in the area of the B-Pillar”, Ford added. About 547,000 pickups are affected by this recall and dealers will add a foil tape to the carpet and carpet insulation to counter the issue. The sound deadener on the back of the B-pillar will also be changed.

The second recall for 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty trucks is for tailgate malfunction caused by a possible short circuit. If the vehicle is equipped with an electric tailgate latch-release switch on the tailgate handle, there are chances of water seeping into it, triggering a short circuit. If this happens, the tailgate can fling open, letting the cargo in the bed fall on the road. This can cause a safety hazard. The recall affects 261,617 examples of 2017-2019 F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty Pickups. The dealers will inspect the vehicles, modify the tailgate frame wiring harnesses and install a new tailgate release switch.

Ford has also issued a recall for 600,166 old sedans that were made from 2006 to 2010. The models include Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and the Mercury Milan, all built at Ford’s Hermosillo Assembly Plant in Mexico between 22 February 2006 and 15 July 2009. The defect is found with a valve inside the hydraulic control unit that may get stuck in the open position or can be slow to close. This will make it harder to engage the brakes and increases the risk of a crash. About 15 accidents were reported to be caused by this issue. Dealers will inspect the hydraulic control unit for any signs of the problem and replace it if deemed necessary.

Ford’s rival from the States, General Motors, is also a part of this month’s recall frenzy. More than 900,000 vehicles are being recalled. Out of this, 550,000 vehicles, including the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6 and GMC Sierra 1500 models, are being recalled due to potential software issues related to the brake system service notifications. About 400,000 2019-2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks are also recalled because the positive cable of the batteries in these vehicles may have been fixed with excessive glue, increasing the risk of a fire. Some owners of these vehicles may, unfortunately, be affected by both the recalls. Ring up your dealer to know more.

Volvo recalled 2011-2017 S60 and V60 models for doors that could come open. About 145,000 vehicles are recalled, in which, a piece of the door latch could break. Thus, the door may appear closed to the user even when it is not properly closed. This can lead the doors to fling open while driving which can have catastrophic effects. Volvo estimates that 100 percent of these cars are fitted with the faulty door latches. The dealers will replace the front and rear side doors, free of charge. For more details, refer to the NHTSA Campaign No. 19V849000.

BMW has issued a stop-sale on a few of its M models including M5, M8 (Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe), X5 M and X6 M. According to documents posted on Bimmerpost, the transmission wiring harness could get damaged in these vehicles due to its location. This can lead to a short circuit, causing transmission issues. If such a problem occurs, the transmission may shift into neutral and the vehicle may lose power. An official recall has not been announced yet but the owners of these cars are expected to be notified of one soon.

And that winds up the recalls from the final month of 2019. Contact your local dealer to find out if your car is affected.