Car recalls are a common occurrence in the automotive industry, with manufacturers issuing notices to address safety concerns or defects in vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) plays a crucial role in monitoring and regulating these recalls to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers on the road. Last week, the NHTSA issued multiple recalls, including notices for nearly 50,000 newer Hyundai models with a risk of unintended airbag deployment.
If you are a car owner, it is essential to stay informed about any recalls that may affect your vehicle. One way to check for recalls is by visiting USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or searching the NHTSA’s database using your vehicle identification number (VIN). By staying proactive and addressing any recalls promptly, you can help ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the recent vehicle recalls published by the NHTSA from July 28 to Aug. 3:
Hyundai Recalls:
1. For unintended airbag deactivation or deployment:
Hyundai is recalling 49,719 of its 2024 Santa Fe and Santa Fe HEV vehicles due to a wiring harness issue. The main floor wiring harness may chafe against the passenger-side second-row bench seat assembly, potentially causing the airbags to deploy unintentionally or fail to deploy in a crash. To address this issue, Hyundai dealers will inspect, repair, or replace the wiring harness for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be sent on Sept. 23.
2. For unintentional vehicle movement during startup:
Hyundai is recalling 12,612 of its 2010-2013 Genesis Coupe vehicles due to a fractured return spring in the ignition lock switch. This defect can result in unintended vehicle movement when the vehicle is started in gear without the parking brake applied. Hyundai dealers will replace the ignition lock switch at no cost to the owners. Notification letters are expected to be delivered by Sept. 23.
Nissan Recall:
Nissan is recalling 1,188 of its 2023 Ariya vehicles due to an inverter software issue that may misdiagnose an error, leading to a shutdown of the EV system and loss of drive power. Dealers will inspect the vehicle’s inverter software version and update it for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be delivered by Sept. 9.
Tesla Recall:
Tesla is recalling 1,849,638 vehicles due to a software issue that may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. This defect can obstruct the driver’s view and increase the risk of a crash. Tesla has released a free over-the-air software update to address this issue. Notification letters are expected to be sent on Sept. 22.
In conclusion, car recalls are a necessary part of ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road. By staying informed about recalls and addressing them promptly, car owners can help maintain the safety of themselves and others on the road. If you suspect that your vehicle may be affected by a recall, it is essential to contact the manufacturer or visit a dealership for further assistance. Stay proactive and prioritize safety when it comes to your vehicle.