Mazda, Toyota, GM, Harley Announce New Urgent Nationwide Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently issued several new recall notices, affecting over 224,000 vehicles across some of the world’s most popular automotive brands, including Mazda, Toyota, Harley-Davidson, and General Motors. The latest round of recalls addresses issues ranging from faulty airbags to potential brake fluid leaks, which pose significant safety risks. Vehicle owners are urged to review the recall notices to ensure their vehicles are up to date on all necessary repairs.
Recalls are a common occurrence in the automotive world, as manufacturers discover safety-related defects that could potentially harm drivers, passengers, or other road users. The NHTSA takes these recalls seriously, ensuring manufacturers address issues swiftly and provide free repairs for affected vehicles. In this round of recalls, some of the largest and most trusted automotive brands are included, and it’s vital for owners to check if their vehicle is impacted.
Let’s take a detailed look at the recalls announced between September 22 and September 28, covering major automotive brands such as Mazda, Toyota, GM, Harley-Davidson, and more. If your car isn’t listed below, it’s still a good idea to check NHTSA’s database to confirm if your vehicle has any outstanding recall notices.
Mazda Recall: 77,670 MX-5 Miata Vehicles Affected by Airbag Issue
Mazda has recalled 77,670 of its popular MX-5 Miata vehicles spanning model years 2016 to 2023. The recall stems from a software error in the airbag control module, which may cause the front airbags to deploy with excessive force during a collision. According to the NHTSA report, such a deployment increases the risk of injury to the occupants during an accident. This issue also fails to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, which governs occupant crash protection.
Mazda dealers will update the airbag control module software free of charge. Vehicle owners will be notified by mail beginning November 17, 2024. If you own one of these vehicles, it’s essential to contact your dealer and schedule a repair as soon as possible.
GM Recall: Brake Fluid Leak in 18,325 Chevrolet and GMC Vehicles
General Motors (GM) has recalled 18,325 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway vehicles, model years 2013 through 2019, due to a potential brake fluid leak. This issue stems from insufficient clearance between the brake line and the body mounts, which can cause brake line damage and a resulting brake fluid leak.
A brake fluid leak can severely compromise braking performance, leading to increased stopping distances and a higher risk of crashes. GM dealers will inspect and replace the affected brake lines free of charge, and owners will receive notification letters starting November 4, 2024. If your vehicle is included in this recall, prompt attention is necessary to prevent possible brake failure.
Harley-Davidson Recall: 41,637 Motorcycles for Potential Electrical Short Circuit
Harley-Davidson has issued a recall for 41,637 motorcycles, including the 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE models, due to the potential for an electrical short circuit. A voltage regulator wire may rub against other engine components, wearing down the wire’s outer casing. This could expose the wire, leading to a short circuit, loss of power, or even a complete stall without warning.
This poses a significant risk of crash for riders who may lose power unexpectedly while operating their motorcycles. Harley-Davidson dealers will inspect the voltage regulator output wire harness and install a secondary retention strap if needed. Notification letters have already been sent as of September 23, 2024. Harley-Davidson owners should contact their nearest dealer to address this issue immediately.
Toyota Recall: 42,199 Corolla Cross Hybrid Vehicles for Power Brake Assist Loss
Toyota has recalled 42,199 Corolla Cross Hybrid vehicles from model years 2023 and 2024. The recall pertains to a software error in the skid control electronic control unit (ECU), which may result in a loss of power brake assist when turning corners. A loss of power brake assist increases stopping distances and the risk of an accident, especially in emergency situations.
Toyota dealers will update the ECU software free of charge, and recall notification letters will be sent starting November 5, 2024. Owners of these vehicles should not delay in scheduling a service appointment to resolve this potentially dangerous issue.
Mercedes-Benz Recalls Over 29,000 Vehicles for Engine Overheating and Braking System Failures
Mercedes-Benz has recalled two separate batches of vehicles for different safety concerns. The first recall affects 27,190 vehicles from model years 2021-2023, including the S580 and Maybach S580, due to a software issue that could cause the engine to overheat or stall in the event of a mechanical failure in the Camtronic system. This overheating can increase the risk of a fire, while an engine stall may increase the likelihood of a crash. Mercedes-Benz will update the engine control unit software for free, and owners will be notified starting November 26, 2024.
In a second recall, Mercedes-Benz has also recalled 2,025 vehicles from the 2024 CLE 300, CLE 450, and AMG CLE 53 Coupe models due to a software error in the MBUX multimedia system, which may deactivate the emergency braking system. If the automatic emergency braking system is disabled, it significantly increases the crash risk in certain driving situations. Mercedes-Benz will offer an over-the-air software update or a dealer-installed solution, with recall notices being sent on November 12, 2024.
Conclusion: Vehicle Recalls Are Critical to Safety
With recalls impacting hundreds of thousands of vehicles across major brands like Mazda, Toyota, GM, and Harley-Davidson, it’s crucial for car owners to remain vigilant and proactive. Regularly checking for recalls and addressing any safety issues promptly can prevent dangerous situations and potentially save lives. If your vehicle is affected by any of these recalls, reach out to your dealer immediately for free repairs.
For those not directly impacted by these recalls, it’s still a good idea to periodically check the NHTSA or USA TODAY’s automotive recall database using your vehicle’s VIN to stay updated on any new safety notices.
