Recent Vehicle Recalls Announced by NHTSA: March 3-9

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a series of vehicle recalls spanning several manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Lincoln, Ford, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, impacting hundreds of thousands of vehicles across the United States. These recalls, published between March 3rd and March 9th, address a range of potential safety concerns, from fire hazards to loss of drive power and brake malfunctions. Vehicle owners are urged to check if their vehicles are affected by these recalls and to take necessary steps to ensure their safety.

Volkswagen: Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport (2024-2025)

Volkswagen is recalling a substantial number of its 2024 to 2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles, totaling 177,493 units. The recall stems from a potential issue with the engine cover. According to the NHTSA, the engine cover may have been improperly installed following vehicle service. The primary concern is that a loose engine cover could come into contact with hot engine components, significantly increasing the risk of a fire.

To address this hazard, Volkswagen dealers will remove the engine cover free of charge. The company plans to notify affected vehicle owners via mail, with notification letters scheduled to be sent out on April 18th. Owners of these vehicles should be vigilant and promptly schedule an appointment with their local Volkswagen dealer upon receiving the notification. Removing the engine cover, while a relatively simple solution, is crucial to mitigating the potential fire risk associated with this recall.

Lincoln: Navigator SUVs (2015-2017)

Lincoln is recalling approximately 35,328 of its 2015 to 2017 Navigator SUVs due to a potential issue with the LED logo lights located on the exterior mirrors. The recall report indicates that the potting material used in the lamps may not have properly adhered to the wire terminals. This inadequate adhesion could create gaps or cracks, allowing water or other conductive fluids to penetrate the lamp’s circuit board. Furthermore, the short detection parameters within the system were not adequately updated from previous models that utilized incandescent lamps, exacerbating the risk.

The potential for water intrusion and subsequent short circuits poses a safety risk. To remedy this situation, Lincoln dealers will disconnect the problematic lamps free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on March 24th. Lincoln Navigator owners from the affected model years are advised to be on the lookout for these notifications and to arrange for the lamp disconnection service as soon as possible to prevent potential electrical issues.

Ford: EcoSport (2021-2022)

Ford is recalling roughly 18,648 of its 2021 to 2022 EcoSport vehicles due to a potential issue with the front axle half shaft. The NHTSA reports that the crossover could have a front axle half shaft that may disconnect from the transmission. Such a disconnection could lead to a loss of drive power, potentially increasing the risk of an accident.

Ford dealers will inspect the half shafts and replace them if necessary, all free of charge to the vehicle owner. Owner notification letters are slated to be sent out on April 7th. EcoSport owners within the affected model years should monitor their mail for these notices and schedule a service appointment with their local Ford dealer to have their vehicle inspected and repaired if needed, ensuring the integrity of the drivetrain and preventing potential loss of power.

Audi: Q4 E-Tron SUVs, Q4 E-Tron Sportbacks, and ID.4 (2024-2025)

Audi is recalling certain 2024 to 2025 Q4 E-Tron SUVs, Q4 E-Tron Sportbacks, and some 2024 ID.4 vehicles due to a potentially faulty on-board battery charger. The NHTSA indicates that the faulty charger may fail to properly charge the vehicle’s 12-volt battery. This charging failure could lead to a loss of drive power, posing a significant safety risk. The number of affected vehicles is around 13,769.

To resolve this issue, Audi dealers will replace the faulty charger free of charge. Notification letters are expected to be sent to owners starting on April 29th. Owners of these Audi electric vehicles should be prepared to receive these notifications and promptly contact their Audi dealer to schedule a charger replacement to prevent potential power loss and ensure reliable vehicle operation.

Ford and Lincoln: Incorrect Fix for Previous Recall (Software Error)

Ford Motor Company is recalling vehicles under both its Ford and Lincoln brands due to an incorrect fix implemented for a previous recall. This subsequent recall addresses a software error that may cause a towed trailer equipped with an electric or electric-over hydraulic brake system to fail to brake. The issue affects approximately 10,627 vehicles.

The specific affected vehicles were not enumerated within the given article. However, to rectify this potentially dangerous situation, dealers will update the brake control software free of charge. Owner notification letters are anticipated to be mailed on April 14th. Owners who previously had a recall performed on their Ford or Lincoln vehicle involving the trailer brake system should pay close attention to their mail and schedule a software update with their dealer to ensure proper trailer braking functionality.

Mercedes-Benz: Multiple Models with Hybrid Powertrains (Software Error)

Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall encompassing six different models due to a software error that could cause the high-voltage starter alternator control unit to fail. The affected models all have a hybrid powertrain, and the specific models affected were not listed within the article. The recall affects around 2,943 vehicles.

This failure could have significant implications for the vehicle’s starting and charging systems. To address this issue, Mercedes-Benz dealers will update the software free of charge. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent to owners on April 29th. Mercedes-Benz owners of hybrid models should be aware of this potential recall and promptly schedule a software update if notified to ensure the proper functioning of their vehicle’s high-voltage system.

General Guidance for Vehicle Owners

Given the breadth of these recalls, it is crucial for vehicle owners to proactively determine if their vehicle is affected. While notification letters will be sent by the respective manufacturers, owners can also take independent steps to check.

• Utilize Online Databases: The article suggests using USA TODAY’s automotive recall database or searching NHTSA’s database for new recalls.
• NHTSA’s VIN Search: The NHTSA website offers a search function that allows owners to input their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if their specific vehicle is subject to any outstanding recalls. This is often the most accurate and up-to-date method for checking recall status.

Vehicle owners should not delay in addressing any recall notices they receive. Recalls are issued for safety reasons, and prompt action can prevent accidents, injuries, or further damage to the vehicle. Contacting the local dealership of the respective manufacturer to schedule the necessary repairs or inspections is highly recommended.