Jeep, Ram lead latest round of recalls
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 15th May 2018
MULTIPLE brands including Nissan, Kia, Audi, Tesla and Holden have issued recalls on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) product safety website in the past month.
Jeep issued two separate recalls for its Cherokee medium SUV, with the larger of the two concerning models built between 2004 and 2007.
A total of 7901 Cherokees have been called back over a fault with the lower control arms on the rear suspension, which are susceptible to excessive corrosion and may eventually break.
This fault can lead to a loss of vehicle control and increases the chance of a crash, therefore Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia will contact owners when replacement parts become available around June.
Customers can then schedule an inspection and repair through an authorised Chrysler Jeep dealer.
Jeep has also recalled 18 examples of the 2018 Cherokee equipped with the 2.4-litre Tigershark petrol engine, over a potential fault with the fuel tube.
According to Jeep, the fuel tube may be incorrectly manufactured which could result in a fuel leak and even a fire in the engine compartment.
The leak could also lead to the engine losing power and switching off unexpectedly, increasing the risk of an accident.
As with the older Cherokee, parts are expected to become available in June, where FCA Australia will contact owners who can schedule an inspection and repair.
Import and conversion specialist American Special Vehicles has issued a recall for certain MY2017 and 18 examples of the Ram 2500 and 3500 pick-up, due to the fitment of a certain type of power steering hose.
Affecting 429 vehicles, the hose is susceptible to failure, which may result in loss of hydraulic assistance to the brake and steering systems, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.
In a separate recall, 33 examples of the 2500 have been called back due to a software issue.
Any 2500 variants equipped with the 12-pin trailer plug may have their trailer brake module installed with the incorrect software, leading to the tail-lights on the trailer becoming inoperative.
In both instances, owners will be notified by mail and advised to arrange an inspection and fix via their local Ram Truck dealer.
Kia has recalled 1747 of its 2017 model year Rio light hatch over a problem with its rear door lock assemblies, which can result in the active child lock becoming inactive.
This means the vehicle can be opened from the inside, with Rio owners being contacted by Kia Australia by direct mail, who can arrange an free-of-charge inspection and repair at their preferred dealer.
Nissan has recalled 6268 examples of its Qashqai crossover built between September 2017 and January 2018 over an incorrect setting in the software of the body control module that may not activate the double-speed turning light in the case of an indicator failure, and therefore the driver will not be notified.
Owners will be notified by mail, and can arrange a free repair at their nearest Nissan dealer.
Holden’s new imported ZB Commodore has been recalled over a rear seatbelt fault, with 2167 examples ensnared in the callback.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident, the rear outer seatbelts may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury for rear occupants.
Holden will contact all affected customers, who can reach out to their nearest dealer for an inspection and repair.
Subaru has called back 1876 examples of its Forester medium SUV, from the 2013 and 2014 model year with the 2.0-litre diesel engine and manual transmission.
The fault comes from the wiring loom potentially contacting the clutch pipe, which can potentially cause the wiring loom insulation to rub, resulting in a short circuit that causes the engine to shut off and not restart.
K nown owners will be contacted by mail, who can then arrange for an inspection and repair free of charge.
Audi has been forced to recall examples of its A4 medium car in all body styles and the A5 Sportback built between October 2014 and October 2017 that also are fitted with Bang & Olufsen sound systems.
In affected models, part of the aluminium trim strips in the loudspeaker of the door trim may become detached, which can potentially result in cuts or other injuries to occupants.
Audi Australia is contacting owners who can have the four trim strips replaced.
And American EV specialist Tesla has called back certain 874 Model S sedans built between 2012 and 2016 over a steering issue.
Affecting models built with Bosch steering racks, the aluminium bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode over time and weaken. In the event of a fracture, the transmission belt may slip, leading to reduced or lost power steering assistance.
Parts are expected to become available in mid-2018, and Tesla will notify owners by mail, asking them to contact Tesla for a free repair.
Those looking for additional information and specific VIN details can do so by searching on the ACCC’s product safety website.
