BMW, Kia, Ford headline latest recalls

JUNE has been a busy month for vehicle recalls, with car-makers including BMW, Jeep, Kia, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Holden, Alfa Romeo and even Lamborghini issuing callbacks for certain vehicles.

 

BMW has recalled its 3 Series mid-sizer over two separate issues, the first of which involves 44,196 examples built between 2005 and 2011, over an electrical wiring fault.

 

The electrical wiring and fan resistor for the vehicle’s interior fan motor may deteriorate over time, potentially leading to overheating and a short circuit that can cause a fire.

 

Additionally, 20,763 examples of the 3 Series and 1 Series have been recalled over a possible wiring failure between the main battery power cable and the fuse box.

 

The fault can cause several electrical systems to lose power, such as those that control unlocking the vehicle and starting the engine. In extreme cases the vehicle may shut down completely while driving.

 

Faulty software controlling the fuel pump has forced the recall of 51 new-generation M5 sedans, which can cause the engine to lose power.

 

Just over 70,400 examples of the 1 Series, 3 Series and X3 SUV sold between June 2004 and June 2015 have been recalled over defective Takata airbags, which can potentially rupture and cause injury or death upon deployment.

 

Additionally, 1539 examples of the X3 sold between February 2004 and September 2007 fitted with the sports steering wheel may also have had their front driver’s airbag replaced by a Takata unit at some point during its service history.

 

In the case of the airbag recalls, owners are urged to contact their nearest dealer or BMW head office to arrange a free inspection and airbag replacement.

 

Nine examples of the Cadillac Escalade, imported into Australia between December 2006 and December 2015 have also been recalled due to the fitment of Takata airbags.

 

Kia has called back 9242 examples of the Carnival people-mover built between 2015 to now due to a fault with the sliding door that may not auto-reverse if there is an obstruction in the door opening.

 

This can potentially lead to an injury if an occupant is in the way.

 

Ford has issued a recall for 205 examples of its Ranger pick-up and 81 of its Everest SUV twin built from March 18 to April 11 (Ranger) and March 16 to April 6 (Everest) 2018 over a suspect steering shaft weld. Mazda has also recalled 11 examples of its mechanically related BT-50 pick-up sold on April 30 over the same issue.

 

If the welding fails, the steering column may detach from the steering gear, resulting in a loss of steering which increases the chance of a crash and injury.

 

Jeep has recalled 2938 examples of its Cherokee medium SUV due to faulty software in the power control module, which can affect the cruise control by either locking the speed or accelerating the vehicle.

 

If the driver does not shift the car to neutral or apply the brakes, it can lead to a crash and injury.

 

Supercar manufacturer Lamborghini has recalled 124 examples of its Aventador S flagship, including special-edition versions over an engine fault.

 

In certain driving conditions, namely with the accelerator pedal released and engine revs below 2000rpm when downshifting, the engine may stall leading to steering and brake functionalities becoming compromised.

 

Alfa Romeo has called back 741 Giuliettas due to a software fault that allows occupants to deactivate the passenger-side airbag through the menus displayed on the instrument panel.

 

This means the airbag will not deploy in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.

 

Audi has recalled 96 examples of the A4, A5, A6, A7 and Q5 from 2011 to March 2017 fitted with the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, due to the coolant pump potentially overheating.

 

Moisture may enter the pump’s electronic components causing failure, which may consequently cause the vehicle to incur smoulder damage or even a fire.

 

Two examples of the Q5 SUV manufactured between March and May this year will also require a recall due to the rear brake pistons being coated incorrectly, which can cause reduced braking effectiveness and therefore increase the risk of a crash.

 

Holden’s Volt electric range extender has been recalled with 20 model-year 2013 examples affected, due to a low cell voltage condition in the battery pack that can cause the vehicle to either lose propulsion or not start at all. The fault is indicated by a warning light on the dashboard.

 

Finally, Mercedes-Benz has recalled 18 examples of the E-Class Cabriolet sold between August and October last year, over faulty door seals.

 

During heavy rainfall, water may enter the seals in the front door which can impair the automatic reversing function of the power window assembly.

 

Customers with potentially faulty vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer, while anyone looking for more information can go to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) product safety website.

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